WLS Program 2009

Registration and Continental Breakfast
7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Welcome
8 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

President Paul LeBlanc - SNHU
Annabel Beerel -- Chairholder, Papoutsy Chair in Ethics
Mary Papoutsy -- Endower of the Chair in Ethics, SNHU

Morning Keynote Speaker
8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Lois Frankel– Consultant and Executive Coach

Concurrent Morning Sessions

Session 1
9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

• Leadership Track
• Professional Development Track
• New Realities Track

Leadership

(L1) Women in Political Leadership: Government is back - How are we redefining it?

Presenters: Arnie Arnesen (moderator), Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, NH House Speaker Terie Norelli, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, Jane M. Swift

In this panel Moderator Arnie Arnesen draws out how the political landscape is changing driven by the creativity, strength, pragmatism and empathic leadership of fours well known female political leaders who represent both sides of the bench.

(L2) Getting the Most from an Intergenerational Workforce

Presenters: Cathy Champagne, Maryse R. Charbonneau (moderator), Anna Charbonneau Gerdes

Boomers. Generation X. Millennials/Generation Y. Generational differences can create tension in your workplace, but can also have a positive influence. A local business owner, a global human resources manager and a Millennial/Generation Y graduate researcher will compare and contrast each group. They will:

• present the perspective each group brings to the workplace.
• explore what motivates each group.
• point out the values and strengths each group brings to its work.

(L3) What Got You Here Will Not Get You Where You Want to Be
Presenter: Anne Fitzgerald

We know the strengths and experiences that have enabled us to succeed thus far. What and how do we develop what we need to get ahead? This program is for those women who have assumed a new leadership role or who are moving into executive-level positions. Our discussions will help you:

• identify required competencies for increasing success.
• recognize how behavior needs to change with increasing power.
• leverage your best self while incorporating new learning.

Professional Development

(P1) Unclutter Your Negotiations and Focus on What Really Matters (limited to 25 participants)
Presenter: Dr. Tammy Lenski

Too many negotiations get cluttered with baggage, sidetracks, pop-psych diagnoses and other traps that inhibit reaching resolution and minimizing debris in personal and professional relationships.

A professional mediator and negotiation coach will teach you how to unclutter negotiations and focus on the most important parts of the discussion. You will learn how to:

• recognize what is really important in any negotiation.
• keep the conversation on track.
• set aside the garbage and prevent it from polluting the negotiation.

(P2) Social Networking Sites: Is This The Future of Job Searches?
Presenter: J. Stephanie Collins

Social networking sites are a way of allowing people who may never meet face-to-face to connect with each other based on their interests. These sites enable virtual communities. Many of the sites have also been used as a way for people to connect when they are searching for things to buy, services and romantic partners.

This seminar will focus on the use of social networking sites on the Internet as a way of finding professional connections and career opportunities. There will be an introduction to the various sites that exist and how they are used. The seminar will cover:

• how using a social networking site can help you find the right job.
• how to find the right sites for your career.
• the kind of information you need to provide.
• what to avoid: pitfalls that can hurt forever.

(P3) Reinventing Yourself 2009: A Career Update
Presenters: Judith Bowman, Ellen Griffin (moderator), Charlene Martin, Susan Osborne

What does it take to embark on a new career path, heighten your profile, or start fresh professionally? Join three extraordinary women who will discuss the opportunities found in these transitions. Judith Bowman and Susan Osborne will provide tips to help you update your image, invigorate your networking skills and magnify your professional presence. Charlene Martin will share her story of reinvention, from college administrator to small business owner, and answer questions about pursuing your true calling.

New Realities

(R1) Next Chapters: Accomplished, Engaged and Turning the Page Presenters: The Honorable Linda Dalianis, Lisa Guertin, Linda Johnson (moderator), Dr. Barbara Walters

In 2006, the oldest of the baby boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964, turned 60 at the rate of 330 per hour. The sheer numbers of boomers entering retirement age has caused the U.S. to face one of the most dramatic demographic shifts in its history. This session will focus on the impact this shift is having on factors such as work force productivity, health care costs, retirement planning and Social Security funding. Hear from this panel of successful baby boomer professionals as they reflect on these trends and discuss their own backgrounds and plans for the future. Is retirement around the corner, or do these ladies have other plans? You won’t want to miss hearing their remarkable stories and surprising answers.

(R2) New Realities: Responding to the Critical Signals of Change (Executive Seminar limited to 25 people)
Presenter: Annabel Beerel

New realities continuously present themselves at our doorstep. Some new realities are big and highly significant, and some new realities are small and less significant. Either way, new realities always imply some form of change. The hallmark of effective leadership, both professional and personal, is the ability to identify and respond to new realities when they are new. By definition reality does not disappear even when we choose to ignore it or when we create a reality we find more palatable. Now more than ever we need to hone our skills for working with new realities and find more effective response patterns. This workshop will address:

• the importance of reading new realities.
• the reasons why people defer reality or create ones of their own making.
• the skills needed to mobilize others to respond to the changes new realities imply.

(R3) Women as Social Change Agents
Presenters: Marianne Jones and Rachel Rouillard

Leadership for women takes many forms, and much of leadership success is driven by a passion to change the status quo. Understanding the issues that women and girls are facing in communities throughout NH is an important entry point to understanding where to begin to make positive, lasting change. This workshop will be in interactive discussion on the well-being of women and girls in NH, and how each of us can make a difference as community leaders. 

MORNING SESSION 2
10:25 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Leadership Track
• Professional Development Track
• New Realities Track
  

Leadership

Have you considered working on a corporate board? What skills and experience will prepare you for board service and how can you find the right opportunity? Our panel of women board directors will discuss the competencies and strategies needed to secure a board position, and how you can contribute to governance and advance your career.

(L5) Thinking of Starting Your Own Business?  Here’s How
Presenter: Amy Millman

It takes more than an idea, a storefront and a little money. Amy Millman, president of Springboard Enterprises, will discuss what you need to do and what you need to know before venturing out on your own. She will review the key elements of good business planning, including knowing your market, understanding your finances and overcoming roadblocks. You will leave the workshop with tangible ideas for moving forward with your idea.

Professional Development

(P4) Back to Basics: Grounding Strategies for Enhancing Your Value to Your Organization
Presenters: Susan Duprey and Dianne Mercier

The focus of this discussion is on the importance of aligning one’s skills, talents and energies with the needs of the organization. Now is the time to ensure one is really bringing added value towards the organization’s goals. This session explores why and how this can be achieved.

(P5) Leading the Corporate Soul
Presenter: Dr. Daryl Koehn

One often hears buzz about “the corporate soul” and the significant role soul plays in creating a meaningful culture that inspires committed and energized employees. This panel explores:

• the meaning and significance of corporate soul, particularly at this challenging time.
• how one develops and enhances the sense of soul.
• the pitfalls associated with soul leadership.

(P6) Science and Technology: Why You Should Be Interested
Presenters: Christine Carberry, Patricia Mellor, Christine Miska, Amy Shevlin (moderator), Kimberly Vecchione

With the aging workforce there will be talent gaps. This will be compounded by the limited availability of qualified graduates in science and technology. The National Center for Women and Information Technology reports that “there are now more IT jobs in the U.S. than there were at the height of the dot.com boom.” Highly qualified women within technical fields have had significant opportunities available to them. One study indicates women in the field are largely satisfied with the work they do and generally satisfied with their employers. Despite the increased opportunities and relative satisfaction, trends indicate that the percentages of women in specific technical fields remain flat or declining. This panel discusses: 

• how the current economic downturn impacts opportunities in science and technology.
• the challenge of increasing the interest in science and technology by young girls and college-age females.
• how workplace culture supports or does not support women in technical fields.

New Realities
(R4) Women’s Leadership: Promoting and Nurturing Community Economic Development
Presenters: Grace Mattern , Puneetha Palakurthi (moderator), Poonam Ahluwalia

The interesting and devoted women in this panel discuss the important work they do in promoting sustainable communities and dealing with neglected areas of violence and poverty. They discuss how they got into the work and the inspiration and hope it brings to others and themselves.

(R5) Strong Women Live Longer
Presenter: Dr. Miriam Nelson

Strong Women Live Well: A fresh perspective on the obesity epidemic and
update on physical activity guidelines for Americans.

Objectives:

• To learn the importance of aerobic activity and strength training health.
• To learn how resilient the body is no matter what age.
• To better understand the complex nature of why so many people are
  overweight and obese.
• To understand the new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Facilitated Networking Discussions and/or Meet the Authors / Book Signing and Exhibitors’ Hall
11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.

Anne Fitzgerald - Lead Facilitator

Join us in a conversation to:

• Gain an understanding of the power of networking  
• Focus on: what you have to offer and what you are seeking
• Meet 8 or more new women for your business network
• Have a stimulating conversation with other women!

Bring your business cards and choose one of these sessions in Robert Frost Hall:

Building Leadership through Community Involvement
Meredith Funston, President, Meredith Funston Executive Search Consultants
http://www.meredithfunston.com/

Assessing Your Career Anchor Now for Future Success
Sheila J. Kabat, Vice President
Bruce Mast & Associates, Inc.
http://www.bmaleadership.com/

Enhancing Leadership with Intuition
Clarissa Sawyer EdD., Consultant, Organizational Effectiveness Consulting
http://www.clarissasawyer.com/

Taking Care of Yourself at Work and Home
Jill G. Schiffman, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Emerita, Dartmouth Medical School

Perfecting Your Elevator Speech to Maximize Connections
Connie Roy-Czyzowski, Vice President of Human Resources, Northeast Delta Dental
http://www.nedelta.com/

Success in Resolving Differences
Dawn Sime, PhD, Professor, SNHU School of Business, Department of Leadership
drsime@comcast.net
http://www.mylifecompasscoach.com/

Turbulent Times: Surviving? or Thriving!
Susan Nye, Freelance Writer and Entrepreneur
http://www.susannye.com/
http://www.susan.blogspot.com/

How to Earn What You Deserve
Linda Brantley, Principal, Positive Perceptions Consulting
http://www.mypositiveperceptions.com/
 
New Realities: Women to Women Global Connections
Anne Fitzgerald, Organizational Consultant and Leadership Coach, ~Spirit at Work Global~
Project Director, Beads 4 Peace - USA
afspirit@comcast.net

Making Time for Me - Balancing My Life
Donna Wood, Founder, Wellness Strategies
http://www.wellnessstrategies.net/

Alternatives to Multi-Tasking: Other Ways to Get Things Done
Elizabeth Early Sheehan, Professional Organizer, Organizational Solutions
http://www.eesheehan.com/

Creating Impact: How Others Will Remember You
Jennifer Meister, Marketing and Merchandising Consultant
J2meister@aol.com

How to make the most these sessions:

Bring your willingness to engage with ther women! 

Networking is a powerful way to meet fascinating women--learning who they are and what they do. One key to your leadership success is to know who might have the information you need or how to get it quickly. Your business networks are the people who you can ask, as well as the ones who will ask you. As you talk with women focus more on what you have to offer than on what you need. It is amazing how we get what we need by offering what we have.

Bring your business cards!

(If you do not have a card, print one up at an office store or on-line at http://www.vistaprint.com/ )
The low cost of a card will be one of the best investments you have ever made to grow your network! Be sure to include your name, phone number, and e-mail address so others know how to reach you.

Lunch
12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Lunch Keynote Speaker: Loretta LaRoche – Humorist and Stress Consultant
1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Meet the Authors / Book Signing and Exhibitors’ Hall
2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Concurrent Afternoon Sessions
2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

• Leadership Track
• Professional Development Track
• New Realities Track

Leadership

(L6) Leaders Prepared to Lead the Nonprofit Sector of the 21st Century
Presenters: Caroline J. Boyd, Mary Ellen Jackson (moderator), Anne McLane Kuster, Cynthia Mills

Nonprofit leaders face a host of challenges in these economic hard times, including declining revenues, an increasing need for services, lower yield on investments and higher stress on working families. Effective leadership is essential to meet the demands of both internal and external constituencies, including boards, employees, beneficiaries and the community at large. Learn effective strategies to lead with purpose: engage -- focus – succeed.

(L7) Take Charge and Control Your Future
Presenter: Dr. Traci Lynn

With great insight and humor, award winning entrepreneur, Dr. Traci Lynn points out ways in which we can all take better charge of our futures. With charm and wit she highlights how we disempower ourselves and how we miss opportunities to get ahead.

(L8) Reflecting on Leadership
Presenter: Denise Askin

Imagine stepping back from the pressures of daily life and thinking about not how but why you do what you do. Imagine getting together with other civically minded people and talking about your values and the choices you make in serving your community. Now imagine beginning this conversation by discussing short readings that help you gather and articulate your thoughts. This, in a nutshell, is civic reflection.

This workshop, presented by the New Hampshire Humanities Council, will give participants an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of leadership, exploring such questions as “How do we make choices as leaders? What risks are worth taking? Who should lead and why? What is my responsibility to lead? How should leaders be held accountable?”

A short reading, available in advance, will serve as a catalyst for the discussion.

Professional Development
(P7) Unclutter Your Negotiations and Focus on What Really Matters (limited to 25 participants)
Presenter: Dr. Tammy Lenski

Too many negotiations get cluttered with baggage, sidetracks, pop-psych diagnoses and other traps. A professional mediator and negotiation coach will teach you how to unclutter negotiations and focus on the most important parts of the discussion. You will learn how to:

• recognize what is really important in any negotiation.
• keep the conversation on track.
• set aside the garbage and prevent it from polluting the negotiation.

(P8) Economic Realities: What Not to Do With Your Money!
Presenter: Sherrill St. Germain

Like a personal finance version of TV’s "What Not to Wear," we’ll explore a few case studies of fictional but true-to-life women in various personal and financial situations, highlighting issues that exemplify what not to do with your money. Just like watching style mavens Stacy and Clinton transform women from fashion victims to fashionistas helps viewers learn how to make the most of their personal assets, you will walk away from this session with new insights into how to make the most of your financial assets – no matter what economic realities you are facing.

(P9) Mastering the Front of the Room
Presenter: Jen Comeau

You are the expert. You are prepared. You have visually appealing materials. Still your presentation comes off a bit flat, or worse – you get flustered. Yet, we know it when we see it: an engaging, unflappable, confident woman who masters the front of the room. How can we achieve such a notable presence? Take-aways from this session include:

• the use of voice, body and language to create engagement and flow.
• learning how intent can create the experience you want.
• understanding differences in how people both take in information and make meaning, so that you can adapt to ensure a memorable experience to for all.

You will leave with a new appreciation for and confidence in your ability to maximize your effectiveness at the front of the room.

(P10) Leading Your Job Search: Professional Tips That Insure Success
Presenter: Amanda Arria, Ingrid Vasquez

This workshop will provide tips for how to advance your career, whether you are searching for a new opportunity or looking for growth within your existing organization.  This workshop will provide ideas for establishing a strong personal brand, networking, and tools to assist you in your job search. You will leave this workshop with winning strategies to assist you in taking an active role in leading your career in today’s new job market realities. 

New Realities

(R6) Advancing Society by Advancing Women
Presenters: Annie Alip, Irene Alvarado, Catherine Rielly

Research data reveals over and over again that if you want to advance a society, educate the women!  Whether from a cognitive, developmental or moral viewpoint, when women are educated they impact their society in a way that moves the whole to higher ground.  This phenomenon is easier to see in developing countries that are trying to work their way out of poverty and global disempowerment. 

(R7) Sustainability: The New Frontier of Revenue Growth
Presenters: Stacy L. Doll, Julia Dundorf, Molly Hodgson Smith

This session will define sustainability and offer real life tangible ways for business professionals to incorporate and advance sustainability programs and policies into their business plans and models. The focus will be on
how sustainability and social responsibility not only improves our impact on the environment at large but also improves workplace culture, offers many cost savings and positively impacts the bottom line.

(R8) The Continuing Adventure We Call Life!
Presenters: Jean Brown, Roberta Hollinger, Christine Lundberg, Susan Nye (Moderator)

Many Baby Boomers make significant career changes and life changes when they hit 40, 50 or 60. They (finally) follow their passion and start new businesses, leave corporations for non-profits or education. That passion may come from their artistic side, a desire to give back to their community, wanderlust or a lifelong hobby. They are filled with energy and love this exciting time in their life. Meet a panel of Baby Boomer women who have taken the leap and embraced a new chapter. They will share some of the joys and challenges they face as well as the pressures and wonderful sense of accomplishment they feel.

Afternoon Keynote Speaker: Gloria Steinem
4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Closing remarks
4:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.