Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace—but it isn't replacing the need for exceptional leaders. As organizations invest in AI, many are overlooking the human skills that determine whether teams thrive or struggle. Communication breakdowns, unresolved conflict, generational differences, and low psychological safety continue to cost organizations productivity, innovation, and employee engagement. In this practical and engaging session, participants will learn how to lead people—not just technology. Through real-world examples and immediately applicable tools, leaders will discover how to navigate difficult conversations, bridge differences, build trust, and create accountability in today's rapidly changing workplace. Because while AI can analyze data and generate content, it can't coach courage, manage conflict, or build meaningful relationships. The future of work still depends on leaders who know how to lead humans.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand why human-centered leadership is becoming a competitive advantage in an AI-powered workplace and the business case for investing in communication, conflict navigation, and trust.
• Reframe conflict as an opportunity for innovation, stronger relationships, and psychological safety rather than something to avoid.
• Apply practical communication tools and discussion frameworks to navigate difficult conversations, bridge generational and interpersonal differences, and create greater clarity across teams.
• Recognize how work styles, communication preferences, and values influence team dynamics and use those insights to strengthen collaboration and accountability.

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About the Speakers

April Allen and Shawna Unger of Allen & Unger Consulting are dynamic leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and human resources, with more than 40 years of combined experience across healthcare, technology, and academia. April's expertise spans global DEI strategy and organizational transformation, having led initiatives at organizations such as PeaceHealth and worked with nationally recognized brands including Daimler, Starbucks, and the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. She holds a Juris Doctor from UC Hastings College of the Law and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington. Shawna brings extensive HR executive experience, specializing in talent development, labor and workforce strategy, collaborative labor-management relationships, and effective leadership practices that support teams from the C-suite to the frontlines. Drawing from their own experience of working through differing perspectives, April and Shawna create engaging learning environments that blend humor, psychological safety, meaningful practice, and real-world application. Their mission is to partner with organizations to build workplaces where every individual feels valued, respected, and able to belong.

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Event Host

Liza Wisner, Enterprise Curator at OpenSesame

‍Liza Mucheru Wisner is an award-winning leader in talent development, AI, and workplace innovation. As Portfolio Lead of Talent & Workplace Culture at OpenSesame, she designs learning experiences that blend human insight with intelligent automation. A SHRM-award-winning strategist, author, and global influencer, Liza’s work helps organizations elevate learning, build stronger cultures, and prepare for the future of work.

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