Communications and Public Speaking CoP

Title of Speech: Mastering Communication with Complicated People

Speech Abstract:

Drawing from Ryan Leak’s How to Work with Complicated People and John Maxwell’s Everyone Communicates, Few Connect. This keynote explores why people on the same project can interpret the same information in completely different ways. Attendees will learn how internal biases, unspoken expectations, and differing perspectives make people seem “complicated,” and why reacting instead of connecting often slows projects down.

By the end of this session, project managers will gain practical strategies to enhance collaboration, reduce conflict, and foster clarity and trust, even when communication feels most challenging.

Learning Objectives (3 bullets)

Explain why everyone communicates, but few connect—especially under project pressure.

Distinguish between difficult behavior and complicated dynamics in project environments.

Apply practical strategies, including curiosity and driven questions, to improve clarity and collaboration with complicated team members.

Speaker:  Mary D. McKenzie, Ph.D.

Speaker Bio:

Mary D. McKenzie, Ph.D., is a certified coach, trainer, speaker, and the founder of Mary Universal LLC. She is the author of The Transformational Power of Forgiveness and a passionate Biblical scholar. With over 23 years of experience in public accounting firms, Mary combines deep expertise in technology and leadership to help organizations optimize systems, drive operational excellence, and achieve sustainable growth. Today, she brings the same strategic mindset to coaching, mentoring, and training, guiding individuals and teams through transitions, uncovering purpose, and unlocking their highest potential.

Title of Speech:  Building Skillsets through your Hobbies

Speech Abstract:

Josh Lowry will discuss professional development through your hobbies.  Often professional development training helps build skills for your next position, there aren't always opportunities to practice what you learn before entering your new role.  Practicing what you learn soon after training helps you retain knowledge and build skills before moving into a role that requires that skillset, all while practicing in a safe environment.  Additionally, that experience helps with both resume building and interviews, giving you ways to demonstrate your skills when applying for a new role.  Josh will talk about several examples of how he has utilized this approach to develop his own skills and move into new roles in his career.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify opportunities to apply your training
• Practice your skills in a safe environment
• Utilize your experience in your next interview

Speaker:  Josh Lowry

Josh Lowry is currently a Senior Director of Software Engineering at Owl Cyber Defense, a company specializing in developing cyber defense software, appliances and data diodes for the commercial and federal markets.    Josh owns the development of several products at Owl and manages the development team for those products.  Josh has also collaborated with other companies in the market to develop solutions utilizing Owl's products.

Speech Title: Digital Boundaries at Work

Speech Abstract

 Project managers are expected to keep projects moving, respond quickly, and stay connected with multiple teams—often across different platforms and time zones. But constant digital access can quietly lead to burnout, reduced focus, and blurred work-life boundaries. In this talk, Annie Delre introduces the concept of digital boundaries and how project managers can protect their time without sacrificing collaboration or responsiveness. Attendees will learn to recognize subtle ways they may be crossing their own digital boundaries and gain practical communication strategies and tech tools to set clearer expectations with their teams.

Learning Objectives

• Define digital boundaries and understand how constant digital communication can impact focus, productivity, and burnout for project managers.
• Recognize common digital habits that weaken boundaries, such as after-hours email responses, lack of calendar buffers, and unclear communication expectations.
• Use practical communication scripts and simple technology settings to set clearer availability and expectations with teams and stakeholders.

Speaker:  Annie Delre

Annie Delre is a dynamic wellness coach, speaker, and educator dedicated to helping individuals create harmonious, fulfilling lives. As a nationally board-certified Health & Wellness Coach, with a Master’s in Integrative Wellness Coaching and multiple certifications in Life & Success Coaching, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming, she brings a holistic and practical approach to personal and professional growth.

Annie has guided over 800 clients and audiences through training on topics such as time management, organization, stress reduction, and goal setting. Known for her engaging and relatable style, she transforms overwhelming concepts into actionable strategies that empower individuals to take control of their habits, productivity, and well-being.

Passionate about personal development and sustainable change, Annie continues to inspire and educate, helping busy professionals get their lives together—one step at a time.