February 26 | Mesirow
Workplace Leadership & Culture Summit 2026
Thrive Together: Fueling Success in the Workplace
The Workplace Leadership & Culture Summit 2026 explores how organizations can create environments where people and performance thrive together. In today’s workplace, culture isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s a strategic imperative. Leaders who prioritize culture are shaping the organizations that retain top talent, unlock innovation, and sustain long-term success.
Through research-driven insights, candid conversations, and hands-on collaboration, this half-day summit convenes executives, HR leaders, and culture-builders to explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.
9 – 9:30 am – The Trust Dividend: The Formula for Belonging and Team Effectiveness
9:30 – 10:30 am – The Inclusion Advantage: Culture, Trust, and Accountability in a Changing Workplace
10:30 – 11:15 pm – Navigating the Now: Inclusive Workplaces in Action
11:15 am – 12 pm – Interactive Workshop
Trust is the foundation of psychologically safe teams—and a critical driver of inclusion, belonging, and performance.
In this keynote, Erin Lazarus explores how leaders can intentionally build and sustain trust using an evidence-backed, measurable framework. Attendees will learn how trust shapes shared values, strengthens team identity, and enhances cohesion, while directly influencing outcomes such as engagement, collaboration, and effectiveness.
Grounded in data and practical leadership application, this session demonstrates how improving team trust delivers a tangible performance dividend.
Expectations around transparency, inclusion, and accountability are continuing to evolve, revealing that culture is no longer a “soft” consideration, but a core governance issue with real implications for risk, reputation, and performance. As a result, many leaders are asking, “What is our culture actually producing—and for whom?”
In 2026, inclusion is no longer just about visible initiatives but about understanding the everyday experiences, behaviors, and systems quietly shaping today’s employee experience. This session invites HR and business leaders to step back and reflect on such things as the new multi-generational workforce, shifting norms around authority and transparency, and increasing employee demand for a shared sense of ownership.
Rather than focusing on programs or promises, the conversation centers on listening—using structured check-ins, culture audits, and implicit cultural signals—to uncover blind spots, emerging risks, and opportunities for growth.
In a time of shifting expectations and heightened scrutiny, the call for truly inclusive workplaces has never been clearer — or more urgent.
This discussion brings together business leaders and inclusion experts to explore how organizations can move beyond statements and aspirations toward living their values every day.
Panelists will share real-world examples of inclusive practices that drive engagement, retention, and performance across industries.
