Harnessing Emotional Intelligence: How to Thrive in a World Shaped by AI
Q&A session with Sarah Jensen Clayton
Break
Kris Bosman and Michelle Smith
Campfire Chat: Career and Life Journey to Success
Q&A session with Kris Bosman and Michelle Smith
Guided Networking Activity
Lunch
Rena Vanzo
Bold Moves: How Admitting Defeat Can Lead to Life-Changing Discoveries
Q&A session with Rena Vanzo
Break Panel
The Courage to Pivot: Embracing Career and Life Transitions
- Brooke Lenzen
- Miriam Nieto
- Lauren Steadman
- Joyce Canning
2:50 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Enroll Now: Women in Leadership Certificate
$1,000 discount for the fall Women in Leadership I cohort with code WIL1000. Apply here: Eccles.Link/WILC. You can also register through the symposium evaluation form. Valid through May 31, 2025.
This certificate is designed for women seeking leadership skills and for business leaders committed to supporting women in leadership. With an emphasis on communication and leadership development, you will transform your career through Utah’s Women in Leadership Certificate. You will walk away from this program with the expertise, credibility, and confidence needed to make the most out of your career and support those you mentor. Not only will you gain insights into better leading your organization; you will explore current research and discuss innovative, research-backed solutions you can immediately implement. The Women in Leadership Certificate is designed to support women pursuing leadership development. However, it is open to students of all gender identities and anyone seeking to be a better ally for women.
Throughout the seven-day cohort certificate program, you will engage with your colleagues through a combination of lecture-based presentations and interactive discussions, all under the guidance of top faculty from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business. You will expand your network with prominent business leaders and truly have an opportunity to engage, share ideas, and connect.
Program Features
• Cohort-based program, providing networking opportunities with other business leaders
• Rigorous courses taught by women from the David Eccles School of Business faculty
• 360° assessment, pre-work, post-work; includes lectures, activities, readings, and self-reflection
• Actionable items to implement immediately
• Seven in-person learning sessions
Classes Include:
Leading with Emotional Intelligence | Jennifer Cummings, Ph.D.
Power of Communication: Let’s Talk Negotiation | Katie Liljenquist, Ph.D.
Being Assertive Without Being Aggressive | Jennifer Cummings, Ph.D.
Understanding and Leveraging Your Conflict Style | Jennifer Cummings, Ph.D.
Charting Your Path to Strategic Leadership | Ruchi Watson, EdD, MBA.
Mindfulness and Interpersonal Effectiveness | Georgi Rausch, Ph.D.
Finding Your Authentic Voice | Kate Cañas, Ph.D.
Develop Your Executive Presence: Express Your Authentic Voice | Kate Cañas, Ph.D.
Your Leadership Toolkit | Jennifer Cummings, Ph.D.
Speakers
Sarah Jensen Clayton | Senior Partner & Global Practice Lead at Korn Ferry Consulting
Sarah Jensen Clayton is a senior partner and global practice lead at Korn Ferry, a leadership and organizational consultancy with ~$3B in annual revenue and 10,000 employees around the world. She leads the firm’s Culture, Change, & Communications practice globally, helping executive teams define and execute urgent change imperatives. With deep expertise in CEO succession, restructuring, post-acquisition integration, crisis management, and corporate culture alignment, she helps businesses successfully adapt their strategies to achieve results.
Kris Bosman | Chief Alumni Relations Officer at University of Utah
Kris Bosman is the chief alumni relations officer at the University of Utah. She creates and executes strategies to deepen alumni engagement and build connections with current students, creating lifelong support of the U. For over 20 years, Kris has gained experience in higher education leadership, event planning, alumni relations, board development, and advancement. She also spent three years at the Alumni Association managing chapter and regional engagement strategies. Kris is passionate about the positive impacts of higher education on individuals and communities.
Michelle Smith | Chief People Officer at Larry H. Miller Company & President at Miller Sports + Entertainment
Michelle Smith is the chief people officer at the Larry H. Miller Company and president of Miller Sports + Entertainment. She oversees people and culture strategy, integration and onboarding for newly acquired businesses. She supports the company’s vision of being the best place to work and do business. As president, she manages operations for sports and entertainment businesses like the Salt Lake Bees, America First Square, and Megaplex Theatres.
Rena Vanzo | Founder at The Boob Bus & Vanzo Consulting
Rena Vanzo is a clinical genetics leader and entrepreneur. She grew up in rural Illinois and moved to Utah in 2008 after completing degrees in Psychology (BS, University of Wisconsin) and Medical Genetics (MS, Indiana University). As a young professional, she worked at the University of Utah and Primary Children’s Medical Center. Rena has been cultivating The Boob Bus, Utah’s newest mobile mammogram & genetic testing business, while navigating a divorce and raising two young boys. In her spare time, Vanzo enjoys group fitness classes, banking Delta miles, dancing and puzzles.
Panelists
Miriam Nieto | Director of Education at Holy Cross Ministries
Miriam Nieto is the director of education at Holy Cross Ministries. She began her journey with the organization in 2007 as part of the After School Program team and has since played a key role in developing the School Readiness Program. This preschool program is for three- and four-year-olds that fosters social-emotional and academic skills in preparation for kindergarten. She is also involved in the Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program, a home-visitation initiative that equips parents of children ages 0-3 with the tools and knowledge to support their child’s healthy development.
Lauren Steadman | Manager, Buying Programs Product Management at Adobe
Lauren Steadman is a manager of product managers on the business technology team in Adobe’s Finance department, focusing on quoting and contracting internal product management. Since joining Adobe in 2017, she has led significant initiatives, including various mergers and acquisitions integrations, as well as a major CRM transition. She thrives on solving complex problems, improving internal systems, and collaborating across teams to drive meaningful change.
Joyce Canning | Founding Partner of Cooperative Benefits Group (CBG)
Joyce Canning is a founding partner of Cooperative Benefits Group (CBG), an innovative pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company. She thrives in the startup environment and loves building new companies—CBG is the third successful company she has helped create. Her personal experiences drive her commitment to bringing clarity to the complex health care system and supporting others in navigating its challenges. She is dedicated to developing transparent and effective solutions that make a meaningful impact.
Panel Moderator
Brooke Lenzen | Assistant Director for Online Development at the David Eccles School of Business
Brooke Newhall Lenzen is the assistant director for online development at the David Eccles School of Business, where she also manages the Online Development team and the Executive Education Women in Leadership program, and serves as the Interim Assistant Director for the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program. With over a decade of experience at the University of Utah, Brooke has been deeply committed to advancing education and leadership development.
HARNESSING EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE:
How to Thrive in a World Shaped by AI
Sarah Jensen Clayton
Goal:
At a time when AI has replicated many human capabilities, help women lean into emotional intelligence – a differentiating trait that AI can’t yet imitate – to give them a distinct edge in the workplace.
Definitions to Know:
Emotional Intelligence: ”The ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions while also recognizing, understanding, and influencing the emotions of others.” – Daniel Goleman
Artificial Intelligence: The ability of machines to simulate human intelligence by performing tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding.
Improving Emotional Intelligence:
SELF OTHERS
SELF AWARENESS SELF MANAGEMENT
What steps can I take to become more self-aware?
What steps can I take to better know others/my colleagues?
SOCIAL AWARENESS
What steps can I take to better manage my emotions?
RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
What steps can I take to better manage my relationships?
“Emotional intelligence is a stronger predictor of leadership effectiveness and job performance than IQ alone.”
Cavazotte, Moreno, & Hickmann, 2012
“Know Thyself” Exercise
Review this list of common emotional triggers in the workplace. Consider how frequently you’ve experienced them, how you tend to respond, and how you might respond differently in the future.
Common Emotional Triggers in the Workplace
Being interrupted or talked over
Having my ideas be repeated by a man and given more credit
Being “mansplained” to (having a man explain a concept to me in a condescending or overly simplistic manner, assuming that I lack knowledge on the topic)
Facing scrutiny or skepticism about my skills or expertise
Being seen as difficult or aggressive when I assert myself
Being judged for taking time off for maternity leave or to meet my family’s needs
Experiencing unfairness in the way recognition, promotions or raises are given
Being micromanaged to the point where it feels like my decisions or expertise are not trusted
Not being heard when I raise concerns or issues
Being given unrealistic or unfair expectations or deadlines
How Frequently Do You Experience This?
How I Tend to Respond How I Could Respond Differently
Common Emotional Triggers in the Workplace
Becoming the subject of gossip rather than having people share their feedback directly with me
Having to take on more than my fair share of the work in order to make sure the job gets done
Being given feedback without an opportunity to explain myself or the situation
Being asked to do something unethical or against my personal values
How Frequently Do You Experience This?
How I Tend to Respond
How I Could Respond Differently
CAMPFIRE CHAT:
Career and Life Journey to Success
Kris Bosman & Michelle Smith
“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”
Brene Brown
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
Crystal Balls: Things that are important and should be handled with care because if dropped, they shatter and are irreplaceable.
Rubber Balls: Things that are less important and can be thrown away or bounced back.
What are some of your Crystal Balls?
What are some of your Rubber Balls?
“It’s important to know the difference between what’s crystal and what’s rubber so you can focus on what’s most important. “
Cynt Marshall, former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and AT&T Executive
“Lead with love and success will follow.”
Gail Miller
BOLD MOVES:
How Admitting Defeat Can Lead to Life-Changing Discoveries
Rena Vanzo
Overview:
I found myself completely uninspired in both my professional and personal situations, but it was challenging (understatement!) to walk away from either of them. I had been so committed to both for over a decade and, at one point, had been so proud of what I had helped build. I had come to the realization that I ultimately was not where I needed or wanted to be, and required major changes to find ultimate happiness and live out my calling. Rather than think about my decisions and changes as “failures”, I focused on what I had truly learned and used those lessons to improve going forward. My communication skills and the depths of my relationships, both personally and professionally, are far greater than they ever could have been. It was (and still is) the most difficult period of my life, but I would do it over and over again. My talk will include:
1. Specific elements of my prior corporate job indicating that my passion had become poisonous; I’ll cover components of that job that I’ve carried with me into my new business such as a Kaizen/Six Sigma mindset and trusted relationships with subject-matter experts.
2. Practical steps that helped me start and traverse the transition as well as re-establish myself (appropriate levels of R&R, a job coach, a counselor, constant touch-bases with prior mentors and colleagues)
3. A story about the evolution of The Boob Bus from concept to 1+ year into business! How others can take an idea and determine if it could be a real, viable business.
What is your theme song?
What song would play for a group like this?
What song would you listen to while training for a race?
What song would you not tell anyone about?
Why are they different? Should they be?
Think about something in your life – a relationship or a job… If you are happy, what are the little (or not so little) tell-tale signs that add up to that happiness?
Ex: Never hit the snooze button in the morning! Excited to wake up! Or, if you are unhappy/nervous/second guessing: Always cancelling/rescheduling.
Imagine you suddenly and unexpectedly lost your job. What are 1-2 practical skills or contacts you would implement in your next position? What if it was a totally different industry?
Who are the allies/mentors you would like to surround yourself with?
In Company
Outside Company
Same Role/Department
Different Role/Department
List Your Skillset:
Who needs it? - Trust me, there are people who can and will pay for your expertise.
What would you offer your network, and how would you market it?
Do you have something you would want to read/listen to/explore if you found yourself in a transition period? Would you travel?
What business could you/would you want to start and is it potentially viable?
List something you might want to get involved in selling (product or services):
Revenue per product/service:
General costs:
Estimated number sold per month:
Estimated costs per year:
Total revenue per year:
Revenue minus costs:
Is this business idea viable? What would it take to be viable?
Do you currently have “work-life balance”?
What does that mean to you?
If you have it, how do you know? If you don’t, what would it take to get there?
List 5 self-care practices you will do for yourself next month. If you are due for a mammogram, that should be one of them!
1
2
3
4 5
Panel Notes
The Courage to Pivot: Embracing Career and Life Transitions
Miriam Nieto
Brooke Lenzen Moderator
Lauren Steadman Joyce Canning
Key Takeaways and Learning from the Panel Discussion:
From what I learned, I plan to:
Additional Notes
Executive Education and MBA Programs
Whether you are looking to build a foundation of fundamental business skills, take your career to the next level while balancing existing work and life commitments, or excel with a flexible program that works around your life – we have something for you. Executive Education
Professional and leadership development for individuals and organizations through short, skills-based classes
• Average 2- to 3-day classes held on campus, online, or at client’s location
• For mid- to senior-level professionals
• Open enrollment classes, leadership certificates, and custom programs available
For those seeking an immersive, experiential, and cohort-oriented program to connect to high-impact careers and networks
For early- to mid-career professionals seeking to achieve career advancement or to begin a new career track
For working professionals seeking flexible online solutions to achieve career advancement or to begin a new career track
For experienced, senior-level professionals seeking to gain executive-level strategy and leadership skills
Immersion program with day and evening classes
Hybrid format with two evenings a week, one in person and online
Online with weekly live sessions and deliverables
Every other week on Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MBA.Eccles.Utah.edu - 801-581-5577 - MBA@Utah.edu
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To see our other graduate business programs go to Eccles.Utah.edu/Programs/Graduate
Upcoming Events
As a 2025 Women’s Symposium attendee you have an exclusive invite to our upcoming events.
Girls Night Out
Hosted by the Ken Garff University Club, this event invites you to dress to impress and join us for an evening of networking and connection. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to hear from image consultant Dani Slaugh, who will share expert tips to elevate your personal and professional style.
Event Details
• Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
• Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Ken Garff University Club - Rice Eccles Stadium, 451 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
• Attire: Cocktail Attire
• Cost: $15 per person - Which covers the event, food, and non-alcoholic drinks. Cash bar will be available.
RSVP here to secure your spot.
After you RSVP, Ellie Aggarwal (ellie.aggarwal@eccles.utah.edu) will follow up with a secure payment link to cover your event fee.
Executive Education Women’s Retreat
Join us for the second annual Executive Education Women’s Retreat, a day dedicated to embracing balance—refreshing your mind, recharging your energy, and reconnecting with like-minded professionals. Start the day with an optional yoga session, then immerse yourself in inspiring talks from our two featured speakers, a meaningful service project, and valuable networking opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to step away, gain fresh perspectives, and invest in yourself!
Event Details
• Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
• Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location: Robert H. and Katharine B. Garff Building, 4th Floor, Kahlert Hall - 1731 E Campus Center Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
• Cost: $150 per person - Breakfast and lunch provided
RSVP here to secure your spot.
March 25, 2026
Executive Education Online Offerings:
Now more than ever, the world needs options for high-quality online learning. Through University of Utah Executive Education’s online offerings, you have the opportunity to gain crucial business knowledge and skills from wherever you are – an internet connection is all you need. Learn from our world-renowned Eccles School of Business faculty and see immediate results as you apply what you learn to your career and organization.
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Authentic Leadership and Business Ethics Certificate | Various Faculty
Finance for the Non-Financial Leader | JB Henriksen, MBA
Inspiring Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence | Abe Bakhsheshy, Ph.D.
Digital Transformation Certificate | Various Faculty
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Event Vendor Spotlight:
Thank You! All of our vendors are women-owned businesses.
