Women's Leadership Connection - The Elephants Among Us: Talking About the Hard Stuff at Work (and Beyond)

Description

This series, designed especially with women in mind, is being hosted by the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. Each month, we gather for a time of powerful networking, a motivational "TED-type" talk, as well as a chance to learn more about our community. 
This series is especially important for our women members because it empowers them with practical tools, confidence, and perspective to lead effectively at work and in the community. It also fosters connection among women professionals, reminding them that their voices, experiences, and leadership styles matter—and that growth is strongest when it’s shared. We look forward to having you join us!

The Elephants Among Us: Talking About the Hard Stuff at Work (and Beyond)
Why is it getting increasingly hard to simply talk to one another? It’s gotten so bad that even the weather is not a safe topic of conversation. How can we ever expect to solve real problems in our organizations and improve outcomes for ourselves, our customers, and our communities if we can’t talk about the elephants in the room?
 
In this lively session, we'll explore the importance of talking through difficult topics, why it’s so hard to do so, and what we can do to make it easier. Perhaps most importantly, we’ll practice discussing controversial topics with people who disagree with us, and help each other find the courage to face such topics head on.


Meet our speaker:


Nicole Derr

Nicole Derr is a business advisor and community changemaker. She partners with leaders to build resilient, long-lasting organizations that contribute positively to their communities. Together they grow companies through innovative products and scalable, cooperative, people-first business practices. Improved business outcomes are the natural result.

Nicole has extensive experience with organizations of all sizes, from 1 to 300,000 employees, and in a broad range of industries, from tech, manufacturing, and finance, to non-profit, public service, and academia. She has worked throughout the midwest, the United States and beyond, but her favorite engagements are with small organizations making an impact in their local community. While Nicole’s focus is executives and leaders, she has worked with team members at all levels and across the entire organization.