You Can’t Get Ahead on Your Own – How to Cultivate a Network for Growth
3-4 PM ET/12-1 PM PT – Closing Keynote Session
The lone wolf as a success story is a myth. The biographies of amazing inventors showcase even they had collaborators, mentors and colleagues that supported them. Steve Jobs did. Nicola Telsa did. Marie Curie did. The key for your own career is the same. To get to the next level you must cultivate a team of advocates. In this keynote, you will learn how to create your own network to power your career forward.
Speakers:
Brian Wilson is a recognized contributor and facilitator in his field with over 13 years of experience supporting and leading projects and programs at prominent organizations such as Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. Currently, he holds the position of Organizational Change Management Lead within the Office of Information Technology at the Securities and Exchange Commission, where he plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation initiatives.
Brian possesses a diverse skillset encompassing digital transformation, project and program management, business operations, customer service, and organizational development. In his current role, he takes charge of various responsibilities within the Cloud Center of Excellence, including overseeing training and upskilling programs, managing communications, engaging stakeholders, and implementing organizational change management strategies.
Prior to his current position, Brian served as the Program Manager for the Electronic Contract Filing System (ECFS) at the Department of Homeland Security. In this role, he successfully led and supervised market research, procurement, and contracting activities, as well as training and implementation efforts. Notably, Brian and his team accomplished the deployment of ECFS amidst the challenges posed by the height of the pandemic.
Brian’s educational background includes a master’s degree in Business Administration from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Rutgers University. These qualifications have provided him with a strong foundation in business and marketing principles, enhancing his abilities in his professional endeavors.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brian is a true creator at heart, dedicating his free time to pursuits such as photography and music production. He was also a former member of the Washington DC Chapter of the Recording Academy, highlighting his passion for music and involvement in the industry.
Brian’s specialties include organizational change management, business development, project management, acquisition, customer relations, leadership, meeting facilitation, MS Project, Windows, and organizational skills. These areas of expertise showcase his well-rounded capabilities and his ability to drive successful outcomes in diverse organizational settings.
I am the Executive Leadership Consultant and Founder of GPS Leadership Solutions, a sought-after speaker, author, and human being with a passion for developing high-performing leaders.
With a Master’s Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and experience creating and managing executive leadership programs for the Federal Government, I have a deep understanding of the challenges that ambitious leaders face.
Through my 4C Connection Model ™, I teach leaders how to build and maintain meaningful relationships with their peers, staff, senior leaders, stakeholders, mentors/mentees, and customers.
I wrote and published two bestselling books, “Reaching Senior Leadership: 10 Growth Strategies Every Government Leader Should Know” and “The GPS Guide to Success”. My work has been recognized by prestigious organizations such as The Aspen Institute and the Leadership Center for Excellence. In addition to being honored as a 40 under 40 honoree by the Leadership Center for Excellence and spotlighted as a top leader to know by the International Association for Talent Development.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching documentaries and anime, and going on long hikes with my wife! ⛰️