Communication Across Difference: Win Win Strategies for Bridging the Divide

Friday, April 20, 2017

Abstract: There is near universal consensus that paying attention to Diversity & Inclusion is beneficial for individual, team, and organizational success. Better results come from more diverse teams and that better cultures come from more inclusive organizations. That’s why more and more organizations are looking to invest in Diversity & Inclusion. This session presents a model of cultural competency, strategies for deepening cultural understanding, and proven approaches that leverage differences. You will learn how to create deeper understanding, establish trust and improve communication across differences.

Bio: Lisa Fain is Center for Mentoring Excellence’s CEO and lead in diversity strategy and cross-cultural. Her passion for diversity and inclusion work fuels her strong conviction that leveraging differences creates a better workplace and drives better business results.

As Senior Director of the Diversity and Inclusion function at Outerwall, Inc., Lisa spearheaded the development, establishment and implementation of its diversity initiative. Prior to assuming that position, she worked as Outerwall’s in-house counsel, coaching leaders and partnering with Human Resources to establish fair and effective policies and practices that would sustain the organization as it grew in size, revenue and renown.

For almost a decade, Lisa practiced law in the Chicago office of a major multinational, where she counselled employers on creating inclusive policies and practices. While in that role she served a Master Trainer, training thousands of employees at a variety of companies, large and small, on how to create a better workplace.

Lisa also founded Vista Coaching, a division of Center for Mentoring Excellence, which provides group coaching for professional women looking to design and live their best lives. She is a certified mediator. She graduated with a B.S. in Social Policy from Northwestern University and holds a JD from Northwestern University School of Law.

A move to Seattle, WA is providing Lisa a welcome opportunity to hike and explore the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters.