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Thrive Forward: Leaders' Forum

Peer-driven insights, immersive learning, and meaningful connections

Purpose & Vision:
Our purpose is to bring together a community of talent and HR leaders and executives to advance workplace practices and elevate strategic mindsets in human capital. Through intimate gatherings, immersive learning experiences, and thought-provoking discussions, we aim to foster meaningful connections, share impactful insights, and drive innovation in the HR field. Together, we strive to inspire transformation and enable leaders to shape the future of work and workplace cultures.

These sessions will use discovery-based learning to engage senior leaders in their development while fostering a community. These events are designed to facilitate skill development, regional networking, peer learning, and thought leadership exchanges. The goal is to advance workplace practice and strategic mindset in HR/human capital in an intimate setting through engaging and thought-provoking topics, research and exchange.

Target audience:

HR Executives/ Chief People Officers
Talent Development Leaders/Chief Learning Officers
Talent Management Leaders/Chief Talent Officers

Our 2025 events have concluded

Stay tuned for new events being planned for 2026!

4 events in 2025 on important topics in HR/human capital

Coming soon ... new events for 2026!

Click the topics to show/hide details from our 2025 events.

October 23 - The Future Is Now: Reimagining Development Through Data, AI, and Neuroscience

Thursday, October 23, 2025 • 4:30-8:30pm
Barry University, Kostka Event Room at Thompson Hall on the 2^nd Floor - NOTE, THIS IS A NEW LOCATION!

What happens when cutting-edge science meets bold strategy? This session dives into the powerful convergence of data, AI, and neuroscience to reimagine how organizations design development that delivers—on engagement, ROI, and scale.

From cognitive load and emotional regulation to predictive analytics and inclusive design, we’ll unpack the essential ingredients of high-impact development—regardless of your size, sector, or starting point.

Join our TEDx-style keynote speakers: Dr. Eli Bendet-Taicher, an award-winning L&D leader, and Dr. Katya Matusevich, an award-winning professor and certified coach in brain-based coaching through the NeuroLeadership Institute. Together, they will share provocative insights, actionable frameworks, and tools you can use immediately to:

Decode what truly drives engagement, retention, and motivation.
Leverage data and AI to scale measurable, inclusive development.
Apply neuroscience to design learning that sticks—and shifts behavior.
Build strategies that are not just smart, but deeply human.

Whether you're a CHRO, talent executive, business leader, or learning leader, this session will challenge assumptions and equip you to build ecosystems that perform—with precision, empathy, and lasting impact.

We’ll then shift into our Design Lab facilitated by Richard Hodge, co-founder of Harness Intelligence—where insights become action. Using the High Impact Learning Map and AI-powered tools, you’ll design a real strategy for maximum relevance and impact. Every participant will leave with practical tools, a map, and the confidence to apply it immediately in their own organization.

4:30 PM – Doors open

Step into a vibrant space of connection and curiosity. Grab a nametag, meet fellow changemakers, and enjoy networking before we dive in.

5:00 PM – Welcome, dinner & networking

Selen Turner, Advantage Performance Group, sets the tone with a warm welcome and framing for the evening. Dinner is served—nourishing minds and continued networking as we prepare to explore bold ideas.

5:30 PM – TEDx-style keynotes + panel-style Q&A

Dr. Katya Matusevich, professor and program director at Barry University, brings the brain to the forefront—where neuroscience meets the art of learning design. Dr. Eli Bendet-Taicher, Global Head of Learning & Talent Development at Wix, translates data into momentum—bridging scalability with strategic execution.

Together, they’ll ignite fresh thinking and challenge conventional wisdom. Then, buckle up for a rapid-fire Q&A moderated by Selen Turner, partner at Advantage Performance Group—designed to connect insights, provoke bold questions, and spark actionable ideas.

6:45 PM – Design Lab: From Insight to Impact - powered by HiBot – Harness Intelligence’s AI strategy tool
Led by Richard Hodge, co-founder of Harness Intelligence, this hands-on session empowers participants to co-create high-impact L&D strategies using the High Impact Learning Map and AI-powered tools. Each table tackles a live challenge, guided by real-time coaching and innovation prompts. With AI-powered tools, participants will:

Rapidly draft strategies grounded in real-world challenges
Identify gaps using neuroscience and data insights
Visualize impact pathways and iterate designs live

8:30 PM – Wrap-up & closing

NEW LOCATION!

WHERE: Barry University, Kostka Event Room at Thompson Hall on the 2^nd Floor

Address: 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161

Parking: Landon South Parking Lot - On N Miami Ave in front of R. Kirk Landon Student Union

Please use this interactive map for ease of finding the parking lot and building: Barry University. There is a charge for parking across the campus - $2/hour and 10/daily.

Our first event - We Have a Seat at the Table, Now What? How to Run a Strategic HR & Talent Function

Thursday, March 27, 2025 - 10am-2pm
Lunch will be provided.
Add a reminder to your calendar

This session will feature a simulation developed in conjunction with with the Marshall School of Business at USC and our thought leader partners at Harness Intelligence and 1st90.

The experience simulates a discussion among HR executives on how to run HR as a strategic function and leverages the most recent research and point of view created by Josh Bersin and Associates. Participants will explore practical strategies to leverage their position at the table and drive impactful change within their organizations.

The session will kick off with a fireside chat, introductions and will include a networking lunch to provide ample opportunities for peer-learning, sharing, and building lasting relationships among this community of leaders.

Facilitator: Richard Hodge, co-founder of Harness Intelligence, strategy & content leader at 1st90, and an original co-founder of Advantage Performance Group

Agenda:

9:30 am - 10:00 am – Registration
10:00 am – 10:30 am – Welcome & Introductions
Barry University School of Business Dean, Bogdan Darraban
Barry University HRD Program Director, Dr. Katya Matusevich
Advantage Partner Selen Turner
Facilitator: Richard Hodge
10:30 am – Fireside Chat TBA
11:00 am – We Have the Seat at the Table, Now What? How to Run a Strategic HR Function Simulation – Richard Hodge
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm - Networking Lunch
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm – Simulation and Discussions Continue
1:45 pm - 2:00 pm – Closing Remarks & Announcements

Logistics:

Location: Barry University, Thompson Hall, 2^nd Floor, Gato Gallery
Address & directions: 11300 NE 2^ND Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161
Interactive map to parking: Barry University (The parking lot is directly next to the Feinbloom baseball field on the map, right across from the Andreas building.) Parking is metered across the campus - $2/hour or $10 per day.

Driving Transformation and Culture Evolution: HR’s Co-Leadership Role in Adoption of Generative AI

Held Thursday, May 22, 2025

Discover how HR and talent leaders can spearhead meaningful change by driving workplace transformation and embracing generative AI. This immersive session will focus on strategies for evolving organizational culture and maximizing HR’s role in the development and adoption of AI-powered solutions.

Expert Panel: Gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence from an expert panel. These thought leaders will delve into the current state of AI, sharing real-world applications and emerging trends that are shaping industries today.

Core Experience: Following the panel discussion, engage in the Transformation Lab, a hands-on, simulation-based session designed to empower HR and talent leaders. Participants will harness AI-powered tools for creation, analysis, problem-solving, and prioritization, tackling workplace challenges with innovative solutions.

Leaders will walk away with actionable strategies, enhanced confidence, and AI-driven competence to navigate the future of work from this session.

Date and Time: Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 12pm-4:30pm

Agenda:

12:00 - Registration and Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 pm - Program Kick-off & Panel: AI Panel with Barry University faculty and experts from AI Strategy Specialization in the MBA program
2:00 - 4:30 pm - Transformation Lab Core Experience

Panelists:

Tarik Safouan, senior director for Innovation and Technology Education, Barry University
Max Stiss, VP of Business Technology at GID
Loren Blandon, Work Futurist & Fractional Executive, Org Effectiveness at LocusOak

Moderator: Selen Turner, partner, Advantage Performance Group.

Transformation Lab Facilitator: Richard Hodge, co-founder of Harness Intelligence, strategy & content leader at 1st90, and an original co-founder of Advantage Performance Group

Cost: $45 (lunch and incidentals)

Logistics:

Location: Barry University, Andreas School of Business, Room Andreas 111
Address & directions: 11300 NE 2^ND Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161
Interactive map to parking: Barry University (The parking lot is directly next to the Feinbloom baseball field on the map, right across from the Andreas building.) Parking is metered across the campus - $2/hour or $10 per day.

Culture by Design: Unlocking Human Skills to Shape a Human-Centric Workplace

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Culture by Design: Unlocking Human Skills to Shape a Human-Centric Workplace

Join us for an insightful and inspiring session focused on Building a Human-Centric Workplace. This event will feature Melissa Uribe Gil, EVP at Costex Tractor Parts, in an engaging fireside chat where she will share her mission to bring purpose back to the workplace. Melissa believes that organizations play a critical role in shaping society for the better, and she will offer thought-provoking insights on how leaders can foster a more meaningful and impactful workplace culture.

Following the fireside chat, we will explore BlueEQ's groundbreaking research on human skills and emotional intelligence (EQ) levels across various industries. This eye-opening analysis will provide valuable data to help us understand how different workplace cultures can evolve toward a more human-centric and optimized approach.

Using real-world culture reports and case studies, we will employ critical thinking to identify strategies for moving workplace cultures toward more engaged, connected, and impactful environments.

Event Agenda & Flow:

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM | Registration - Weber Grand Hall, Barry University

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Welcome & Fireside Chat with Melissa Uribe Gil, EVP at Costex Tractor Parts - Moderated by Selen Turner

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Dinner & Networking

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | BlueEQ Presents - The EQ Factor in Culture Formation & Evolution by Lori Urban, Advantage Performance Group

Take part in a powerful conversation that could reshape your workplace culture. Secure your spot today!

About Advantage Performance Group

We help organizations develop great people.
Advantage Performance Group provides professional services related to corporate learning & development, including leadership development, sales training, business simulations, talent assessments, coaching services, mobile learning solutions, and many other areas of focus. Clients include mid-size to large organizations from all industries and any part of the world including many Fortune 500, Fortune 100, and Fortune 50 companies.

About Barry University

Human Resource Development
The Master of Science in Human Resource Development at Barry University is a premier program that equips human resources leaders with critical strategic skills, from performance improvement to people analytics. Lead the future of work with transformative people solutions.