Leveraging the Power of Generational Diversity for a Competitive Advantage in the Workplace Summit presented by the Women's Business Council

Description

In contemporary workplaces, human resources and business leaders are encountering unprecedented levels of diversity, particularly in terms of generational differences. This upward trend presents the challenge of devising strategies to cultivate an environment that promotes high engagement, loyalty, and productivity, despite the variations among different demographic groups.

For numerous years, organizations have recognized the compelling business case for diversity. Establishing a more inclusive workplace is advantageous, as it fosters innovative thinking and enables employers to access a broader spectrum of potential talent. However, more than half of employers have indicated that they do not incorporate age as a factor in their diversity and inclusion policies.
 
Those who fail to leverage age diversity find themselves at a disadvantage regarding innovation, institutional knowledge, employee engagement, and workforce stability. Given the permanence of generational diversity within the workforce, it is prudent for organizations to cultivate an age-inclusive culture.
 
This year’s panel includes:
 

Elizabeth Miller President & CEO Miller Industrial Manufacturing	Brian Rollo Founder Brian Rollo Consulting Group	Jennifer Massey Founder & CEO Integra HR, LLC
Cam Cardinale Director of Community Relations Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL)	Tracey Wardwell Assistant VP/Branch Manager Capital Bank Panel Moderator	Tricia Rogers President & CEO Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Panel Moderator

More about our panelists:

Elizabeth Miller, President & CEO, Miller Industrial Manufacturing
Holding a Master of Science in Education from The College of St. Rose in the field of Communication Disorders, Elizabeth dedicated 30 years to serving as a Speech and Language Therapist in the Saratoga Springs City Schools. After the death of her husband Myles in 2007, she transitioned to CEO for Miller Mechanical Services and has expanded and grown the company. She purchased and renovated multiple buildings in downtown Glens Falls and opened The Park Theater and Park and Elm Restaurant and Market. She launched Sunset Farm in 2012.

She has actively participated in various boards including The Prospect School, SUNY Adirondack, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC), Glens Falls B.I.D and St. Mary's St. Alphonsus Regional Catholic School. Additionally, serving as Vice President of the Glens Falls Civic Center Coalition and currently holding board positions with the Park Theater Foundation, Arrow Financial Corporation, and the Saratoga-Warren-Washington Workforce Development Board.

Brian Rollo, Founder, Brian Rollo Consulting Group
Brian helps leaders create transformational results through keynotes, workshops, and coaching. After managing hundreds of employees in the corporate space, Brian became obsessed with unpacking the secrets to leading so that people want to follow. He soon struck out on his own and now works with leadership teams around the country along with forward-thinking local companies, empowering their leaders and equipping them to lead with authenticity, purpose, and sustainable strategies that transform organizational culture and drive exceptional results.

Brian’s book, "The 10 Habits of Influential Leaders" has inspired leaders around the country and taught them the benefit of leading with influence as opposed to relying on their titles.

Brian’s unique blend of practical wisdom and innovative thinking has earned him a reputation as a transformative force in leadership development. 

Jennifer Massey, Founder &  CEO, Integra HR, LLC
With over 30 years of executive experience in various industries, Jennifer is an entrepreneur, innovator, and strategic visionary transforming clients’ cultures and their employees.  Jennifer’s genuine passion for helping others focuses on the “Aha” moments and doing what is right even when it is hard.  Her grit, perseverance, and knowledge have given her company the foundation to have an impressive trajectory of expansion and growth over the last five years.  Integra focuses on HR and people development complexities, so leaders can focus on their core business, avoid mistakes, and maximize the ROI in solid people and culture practices.

Early in her career, Jennifer built HR and training functions when they did not exist.  Over the years, she has achieved valuable expertise in HR, training and development, organizational transformation, compliance, risk management, operations, and program development.  Jennifer received her Business Management degree with a concentration in psychology from the Rochester Institute of Technology.  She is passionate about learning and has earned multiple HR certifications and an Employee Assistance Coaching Specialist certification.  Jennifer is also a certified facilitator in Everything DiSC® and The Five Behaviors® and certified in Mental Health First Aid.

There is one more thing, and it goes beyond Jennifer’s love for HR and connecting people to the right resources.  During her career, she spent ten years working in human services reconnecting with her true purpose by giving back and serving her community.  In 2020, Jennifer formed Integra’s Give Back & Impact program to support numerous organizations serving vulnerable populations.  Lastly, Jennifer has served on numerous boards and was an elected Board of Education member for six years.  She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the East Greenbush Education Foundation and Mom Starts Here.

Cam Cardinale, Director of Community Relations, Southern Adirondack Independent Living
Cam Cardinale is a dedicated community leader, advocate, and policy champion committed to uplifting marginalized communities across Upstate New York. As the Director of Community Relations at Southern Adirondack Independent Living, he spearheads government affairs, community advocacy, fund development, and external relations, working to advance accessibility and inclusion. In addition, Cam serves as the President of Lower Adirondack Pride, where he leads strategic planning and operations to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices in the North Country, ensuring they are heard, valued, and represented.