On My Mind: The Brainy Sessions
Over the years as a Chief Talent Officer, I helped bring to life a series of TED Talk–style events — some of our most valued opportunities for team learning and connection.
The idea started simply: bring the entire team together regularly to deepen personal professional growth— through engaging, live experiences. We launched the series in 2016 as part of a new learning and benefits strategy, and it quickly became a cornerstone of how we connected and developed as a company.
Sessions were consistently rated near 5/5 in post-event surveys, and more than 90% of attendees said they “learned at least one new thing”.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the curveballs that sometimes came with these productions — often on the day of or just before. They were legendary!
A speaker nearly missing a flight to our NYC event – from China. (They made it.)
Another calling to say they’d be changing their zoom location from NYC to a remote farmhouse…in France -- “the Wi-Fi should be good”. (It was.)
One speaker who delivered a presentation that was nothing like what we’d all aligned on in the pre-call — and a team of moderators who pivoted beautifully in real time to match the new direction.
A last-minute case of stage fright that needed a quick pep talk.
And a pre-call where the guest talent never came off mute — staying silent through the entire coordination call, then absolutely nailing it live.
From sourcing thought leaders and negotiating with their sometimes inflexible agents, to pairing talent with the right moderators and buttoning up every “day of” detail — seating, book signings, post-event snacks and connection opportunities — it was a full production that took our company’s village. Through it all, the many professionals involved in these events including moderators on stage and IT and Ops teams behind the scenes, stayed cool as cucumbers, ensuring the sessions always came together.
While today I’m remembering the curveballs, I am also thankful to the outstanding talent we brought in house, how the team came together to deliver — and how the audience showed up ready to be engaged and grow.