Wednesday, December 3, 1:30 p.m.
MasterMind Session: How to Confidently Connect with Anyone: The Power of Human Connection
Marli WIlliams
In today’s fast-paced and digitally-driven world, the ability to form genuine, meaningful connections has never been more crucial. As the opening keynote, this session will explore the transformative power of human connection and provide you with the tools and confidence to connect with anyone—be it colleagues, clients, or complete strangers. Through engaging stories, actionable insights, and proven strategies, you’ll learn how to break down barriers, build trust, and create authentic relationships that not only enhance your personal and professional life but also drive success in your organization. Whether you’re looking to improve your networking skills, foster deeper connections with your team, or simply want to feel more at ease in social situations, this keynote will equip you with the confidence and clarity to make every connection count. Join us as we uncover the secrets to unlocking the power of human connection and discover how to confidently connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime.
About Marli Williams
Marli Williams is an international speaker, leadership trainer, courage cultivator, joy instigator, and play activist who first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor. She has a Master’s degree in education along with 20 years of facilitation and leadership experience. Marli works with incredible people and organizations who are ready to elevate their energy, step into their purpose and show up for themselves in a bigger way so they can be the changemakers and leaders they’ve always wanted to be. She is the host of the Let’s Lead Together Podcast which hit the Top 5% of all Podcasts Globally within just a month of launching. She is also creator of The Connect Deck™, a card deck that provides prompts for shockingly easy and meaningful conversations and has been used by communities worldwide. When she’s not speaking, training leaders, or consulting with impact-driven organizations, you can find Marli hiking on the trails with her dogs Summit & Journey.
Thursday, December 4, 9:15 a.m.
MasterMind Session: FIRED UP to SHOW UP: Creating a Safe and Supportive School Culture of Connection and Belonging
Aric Bostick
Building on Wednesday’s MasterMind session, this session digs further into the understanding of connection and how to apply attachment theory to relationships with our students and colleagues. Your presence, mindset, and enthusiasm create the foundation for a positive learning environment where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. Equally important are the relationships you build with your colleagues, who rely on you for collaboration and encouragement in a shared commitment to education. The science of relationships teaches us that strong, secure connections are essential for emotional well-being and resilience, both for students and adults. When students and staff feel securely attached and supported, they’re more likely to engage, thrive, and succeed. Similarly, healthy, supportive relationships among staff foster a culture of trust and teamwork, creating a school community where everyone can flourish.
About Aric Bostick
Building on a professional interest in relationships in schools and the welfare of educators, school leaders, principals, superintendents, Aric has spent the last several years studying a distinctive new approach to professional development for educators. Based on modern attachment theory and relational neuroscience, Aric delivers ‘Attachment-informed’ training to leaders and educators across the country. Aric also speaks to students delivering his Student Success and Leadership programs. These interactive programs teach students social and emotional strategies for dealing with adversity, relationship skill building with their peers, mentors, and teachers, and gives them the tools and strategies for their academic, extra-curricular, and future career aspirations. Aric is a proud first-generation college graduate of Texas State University.
Friday, December 5, 10:45 am
MasterMind Session: Help Them Thrive®: Human-Centered Strategies for Educators Navigating Conflict, Burnout, and Change
Melissa Majors
Because thriving classrooms—and educators—don’t happen by accident. In today’s politically charged, emotionally demanding educational climate, educators are being asked to do more with less—less funding, less time, and often, less support. You are likely navigating a widening gap between administrators and teachers, facing contentious conversations with parents, and trying to stay centered while pouring into others. It’s no wonder that burnout is at an all-time high. This empowering session is designed specifically for the humans behind the role of “educator.” It combines neuroscience-backed leadership practices with tactical empathy and real conflict transformation strategies to help you do what you do best—lead, teach, connect, and care—without losing yourself in the process. You’ll walk away with practical tools to transform tension into trust through empathy-driven communication, navigate difficult conversations with parents, peers, and administrators, and build psychological safety in your teams and classrooms. This is a call to reclaim the joy of human connection in education and lead in ways that allow both students and staff to flourish.
About Melissa Majors
Melissa Majors is a captivating storyteller who brilliantly enlightens with talks that spark inspiration, insight, smiles, and wisdom that empower all to thrive. She is a leading advisor, coach, and advocate for human-centered leadership. Her practical experience is enhanced by her formal education, which she gained by studying strategy and innovation at Harvard University. Melissa authored two books — Help Them Thrive: Leadership Coaching for Humans Leading Humans and The 7 Simple Habits of Inclusive Leaders. Melissa is featured in publications such as Forbes Magazine and is loved by audiences at Google, the National Association of Realtors, 7-Eleven, RTX (formerly Raytheon), Catalyst, Lantheus, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and many more. She is endearing, authentic, and fun! Prepare to be glued to Melissa when she takes the stage. You’ll be immersed in an endearing and authentic experience filled with mesmerizing stories that blend psychology, neuroscience, common sense, and wisdom that will inspire and prepare you to thrive. Melissa is originally from Columbus, Ohio, so naturally, she’s a die-hard Ohio State Buckeye fan. She now lives with her husband, Terrance, in Cedar Hill, Texas. They have two children, Terrance and Luke, and her “Chief Wellness Officer,” a sheep-a-doodle named Ziggy.
