The Summer Seminar is 8:00 am to 12:00 pm CDT

Agenda
8:00 - 8:30: Check-in and Networking
8:30 - 9:45:  Effective Communication: Building Stronger Workplace Connections
9:45 - 10:15: Break and visit local vendor tables
10:15 - 11:30: Navigating Change: Building Confidence Through Communication
11:30 - 12:00: Door Prizes and Wrap-Up

About Your Presenters

Amy Murphy  - With more than 30 years of experience in workforce development, human resources, leadership coaching, and organizational training, Amy Murphy specializes in helping organizations strengthen communication to improve leadership effectiveness and employee engagement. Throughout her career, she has partnered with manufacturers to develop high-performing teams through leadership development, coaching, onboarding, performance management, and customer service excellence. Amy's extensive experience designing and facilitating customized training programs, combined with her expertise in cross-functional collaboration and workforce strategy, enables her to provide practical communication techniques that foster stronger relationships, greater accountability, and organizational success.

Paola Velasquez - With more than 20 years of experience in leadership development, organizational culture, and workforce transformation, Paola Velasquez helps organizations successfully navigate change while strengthening employee engagement and performance. As a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, she has led cross-functional teams through transformational initiatives, developing sustainable leadership programs that improve collaboration, reduce turnover, and build resilient workplace cultures. Drawing on experience across manufacturing, healthcare, business, and academia, Paola provides practical, people-centered strategies that help leaders effectively manage change and achieve lasting organizational success. 

Thriving Through Change: Communication Skills for Today's Workplace

Today's workplace is evolving faster than ever, making effective communication and the ability to navigate change essential skills for employees at every level. This interactive half-day program provides practical strategies participants can immediately apply to strengthen workplace relationships, improve collaboration, reduce misunderstandings, and confidently respond to organizational change. Through engaging discussions, real-world scenarios, and hands-on activities, participants will leave with tools they can begin using the very next day.

Effective Communication: Building Stronger Workplace Connections

Effective communication is the foundation of every successful workplace. Whether interacting with coworkers, customers, or leadership, how we communicate directly influences productivity, trust, teamwork, and problem-solving.

This highly interactive workshop explores the essential elements of communication, including verbal messaging, tone of voice, nonverbal communication, and active listening. Participants will gain a better understanding of how communication styles influence workplace interactions while practicing techniques to improve clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and build stronger professional relationships.

Participants will learn how to:

• Communicate messages with greater clarity and confidence
• Recognize the impact of tone and body language
• Practice active listening techniques that improve understanding
• Ask more effective questions to strengthen conversations
• Reduce workplace misunderstandings and conflict
• Build trust through intentional communication

Navigating Change: Building Confidence Through Communication

Change is constant, but how individuals respond to change often determines organizational success. Whether facing new technology, process improvements, organizational restructuring, or shifting customer expectations, employees who understand the change process are better equipped to adapt and contribute positively.

Building upon the communication skills introduced in the previous workshop, this interactive session explores why people respond differently to change and how effective communication can reduce uncertainty, increase engagement, and support successful transitions. Participants will learn practical strategies for managing change, addressing resistance, and maintaining a positive mindset while helping others move forward.

Participants will learn how to:

• Understand the emotional and organizational impact of change
• Recognize common reactions to change and how to respond effectively
• Use communication to reduce uncertainty and build trust during transitions
• Develop strategies for adapting to changing workplace expectations
• Identify actions that support personal resilience and organizational success
• Apply practical tools to become more adaptable and engaged during change initiatives