TechnologyNEXT (virtual)

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Given the current environment, we are all facing aspects of a “new normal” while still leading teams at work and supporting families at home. Strong leaders have grit and perseverance; however, strong leaders are not immune to the stresses, pressures and emotions during these uncertain times. Despite that, the continued expectation is simple, “leaders lead.” The expectation may be simple, but, in reality, the execution may not be. Furthermore, being a resilient leader is ever more important.

Scholar and writer Yasmin Mogahed noted, “Resilience is very different than being numb. Resilience means you experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt. You fall. But, you keep going.” So, how do you balance the potential dichotomy of feeling grief, fear, anxiety, etc. on the inside while displaying strength and leadership on the outside?

Join Inforum on Tuesday, May 19^th to engage in a candid roundtable discussion focused on this topic and guided by the Harvard Business Review article, “That Discomfort You’re Feeling is Grief.”

Speakers

Ronia Kruse, Co-founder and CEO, OpTech LLC

Ronia is the founder and CEO of OpTech, LLC and OpTech Solutions, a talent development and solutions firm providing services to Fortune 1000 and government clients.  She also serves on the investment committee for Belle Michigan to help evaluate potential emerging technology portfolio companies. Kruse launched OpTech during the sharp economic downturn of 2001 and an overall depressed economy, arguably the worst time to start a tech company, but her business acumen paid off.  With her contagious enthusiasm and passion for inspiring others, Kruse brings the unique ability to leverage technology and develop talent, particularly in the realm of crisis management, which led to the exponential growth of her firm, particularly during the 2008/2009 downturn of the economy. Before striking out on her own, Kruse was a senior tax consultant for a big 4 CPA firm, where she specialized in international tax planning strategies for clients, harnessed business process improvement/efficiencies, and developed financial applications for leading industries. In addition, she served as an adjunct professor in the Master of Science Taxation program at Wayne State University. To read more about Ronia click here.

Lynn Longo, Senior Vice President Connected Car, Digital CockPit, HARMAN International

Lynn is the senior vice president and head of the Digital Cockpit business unit at HARMAN. She has over 20 years of automotive engineering and technology experience, with the majority of that time spent serving in key global leadership roles. As head of the Digital Cockpit business, Lynn leverages her extensive understanding of automotive product strategy, development and delivery to drive innovation and bring solutions to market that create seamless, safe and connected consumer driving experiences.Prior to joining HARMAN, Lynn was the executive director and chief information officer of Connected Ecosystem Integration at General Motors (GM) where she led the technical integration of GM’s connected vehicle ecosystem via adaptable, flexible platforms. Before that, she held three leadership positions in two different joint ventures in China (OnStar Shanghai and SAIC General Motors) ⁠— marking her as the first international senior executive to hold three distinct roles simultaneously. Prior to her international assignment in China, Lynn spent more than three years working for GM Europe leading a global team of engineers. To read more about Lynn click here.

Vicki Harper, Director of IT and Digital Transformation, Pratt & Miller Engineering

Vicki leads the IT department for PM, the current focus of her efforts is digital transformation and preparation for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Vicki has led IT groups at RL Polk, Trinity Health, Acument Global Technologies and AxleTech (General Dynamics). As for a lot of us in the Motor City, Vicki started her career at an OEM, in her case Ford Motor Company for 14 years. Ms Harper has global experience, a dual under-grad in MIS/CIS from UofM- Dearborn and an MBA from UofM -Ann Arbor.

Moderator

Jenine Parchmon, service vice president, LIBOR Transition Program Office,Comerica Bank

Jenine is responsible for helping to lead a large enterprise-wide effort focused on transitioning to alternative benchmark rates for a variety of products. Prior to beginning her current role in July 2019, she was director of the technology strategy, planning and innovation group at Comerica Bank with responsibility for ensuring the successful delivery of strategic initiatives across the technology organization and advancing overall innovation capabilities. . A 2012 graduate of Comerica’s Leadership Development Program, she previously worked in a variety of positions with increasing responsibilities. Ms. Parchmon’s previous positions include, Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Payments Strategy and First-Level Officer, Emerging Technologies and Payment Services. She began her career with the bank in July 2006 as a technical analyst. To read more about Jenine click here.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, May 19
Time: 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Place: Virtual platform. Link will be sent to those who register.
Cost:  $15 members, $25 nonmembers

Thank you to our sponsors!

Statewide Sponsor:

Statewide Innovation Sponsor:

West Michigan Regional Supporting Sponsor:

Southeast Regional Supporting Sponsor:

West Michigan Regional Supporting Sponsor:

West Michigan Regional Promotional Sponsor:

Interested in sponsorship? Contact Becky Puckett-Wood at bpuckett-wood@inforummichigan.org

TechnologyNEXT brings together Inforum members who are working in technology to expand their professional knowledge and foster intentional connections.
Whether you own a technology-related business; work in technology development, sales or marketing; or are a self-described techie - this group is for you!