Speaking Programs

Champions of Technological Change: How Organizations Successfully Implement Technology
One of the biggest challenges facing organizations is how to successfully implement technology and other innovations. Through the effective use of technology, firms can gain a competitive advantage. They can benefit from increased efficiencies, reduced costs, improved income, and higher profits. How do you do this? The answer is to build champions of change. In this participative program based on original research published in Szczurek’s groundbreaking book, Champions of Technological Change, we explore the role that people at all levels in a range of industries and organizations — from CEOs and C-level leaders, to managers, to individual contributors — can play to ensure successful innovation. They’re the change agents. Through captivating real-world stories of many emerging technologies, you'll learn a practical formula for improving your top and bottom line.

Turn Innovations into Real Income: Secrets to High Growth Business Success
The best innovation in the world is worthless if it sits on the buyer's shelf unused or, worse yet, if it sits unsold collecting dust. To produce income and grow your business, your innovations must be successfully introduced and implemented into the marketplace. Szczurek shares a practical technique which has the potential to transform your business and greatly increase profitability.

AI to Survive and Thrive: How to Successfully Implement the Right Enterprise Solutions
In today’s fast-paced business world, adaptability and innovation are crucial. Organizations face numerous uncertainties, including a tight labor market. However, those who embrace the right technological solutions gain a competitive edge. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one key to unlocking this advantage. When successfully implemented, AI can revolutionize operations, drive efficiencies, reduce costs, and boost profits. In this dynamic presentation, Theresa Szczurek, former State CIO and three-time tech entrepreneur, shares her extensive experience overseeing technology deployments. Through real-world stories of companies that have identified and implemented the right AI applications, attendees will learn practical approaches to thriving in today’s environment. This session provides actionable insights and strategies to help your organization excel.

So, You Want to Get on a Board?
Many leaders aspire to join the highest echelon of organizational decision-making — the Board of Directors. This presentation is your guide to making that ambition a reality. But how do you secure a Board position, and why is it a valuable career move? Tech-savvy C-level executive, Former State CIO, and certified board director Theresa Szczurek, NACD.DC, who has served on numerous corporate, government, higher education, and non-profit boards, will share actionable tips to kickstart and excel in your Board journey. Through Szczurek’s story, you will uncover practical dos and don'ts essential for your success.

To the Top: Lessons for Leaders from My Climb Up Kilimanjaro
Do you want to accelerate your career journey, overcome obstacles, and ensure that you reap the real rewards along the way? In this entertaining and content-filled session, Szczurek shares practical leadership lessons learned succeeding as the CIO of a $30B enterprise combined with the exciting story of getting to the top of the tallest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro (elevation 19,341 ft). Learn practical pointers, discerned from real-world experience and extensive research, that help you and your organization produce extraordinary results, more fun, and more success!

Pursuit of Passionate Purpose: Success Strategies for a Rewarding Personal and Business Life
Organizations are asking, "How can we improve productivity, retain the best people, and generate superior financial performance?" People are asking, "How can I make a great living, have more fun while working, and make a meaningful difference?" Organizations and leaders alike seek the secrets to a successful business and life. Szczurek's answers, developed through extensive research and by overcoming personal challenges, come from finding individuals' passions, aligning them with organizational purpose, and keeping the fire burning while persistently pursuing what you and your people want. It boils down to 'Passion x Purpose = Profits.' Based on a proven formula from the Amazon best-selling book, Pursuit of Passionate Purpose (Wiley), this high-content and entertaining session helps you and your organization produce extraordinary results. Learn practical pointers for growing your business, managing people, and living life with more passion, more purpose, more profit, and more success!

Becoming a Champion of Change
Change is constant. Businesses and their leaders struggle to successfully recognize the need for and manage change. The answer revolves around taking charge and becoming a champion of change. With audience interaction, learn a process you can use to make and sustain positive changes. Szczurek shares provocative techniques for change that have applications in our business and personal lives.

From First-Generation Mathematics Student to CIO and Technology Entrepreneur: Success Strategies from the STEM Journey
There are not enough STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics professionals. As a result, individuals, organizations, and society suffer. What is STEM and how to pursue it? Is a STEM-focused career worthwhile? What are the benefits to you and the world? In this engaging presentation, which shares the ups and downs of Theresa Szczurek's real story, you will discover success strategies to overcome challenges and achieve a rewarding professional and personal life.