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Announcing Keynote Speakers for 2024 Fall Conference


SADDLE UP! A MODERN LEADERSHIP SOLUTION

In today's dynamic landscape, burnout and disengagement plague workplaces. Yet, the core4 issue often isn't burnout, but rather boredom, stifling untapped potential. To thrive, learning organizations must foster a culture of ownership and collaboration. Saddle Your Own Horse, is a paradigm shift in leadership that champions engagement and fulfillment.

  • Be the Expert in your field: Take the reigns of your life and leadership, take hold of your influence at the table.
  • Simplify Complexity: Navigate complexity with clarity by prioritizing what truly matters.
  • Shift Rescuing to Leading: Empower your leaders to create environments where learning takes place, igniting employee potential and organizational growth.

ZACH AREND is a former 2X saddle bronc riding champion. He transformed the lessons he learned in the rodeo arena into a successful 20-year career in corporate and entrepreneurial leadership roles, building teams, developing leaders, and helping companies to thrive. Today, he's a professionally trained storyteller and speaker who coaches entrepreneurs, executives, and sales professionals to Saddle Their Own Horse. Zach lives in Overland Park, KS, with his wife Shandy and their three beautiful daughters, Claire, Sophie, and Thea.


BRIDGING THE DIGITAL SKILLS GAP: Thriving in the Rapidly Evolving Workplace  through Upskilling, Reskilling, and Emerging Technologies

In today's rapidly changing digital landscape, the skills gap is widening, emphasizing the truth that "learning is forever." This keynote explores the urgent need for continuous upskilling and reskilling to navigate this evolving workplace and maintain a competitive edge. We will examine the obstacles and opportunities facing organizations, demonstrating how emerging technologies like AI and Immersive Learning can revolutionize training and development, embodying the spirit of lifelong learning.

  • Understanding the Skills Gap: Assess the current state of your organization's skills and identify areas for improvement in the context of "learning is forever."
  • The Power of Upskilling and Reskilling: Learn how to strategically invest in your workforce's development to bridge the skills gap, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
  • Embracing Emerging Technologies: Discover the transformative potential of AI and Immersive Learning for training and development, showcasing how these technologies facilitate lifelong learning.
  • Strategic Adaptation: Develop a roadmap for navigating the future of work and ensuring your organization's long-term success by embracing the principle that "learning is forever."

Debbie Richards is a highly accomplished learning architect and technology enthusiast, dedicated to designing impactful learning experiences for over three decades. Her expertise lies in creating user-friendly learning solutions that integrate tools, platforms, and content to deliver exceptional results. Passionate about fostering growth within the learning community, Debbie actively mentors fellow professionals and holds a board position at L&D Cares, a nonprofit supporting talent development.

Debbie's profound influence extends beyond her professional work, as evidenced by her past presidency of the ATD Houston chapter and her role as a former national advisor. Her commitment to knowledge sharing shines through her authorship of two ATD at Work guides: "Seeing the Possibilities With Augmented Reality" and "Preparing Your Organization for New Technologies." Recognized as a "Guild Master" by the Learning Guild in 2022, Debbie's contributions continue to shape and inspire the learning industry..


ATD Kansas City Chapter
705 B SE Melody Lane, #311
Lee's Summit, MO 64063
 
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