A special section prepared by the staff of the Midlands Business Journal
Aug
HYBRID
Virtual + In-Person
conference.com
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• JUNE 11, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference
ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference returns with hybrid format for 2021 by Michelle Leach
In its 40th year, the Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN) is gearing up for its 28th installment of the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference. The annual event, now in a hybrid in-person/ virtual format, will explore the theme of “IN SIGHT: Step Up. Stand Out. Stand Together,” on Aug. 11 at CHI Health Center Omaha and through its virtual platform. Additionally, there will be a series of virtual events June 16, July 14 and Sept. 8. These new opportunities present learning supplements, additional touchpoints with speakers, leaders and attendees and largely keep the dialogue, energy and experience going to create a complete conference season experience. “The ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference is always educational and inspirational for women in business,” said ICAN President and CEO Susan L. Henricks. “This year it will be all about how women must step up and advocate for
This is where the notion of “Step Up themselves and for their careers — and for and Stand Out” comes into play. The conthe women that follow.” Henricks noted that women need to ference, via programming such as presentake on opportunities to gain visibility, tations featuring female and male leaders apply for big jobs, ask for stretch assign- in the community and national and global thought leaders, is helping atments and to seek true sponsortendees to define ways to step up ship. and stand out. Instead of waiting “Women need to be more for career-advancing opportuniconfident in believing they can ties to come to them, Henricks move up in their organizations underscored, women need to and define a career path that moseek out those next steps — be tivates them,” she said. “Women it mentorship, taking on projects need to sponsor/mentor others to outside their day-to-day role, or lift up all women leaders.” ways to grow skill sets. She also emphasized men More to its programming, need to sponsor and/or mentor the conference will equip atwomen more than they do today. Henricks tendees with examples, tools “We want women in busiand approaches on exactly how ness to understand that they own their careers and their career trajectories,” Hen- to ask, when to ask and what to ask to gain ricks said. “Their company or organization visibility and exposure in one’s career, does not own this; their boss does not own she said. Henricks also indicated that this this. Each individual owns their career. stepping up and standing out not only There is wonderful potential in that.”
positively affects the individual doing the asking, but also has a positive effect on all fellow women leaders’ careers. “A collection of our conference speakers will focus on the difference between a mentor and a sponsor,” she said. “A mentor can help make introductions and give valuable advice. So, that you can guide your career.” The mentor/sponsor distinction is important. “A sponsor can go a number of steps further by leveraging their reputation, their position and their personal capital to advocate for your success, to advocate for you to get to that next position,” Henricks said. “Women need true sponsorship in order to move up in their organization.” In fact, the morning keynote featuring leadership authority Herminia Ibarra of the London Business School will explore: “The Spectrum of Sponsorship.” Other keynotes and skill-building workshops will feature the likes of Black Girls Code’s Kimberly Bryant, TEDWomen’s Pat Mitchell and The Cru’s Tiffany Dufu on topics about having a seat at the table, embracing risk to change the world and the future of women’s leadership, respectively. “Another key element of our theme this year is the importance of volunteer experience in the community and/or sitting on nonprofit boards,” Henricks said. “Clearly this is win-win, for the community and important for businesses to support their employees in engaging in the community.” She noted such participation provides a key avenue for women in business to give back, to learn and to develop skills in a different setting than the regular business environment. This notion supports both the women’s careers and allows for the business to stand out, too. “Finally, the ‘stand together’ element is all about how we collectively support the pipeline of all women leaders,” Henricks said. “How do we also help others around and behind us to stand out, have access and be visible and empowered to elevate their career?” When asked about the identification of “IN SIGHT: Step Up. Stand Out. Stand Together,” especially during a historical time of social transformation, Henricks indicated how ICAN leans into its own: its guru of conference development, Lisa Kaplan. “[Lisa] does constant and consistent research on what are the most important business trends and what are the current, most important skills and capabilities for women in business to succeed,” she said. “This year, we looked at where women are succeeding, where women are falling behind and the still low percentages of women in leadership and executive leadership positions. So, how do we equip women to move into leadership? To move into executive leadership? And, overall, to make a difference in the pipeline of women leaders of the future? “We equip women with the skills and tools to advocate for themselves to step up and advocate for themselves and their career, to cultivate a working relationship with a mentor/sponsor and to increase their skills and experience to stand out and to Continued on next page.
ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference • Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 11, 2021 •
Hybrid format for 2021
Continued from preceding page. participate in and give back to their community to stand together and support all women leaders.” Additionally, every year, the conference presents opportunities for women to learn new skills and ideas to inspire and to help maximize their career potential. Typically, 3,000-plus people attend (women and men). “When the day is over the feedback is generally, ‘Wow! That was a really wonderful and empowering day of learning and growing,’” she said. This year, the conference will be no less inspiring and empowering; however, to accommodate continued public health and safety precautions, in-person attendance will be at a socially-distanced 50% capacity — half of what would normally be accommodated in the venue space at CHI Health Center. “We’re excited to provide another inspiring day, and for this year to have both an in-person and virtual audience,” she said. Director of Marketing, Communications and Events Allison Schorr Zach said that ICAN is optimistic about the trajectory of the pandemic, current health conditions in the community, and access to vaccinations as August approaches. In consultation with industry and health experts, partners, vendors and board members, ICAN decided in early May to offer a hybrid format. The decision was also informed by sponsor and attendee surveys that indicated interest in both options. Alongside logistics vendor, planit inc, ICAN was also encouraged by safe and successful hybrid events across the country. “We truly believe we can create an equally rewarding, robust experience for both our in-person and virtual audiences and, most importantly, a conference that meets the interests, comforts and safety expectations of all,” Zach said. “We’re
“We want to reinvigorate our attendees and their companies to be ‘IN SIGHT’ and refocused on their future and potential." -Allison
Schorr Zach, director of marketing, communications and events at ICAN. saying, ‘A fantastic conference experience from any spot — at the office, from home or down at the CHI Health Center Omaha!’” She noted a renewed “spirit,” via both the format and by delivering keynotes and learnings in varied ways (i.e., mix of live on-stage and remotely from across the globe). “It will be an engaging and dynamic mix of presentation styles, formats and interactivity for both our in-person and virtual audience,” Zach said. Also new this year, are a series of pre-
conference and post-conference events in represents its largest speaker roster to date. the surrounding months to create a full “The learning potential, variety of ‘conference experience.” They will feature topics, high energy and access to discover speakers like Nicole Sahin of Globaliza- something new is going to be really special tion Partners, Chanda Chacón, CEO of this year,” she said. Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, There is opportunity presented by Bravium HD’s Nicole Bianmyriad delivery methods, no chi, SHARE Omaha’s Marjorie less reducing logistical barriers Maas, Omaha Public Power Disto content and connections. trist President and CEO Timothy “Our intention is to bring our Burke, and Blue Cross & Blue programs and conferences back Shield of Nebraska President to in-person,” Zach explained. and CEO Steve Grandfield. “But, we definitely see the op“Both our in-person and portunity to integrate a virtual virtual audience will have acelement in a variety of ways cess to the virtual platform going forward through all of prior to and after the event, for our ICAN program and event a limited time, to connect with offerings.” Zach other attendees and have acThe overall “mood” and cess to the on-demand speaker experience that Zach hopes readpresentation recordings for reviewing ers will share in is defined by words like for 30 days,” she said. “In addition, our “unifying” and “inspiring.” series of pre- and post-conference virtual “We want to reinvigorate our attendees events are open to our entire audience for and their companies to be ‘IN SIGHT’ more shared experiences, learning and and refocused on their future and potenconnections.” tial,” she said. “We think it will be quite In all, Zach said the 2021 conference special this year to feel like you are truly
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part of a special event, bringing together women leaders from many, many locations — virtually and in the same room — to ‘stand together’ for themselves and each other.” Her call to action? “Be inspired. Focus on your visibility and career path. Get out into the community to step up and serve and develop your skills, and take action to mentor/sponsor another woman leader to do the same.” Even after the conference events are history, there are continued opportunities to keep the conversations and action going. “In addition to the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference, ICAN also holds a series of leader development programs for the individual, team and organizational level,” Henricks said. “Our four-month Defining Leadership program, kicking off again in September, is a great program and resource to develop and invest in a leader to rise and advance in the workplace and in life.” In November, its Examining Unconscious Bias program will further help leaders, Continued on next page.
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• JUNE 11, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference
Experts bring elements of the Women’s Leadership Conference theme to life by Gabby Hellbusch
Each year, the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference selects a variety of speakers to reflect a different aspect of its theme. For 2021, the event’s theme is ‘IN SIGHT: Step Up. Stand Out. Stand Together.’ “Through our speaker selection, we will put a spotlight on how women can increase control over their career trajectories through greater exposure and experience — using strategies like sponsorship, volunteer work, peer networking and seeking stretch assignments,” said Lisa Kaplan, conference development at ICAN. The first speaker at the event will be Herminia Ibarra presenting on ‘The Spectrum of Sponsorship,’ whose research explores why too few women are reaching the top of their organizations. In addition to Ibarra, speakers like Shadé Zahrai and Tiffany Dufu will inform and inspire the audience to view their career journey through a new lens. With the presentation, ‘Step into your Power,’ Zahrai said she will share how by “combatting the self-limiting beliefs that keep them stuck and stagnant, becoming clear on the
unique value they bring and contextualizing how their strengths contribute to an organization’s bottom line, women will be ready to confidently communicate their vision and leadership pur-
Tiffany Dufu, a consultant and national strategist on leadership and women, will share her vision of female leadership in the future, and her belief in cultivating a peer network to
Kaplan Mitchell pose and to have greater clarity in their goals and aspirations.” She will infuse motivation, psychology research and storytelling with practical strategies and solutions to shift mindsets and drive positive action in women to increase confidence and accelerate success — so they fully step into their power.
Zahrai Miller provide a long-term support system. Additionally, Kaplan said the personal stories of speakers Kam Phillips-Sadler and Pat Mitchell will showcase success stories of sponsorship and mentorship. Mitchell said a more inclusive team at the top of all organizations and institutions leads to better bottom lines and better relations with
Union Pacific celebrates the women who lead us — on the rails, in the office and everywhere in between. That’s why we’re proud to be a sponsor of the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference.
Union Pacific supports diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
customers and citizens. “Preparing women and, in particular, women of color who have disproportionately confronted barriers to leadership, is a priority for me and is the objective of my mentoring, sponsoring and advocating for women and women of color for leadership positions across all sectors of life and work,” Mitchell said. “In my remarks, I will share the learning gained from the cohort of global women leadBianchi ers, across geographies, generations, private and civil society — who work together for collective problem solving.” Also, during the event, Kimberly Bryant, CEO and founder of Black Girls Code, will share her story on how she created the organization, and her vision of the future. Her keynote title, “What 2040 Means To Me,” references her goal to reach one million Black girls by 2040. She will also share what her own next steps will be as a female leader looking for her next opportunity to Step Up and Stand Out. With workshop speakers Tara Jaye Frank and Jo Miller, Kaplan said the audience will receive tangible and tactical information they can immediately implement. Based on her work with hundreds of thousands of women, Miller developed a pragmatic and powerful roadmap that guides women to become the leaders they aspire to be. “It’s been my observation that professional women are quick to recognize the value of having a mentor, and aren’t shy about seeking them out,” Miller said. “At the same time, there’s research showing that ambitious women underestimate the career-transforming impact that a sponsor can have, and that high-potential women can be over mentored and under sponsored relative to male peers — and their careers suffer as a result.” Additionally, Kaplan said the event will explore the importance of men as allies for women with Brad Johnson and David Smith, co-authors of “Good Guys: How men can be better allies for women in the workplace.” With its new hybrid virtual and in-person platform, she said the conference will provide Continued on next page.
Hybrid format for 2021
Continued from preceding page. by identifying blind spots, developing inclusive leadership and fostering equity, according to Henricks. ICAN’s line-up of custom programs built to run internally for organizations are offered year-round. If, however, there was one thing Henricks would want prospective attendees to know about this annual conference tradition, they should be ready to open their minds to learn and open their thoughts to further shaping their leadership journey. “And, to spend some time being mindful and intentional about their careers, and those behind them that they can also help to ‘stand out,’” she said. “So, we can all ‘stand together.’” Read on for more information on all of the conference presenters and agenda, and visit the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference website at icanconference.com for more and to register.
ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference • Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 11, 2021 •
Authors of 'Good Guys' book address role men can play in women's success by Dwain Hebda
In their first book, “Athena Rising; How and Why Men Should Mentor Women,” authors Brad Johnson and David Smith outlined effective mentor relationships, played out across gender lines. Now the former Navy officers are back at it. As one of the keynotes of the 2021 ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference, they will delve into their latest work, “The Good Guys: How Men Can be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace,” exploring the delicacies of cross-gender mentoring in the era of #MeToo. “Our methodology for both books has been to go interview lots of women and ask them, in behavioral terms, what it looks like for you in real life when a guy really shows up who’s an excellent mentor,” Johnson said. “What are those behaviors that you most
Bring theme to life
Continued from preceding page. the most robust agenda it has ever had. In addition to offering the complete conference content for a full 30 days online, ICAN will offer two pre-conference events and a post-conference event to present a full conference season. “Audience members will hear stories from senior leaders — both global and local — on how our theme resonates with them: how stepping up and standing out for themselves and others has led to their success,” Kaplan said. “Nicole Sahin, CEO of an international organization, offers a perspective for the June
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appreciate? What are the things that some men do that you don’t appreciate? We really aggregated all of that data and came up with what women wish men knew about being better in the workplace.” Smith said many men shy away from being a mentor to female counterparts due to the complexities of issues related to equality and appropriateness. “There are two pieces to that for men as mentors,” he said. “One is remembering that it’s about treating women the same, but also recognizing how we all experience the workplace differently and not making assumptions about others. It’s meeting people where they are and where their career needs are in the same way. “From the mentoring side of the street, it’s really easy to convey to your mentees
that this is the path you should take. This is what worked for me, you should do the same. And if they go and do those things, it feels really good that they go off and they succeed and they look kind of like you. But the fact is, people have very different career goals and dreams. Developing awareness of how people experience the workplace differently and what their goals and dreams might be is a starting point.” Both men admit to a personal motive for wanting to see more Smith effective male-female mentoring in the workplace. “I’ve got one sibling and she’s a Navy captain, a total rock star,” Johnson said. “Three combat deployments, aircraft carrier tour, she’s a commanding officer right now. Yet as I’ve watched my sister’s career journey, I have to
say that she experiences stuff every week that I, as a naval officer, never experienced. “Guys tell her that she should smile more often. If she gives direct feedback, she’s abrasive and emasculating. She’s actually been told, ‘You shouldn’t run quite so fast on the physical fitness test, because it makes the guys feel bad when you beat them.’ In David’s case, it was his wife, who was a classmate of his at the Naval Academy. And he’s had the same experience. He’s Johnson watched her career and it’s looked very different from his. So, for both of us, it’s the business case, the research that motivates us. But it’s also the personal side of the issue.” Lisa Kaplan, ICAN conference developContinued on page 10.
16 pre-event (open to the public on icanconference.com) on what sets apart leaders with leadership experiences beyond traditional job parameters. “And we have senior leaders within our own community whose examples of leadership and allyship serve as examples to our audience for the July 14 pre-event for conference registrants only. CEOs Tim Burke of OPPD and Steve Grandfield of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska need no introduction in the Omaha business landscape, and we are pleased to introduce our community’s newest female CEO: Chanda Chacón, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital and Medical Center.”
She said the post-conference event set for Sept. 8 has been designed to offer specific takeaways for audience members. Local leadership consultant and ICAN faculty member, Nicole Bianchi, will deliver a keynote on how to harness the teachings from the conference into an action plan for the audience members to map their own career trajectory. Bianchi is a founding partner at Bravium HD, where she is a professional speaker, facilitator and International Coaching Federation executive coach leading leadership, team alignment and culture-building workshops. In her presentation, guests will learn how small brave moves made often will compound over
time creating a competitive advantage, both in life and business. “With this foundation of bravery, leaders can then intentionally craft a thriving culture of bravery for themselves and others,” Bianchi said. Kaplan said ICAN will also offer a Community Volunteerism Panel Discussion during the Sept. 8 post-event, hosted by Marjorie Maas, executive director of SHARE Omaha. “SHARE Omaha will be showcased as a vehicle for emerging leaders to explore and put into action the tips and tools learned as part of our conference theme to Step Up and Stand Out in our community through volunteer opportunities and more,” Kaplan said.
YES YOU CAN Kiewit is a proud sponsor of the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference.
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• JUNE 11, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference
Board of Directors Our Board of Directors share how they have exhibited the ‘Step Up. Stand Out. Stand Together’ spirit in their career journey through mentorship, sponsorship & community engagement.
SHASTA WRAGGE
Chair Bank of the West I am forever grateful for the mentors and sponsors I had throughout my career and it is my way to pay if forward. I always encourage my mentees to get out of their comfort zone but encourage them to do it in a safe space. ,Q RXU WLPH WRJHWKHU , ߔQG WKDW ZKDW , VD\ LV D pay it forward, I am gaining as much out of the relationship as they are.
MARSHA GRAESSER
Vice Chair WoodmenLife To support a culture where emerging leaders thrive, my two non-negotiables are: 1) Paying it forward 2) Following up and following through. Why? How else do you create a culture where people feel like they matter? Leadership is part sponsorship and part mentorship. That means helping others have experience and exposure opportunities to help them grow for themselves and for the future state of the organization.
JACKIE PUEPPKE Secretary Baird Holm LLP
ADAM LANGDON
Treasurer FNBO Encourage and support people to TRY. More “at bats” = more opportunities for “hits” and “home-runs”. Everyone is better than you - at something. Tap into that experience by serving others.
JENNIFER CINTANI
Member at Large Nebraska Total Care I owe a debt of gratitude to the women and men who have guided me throughout my career, and the least I can do is pay that IRUZDUG ,WڕV DOVR VHOߔVK WKH EHVW IHHOLQJ LQ WKH world is seeing someone you helped (even in a small way) succeed!
MICHAEL GEARY Member at Large CMG Holdings
AILEEN WARREN
Member at Large University of Nebraska Medical Center and University of Nebraska at Omaha I truly believe in the concept of reaching back and helping others. I had so many great mentors and sponsors who were instrumental in helping me progress in my career that I know the value of this action and feel obligated to do the same.
MISSY BEBER
Metropolitan Community College
CECIL HICKS
Omaha Public Schools
HELEN HRDY
15& +HDOWK I encourage emerging leaders to take on an additional project, outside of their usual role, or work on a multi-disciplinary team that is tackling a problem or documenting a solution so that they are seen, heard and can interact with different individuals in the company to showcase the talents they bring to the team.
TONYA KAMINSKI
FNBO One of the most impactful things I can do as a leader in my organization is sponsor emerging professionals by giving them opportunities to “step up and stand out”. It is critical for these emerging leaders to get practice with a coach in their corner to guide them as they practice and grow. The organization gets the EHQHߔW RI GHYHORSLQJ D OHDGHU IRU IXWXUH LPSDFW WKH LQGLYLGXDO JHWV WKH EHQHߔW RI FDUHHU JURZWK and I get the privilege of watching them shine!
KRISTEN KAMPFE
NANDITA DALAL
Lincoln Financial Group Being a mentor and sponsor has made me a better leader allowing me to be more resilient and a compassionate individual. In a time of incredible change, professional disruption, and overwhelming challenges in the virtual work environment, mentorship has provided a sense of purpose and empowerment.
ALICIA EDSEN Kiewit Corporation
SHARI FLOWERS
Methodist Health System
DEBBIE HAMLETT Nebraska Public Media
KIMBERLY HESS
8QLRQ 3DFLߓF 5DLOURDG $V , UHߕHFW RQ P\ FDUHHU , KDYe had the opportunity to engage with VHYHUDO VWURQJ OHDGHUV ZKR LQVSLUHG PH WR ߔژQG my voice”, not only in my core work group, but PRUH VSHFLߔFDOO\ RXWVLGH RI WKDW JURXS 7KLV was a critical part of my leadership journey, and now, it is my turn to advocate for others who are beginning their leadership roles. Accepting challenges beyond the day-to-day duties provide excellent opportunities to further build and stretch leadership skills sets. Be intentional!
Scoular I have had many iQߕXHQWLDO PHQWRUV and sponsors who have helped to propel my career forward and foster my personal development. In mentoring and sponsoring others, I appreciate having the opportunity to “pay it forward” and help others reach their full potential.
MICHELLE EPPLER
Bellevue University Mentoring emerging leaders is the most rewarding thing you can do as a leader. Guiding and sharing lessons learned helps you as a leader as much as it helps them. Seeing them apply your guidance and succeed is priceless.
DANA KILLINGER
Fiserv I believe we all have value and talent to bring for the greater good. If we all take the time to mentor and help that next potential leader develop their skills and foster their talent, we are essentially contributing to the overall potential for them as well as the company we support. I learn as much from the people I mentor and am inspired by their stories and struggles.
SHARLYN KONFRST
Farm Credit Services of America Serving others in our community helps me learn, grow and further GHߔQH ZKR , ZDQW WR EH DQG KRZ , DP DEOH WR VKRZ up in the world. Knowing myself and what I am most passionate about enables me to know when to step up to new challenges and opportunities in both my career and personal life.
ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference • Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 11, 2021 •
LYNETTE LANE RYAN
Taking the time to mentor others is some of the most rewarding work I’ve done in my personal and professional life. When you take the time to share your experiences and passions with others to help them reach their full potential it is incredibly rewarding.
COLLEEN MACIEJEWSKI
Immanuel Communities Much of my career and free time has been dedicated to working in the nonSURߔW VHFWRU VWDUWLQJ D QRQ SURߔW DQG YROXQWHHULQJ LQ RU VHUYLQJ RQ JRYHUQLQJ ERGLHV IRU QRQ SURߔWV Throughout these experiences, the theme that remained consistent was the intention to do good things, to add to the good of the whole and to be a good person. This intention has always come back to me tenfold. The wish and intent to do good not only allowed me to experience the altruistic high of making a positive impact in others’ lives, but created new leadership skills, forged connections with like-minded leaders and strengthened my own capacity to be good and do good things - at work and outside of work. This is the true power of a growth minded outlook.
MELISSA NEWTON Olsson
AMBER PHIPPS
Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Vulnerability takes courage and as a mentor it’s important to show that making mistakes is normal -- that’s how you learn and grow. Provide space and opportunities for others WR ߕRXULVK DQG QHYHU ZDVWH \RXU DELOLW\ WR FKDQJH someone’s life.
JENNIFER RICHARDSON
Boys Town I will be forever grateful for the experiences and opportunities provided to me by mentors throughout my career. Paying that forward to others is one of the highlights of my career.
MICHAEL ROGERS
Gilmore & Bell, P.C Volunteer service gives us the opportunity to step up and share our own skills and expertise with the community, while gaining diverse experiences for personal and professional growth. Dedication and hard work in volunteer service will make you stand out in unexpected ways, and will naturally lead to career advancement.
KATHERINE SANTANA
55th Force Support Squadron, Offutt AFB I encourage people to seek out opportunities or experiences that could expand their capabilities and further develop their skill set ZKLFK LQ WXUQ EHQHߔWV WKH ZRUN FHQWHU
TRACY SCHAEFER
Conagra Brands I have been given so much great advice and investment through my career thus far...paying it forward becomes the heart of my next career stage.
LORI SNYDER
State of NE Department of Health and Human Services Encouraging women to shine a light on their accomplishments helps them be recognized for their contributions. They step up DQG D VWDQG RXW :H DOO EHQHߔW
LINDSEY SPEHN
Gallup I mentor because the future success of our organizations and communities depends on it! To me, there is no better legacy to leave than to be a small part of someone’s personal development and leadership journey on their path to a fully thriving life.
Step up.
NINA SWANSON
Omaha Public Power District
KATHY TIBKE
Mutual of Omaha I have been fortunate to be a Board member and now an Executive Sponsor of our Women in Leadership (WIL) ERG. The programming and relationships I have built through my involvement in WIL has allowed me to help others in their career journey.
JONI WHEELER
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska I believe people are a company’s greatest asset and that if a company puts people at the center of their business, then their business will thrive. This doesn’t work unless a company has strong leaders that model what ‘great’ looks like for a successful organization. I am extremely passionate about developing healthy leaders and I believe there is a leader in all of us and that you don’t have to be a manager or executive to make a difference and create a ripple of positive change. I meet people where they are in their journey and help them step up and step out as a leader by helping them discover their super power or leadership strength. Then I work with them to EXLOG FRXUDJH DQG FRQߔGHQFH WR JR RXW DQG XVH their power to make a difference in their team, their organization, their community.
Stand out.
THE
SUSAN HENRICKS
Stand together.
TEAM TRACY STUART
AMY MCLAUGHLIN
LISA KAPLAN
JULIE BURRELL LILLIG
ERIN POTTER
ALLISON SCHORR ZACH
SAMANTHA FLYNN
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• JUNE 11, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference
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ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference • Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 11, 2021 •
Leading Women Fiserv is proud to be a Diamond Partner of the 2021 ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the advancement of women in leadership. At Fiserv, we value diverse thoughts and opinions, backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities because we know diversity helps us arrive at the best answers to questions, the best solutions for clients, the best workplace for our people and the best engagement with our communities. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where the more than 44,000 individuals who constitute our global team feel welcomed and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work each day. As a global leader in payments and fintech, we are working to redefine how people and businesses move money and information. Learn more about opportunities with Fiserv at fiserv.com/careers. © 2021 Fiserv, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
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• JUNE 11, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference
ICAN enables connections in leadership development programs through virtual by David Kubicek
pants can develop and strengthen their relationships with top leaders. They also can learn “up close and in person” from those that have been there and done that and who have a sincere desire to help further the development of the students. “The programs cause participants to concentrate on, or sometimes discover, their actual values and it's by doing so that they are better poised to move with intention, both personally and professionally,” Wilson said. “Leadership is more than a position or title, it’s the action and example you demonstrate, and the way you intentionally influence others toward a common vision or goal,” said Laura Roccaforte, ICAN faculty member and president and CEO of The Learning Exchange. “We believe that knowing yourself is key to finding intention in your career path, and knowing yourself is a journey and an investment in continually improving your
Lillig Wilson or virtual, help individuals step up and stand out by helping each person find the leadership styles and strategies that are right for them. Our programs honor the individual by homing in on how they can lead authentically.” Steven Wilson, founder of Zoned Strategies and an ICAN faculty member, called ICAN’s leadership development programs “top talent peer groups.” “High-potential employees are brought together in a learning environment and as a result, are exposed to strategic thinking, new connections, and diverse skill sets,” he said. “One key to their success is their unshakable expectation that senior leaders not only support the efforts of the participants, but that they also engage with them, formally and informally, throughout the course.” Through this level of involvement, partici-
Roccaforte Nimps self-awareness.” During the pandemic, ICAN’s programs were delivered to groups as large as 45 people through virtual platforms, and program leaders were able to gain a level of depth and participation that was encouraging and impactful for a virtual format. “While everyone would have loved to be together in person, we were able to facilitate extraordinary conversations in breakout rooms and participants were able to grow and develop to the leaders they needed to be during these challenging times,” Roccaforte said. Investing in employees is part of the culture of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, which is an ICAN partner/customer, according to Director of Organizational Development Tom Nimps. “Employees are a company’s most valuable asset and fostering an inclusive, employee-first environment helps us attract and retain top talent,” he said. “We believe that every employee, no matter their role or job title, can lead from where they are.” Offering a variety of leadership development programs for all levels empowers employees to take ownership of their professional development and career path. “Our leadership development programs equip employees with skills they can use inside and outside of our company,” Nimps said. “It’s incredible to see what employees can accomplish when they know they can make a difference right from where they are.” The firm has had great success taking its programs virtual. “Like many, there was a certain level of uncertainty at the beginning of the pandemic, but our teams were able to quickly adapt and excel in working and learning from home,” Nimps said. ICAN is excited about the new and beneficial service offering to deliver certain leadership program virtually, while also looking ahead to a safe return of the ICAN standard in-person experiences and connections for its program participants and customers.
ICAN worked hand in hand with each customer and the program faculty to identify key strategies to shift in-person programs to virtual. “Companies have been incredibly committed to developing people in a very difficult year,” said Julie Burrell Lillig, ICAN vice president of strategic partnerships. ICAN programs help organizations develop their pipeline of talent. Participants get a unique development experience focused on experiential learning, and organizations get authentic leaders who build strong teams, create solutions, influence cross functionally, navigate meaningful change, and accelerate what is possible. “Virtual programs had the same interactive feel and were extremely well received,” Burrell Lillig said. “ICAN programs, whether in-person
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Continued from page 5. ment, said the duo’s topic has never been more important in the workplace than now. “Women in executive positions say the mentors and sponsors who guided them in their careers were critical to their success,” she said. “And yet, evidence consistently shows women face more barriers in securing mentorships, sponsorships and allies in the workplace, particularly in corporate America, than men do. “As the majority of the power positions still remain men, women need male advocates in the workplace. You need a person in a position of power to advocate for you successfully.” The Johnson and Smith keynote on Aug. 11 will be preceded by a local take on Omaha’s “Good Guys” for the July 14, registrant only, pre-event featuring a conversation with Omaha Public Power District’s Tim Burke and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska’s Steve Grandfield on their experience and efforts as workplace allies in our local business community.
ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference • Midlands Business Journal • JUNE 11, 2021 •
Agenda Agenda
June 16 16 || Pre-Conference Pre-Conference VIRTUAL VIRTUALEvent EventI:I:Insight Insighton onCommunity Community June 9:00-9:30 a.m. CT / Publically accessible on ICANconference.com 9:00-9:30 a.m. CT / Publically accessible on ICANconference.com How Giving Giving Back Back Makes Makes Us UsBetter BetterLeaders Leaders How Nicole Sahin: Sahin: CEO CEO and and Founder, Founder,Globalization GlobalizationPartners Partners Nicole
July 14 14 || Pre-Conference Pre-Conference VIRTUAL VIRTUALEvent EventII: II:Insight Insighton onLeadership Leadership July 9:00-10:00 a.m. CT / Open to registrants only via our virtual platform 9:00-10:00 a.m. CT / Open to registrants only via our virtual platform
How My My Personal Personal Volunteer VolunteerExperience ExperienceHas HasShaped Shapedmy my How Leadership Journey Leadership Journey Chanda Chacón, Chacón, President President &&CEO CEOof ofChildren’s Children’sHospital Hospital&&Medical MedicalCenter Center Chanda
The Good Good Guys: Guys: Omaha’s Omaha’sWorkplace WorkplaceAllies Allies The ICAN’s Susan Henricks interviews Timothy Burke,President President&&CEO, CEO,Omaha Omaha ICAN’s Susan Henricks interviews Timothy Burke, Public Power Power District District Steven StevenH. H.Grandfield, Grandfield,President President&&CEO, CEO,Blue BlueCross Cross Public Blue Shield Shield of of Nebraska Nebraska Blue
August 11 11 || Conference Conference Day Day August
Agenda is is the the same same for for the the virtual virtual and andin-person in-personaudience. audience.Speaker Speakerbios biosand and Agenda descriptions of of their their keynote keynote sessions sessionscan canbe befound foundatatICANconference.com ICANconference.com descriptions 9:00-11:55 a.m. a.m. CT CT MORNING MORNING GENERAL GENERALSESSION SESSION 9:00-11:55 Welcome + Opening Remarks: Susan Henricks,ICAN ICANPresident President&&CEO CEO Welcome + Opening Remarks: Susan Henricks, Herminia Ibarra Ibarra -- The The Spectrum Spectrumof ofSponsorship Sponsorship Herminia Kam Phillips-Sadler Phillips-Sadler -- IfIf You’re You’reNot Notat atthe theTable, Table,Be Beon onthe theMenu Menu Kam Pat Mitchell Becoming a Dangerous Woman: Embracing RisktotoChange Change Pat Mitchell - Becoming a Dangerous Woman: Embracing Risk the World World the Brad Johnson Johnson and and David David Smith Smith--Good GoodGuys: Guys:How HowMen MenCan Canbe beBetter BetterAllies Allies Brad for Women in the Workplace for Women in the Workplace 2021 ICAN ICAN Leadership LeadershipAward AwardPresentation Presentation 2021 Shadé Zahrai Zahrai -- Step Step into into Your YourPower Power Shadé 11:55 a.m.-1:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. p.m. CT CT LUNCH LUNCH 11:55 1:00-3:15 p.m. p.m. CT CT AFTERNOON AFTERNOONGENERAL GENERALSESSION SESSION 1:00-3:15 Kimberly Bryant – What 2040 Means to Me Kimberly Bryant – What 2040 Means to Me Skill Building Tara Jaye Frank Workshops: - Stretch into your Future Tara Jaye Frank Stretch into your Future Jo Miller: Make Your- Value Visible Jo Miller: Make Your Value Nicole Bianchi - Stand Out withVisible Bravery Nicole Bianchi Stand of Out with Bravery Tiffany Dufu - The -Future Women’s Leadership Tiffany Dufu - The Future of Women’s Leadership 3:15 p.m. CT Conference Concludes 3:15 p.m. CT Conference Concludes September 8 | Post-Conference VIRTUAL Event September Post-Conference 9:00 a.m. CT8/ |Open to registrants VIRTUAL only via ourEvent virtual platform 9:00 a.m. CT / Open to registrants only viaown our “In virtual platform Nicole Bianchi: Brave Steps to Your Sight” Journey Nicole Bianchi: Brave Panel Steps moderated to Your ownby“In Sight” Journey Community Volunteer Marjorie Maas, SHARE Omaha Community Volunteer Panel moderated by Marjorie Maas, SHARE Omaha
2021 ICAN ICAN Partners Partners 2021 EDUCATIONAL PARTNER DIAMOND
DIAMOND Bank of of the the West West Bank Methodist Health Health System System Methodist Union Pacific Railroad Union Pacific Railroad Kiewit Kiewit Fiserv Fiserv
GOLD GOLD Markey’s Rental Rental & & Staging Staging Markey’s SILVER SILVER Blue Cross Cross and and Blue Blue Shield Shield of of Nebraska Nebraska Blue Children’s Hospital Hospital & & Medical Medical Center Center Children’s Deloitte Deloitte Emspace + + Lovgren Lovgren Emspace Farm Credit Services of of America America Farm Credit Services FNBO FNBO Fusion Medical Medical Staffing Staffing Fusion HDR HDR Lincoln Financial Financial Group Group Lincoln Metropolitan Utilities Utilities District Distric Metropolitan NRC Health NRC Health Omaha Steaks Steaks Omaha Omaha Public Power Power District District Omaha Public Valmont Industries Industries Valmont
EDUCATION BellevueUniversity University Bellevue MetropolitanCommunity CommunityCollege College Metropolitan Midland University MBA Program Midland University MBA Program MEDIA MEDIA NebraskaPublic PublicMedia Media Nebraska Midlands Business Journal& Midlands Business Journal metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL THANKS AIM Institute SPECIAL THANKS Baird Holm LLP AIM Institute Business Baird HolmEthics LLP Alliance Immanuel Business Ethics Alliance Immanuel
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• JUNE 11, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal • ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference
The 28th Annual ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference sets its
sights on how increased visibility, advocacy and sponsorship of women leaders — from within their organizations and out in their communities — leads to career advancement and greater influence. It’s a win-win situation for leaders and their organizations, strengthening both company talent and social responsibility efforts.
Join our keynotes on
Speakers
Explore what actionable steps women can take to forge a path in their leadership. This diverse and powerful lineup of speakers will guide attendees in visualizing their aspirations, garnering the necessary exposure, and acquiring the experience and support to manifest them. Together, we will illuminate how individuals, businesses and the greater community can reap the benefits of these achievements and advance the pipeline of all women leaders.
Shadé Zahrai
Step Into Your Power
Pat Mitchell
Kam Phillips-Sadler
Becoming a Dangerous Woman: Embracing Risk to Change the World
If You’re Not at the Table, Be on the Menu
David Smith & Brad Johnson
The Good Guys: How Men can be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace
Kimberly Bryant
Black Girls Code: What 2040 Means to Me
Nicole Bianchi
Stand Out With Bravery
Herminia Her minia Ibarra
Tara Jaye Frank
The Spectrum of Sponsorship
Stretch into Your Future
Tiffany Ti ffany Dufu
Jo Miller
The Future of Women’s Leadership
Make Your Value Visible
THANK YOU to our Conference Partners! View the full list of partners at icanconference.com
REGISTER NOW at:
ABOUT : The mission of the Institute for Career Advancement Needs is to develop inspired, authentic leaders to transform the organizations and communities they serve. For 40 years, ICAN has developed leaders who create limitless possibilities for themselves and their organizations. We are your trusted and credible partner for all things leadership. ICAN inspires bold thinking, deepens self-awareness, expands capacity & builds leadership networks that define the future of business. Our leader development programs include Defining Leadership, Examining Unconscious Bias, individual and team development through on-site + virtual custom programs & services, coaching, assessment workshops and dynamic Leadership Exchange 7x7x7 events. Learn more at ICANglobal.net.