Session Description

Pre Conference Workshop: “Can we Talk for Real? A Courageous Cultures Collaboratory”

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Accelerate Innovation and Solve Better Problems Faster

Great ideas don’t thrive in silence. Innovation happens when people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations that drive results. Yet too often, hesitation, fear, or past experiences keep valuable insights from ever being heard.

That’s where the Courageous Cultures Collaboratory comes in—a high-energy, interactive experience designed to bridge the gap between:

Leaders who want innovation and fresh ideas.

Employees who want to contribute but hesitate to speak up.

At the heart of this workshop are the 4 C’s of effective collaboration, essential for fostering a culture where bold conversations fuel innovation:

Connection – Build trust and psychological safety so people feel empowered to contribute.

Clarity – Ensure expectations are clear, so conversations are productive and solutions-focused.

Curiosity – Ask better questions, embrace different perspectives, and turn disagreements into breakthroughs.

Commitment – Transform conversations into action with clear next steps and accountability.

What You’ll Walk Away With:

1. Best Practices for Courageous Conversations – Learn proven strategies to speak up, engage in meaningful dialogue, and turn tough conversations into opportunities.
2. Hands-On Application to Real Industry Challenges – Apply research-backed techniques to solve problems and unlock innovation.
3. Mastering Accountability Conversations – Gain the skills to address challenges early, hold others accountable with respect, and drive real change.
4. A Personalized Action Plan – Leave with a mini-personal experiment—a simple, practical step you can implement immediately to build the habit of courageous conversations.

This collaboratory isn’t just about learning—it’s about practicing, applying, and embedding courageous conversations into your daily work.