“Headliners” (Keynotes)

Ryan Estis
“Passion on Purpose: Building and Sustaining a High Engagement, High Performance Work Culture”

An energized workplace; we all know it when we see it. It is the kind of place where everyone wants to work. It’s where people come first and success follows. During this session, business performance expert Ryan Estis will explore the essence of cultivating a high engagement, high performance culture in the workplace. He will challenge conventional thinking with an emphasis on innovation and provide strategies that offer attendees “actionable content” to impact their institution immediately.

As we look toward the future, our approach to human capital is transforming. Globalization as well as generational and technological drivers are accelerating change and introducing new challenges to the way we acquire and engage the right talent. Understanding the attitude and expectations of today’s workforce is critical to build the sustainable talent advantage necessary to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. Estis operates on the premise that passion at work occurs most often when the right person, in the right job, is supported through intentional and strategic action by an organization.

Estis is an expert in employee engagement, corporate culture and communications. His work has been featured in Electronic Recruiting Exchange, Workforce Management Magazine, HR Professional Magazine, SHRM, Business News Network, Staffing Management Magazine, and the books Your Employer Brand, Employer of Choice and University Means Business.

Jody Urquhart
“The Nerve to Serve: Say Hello to Humor and Goodbye to Burnout!”

Sponsored by Fidelity Investments

Humor helps; personally and professionally. The ability to laugh at life enables us to deal with daily disappointments and setbacks. Humor gives higher education HR professionals the nerve to serve in a complex and challenging environment. Join us as author and speaker Jody Urquhart demonstrates how humor helps you stay in control and maintain balance and perspective.

During this presentation, you’ll learn how to laugh at the tough stuff and use appropriate humor as a tool in the workplace. In addition, Urquhart will share her tips to help us all feel better by using humor to boost the immune system, create a fun rapport with coworkers and find new passion in the workplace.

Urquhart is passionate about spreading the message of fun and meaningful work. Her works include the book All Work and No SAY as well as a syndicated column Joy of Work, which is published in more than 40 magazines and trade journals. Her mission is to help individuals and organizations derive more meaning and satisfaction from their work.