Free Business Topics in Chicago

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  • Rearchitecting Work: POSSIBILITY PARTNERS UNLEASHING POTENTIAL

    Dianne M. Michels, HR Possibility Partner, Author, Rearchitecting Work Speaker, possibilitypartners.org

    A Blueprint for "Unlocking the Power of Human Resources to Unleash the Potential of Human Beings" . . . enabling organizations to set bold goals that can be achieved with more PREDICTABILITY, INNOVATION, and EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT! MORE >

    Learn about the key paradigm shifts that provide the foundation for the changes in conditions, relationships, cultural norms, and leadership approaches that can transform people's relationship to work from a burden to survive to a possibility to thrive . . . while producing results that meet or exceed revenue, profitability, and growth goals of the enterprise.

    You will be introduced to the 10 design principles that support the paradigm shifting changes in assumptions, beliefs, and behavioral practices that enable people to go beyond learning new skills to expanding their adaptability, flexibility, resiliency, and self-directedness in a world that is increasingly more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.

    The 10 design principles include:
    Ch. 1 Alignment between HR and the CEO
    Ch. 2 Unlocking the Power of HR to Unleash the Potential Within Your Workplace
    Ch. 3 The Power of Possibility - "There are no mistakes; only possibilities" Tina Fey
    Ch. 4 Leadership Beliefs and Behaviors that model mutual respect, trust, transparency . . .
    Ch. 5 Inspiring Ownership for Results vs. Holding People Accountable
    Ch. 6 Igniting Results: Expressing Our Value vs. Proving Our Worth
    Ch. 7 Participating, Contributing, Self-Expressing vs. Checking Off Our To Do Lists - "Only do what your heart tells you." Princess Diana
    Ch. 8 Celebrating Diversity as a Competitive Edge!
    Ch. 9 Recruiting: Creating Raving Fans - "Transforming often dreaded interview interrogations into life-affirming conversations.
    Ch. 10 Communications: Creating Psychological Safety so People can Speak Candidly With One Another Regardless of the Hierarchy -
    "Relationships determine the quality of our lives, and conversations determine the quality of our relationships."

    Can be presented virtually via ZOOM.

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  • Empowering the Multi-Generational Workforce

    Mary Erlain, President, Peak Development Strategies

    Much has changed since 2020, and our workforce has undergone a dramatic shift. One entire generation has retired, while another has entered in greater numbers, reshaping the dynamics of our workplaces. MORE >

    We work in a diverse environment where embracing differences can drive business growth—if organizations empower their workforce to leverage their unique gifts and values. The real challenge lies in finding effective ways to do just that: fostering inclusion and enabling employees to thrive.

    Explore strategies to bridge generational gaps among staff and recognize how, often unintentionally, we might be contributing to the problem rather than being part of the solution.

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  • Heart, Hustle, & Muscle: The Real Estate

    Marcus Carter, Marcus Carter, Carter Property Solutions LLC

    In a consumer driven market, many seek financial freedom and fall prey to snake oil salesmen offering life altering results based on a catchy pitch. MORE >

    The wealthy keep to themselves, adding mystery to fulfillment and success. Well I'm here to let the cat out of the bag. In this fast paced, results driven presentation, Marcus Carter uses real estate to describe an attainable, realistic path to wealth and success.

    In this presentation, participants can look to gain:

    1. Keys To Discovering What Works For You To Pursue Success And Efficiency
    2. The 3 Key Elements The Most Productive People Have At Their Disposal
    3. Actions Steps To Make Change Right After This Talk!

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  • Off High Alert: Practical Nervous System Tools for High-Pressure Work Environments

    Ron Martin, Principal, Founder, Executive Coach, Ocean Park Strategic Advisors

    Many capable, high-performing professionals experience stress in their body even when things are going well at work.

    - A tight chest before meetings.
    - A jolt when emails come in.
    - A constant background sense of being “on edge.” MORE >

    This free talk introduces Off High Alert, a practical, body-first approach to understanding and reducing work-related stress that doesn’t rely on mindset shifts, positive thinking, or therapy.

    Participants will learn why the nervous system often stays on high alert in modern work environments and why “just relaxing” rarely works, even for highly competent, prepared professionals.

    This session is especially relevant for people who:

    - Feel physically reactive to emails, meetings, or work interactions before their brain has time to catch up
    - Stay functional and productive while feeling tense or exhausted underneath
    - Don’t want therapy, oversharing, or long emotional processing
    - Want practical tools that can be used during the workday, discreetly and effectively

    During this talk, attendees will:

    - Understand how and why stress shows up physically at work
    - Learn simple, in-the-moment nervous system regulation tools
    - Reframe stress responses without self-blame or pathologizing
    - Leave with a clear, repeatable way to help their body stand down in high-pressure situations

    This is a grounded, practical, work-safe talk designed to meet professionals where they are, without asking them to lower their standards, change who they are, or step away from their careers.

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  • Reliability That Lasts: Embedding Stability Into Daily Work

    John Casey, Founder and President, Shamrock Consultants

    Every plant wants reliability, but few achieve it in a way that lasts. Tools and systems help, but they don’t hold up without leadership discipline behind them. This talk explores how reliability is built, not through big initiatives, but through small, consistent behaviors that shape daily work. MORE >

    John shares how to create stability even when production demands spike, how to build systems that don’t rely on individual heroes, and how leadership habits can make reliability feel natural instead of forced. It’s a practical, real‑world guide to creating operations that run smoothly day after day.
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  • The China Trade War: Trade, Tariffs and Supply Chain Considerations

    Lauren Pittelli, Principal, Baker Logistics Consulting Services Inc.

    Global Supply Chains have always had their intricacies, and with international trade and the global economy in flux it is vital to understand the complexities of trade relations. What's the status of the trade war? Will it end soon - and if not, what should we expect in the future ...and most importantly, what should U.S. companies be doing today to address these uncertainties? MORE >

    If you are currently doing business in China you should not miss this presentation and if you are not currently doing business in China you still should not miss this presentation - because you and your business are likely to be affected by what happens with trade between the U.S. and China.
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  • The 60-minute Strategic Plan

    Matt Kinnich, CEO, Roland, Ruth & Mitchell

    Technically, there is no such thing as a 60-minute strategic plan, but this session will provide the foundation, framework and next steps of building out your personal, team or organization’s strategies and plan. Participants will engage in the following: MORE >

    • Overview of Strategic Framework
    • What are your goals?
    • What is your purpose?
    • What does your environment look like?
    • What are my options?
    • What options are best?
    • Individual/Group questions
    • What actions am I willing to do next?
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  • Internet Marketing: SEO & PPC

    Lyndsey Maddox, Director of Business Development, Digital Third Coast

    This presentation will cover basic to advanced tactics for search engine optimization (SEO), pay per click marketing (PPC) and developing online marketing strategies to provide a measurable difference in business.

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  • Women in Leadership

    Bette Lawrence-Water, Founder and Principal Consultant, Spectrum Strategic Solutions

    In the United States today, women make up half of the workforce. Unfortunately for women, their male colleagues are promoted at a much higher rate. Women offer great work ethnics, and bring something different from men to the workforce, but many times it goes unnoticed. In this workshop, you will learn about how organizations can develop women leaders, about the benefits of women in organizations, as well as advancements for the future of women. You will learn how women in the workplace cannot only benefit the women themselves, but also the organization. MORE >

    Through this engaging, enlightening, and empowering discussion of Women in Leadership, the audience will learn how women are changing the workforce. The discussion helps participants gain a new perspective on the workforce, and uncover the benefits that come from hiring and promoting women to higher positions.

    Presentation Objectives:
    • Discuss the leadership gap between men and women
    • Learn about women in various powerful positions
    • Discuss different traits associated with women in management
    • Understand the different barriers facing women in leadership positions
    • Learn about the benefits of having women in the workforce

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  • The Carrot and Stick are Obsolete – How to Deploy the Right Employee Incentives in Today’s Business Environment

    Mark James, Founder & President, Performance Advisors Group, Inc.

    Are your incentive programs delivering desired results? Incentives work, but you must get them right to positively impact performance and avoid wasting time and money. MORE >

    The traditional approach to improving workplace behavior was often characterized by a “lady-or-the-tiger” experience which ignored that employees are motivated in different ways and underestimated the importance of connecting personal meaning to what they do.

    This VIRTUAL OR IN PERSON presentation will reveal best practices any business can and should do to ensure employee incentive programs are working properly. Attendees will come away with knowledge and tips concerning:
    • Why incentives are a tactic, not the strategy
    • Commitment and support of leaders
    • Choosing right incentive structure
    • Audience selection
    • Goal setting
    • Communicating what, who, how, and why
    • Avoiding element of chance
    • Choosing the right recognition and rewards
    • Keeping it fresh and appealing

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