2025 Agenda

• Career Coaching* and Resume Reviews*
• Learning Stage offering mini-classes with actionable takeaways and expert tips for navigating your career
• Wellbeing Stage offering mini-classes with guidance for achieving physical, emotional, and financial well-being
• Small Group Networking
• Bookstore Lounge & Author Signings
• Anchor Hubs including Career, Community, Learning, Wellbeing, and Small Business Hub
• Complimentary Professional Headshots*

 
*First-come, first served!

Ladder Up: Fast-Track Your Leadership Ascent

Ready to elevate your career to new heights and dive deep into the strategic moves and mindset shifts that propel you toward top-tier leadership? Whether you’re eyeing a C-suite role or aiming for a senior position, this dynamic session gives YOU the chance to drive the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions about the modern leadership landscape, common career roadblocks, and how to supercharge your leadership skillset. Learn from mentors that illustrate success at every level of the ladder and unlock the secrets to accelerating your leadership journey with purpose and precision.

Stay tuned for speaker updates!

Success Strategies in Healthcare and Life Sciences

Health and life sciences are at the forefront of innovation and transformational change, offering exciting opportunities—and unique challenges—for professionals across the field. Building a career in this space requires not only technical expertise but also strategic thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to collaboration and mentorship.This dynamic session gives YOU the chance to drive the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions about navigating leadership pathways, fostering inclusive and resilient teams, leveraging networks, and positioning yourself for long-term growth and impact. Whether you’re advancing scientific discovery, improving patient outcomes, or mentoring future leaders, this session will offer actionable strategies to grow your influence and thrive in the field.

Stay tuned for speaker updates!

On the Radar: Workplace Strategies for Getting Recognized

You’re doing the work—but how do you make sure the right people see it so you gain the visibility and recognition you deserve? Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, seeking new challenges, or simply want to be seen as a valuable contributor, this dynamic session gives YOU the chance to drive the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions about navigating career advancement opportunities, leveraging volunteering, internal networking, and strategic exposure. Learn how to carve your path with confidence and clarity so you stand out and get noticed in your organization.

Stay tuned for speaker updates!

Cultivating Culture, Collaboration & Connection

Workplace culture impacts performance, innovation and success. Whether you’re a manager or practitioner driving organizational change, or an individual seeking ways to enhance your engagement, this dynamic session gives YOU the chance to drive the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions about team dynamics, collaboration, navigating diverse multi-generational teams, allyship, and employee resource groups (ERGs). Learn actionable ways you can foster a culture that drives employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Stay tuned for speaker updates!

From Disconnection to Understanding: Reclaiming Human Connection

In an age of growing division, New York Times commentator David Brooks offers a powerful case for reviving the art of truly knowing one another Drawing from his book How to Know a Person, Brooks explores how cultivating curiosity, respect, and attentiveness in our everyday conversations can restore the human bonds that so often feel fractured. This isn’t about agreement—it’s about seeing others clearly and deeply, even across differences. Following his remarks, a fireside chat will offer concrete strategies for creating cultures—at work and beyond—where people listen more generously, and feel recognized, not reduced. You will learn how to move past labels and assumptions and embrace a blueprint for connection that can transform our relationships, communities and organizations.

Speaker: David Brooks, Author, New York Times Columnist

AI Literacy: From Overwhelmed to Empowered

Session description pending.

Speaker: Amy Webb, Futurist, Founder & CEO of the Future Today Strategy Group

 
Simone Biles, Athlete and Activist

Deepak Chopra, Physician, Author, & Founder, Cyberhuman.ai & Deepak Chopra.ai

Diana Nyad, World Champion Athlete and Author

Mel Robbins, Creator & Host of Award-Winning The Mel Robbins Podcast & #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author

Emcee: Karen Holmes Ward, Director of Public Affairs & Community Services, WCVB Channel 5

 
Speakers are not listed in order of appearance. Please check back for updates.

*** LUNCH INTERMISSION | 11:30 am – 11:45 am ***

The Win-Win Workplace: Thriving Through Change Together

Both employees and employers are navigating a delicate balance of economic uncertainty and shifting expectations. Individuals might feel it’s the worst time to ask for more at work, while managers may feel it’s the worst time to push harder—or risk losing top talent. But what if it’s actually the best time? In this session, Dr. Angela Jackson shows how today’s challenges can become opportunities to build a workplace where everyone wins. Whether you’re a practitioner, leading a team, or simply looking to grow in your role, you’ll walk away with the tools to turn requests into partnerships— not ultimatums. Learn her nine essential principles for building environments where both employees and employers flourish, equipping you with practical, research-driven strategies to advocate with confidence, negotiate with clarity, and thrive—even in the most uncertain times.

Speaker: Dr. Angela Jackson, Founder & Managing Partner, Future Forward Institute

Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Success

Traditional work environments—where every interaction feels like a contest—can undermine innovation, stall collaboration, and leave teams fractured. In this session, Ruchika Malhotra introduces a revolutionary framework that transforms competition into mutual elevation, emphasizing how women in the workplace can break free from internal rivalries to achieve more together. Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-world case studies, Malhotra reveals how organizations that embrace cooperation, mutual benefit, and a new definition of winning unlock greater creativity, drive sustainable growth, and foster cultures where every individual thrives. You’ll leave ready to challenge entrenched mindsets, champion your colleagues’ achievements, and build a professional environment where collaboration becomes the ultimate competitive advantage.

Speaker: Ruchika Malhotra, CEO & Founder, Candour

The Focus Factor: Attention, Anxiety & Wellbeing at Work

In a world of constant pings, pressure, and productivity demands, sustaining focus and mental clarity has become a wellness challenge for everyone. In this session, the Thought Leader will give initial remarks to explore the intersection of attention, anxiety, and performance—through the lens of both mental health and neurodiversity. She will then be joined by a panel of professionals who will share strategies to support focus and emotional wellbeing at work, address the stigma around cognitive and emotional differences, and offer approaches that benefit both individuals and the whole team. Whether you’re navigating distraction, burnout, or seeking to create a more supportive workplace culture, this session offers real insights to help you and your colleagues thrive.

Thought Leader: Dr. Romie Mushtaq, Neurologist; Founder, brainSHIFT

Stay tuned for panelist updates!

How to Talk Gooder: Forging Better Communication at Work

Ever leave a meeting thinking “Why did I say that?” or avoid speaking up because it just feels awkward? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to be that way. In this refreshingly real session, Harvard Business School professor Alison Wood Brooks—creator of the popular TALK course and author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of BeingOurselves—shares how to navigate everyday conversations in the workplace with more confidence, clarity, and connection. Whether you’re pitching an idea, giving feedback, brainstorming, or just trying to make small talk less painful, she blends science and humor to help you improve how you show up in conversations—without pretending to be someone you’re not. You’ll walk away with tools to communicate more effectively, build trust faster, and feel more comfortable in your own voice—at work and beyond.

Speaker: Alison Wood Brooks, Author & Professor, Harvard Business School

3 Essentials for Building High-Trust Resilient Relationships

This session explores how high-trust, resilient relationships are the foundation for meaningful connection, sustainable success, and lasting change—both at work and in life. Led by relationship expert Shasta Nelson, you’ll learn the three essential practices that every strong relationship relies on—and how to apply them to deepen connection, increase collaboration, and build cultures of empathy and belonging. You’ll walk away with research-backed strategies to move beyond transactional interactions and develop the kind of bonds that not only enhance performance but also support well-being through times of uncertainty.

Speaker: Shasta Nelson, Author, The Business of Friendship and Friendship Expert

From Paychecks to Piña Coladas: Mastering Money Throughout Your Life

When Vivian Tu left Wall Street, she started sharing her financial savvy on social media to help friends build wealth and save for retirement with easy and digestible “healthy money habits”. In this session, NYT bestseller and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Vivian Tu shares tips and tools to help you build a successful financial strategy, from your first paycheck to Piña Coladas in retirement. Discover how to maximize your earnings, understand where to keep your money, identify tax strategies for retirement, and overcome investing fears to secure generational wealth. Attend this session to develop a Winning Money Mindset and create smart money habits that will grow your wealth for future generations to come.

Speaker: Vivian Tu, Founder & CEO, Your Rich BFF, and NYT Best-Selling Author

The Longevity Shift: Women’s Health Reclaimed

Women are living longer than ever—but are we living well? Too often, critical conversations about health, hormones, mental wellbeing, and menopause are delayed, dismissed, or deprioritized. In this dynamic session, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer of Hers, breaks down what women need to know now to take control of their long-term health. Walk away with actionable insights to navigate hormone shifts (yes, including perimenopause and menopause), stress and brain health, preventative screenings, and the power of daily habits that build long-term resilience. Because longevity isn’t just about adding years—it’s about owning every stage with clarity, confidence, and intention.

Speaker: Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, Women’s Wellness & Longevity Expert, Chief Medical Officer – Hers and Author, Generation M

The Win-Win Workplace: Thriving Through Change Together

Both employees and employers are navigating a delicate balance of economic uncertainty and shifting expectations. Individuals might feel it’s the worst time to ask for more at work, while managers may feel it’s the worst time to push harder—or risk losing top talent. But what if it’s actually the best time? In this session, Dr. Angela Jackson shows how today’s challenges can become opportunities to build a workplace where everyone wins. Whether you’re a practitioner, leading a team, or simply looking to grow in your role, you’ll walk away with the tools to turn requests into partnerships— not ultimatums. Learn her nine essential principles for building environments where both employees and employers flourish, equipping you with practical, research-driven strategies to advocate with confidence, negotiate with clarity, and thrive—even in the most uncertain times.

Speaker: Dr. Angela Jackson, Founder & Managing Partner, Future Forward Institute

Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Success

Traditional work environments—where every interaction feels like a contest—can undermine innovation, stall collaboration, and leave teams fractured. In this session, Ruchika Malhotra introduces a revolutionary framework that transforms competition into mutual elevation, emphasizing how women in the workplace can break free from internal rivalries to achieve more together. Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-world case studies, Malhotra reveals how organizations that embrace cooperation, mutual benefit, and a new definition of winning unlock greater creativity, drive sustainable growth, and foster cultures where every individual thrives. You’ll leave ready to challenge entrenched mindsets, champion your colleagues’ achievements, and build a professional environment where collaboration becomes the ultimate competitive advantage.

Speaker: Ruchika Malhotra, CEO & Founder, Candour

Power Circles: How to Build Your Personal Board of Advisors

Behind every powerful woman is a powerful circle. In this session, the Thought Leader will give initial remarks to explore how to build your own personal board of advisors—mentors, peers, sponsors, and allies—who challenge you, champion your growth, and help you navigate what’s next. She will then be joined by a panel of professionals who will share actionable strategies to help you cultivate intentional relationships that fuel both professional and personal success so you gain a clear sense of who belongs in your circle—and how to find them. Whether you’re looking to expand your network or deepen the connections you already have, this session offers real talk, real strategies, and the inspiration to build your most powerful community yet.

Thought Leader: Dr. Alison Fragale, Organizational Psychologist & Professor, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

Stay tuned for panelist updates!

How to Talk Gooder: Forging Better Communication at Work

Ever leave a meeting thinking “Why did I say that?” or avoid speaking up because it just feels awkward? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to be that way. In this refreshingly real session, Harvard Business School professor Alison Wood Brooks—creator of the popular TALK course and author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of BeingOurselves—shares how to navigate everyday conversations in the workplace with more confidence, clarity, and connection. Whether you’re pitching an idea, giving feedback, brainstorming, or just trying to make small talk less painful, she blends science and humor to help you improve how you show up in conversations—without pretending to be someone you’re not. You’ll walk away with tools to communicate more effectively, build trust faster, and feel more comfortable in your own voice—at work and beyond.

Speaker: Alison Wood Brooks, Author & Professor, Harvard Business School

3 Essentials for Building High-Trust Resilient Relationships

This session explores how high-trust, resilient relationships are the foundation for meaningful connection, sustainable success, and lasting change—both at work and in life. Led by relationship expert Shasta Nelson, you’ll learn the three essential practices that every strong relationship relies on—and how to apply them to deepen connection, increase collaboration, and build cultures of empathy and belonging. You’ll walk away with research-backed strategies to move beyond transactional interactions and develop the kind of bonds that not only enhance performance but also support well-being through times of uncertainty.

Speaker: Shasta Nelson, Author, The Business of Friendship and Friendship Expert

From Paychecks to Piña Coladas: Mastering Money Throughout Your Life

When Vivian Tu left Wall Street, she started sharing her financial savvy on social media to help friends build wealth and save for retirement with easy and digestible “healthy money habits”. In this session, NYT bestseller and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Vivian Tu shares tips and tools to help you build a successful financial strategy, from your first paycheck to Piña Coladas in retirement. Discover how to maximize your earnings, understand where to keep your money, identify tax strategies for retirement, and overcome investing fears to secure generational wealth. Attend this session to develop a Winning Money Mindset and create smart money habits that will grow your wealth for future generations to come.

Speaker: Vivian Tu, Founder & CEO, Your Rich BFF, and NYT Best-Selling Author

The Longevity Shift: Women’s Health Reclaimed

Women are living longer than ever—but are we living well? Too often, critical conversations about health, hormones, mental wellbeing, and menopause are delayed, dismissed, or deprioritized. In this dynamic session, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer of Hers, breaks down what women need to know now to take control of their long-term health. Walk away with actionable insights to navigate hormone shifts (yes, including perimenopause and menopause), stress and brain health, preventative screenings, and the power of daily habits that build long-term resilience. Because longevity isn’t just about adding years—it’s about owning every stage with clarity, confidence, and intention.

Speaker: Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, Women’s Wellness & Longevity Expert, Chief Medical Officer – Hers and Author, Generation M

Details to be announced!