WGI Online GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM

Transforming Cultural & Personal Diversity into Belonging.

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Diversity alone doesn’t create connection… it’s what we do with it that counts. David invites participants into an interactive conversation that models inclusion in real time, blending storytelling and the wisdom of the talking-circle tradition. Together, you’ll explore how openness and curiosity can turn differences into shared understanding. This session offers a living demonstration of Lead Management in action, showing how educators and leaders can foster belonging through authentic human connection.

SESSION 1 - 01:00 UTC - Time Block 1

The Lead Manager's Conversation.

The Lead Manager’s conversation is an empowering strategy for quality work based on Dr. William Glasser's Choice Theory and the principles of Lead Management. Rather than using pressure, coercion or external control that only works temporarily when that pressure is applied, the Lead Manager collaborates with the employee to set expectations, develop trust and foster continuous improvement. It starts with a discussion of shared purpose. Leaders and staff alike want to be successful and create quality results. The manager shares his or her perspective and asks for the employee’s without judgment to get clear on how the employee is experiencing things. Together, they review the established standards of quality and determine what about the employee’s current performance is either supporting or detracting from those criteria. Since all behavior is purposeful the manager facilitates linking their actions to underlying basic needs like belonging, power, freedom, fun or survival. The breakthrough moment for the employee is when they step back and assess their own performance – determining what modifications could lead to better results. There is collaboration of the plan for change and not imposition, a commitment rather than compliance. The conversation ends with a follow-up plan to maintain momentum. And therein, leadership is not about control - it's all about connection, clarity and continuous quality improvement.

SESSION 2 - 02:40 UTC - Time Block 1

The Future of Lead Management: Where Science Meets Human Potential.

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Choice Theory anticipated what neuroscience is only now confirming… that freedom, connection, and meaning are at the core of sustained motivation. In this forward-looking session, Ken bridges Glasser’s work with emerging research in brain science, psychology, and organizational development. You’ll explore how these converging insights can renew and expand the relevance of Lead Management in modern systems of health, business, and education. This is a chance to see where our shared philosophy is heading and how to stay on the leading edge of its application.

SESSION 9 - 18:20 UTC - Time Block 3

Liberating Leadership.

Leadership is evolving... and so are the people we lead. As new generations challenge traditional hierarchies and question authority based on status rather than contribution, the need for a new kind of leadership has never been clearer. In this session, Rob introduces his Liberating Leadership model, a framework for autonomy-supportive leadership that releases people from outdated management constraints and channels their creativity, curiosity, and sense of purpose. Drawing on decades of work in education and organizational development, Rob explores how leaders can ignite passion, innovation, and shared responsibility by focusing on contribution over compliance. Participants will leave with a renewed understanding of what it means to lead people whose minds and expectations can no longer be managed, but can be inspired.

SESSION 4 - 07:00 UTC - Time Block 2

Brains, Behavior, and Belonging: Reimagining Connection Through Neurodiversity

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Join Melissa and Anneliese for a candid conversation exploring the intersection of neurodiversity, behavior, and human connection. Through stories from parenting, classrooms, and workplaces, we’ll unpack both the challenges and the untapped opportunities of supporting neurodivergent individuals. Drawing from the evolution of Applied Behavior Analysis toward more compassionate, consent-based, and play-centered practices, we’ll bridge behavioral science and Choice Theory to reimagine what it means to create environments where every brain can learn, lead, and belong. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of curiosity and confidence in fostering spaces where every mind can truly flourish.

SESSION 8 - 16:40 UTC - Time Block 3

Trust by Design: Strengthening the Core of Connection and Culture.

In a world of constant change, trust is the quiet differentiator between groups that adapt and those that fracture. Yvette’s research-based frameworks reveal the anatomy of trust and how it can be strengthened through intentional dialogue and reflection. Beyond generic advice, you’ll explore tools, like the Trust Style Inventory, that help teams recognize their trust patterns and shift them consciously. This session reframes trust not as sentiment, but as a trainable component of organizational health and human connection.

SESSION 7 - 15:00 UTC - Time Block 3

Leading Diversity.

Using YearBeyond as a case study Sihle and Jacqui will talk about why diversity matters, why leading diversity is not a choice but a moral obligation and what this requires from leaders. Key insights on how to shape the younger generation of leaders to step up and lead with empathy in their communities.

SESSION 6 - 10:20 UTC - Time Block 2

Leading with Pride: Creating Connection Across the Spectrums of Sex, Gender, and Orientation.

Diversity across the spectrums of sex, gender, and orientation is part of every community and workplace... yet genuine inclusion calls for more than acceptance. In this interactive session, Mario invites participants to explore how Lead Management principles can help us move beyond acceptance toward true connection and celebration of difference. Together, we’ll build a shared understanding of key concepts around sexual orientation, sex assigned at birth, and gender identity, then move into guided discussions and group exploration to identify opportunities for accessibility and inclusion in everyday settings. This is a space for open dialogue, curiosity, and learning grounded in respect and the belief that leadership begins with understanding. The session will be conducted in English, with clarifications and responses available en français y español.

SESSION 3 - 04:20 UTC - Time Block 1

Leadership in Business.

Most business systems reward control, yet lasting success depends on trust, alignment, and shared values. Kalikamurti and Ahmed present their 6 L’s of Leadership model, a framework refined through years of global collaboration that integrates persistence, professionalism, perception, and playfulness to balance people and performance. Through real-world examples, they’ll show how autonomy-based leadership transforms organizations, builds resilience, and keeps profitability connected to purpose. You’ll leave with fresh perspective and practical strategies for embedding human connection into measurable results.

SESSION 5 - 08:40 UTC - Time Block 2