The Power of Connection: Bridging the Divide

Vikas Narula is an entrepreneur, blogger, speaker and adjunct professor. The latest social science research suggests that when you throw a bunch of strangers in a room, human networks tend to be predictable. Birds of a feather flock together. Cliques and polarized cultures form. How can we begin to bridge these divides? What are the benefits – personally, professionally and societally?

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

Luvvie Ajayi Jones isn’t afraid to speak her mind or to be the one dissenting voice in a crowd, and neither should you. In this bright, uplifting talk, Ajayi Jones shares three questions to ask yourself if you’re teetering on the edge of speaking up or quieting down — and encourages all of us to get a little more comfortable with being uncomfortable.

You are contagious

Vanessa Van Edwards is an interpersonal intelligence expert and public speaker. After analyzing thousands of hours of TED talks to determine what makes speakers successful, Vanessa reveals that our behavior, from hand gestures to how we say ‘hello’, changes the way others perceive our confidence.

Your body language may shape who you are

Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy argues that “power posing” — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can boost feelings of confidence. Trick your brain into having confidence, even when you are experiencing imposter syndrome.

EXECUTIVE PRESENCE IN A HYBRID WORLD

James Prince draws on his 30 years of leadership in the Human Capital Management Space for iconic Fortune 500 brands to share best practices for developing a strong executive presence. James also discusses barriers African American employees continue to face in the workplace and offers strategies that leaders can implement to address these challenges.

FROM THE BOARDROOM TO ZOOM
Tips to Navigating Executive Presence and Creating an Impact

Adam Dill, sales executive, broke down a common leadership challenge and provided a holistic perspective on what Executive Presence is and tips on how to lead with authenticity, decisiveness, and most importantly influence and inspire the people around us.

THE ART OF MANAGING UP AND EXECUTIVE PRESENCE

Drawing on her role as the Director of Client Success at ADP, Zoa Norman walks us through her strategies for bringing out the best in individuals and teams. She illustrates that understanding what motivates individuals is a powerful way to create positive change and boost team performance.

Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges

By accessing our personal power, we can achieve “presence,” the state in which we stop worrying about the impression we’re making on others and instead adjust the impression we’ve been making on ourselves. As Harvard professor Amy Cuddy’s revolutionary book reveals, we don’t need to embark on a grand spiritual quest or complete an inner transformation to harness the power of presence. Instead, we need to nudge ourselves, moment by moment, by tweaking our body language, behavior, and mind-set in our day-to-day lives.

Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone

Drawing on his experience as a psychiatrist, business consultant, and coach, author Mark Goulston combines his background with the latest scientific research to help you turn the “impossible” and “unreachable” people in their lives into allies, devoted customers, loyal colleagues, and lifetime friends.

Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results

Study after study confirms that stories have unparalleled power to break down walls, build trust, and influence people to act. More than facts and data alone, stories are fundamental to capturing and expressing our ideas, wishes, and beliefs … and getting the results we want. Unleash the Power of Storytelling will teach you: the hard science behind why stories work, and tips for delivering your stories in the most effective way possible.

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently

The most effective leaders know how to connect with people. It’s not about power or popularity, but about making the people around you feel heard, comfortable, and understood. While it may seem like some folks are just born with a commanding presence that draws people in, the fact is anyone can learn to communicate in ways that consistently build powerful connections.