DeDe Halfhill
Wednesday, July 20 at 12:30 p.m.
The Leadership CHOICE. In the context of the loneliness that many feel rising mental health challenges, and increasing concerns over toxic leadership, the time has come for a candid discussion about the skills leaders need to possess to address such challenges. At the core of each of these challenges is connection. If we’re to have any chance at reversing the trends, then it’s time for an honest conversation about what is getting in our way as leaders from building authentic, meaningful connections with our teams. The shift rests in language. The language we use as leaders can have a powerful and positive impact. Use the right words, and we can authentically connect, build trust, and empower others in a meaningful way. Use the wrong words, and the result is often disconnection, isolation, and destruction of the trust we’ve spent so much time and energy to build despite our best intentions otherwise. It’s time to get smart on what drives disconnection and, more importantly, get skilled in fueling sincere, genuine connections.
Featured in Brené Brown’s book Dare to Lead and on 60 Minutes for her candid approach to leadership, Col DeDe Halfhill, USAF Retired delivers a thought-provoking conversation about how the words we choose and the empathy we convey not only saves lives but deepens trust, increases resilience, and inspires courage in the organizations we lead. You will leave this presentation with new skills to grow as a trusted leader, connect on purpose, and engage with humanity in the workplace.
Robert Ballard
Thursday, July 21 at 12:30 p.m.
Adventures In Deep Sea Exploration: Living The Dream. Dr. Robert Ballard, President of Ocean Exploration Trust, and an Explorer at Large with National Geographic is best known for his 1985 discovery of the Titanic and 1977 discovery of Hydrothermal Vents. Ballard uses his ship of exploration, E/V Nautilus and robotic vehicles to explore the places on earth where no one has been before. Ballard hopes to inspire young people to pursue learning in science, math, and technology through exploration and discovery. In his talk, through the use of visually stunning high quality images and personal accounts, Dr. Ballard will present his most recent work in deep water exploration using the technology of tele-presence which allows anyone with a computer to go along on the expedition. His love of adventure and real time exploration inspire people to better understand and preserve the oceans for future generations. He discusses motivating people to think outside the box, and that failure is just a step along the way to success, he has inspired many to live their dreams. Ballard is a dynamic speaker who keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Barbara Morgan
Friday, July 22 at 12:30 p.m.
Risk, Courage, Leadership and Stardust. Lessons learned by a teacher who became an astronaut and flew in space to help construct the International Space Station.
Barbara Morgan, the first educator to become and astronaut. Morgan earned a B.A. in human biology from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California and received her teaching credentials from the College of Notre Dame in Belmont, California. Morgan was an elementary school teacher in McCall, Idaho when she was selected to serve as back-up to Teacher in Space Christa McAuliffe in 1985 and trained with the crew of the space shuttle Challenger. After the Challenger accident, Morgan returned to the classroom. She continued working for NASA’s education division until 1998 when she was selected as an astronaut. In August 2007, she served on the crew of mission STS-118 and flew on the space shuttle Endeavour to help construct the International Space Station. Now a Distinguished Educator in Residence, Morgan joined Boise State University in 2008 after a 10-year career as a NASA Astronaut and 24 years as a public school teacher. Morgan has taught in McCall, Idaho, in Quito, Ecuador, and on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. As a member of Boise State’s Division of Research and Economic Development, Morgan represents the university and provides vision and leadership to the State of Idaho, primarily in STEM education. Her work includes policy and program development, advocacy, and mentoring. She uses her experience as a classroom teacher and NASA astronaut to initiate and cultivate University and K-12 opportunities, locally and nationally.