The last few years have created much change in the workplace. We have learned that resilience, agility and a willingness to embrace change is necessary and critical. In today's marketplace, we all continue to push in new ways, establish new norms, and seize different opportunities. As a result, I saw the need to start this series in 2020 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 stories of growth, inspiration and learning; to share best practices and spark dialogue on important topics. With that purpose in mind, I invite you to join me in a virtual discussion with an accomplished thought leader. All my discussions over the last three years have included either a panel of distinguished leaders in a variety of industries or one-on-one interviews with key leaders providing an opportunity for a deeper dive.

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

5 Generations at Work
September 24, 2024

The demographics of our workforce and work models are evolving in many ways. We now have five generations in the workforce, presenting tremendous opportunity for all to enhance their outlook and creativity. It also requires us to push our thinking and practices in new and different ways to access this depth of perspective and reap the incredible rewards and value. One size does not fit all. Appreciating the variety of needs, motivations, concerns, expectations as well as communication methods is crucial for success. Understanding these differences, embracing them and leveraging them requires open dialogue and agility. We will have an opportunity to discuss these differences and commonalities with a panel of distinguished leaders representing each of the five generations. Join us for an open conversation to learn from each other and share varying perspectives on ways to collaborate with and through all these generational experiences.

Creating a Compassionate Culture
June 18, 2024

Compassionate leadership is one leadership style all leaders need to master, now more than ever. We know what a difference it makes when employees feel valued, appreciated and acknowledged for their contributions. Taking an extra few moments to express interest and concern indicates a level of attention that goes a long way to build credibility. Employees want and need to know their leader cares and will choose organizations that cultivate this kind of culture. Showing transparency and genuine vulnerability makes a leader relatable. Compassion is also a sign of strength, and it can create an environment of trust. Exhibiting acts of kindness will result in a positive culture where people feel included, heard and seen. Creating a culture of compassion that guides all decisions - even the difficult ones - can result in ownership and successful outcomes for all. We will have an opportunity to learn from a panel of distinguished leaders who will share their expertise and best practices to create and cultivate cultures of compassion with intentionality.

A Woman's Journey Unraveling Her Father's Holocaust Survival Story
March 8, 2024

Many of us have family stories and histories of transnational repression resulting in genocide. Through these experiences, we have built strength, resilience and determination. One woman's experience unraveling her father's Holocaust survival story included an inspiring journey abroad resulting in a heartfelt memoir. In her memoir, Irene Stern Frielich embarks on an international journey to retrace her late father's escape from Nazi Germany, beautifully weaving past and present as she grapples with loss, intergenerational trauma, and hope for a more just future.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE
December 5, 2023

The impact of the pandemic on the physical, emotional, mental and social well-being of the workforce is still being assessed. There is more focus and attention placed on the importance of self-care and healthy behaviors as a foundation for workplace productivity and satisfaction. Research has indicated that individuals who are healthier tend to be more productive at work due to higher levels of energy, motivation, engagement and performance. We continue to navigate new norms and different models of work. Building healthy workplaces is a critical objective for every employer as well as a key consideration for employees. A 2022 global report from Gallup showed that only 33% of employees are "thriving" in their wellbeing; 44% of employees shared that they experienced "a lot" of stress in the previous day; for worry, 40%. We will have an opportunity to learn from a panel of distinguished leaders who will share their expertise, observations on trends, and best practices on this important topic.

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What people said about
HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE

• "Thank you very much, Rita, for organizing this panel discussion! Very valuable information sharing."

• "Thank you very much for the thoughtful discussion! Great insight!!!"

THE IMPACT OF A.I. ON SOCIETY AND IN THE WORKPLACE
September 26, 2023

Everywhere we turn, on a personal and professional capacity, there is on-going introduction to artificial intelligence tools and systems. The awareness and utilization of these systems are being purposed in a variety of ways. The demand for it and importance of it is growing at a rapid pace due to its potential to change how we live, work and play. It has been effectively used in business, government, education and society as a whole. What are the advantages, and challenges, and how do we effectively navigate through this unfamiliar and new territory as business leaders as well as individuals?

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Reimagining Personal and Professional Shifts: A New Lens on Transformation
June 20, 2023

Employers and leaders face a perfect storm of workplace changes that stretch well-beyond the pandemic. Employees need to reimagine their identity as it relates to their careers thanks to structural changes in the workplace, sharply reduced role tenure, and the increasingly pervasive influence of technology which is reshaping and eliminating jobs. Organizations are not immune to these changes. Organizations will need to rethink how they are attracting, engaging, motivating and retaining talent as these structural changes accelerate. A growing list of positive social gains like advances in longevity invite adults to reinvent their self-concept repeatedly. On top of that, the pandemic's powerful imprint has increased the willingness of many of us to redefine the underlying assumptions upon which our self- concept is anchored and points to a new era of identity renewal as the norm presenting on-going need for organizations to embrace this new normal and foster creativity within their culture.

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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."