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Can We Talk? The Evolution of Having Tough Conversations
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2020 Beginning at 2:50 PM
Session Duration
1 Hour and 15 Minutes

Learning Objective
- How to prepare for uncomfortable conversations

- Learn how your mood and energy impacts the conversation

- How to have tough conversations without making an enemy

Session Description
No one likes conflict. Instead of engagement, we naturally veer to moments of comfort over "ruffling feathers". When HR professionals are faced with having tough yet necessary conversations, signs of anxiety may arise. However, as HR leaders there is an urgent need to evolve in how we deliver tactful and assertive communication. By incorporating these three (3) key elements--Respect, Empathy and Maturity--you will undoubetdly impact the culture of your workforce and community at large. Kenston Henderson Sr., a dedicated speaker, trainer, and facilitator will equip each attendee with tools to proactively move from a space of comfort, to curiousity, and ultimately where change happens--uncomfortability. In his role as the Citywide Training & Development Coordinator, he will also share insight from the City of Columbus' communication programming geared towards addressing how to identify and eliminate unsuccessful patterns of communication and replace them with patterns of successful tough conversations for the 21st century and beyond.

Session Speaker

Kenston Henderson

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More About Kenston Henderson

Today's workplace is shifting fast — new expectations, new pressures, and new uncertainties. In the middle of it all sits HR: balancing people, culture, compliance, and change. In this energizing keynote, Kenston Henderson Sr. equips HR professionals with the mindset and tools to become true HR Game Changers who elevate resilience, connection, and impact across their organizations.

Through humor, storytelling, and real HR insights, Kenston introduces the 4 Keys to Being a Game Changer in Uncertain Times, empowering attendees to lead themselves well, navigate transitions with confidence, and strengthen cultures where people thrive. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for self-leadership, effective influence, and cultivating community — proving that HR is far more than a department; it's a catalyst for people, purpose, and progress.

"Winning Conversations 2.0: The Role of AI in Effective Leadership Communication," is Kenston's Concurrent Session. 

Winning Conversations 2.0 builds on the core principles of effective communication and introduces how AI can enhance, not replace, the human touch. Leaders will explore how AI-driven insights, feedback tools, and communication data can sharpen clarity, strengthen empathy, and improve engagement. This session equips leaders to anticipate challenges, adapt to diverse styles, and lead conversations with greater confidence and precision.