2024 Fall NOW Encore Series Workshops

Download, print, and share the Fall 2024 NOW Encore Series Workshops Flyer (link coming soon). Building on the success of the NOW Conference, we have curated a series of post-conference career development workshops designed to ignite your potential. Presented by a diverse range of internal and external subject matter experts, these live, virtual workshops are tailored to foster deeper engagement and offer a more intimate learning environment. As part of the NOW Conference offerings, the NOW Encore Series workshops will be recorded and shared on the NOW Conference Archives website for broader viewing access. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link and a bCal invite prior to the virtual workshop date.

A group of coworkers put their hands together to symbolize they are "all in."

Networking for Introverts and Beyond - Strategies for Connecting Authentically (BECAR NE501)

View Recording Here

Presenter: Stephanie Thoma, She/Her, Author, Speaker & Networking Expert

You don’t even need to be an introvert to feel anxious at the thought of networking. Do you wish you felt more comfortable meeting new people, but feel like networking is too quick and shallow for you to do it right? Do you feel misunderstood, coming off as unfriendly without meaning to?

This workshop has been designed to address those specific concerns and more. You’ll leave this event not only having a game plan for your future networking experiences but also feeling more confident in yourself and your ability to make meaningful connections.

In this workshop, I’ll walk you through what I’ve learned in putting myself out there- what works and what doesn’t. Are you ready to activate your superpower of connecting with people?

Learning Outcomes: 1) understand where introversion comes from, 2) redefine your networking experience, 3) ease anxiety around networking, 4) initiate and carry on conversations, 5) establish rapport that is authentic to you, 6) make 3 new connections, and more!


This NOW Encore Series workshopwill be recorded. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link and a bCal invite prior to the virtual workshop date.

A group of female colleagues collaborate on a project.

From “SmartLess” to “SmarterEveryDay” - Finding Tips for Change in Unexpected Places (like podcasts and YouTube channels) (BECAR NE502)

View Recording Here

Presenter: Kevin Reyes (he/him), Director of Talent Management, Human Resources, UC Merced

Change and improvement are challenging yet fundamental elements of our professional lives. Whether adapting to new organizational priorities, transitioning roles, or altering our work modalities, these shifts are essential in a world that's constantly evolving. Are you prepared to navigate these changes effectively?

Taking inspiration from the popular podcast, “SmartLess” and YouTube channel, “SmarterEveryDay,” we’ll discuss how small changes can lead to big impacts and what that means for you on your potential career path, leadership impact, or work performance. We’ll examine some common perceptions and misperceptions, and maybe, just maybe, bend (but not break) your brain a bit. Attendees will leave this discussion with at least one tangible development action to make their day tomorrow a little better than it was today.  Join us to understand the power of incremental changes and how they can shape your career in significant ways.

Learning Outcomes: 1) identify one change, development, or improvement opportunity for your own personal, career, or performance growth, 2) perform a professional development pre-mortem to improve your success, 3) prioritize your development and align it with your organizational outcomes, and  4) stop, collaborate, and listen…have a little fun and make some new connections.


This NOW Encore Series workshopwill be recorded. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link and a bCal invite prior to the virtual workshop date.


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Say What You Mean; Mean What You Say: The Power of Effective Communication (BECAR NE503)

View Recording Here

Presenter: CarrieVee (Verrocchio) (sounds like “Ver-o-kee-o”) (she/her), Certified Executive Speaker, Trainer, Coach

Everyone has a message to share, whether inspiring employees, teaching, speaking at events, reporting to leaders, or strengthening personal relationships. Your message might be an introduction, a new idea, a report, or a heartfelt communication. Excellent communication skills are essential for sharing your message, achieving results, building relationships, and creating a future with a clear mission and vision. These skills can be learned and refined to help you communicate effectively in any context, be it professional or personal.

Learning Outcomes: 1) learn to speak with conviction, 2) determine your personal communication strengths and use them effectively, 3) learn to focus on adding value, and 4) begin to inspire people around you to take action.


This NOW Encore Series workshopwill be recorded. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link and a bCal invite prior to the virtual workshop date.


A woman sits in her chair in the office with her arms stretched up and legs out, looking very carefree

Fostering Opportunities for Inclusion and Belonging by Expanding Engagement through “Space” (BECAR NE504)

View Recording Here

Presenters: Phaedra Gauci (they/them), MA, Resident Services Manager, Cal Housing Administration, Division of Student Affairs, and Chelsea Buffington (she/her), PhD, Director, Design & Projects, Residential & Student Service Programs

Space is ever-changing and more than just a physical location; it embodies community and can be intentionally created. The pandemic disrupted our sense of space and community, turning work into a survival mode rather than a place of belonging. Reclaiming space involves creating environments where we and our colleagues feel a sense of belonging and comfort. This presentation explores space and belonging, referencing Marco Antonsich's idea of 'home' as a place of familiarity and security. We will discuss how UC Berkeley can foster inclusive spaces, providing tools for participants to enhance inclusion and belonging within their teams and the broader campus community.

Learning Outcomes: 1) consider yourself and your team, departmental, and divisional contexts around the concept of space 2)  explore theoretical frameworks impacted by space and related to belongingness within your specific contexts, and 3) consider the feasibility of implementing new ideas for space and ways to increase belongingness.


This NOW Encore Series workshopwill be recorded. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link and a bCal invite prior to the virtual workshop date.


Older colleagues with grey hair sit at a table together, smiling, one on his laptop and the other holding a mug of coffee.

Build Your Financial YES! Plan (BECAR NE505)

View Recording Here

Presenter: Erika Wasserman (she/her), Certified Financial Therapist, Creator of Let’s Talk Finances Conversation Cards

Get ready for a transformative experience! In this session, we'll shake up your perspective as you invest 75 minutes in crafting your very own financial YES! Plan. It's all about manifesting those aspirations and turning them into tangible, achievable goals.  Our financial decisions are made with 90% emotions and 10% logic. What do you want to say YES to with your finances that will give you more freedom to make life and career decisions?

Learning Outcomes: 1) transform your approach to handling finances and reshape your relationship with money management, 2) cultivate a sense of empowerment, ensuring confidence and assurance in every financial decision you make, and 3) establish a realistic and achievable 'YES PLAN,' setting the stage for turning aspirations into tangible and attainable financial goals.


This NOW Encore Series workshopwill be recorded. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link and a bCal invite prior to the virtual workshop date.


Illustration of man with negative thought bubbles

You Don’t Have Imposter Syndrome!: Accessing Your True Potential, Purpose, and Power (BECAR NE506)

View Recording Here

Presenter: LaToya Zavala (she/her), Transformation Coach/Master Reiki Practitioner, Freed and Powered Up

This workshop will uncover the projections, expectations, and indoctrinations that contribute to imposter syndrome, stagnation, and self-sabotage. Attendees will gain a redefined understanding of fear, purpose, mindfulness, impact, and legacy. This will help them discover their true identity, extensive potential, and the importance of their daily decisions in mapping their success. This dynamic and empowering workshop will  offer a quick and simple sequence in the Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping) to reduce stress, eliminate burnout, and overcome imposter syndrome. Participants will learn to access their strengths and deepen their sense of purpose, creating a lasting impact and legacy. With these tools, we can transform the storms in our lives into catalysts for lasting and impactful change.

Learning Outcomes: 1) discover a new paradigm for F.E.A.R. that honors past trauma, adversities, and our strength to make decisions for change and success 2) learn effective practices to heal and overcome limiting beliefs, blocks, fears, and imposter syndrome tendencies and behaviors, and to increase confidence and conviction, and 3) gain new tools including a quick and easy Emotional Freedom Technique Sequence (Tapping) to have consistent clarity for mapping out your success and stepping into your aligned potential.


This NOW Encore Series workshopwill be recorded. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link and a bCal invite prior to the virtual workshop date.


A group of coworkers put their hands together to symbolize they are "all in."

Cultural Intelligence (CQ): The Code for Team Success (BECAR NE507)

View Recording Here

Presenter: Loren Rosario-Maldonado (she/her), Chief People Scientist, Cultura, Inc.

Leading a diverse team encompassing various dimensions of diversity is a complex yet rewarding endeavor. This session aims to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills to effectively lead and harness the power of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) to discover the potential of their team members and themselves. 

Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will gain insights into the importance of inclusive leadership and learn strategies to create an inclusive work environment where all team members can thrive. They will also explore the unique challenges and opportunities that arise from diverse perspectives and develop Culturally Intelligent techniques to leverage them for enhanced creativity, innovation, and overall performance.

This workshop will incorporate the elements of this year's conference theme "Discover Your Potential - Map Your Success" by using the CQ framework to empower participants to engage with themselves internally and others externally to create success through self-discovery and engagement.

Learning Outcomes: 1) understand the dimensions of diversity and Cultural Intelligence, as well as your impact on team dynamics, 2) develop inclusive leadership strategies to create an environment where all team members feel valued and included, 3) leverage Cultural Intelligence to drive creativity, innovation, and problem-solving in yourself and others, and 4) develop an action plan to apply inclusive leadership practices in your team and organization.

This NOW Encore Series workshopwill be recorded. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link and a bCal invite prior to the virtual workshop date.


Two colleagues sit at a desk, smiling, as they complete their Achieve Together meeting.

Embrace Your Voice: The Power of Self-Advocacy to Stand Out and Thrive (BECAR NE508)

View Recording Here

Presenter: Ilhiana Rojas Saldana (she/her), Founder, BeLIVE Coaching and Consulting, Executive & Leadership Coach, Motivational Speaker

In this session participants will uncover a new perspective on how to self-advocate to rise above challenges and stand out. With an emphasis on embracing one’s unique voice, this session will offer practical insights and strategies to step into your power and self-promote with confidence & authenticity, raise your visibility, gain recognition and amplify your area of influence.

Learning Outcomes: 1) Overcome Fear and Self-Doubt - gain clarity and insight into the common barriers to self-advocacy and your inner critic, 2) Embrace Your Voice - learn how to create an environment that nurtures and uplifts, empowering you to confidently tap into your voice and embrace self-promotion, and 3) Move from Intention to Action - learn easy to apply tactics to enhance visibility, gain recognition and expand your area of influence. 

This NOW Encore Series workshopwill be recorded. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link and a bCal invite prior to the virtual workshop date.


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