GAYLORD NATIONAL RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER NATIONAL HARBOR, MD | OCTOBER 1-2, 2025
MICHAEL C. HYTER
CEO, The Executive Leadership Council
Dear MLMS Participant,
Welcome to the 31st Annual Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium (MLMS), a professional leadership development experience to help prepare high-potential, mid-level managers and executives for global leadership responsibilities. Here at the MLMS, you will be introduced to leadership skills, professional relationship strategies, and career advice to help you thrive in a dynamic and rapidly changing global business environment.
The MLMS is just one of several leadership development initiatives that The ELC’s Institute for Leadership Development & Research provides. Each experience creates a better understanding of what is required for sustained success and what you must do to apply and leverage your skills to maximize your career.
The MLMS is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, partners who understand the importance of the ongoing development of a pipeline of inclusive business talent to drive future corporate success. We thank them for their continued support. While you are here, be sure to take the time to meet new people and build your professional and personal networks. We are confident you will find the 2025 MLMS experience an encounter that will benefit your leadership development for years to come.
AUDREY TAYLOR
Chief Academy Officer, The Executive Leadership Council
Welcome to our 31st Annual Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium (MLMS) hosted by The ELC’s Institute for Leadership Development. You have taken an important step on your journey to leadership excellence.
The Executive Leadership Council (the “ELC”) has been dedicated to opening channels of opportunity since 1986, with a strong and significant commitment to enhancing inclusive leadership within the corporate landscape. Our long-time logo includes the words “The Power of Inclusive Leadership” and we stand by its value in driving professional, personal and business performance.
The ELC membership is dedicated to building a diverse leadership pipeline and opening channels of opportunity for the advancement of inclusive professionals. The ELC Institute is committed to leadership development for corporate professionals at all career stages emphasizing education, inclusive leadership, cutting-edge research, personalized coaching, and preparation for executive roles, including the C-suite and corporate board positions.
To maximize the benefits of the experiences and sessions we have planned for you over the next two days, take some time to review this program book and the event app. You will want to take advantage of the exposure and visibility opportunities presented by this exceptional gathering of successful corporate executives providing the insights, knowledge, and skills necessary for a competitive global workforce. You are now part of The ELC family, and we look forward to engaging with you and contributing to your overall success. Please be sure to take the time to meet as many of your fellow participants as well as the executives taking an interest in your future. Expand your network and have a wonderful experience.
WELCOME FROM FIDELITY CHARITABLE
Fidelity Charitable is honored to partner with The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) to welcome you to the Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium (MLMS).
For more than three decades, The ELC has built pathways for diverse leaders to thrive. MLMS continues to be a powerful platform for advancing professional development, cultivating networks, and preparing the next generation of executives. At Fidelity Charitable, we share this commitment to creating opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and expand access to leadership.
Our work is centered on unlocking the full potential of philanthropy to drive meaningful change. Just as The ELC invests in the promise of its participants, Fidelity Charitable seeks to invest in the promise of a more inclusive and equitable future. We believe that when diverse perspectives and talents are valued, organizations and communities alike are stronger and better prepared for long-term success.
This week, you are joining a legacy of leaders who are shaping industries, breaking barriers, and inspiring progress. We encourage you to fully engage in the learning, networking, and growth that this symposium offers. The knowledge and relationships you build here will not only impact your career journey, but also the organizations and communities you serve.
On behalf of Fidelity Charitable, welcome. We celebrate your achievements, support your aspirations, and look forward to the leadership impact you will make.
The Playbook for Fearless Corporate Game Changers featuring Arian Simone
Inspire Stage
Exhibit Hall B
11:00 A.M. BREAK
11:30 A.M.
FROM SCRIPT TO SCALE:
Will Packer on Leading with Vision and Voice
Inspire Stage
Exhibit Hall B
12:30 P.M. . . . . . LUNCH
Exhibit Hall C
EXPO OPEN
Exhibit Hall C
2:00 P.M. BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Chesapeake 1-12 & National Harbor 2
Activate Stage
Exhibit Hall B
3:00 P.M. BREAK
EXPO OPEN
Exhibit Hall C
4:00 P.M. . . . . . BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Chesapeake 1-12 & National Harbor 2
Activate Stage
Exhibit Hall B
7:00 A.M.
IN-PERSON SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2
BREAKFAST
Riverview Ballroom
8:00 A.M. REGISTRATION & CHECK IN: BADGE PICK UP
Exhibit Hall Level
8:30 A.M. . . . . . BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Chesapeake 1-12 & National Harbor 2
Activate Stage
Exhibit Hall B
9:30 A.M. BREAK
10:00 A.M.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Chesapeake 1-12 & National Harbor 2
Activate Stage
Exhibit Hall B
11:00 A.M. LUNCH
Exhibit Hall B
12:00 P.M. . . . . . DATA, DISCIPLINE & DISRUPTION FOR NEXT LEVEL LEADERS featuring Dr. Randal Pinkett
Inspire Stage
Exhibit Hall B
1:00 P.M. BREAK
1:15 P.M. LEAD LIKE YOU MEAN IT: Lessons on Integrity and Purpose from the C-Suite featuring Laysha Ward
Inspire Stage
Exhibit Hall B
2:15 P.M.
CLOSING REMARKS
Inspire Stage
Exhibit Hall B
EVENT MAPS
THE ELC COLLECTIVE EXPO
Step into The ELC Collective Expo—an interactive expo experience where purposedriven companies and ELC sponsors come together to connect with the next generation of leadership. Designed as a vibrant hub during The ELC’s Gala Week combining both the Mid-Level Manager’s Symposium and the Honors Symposium audiences, this space brings together attendees, corporate partners, and mission-aligned organizations for powerful moments of connection.
Explore interactive activations, careerbuilding resources, and conversations that bridge industries and generations. Whether you’re seeking new resources, new connections, or new inspiration, stop by the Expo for an engaging experience.
Expo Hours
Wednesday, October 1
11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
IGNITING PATHWAYS, POWERING PROGRESS
Inspire Stage
Pitch and Persist: The Playbook for Fearless Corporate Game-Changers featuring Arian Simone
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 | 10:00-11:00 A.M.
Arian Simone—serial entrepreneur and Fearless Fund co-founder—shares how she rebounded from cash crunches, bias, and headline-making litigation to keep funding bold ideas. Translating her venture-capital playbook into corporate language, she shows professionals how to craft data-driven business cases that win executive sponsorship. Simone reveals how leveraging diversity as a market advantage and building cross-functional coalitions turns colleagues into invested allies. You’ll leave with a resilience toolkit to flip every “no” into momentum and champion breakthrough initiatives inside your organization.
From Script to Scale: Will Packer on Leading with Vision and Voice
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 | 11:30 A.M. –12:30 P.M.
From Hollywood hitmaker to cultural architect, Will Packer has built an empire by telling stories others overlooked—and doing it on his own terms. In this conversation, Packer breaks down how visionary thinking, strategic risk-taking, and authentic storytelling build influence across industries. He’ll share insights on brand leadership, building creative coalitions, and scaling ideas that resonate with global audiences. Expect a rare blend of business acumen, cultural insight, and unapologetic ambition designed to inspire leaders who want to produce impact at scale.
Data, Discipline & Disruption for Next Level Leaders
featuring Dr. Randal Pinkett
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 | 12:00-1:00 P.M.
Dr. Randal Pinkett—award-winning entrepreneur, scholar, author and tech innovator—unpacks how equity-centered leadership drives better performance, stronger teams, and smarter strategy. Drawing on his experiences leading multimillion-dollar enterprises and advising Fortune 500 clients, Pinkett explores how data, discipline, and disruption intersect to shape inclusive success. This is a session for leaders who want to lead with rigor and legacy, not just intention.
Lead Like You Mean It: Lessons on Integrity and Purpose from the C-Suite featuring Laysha Ward
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 | 1:15-2:15 P.M.
Join Laysha Ward for a candid conversation on what it really takes to lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction in today’s evolving business landscape. Drawing insights from her new book Lead Like You Mean It, Ward shares the leadership lessons that matter most—especially for those who want to lead with impact, not just intention. This fireside chat explores how authenticity, equity, and influence intersect at the executive level. Expect to leave inspired, challenged, and equipped to lead like you mean it.
Activate Stage
Let’s Get Connected Live! with Sherhara Burrell
EPISODE 1
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 | 2:00-3:00 P.M.
Meet the ELC and meet your fellow participants! Get ready for a high-energy, game show-style experience where leadership meets live community engagement. With live audience interaction and prizes, Let’s Get Connected Live is an immersive and interactive experience. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, or simply get inspired, this is where your next level begins. Build meaningful connections with fellow professionals in an environment designed for authentic conversations, collaboration, and community.
Get an inside look at the ELC’s mission to shape inclusive leadership across industries.
Lights. Leadership. Legacy. The stage is yours!
ABC’s of PromptingHow to Get the Most out of Your AI Tools
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 | 4:00-5:00 P.M.
You’ve seen the lists—”100 AI tools to boost productivity.” But here’s the real secret: It’s not the tool. It’s the prompt.
In this hands-on session, Cliff Worley, Head of Portfolio Marketing at Kapor Capital, will show you how to move beyond copy-paste prompts and into the world of strategic prompting—where you can get AI to think like you, write like you, and even work like your best employee.
You’ll walk away with:
• A simple but powerful prompting framework you can use across any tool (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and more)
• Real-world examples of advanced prompts that unlock next-level results
If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blinking cursor in ChatGPT, this session will make prompting so easy it feels like magic.
Let’s Get Connected Live! with
Sherhara Burrell
EPISODE 2
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 | 8:30-9:30 A.M.
Meet the ELC and meet your fellow participants! Get ready for a high-energy, game showstyle experience where leadership meets live community engagement. With live audience interaction and prizes, Let’s Get Connected Live is an immersive and interactive experience. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, or simply get inspired, this is where your next level begins.
Build meaningful connections with fellow professionals in an environment designed for authentic conversations, collaboration, and community.
Get an inside look at the ELC’s mission to shape inclusive leadership across industries.
Lights. Leadership. Legacy. The stage is yours!
Top AI Tools for Impact
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 | 10:00-11:00 A.M.
There are over 30,000 AI tools out there. Most of them are noise. A few are lethal.
In this fast-paced session, Cliff Worley—Head of Portfolio Marketing at Kapor Capital and one of the most trusted voices in AI for business—cuts through the hype to deliver the tools that actually work.
You’ll get the definitive shortlist of the top AI tools for 2025:
• Tools that make you faster
• Tools that make you smarter
• Tools that make you look like you have a 10-person team behind you
Each tool shared isn’t just cool—it’s been vetted, tested, and proven to get results. Whether you’re in marketing, operations, leadership, or creative work, these tools will give you an edge most professionals don’t even know exists.
Every AI tool you learn in this session is a career cheat code.
Because the people who know how to use the right tools? They’re not replaceable—they’re unstoppable.
Breakout Sessions
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1 | 2:00-3:00 P.M.
Understanding Financial Risk and Resilience
PRESENTED BY HILTON
Room: Chesapeake 1-3
The most effective leaders know how to assess and mitigate financial risk while driving growth. This session covers cash flow management, liquidity planning, and the art of building financially resilient businesses that thrive in uncertainty.
Failing Forward for Winning Bigger
PRESENTED BY WALMART
Room: Chesapeake 4-6
Every leader encounters setbacks, but what sets future executives apart is the ability to learn and grow from failure. This conversation reframes failure as a stepping stone, sharing stories and insights on how to bounce back stronger after professional missteps or disappointments. Attendees will learn how to cultivate a growth mindset, extract lessons from setbacks, and foster a team culture that sees mistakes as opportunities for innovation.
The Power of Connection: Cultivating Career Champions, Not Contacts
PRESENTED BY AMGEN
Room: Chesapeake 7-9
Career advancement isn’t just about merit; it’s heavily influenced by who is in your corner. In this fireside chat, we’ll discuss how to intentionally cultivate a strong professional network that includes mentors, peers, and sponsors who champion your growth. You’ll learn networking strategies tailored for busy mid-career leaders, including how to make genuine connections, tap into the “hidden job market,” and create a support system that propels you forward.
Authentic Influence: Building Connection for Your Career
PRESENTED BY PWC
Room: Chesapeake 10-12
This session explores how leading with your true self can help you build powerful connections that don’t just open doors, but walk through them with you. We’ll unpack how to cultivate a network of mentors, peers, and sponsors who align with your values and advocate for your success. Through real-world stories and actionable strategies, you’ll learn how to navigate professional spaces with confidence, build meaningful relationships, and create a support system responsive to your career goals.
It Was All a Plan: No Accidental Leaders
PRESENTED BY EXELON
Room: National Harbor 2
There’s no such thing as stumbling into the C-Suite. In this powerful fireside chat, Exelon leaders unpack the strategic mindset and purposeful actions that drive career acceleration. Drawing from their own experience, they share how clarity of purpose, thoughtful preparation, and consistent execution build the credibility and confidence required to lead at the highest levels. Participants will explore how to align their values with long-term leadership goals, make high-impact decisions from any seat, and develop the presence that commands rooms—before they ever receive the title.
Breakout Sessions
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1 | 4:00-5:00 P.M.
Message to Movement: Craft Stories That Drive Results
PRESENTED BY UNITED HEALTH GROUP
Room: Chesapeake 1-3
Facts and data alone don’t inspire—storytelling is the leadership skill that turns information into inspiration. In this chat, learn how to weave your vision, values, and ideas into compelling narratives that engage stakeholders and galvanize your team. Attendees will practice techniques to simplify complex messages, use emotional appeal appropriately, and deliver memorable stories that drive people to action.
The Culture Catalyst
PRESENTED BY NOVARTIS
Room: Chesapeake 4-6
Culturally competent leaders can transform a collection of diverse individuals into a high-performing, cohesive team. In this fireside chat, we’ll explore how to celebrate differences and bridge cultural gaps, so you can lead projects and teams that span generations, backgrounds, and geographies. You’ll gain insights into adapting your leadership style for global or multicultural contexts and leveraging the unique perspectives on your team to drive creativity and results.
Equity Down, Advocacy Up: The Mid-Level Advantage of Coaching in All Directions
PRESENTED BY SMURFIT
WESTROCK
Room: Chesapeake 7-9
Mid-level managers sit in a unique position, supporting those they lead while shaping the perspectives of those they report to. Success requires the ability to coach in all directions, balancing equity-driven practices for direct reports with inclusive advocacy when managing up. This session equips leaders with tools to navigate “between the lines” of hierarchy, practicing 360° coaching scenarios that strengthen cultural sensitivity, amplify underrepresented voices, and ensure inclusive decision-making at every level of the organization.
Compliance & Commitment: Strategies for Advancing Inclusion with Operational Acumen
PRESENTED BY PFIZER
Room: Chesapeake 10-12
In today’s evolving regulatory landscape, leaders often balance two imperatives: engaging and sustaining inclusive culture while meeting shifting compliance requirements. This fireside chat offers practical strategies for embedding equity into everyday operations while aligning with organizational policies and external regulations. Through realworld examples and candid insights, you’ll learn how to ask questions, design initiatives and drive change that is both legally sound and culturally impactful- ensuring your inclusion efforts stand the test of time, leadership changes, and market pressures. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to demonstrate the business value of inclusion.
The Hidden Formula for Leading Change: Unlocking Your Three Brains to Create Psychological Safety and Trust
Room: National Harbor 2
We live in a world of constant change where volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity often collide with feelings of brittleness, anxiety, and confusion. In this environment, leading change is not just about having the right strategy. It is about creating trust and psychological safety so people feel confident to step forward, share ideas, and take risks. Neuroscience shows that we actually have three brains in the head, the heart, and the gut. Each offers a unique type of intelligence that, when aligned, helps leaders bring curiosity, compassion, and trust into their leadership. In this interactive session, you will explore how to use your three brains to create the conditions for psychological safety and unlock a powerful formula for leading change. You will leave with practical tools you can use immediately to build stronger connections, increase trust, and guide your teams through disruption.
Breakout Sessions
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 | 8:30- 9:30 A.M.
Agile Leadership for the Unpredictable Now
PRESENTED BY CISCO
Room: Chesapeake 1-3
Change is the only constant, and the past few years- 200 days- have tested every leader’s ability to adapt. This session explores how to navigate uncertainty and upheaval—from industry disruptions to global crises—while still guiding your team to success. You’ll learn principles of agile leadership, ways to maintain clarity and decisiveness under pressure, and tactics to keep your team motivated when the going gets tough.
Meeting the Moment: Leveraging EQ to Navigate High Pressure Moments
PRESENTED BY SYNCHRONY
Room: Chesapeake 4-6
Mid-level leaders often face high-pressure situations and moments of adversity test their composure. This session will reveal how to harness emotional intelligence to stay calm and effective when the heat is on. Learn how managing your emotions and responding with grace can defuse challenges, preserve your energy, and demonstrate exemplary leadership under stress.
Sustainable Sponsorship for Inclusive Leaders
PRESENTED BY AMAZON
Room: Chesapeake 7-9
True inclusive leadership means actively championing others, not just oneself. This chat focuses on “lifting as we climb” — how mid-level leaders can be allies and advocates for colleagues from underrepresented groups while advancing their own careers. Expect to learn how to sponsor talent and build a legacy of empowerment that elevates everyone around you.
Reframing Attitude for Executive Altitude
PRESENTED BY HSBC
Room: Chesapeake 10-12
Confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s your leadership currency. In this bold session, explore how mindset, self-talk, and professional presence shape the way others perceive your readiness for leadership. You’ll walk away with tools to silence imposter syndrome and project the confidence your results already justify.
Equity Down, Advocacy Up: The Mid-Level Advantage of Coaching in All Directions
PRESENTED BY
SMURFIT WESTROCK
Room: National Harbor 2
Mid-level managers sit in a unique position, supporting those they lead while shaping the perspectives of those they report to. Success requires the ability to coach in all directions, balancing equity-driven practices for direct reports with inclusive advocacy when managing up. This session equips leaders with tools to navigate “between the lines” of hierarchy, practicing 360° coaching scenarios that strengthen cultural sensitivity, amplify underrepresented voices, and ensure inclusive decision-making at every level of the organization.
Breakout Sessions
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 | 10:00- 11:00 A.M.
Intrapreneur’s Edge: Remix the Rules from the MidLevel
PRESENTED BY PEPSICO
Room: Chesapeake 1-3
You don’t need a fancy title to be a change agent—mid-level leaders often drive some of the most impactful transformations from where they stand. In this fireside chat, learn how to effectively champion new initiatives and influence up, down, and across the organization without stepping on toes. We’ll cover strategies to build buy-in, communicate a vision for change, and navigate organizational politics, empowering you to lead change confidently even when you’re not the one in charge.
From Service to C-Suite: Leveraging Purpose for Professional Growth
PRESENTED BY FIDELITY CHARITABLE
Room: Chesapeake 4-6
This fireside chat explores how purpose-driven community engagement can be a powerful catalyst for executive advancement. Through candid insights and real-world examples, leaders will learn how engaging in charitable initiatives, nonprofit board service, and community impact projects can broaden networks, establish financial foundations, and strengthen the leadership skills needed for C-Suite.
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Sustainable Resilience
PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE
Room: Chesapeake 7-9
Ambitious professionals often run the risk of burnout, especially when navigating additional pressures as an underrepresented leader. This session dives into strategies for sustaining your energy, focus, and wellbeing over the long haul of your career. Learn how to set boundaries, build a support system, and develop resilience habits that allow you to thrive under pressure without sacrificing yourself in the process.
The ELC Advantage: Leading with
Heart and Insight
PRESENTED BY HSBC
Room: Chesapeake 10-12
Emotional intelligence is a critical leadership skill for the modern executive. This session explores how leveraging self-awareness, empathy and community- particularly The ELC learning community- can elevate your influence and decision-making, especially as a mid-level leader. Join ELC Members of HSBC as they share experiences emotional insight to build trust, motivate your team, and stand out authentically in your organization.
Wealth by Design: Building a Financial Legacy That Lasts
PRESENTED BY CITI
Room: National Harbor 2
Step into a transformative conversation on financial empowerment featuring Citi executives designed to equip you with strategies for building lasting generational wealth. This dynamic panel will unpack ten practical moves to take control of your financial journey—from accelerating savings and managing debt to growing investments, protecting your assets, and shaping your legacy. You’ll gain actionable insights on navigating big-ticket purchases, homeownership, income protection, and purposeful giving, ensuring your financial decisions today create impact for tomorrow.
Did you enjoy all that MLMS 2025 had to offer? Stay connected and be the first to hear about what’s in store for 2026. From exclusive updates to early access and special announcements, our email list ensures you won’t miss a thing. Subscribe today and keep the momentum going! For group registration or sponsorship inquiries, please contact Institute@elcinfo.com.
