Keynote 02 · Leadership

Best in Class™ Leadership

The mindsets and behaviours that bring out the best in people.

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Karen Craggs speaking on stage about creating impact over time

The problem this keynote solves

Leaders are driving change, but people aren't always coming with them. Messages vary, concerns go unheard, and shared responsibility becomes someone else's job.

Leaders can't create shared ownership through messages alone. Karen looks at the everyday choices that invite contribution, bring concerns to the surface and help people move forward together. As she puts it: "Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of people who are in our charge."

70%

of the difference in team engagement comes down to the manager. When things are changing, the manager is who people watch.Source: Gallup, Why Great Managers Are So Rare

Participants will learn how to

  1. Recognize assumptions that limit contribution.
  2. Use CARE in challenging conversations: Connect, Acknowledge, Respond, Empower.
  3. Choose a leadership behaviour to practise and assess.
The Monday after your event

Leaders clarify what is changing, acknowledge people's realities and agree on a way forward.

Extend it into a workshop

Putting CARE into Practice. Rehearse real leadership scenarios, get peer feedback and turn intention into behaviour.

For women's leadership events: Karen, recognized by the Obama White House as a Gender Equality Changemaker, can tailor this keynote to where the leadership pipeline narrows for women, and what leaders can change in who they sponsor and promote.

Why Karen

A former technology executive with 25+ years leading teams and programs at Plan International Canada, AIMS and ThoughtExchange, and advising 150+ organizations.

Also available as: Inclusive Leadership: Creating Great Leaders and Even Better Human Beings · Women at Work: The 5 Barriers Women Face · Changemakers at Work · Future of Work: Safety & Belonging Across Generations

"Clarity, language, and tools, not just inspiration."

"Our students left with clarity, language, and tools, not just inspiration. Karen Craggs is in a class of her own."

Daniel Abubu, Chair, Black Student Association, Northeastern University Toronto

Karen's other Best in Class™ keynotes

Best in Class™ OrganizationsWhat exceptional organizations do differently. Best in Class™ CultureThe power of purpose, connection, contribution and impact.

Inclusive leadership speaking with Karen →