Executive Leadership Support Forum - Raleigh-Durham

APRIL 5-6, 2017 – RALEIGH-DURHAM, NC

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

SUPPORT FORUM:RALEIGH-DURHAM

2017 SERIES

Elevating the Role of the Executive Assistant to Become a Respected Partner

of the Leadership Team through Effective and Impactful Communication Strategies,

Creating a Personal Brand to take your Career to the Next Level and

Mastering Time Management and Technology Tools

APRIL 5-6, 2017RALEIGH-DURHAM, NC

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP SUPPORT FORUM: RALEIGH-DURHAM

DISTINGUISHED PRESENTERS INCLUDE:

Expert Trainers & Coaches:

Raleigh-Durham Executive Assistants:

Dr. Tracey RayAssistant Vice Provost for Student Diversity, Office for Institutional Equity & DiversityNORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

Beverly Jones WilliamsDirector of Outreach & Education, Office for Institutional Equity & Diversity NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

Tawnya SchumanCertified DiSC TrainerRESOURCES UNLIMITED

Toni AlstonExecutive Assistant to President & CEOBLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD OF NORTH CAROLINA

Mary BakerExecutive Assistant to VP of Manufacturing & RTP General ManagerBIOGEN

Lycia PhippsSr. Executive AssistantVF CORPORATION

Emilia RuizHR Coordinator/Structural AdministratorSTEWART

Sandra KorbelExecutive Administrative Assistant to VP, Head of North American R&DMERZ NORTH AMERICA

Juwana Hancock, CAPExecutive Assistant to President & CEO, CFO, In-House General Counsel & Chairman of the BoardMCKIM & CREED

Libby JenkinsSr. Executive Assistant to Global Head of Seeds & TraitsBAYER CROPSCIENCE

Lynda Boulay, CAP-OMExecutive Assistant to PartnersERNST AND YOUNG

Cynthia LaubeSr. Executive Assistant to VP of Global SalesCITRIX

Anne BeloteExecutive Assistant to Vice Chancellor for Student AffairsUNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL

Olivia ByrdBusiness Office Supervisor, Planning DepartmentCITY OF GREENSBORO

Sarah WooExecutive Assistant to President & EVP/GMPNC ARENA/CAROLINA HURRICANES

Lynda BlessingtonSr. Executive Assistant to EVP, Operations & CFORED HAT

Gail SpruillExecutive Assistant CEO & CMOBB&T INSURANCE SERVICES

Teresa CypherGlobal Administration AssistantIBM

Kelley KinneyLead Sr. Executive AssistantFIDELITY INVESTMENTS

Susan BergerExecutive Assistant to VP, Financial Services Sales, USSAS

Cynthia HarrisVirtual Executive AssistantCHARRISVIRTUAL ASSISTANT

Rachel WorkSr. Executive Assistant to US President of Corporate Strategy & DevelopmentINTRAHEALTH INTERNATIONAL

JOIN THE LINKEDIN GROUP https://lnkd.in/e72gPgj #ELSForum

EARN CREDITSThis event has been approved for 10.25 IAAP CAP Recertification Points from the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

CONFERENCE SPONSOR PARTNERS:



Day One Agenda – Wednesday, April 5

8:00 REGISTRATION & WELCOME COFFEE8:50 CHAIRPERSON’S OPENING REMARKS

LIVE POLL: ANONYMOUS TEXT RESPONSEDo you have autonomy in making some decisions on behalf of your executive?

9:00 INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR DIVERSE PERSONALITY TYPES The success of the strategic business partnership between an ex-ecutive and the assistant relies heavily upon open communication and respect. A healthy partnership is one that often takes time and commitment to develop. Having the mental acuity as well as the confidence to ask the right questions, voice concerns and offer solutions in an appropriate manner will enable the assistant to effec-tively partner with the executive. Through an interactive workshop, attendees will study different personality types and approaches to effectively communicate with varying management styles. • Personality Assessment: EA and Executive • Communication approaches for different personalities• Setting expectations and establishing boundaries• Confidence to utilize negotiation strategiesTawnya Schuman, Certified DiSC Trainer RESOURCES UNLIMITED

10:30 COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAKLIVE POLL: ANONYMOUS TEXT RESPONSEDo you think that your executive views you as a strategic business partner?

11:00 SCENARIO-BASED WORKSHOP: BECOMING A WELL-RESPECTED PARTNER OF THE LEADERSHIP TEAM Executive assistants are, among many things, trusted advisors to the executives they support as their responsibilities take on an evolving and critical role in business. Communicating with multiple departments and various executives both internally and externally is an everyday expectation for EA’s, yet provides an additional set of challenges as some peers have antiquated perceptions of the role. In a team-based workshop setting, attendees will address real scenarios in which EA’s have to exert leadership to get the job done and gain the respect of their colleagues.• Inserting yourself into the business• Strategies to become indispensable• Managing departmental relationships• Embracing corporate change and reorganizationMary Baker, EA to VP of Manufacturing & RTP General Manager BIOGENCynthia Laube, Sr. Executive Assistant to VP of Global Sales CITRIX

12:15 LUNCH & LEARN SEMINAR: INDUSTRY BREAKOUT SESSIONSDesignated tables will be assigned to specific industry sectors, enabling participants to meet and discuss like-minded issues with cohorts from the same industry. Core areas for discussion will include industry-specific training opportunities, online and print resources for gaining industry knowledge, as well as industry-specific challenges.

1:15 THE GAME OF LIFE: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT EDITIONEA’s are business game changers, always making the impossible possible for their executive on numerous levels. This interactive and exhilarating session will put participants to the test. Based off the classic board game, The Game of LIFE, in this edition, attendees will demonstrate their EA skills while picking up some new best practices along the way as they compete in teams to become the ultimate executive assistant! Gail Spruill, Executive Assistant to CEO & CMO BB&T INSURANCE SERVICESTeresa Cypher, Global Administration Assistant IBM

LIVE POLL: ANONYMOUS TEXT RESPONSEIs the Executive Assistant role a lifelong career for you?

2:15 ADVISORY PANEL: CREATING A PERSONAL BRAND & TAKING YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL Executive assistants take to tasks and responsibilities like a chame-leon changing color, making them well-rounded and proficient in a variety of business aspects. With exposure to numerous facets of a business, EA’s possess a number of transferable skills and are well-equipped to cross-function and pursue alternative career avenues. Current and former EA’s will discuss their journey in finding a vo-cation, sharing inspirational career success stories and advisement in taking your career to the next level. • Short stories for success• Expanding upon the EA skill set• Seeking opportunities for career growth• Networking and creating a brand Lynda Boulay, CAP-OM, Executive Assistant to Partners ERNST & YOUNGSusan Berger, Executive Assistant to VP, Financial Services Sales US SAS Rachel Work, Sr. Executive Assistant to US President of Corporate Strategy & Development INTRAHEALTH INTERNATIONALAnne Belote, Executive Assistant to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL Emilia Ruiz, HR Coordinator/Structural Administrator STEWART

3:15 COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAKLIVE POLL: ANONYMOUS TEXT RESPONSEHow many years of experience do you have as an Executive Assistant? What is your current annual salary?

3:45 CLOSING THE WAGE GAP: SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATING TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT Despite the fact that executive assistants negotiate daily, be it per-sonally or professionally, very few undergo formal negotiation skills training that could be applied to terms of employment. Considering the imperative need of the EA role, developing the skills to effec-tively, calmly and confidently negotiate employment terms is a must for all EA’s pursuing career advancement. Through anonymous live polling, attendees will gain real-time data on the salary and bene-fits of their EA peers followed by short stories of those who have successfully negotiated terms of employment.

4:15 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT: AN INSIDE LOOKAs executive assistants continue to discover unconventional av-enues for professional development, others have made the leap from working within the traditional EA role to becoming a virtual assistant. Uniquely, virtual assistants manage their own business as an assistant while facing the common challenges of time manage-ment and executive preferences. Through case study presentation, a virtual assistant will offer insight into the role and the transition from traditional EA to full-time business owner and virtual assistant.• Possibilities and limitations• Pro’s and con’s• Assuming the role of business owner• Resources to get startedCynthia Harris, Virtual Executive Assistant CHARRISVIRTUAL ASSISTANT

5:00 CLOSING REMARKS & DAY ONE CONCLUSION



8:15 REGISTRATION & WELCOME COFFEE8:50 CHAIRPERSON’S OPENING REMARKS9:00 BYOD TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP: BECOMING THE TECH-SAVVY EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTTechnology is continuously changing the way business is conducted, and for executive assistants, it is imperative to stay abreast on the latest tools in order to work as efficiently and effectively as pos-sible. As an increasing number of companies are calling for more “tech-savvy” assistants, EA’s recognize the need for heightened technology-based training. In this technology workshop, attend-ees will practice underutilized functionalities within the Microsoft Office Suite.

10:30 COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAKLIVE POLL: ANONYMOUS TEXT RESPONSE Are you able to disconnect from work on evenings, weekends and holidays?

11:00 PANEL: PUTTING YOURSELF FIRST TO MASTER WORK-LIFE BALANCEFor an executive assistant, work is demanding with availability expec-tations often extending 24/7 as the adoption of smart phones has made it nearly impossible to fully disconnect. Research has shown that consistent bleeding of work into personal time can jeopardize physical and mental well-being. The first step in achieving a sustain-able work-life balance is communicating openly with the executive to establish appropriate boundaries. EA’s from diverse industries will share strategies to attain a happy medium.Kelley Kinney, Lead Sr. Executive Assistant FIDELITY INVESTMENTS Lynda Blessington, Sr. Executive Assistant to EVP, Operations & CFO RED HAT Sarah Woo, Executive Assistant to President & EVP/GM PNC ARENA/CAROLINA HURRICANESToni Alston, Executive Assistant to President & CEO BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD OF NORTH CAROLINA

LIVE POLL: ANONYMOUS TEXT RESPONSEIf your executive was promoted, do you think you would get promoted as a team?

11:45 EXPERIENCE-LEVEL EXCHANGE GROUP: CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AS AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTConference attendees will break into groups based on their expe-rience level as an executive assistant to discuss the evolution of the EA role as well as some of the challenges faced at the current stage of their career. Best practices around training, professional development, salary negotiations and career next steps will be shared. The breakout session will be facilitated for seamless flow of conversation and information.

BREAKOUT GROUPS BY EXPERIENCE AS AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: • 9 years or less• 10-19 years• 20+ yearsFACILITATOR:Libby Jenkins, Sr. Executive Assistant to Global Head of Seeds & Traits BAYER CROPSCIENCE

12:30 LUNCH & LEARN SEMINAR: BOOKS TO MOTIVATE & CAPTIVATEWith so many books and resources available, having an opportunity to share a favorite print book or online resource with peers, and collaborate on lessons learned or motivations gained from the text is a valuable opportunity. During this lunch and learn, participants are asked to bring to the meeting a favorite book, and to be prepared to discuss the merits and educational impact of the piece. Q1 will make note of all of the books collected, and will share the full list of reads suggested post-event.

LIVE POLL: ANONYMOUS TEXT RESPONSEHave you personally experienced workplace bullying during your Executive Assistant career?

1:30 ADVISORY PANEL: ARMOR WITH TOOLS TO RESOLVE CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACEWithin the elevated position of executive assistant, actions or pro-cesses may fall under scrutiny due to a lack of understanding of the partnership established with the executive. During situations where spectators unjustly assess the EA’s ability to perform job functions, one must always maintain professionalism, diplomacy and patience. Traversing political relationships not only within the EA hierarchy but also across the company is a challenging art to master considering the unpredictability of human behavior.• Handling bullying in the workplace • Shared stories of success and failure • Disclosing conflict to the executive • Pacifying a hostile work environmentLibby Jenkins, BAYER CROPSCIENCE Lycia Phipps, VF CORPORATION Sandra Korbel, MERZ NORTH AMERICA Olivia Byrd, CITY OF GREENSBORO2:15 COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAK2:45 EMBRACING DIVERSITY: THE KEY TO A THRIVING WORKPLACE When individuals feel that they are unable to be themselves in the workplace, they will not fully engage as part of the team, which can potentially result in low morale, decreased productivity and reduced retention. Research indicates that diversity and inclusion remains a top priority for 2017. According to Forbes.com, McKinsey’s research shows ethnically-diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform their peers, and Catalyst research shows that companies with more women on the board statistically outperform their peers over a long period of time. Being aware, sensitive and respectful of cultural, racial and gender differences in the workplace is a promise all professionals should commit to. Dr. Tracey Ray, Assistant Vice Provost for Student Diversity, Office for Institutional Equity & Diversity NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITYBeverly Jones Williams, Director of Outreach & Education, Office for Institutional Equity & Diversity NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY4:15 MAKING THE BEST IMPRESSION: BUSINESS ETIQUETTE FOR THE MODERN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT With executive assistants assuming the role of a strategic business partner, the need to possess superior business etiquette has be-come vital. EA’s act as an extension of their executive by nurturing relationships on his or her behalf, making positive introductions and impressions a key skill set for the modern EA. Taking the re-sponsibility of meeting preparation one step further will elevate the reputation of the executive, the assistant and the company in the eyes of business colleagues. • Acknowledging cultural differences • Dressing for success: Business and casual • Handshake and introduction etiquette • Balance personal and professional image Juwana Hancock, CAP, Executive Assistant to President & CEO, CFO, In-House General Counsel & Chairman of the Board MCKIM & CREED5:00 CLOSING REMARKS & CONFERENCE CONCLUSION

Day Two Agenda – Thursday, April 6



Twin Cities 2016 Attendees

Miami 2016 Attendees

Tawnya SchumanCertified DiSC TrainerRESOURCES UNLIMITED

Tawnya Schuman joined Resources Unlimited in January 2015. She has extensive train-ing in several DISC-based communication tools and methodologies, Edward de Bono’s Six Hats and Lateral Thinking Systems, and Patrick Lencioni’s Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team training program. Tawnya

has worked very closely with clients in a variety of sectors – from governmental agencies to Fortune 500 Companies to small busi-nesses – to help meet their training needs by facilitating group training sessions, virtual webinars, and one-on-one coaching. She mentors and assists individuals on their journey to become expert trainers in the training programs offered by Resources Unlimited.

Lynda Boulay, CAP-OMExecutive Assistant to PartnersERNST & YOUNG

Lynda Boulay, CAP-OM is an experienced top performing professional executive as-sistant who in her career has worked with non-profit, ground breaking and established profit business entities, international busi-ness, state government and the federal intel-ligence community. Currently she supports

five EY (Ernst & Young) partners--EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Lynda has an affinity for organization; takes pride in providing highest quality support to her managers; anticipates needs and delivers seamless service allowing the executive to focus on strategic objectives. She has been immersed in multiple and diverse cultures in her career hav-ing traveled, worked and lived in 15 countries. Lynda is a Certified Administrative Professional with a specialization in Organizational Management (CAP-OM). The Central Intelligence Agency awarded her a Meritorious Honor, and she received recognition as Secretary of the Year for the State of Illinois.

Cynthia LaubeSr. Executive Assistant to the VP of Global SalesCITRIX

Cynthia Laube is the Sr. Executive Assistant to the leader of global sales

for the GoTo Products at Citrix for the past 6 years, a $3B global Fortune 1000 software company. Before joining Citrix in 2011, she spent the past 25+ years sharpening her skills in support of execu-tives. Cynthia has worked in all facets of office administration and is recognized with awards of achievements for commitment to qual-ity, contributing to the bottom line and improved office efficiency. Cynthia is a pioneer of remote and virtual support to executives. For the past 10 years, she has successfully supported three executives located in Kansas, Oregon and Texas while she lived in California.

KEY SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Testimonials“Wow, what a great time of team bonding, sharing, and networking. Today, I am returning to work revived and confident, with a new sense of direction. The executives I support will greatly benefit from all of the valuable information I received.”

Administrative Assistant, GE Power

“I learned many valuable tools from each speaker that I am taking away with me. Motivational, energetic and informative!”

Executive Assistant, Acceleron Pharma

“I came away from those two days with so much knowledge and great resources. I loved that it was a small group so we could really interact and get to know everyone. I am looking forward to next year!”

Executive Assistant, SugarHouse Casino

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP SUPPORT FORUM: THE SERIES

In 2016, Q1 Productions hosted the Executive Leadership Support Forum in 9 cities across the country, focusing on corporate hubs and regional business centers, providing training and education to over 600 Executive Assistants. 2017 will see an expansion of the series, providing an opportunity for leadership support staff throughout the US and abroad to gather for an unrivaled educational and net-working opportunity..

CHICAGOJanuary 25 & 26

INDIANAPOLISFebruary 8 & 9

TORONTOMarch 8 & 9

ATLANTAMarch 29 & 30

RALEIGH-DURHAMApril 5 & 6

BOSTONMay 3 & 4

BAY AREAMay 17 & 18

SAN DIEGOJune 14 & 15

NEW YORK CITYJune 28 & 29

PHILADELPHIAJuly 19 & 20

PHOENIXSeptember 13 & 14

SEATTLESeptember 19 & 20

MINNEAPOLISOctober 4 & 5

DALLAS/FORT WORTHOctober 11 & 12

LONDONOctober 25 & 26

Documents

Executive Leadership Support Forum - Raleigh-Durham