Why can some leaders spot opportunities, redesign processes and programs, strengthen the organization, and even take an idea to scale, when others cannot?

Amy Wilkinson, a strategic advisor, entrepreneur, and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, has intensely studied over a five-year period innovation and entrepreneurial success. The Creator’s Code: The Six Essential Skills of Extraordinary Entrepreneurs is the culmination of these years of focused study which included more than 200 extensive interviews as well as analysis of academic research from a variety of fields of study. Both her book and her presentation make complex ideas simple by illustrating vivid stories of individual success.  In her keynote address she brings the wisdom uncovered through her research to Arizona’s leaders.

A significant finding of Ms. Wilkinson’s research is that creators are not born with an innate ability to conceive and build, they work to develop it. She will explain the fundamental approaches to the act of creation. These skills can be learned, practiced, and passed on. She found that individuals share the ability to learn and work at building these skills and that when a creator brings together all six skills, something magnetic occurs.

Rewiring the Arizona Labor Market Panel

Labor markets both around the world, and in Arizona, have not kept pace with the shifts presented in the global economy.  People cannot find work, and yet sectors from technology to health cannot find people to fill open positions. Many who do work feel over qualified or underutilized.  These issues along with an excessive number of disconnected youth, are under scrutiny in Arizona and solutions are being planned and tested including enhanced corporate/ education connections, use of enriched online talent platforms, a focus on connecting youth with high wage middle skill jobs, and more.  Hear from leaders in Arizona about innovations that are underway. 

2016 Legislative & Policy Agenda Panel

Moderated by Darcy Renfro, Director of The Arizona We Want Institute at The Center for the Future of Arizona

This panel discussion will include Senator Kelli Ward, Representative Bob Thorpe, and Policy Advisor Dawn Wallace. Education leaders will have the opportunity to preview their legislative and policy agendas for the 2016 legislative session, as well as discuss the previous session’s outcomes. Questions may be posed by the audience.

Ann Meyers Drysdale

Vice President of the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns will wrap up the conference with her personal story at the final luncheon.