Talks That Transform

In this thought-provoking keynote presentation, Dr. Rachel Fichter draws from her research and practice to share how our conceptions of leadership must change to address the defining challenges of the 21st century. Rachel explains how complexity is forcing us to rethink some of the most fundamental assumptions we hold about leadership and, more broadly, about our world. Rachel makes the case for a new practice of leadership—one that transcends the artificial organizational boundaries we’ve created and forms radical collaborations that enable us to experience and work with the whole social-ecological system we are embedded in. She describes the individual and collective leadership capabilities necessary to produce meaningful and sustainable change.

In this bold presentation, Dr. Rachel Fichter shares her unique perspective on the limitations of existing models of change and proposes worldbuilding as a new form of change leadership. Worldbuilding is a way of constructing context for a desired future, with its own interrelated systems, languages, networks, rules, values, etc. Mainly used in literary fiction, Rachel presents the case for creative, pragmatic worldbuilding as a way to enact transformation in organizations. Learn the concepts that underlie worldbuilding and a simple process for a rich ecosystem to support your vision of the future and evolve your culture and performance.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” This quote by Rumi reminds us that great leadership begins with inner transformation. In this stimulating talk, Dr. Rachel Fichter highlights the practice of reflection-in-action and challenges leaders to learn to skillfully step in and out of reflection in the moment and be more intentional about their leadership responses. Combining academic insights with her own personal leadership journey, Rachel illustrates the power of reflective practice — across content, process, and premise—to facilitate transformation. Leaders will leave this session equipped with strategies to implement these three reflection-in-action techniques into their daily routines, and more skillfully navigating real-time challenges with intentionality and adaptability.

In this keynote, Dr. Rachel Fichter draws on her experience as an executive coach to unpack the intricate dynamics of meaningful conversations. What makes people feel heard and understood? What helps them raise their own performance bar? Great conversations boil down to three core skills: building rapport, asking powerful questions, and listening deeply. In this talk, Rachel underscores the importance of genuine curiosity, and seeking to understand rather than be understood. She advocates for empathetic listening and stresses the significance of validating others’ experiences and perspectives—fostering an environment where individuals feel acknowledged and respected for their unique contributions. By embodying these principles, leaders can cultivate deeper connections, foster mutual understanding, and pave the way for collaborative growth and success.

oin Dr. Rachel Fichter for an engaging workshop where you will explore how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can significantly shape and enhance your leadership brand. This session is both informative and interactive, designed to deepen your awareness of and build skill in the EI competencies. You will also learn to apply the “EI Equation,” a simple yet powerful tool that illustrates how you can use the EI competencies to more effectively manage your responses to various situations and achieve positive outcomes. By applying these insights and skills in your professional and personal life, you will enhance your ability to influence and lead, creating a stronger and more influential leadership brand.