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This preliminary agenda reflects the conference's core themes and discussion areas. Additional speakers, session titles and program details will be added as they are finalized.
Opening remarks will frame the day’s exploration of how employers and employees are redefining expectations around flexibility, performance, loyalty and value creation in a rapidly evolving workplace landscape.
Vice Chancellor for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development and Chief Innovation Officer
Paige Ouimet, Executive Director, Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and Professor of Finance, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
Worker disengagement is on the rise as workers increasingly feel stuck in their careers amid the sluggish hiring environment we're in. A lack of career opportunities, pressure from leaders on AI, rising burnout, and more are all taking a toll on workers' psyches. In this talk, we'll explore what Glassdoor data has to say about how workers are feeling in this moment and also examine advice for workers and leaders alike.
Chief Economist, Glassdoor and 2026 Kenan Institute Distinguished Fellow
The traditional social contract between employers and employees is shifting, as workers prioritize flexibility and mobility while organizations compete harder to attract and retain talent. Drawing on perspectives spanning employee well-being research and executive leadership and talent management, this panel examines whether the shift toward more transactional work relationships strengthens organizations through agility and efficiency, or weakens them by eroding trust, culture, and institutional loyalty.
Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and 2025 Kenan Institute Distinguished Fellow
Thomas J. Howatt Chair in Management, Department of Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management, Mitch Daniels School of Business and Director, Center for Working Well, Purdue University
Senior Counsel, Sidley Austin LLP
Global Senior Vice President (ret.), PepsiCo and Executive Coach, Dichotomy Solutions
Professor Bloom will discuss the latest trends in working from home, particularly hybrid work and how this is shaping up in the US and internationally, and why WFH is far from over. He will then outline the three key steps for making hybrid work, and why 70% of Fortune 500 companies have managers and professionals on a hybrid scheme. Finally, he will briefly outline the impact of WFH on all of us, from housing, pollution and even golf.
William D. Eberle Professor in Economics and Academic Council faculty, Stanford University and 2026 Kenan Institute Distinguished Fellow
Ten years ago, remote work was a perk. Today it's a battleground. Organizations have embraced flexibility, but many are still struggling to answer difficult questions: How do you collaborate and grow productivity when everyone works differently? How do you build culture without a common workplace? And what happens when AI and demographic shifts rewrite the rules again? This session explores the emerging models of work, and the strategic decisions leaders can't afford to get wrong.
Chief Economist, Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise
Chief U.S. Economist, Fifth Third Commercial Bank
Global Chief People and Purpose Officer, Deloitte
Founder and CEO (ret.), Atlas Clinical Research
Anson Dorrance, legendary retired head coach of UNC women's soccer will reveal the leadership principles behind the “Competitive Cauldron,” the player-development system that helped power one of college athletics’ most successful dynasties. Through transparent performance data, daily competition and individualized feedback, Dorrance created a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. This luncheon keynote will explore how leaders can apply those same principles to develop talent, reinforce shared values and build high-performing teams.
The conference will conclude with concurrent facilitated roundtable discussions designed to encourage active participation and deeper exploration of the day’s themes. Attendees will engage directly with experts, researchers and business leaders in interactive conversations focused on practical challenges, emerging ideas and actionable solutions related to renegotiating work in uncertain times.
Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and 2025 Kenan Institute Distinguished Fellow
William D. Eberle Professor in Economics and Academic Council faculty, Stanford University and 2026 Kenan Institute Distinguished Fellow
Professor of Organizational Behavior, Bell Distinguished Scholar and Area Chair of Organizational Behavior, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and 2026 Kenan Institute Distinguished Fellow
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