Featured Speaker: Dr. Patrick Flynn, Poole College of Management

Technological tools and advances present an opportunity for HR professionals to “level up” how they conduct their jobs. Leveling up is a road and a journey, not a destination but rather the notion of progress. In this session, participants will explore how embracing technology isn’t just about adopting new tools but about shifting your mindset. You’ll learn about trust building, creating psychological safety, and how to navigate the process of adaptation. Through a combination of evidence-based research and interactive exercises, we’ll discuss how to construct a team with the right people, support, and structure to effectively adapt to new technologies and drive results.

Objectives:

• Understand change processes
• Identify proactive tips for effective change management
• Chart a course for embracing technology and managing change
• Prepare for tomorrow today

Speakers: Juanita Barkley and Chris Vestal, Ph.D., Employee Career Development

What if the key to career success isn’t on your résumé—but in your relationships? Join us for The Secret Sauce of Networking, an interactive session packed with humor, real talk, and live demos that break down what it really takes to build meaningful professional connections. Whether you’re a seasoned networker or just breaking out of your shell, we’ll show you what to stir in (and what to leave out) to make networking feel natural and impactful. Spoiler: this one’s got flavor.

Speaker: Pablo Campos, DASA Counseling Center

Session Description: Maintaining motivation in the workplace can be a challenge! This session will teach participants about self-compassion and support them to innovate ways in which they can apply it to boost their sense of self, motivation, and overall well-being. A better understanding of self compassion will help participants explore how they motivate themselves and how they can identify small ways to shift their intrinsic motivation. 

Speakers: Amy Greene, Learning & Organizational Development and Maria Fister, Finance

People naturally resist change and change often involves transferring new information. The default response for how to address this knowledge transfer is typically to “just train them”. In this session, presenters will share their approach to managing change through “ADDIE”, a learning design framework that includes five key phases: analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. Attendees will learn how to apply this framework to integrate learning and development seamlessly into change initiatives, ensuring employees are equipped and supported through transitions.

Speaker: Amy Grubbs, University Human Resources & Implementation Success Team

Ever wonder why change feels so… ugh? Join us to dive into the human side of organizational shifts! We’ll explore how people react when things get shaken up, uncover those tricky emotional responses and productivity rollercoaster rides, and figure out who’s quick to adopt (and who might need a gentle nudge). You’ll walk away with an understanding of how you can help guide teams through any transformation! Let’s make change less “ugh” and more “aha!”

Speaker: Kevin Rice, Ph.D., Learning and Organizational Development

Join us for a collaborative and energizing session where participants will brainstorm, share, and learn practical strategies for personal and professional success in three high-impact areas: top productivity hacks to stay organized, strategies to set and achieve goals, and ways to build and maintain professional relationships in today’s digital world. Walk away with new tools, habits, and actionable tips to boost effectiveness and success in your daily life.

Speaker: Rebecca Dunning, Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

We’ve all been there—those meetings that drag on, bogged down in confusion or disagreement, with too much time spent in the dreaded “groan zone” – the muddled middle between diverging ideas and clear decisions. In this interactive session, you’ll learn practical strategies to design and lead group discussions that keep momentum, minimize frustration, and move teams forward toward decisions. You’ll leave with tools to make meetings more productive and less painful, and ideas on how AI can help.

Speakers: Kelly Vance & Angela Nicholson, University Human Resources

Creating a thriving Wolfpack takes place at every level and in every part of the workplace. At NC State, we believe that a strong Pack is built through intentional efforts that support well-being, foster engagement, and celebrate contributions. This session will highlight cost-effective strategies that individuals, HR professionals, and leaders can use to create a Pack-centered workplace where every member of the Wolfpack can grow, contribute, and succeed.

Speaker: Bradley Davis, Ph.D., Faculty and Staff Ombuds Office

Difficult conversations can be unavoidable, inevitable, and frankly, a part of the role for HR professionals. Whether it’s addressing policy violations, performance issues, personnel conflicts or organizational restructuring, facilitating difficult conversations can be challenging. This session provides practical techniques to handle sensitive discussions with clarity, empathy, and confidence. Learn proven frameworks, de-escalation strategies, and real-world examples to help you facilitate difficult conversations with employees that protect both compliance and connection. 

Speaker: Jesse Dean, Marketing, Communications and Technology Support, UHR

In today’s fast-paced world, technology is at the forefront of nearly every aspect of our lives. From the devices we use daily to the cutting-edge innovations shaping our future, understanding technology is essential.

We will look at the different forms of technology you may encounter here at NC State, but knowing the tools is only half the equation. We’ll also dive into proven productivity strategies that help you make the most of your time and energy. You’ll discover how to harness digital tools and proven strategies to streamline your workflow, eliminate distractions, and achieve more with less effort.

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, it is important to understand how to identify, hone, and demonstrate your skills for career success. Join The Employee Career Development mini session to get a glimpse of your possibilities.