<p>The PMA Foundation for Industry Talent (PMA Foundation) in partnership with Cornell University is bringing its Executive Leadership Symposium back again. Slated for January 15-17 in Orlando, Florida, this annual program represents one of many professional development resources available from the PMA Foundation, whose mission is to help produce companies invest in knowledge, expertise and experience necessary to grow business and stay competitive.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Senior executives from all segments of the global produce and floral supply chain are invited to profit from the leadership-level strategic discussion of industry issues and challenges, according to a press release. To maintain an intimate, collegial, environment the event is limited to 75 attendees.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">A focus on executive education will help to stimulate forward thinking, problem solving and identifying personal or business transformations necessary to lead in an era of innovation and change. To ensure attending executives gain actionable lessons relevant to produce, all discussions will be led by “industry-prepared” professional facilitators. All discussions will be framed by high-caliber speakers who are leading authorities in the areas of consumer and human behavior, emerging technologies and digital command.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Founder and CEO of Tomorrow, a consumer innovation research lab, Mike Walsh will open the symposium’s first day with “Your Business Re-Imagined,” initiating dialogue about viewing technology, digital platforms and enterprise tools as opportunities to re-invent produce businesses in the 21st century. In addition, presenting “The Making of a Digital Leader” on the first day, is Erik Qualman, Founder of Socialnomics.com. Qualman will explore with attendees the five habits that encompass a successful “Digital STAMP of Leadership” -Simple, True, Act, Map, People.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Attendees will hear from Kaihan Krippendorff during day two, on a fundamental question at the heart of competition: How do some people identify and seize strategic options that others overlook? In his presentation “Seizing Business Advantages Through Creative Strategic Thinking,” Krippendorff, business strategist and author, will share the five key habits he’s feels drive “outthinkers” towards unorthodox solutions: mental time travel, attacking the interconnected system, frame-shifting, disruptive mind-set and shaping perceptions.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Closing the symposium with the session “What’s Sex Have To Do With It? The Truth About Gender Communication” is author and founder of Speak Your Truth Colette Carlson. Carlson will discuss leveraging gender communication, which she equates to knowing a second language. She’ll demonstrate why it’s integral for produce leaders to master gender differences to more effectively connect and communicate, eliminating frustrating conversations and judgments that can affect the bottom line.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">In addition to these influential speakers, the symposium offers opportunities to build relationships through small-group discussions, receptions and dinners. Executives can apply on or before Dec. 11 to save. A Loyalty Reward discount is also available to past participants who have attended the Executive Leadership Symposium at least once in the past three years. Dec. 27 marks the deadline for all applications.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.pmafoundation.com/leadership-symposium" target="_new"> Executive Leadership Symposium</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
