​Perspectives 2025: Strategies for Workplace Success

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29 Jul

Perspectives 2025: Strategies for Workplace Success

Perspectives 2025: Strategies for Workplace Success

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 (12:00 AM to 11:59 PM)
5 PDCs
Provider: Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
Course Name: ​Perspectives 2025: Strategies for Workplace Success

Speaker: Al Vivian, Skylar Casey, Ted Abernathy, Ruby Brown-Herring, Amy Baldwin, David Laboy, Yo Sobha, Jessica McMahan, Jonathan Wilkins, Patrice Haley, Veronica Bent, Debra​​​​ Lowder, F. Scot McAlexander, Kristen Hess, Melissa Tulis Smith, Elle Arlook, John Samuel, Logan Passey, Emma Browning, Gary Weiss, John Hurld, Najauna White, CMP, CDE
Program Type: Conference
Registration URL: https://web.raleighchamber.org/events/Perspectives2025%20Strategies%20for%20Workplace%20Success-2884/details
Perspectives 2025: Strategies for Workplace Success, Raleigh, North Carolina
Email Details

Breakout topics include: Workplace Wellness Creating and Maintaining Partnerships Assessing and Mitigating Risk

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Key Learning Moment – Meet Al Vivian For over 30 years, AL VIVIAN has been a sought-after trainer and consultant, working with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, professional firms, nonprofits, and academic institutions worldwide. His expertise spans three continents, and he is frequently called upon by major media outlets—including CNN, Forbes, USA Today, and The New York Times—to provide insights on cross-cultural leadership. Al’s work continues a family legacy of social justice and leadership. His father, Dr. C.T. Vivian, served as a member of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s executive staff, shaping Al’s deep commitment to fostering meaningful change. Al equips leaders with the skills and competencies needed to effectively lead across cultural differences. Research consistently links cross-cultural competency to improved trust, innovation, productivity, profitability, and decisionmaking—key drivers of organizational success. Al’s leadership journey began with a solid foundation in service. Raised with the belief that “everyone is responsible for contributing to the society in which they live,” he started his career as a U.S. Army officer, earning the rank of captain. The military’s unparalleled leadership development gave him firsthand experience in the critical distinction between management and true leadership. Throughout his career, Al has helped countless global organizations—including CNN, CocaCola, Delta Air Lines, Ford Motor Company, the National Security Agency, New York Life, Subway, the U.S. Army, Vistra, Walmart, and the World Bank—to develop culturally competent leaders at every level. He has witnessed well-intentioned executives struggle to fully engage their teams, not due to poor leadership, but because they lacked the competencies to bridge cultural differences. His mission is to close that gap. Al is a Morehouse College graduate and holds Advanced Practitioner and CCDP Certifications from Cornell University. He resides in Atlanta, GA, with his wife DeAna Jo, and they are proud parents of two adult sons. Breakout Sessions (Descriptions, Speakers, and Categories below) “Workshops” describes breakout sessions led by a single individual or duo (usually from the same organization) and require both content AND an interactive component. “Interactive Workshops” describes breakout sessions facilitated by a single individual or duo (usually from the same organization) that are engagement-oriented for attendees. “Ted-Talks” describes breakout sessions that will feature short speeches by individuals. Each session will end with a Q&A session with all speakers. “Panels and Fireside Chats” describes breakout sessions that will feature a moderated question-and-answer session of pre-determined questions. Panels typically have at least three participants and a moderator. Fireside chats typically have 1 or 2 participants and a moderator. There is an audience Q&A if time permits. Workshops Economic Mobility Index – Volume 2 • Ted Abernathy, Economic Leadership LLC • Skylar Casey, Economic Leadership LLC This session will unveil the 2025 Economic Mobility Index, The Index provides a data driven understanding of the economic mobility in the Raleigh metro as well as a comparative analysis of how the metro performs against one hundred peer communities. The session will include a review of the new rankings, comparative statistics, and ways the business community can support Economic Mobility efforts. Wellness in the Workplace • Ruby Brown Herring, CEO, RBH Wellness Solutions, LLC This session will explore strategies for workplace wellness including managing workplace stress, conflict, and overall mental health support for your team. Accessibility & Workforce Development • Logan Passey, Ablr works Job Developer, Ablr • John Samuel, CEO, Ablr This session will assist employers with ensuring accessible ways to recruit and hire employees – ensuring all are able to transition into positions efficiently. They will use ABLR’s current talent and workforce development program as a model. The Future of Employee Led Groups • Amy Baldwin, President, United Partnership • David Laboy, Leader of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC This session will explore the evolution and future of Employee led groups (ERGs, EBGs, Affinity Groups). As the landscape changes – this session will provide practical direction to help businesses continue a vital practice for workplace and leadership development. Fair Process Design • Emma Browning, Managing Director, Paradox Consulting Partners, ebrowning@paradoxcp.com This session will give employers, employees, and small business owners strategies in creating and designing policies and procedures that are fair and manageable – ensuring all are able to understand and engage to maximum efficiency. Interactive Workshops (To Repeat) Intergenerational Speed Networking - In Collaboration with Young Professionals Network There are five generations currently in the workforce, and all bring value and perspective. This session offers a unique opportunity for individuals of all generations to connect, engage, and learn from each other. In this interactive breakout session, participants will engage in facilitated conversations to enhance intergenerational communication in the workforce and foster meaningful connections. Attendees will expand their networks, gain fresh perspectives, and cultivate a deeper understanding of all generational experiences. By actively participating in this session, attendees will not only network across generations but also embody the conference theme by putting inclusiveness into practice. Let's come together to bridge generational gaps, share insights, and take tangible steps towards building a more interconnected workforce. • Facilitators to be announced Ted Talks Fostering Belonging to Fuel Innovation, Creativity, and Profit Session Description: This talk will explore the direct connection between differing perspectives and enhanced innovation, displaying real-world examples of leaders that have leveraged inclusive teams to unlock new opportunities and gain a competitive edge. Attendees will learn why diverse teams provide a strategic advantage in today’s fast-paced, global marketplace. In addition, the panelists will discuss actionable strategies for building inclusive teams, overcoming common barriers, and measuring the tangible benefits of a diverse workforce. Speakers • Veronica Bent, Community Development Manager, Pinnacle Financial Partners • Kristen Hess, President and CEO, HH Architecture • Debra Lowder, Executive Director, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Eastern NC, American Heart Association • Bobby McNeil, Talent Acquisition Manager, Enact • Shim Moik, Vice President | Middle Market Commercial Banking, JP Morgan Chase Panels The Win-Win of Supplier Diversity: How It Benefits Corporations and Small Businesses Alike **Note - Depending on current executive orders and proposed legislation this session may be modified or removed if supplier diversity efforts are deemed out of compliance. Panel Description: Our expert panelists will explore the advantages of supplier diversity from both perspectives— how large corporations can enhance their supply chains, foster innovation, and improve brand reputation by engaging a range of suppliers, and how small businesses gain access to new markets, build strategic partnerships, and expand their operations through these opportunities. Through real-world case studies and actionable insights, attendees will learn how to establish and maintain successful supplier diversity programs that create a positive impact across all levels of business. This session will also address the challenges small businesses may face in securing supplier contracts and offer strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Whether you are a corporate leader seeking to enhance your supply chain or a small business owner looking for ways to connect with larger organizations, this panel will provide valuable tools and strategies to help you unlock the full potential of supplier diversity. Panelists: • Patrice Haley, Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion, DPR Construction • Jessica McMahan, Senior Supplier Diversity Manager, Brasfield & Gorrie LLC • Yo Sobha, Associate Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, YMCA of the Triangle (Moderator) • Jonathan Wilkins, Supplier Diversity Program Executive, Presidio The Evolving Policy Landscape and the Impact on Companies. Policies and procedures are changing rapidly. How are companies mitigating legal and reputational risks? This fireside chat will provide expert insights and practical strategies for companies navigating the complexities of evolving policies while safeguarding against legal and PR challenges. Panelists: • Elle Arlook, APCO Worldwide • Melissa Tulis Smith, Associate Attorney, Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP Marketing Strategies for All Audiences: Best Practices for Radio, Television, and Beyond Panel Description: Join us for an enlightening panel discussion on how marketing professionals can leverage inclusive strategies across radio, television, and other media platforms to resonate with today’s consumer base. Our panel of seasoned marketing experts and media strategists will share best practices for developing and executing campaigns that reflect the diversity of audiences. Topics will include the importance of diverse representation in media content, the role of storytelling in promoting cultural awareness, and the impact of inclusive marketing on brand loyalty and consumer trust. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, this session will provide strategies for marketing executives to create media campaigns that not only reach a broad spectrum of viewers and listeners but also resonate deeply with marginalized communities. Attendees will learn how to navigate the complexities of inclusive marketing in an evolving media landscape and explore how to build stronger connections with various audiences across multiple platforms. Whether you are working in television, radio, digital media, or other marketing channels, this panel will equip you with the tools and strategies necessary to create impactful campaigns that reflect the values of your brand and the communities you serve. Panelists: • John Hurld, Publisher, INDY Week • Gary Weiss, VP/General Manager, Radio One Raleigh • Najauna White, CMP, CDE, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Miles Partnership (Moderator)

Perspectives 2025: Strategies for Workplace Success
Perspectives 2025: Strategies for Workplace Success
500 S Salisbury St
Raleigh, NC 27601-2114

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