Stephen M. R. Covey

Global authority on trust, leadership, and culture

Former CEO. New York Times bestselling author

Day One Keynote

Trust and Inspire

The world has changed, our style of leadership has not.  No leader or organization can win in the workplace or in the marketplace by continuing to rely on outdated, short-term “carrot & stick” methods of driving performance.  A Trust & Inspire leader models authentic, inclusive behavior with humility and courage.  They are not only trustworthy, they’re trusting, and their people deliver on that trust.  They inspire others to willingly give their hearts and minds, not just to work, but to contribute meaningfully to something that matters.  Contrary to what most people believe, inspiring others is a learnable skill.  Anyone can be this kind of leader.  Everyone needs this kind of leader. 

• Speaker Bio

  Stephen M. R. Covey is the co-founder of CoveyLink and the FranklinCovey Global Trust Practice. Renowned as an influential keynote speaker and advisor, he captivates audiences worldwide on critical topics such as trust, leadership, ethics, and collaboration. Covey asserts that trust has become the new currency of our world and that having the ability to develop, extend, and restore trust with all stakeholders is the number one competency of leadership needed today.

  He is the New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of "The Speed of Trust." He has also penned impactful works such as "Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others" and "Smart Trust."

  Additionally, Stephen serves on multiple boards, including the Government Leadership Advisory Council, and has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Top Thought Leaders in Trust by Trust Across America - Trust Around the World. 

Will Giangrande

Founder & CEO, 

The NextGen Playbook

Day Two Keynote

The NextGen Playbook: Rewriting the Rules of Generational CollaborationKeynote Outcomes:

• Understand how generational friction impacts retention, productivity, and institutional performance.
• Gain clarity on the forces shaping Gen Z’s expectations around career growth, communication, and workplace norms.
• Identify potential generational dynamics within university departments that affect collaboration.
• Develop practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain Gen Z talent.
• Turn generational differences into a competitive organizational advantage.

• Speaker Bio

  Will Giangrande is the founder of The NextGen Playbook, where he helps organizations bridge generational gaps by translating how younger employees think, communicate, and grow at work while also creating space for younger professionals to understand the perspectives, expectations, and experiences of more senior leaders. His work equips organizations with practical strategies that strengthen communication, alignment, and performance across generations.

  He also serves as a Kindling Ambassador, supporting young professionals through
  mentorship, and is a certified Take Flight Facilitator, helping teams leverage individual work styles for more effective collaboration. Across his work, Will is committed to helping organizations build stronger, more connected, and thriving teams.