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Disruption isn’t coming - it’s here, and it’s endless. In this transformative session, we’ll explore how HR leaders can step up as strategic anchors in a world defined by upheaval. From navigating the ripple effects of AI to fostering resilience in the face of economic and cultural shifts, this conversation will equip you with actionable strategies to lead with confidence, clarity, and impact.

In this session we’ll explore:

• Shaping culture in the face of uncertainty.
• Strengthening belonging to support engagement.
• Building readiness for ongoing change.
• Turning disruption into a platform for opportunity.

Change is inevitable, but thriving in it is a choice. The time to act is now!

Join a candid and high-impact panel discussion with three seasoned CHROs as they discuss the real-world challenges facing HR leaders today—and how they’re navigating them. From building future-ready capabilities to managing board expectations, they’ll share what’s working, what’s changing, and what they wish they’d known sooner.

Whether you are an experienced HR executive, an aspiring CHRO, or new to role leader, you will walk away with peer-tested insights on how McLean & Company’s model and new CHRO Playbook can enable you to chart your course to success.

Facilitators: Angela Scott, Manager, Learning Solutions and Grace Ewles, Director, HR Research & Advisory Services

From rapid technological advancements to an ever-changing and complex external environment, stress has become an all too common feature for many in our personal and professional lives. As organizations attempt to upskill employees and prepare the workforce for the future, there is an opportunity to reframe stress at work by focusing on proactive supports and adaptability at the individual and organizational level. This roundtable session provides a collaborative forum for HR professionals to exchange insights, challenges, and best practices for enhancing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

This session will explore:

• How workplace stress can be harnessed to foster growth and resilience.
• Practical workplace mental health and wellbeing strategies tailored for individuals, leaders, and HR professionals.

Facilitators: Lindsay Austin, Practice Lead, Learning Solutions and Susanna Rothfuchs, Senior Executive Advisor & Team Lead

Leadership development remains a top priority for organizations. The conversation around effective leadership development never stops because it is so important, but what makes it important? Why do we keep talking about it?

In this roundtable, participants will discuss the “why” behind leadership development, successful implementation strategies, and methods for assessing leadership development effectiveness in a practical way.

This session will explore:

• Benchmarking current leadership development efforts against their peers in the room.
• Gaining insights into what others have done to achieve success in leadership development.
• Understanding common barriers to effective leadership development and explore potential solutions.

Note: This roundtable is offered twice across the agenda to allow attendees to choose the sessions that best suit their areas of interest.

In today’s digital-first world, technology transformations are often measured in milestones and platforms - but real success hinges on how people experience the change. As organizations modernize HR operations, the risk of losing sight of the human dimension grows. Rosemarie Estrada, Senior Vice President of HR Services at Kyndryl, will share an inside look at how one of the world’s largest IT infrastructure service providers embraced a people-first approach as it modernized its entire technology ecosystem and people processes.

In this engaging and practical session, Rosemarie will unpack how Kyndryl aligned its transformation journey with organizational culture, prioritized the employee experience during operational shifts, and embedded empathy into every layer of change. Learn how HR and technology teams can partner to create systems that not only work better - but feel better for the people using them.

In this session, HR leaders will:

• Understand the strategic role HR can play in technology-driven change initiatives.
• Identify key tactics for maintaining employee trust and engagement through technology changes.
• Explore how to embed culture, empathy, and user experience into HR technology implementations.
• Learn how to co-create transformation narratives that resonate with both business and people objectives.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Brian Dickens, a seasoned CHRO, as he reflects on his evolving leadership approach in the shift from a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world to one defined by BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible). In this candid fireside chat, Brian will explore how CHROs can foster clarity and alignment around the employee experience amid today’s increasingly unpredictable conditions. We’ll cover strategies to 1) Anchor teams to shared values 2) Define non-negotiables that drive focus and cohesion and 3) Pivot with purpose when the path forward isn’t linear.

Brian will also share how lifelong learning and a grounded, human-centric embrace of AI are influencing talent decisions and internal communications. You’ll walk away with a simple, repeatable framework to help leaders align quickly, prioritize what matters most for the employee experience, and build resilient momentum—even when the rules keep changing.

Learn how McLean Executive Services provides personalized, executive-level support by pairing you with a seasoned HR leader dedicated to your success. In this session, we’ll explore how Executive Services can help you stay focused on your strategic priorities, identify the right McLean & Company resources to support your goals, and act as catalysts in turning your HR strategy into real, measurable outcomes. We’ll also share what’s new and evolving in the service to help you get even more value from your partnership.

Building effective leaders at every level is a strategic imperative in a world of constant change. In this session, discover McLean & Company’s leadership competency roadmap and how incorporating our suite of learning offerings can help drive lasting leadership behavior change. We’ll explore practical strategies for creating engaging, real-world learning environments, share a demo of our Learning Content Library which spans multiple delivery methods, and preview of some of our newest offerings designed to develop critical competencies across your organization. Whether you're designing full learning journeys or targeting specific skills, this session will help you create growth that sticks.

Facilitators: LynnAnn Brewer, Executive Advisor and Adrian Shackelford, Director, HR Advisory Services

In an era of evolving employee expectations, economic uncertainty, and rapidly advancing technologies, HR leaders must go beyond traditional workforce planning to drive meaningful, proactive, and actionable organizational strategies to meet business needs. This interactive working session empowers HR professionals to embrace scenario modeling as a practical and strategic tool to anticipate future talent challenges, foster change readiness, and build adaptive workforce plans.

Participants will engage with current research, real-world HR case examples, and hands-on guided activities using tools and templates aligned with strategic workforce planning practices. Attendees will leave the session with new insights and customizable scenario modeling frameworks to enable them to create tailored plans to their organization’s context and needs.

This session will explore:

• Identifying and analyzing key internal and external factors influencing workforce dynamics and strategy to define current state.
• Learning and exploring some of the principles and components of strategic scenario modeling in a human capital context.
• Applying scenario modeling tools and frameworks to develop future-ready, evidence-based workforce strategies.

Note: Session duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

In today's rapidly evolving workplace landscape, People teams are navigating two seemingly contradictory narratives: The critical need to address the well-being crisis affecting managers and employees, and the parallel rise of AI and automation, which is often discussed as a replacement for human roles. On one hand, the well-being crisis demands immediate action—burnout, mental health challenges, and increasing workloads are creating a workforce in need of care, empathy, and support. On the other hand, AI and automation are being heralded as the future of work, bringing efficiency but also raising fears of job displacement.

Through this lens, we will ask the provocative question: Should we be focusing on caring for our people or preparing to replace them? Is there a world where these two objectives can coexist? Can People & Culture leaders champion both the human-centric approach to employee well-being while embracing the opportunities AI brings to enhance, rather than replace, the workforce?

Topics coming soon.

Featuring:

• Shalini Phillips, Executive Counselor
• Lisa Highfield, Principal Director, Human Resources Technology and Artificial Intelligence
• Jon Campbell, Senior Vice President, Sales

Today, the need for AI skills generally prompts the need for human AI talent, which raises the question of IT talent sourcing. Should we build our AI resources internally through employee learning & development? Or is it better to buy talent through the recruitment of qualified AI experts in the labor market? Debaters will present both perspectives by using McLean & Company and Info-Tech research, insights, and programs to support their positions and argue why you should build or buy AI talent.

Topics coming soon.

Facilitators: Stacey Shepherd, Senior Executive Counselor and Mardi Walker, Executive Counselor

This round table discussion brings together CHROs to explore effective strategies for guiding organizations through the complexities of today’s turbulent economic and political landscape.  Recognizing the challenges posed by shifting regulations, economic volatility, and evolving workforce expectations, this facilitated conversation with peers aims to provide insights, strategies, and innovative approaches for leading organizations in times of uncertainty. It will serve as a platform specifically for senior HR leaders to come together, share experiences, and develop strategies that strengthen their organizations in an increasingly complex business environment.

This session will explore:

• Exchanging ideas among CHROs on effective leadership during times of crisis or uncertainty;
• Identifying actionable insights for implementation;
• Establishing a network of resource sharing and support among HR leaders facing similar challenges

Facilitators: Youssef Kamar, Practice Lead HR Workshops and James Kim, Manager, HR Research & Advisory Services

People analytics has emerged as a crucial way for organizations to make evidence-based people decisions, measure the impact of HR strategies, and enable teams and individuals to thrive amid the current climate of constant change. Despite its potential, adoption of people analytics has been lagging. Many organizations are finding it overwhelming to understand where to get started, whether it's in identifying the right HR metrics or establishing meaningful people analytics goals. This roundtable session provides a collaborative forum for HR professionals to exchange insights, challenges, and best practices for leveraging people data and analytics to drive engagement, retention, and performance.

This session will explore:

• Steps they have taken to use HR metrics and people analytics strategically.
• Common obstacles and barriers commonly experienced, and hear advice from peers on overcoming them.
• Success stories in leveraging people data and analytics to drive organizational outcomes.

Note: This roundtable is offered twice across the agenda to allow attendees to choose the sessions that best suit their areas of interest.

In this dynamic and engaging session Jimmy Yeary, “ The Storyteller of Nashville” will explore the essential techniques of storytelling that build connection, trust, and influence in any setting. Participants will learn the three most critical elements that make a story resonate and discover how to apply them in real-time conversations. You’ll learn how one's personal story can serve as an immediate bridge to stronger relationships, enhancing communication and deepening engagement. Whether networking, inspiring a team, selling an idea, or simply introducing oneself, attendees will learn how to use everyday moments—the “story of the day”—to create authentic and memorable connections.  In the process, you’ll be a part of creating a song, written and performed on the spot, bringing our collective message to life in a powerful and memorable way.

Facilitators: Amber Carmichael, Director, HR Advisory Services and Lexi Hambides, Director, HR Research & Advisory Services

More than ever before, HR leaders face the critical challenge of ensuring their workforce possesses the capabilities required for future success. As AI and technology reshape job functions, organizations must strategically approach upskilling and reskilling initiatives that balance technical proficiency with essential human- centric capabilities.  This roundtable session provides a collaborative forum for HR professionals to exchange insights, challenges, and best practices for developing comprehensive upskilling strategies.

This session will explore:

• Practical tips for assessing current workforce capabilities and forecasting skills requirements aligned with organizational strategy.
• Insights from approaches to upskill and reskilling that have worked well in participants' organizations.
• Common barriers to effective implementation of upskilling and reskilling programs, and potential solutions.

Note: This roundtable is offered twice across the agenda to allow attendees to choose the sessions that best suit their areas of interest.

The new normal of consistent change is leaving leaders concerned about being left behind. Instead of implementing half-baked, panic-driven ideas...it’s time to identify the Easter eggs the future has left for us. In this talk, technology futurist Crystal Washington will show you and your team how to innovate, thrive and enjoy the ride.

Facilitators: Lindsay Austin, Practice Lead, Learning Solutions and Susanna Rothfuchs, Senior Executive Advisor & Team Lead

Leadership development remains a top priority for organizations. The conversation around effective leadership development never stops because it is so important, but what makes it important? Why do we keep talking about it?

In this roundtable, participants will discuss the “why” behind leadership development, successful implementation strategies, and methods for assessing leadership development effectiveness in a practical way.

This session will explore:

• Benchmarking current leadership development efforts against their peers in the room.
• Gaining insights into what others have done to achieve success in leadership development.
• Understanding common barriers to effective leadership development and explore potential solutions.

Note: This roundtable is offered twice across the agenda to allow attendees to choose the sessions that best suit their areas of interest.

In today's rapidly evolving business environment, HR's role in organization redesign is more crucial than ever. This session will explore how HR professionals can use flexible design approaches to be prepared for inevitable change rather than merely react. By strengthening change leadership during design, HR can enhance both business performance and workforce experiences.

This session will explore:

• Recognizing Design Drivers and Opportunities: Identify key internal and external factors driving organizational change and leverage these insights to advise on strategic design changes beyond design implementation.
• Leveraging Scenario Planning in Design: Utilize scenario planning to anticipate and prepare for strategic organization design responses to various internal and external changes.
• Model Change Leadership During Design: Implement best practices in change leadership from design inception through implementation and sustainability to maximize value realization.

Facilitators: Youssef Kamar, Practice Lead HR Workshops and James Kim, Manager, HR Research & Advisory Services

People analytics has emerged as a crucial way for organizations to make evidence-based people decisions, measure the impact of HR strategies, and enable teams and individuals to thrive amid the current climate of constant change. Despite its potential, adoption of people analytics has been lagging. Many organizations are finding it overwhelming to understand where to get started, whether it's in identifying the right HR metrics or establishing meaningful people analytics goals. This roundtable session provides a collaborative forum for HR professionals to exchange insights, challenges, and best practices for leveraging people data and analytics to drive engagement, retention, and performance.

This session will explore:

• Steps they have taken to use HR metrics and people analytics strategically.
• Common obstacles and barriers commonly experienced, and hear advice from peers on overcoming them.
• Success stories in leveraging people data and analytics to drive organizational outcomes.

Note: This roundtable is offered twice across the agenda to allow attendees to choose the sessions that best suit their areas of interest.

Facilitators: Amber Carmichael, Director, HR Advisory Services and Lexi Hambides, Director, HR Research & Advisory Services

More than ever before, HR leaders face the critical challenge of ensuring their workforce possesses the capabilities required for future success. As AI and technology reshape job functions, organizations must strategically approach upskilling and reskilling initiatives that balance technical proficiency with essential human- centric capabilities.  This roundtable session provides a collaborative forum for HR professionals to exchange insights, challenges, and best practices for developing comprehensive upskilling strategies.

This session will explore:

• Practical tips for assessing current workforce capabilities and forecasting skills requirements aligned with organizational strategy.
• Insights from approaches to upskill and reskilling that have worked well in participants' organizations.
• Common barriers to effective implementation of upskilling and reskilling programs, and potential solutions.

Note: This roundtable is offered twice across the agenda to allow attendees to choose the sessions that best suit their areas of interest.

Explore what the global findings reveal about the actual state of AI adoption in today’s workplace, the value employees and employers are realizing from it, and the state of AI transparency and ethics.

Today’s employer-sponsored health benefits weren’t built for the modern workforce. As employee needs have evolved, employers have tried to keep up by adding more point solutions—leading to fragmented, costly, and hard-to-manage systems. But a new model is emerging.

Fueled by federal policy changes, employers can now adopt a defined contribution approach that empowers each employee to choose the coverage and care that works for them.

In this session, we’ll explore how HR leaders can move beyond outdated group plans, streamline complexity through an integrated platform, and create benefit experiences that truly serve people.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the Limitations of Traditional Group Insurance: Identify why legacy benefit models fall short for today’s diverse and distributed workforce.
• Explore the Rise of Defined Contribution and ICHRA Models: Learn how recent policy changes enable more flexible, personalized benefit offerings.
• Reimagine the Role of HR in Benefits Strategy: Discover how centralized platforms can simplify administration, cut costs, and refocus benefits around employee needs.

McLean Diagnostics helps you turn feedback into focused action. In this session, we’ll walk through how our diagnostics tools collect input from employees, internal stakeholders, and HR teams to uncover the data that matters most. You'll learn how we transform that feedback into clear, actionable insights that guide and strengthen your HR programs, policies, and strategies. We’ll also highlight new features and updates designed to help you drive organizational performance with greater precision and impact.

In this session, Karen shares how she rapidly assessed a legacy, process‑heavy HR model and transformed it into a data‑driven, business‑aligned function. You’ll hear how she sequenced quick wins to earn credibility, rebuilt trust with line leaders, and secured executive sponsorship for long‑term capability building. Whether you’re just beginning your transformation journey or refining an existing roadmap, Karen’s practical playbook and cautionary tales will equip you to elevate HR’s influence the moment you return to the office.

This session will explore:

• Assessing your HR operating model’s maturity and pinpointing the highest‑value gaps.
• Sequence transformation work‑streams (process, technology, capability, culture) to deliver early credibility while laying foundations for sustainable change.
• Securing sponsorship by translating HR initiatives into clear business outcomes that resonate with finance and operations leaders.
• Measuring impact with an HR scorecard focused on value‑creating metrics.

McLean & Company’s evidence-based, results-driven workshops are designed to help you fast-track your most critical HR initiatives.

In this session, discover how our workshops help you make meaningful progress in just one week, while reinforcing strategic thinking, facilitating hands-on planning, and fostering real skill development for your HR leaders. You’ll also get an exclusive look at unique ways to combine workshop solutions, giving you even more ways to meet organizational needs and elevate HR’s impact.

Facilitators: Angela Scott, Manager, Learning Solutions and Laura Hansen-Kohls, Vice President, HR Diagnostics, Advisory & Data Insights

Employees are speaking up more than ever—but are organizations truly listening? Without a clear and purposeful strategy, employee listening efforts risk becoming superficial data exercises that lead nowhere. When feedback isn’t acted on, trust erodes, engagement declines, and opportunities for meaningful change are missed.

Participants will walk away with the practical tools and know-how to design intentional employee listening strategies which help shape workplaces where everyone thrives.

This session will explore:

• Aligning employee listening strategies with organizational goals.
• Building trust through transparency and creating accessible, relevant feedback channels.
• Applying tools and methodologies to optimize listening efforts turn feedback into impact.

Note: This session duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Topics coming soon.

An organization’s culture significantly influences its business outcomes—shaping customer experience, driving shareholder returns, and enhancing employee performance. Despite this, CHROs often struggle to engage their executive teams in meaningful conversations about culture. This presentation explores the common challenges CHROs face in these discussions and offers practical strategies to overcome them.

From Traditionalists to Gen Z, each bringing unique perspectives and work styles that challenge conventional management approaches. HR's evolved role is not to manage change, but to humanize it—creating systems that put people at the center of transformation.

Attendees will be challenged to rethink what effective collaboration truly means in today’s complex, fast-moving workplaces. Drawing on McLean & Company’s cutting-edge research and practical case examples, we will explore the human, organizational, and technological forces driving this transformation. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the pitfalls of outdated collaboration models, the promise of reimagined practices, and the pivotal role HR plays in enabling connected, high-performing teams.

This session will explore:

• The modern landscape of collaboration, including emerging challenges, key benefits, and critical barriers to success.
• Exploring how key drivers of change - like shifting workforce expectations and technological advancements - are reshaping both human-to-human and human-to-technology collaboration.
• Defining HR’s role in enabling leaders to collaborate effectively, both today and in the future, to drive high-performing teams.
• Designing forward-thinking approaches to people, process, and technology that enable adaptive and sustainable collaboration.