Over the past several years, organizations have faced profound technological, global, sociodemographic, and economic disruptions that are redefining the future of work. These forces have reshaped the psychological contract between employees and employers, reorganized work around human–technology collaboration, and altered organizational design. HR leaders are now on the front lines, guiding transformation initiatives and redefining operating models and capabilities to meet these evolving demands. One critical area under pressure is leadership succession. The traditional “black box” approach, where decisions about promotions and leadership advancement are made without transparency, has become a liability, fueling frustration, disengagement, and talent flight. As calls for accountability and fairness grow louder, organizations must replace opacity with clear, equitable systems that demystify the path to leadership at every level. Join Cornell faculty expert Dr. Bradford Bell and global talent strategist Penelope Sur as they explore cutting‑edge frameworks for effective, transparent succession planning. They will draw on new research and real‑world examples to show how competency assessments, high‑potential identification, and strategic talent mapping can transform leadership pipelines into visible career pathways that inspire and retain top talent, while positioning HR as a key driver of organizational resilience in the future of work. What You'll Learn: How work is changing, with insights from the CAHRS Future of Work report on AI, skills-based job design, and shifting employee-employer relationshipsWhy traditional “black box” succession planning leads to disengagement and turnover, and how transparency can turn that aroundTools for spotting future leaders through competency assessments, high-potential identification, and talent mappingHow to design clear, fair advancement pathways that keep employees motivated and engagedThe role HR can play in leading transformation as organizations adapt to rapid technological and demographic shifts Speakers: Bradford Bell William J. Conaty Professor of Strategic Human Resources Director, Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies (CAHRS) Penelope Sur Vice President, Global Talent, Eastman
No one will hand you your dream job, but you can cultivate advocates who will champion you when you’re not in the room. In this Keynote, experts in talent strategy and career development will demystify advocacy: what it is; how it differs from mentorship, coaching, and networking; and why it’s essential for driving your career forward. You will discover how to treat self‑advocacy as a skillset — from crafting a concise elevator pitch to confidently sharing your achievements — and learn how to win the support of internal and external stakeholders who will go to bat for you. Our speakers will also explore how organizations can create cultures of advocacy and highlight the benefits these cultures offer through stronger connections, greater trust, and higher engagement. Whether you’re advancing in your current role or navigating a career transition, you’ll gain practical tools to increase your visibility, deepen relationships, and open doors to new opportunities. What You'll Learn: The distinct roles of mentors, coaches, connectors, and sponsors, and how each can help move your career forwardSimple ways to boost your visibility, build intentional connections, and put yourself in the path of new opportunitiesTechniques for fostering trust, creating a sense of belonging, and strengthening relationships that support your success Speakers: JR Keller Associate Professor, Cornell ILR School Melody Kelleher Vice President, Talent Empowerment, Baker Hughes
