CLEANPOWER in Color—General Session

Welcome Address | Mistress of Ceremony, Sherhara Burrell
Opening Keynote Address | Creating Space When Space is at a Premium: A Keynote Experience for High-Achieving Professionals in Competitive Environments by Dethra Giles, Executive Leadership & HR Strategist, Modern Workplace Influencer, Career Consultant

In today’s workplace, talented professionals are navigating a landscape where opportunity can feel increasingly limited, recognition isn’t always guaranteed, and the value of diverse perspectives is often debated. When space is at a premium, the key is not just finding a seat at the table—but knowing how to own your presence, position your value, and strategically advance no matter the environment.

This session is designed to equip high-performing individuals with the mindset, communication skills, and strategy to rise above workplace uncertainty, silence doubts, and drive impact. It blends the power of Own The Room with Your Voice, the DARE Model for Navigating High-Stakes Conversations, and a strategic framework for growth and influence in any professional setting.

Key Takeaways:
1. Own the Room: Strengthen Your Presence & Influence
Develop the confidence and executive presence to command respect and credibility in any space.
Learn how to communicate with precision and impact, ensuring your contributions don’t go unnoticed.
Build an internal and external brand that positions you as a leader, regardless of shifting corporate priorities.
2. DARE to Lead in Uncertain Times
Master the art of navigating complex workplace conversations with strategy and confidence.
Learn how to Describe vs. Interpret, Acknowledge without conceding, Review the narratives shaping workplace culture, and Engage for real influence.
Shift from reacting to leading conversations that shape perception, policy, and opportunity.
3. Strategic Navigation: Thriving When Pathways Shift
The Three-Lane Strategy for career mobility: identifying visibility opportunities, relationship capital, and strategic positioning.
How to cultivate sponsorship, high-value projects, and coalitions that fuel long-term success.
Balancing personal resilience with professional advocacy—making an impact without making yourself a target.

You must be registered for CLEANPOWER in Color to access this session.
CLEANPOWER in Color is a separate, co-located event from CLEANPOWER. Attendees will have access to the CLEANPOWER exhibit hall and CLEANPOWER sessions in addition to the CLEANPOWER in Color sessions and networking.
Register for CLEANPOWER in Color here.