Communications and Public Speaking CoP

Speech Title:   Become and Remain a “Relevant” Project Manager

Speech Abstract:

This presentation is about taking your career to the next level," focuses on the critical importance of becoming and remaining a "Relevant Project Manager." It defines relevance as having demonstrable significance, being appropriate to current circumstances, and being highly valued in one's profession. The session outlines a comprehensive framework for achieving this relevance, categorized into three key areas: Technology & Business, Soft Skills, and Community. Participants will learn practical strategies for staying current with industry tools and trends, developing essential soft skills such as effective communication (including understanding various styles and non-verbal cues), influential leadership, strategic personal branding, and power networking. The presentation emphasizes that a relevant project manager is one whom others depend on for expertise, leadership, and support, ultimately leading to career security and continuous value.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define and articulate the importance of "relevance" for career advancement and security in project management.
2. Apply strategies for continuous professional development in technology, business acumen, and industry trends to maintain relevance.
3. Cultivate essential soft skills including effective communication, influential leadership, personal branding, and strategic networking to enhance professional impact and value.

Keynote Speaker:  Me'chelle Degree

Speaker Bio:

Me'chelle Degree, is the Blueprint Leadership Strategist and CEO of 3rd Degree Solutions. Her successful career has taken her around the world speaking in the US, Europe, Africa and Latin America offering compelling and exciting life changing platform opportunities to speak before thousands. She empowers them with "Blueprint Leadership Strategies" to take significant next steps in their careers and personal development. As an Amazon Number 1 Best Selling Author, an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified Coach, John Maxwell certified Speaker, and Trainer; Me’chelle mastered the art of strategic leadership and developed the "Blueprint Leadership" Series of Workshops. She has worked with Corporations, Entrepreneurs, Government, Women in Transition, College Students and Faith-based Institutions.

Me’chelle currently serves as a Federal Civilian Customer Program Manager for Cisco US Public Sector. With over 30 years of extensive program management experience and certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Scrum Master, she brings a wealth of expertise to delivering profitable, long-lasting solutions. Drawing on her background in organizational leadership consulting, Me’chelle is recognized by clients as an action-oriented, innovative problem solver. Her ability to build strong relationships and foster collaboration enables her to drive teams forward effectively. Me’chelle has successfully managed both domestic and international projects, forming strategic partnerships between business groups and external clients. 

She is a graduate of UNC Greensboro with a degree in Information Systems and Operation Management. Get ready to gain insights from a true expert on how to stay relevant as a PM.

Speech Title:   The Moses of Shreveport

Speech Abstract:

The inspiring true story of how Bernie Klein, Jeff’s Dad, brought an entire community together to bring 30 people from oppression in the Former Soviet Union to Freedom in America. It’s a journey exhibiting big ideas, perseverance, leadership, organization, and teamwork.  Regardless of whether the project is for business or personal these key skills are vital for project success.

Keynote Speaker:  Jeff Klein

Speaker Bio:

From Elevator Pitch to Keynote Speeches, Jeff Klein guides people to the right words for each situation. A Speaker & Speaker Coach, he has rave reviews speaking over 1,000 times to tens of thousands of professionals. He is also a trainer, author, podcaster, and frequent podcast and media guest. His books include 30 Seconds to Success: Generating Referrals with Your Elevator Pitch, and the upcoming Speaking as a Business Strategy: 9 Laws to Business Speaking Success.

Following successful careers in Advertising, Marketing, & Film & TV Production, Jeff’s individual and group programs assist professionals, who are responsible for generating revenue, to create more opportunities to sell.

His experience includes representing the Texas Rangers Baseball Club and Dallas Stars Hockey production teams, the Studios at Las Colinas, and the Texas Association of Media Motion Professionals.

He founded SpeakerCoop.com in 2006 and has grown it from a local lunch with 50 attendees to an International community reaching over 20,000 people.

Jeff has served on non-profit boards, volunteered for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the Anti-Defamation League, and his Synagogue in Plano.

He continues to speak to trade associations, sales organizations, national conventions, and business groups.

When he’s not speaking, Jeff spends his work time training speakers and businesspeople to grow their businesses using the words they say. He spends his personal time playing boardgames, volunteering, watching movies, and occasionally acting in them.

Speech Title:   Play Break: Play to Connect

Speech Abstract:

Creative play doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Join us for a Play Break where we will play a few games and exercises to get our minds working in a different way and create a connection with one another. Then you can go back to the real world feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the major tasks on your to-do list.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will participate in low stakes exercises to play, think quickly without judgement, and be creative.
• Attendees will discover the value that a creativity break, and a playful mindset can have on their work and personal lives.
• Attendees will leave the session feeling that they contributed, created something together, got to interact with each other, and most importantly, had fun while doing it.

Keynote Speaker:  Dayna Gowan

Speaker Bio:

Dayna Gowan is a speaker, workshop facilitator, improviser, Distinguished Toastmaster, and host of the Improvly Speaking Podcast, which focuses on improv, public speaking, communication performance, and creativity.  Learning public speaking and improvisation skills have changed her life and made her a more confident speaker, colleague, and friend.  Her mission is to make all meetings and workshops fun, engaging and memorable for all attendees!

She uses the tools of applied improvisation to create a unique and memorable experience. Her presentations will help attendees get to know each other, share some laughs, flex their creative muscles, and learn practical skills and lessons that can be applied to their personal and professional lives.

Dayna recently moved to Charlotte, NC from the west coast with her husband, and 1 year old daughter.