The Consultant's Balancing Act: Career, Travel, and Everything In Between
with Belgin Kocaman, Nina Loske, Madina Makhmudova
What Comes Next: Retaining and Advancing Women Leaders Now
Susan Rietano Davey, Kelley Biskupiak
October 06, 2026 01:00 PM EDT
October 06, 2026 01:00 PM EDT
Virtual
Building and retaining diverse, high-performing teams has always been important. But in today’s post-DEI, multi-generational workplace, with the expansion of (and uncertainties around) AI, it's even more important - and more challenging. Join us as we speak with the workplace experts from Prepare to Launch who will offer insights and instruction on getting the best and most out of the women in your organization.
We'll discuss:
- The rules have changed. Post-DEI messaging, career interruptions, and a multi-generational workforce have all shifted what it takes to attract and keep top women talent, and most retention strategies haven't caught up.
- Retention starts with development. Hear specific, actionable strategies from Prepare to Launch's workplace experts on what actually moves the needle for women's growth and advancement, not just recruitment.
- AI uncertainty is a leadership issue, not just a tech issue. Learn how to guide your women leaders through AI-driven change so it becomes an opportunity for them, not a setback.
- A practical path forward. Walk away with concrete next steps for building a culture that attracts, retains, and advances women leaders.
This talk will also be eligible for SHRM credits.
Meet The Speakers
Susan Rietano Davey
Co-Founder of Prepare to Launch, LLC
Susan began her career in Fortune 50 Tech where she rapidly moved up the ranks from producer to manager to staff roles, and earned many top performance honors. After taking a career break to care for her children, she became a pioneer for the flexible workspace as a partner in a consulting and recruiting firm, Flexible Resources, Inc. Later, she ran a robust executive coaching practice. She is a LinkedIn Learning author-instructor and the co-founder of Prepare To Launch U - a learning company that provides instruction, inspiration, and community to women navigating work-life transitions along the continuum of life. Susan and Kelley Biskupiak co-founded the learning company Prepare to Launch U that provides instruction, inspiration, and community to people navigating work-life transitions along the continuum of life. In partnership with the veteran organization FourBlock, they lead the renowned Career Readiness Program supporting military spouses. Together, they have helped launch thousands of career returners globally.
Kelley Biskupiak
Co-Founder, Prepare to Launch, LLC
Kelley began her career in Education as a teacher, then later in Administration and Curriculum Development, providing educational consulting services to urban school systems. After taking a career break to raise her children, she opened a thriving practice as a CTI-trained certified Co-Active coach. She is a LinkedIn Learning author-instructor and the co-founder of Prepare To Launch U - a learning company that provides instruction, inspiration, and community to women navigating work-life transitions along the continuum of life. Kelley and Susan Rietano Davey co-founded the learning company Prepare to Launch U that provides instruction, inspiration, and community to people navigating work-life transitions along the continuum of life. In partnership with the veteran organization FourBlock, they lead the renowned Career Readiness Program supporting military spouses. Together, they have helped launch thousands of career returners globally.
