AI is powerful, but its intelligence is only as strong as the people shaping it. Bias, blind spots, and limited perspectives in AI come from the humans who build, train, and use it. In this thought-provoking session, we’ll explore why human diversity—of experience, perspective, and network—is critical to ensuring AI serves everyone equitably. Just like a strong financial portfolio requires diversification, so does the data and expertise that fuel AI. At the end of the day, technology is a tool—but people are the driving force behind its impact.

With multiple generations now working side by side, effective communication across age groups is essential for a thriving workplace. This program examines the differences in communication styles, values, and work expectations among Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. By fostering understanding and respect for these differences, you’ll learn how to navigate intergenerational conversations with confidence and create inclusive, collaborative environments where everyone’s voice is valued.

Millennials are increasingly stepping into leadership roles that require effective public speaking skills. Whether presenting in meetings or speaking at conferences, mastering public speaking is crucial for career advancement.

In this program, you’ll learn how to craft and deliver engaging presentations that resonate with diverse audiences, helping you to become a more confident and impactful speaker.

Networking can be particularly challenging for introverts, especially in a world still adjusting to the impacts of COVID-19. Developing strategies that align with your personality can help you build meaningful connections without feeling overwhelmed.

In this program, you’ll discover how to navigate networking events and virtual platforms effectively, ensuring you can expand your professional network comfortably.

Today’s workforce spans multiple generations, each with its own values, communication styles, and work preferences. Successfully managing a multigenerational team requires understanding and accommodating these differences to create a cohesive and productive work environment.

In this program, you’ll gain insights into the unique characteristics of each generation and learn strategies to foster collaboration and mutual respect.

Navigating interactions with difficult people is a challenge many face in both personal and professional settings. Understanding how to handle these situations effectively can transform your relationships and enhance your work environment.

In this program, you’ll learn how to identify difficult behavior, develop strategies to manage it, and improve your overall communication skills.

Whether it is a fundraiser, professional gathering, client dinner, or even your cousin’s wedding, attending events is a part of your life – both professional and personal. Extroverts love them; introverts tolerate them at best.

You’ll learn how to walk in with confidence, engage people in conversation, and leave knowing you have made a positive impression.

We assume if we are doing a good job someone will notice, promote us, and help to advance our career – it’s called the Tiara Syndrome. The phrase was first coined by Deborah Kolb and Carol Frohlinger in their book, *New Girl on the Job*.

Hope is not a strategy. You need to be the CEO of your professional life and strategically make decisions instead of being at the mercy of the economy or other factors. While it is possible someone will put a tiara on you, it is more likely you’ll need to self-advocate in order to succeed.

You’ll better understand how to create and implement a career plan, speak about your accomplishments in an authentic way, and ways to deal with inevitable setbacks.

Whether you are an executive or starting out in your career, having a solid network that you can leverage is vital. Yet few schools include courses about building and maintaining relationships.

Effective networking is more than handing out business cards, having a LinkedIn profile, and hoping the phone rings. Whether you’re looking to connect within your organization, your industry, or are looking to get on boards, knowing who to contact – and having them return your call is essential.

You’ll better understand how to create and maintain an effective network both in-person and online.

Perhaps it is telling a client something they don’t want to hear or giving feedback when a colleague made a mistake. That knot in your stomach when you know you need to say something that’s uncomfortable … we’ve all been there.

Difficult conversations typically take place when we have sidestepped a topic or issue and now it has escalated into a more significant concern. Emotions can trip up the situation. As the initiator of the conversation, you’ll want to set the tone and steer the outcome.

You’ll better understand how to have difficult conversations as well as practice a real-case scenario.

Research says that more people would rather be in the coffin than giving the eulogy. Public speaking is Warren Buffett’s #1 skill for professional success.

Whether you are giving a speech or asking a question in a meeting, public speaking is at the core of your ability to do your job. There are two aspects – content and delivery. Knowing what to say is part of it – saying it well makes it memorable and is more often when things go wrong. It is normal to feel nervous and/or anxious. It is detrimental if that fear is paralyzing.

You’ll learn how to embrace your nerves, find ways to move up the public speaking ladder, and gain confidence.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to get clients by picking up the phone or opening your email to hear, ‘you were recommended by _____ and I’d like to hire you.’

Why does that person refer business your way? If it’s happening, how can you make it happen more often? If it’s not, how can you turn that around?

You’ll learn how to be strategic and tactical about building, staying in touch with your contacts and turning them into clients (or referral sources).

Tiffanys, Starbucks, Apple, Martha Stewart to name a few – they all spend billions defining and reinforcing their brand. What can you learn from them and what is your personal brand?

Simply stated, your brand is what others say about you when you’re not in the room. Each time you interact with others you reinforce, alter and impact your reputation and how others feel about you. There are intentional ways for you to take charge of your brand instead of having others decide it for you.

You’ll better understand how to create your personal brand and keep it relevant as your career develops.

“I am a tough critic and Diane is the best of the best. Her content was brilliant, and her delivery was exceptional.”

Grover Cleveland – Attorney, Speaker, and Author
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“Diane teaches that generating clients isn't a matter of closing ‘sales’; it's a matter of building relationships with people you want to help and who want to help you.”

Beth Boland – Partner, Foley & Lardner
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“…I learned networking the hard way, at one gruesome party after another. You can learn the easy way with Diane Darling’s book.”

Bob Metcalfe – Professor at University of Texas