Thought Leaders


Don Tapscott


Chairman, nGenera Innovation Network

The Net-Generation has come of age. The children of the baby boom, aged 13-30, are not only the largest generation ever -- they are the first generation to come of age in the digital age. The new digital media, particularly the Internet, are at the heart of a new youth culture and a new generation who, in profound and fundamental ways, learn, work, play, communicate, shop and create communities very differently than their parents. For the first time in human history children are authorities on a central innovation. This generation lap is leading to far reaching changes in commerce and in every institution in society.

How can companies win in the war for talent? How is this generation different? What are the implications for recruiting, compensation, training, collaboration, retention and management of talent?

In 1997, Don published the landmark book GROWING UP DIGITAL. Today he discusses his up coming book GROWN UP DIGITAL, arguing that a new paradigm in management - Talent 2.0 - is changing how every winning company will harness the power of human capital.

For more information, visit www.nGenera.com

Frank Glaviano, Sr.


Shell Exploration & Production

The global demand for oil and gas is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. At the same time, the energy industry is grappling with the "graying" of its workforce and the challenge to attract new talent to bring supply to the marketplace. In his presentation, Frank Glaviano debunks the myth that the energy industry is "your dad's dirty, old oil business" by demonstrating the exciting cutting-edge, high-tech careers available in today's energy industry - and how Shell has developed innovative partnerships in education and training to build its workforce of tomorrow.

Frank Glaviano, Sr. is Vice President of Production for Shell's Americas Region with responsibility for assets and operations in the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, offshore Canada, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina. Frank was appointed in 2004 and his job was dramatically changed in August 2005 by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. In response, he led the efforts to restore Shell's oil producing assets and became deeply involved in many organizations and activities in New Orleans to help rebuild the city. Frank was recently voted New Orleanian of the Year by Gambit Weekly.

Jim Smith, Jr.


President and CEO of JIMPACT Enterprises Inc.

Throughout the conference, Jim "Mr. Energy" Smith will help participants "Bring it Home" with reminders and tips for extending the learning from the conference beyond New Orleans.

Jim consults, writes, speaks and facilitates in the areas of motivation/inspiration, professional trainer development, presentation and facilitation skills, diversity and leadership. He is the author of From Average to Awesome and the Co-author (with Ken Blanchard, Jack Canfield and others) of the leadership book, The Masters of Success. His newest book, Crash and Learn: 600+ Road-Tested Tips to Keep Audiences Fired Up and Engaged! is on the ASTD best seller list. Prior to JIMPACT, Jim held leadership positions for Simmons Associates, Core States Bank, the Vanguard Group of Investments, the Prudential AARP Operations and the Bob Pike Group.

Steve Uzzell


Photographer, Author, Editor

We've all heard it and said it about our organizations, about workforce investment, about the economy: "We are in such a state of transition."

But what does it mean to be in transition? What was it like when we were not in transition? Does transition end? How do we know when we are finished? Should we fear it, or look forward to it?

Acclaimed photographer Steve Uzzell will explore the very nature of transition, visualized with his striking photographs. He will examine the subject from myriad perspectives- personal, daily, local, historical, architectural, global, and from the natural world. Our 2006 attendees who experienced Steve Uzzell in "Open Roads, Open Minds" will attest to it - you will come away from "The Nature of Transition" inspired, transformed and empowered, with a new appreciation for this most exciting step in the creative process.

Steve Uzzell is one of the top advertising and corporate photographers in the country. He started in the photography business 36 years ago as the assistant to the editor of National Geographic and a member of their photographic staff. He now shoots for a roster of clients that includes airlines and automobile manufacturers, travel, shelter and fashion magazines, many of our United States and even some foreign countries. His work has garnered international acclaim and won numerous awards, including ten from Communication Arts. Along the way he has photographed two books, Maryland, and The View from Sterling Bluff and had editorial work published in over 90 publications.

For more information, visit www.SteveUzzell.com