MRA Speakers Bureau

Leading and Succeeding through Change

Presenter: Keith Peterson, Vice President and Strategic Advisor.

As the saying goes, "The only constant in life is change." While you can’t stop change from happening, you can learn to successfully lead and manage through that change. Change is everywhere: work, life, technology, norms, health, environment, society, EVERYWHERE! This session will show you how to lead yourself and others through changes no matter what they are or where they pop up. Get the tips and techniques for successful change management.

HRCI and SHRM credits available

Organizational Culture: The Only Way to Engage and Retain Today’s Workers Leaders Know

Presenter: Keith Peterson, Vice President and Strategic Advisor.

This session examines taken-for-granted assumptions that create shared meaning in the workplace. Participants will learn about the role of storytelling, myths, and metaphors in the creation and sustaining of corporate cultures. It also examines how various revolutions (industrial, information, and social) have dramatically impacted engagement and retention.

This session also examines common culture types, help participants recognize the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy cultures and discuss HR’s role in creating cultures. Humor, practical examples, and true stories will be used to bring this important topic to life!

Elevate Your DEI Journey and Amplify Your Workforce

Presenters:

• Denise Jamison, Learning and Development Instructor (Golden Valley, MN); or
• Cheryl Lucas-DeBerry, Learning and Development Instructor (Waukesha, WI).

Want to improve productivity, reduce costs, decrease turnover, enhance problem-solving skills and innovation, and increase overall profitability? Of course, you do! Discover how DEI can help. This session will feature DEI best practices and enable you to identify your organization’s unique skills, share your testimonies/”aha” moments, and empathize with others. Now is the time to turn up the dial on your DEI journey toward a creative and strong workforce.

HRCI and SHRM credits available

AI in HR: Let the Revolution Begin

Presenter: Jim Morgan, Vice President, Business Development & Workforce Strategies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the new hot topic for HR and is here to stay for the foreseeable future. However, as with any new technology, great power comes with great responsibility. AI will present both challenges and opportunities for HR professionals and organizations. Are you ready? We will delve into the transformative role of AI in revolutionizing HR practices. AI’s impact on HR has been profound, reshaping traditional processes and fostering innovation. During this presentation, we will explore the practical applications, challenges, and future implications of AI in HR. We will offer insights into how organizations can leverage AI to optimize HR functions and drive overall business success.

HRCI and SHRM credits available

From Boomers to Zoomers: Embracing the Power of Generational Diversity

Co-Presenters: Courtney Lamers, Senior Manager, Member Engagement and Jim Morgan, Vice President, Business Development & Workforce Strategies or Mitch Thomas, Executive Director, Western Illinois & Iowa

For the first time in history, there are five different generations in the workplace creating unique challenges for employers on several fronts. Each generation has different preferences related to communication, teamwork, leadership style, technology, motivators, job loyalty, desired benefits, work-life balance, etc. How employers navigate generational diversity to enhance the workplace, motivate productive behaviors, and achieve positive results will drive company success. In this session, we will talk about why the differences exist, why the differences work, and what it means in terms of professional development, organizational flexibility, communication styles, and managing expectations. You, too, can have a winning culture when you embrace cultural differences.

HRCI and SHRM credits available

Leading the Future: Unveiling Emerging Leaders in the New World of Work

Co-Presenters: Jim Morgan, Vice President, Business Development & Workforce Strategies and Mitch Thomas, Executive Director, Western Illinois & Iowa.

Who is leading our future? Today, we are facing massive retirements due to Baby Boomers “aging out” with younger leaders taking over at 35 instead of 55. These young leaders have lost some 20 years of experience and the opportunity to watch and learn from others. However, young leaders have significant new skills to offer and are bringing a different and new perspective with strengths in technology (software, programs, integration, adaptation, drones, gaming, and more); plus high interest in social justice, community impact and diversity; along with social media platforms. At this session, we will match the generational “changing of the guard” with the future of work.

HRCI and SHRM credits available

Reimagining Workplace Dynamics: The Evolving Employer-Employee Relationship

Presenter: Jim Morgan, Vice President, Business Development & Workforce Strategies.

It’s time to take a different perspective. Explore the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics, focusing on the difficult issues surrounding remote work, flexibility, DEI, role of the hiring manager, generations in the workplace, artificial intelligence, traditional business practices, and more. Looking at it from both the employer and employee perspectives, we will delve into the varying viewpoints, challenges, and potential solutions to bridge the gaps between companies and their talent. The future of work looks very different—it’s time to get ready!

HRCI and SHRM credits available

Will the "Sansdemic" Ever End?

Co-Presenters: Jim Morgan, Vice President, Business Development & Workforce Strategies and Strategies and Mitch Thomas, Executive Director Western Illinois & Iowa.

Sorry, the answer is no! Demographics in the Midwest are working against us--the employer, and that is changing the recruiting and retention game for decades to come. Only through bold and creative innovations will companies survive. Having studied the talent shortage for the past 30 years, and with access to the collective innovation of 4,500-plus quality employers, we have the answers to survive the Great Sansdemic (sans = without / demic = people) and beyond.

This event will enlighten you on:

• The numbers behind the talent shortage: What are the underlying factors causing the great sansdemic?
• Effective approaches to a positive Candidate Experience: How have employers changed their candidate experience to be faster, on brand, and candidate friendly?
• A Winning Onboarding Experience: What are companies doing to re-engineer their onboarding process to ensure positive first, second, and third impressions?
• An Engaging Employee Experience: Having secured people, how are you changing the employee experience to keep them engaged and motivated at work?
• Top Ten Talent Attraction Strategies: Where in the world are we going to find talent? Join us for this engaging, lively, and entertaining presentation ... we promise solutions to the talent shortage!

HRCI and SHRM credits available