Leadership

In this track, we will explore the critical importance of leadership in today’s dynamic landscape. Now, more than ever, effective leadership is the key to organizational success. We are seeking proposals that focus on cultivating values-based leadership skills, investing in people, influencing decision-making, building inclusive and diverse teams, fostering a growth mindset, and thriving as authentic leaders in higher education. Leadership is not defined by a title but by the positive, lasting impact you create, regardless of your role.

We are looking for proposals along these themes:

• Understanding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): What does diversity truly mean in a tech environment? Explore its various dimensions and the influence it has on team dynamics. 

• Challenges and Solutions: What common challenges do leaders face when managing diverse teams, such as unconscious bias, communication barriers, and cultural misunderstandings? What practical solutions can overcome these hurdles? 

• Inclusive Leadership: How can we build the skills necessary to foster an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute at their highest potential? 

• Communication Strategies: How do we adapt and tailor communication styles to resonate with team members from diverse backgrounds, ensuring clarity and minimizing misunderstandings? 

• Feedback and Growth: What are the best practices for providing constructive, culturally sensitive feedback that supports professional growth for team members from all backgrounds? 

• Success Stories: What real-world examples demonstrate teams achieving outstanding results through effective leadership, and what strategies were instrumental in these successes? 

• Leadership and Transformation: Transformation is a common theme in higher education institutions. What leadership traits act as catalysts for driving transformative outcomes? 

• Leadership Beyond Technology: IT leaders today must transcend traditional technology leadership. How can they broaden their perspectives to align with institutional missions and lead from a business perspective? 

• Leading Across Generations: How can we foster team cultures that break down hierarchical barriers and tap into the leadership potential across multiple generations?