As organizations face increasing disruption, workforce transformation, and growing leadership demands, leadership development can no longer be viewed as a program for a select few. In this interactive session, Courtney Holladay, Chief Learning Officer and Vice President of MD Anderson's Leadership Institute, will share how MD Anderson has invested in leadership as an enterprise capability by creating research-based programs, coaching, mentoring, change enablement, and personalized learning opportunities that reach employees at every level of the organization. Attendees will explore how intentional investments in leadership development can strengthen organizational resilience, improve employee outcomes, and prepare leaders to navigate complex challenges while advancing mission-driven results.

How can organizations develop talent consistently across teams, cultures, and business units while responding to changing workforce needs? In this session, talent leaders from global employers will share how they build workforce capabilities, strengthen career pathways, and align talent development with business priorities. Drawing on experience across complex organizations, panelists will explore how employers can balance enterprise-wide development strategies with local workforce needs, prepare employees for evolving roles, and create opportunities for growth and advancement.

AI is changing more than how individual tasks get done. It is raising fundamental questions about how work is designed, how people build expertise and careers, what managers will do differently, and where humans should remain accountable. Led by Holly Price of McKinsey & Company, coauthor of “AI Is Changing Work. Now It Has to Change the Organization,” this highly interactive, facilitated session will combine research insights and national, cross-industry perspectives with small-group conversation and peer exchange. Participants will explore the choices leaders are facing as they redesign work for an AI-enabled future, with dedicated time to discuss the implications, learn alongside peers, and consider what these changes could mean for their own organizations.

Using the TradeUp model as a starting point, this session will explore how employers and higher education institutions can work together to address workforce challenges, strengthen talent pipelines, and align skills development with industry needs. While partnerships between employers and colleges have often been viewed as a recruiting strategy of last resort, many organizations are now recognizing higher education as a strategic workforce partner. Attendees will learn how employers can influence talent development, increase workforce readiness, and build sustainable talent ecosystems that support long-term business growth. The lessons and partnership approaches discussed are applicable across industries and occupations, regardless of company size or sector.

Experience the newly launched platform built for Houston - Ready Set Next. This will be a live demonstration of an individualized career navigation experience designed to help every student and worker better understand their strengths, interests and skills — and connect to the pathways, programs and organizations that can help them move toward family-sustaining careers. You’ll also have an opportunity to give us your feedback.

In today's rapidly evolving workplace, employees are looking to leaders not only for direction, but also for connection, purpose, and trust. Strong organizations understand that culture shapes the employee experience, and the employee experience ultimately shapes the customer, stakeholder, and brand experience. In this session, participants will explore how leaders build "inside-out" organizations by aligning purpose, values, culture, and strategy to create workplaces where people feel connected, valued, and empowered to contribute their best work. Panelists will share practical examples of how their organizations have strengthened culture, trust, belonging, and employee experience, as well as lessons learned when alignment between culture, strategy, and experience is tested.

As workforce needs evolve and disruption accelerates, organizations can no longer afford a reactive approach to people and culture. Talent leaders are increasingly being called upon to shape business strategy, anticipate workforce needs, and build cultures that drive performance. This session explores how leaders are expanding their role beyond traditional talent management to become strategic partners in shaping workforce strategy and organizational culture, and business outcomes. Panelists will share practical examples of how their organizations are using workforce planning, culture transformation, data, partnerships, and cross-functional collaboration to align people and culture priorities with organizational needs.

AI is changing more than how individual tasks get done. It is raising fundamental questions about how work is designed, how people build expertise and careers, what managers will do differently, and where humans should remain accountable. Led by Holly Price of McKinsey & Company, coauthor of “AI Is Changing Work. Now It Has to Change the Organization,” this highly interactive, facilitated session will combine research insights and national, cross-industry perspectives with small-group conversation and peer exchange. Participants will explore the choices leaders are facing as they redesign work for an AI-enabled future, with dedicated time to discuss the implications, learn alongside peers, and consider what these changes could mean for their own organizations.

Energy Expressway is an employer-led talent pipeline initiative designed to help address growing workforce needs in the energy and infrastructure sectors while creating meaningful career opportunities for young talent. In this session, leaders from BridgeYear, CenterPoint Energy, and Quanta Services will share why they chose to invest in the initiative, the value it delivers to their organizations, and the lessons they have learned through building a collaborative workforce solution. The lessons and approach are universal and can be implemented in other industries.

Experience the newly launched platform built for Houston - Ready Set Next. This will be a live demonstration of an individualized career navigation experience designed to help every student and worker better understand their strengths, interests and skills — and connect to the pathways, programs and organizations that can help them move toward family-sustaining careers. You’ll also have an opportunity to give us your feedback.

As organizations navigate AI, workforce transformation, and changing employee and customer expectations, success increasingly depends on how effectively they connect people, technology, and opportunity. In this candid conversation, three senior leaders will share the experiences, relationships, and pivotal moments that shaped their careers, along with the workforce trends and leadership strategies they believe will define success in the years ahead. Drawing on their distinct perspectives and experience, panelists will explore how organizations can harness technology, develop talent, and strengthen connections with employees, customers, and communities to drive innovation and growth.