Conference Schedule

Time

Thursday, June 11, 2026

8:30 – 9:00 AM

Opening Remarks

9:00 –  9:40 AM

Morning Keynote: James Robilotta

Leading Imperfectly

9:40 – 10:00 AM

Activity Break #1

10:00 – 11:10 AM

Concurrent Sessions Round 1

Collaboration Clarity: Define It & Do It Right

The Equitable Feedback Model: 10 Methods to Foster Inclusion Across Generations, Neurodiversity, and Power Dynamics
Pay It Forward: Nurturing Career Growth Through Student Supervision

Beyond Balance: Work/Life Harmony for Working Parents and Caregivers

Coaching Skills for Supporting Neurodivergent Talent—and Strengthening Your Own Career Capacity

From Leadership Burnout to Breakthrough - How Managers Create Team Results and Well-Being in Times of Constant Change

The Conversation You’re Avoiding

11:10 – 11:30 AM

Activity Break #2

11:15 - 11:25 - Laughter Yoga - Joy Jam  with Lisa Laughter (yes, that's really her name and yes, it's destiny!)

Pop in for a playful dose of Laughter Yoga, a feel-good wellness practice that mixes intentional laughter, easy breathing, and lighthearted fun. We’ll shake off stress, boost our energy, and share a few giggles together, because sometimes the most professional thing you can do is… laugh. Come as you are, camera on or off, and join us for a quick breath-and-laugh recharge that helps us feel more connected and refreshed.

11:30 – 12:40 PM

Concurrent Sessions Round 2

Women of Color Leaders at the Table: An Engaging Discussion of Career Experiences and Next Steps
The Art of Relationship Building: Strategies for Networking

Inclusive Leadership as a Wellness Strategy: Building Belonging, Trust, and Effectiveness at Work

Unlocking Gen Z Potential: Practical Tools for Managing Student Workers and Emerging Professionals
Building Influence from Any Seat: Leading Change Without a Title

From Setback to Strength - Reframing Failure to Explore Your Potential and Empower What’s Next

What’s Your Best Next Move? Defining Your Career Mission, Direction, and Impact

12:40 - 2:00 PM

Lunch

12:40 - 1:00 pm | Free time

1:00 - 1:45 pm | Staff Orgs Info and Social Gathering Rooms

1:00 - 1:45 pm | Meet the Sponsors

1:45 - 2:00 pm | Free time

2:00 – 3:10 PM

Concurrent Sessions Round 3

Listening that Leads: Cultivating Empathy in Higher Education

Leading from Within: The Internal Shift from Individual Contributor to Leading with Presence

Naming the Work: Making Invisible Labor Visible (and Sustainable)

Rebuilding Your Skill Narrative After Setbacks

Trauma-Informed Workplaces: Reframing Burnout, Building Resilient Teams to Empower Our Future

Berkeley Changemaker: Openness to Opposing Views LIVE Session

Future Ready: Building Your Career in the Age of AI

3:10 – 3:30 PM

Activity Break #3

3:15 - 3:25 pm - The Magic of Play with Nathaniel Segal

Nathaniel will present a brief version of his interactive magic lecture, “The Magic of Play”. Part lecture, part magic show, and part hands-on workshop, you will see some incredible magic and learn some simple secrets! Prepare to be entertained and inspired as you discover some new ways of thinking and learn some magic that you can share with colleagues. We invite you to have a dollar bill and a nickel or a quarter handy to engage in some magic with Nathaniel.

3:30 – 4:10 PM

Afternoon Keynote: Saikat Chaudhuri 

Rethinking Strategy and Pursuing Innovation During Times of Uncertainty

4:10 – 4:30 PM

Closing Remarks

4:10 - 4:20 UC Berkeley Chief People & Culture Officer and Associate Vice Chancellor Eugene Whitlock, J.D.

4:20 - 4:30 Closing Announcements

4:30 - 5:00 PM

Community Building Wrap Up Activity

From Insight to Action: Turning Moments into Momentum with Pierre Khawand

A reflective and practical closing session to help you turn insights from the conference into meaningful action. Through a brief mindfulness practice, a simple planning framework, and optional connection with others, you’ll leave with clarity on your next steps and how to begin. Read more.