As regulatory scrutiny increases and public discourse evolves, the future of DEI is at a crossroads. This panel will explore how organizations are reframing their language, metrics, and strategies — often under new names like “belonging,” “inclusive leadership,” or “culture strategy.” Hear from leaders on how to meet the moment authentically while staying compliant and effective.

Ever tried to change someone’s mind—and nothing happened?

Most of us think influence comes from what we say, or the title we hold. But science tells a different story: it’s about what people see in our actions, feel in our presence, and believe about us—before we ever say a word. In this talk, we’ll explore how the most influential leaders build trust, clarity, and emotional connection to drive real, lasting change. Backed by insights from psychology, behavioral science, and the science of emotional intelligence, discover the hidden forces behind influence—and how to use them.

Let’s be honest: most succession strategies were built for a workforce that no longer exists.

With five distinct generations sharing space, each with its own lived history, expectations, and relationship to power, organizations that cling to outdated paradigms will be left behind. Conscious leaders are architecting environments where legacy is cultivated, wisdom is transferred across generations, and leadership emerges at every level.

In this session, delve into a deeper conversation about what it truly means to build a future-ready organization. We’ll explore how to use culture as a lever for multigenerational trust, create pathways that unlock the potential of every generation, and embed conscious leadership practices that retain and advance your mission-critical talent. This isn’t just about building a strong pipeline. It’s about building a movement.

Key takeaways:

• The truth about your culture and how it’s either accelerating or eroding generational cohesion.
• A framework for succession strategy that integrates lived experience, conscious leadership, and cross-generational learning.
• Practical tools to embed mentorship, reverse mentorship, and cultural fluency into your leadership pipeline so that every generation is seen, heard, and ready to lead.

From intelligent sourcing to predictive retention models, AI is shaping every phase of the talent journey. But where does the human remain essential? This roundtable will unpack the balance between automation and empathy across recruitment, onboarding, development, and offboarding — with practical insights on where AI can enhance (and where it must not replace) human judgment.

Key Takeaways:

• Explore where AI delivers the most value across the hire-to-exit talent journey.
• Identify moments where human insight must override automation.
• Build a framework for “human-in-the-loop” talent strategy that balances efficiency with empathy.

As organizations face pressure to scale quickly while maintaining fairness, compliance, and agility, data-informed hiring has become a strategic advantage. This roundtable explores how CHROs are using analytics to make faster, smarter hiring decisions—without compromising on quality, equity, or long-term potential. From screening to offer acceptance, we'll discuss how to align hiring metrics with business goals, mitigate risk, and plan confidently for future talent needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover how to apply data and analytics to optimize hiring speed, quality, and fairness.
• Learn how to use risk insights to balance compliance with candidate experience.
• Explore what metrics matter most when building a workforce for tomorrow’s skills and challenges.

Step away from the mainstage and join Kelley for a relaxed, conversation-driven session designed to foster connection and shared learning. Collaboration Corner invites attendees to engage in small group discussions around relevant challenges and ideas, guided by a set of thought-provoking prompts.

This is a space to exchange real experiences, gain fresh perspectives, and explore solutions together in an informal setting. Whether you're looking to validate your thinking, learn from others, or simply connect with peers, this is your corner to collaborate.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future disruptor—it’s a present force reshaping the very fabric of work. In this session, Aon’s Marinus van Driel explores how AI is transforming not just how work gets done, but what work is and how it’s valued. Drawing on fresh insights from Aon’s AI Workforce Study and real-world case examples from leading organizations, this session will challenge CHROs to reimagine workforce strategy, job architecture, and total rewards in an AI-augmented world.

Attendees will gain:

• A clear view of how AI is impacting HR
• A framework for prioritizing AI investments and talent strategies
• Practical examples of AI in action across HR
• Guidance on building AI literacy, governance, and trust across the HR function

This session is designed to spark dialogue, share peer insights, and equip senior HR leaders with the mindset and tools to lead their organizations through this pivotal transformation of every organization.