Dreambuilders Address
Thursday, October 25
Complex Problems and Tame Solutions
Patti Digh, Circle Project, Ashville, North Carolina
Complex problems are ones that are ill-defined, ambiguous and associated with strong moral, political or professional issues. They are strongly shaped by others, so it is often hard to agree on what the problem is, let alone how to resolve it. Complex problems won’t keep still; they have many layers of interacting issues that continually shift with changes in our workplace, community and world. By contrast, many of the steps we take to “solve” these complex problems are, in fact, “tame solutions” which, by definition, often make matters worse. In her Dreambuilders Address, Patti Digh will offer a new perspective on problem solving in complex times. A faculty member with the Intercultural Communications Institute and the University of North Carolina at Ashville, she is also a co-founder of The Circle Project, which uses art, story and theatre to help individuals build more inclusive communities that connect, collaborate and create. With a unique style of storytelling and inspiration, Patti will show you new ways to explore the nature of your complex problems and navigate the maze to find meaningful solutions.
Innovation Address
Friday, October 26
The Power of Focus: How to Reach your Career, Personal and Financial Targets with Absolute Certainty
Les Hewitt, Author and Professional Coach, Calgary, Alberta
In complex times, we experience increasing change and uncertainty, and can feel overwhelmed by what seem to be unrelenting pressures. While we can’t control or predict what will happen in the world around us, we can develop our abilities to focus on our most important goals and top priorities, build excellent relationships and create successful habits to navigate the complexity maze. With more than 30 years’ experience, Les Hewitt understands the real world of business and the struggle for individuals and organizations to stay focused. An international bestselling author, his first book, The Power of Focus, co-authored with Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (creators of Chicken Soup for the Soul), sold more than half a million copies in North America and is available in 21 languages. As a professional coach, Les prompts, challenges and supports his clients to make the changes required for consistent success. His practical and inspiring Innovation Address will introduce you to The 4 Fundamentals™ of The Power of Focus – providing specific examples and applications to help you to focus and follow through for success.
Closing Address
Friday, October 26
Dreambuilding Bridges in a Complex World
Donna Kennedy-Glans, Founder, BRIDGES Social Development and Integrity Bridges, Calgary, Alberta
In the wake of September 11, 2001, Donna Kennedy-Glans stepped off the corporate ladder as vice president of a large energy company to launch BRIDGES, a volunteer organization that trains and mentors female leaders in the Middle East and Africa. In her Closing Address, Donna will take you to Yemen and a powerful story of building “Bridges” that foster human engagement between East and West. Early in 2003, BRIDGES partnered with local and regional women leaders in Yemen to facilitate Inspiring Women in Health Care workshops designed to identify barriers for women in health care and prioritize possible strategies to respond. The process revealed that women with health care skills saw the needs of women patients in Yemen, but did not recognize the value of their own contributions to meeting those needs. The experience also identified ethical dilemmas that arise in honoring commitments to gender equality. With the support of BRIDGES, Yemeni women have been successful in their efforts to improve health care in their community and, using this model, BRIDGES continues to support the capacity-building efforts in Yemen and other developing countries. Don’t miss this inspiring story of one person’s dream to build bridges to improve life for women in a far-away corner of our complex world.
Plenary Speaker Websites
Click on the links below to visit speaker websites. For biographies, please go to the Conference Speakers page.
