
Day 1 - Wednesday, September 25
Sessions run from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Central Time

9:00-10:00 am CT
The Science of Happiness at Work: 5 Keys to Flourishing at Work
Stella Grizont
Author, Speaker, and Executive Coach

9:00-10:00 am CT
The Science of Happiness at Work: 5 Keys to Flourishing at Work
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In this keynote, bestselling author, positive psychology expert, and executive coach, Stella Grizont, will discuss the latest research in the science of happiness and how it applies to the workplace, so that one can be most engaged, energized, and on purpose at work.
Stella will share simple tools to help you and your employees:
Stella will share simple tools to help you and your employees:
- Manage thoughts and emotions to bolster positivity, resilience, and focus despite setbacks
- Understand the mechanics of engagement and how to optimize productivity
- Connect more deeply in relationships to feel seen, understood, and appreciated
- Experience more meaning and purpose in everyday life without making dramatic changes
- Clarify what you really, really want and how to achieve fulfilling success


10:10-10:40 am CT
L&D Unlocked LIVE: I Respectfully Disagree
Justin Jones-Fosu and Chris Elliott
Work. Meaningful. and BizLibrary

10:10-10:40 am CT
L&D Unlocked LIVE: I Respectfully Disagree
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Join Chris Elliott, CRO at BizLibrary and Justin Jones-Fosu, author and keynote speaker, as they discuss Justin's new book (and series with BizLibrary!), "I Respectfully Disagree." In addition to discussing how to facilitate respectful discussions, Justin and Chris will also field questions from the audience and answer them live!

10:10-10:40 am CT
Work Flexibility 101 for HR and L&D Practitioners
Mike Gutman
Remote Work Consultant, Speaker, and Educator

10:10-10:40 am CT
Work Flexibility 101 for HR and L&D Practitioners
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Join Mike Gutman as he discusses the importance of creating and maintaining a flexible work environment and how it can positively impact employee engagement, retention, and wellness.
He'll discuss:
He'll discuss:
- Strategies for empowering managers
- Best practices for setting up policies
- How flexibility and wellness are intertwined
- What a top down and bottom up approach looks like

10:50-11:20 am CT
The Building Blocks of Program Development: Diving into the Strategic Planning of Learning and Development Programs
Best in the Biz Award Winners

10:50-11:20 am CT
The Building Blocks of Program Development: Diving into the Strategic Planning of Learning and Development Programs
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Effective Learning and Development programs are crucial for equipping teams with the skills and knowledge needed to drive success. And the key to a truly impactful L&D initiative lies in strategic planning.
Join BizLibrary's Best in the Biz Award Winners, as they share their own experiences and discuss:
- How to align your L&D strategy with your company's mission, vision, and goals
- Methods for identifying key business drivers and translating them into actionable learning initiatives that support long-term success
- The importance of thorough needs assessments and gap analyses to identify skill gaps and development opportunities
- Tips for gathering and analyzing data to ensure your programs address real needs

11:30-12:00 pm CT
Action Steps to Creating a Respectful, Psychologically Safe Work Environment
Catherine Mattice
Founder and CEO of Civility Partners

11:30-12:00 pm CT
Action Steps to Creating a Respectful, Psychologically Safe Work Environment
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Company culture is the best way to attract, retain, and motivate employees. In other words, an inclusive and respectful company culture is a competitive advantage. So how do you get there? Attend this session to learn real, tangible, and actionable steps to building a better workplace culture using Civility Partners’ proven method for positive culture change.
At the end of this presentation, you will be able to:
At the end of this presentation, you will be able to:
- Confidently discuss the similarities and differences in bullying and harassment, and bullying and workplace violence
- Understand negative behaviors as a social phenomenon that includes peers, leaders, and the organization’s culture
- Conduct a simple survey to gain understanding of your company culture
- Create an action plan to build a positive workplace culture and track progress
- Use the three steps of intervention to help abrasive leaders change their ways

11:30-12:00 pm CT
Beyond the Basics: Designing a High-Impact Onboarding Program
Carli Cordes
Manager of Talent and Employee Experience

11:30-12:00 pm CT
Beyond the Basics: Designing a High-Impact Onboarding Program
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Are you looking to create an onboarding program that not only welcomes new employees but also sets them up for long-term success? Join Carli as she discusses how to build an onboarding program that will enhance the employee experience, foster relationship building, boost engagement, and drive employee retention.
In this session, you will learn:
In this session, you will learn:
- Key components of an effective employee onboarding program
- Strategies for building a program that is engaging, informative, and even fun
- Creative ways to integrate your new hires into the company culture
- How to measure the success of your onboarding program
- Resources that can help streamline the process while creating an experience that leaves a lasting positive impact on your new employees and your organization

12:10-12:40 pm CT
A New AI: The Case for Soft Skills Development to Create Authentic Interactions
Grace Lester
Customer Marketing Strategist

12:10-12:40 pm CT
A New AI: The Case for Soft Skills Development to Create Authentic Interactions
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Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries and reshaping job roles, and the spotlight for training and development has shifted to technical skills and digital proficiency. However, amid these advancements, the significance of soft skills—such as communication, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking—becomes more important than ever.
In this session, you will:
In this session, you will:
- Learn how these human-centric skills foster stronger relationships, effective teamwork, and innovative problem-solving
- Gain insights into how developing soft skills can future-proof your career, making you more adaptable to evolving job markets and emerging technologies
- Discover the types of programs that can positively influence your organization and help create authentic interactions

12:10-12:40 pm CT
From Isolation to Belonging to Value: Why Building HR Community Matters
Alex Seiler
Founder and Chief People Officer

12:10-12:40 pm CT
From Isolation to Belonging to Value: Why Building HR Community Matters
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In the world of HR, self-investment often takes a backseat. But when a RIF or reorg hits, the lack of a robust network and supportive community can make the road ahead not just challenging, but isolating. It’s time to change that narrative. By investing in relationships with those who are equally invested in your growth, you’re not just securing your current role—you’re fortifying your future. Your company may be the here and now, but your HR community is the bridge to long-term success and belonging. Don't wait until you need it—start building your community today.
Register for the ALIGN Conference
Questions about ALIGN? Email Lauren Cuddy at events@bizlibrary.com