2025 PeopleDev@work | @workevents.org

Feb 26, 2025
11:30am-4:00pm ET

Welcome to PeopleDev@work: Shaping the Future of Talent and Growth.

In a world reshaped by AI, hybrid work, and evolving employee expectations, PeopleDev@work is a cutting-edge seminar designed to redefine how organizations invest in their most valuable asset—their people.

This program explores transformative strategies for aligning performance and growth, fostering a culture of continuous development, and addressing the unique challenges of frontline, hybrid, and remote workforces. From embracing AI, creating personalized learning paths to rethinking performance enablement, we’ll dive into the innovative practices driving the next evolution of People Development.

Join top HR leaders, talent experts, and workforce innovators as we build a roadmap for impactful growth, connected purpose, and a sustainable talent ecosystem. Together, we’ll tackle the most pressing challenges, share actionable insights, and spark meaningful change.

About the Event

Welcome to PeopleDev@work: Building the Blueprint for Growth and Leadership.

In a rapidly evolving world of work, where hybrid models, global teams, and dynamic employee expectations challenge the status quo, PeopleDev@work is the premier seminar for redefining how organizations develop and empower their people.

This program delivers a forward-thinking approach to people development, focusing on transformative strategies that align performance with growth, foster cultures of connection and purpose, and prepare leaders and teams to thrive in a future defined by complexity and change. From crafting performance-centered development plans to building leadership at every level, we’ll explore the frameworks, insights, and tools necessary to unlock the full potential of your workforce.

Join top HR leaders, talent experts, and organizational innovators as we connect today’s challenges with tomorrow’s possibilities. Together, we’ll create a sustainable talent ecosystem that drives impact, builds resilience, and ensures long-term success. PeopleDev@work isn’t just about ideas, it’s about turning those ideas into action and measurable outcomes.

About the Event

Why Attend

FREE to attend, thanks to our incredible event supporters!
Amazing content from an exciting speaker lineup of thought leaders.
Interact with speakers and peers in a LIVE virtual setting.
All registrants get access to the content On-Demand for 30 days.
Earn SHRM & HRCI recertification credits.

Agenda

11:30am EST
TO
11:40am EST

Opening Remarks & Welcome

Vision Setting: What does People Development mean to you in 2025?

Zech Dahms, Community and Culture Program Director, achieve Engagement

11:40am EST
TO
12:10pm EST

Unlocking Development - Pollinate with Purpose, Shine with Support

True growth begins with intentionality, choosing who and how we want to be. This keynote explores four transformative tenets to guide personal and organizational development: cultivating empowering mindsets, building a constellation of growth partners, creating environments where trust and diversity thrive, and embracing the Platinum Rule to lead with empathy and curiosity. Together, let’s make growth intentional, connected, and inclusive.

Speakers:

Katie P. Desiderio, Ph.D, Author, The Stargazer: Unleashing the Brilliance of Building Brighter Teams

Michael G. Frino Ph.D, Author, The Stargazer: Unleashing the Brilliance of Building Brighter Teams

12:10pm EST
TO
1:25pm EST

Strategic Growth: Building the Future of Learning, Leadership & People Development

As organizations face unprecedented challenges in an evolving work environment, the need for strategic, future-focused development has never been greater. How do we start building development for the next 10 years? This session will explore how to equip leaders and teams with the skills, mindsets, and frameworks necessary to thrive in a dynamic, multicultural, and outcomes-driven workplace. Through a performance-centered lens, discover how to align people development with business success while preparing for the next decade of change.

Key Outcomes and Learnings:

Develop a Future-Ready Workforce: Build development strategies that anticipate future skills and create "Path to Proficiency" plans for sustainable growth.
Enable Global Leadership: Cultivate leaders who thrive in cross-cultural, collaborative environments by fostering humility, empathy, and adaptability.
Align L&D with Business Impact: Shift from traditional training to performance consulting

Speakers:

Dessalen Wood, Global Chief People Officer, Syntax

Jimmy Parker, Founder & Chief Architect, vertical.dev

Srikant Chellappa, CEO/Co-Founder, Engagedly

1:25pm EST
TO
2:05pm EST

A Generative Dialogue Around The World Of People Development

A dynamic conversation on how organizations are reimagining People Development globally. Panelists will share their challenges, breakthroughs, and insights into the skills economy, cultural shifts, and emerging trends.

Moderator:

Zech Dahms, Community and Culture Program Director, achieve Engagement

Panelists:

Mertcan UZUN, Director, Culture & Community, Workplace, DEI, Blinkist

Chris Silva, Sr. Manager of Organizational Development, Wellhub (Gympass)

Tegan Trovato, Founder and CEO, Bright Arrow Coaching

2:05pm EST
TO
3:20pm EST

Building Leadership at Every Level: Coaching, Mentorship, and the High-Performance Pyramid

Organizations succeed when leadership development reaches every level, fostering cultures of connection, resilience, and purpose. This session dives into the infrastructure of high-performing leadership strategies, emphasizing the critical roles of coaching and mentorship in equipping employees with the human-centric skills required to lead and thrive. Learn how to implement the High-Performance Pyramid framework to create personalized, impactful development plans tailored to individual needs and organizational goals.

Key Outcomes and Learnings:

Develop High-Performance Strategies: Build scalable coaching and mentorship programs that align with hybrid workplace needs and leadership challenges.
Personalize Development Plans: Use the High-Performance Pyramid to tailor leadership development experiences for managers and employees, supporting growth at all levels.
Foster Human-Centric Skills: Equip leaders with resilience, empathy, and cultural intelligence to thrive in dynamic and diverse environments.

Speakers:

April Squillante, Vice President of Human Resources, Cover Whale

Katy Amaya, Senior Culture Strategist, Culture Partners

Jason Aydelott, Director of Learning and People Development, American Customer Care

3:20 pm EST
TO
4:00pm EST

Close the day with a powerful synthesis of the latest research, key insights, and actionable strategies shared throughout the program. This session connects the dots between today’s learnings and tomorrow’s possibilities, equipping you with the data and foresight to lead boldly in the evolving landscape of People Development. Walk away inspired and ready to turn ideas into measurable impact.

Zech Dahms, Community and Culture Program Director, achieve Engagement

Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner, Workplace Intelligence