2026 Leadership & Culture Summit
Presented by Cota Coaching & Consulting
Join us on Thursday, October 8th, 2026
Keynote Speaker- Chris Czarnik
Speaker Bio
Chris Czarnik is an award-winning keynote speaker, workforce process engineer, and author of Winning the War for Talent. For more than two decades, he has helped organizations across the country transform the way they recruit, retain, and develop employees. Known for his energetic delivery, humor, and practical insights, Chris challenges leaders to rethink outdated workforce strategies and adopt proven processes that attract top talent and build stronger workplace cultures. His work has impacted more than 3,500 organizations, helping them become employers of choice in today’s evolving labor market.
Keynote Session: Winning the War for Talent
The workforce has changed permanently—and organizations that continue relying on traditional hiring and retention methods are being left behind.
In this dynamic and highly actionable keynote, Chris Czarnik will share innovative strategies to help leaders of all levels rethink the entire employee lifecycle, from recruiting and onboarding to development and retention. Attendees will gain a fresh perspective on why conventional recruiting approaches are failing and what organizations must do to create workplaces where employees want to stay and grow.
Key takeaways include:
Participants will leave energized, challenged, and equipped with practical tools they can immediately implement to improve hiring outcomes, strengthen culture, and build a true hire-to-retire talent strategy.
Chris Czarnik is an award-winning keynote speaker, workforce process engineer, and author of Winning the War for Talent. For more than two decades, he has helped organizations across the country transform the way they recruit, retain, and develop employees. Known for his energetic delivery, humor, and practical insights, Chris challenges leaders to rethink outdated workforce strategies and adopt proven processes that attract top talent and build stronger workplace cultures. His work has impacted more than 3,500 organizations, helping them become employers of choice in today’s evolving labor market.
Keynote Session: Winning the War for Talent
The workforce has changed permanently—and organizations that continue relying on traditional hiring and retention methods are being left behind.
In this dynamic and highly actionable keynote, Chris Czarnik will share innovative strategies to help leaders of all levels rethink the entire employee lifecycle, from recruiting and onboarding to development and retention. Attendees will gain a fresh perspective on why conventional recruiting approaches are failing and what organizations must do to create workplaces where employees want to stay and grow.
Key takeaways include:
- Understanding the demographic shifts reshaping today’s workforce
- Viewing the hiring process through the eyes of job seekers - especially if you are the hiring manager
- Building an effective recruitment and interview process
- Developing onboarding, mentorship, and career growth strategies
- Learning why “When people stop learning, they start leaving”
- Creating a culture that strengthens engagement, retention, and long-term success
Participants will leave energized, challenged, and equipped with practical tools they can immediately implement to improve hiring outcomes, strengthen culture, and build a true hire-to-retire talent strategy.
Location
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Sioux Falls
201 E. 8th St. Sioux Falls, SD 57103
201 E. 8th St. Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Date & Time
October 8, 2026, 8:30 AM - 4 PM
AGENDA- *Subject to Change
7:45am: Registration
8:30am: Welcome
8:45am: Keynote-Session #1
9:45am: BREAK
10:00am: Keynote- Session #2
11:30am: LUNCH
12:45pm: Shift Happens | Leading Through Change
1:45pm: BREAK/Vendor Tables
2:15pm:Table Topics
4:00pm: Closing
8:30am: Welcome
8:45am: Keynote-Session #1
9:45am: BREAK
10:00am: Keynote- Session #2
11:30am: LUNCH
12:45pm: Shift Happens | Leading Through Change
1:45pm: BREAK/Vendor Tables
2:15pm:Table Topics
4:00pm: Closing
Shift Happens: Leading Through Change
Change is inevitable—but navigating it well doesn’t always come naturally. Leaders are often asked to help their teams embrace change while they’re still processing it themselves.
In this interactive 60-minute session, we’ll explore the human side of change and the critical role leaders play in helping employees move through uncertainty. Through real-world examples, practical strategies, and easy-to-use tools, leaders will learn how to manage their own response, communicate with greater clarity and empathy, address resistance, and help their teams move from “Wait…what?” to “Okay, what’s next?”
Participants will leave with practical tools they can use to communicate change, build trust, and help their teams successfully navigate what comes next.
Christina Cota-Donovan
Owner/Founder
Cota Coaching & Consulting
Cota Coaching & Consulting
Christina Cota is an HR leader and consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations shift the perception of HR from “police” to strategic partner. Her experience spans talent acquisition, employer branding, employee relations, leadership development, compensation, and benefits across industries including manufacturing, technology, engineering, construction, and nonprofit organizations.
As the founder of Cota Consulting, Christina focuses on helping small and mid-sized organizations build stronger teams and intentional workplace cultures. A Myers-Briggs certified practitioner, she brings creativity, practical solutions, and a little fun to the way organizations recruit, develop, and engage their people. Christina believes strongly in integrity, resilience, and embracing imperfection along the way.
As the founder of Cota Consulting, Christina focuses on helping small and mid-sized organizations build stronger teams and intentional workplace cultures. A Myers-Briggs certified practitioner, she brings creativity, practical solutions, and a little fun to the way organizations recruit, develop, and engage their people. Christina believes strongly in integrity, resilience, and embracing imperfection along the way.
Jo Lynn Higgins
Sr Director of Client Services
Marsh Agency
Marsh Agency
Jo Lynn Higgins is the Senior Director of Client Services at Marsh Agency, bringing more than 20 years of experience in employee benefits and client services. She leads the Employee Health & Benefits service team across North and South Dakota, with a focus on operational excellence, client retention, collaboration, and developing strong leaders.
Known for her client-centered approach, Jo Lynn combines deep industry knowledge with clear communication, thoughtful problem-solving, and integrity. Her diverse background also includes healthcare credentialing, insurance claims, and more than 15 years as a certified EMT-Basic.
Known for her client-centered approach, Jo Lynn combines deep industry knowledge with clear communication, thoughtful problem-solving, and integrity. Her diverse background also includes healthcare credentialing, insurance claims, and more than 15 years as a certified EMT-Basic.
Thank you to our Sponsors that are helping make this day happen!
