Tuesday, May 20
All times reflect the Eastern time zone. As of March 12, 2025. Subject to change.
1–1:15 p.m.
Welcome and Introduction
1:15–2 p.m.
Opening Keynote: How Women Can Overcome the Invisible Barriers to Their Career Success
Michelle P. King, Ph.D., globally recognized expert on inequality and organizational culture, best-selling author, and award-winning speaker
Despite progress, women often face subtle, unseen obstacles that hinder career growth. In this powerful keynote session, Dr. Michelle King reveals these “invisible barriers” and equips women with strategies to overcome them. All THRIVE attendees—no matter their experience or position—will gain valuable insights into navigating workplace dynamics, advancing with confidence, and achieving career goals without compromising their authenticity.
2–2:20 p.m.
Take a Break or Join a Networking Session
Take a 20-minute break from your screen or stay with us and network with your peers in small groups. We will discuss takeaways from the opening keynote presentation as well as topics on the agenda for the rest of the THRIVE program.
2:20–2:35 p.m.
Concurrent Speed Talks
Choose one of two topics.
Deal or No Deal: Mastering the Art of Negotiations
Sara Uy, founder, SellingSara
In this speedy session, we’ll dive into the essential skills for navigating sales negotiations with confidence and emotional intelligence. Whether you’re dealing with tough clients or high-pressure situations, this talk will teach you how to stay calm, assertive, and in control. You’ll learn how to avoid feeling intimidated during a sales pitch, practical tips for pushing back effectively without damaging relationships, and how to be mindful of the impression you’re making. At the end of this talk, you’ll have actionable strategies to enhance your negotiation skills and approach each conversation with a level-headed, emotionally intelligent mindset, ultimately driving better outcomes and stronger client relationships.
Finding Joy in Your Work: Unlocking Motivation for Yourself and Your Team
Charlie Saffro, chief executive officer, CS Recruiting
In the hustle of daily tasks and deadlines, it’s easy to lose sight of what genuinely excites and fulfills us. During this speed talk, Charlie Saffro of CS Recruiting will share her story, including the highs and lows that made her, her team, and her company what they are today.
Not everyone finds joy in the same way and what excites one person might not resonate with another. As leaders, especially women striving to inspire and uplift others, it’s important to understand how to fuel motivation, both for themselves and their teams. This session will offer simple, people-focused strategies to motivate and recognize team members
2:35-2:45 p.m.
Break
2:45–3:30 p.m.
Breakout Session for Emerging Leaders
Ready Enough: Activating Your Confidence With Only 50% of the Answers
Lauren Beane of the “Ready Enough” podcast and TEDx speaker
How often do you find yourself waiting until you feel ready enough to raise your hand for opportunities? Or apply to that dream job? Or start that business?
But let’s face it: Ready is a lie. We are never truly ready, and in this session, Lauren Beane empowers the audience to believe they are ready enough (even with only 50% of the answers) to gain the confidence to pursue their goals. She proves that the key to achieving our goals is not by taking one massive leap, but by several tiny steps and the decision to believe we have what it takes.
Breakout Session for Executives
Future-Proofing for Sustained Growth Through Joy and Change Management
Erika Bantz, senior consultant, Butler Street
In the fast-paced world of staffing and recruiting, change is constant—but how leaders navigate it makes all the difference. This executive breakout session explores the power of joy as a strategic tool for driving resilience, engagement, and long-term success. Learn how to cultivate a positive culture amid industry shifts, implement effective change management strategies, and future-proof your organization for sustained growth. Walk away with actionable insights to lead with confidence, inspire your teams, and turn challenges into opportunities.
Breakout Session: Power Networking
Network with your peers in small groups.
3:30–3:40 p.m.
Break
3:40–4 p.m.
Concurrent Speed Talks
AI Power Play: Boost Your Staffing Success in 20-Minutes
Lauren B. Jones, chief executive officer, Leap Consulting
Unlock the true potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in staffing with this fast-paced session. Explore key statistics, responsible usage with a policy template, and hands-on prompt engineering. Participants will receive exclusive QR codes for more than 200 sales and recruiting prompts, a cheat sheet, and actionable AI strategies.
Driving Revenue From Where You Sit
Anna Frazzetto, founder and chief executive officer, AFM Strategic Partners
No matter your title or responsibilities, you have the power to impact your company’s bottom line. This dynamic speed talk will uncover strategies to drive revenue from any position.
4–5 p.m.
Staffing Industry Panel Discussion
Generational Perspectives on Resiliency and Uncertainty in Leadership
Facilitated by Allie Danziger, senior vice president and general manager, AscentUP
Panelists: Mariana Iannucci Craft, IT ACE data governance lead, Kelly; Tricia House, chief operating officer, The Mom Project; Naysa Lynch, brand marketing & corporate communications lead, ATR International; Tirranny Nettles, national director, client delivery & recruiting, YUPRO Placement
In today’s rapidly evolving market, leaders face unprecedented challenges as employees juggle constant change, workplace stressors, and shifting expectations. Adding to that complexity: Different generations bring unique perspectives on resilience, communication, and problem-solving. This panel discussion, featuring leaders from varying generations, will equip you with strategies to lead confidently through chaos while understanding and leveraging generational differences.
5–5:15 p.m.
Take a Break or Join a Networking Session
Take a 15-minute break away from your screen or stay with us and network with your peers in small groups.
5:15–6 p.m.
Closing Keynote: The Power of Storytelling—Building Bridges of Connection
Nika White, Ph.D., founder, Nika White Consulting, and award-winning management and leadership consultant
Storytelling is a transformative tool that goes beyond recounting events; it fosters connection, empathy, and drives lasting change. In a survey, 92% of business leaders and data professionals agreed that data storytelling is “an effective way of communicating or delivering data and analytics results.” In an era where inclusion initiatives face significant challenges, storytelling emerges as a crucial “power skill” for building collaborative, human-centered workplaces. Yet, many organizations fail to cultivate this culture intentionally.
Dr. Nika White will guide participants in understanding how to embed storytelling into organizational life to amplify collaboration and belonging. This session will explore how storytelling can bridge gaps, build empathy, and strengthen community bonds. Attendees will learn strategies to upskill leaders in crafting and sharing impactful stories, fostering a culture of psychological safety. Participants will receive practical guidance on how to create a “story bank,” a repository of shared narratives that reflect the organization’s values and amplify connection. By embracing storytelling, organizations can humanize the workplace, deepen engagement, and spark transformative change.
