The last couple of years have presented many challenges as well as opportunities. We have pushed in new ways, established new norms, and continue to build resilience. As a result, I felt the need to create this series in 2020. During challenging times, I believe it's important to stay connected, share stories, be a resource to one another, give back and enhance our networks. No power points or formal presentations, but an opportunity to hear personal stories of growth, inspiration and learning, share best practices and spark dialogue on important topics. With that purpose in mind, I am continuing this series on a quarterly basis and invite you to join me in a virtual discussion with several accomplished leaders.

"Amazing!! I can't say enough for the insight - comments - panelists... wow...so grateful that I found these sessions!!!!"

THE IMPACT OF UNCONSCIOUS BIAS - December 2022

Unconscious bias is when we make judgments or decisions based on our prior experience, our own personal deep-rooted thought patterns, assumptions or interpretations, and are not aware we are doing so. Not only can it interfere with our ability to build powerful relationships across cultural differences, but it can also lead to bad decisions that impair individual and organizational performance. A 2019 Deloitte study found that 39% of the population feels they experience bias on a monthly basis; 83% categorize the bias(es) they have experienced and/or witnessed in the workplace as subtle and indirect, or microaggressions; and 68% said that witnessing or experiencing bias had a negative impact on their productivity.

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THRIVING IN A HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT - September 2022

The current work environment has continued to evolve offering a variety of options including all virtual, hoteling, telework, variations of remote work, in office, as well as different hybrid models. This creates much complexity and challenge to not only survive but to thrive. The ability to successfully navigate through these different models requires effective strategies for individuals and organizations. It has also offered new found opportunities that have opened new doors and ways of working. Hear perspectives, experiences and effective strategies to address this new normal from a panel of distinguished leaders within a variety of industries.

What people said about THRIVING IN A HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

• "Thank you all for providing such a thoughtful, informative presentation about hybrid/remote/in-person work. Rita, I am always so impressed with how you keep the conversation flowing and the quality of the people you invite to speak!"

• "I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the program this morning--always so timely and helpful!"

THE IMPACT OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING IN THE WORKPLACE -June 2022

Studies have indicated that diverse organizations are not only more likely to have higher performance, innovation and profitability but also result in increased engagement and retention. Leadership models the way with intentionality to create and cultivate a culture of inclusion and belonging through their behaviors and actions, not only their words. As a result, diverse workplaces that are inclusive earn credibility and trust by their team members. These organizations surpass their competitors as they embrace and appreciate the individuality of each employee in addressing their viewpoints, needs and capabilities. One such organization is Eastern Bank, a long-time leader in Boston offering banking, investments, and insurance services with a steadfast commitment to their employees, customers and the community.

JOB SEARCHING REMOTELY - December 2021

The current marketplace is not only active but highly competitive. In addition to the high demand for talent, we are working with new staffing practices that have transitioned the recruitment process to mostly virtual. We are searching, networking, recruiting and interviewing remotely requiring a new set of norms and strategies to be effective. Hear perspectives and emerging trends from a panel of distinguished leaders within the search industry.

What people said about JOB SEARCHING REMOTELY

• "Excellent session. It was so informative, authentic, and helpful."

• "Wonderful discussion… All of the speakers were relevant and impressive."

CAREER CLARITY - September 2021

In Partnership with The Harvard Club of Boston

We continue to navigate a new world with new norms and different work models, especially as we start to transition back to the worksite. Organizations are rethinking how they attract, engage and retain talent. Individuals are rethinking how they work, where they work and what kind of work they value. Hear perspectives and lessons learned from a panel of distinguished leaders.

What people said about CAREER CLARITY

• "This was such an honest, inspiring conversation. Thanks so much, Rita and the whole panel!"

• "Thank you for another wonderful panel discussion. These make me feel less alone in my thoughts! What a powerhouse of guest panelists!"

DRIVING AND LEADING CHANGE - June 2021

Lessons learned and effective strategies to manage and impact change with a panel of distinguished leaders:

What people said about DRIVING AND LEADING CHANGE

• "Thanks for this robust event, and appreciated the perspective of the panelists. All modeling the spirit of IWD!"

• "Great points…good conversation….making me think."

• "Wonderful session - great ideas and suggestions….I am energized."

LANDING AND STARTING A NEW JOB VIRTUALLY - March 2021

Personal stories, lessons learned and effective strategies for searching and on-boarding in a new job virtually, with a panel of distinguished leaders:

What people said about LANDING AND STARTING A NEW JOB VIRTUALLY

• "Thanks for this robust event, and appreciated the perspective of the panelists. All modeling the spirit of IWD!"

• "Great points…good conversation….making me think."

• "Wonderful session - great ideas and suggestions….I am energized."

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE - December 2020

Build awareness of triggers, practice self-care, compassion and empathy during challenging times with a panel of influential leaders:

What people said about EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

• "Thank you for a wonderful program and impressive panel - love hearing the message about the value of positivity and optimism; and the wisdom of stopping to think before speaking, particularly in a difficult situation."

• "Thank you so much for sharing and leading this amazing panel on emotional intelligence. It was so insightful and inspiring especially reinforcing the power of gratitude, one of the silver linings of this year!"

PERSONAL BRANDING - November 2020

Stay true to self and enhance personal brand in a virtual world with a panel of esteemed leaders across a variety of career journeys:

What people said about PERSONAL BRANDING

• "Thank you for the sharing and inspiration for us to strengthen our personal brands. Being authentic and being comfortable with being uncomfortable!"

• "What a wonderfully honest, inspiring conversation, Rita! Thanks for putting together such a great panel."

RACIAL EQUITY - October 2020

Opportunities for building awareness of biases and unlearning established behaviors with a panel of highly respected experts:

What people said about RACIAL EQUITY

• "You have all inspired me- great content and thoughts!"

• "Thank you - grateful to have joined. Amazing hour!"

RESILIENCE DURING COVID-19 - September 2020

Personal stories of growth and inspiration with a panel of distinguished leaders:

What people said about RESILIENCE DURING COVID-19

• "What a wonderful way to start the day - with words of wisdom and encouragement. Thank you Rita and panelists!"

• "The webinar this morning was high quality, a great selection of speakers, and huge insights. So many of the stories they shared were applicable to my own life; taking time to think through how all these transitions are affecting us was very valuable. Congratulations on a high value event."