Mastering the Art of Networking: Strategies for Professional Growth and Career Success

This session delves into the critical role networking plays in today's professional world, highlighting its importance for business professionals, students, and job seekers alike. Participants will explore the benefits of networking, including career advancement, knowledge sharing, and building a robust support system. The session provides practical tips and strategies for effective online, in-person, and email networking, emphasizing the value of quality connections over quantity. The session concludes with a recap of key insights and a motivational call to action.

September 18, 2024

7:00 pm

8:00 pm

PST

TRACKS:

Groundbreaking Work

ALL SPEAKERS

Matt Karakilic

Director, Omnia Consulting Ltd.

Matt Karakilic is an established leader in the UX field, with a rich history at prominent companies like Hitachi Energy, autoTRADER, BestBuy, UKG, HP, and SAP. He imparts his vast knowledge as a mentor at the VFS, BCIT, and ADPList, and previously as an instructor at RED Academy and SFU. Specializing in UX design, research, and content. Matt offers his expertise to both upcoming and seasoned UX professionals, alongside consulting services for entrepreneurs keen on user-centric product development. As a passionate Experiential Design Leader, and a UX Advocate, Matt is City Host for Vancouver, Canada for ADPList Ambassador Program. His dedication extends to his role as the volunteers' chair and a committed volunteer at the User Experience Professional Association (UXPA), contributing significantly to the UX community. With a BSc. in Media Arts and Design from Simon Fraser University and over 15 years of hands-on experience in UX, Matt's expertise spans from aiding startups to advising Fortune 500 companies, marking him as a versatile and influential figure in the field.

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Data Governance automation with AI and XAI

Join us for a deep dive into the transformative power of AI and Explainable AI (XAI) in revolutionizing data governance. Discover how these technologies can automate data quality improvement, enhance security and privacy, and ensure ethical and responsible AI usage. Learn about real-world applications and best practices for implementing AI-driven data governance solutions. Key takeaways: Understand the benefits of AI and XAI in data governance automation. Explore specific use cases and applications of AI and XAI. Learn about the challenges and best practices for implementing AI-driven data governance solutions. Gain insights into the future of AI and XAI in data governance. This session is designed for Business owners, entrepreneurs, data governance professionals, and anyone interested in leveraging AI to improve data management and decision-making.

Rajashree Ambhore

Vice President, Bank of New York

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AI & Emerging Technologies

Embracing Vulnerability: Unlocking Authentic Leadership

In a world that often equates leadership with strength and invulnerability, embracing vulnerability can be a powerful tool for fostering genuine connections, inspiring innovation, and building resilient teams. This session will explore how vulnerability, often seen as a weakness, can be transformed into a leadership superpower. We’ll delve into real-world examples, cutting-edge research, and personal stories that illustrate the profound impact of leading with authenticity. Participants will leave with actionable insights on how to cultivate an environment where openness and courage thrive, empowering them to lead with heart and truly inspire those around them. Join me in discovering how vulnerability is not just a trait but the key to unlocking the full potential of your leadership.

Rajeev Reddy Vishaka

Software Engineering Leader, Coinbase

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Career Growth & Leadership

Advocating for Your Career

Are you advocating for yourself in your current position, and in your career? How are you “managing up”? Is Management for you? How do you run your team with both authenticity and effectiveness? What makes a really great 1×1? In this talk, you’ll gain access to the best practices from veteran UX leader – Alison Gretz, ACC. Learn Alison’s blueprint for mid-year advocacy ahead of annual reviews, what goes on behind the scenes of promotions, and how to operate as a UX leader, who is also a good human. Alison will pull back the curtain on some successes and failures that rising leaders should know. Walk away with actionable plays for rising in your career and beta access to the Good Manager OS created for Design Leaders.

Alison Gretz

Design Leadership Coach & Trainer, Design by Design

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Career Growth & Leadership

How to "Business": Speaking the Stakeholder language

Welcome to "How to 'Business': Speaking the Stakeholder Language." As designers, it's not just about making things look pretty anymore—we need to show the real business impact of our work. This chat is all about breaking down how we can prove the ROI and value of design in terms everyone in the boardroom will understand. We'll explore practical ways to express the financial and strategic benefits of design, turning us from mere creators into crucial business influencers. Ready to get savvy about connecting design success with business outcomes? Let's dive in!

Paula Falco

Founder, CEO, Falco UX Consulting

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Entrepreneurship