Boston CHRO Community
Executive Summit

Culture isn’t a buzzword—it’s a powerful business driver that can inspire people. When done right, it accelerates performance, fuels innovation, and delivers long-lasting results. In this keynote, Elizabeth Norberg, Chief People Officer at SharkNinja, will share how to transform company culture into a true competitive advantage. Whether you’re navigating change, growing rapidly, or driving innovation, this conversation will equip you with proven strategies to elevate work culture to your most valuable—and unstoppable—priority.

Join this discussion to hear more about:

• Connecting company culture to measurable business priorities that unlock performance
• Building strategic partnerships across the C-suite to scale disruptive product innovation
• Leading with clarity and purpose to foster high-performing, empowered teams

Gartner research indicates less than half of employees are satisfied with their organizations’ career development, and struggle to find growth opportunities. In this breakout continuation, attendees will think outside the traditional career pathing box organizations can empower employees with a clear trajectory, enhancing employee retention, satisfaction and company culture.

Join this session to learn:

• Replacing outdated retention strategies with real engagement
• Approaching nontraditional career pathing development
• Identifying career pivot inflection points

CEOs surveyed by Gartner say talent shortage is a top priority for the enterprise. Despite that fact, only 15% of organizations reported practicing strategic workforce planning (SWP) last year. How can CHROs streamline SWP to align with current and future business needs while remaining adaptable to change?

Join this boardroom to discuss:

• Optimizing SWP processes while reducing complexities
• Adapting strategies to meet short and long-term goals
• Matching talent needs with enterprise aspirations

In today's political climate and globalized economy, international trade dynamics and organizational strategies are constantly evolving. CHROs play a crucial role in managing economic impacts by leveraging workforce planning, enhancing employee engagement and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Join this session to discuss:

• Collaborating with the C-suite to navigate economic challenges
• Optimizing workforce flexibility to adapt to changing economic conditions
• Utilizing analytics to inform strategic decisions, improving transparency and trust

What does your body language say about you? What shifts might you make to change how others perceive you? Join this special one-on-one session exclusively for Governing Body members with body-language expert Chris Ulrich for candid feedback on your in-person and online body language. Sessions are 20-minutes and pre-registration is required.

In this unique, private session, you’ll receive:

• One-on-one consultation with a premier expert
• Live analysis of your unique body language cues
• Personalized executive presence improvements

Connect with like-minded peers in a one-on-one setting through Peer-to-Peer Meetings.

CHROs often struggle to identify blind spots and growth areas in successors for effective advancement preparation. In this candid discussion between mentor and mentee, both CHROs will share their experiences and insights on effective leadership development and succession planning.

Join Art Wood and Erin Hagen as they explore:

• Identifying quality leaders and potential successors
• Designing intentional development plans and providing growth opportunities for successors
• Mapping organizational pathways to leverage talent across divisions

CHROs are facing significant challenges to the DEI programs they’ve developed over the past several years. While it’s not yet clear if the courts will weigh in on these initiatives, CHROs should evaluate impact and demand while maintaining a positive company culture.

Join this boardroom, led by a legal expert to explore:

• Balancing legal implications that may be coming for DEI initiatives
• Evaluating the impact of DEI on leadership development and succession planning
• Understanding the needs of the workforce in a sensitive political climate

Over the past two years, Gartner research shows 76% of CHROs reported significant updates to their leadership development programs. However, only 36% think the programs are effective at preparing leaders to face future challenges. How can CHROs continually adjust to new workplace trends, reset business priorities and develop leaders?

Join this session to discuss:

• Activating a culture of learning to drive employee and organizational growth
• Developing managers and leaders at all levels
• Accelerating skills development to drive growth

HR leaders want to ensure their technology decisions effectively drive HR and talent objectives. Yet, how are CHROs engaging with their counterparts in the C-suite to accomplish this?

Join this conversation with the CHRO and CIO of L.L. Bean to explore:

• Strengthening the relationship and building trust between the CHRO & CIO
• Leveraging organizational partnerships to advance HR technology
• Embracing strategic AI implementation amidst industry hype

Finish the day sharing lessons learned with your peers over light fare and drinks at this closing reception hosted by your governing body members.