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Women in Leadership

2024 Fall Forum Program & Speakers

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

4:00 PM

Registration Opens

4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Welcome to Texas, Y’all

Join the Texas Branding Station and the Further team in creating a customized straw or vegan suede cowboy hat. Staff will work with each WIL guest to choose the color, style and embellishments that fit their personality and preferences. Sponsored by FURTHER

5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Insights & Interactions from the Predictive Index

The Grain

Join us for cocktails and great food as we reconnect with old friends and forge new connections with bright, strong women in the senior living industry. Mark Franklin, Predictive Index expert, will help attendees learn how their PI results can provide a deeper understanding of their work styles and behavioral drives. Sponsored by Paychex

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Mark Franklin, Human Capital Expert, Paychex

Mark discovered his skill and passion for recruiting and team development during his decade long career with the University of Texas baseball team. From there, he segued into corporate recruiting and talent management with a growing digital media company, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the team and annual revenue.  As Director of College Recruiting and later Director of Recruiting the company grew from 100 employees to 650 employees and $15 million in revenue to $120 million.  In 2016 Mark founded the human capital advisory practice at Staff One HR then purchased Oasis PEO and now Paychex helping clients with organizational development, leadership development, recruiting and talent optimization. For the last 9 years he has helped many clients develop recruiting plans, building high performing teams, leadership development, employee engagement and talent management.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Continental Breakfast

Served Outside Beverly Ballroom

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Introduction and Welcome

Beverly Ballroom

  • James Balda, President and CEO, Argentum
  • Collette Gray, Chairwoman of Women In Leadership, President/CEO, Integral Senior Living and Solstice Senior Living

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

Cracking the Code: Your Blueprint for Authentic Networking in the Workplace

Beverly Ballroom

Most of us know that networking is important, but no one teaches us how. In her compelling presentation, AT&T executive and best-selling author Rachel Simon shares her practical tips to demystify the art of networking. By the end of the two-part session, you will hold the power to improve the way you collaborate with co-workers, establish meaningful connections, accomplish goals, and quite possibly change the trajectory of your career!

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Rachel B. Simon, AT&T Executive and Author of Relationships at Work

Rachel B. Simon is an executive at AT&T, where she began her career as a college hire from the University of Texas. Over the span of three decades, she has held key roles in Privacy, Finance, and Customer Care and has been recognized for her leadership and contributions. Rachel is known for her focus on meaningful relationships, networking, mentoring, and diversity and inclusion. She has co-founded the AT&T Women of Finance and initiated DINE! to encourage dialogue across diverse backgrounds. Rachel is a bestselling author, award-winning mentor, and serves on the steering committee for the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Women of Tocqueville. She holds an MBA and various privacy certifications, including the designation as a Fellow of Information Privacy through the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Take a Break

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Being in Balance: Designing a Life of Purpose & Fulfillment

Beverly Ballroom

Purpose and fulfillment can mean different things to different people. For some, it may be about making a difference in the world, while for others, it may be about pursuing personal goals and passions. Whatever the definition, living a life of purpose and fulfillment is essential for our well-being and happiness. Valerie Hope, Leadership Coach, Professional Speaker, CEO of Connect to Joy, LLC, discusses how that journey that starts with discovering the unique purpose in life and how we can start to align our actions and goals with that purpose.

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Valerie Hope, Leadership Coach, Professional Speaker, CEO of Connect to Joy, LLC

Valerie Hope, CEO of Connect to Joy, LLC, is a renowned leadership coach and speaker who draws inspiration from her extensive travel to over 30 countries.  For over 20 years, she has supported global leaders in exploring subconscious beliefs to enhance consciousness, connection, and creativity. Clients gain purpose, self-expression, and vitality, improving problem-solving, stress management, relationships, and innovation skills through workshops and personalized sessions focusing on what truly matters. Valerie transitioned to entrepreneurship in 2018. She is certified in executive coaching, PSYCH-K®, and HeartMath®. A native Spanish speaker from Panama, she inspires leaders globally through a dynamic and joyous approach, working with clients across various industries.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

Served Outside Beverly Ballroom

Take time to connect with other attendees while enjoying lunch.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Workshop Blocks

Group 1

Elevate Your Leadership: Understanding Behavioral Needs for Better Team Engagement 

Beverly Ballroom

In this session, we will discuss how companies use behavioral analytics to drive the bottom line. Not only will the breakout session look at this concept from a strategic implementation standpoint but it will also dive into how participants’ individual data drives leadership. We will discuss team dynamics, self awareness, strengths and blind spots. Participants will leave with key takeaways about their own styles and ways of managing conflict within their teams that is linked to behavioral diversity.

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Mark Franklin, Human Capital Expert, Paychex

Mark discovered his skill and passion for recruiting and team development during his decade long career with the University of Texas baseball team. From there, he segued into corporate recruiting and talent management with a growing digital media company, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the team and annual revenue.  As Director of College Recruiting and later Director of Recruiting the company grew from 100 employees to 650 employees and $15 million in revenue to $120 million.  In 2016 Mark founded the human capital advisory practice at Staff One HR then purchased Oasis PEO and now Paychex helping clients with organizational development, leadership development, recruiting and talent optimization. For the last 9 years he has helped many clients develop recruiting plans, building high performing teams, leadership development, employee engagement and talent management.

Group 2

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Beverly Ballroom

In this session, we will provide an in-depth discussion on the latest fashion trends that work regardless of your size, budget or aesthetic, that will help you automate your wardrobe and take the confusion out of what to wear. Led by her team of stylists, attendees will have the opportunity to explore upcoming trends, colors, and styles that will shape the fashion landscape in the coming year.

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Emily Lytle Hockaday, Founder of Ready to Where

Emily (Lytle) Hockaday is a highly accomplished figure in the fashion industry with over two decades of experience. She has been featured in publications like Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and People Magazine and has worked with renowned brands such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks, and J.Crew. Over her two-decade career, Emily’s expertise spans from e-commerce management to custom menswear, and she is dedicated to advocating for her clients’ best interests while supporting her team of stylists.

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM

Transition

Take a breath and take what you learned in the first workshop block and move on to your next workshop!

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Workshop Block repeats– Choose a new session

Group 1

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Beverly Ballroom

Emily Lytle Hockaday, Founder of Ready to Where, will provide an in-depth discussion on the latest fashion trends that work regardless of your size, budget or aesthetic, that will help you automate your wardrobe and take the confusion out of what to wear. Led by her team of stylists, attendees will have the opportunity to explore upcoming trends, colors, and styles that will shape the fashion landscape in the coming year.

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Emily Lytle Hockaday, Founder of Ready to Where

Emily (Lytle) Hockaday is a highly accomplished figure in the fashion industry with over two decades of experience. She has been featured in publications like Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and People Magazine and has worked with renowned brands such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks, and J.Crew. Over her two-decade career, Emily’s expertise spans from e-commerce management to custom menswear, and she is dedicated to advocating for her clients’ best interests while supporting her team of stylists.

Group 2

Elevate Your Leadership: Understanding Behavioral Needs for Better Team Engagement

Beverly Ballroom

In this session, Mark Franklin, Human Capital Expert, Oasis, will discuss how companies use behavioral analytics to drive the bottom line. Not only will the breakout session look at this concept from a strategic implementation standpoint but it will also dive into how participants’ individual data drives leadership. We will discuss team dynamics, individual style, strengths and blind spots. Participants will leave with key takeaways about their own styles and ways of managing conflict within their teams that is linked to behavioral diversity.

Franklin, Mark clipped 2

Mark Franklin, Human Capital Expert, Paychex

Mark discovered his skill and passion for recruiting and team development during his decade long career with the University of Texas baseball team. From there, he segued into corporate recruiting and talent management with a growing digital media company, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the team and annual revenue.  As Director of College Recruiting and later Director of Recruiting the company grew from 100 employees to 650 employees and $15 million in revenue to $120 million.  In 2016 Mark founded the human capital advisory practice at Staff One HR then purchased Oasis PEO and now Paychex helping clients with organizational development, leadership development, recruiting and talent optimization. For the last 9 years he has helped many clients develop recruiting plans, building high performing teams, leadership development, employee engagement and talent management.

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM

Break

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Leading and Sustaining a Great Place to Work During Changing and Unpredictable Times

Beverly Ballroom

Building and sustaining a successful workplace culture where all employees feel supported, connected, enabled, and highly engaged is the underpinning to high levels of resident satisfaction, quality care, and employee engagement. Judy Whitcomb, former CHRO from Vi Senior Living, and founder of Storybook Leadership Consulting will lead this interactive panel discussion with Tony Bond, Executive Vice-President, Chief Diversity and Innovation Officer at Great Place to Work and Sarrie Devore, pay equity expert and Vice President, Employment Law, Albertsons Companies to discuss evolving workplace trends, challenges, best practices, and the need to continue to focus on pay equity.

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Judy Whitcomb, former CHRO from Vi Senior Living, and founder of Storybook Leadership Consulting

Judy Whitcomb is a certified Berkeley executive coach, and an award-winning learning and development strategist, speaker, facilitator, and trainer. She’s worked with over 1,000 leaders – from emerging high potentials to C-suite executives to help them gain clarity on what is most important, understand how they can provide value to their teams and organizations, and to take steps to close gaps that may be preventing them from leading most effectively. Judy is an experienced CHRO and Chief Learning Officer with experience in the transportation, financial services, hospitality, healthcare, and not-for-profit sectors in small, medium, and large employers. Additionally, she has practical experience leading operations, business development, marketing, and finance functions and has worked with boards on organizational strategy and succession planning. Judy is a founding member of Chief.

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Tony Bond, EVP, Chief Diversity and Innovation Officer, Great Place to Work®

Tony Bond is the executive vice president, chief diversity and innovation officer of Great Place to Work®. A strategist, innovator and facilitator, Tony has served as a trusted advisor to executives at some of the most successful global organizations. He has deep expertise in innovation, diversity, equity and inclusion, and in organizational trends for thriving in the future. His expertise is backed by over 20 years of leading complex business units of a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®.

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Sarrie Devore, VP, Employment Law, Albertsons Companies

Accomplished attorney and trusted business partner with extensive in-house experience in Retail and CPG industries. Proven history of developing innovative solutions to achieve company objectives while balancing legal risk. Practice areas include employment, litigation (including high exposure class actions), investigations, labor and immigration.

5:30 PM

Bus Ride to Dinner

Hilton Lobby

Meet in lobby of Hilton for ride over to dinner. Buses will leave the Hilton at 5:45pm.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Networking Dinner

We’ll wrap up the Forum with dinner at an exclusive secret location where you can reflect on learnings, cement new friendships, and wind down from an event-filled day!