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Sunday, June 23
 

10:00am EDT

Early Arrivals Brunch
Sunday June 23, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Dining Commons

10:00am EDT

Registration Open
Sunday June 23, 2024 10:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Gallagher Center

3:30pm EDT

YouthWise Family Orientation
Sunday June 23, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Bisgrove/AC 350

4:30pm EDT

Networking
Sunday June 23, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Dining Commons

7:30pm EDT

CPSI Creative Opening & Keynote
Presenters
avatar for Dr. Kiki Ramsey

Dr. Kiki Ramsey

The Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute
Dr. Kiki Ramsey is a renowned Positive Psychologist, ICF Master Certified Executive Coach, International Keynote Speaker and Best Selling Author. With a commitment to making a positive impact in the world, Dr. Kiki founded The Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute (PPCaDI... Read More →


Sunday June 23, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
Dining Addition
 
Monday, June 24
 

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 1: Foundations of Creative Problem Solving
If you are new to CPSI, Foundations of Creative Problem Solving is your fast track to a deliberate creativity process for solving problems and capitalizing on opportunities. You’ll learn the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Process, the research-based gold standard of creativity methods, and be exposed to the FourSight framework, which can help you understand how you and your teammates approach challenges.

In an incredibly engaging format, your team of experienced facilitators will use hands-on activities, real-world examples, and a variety of divergent and convergent thinking tools to give you the skills you need to advance your personal and professional goals.

Foundations of Creative Problem Solving is the first of four skills-building courses in Creative Problem Solving. After completing all four CPS courses, you will deepen your ability to facilitate and train others in the CPS process, while also becoming eligible to be considered to lead CPS programs at future CPSIs!

In this course, you will:
• Recognize and overcome blocks to creativity.
• Identify attitudes and behaviors conducive to creative thinking.
• Apply core concepts of creative thinking.
• Use a variety of divergent and convergent thinking tools.
• Apply the CPS method to many simulated or real situations.
• Consciously be creative when facing problems and opportunities.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference in order to complete this program.




Presenters
avatar for Jonathan Bannister

Jonathan Bannister

Founder, Make Happy
avatar for Shay Butler

Shay Butler

Programme Manager, Tangent Innovation, Trinity College Dublin
I am winging my way over to CPSI all the way from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. I spend my time there managing and facilitating workshops in Design Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, and more. Keen to get creativity out in the open to play! Desperate to help un-shackle people... Read More →
avatar for David Lunken

David Lunken

Principal, Cedarcroft Advisors
CPSI frequenter, Core Faculty, Talent Optimizer, Problem solver, Collaborator, Husband, father of 3 girls, triathlete, gardener, baker of sourdough before Covid


Monday June 24, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: CPS Foundations at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.

Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools is a natural stepping stone if you have previously taken Level 1: Foundations of CPS. This fast-paced course allows beginner to intermediate facilitators to go deeper into the CPS process, adding more facilitation tools to your repertoire.

You will gain a clear understanding of which tools to use at each stage of the CPS process, as well as how to modify them to fit your session objectives or add a bit of creative flair. You will have time to practice tools to gain real mastery of them. You will also learn a variety of energizers and fun grouping games to keep your sessions engaging and interactive. Learn through small- and large-group work, including round-robin sharing and show-and-tell exercises.

In this course, you will:

• Explore a variety of divergent and convergent tools for individual and group problem solving.
• Learn how and where to apply different tools within the CPS process.
• Practice facilitating tools.
• Discover how to use tools when you or your team are unable to progress or working in areas of low preference.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference to complete this program and qualify for the credential assessment for CPS Level 2.


Presenters
avatar for Ardjan Robbe Groskamp

Ardjan Robbe Groskamp

Ardjan Robbe Groskamp is a passionate practitioner of creative thinking and doing based in the Netherlands. Creativity is and has always been his driving force. Ardjan has an educational background in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, neuro linguistic programming and copywriting... Read More →
avatar for Melissa Rheaume

Melissa Rheaume

Melissa Rhéaume is a passionate advocate of creativity and innovation, whose academic and professional journey has been shaped by an incessant exploration of the possibilities offered by creative thinking. She has a Certificate in Creativity and Innovation from the University of... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 3: Creative Problem Solving Facilitation Techniques
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: Foundations of CPS and Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 or 2 at CPSI/FLCC but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process and have experience with CPS tools, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.

Level 3: Facilitating CPS
Facilitation skills are central to the effective use of CPS, whether in formal meetings or informal brainstorming sessions. This course is designed for those who already know the CPS process in theory and are ready to put it into action as a facilitator. This course uses peer-group practices to prepare participants for working with actual clients. Characteristics of successful facilitation will be identified and practiced, and you will develop an awareness of your own strengths and areas for development. In this course, you will:

•Review and internalize the CPS process through the lens of the facilitator.
•Experience CPS from several points of view – as a facilitator, as the problem-owner, and as part of the resource group.
•Understand how to facilitate each step of the CPS process.
•Receive general facilitation tips that enhance any meeting.
•Receive individual and group feedback on facilitation skills.
•Explore and develop your facilitation style.


Presenters
avatar for Thom Gonyeau

Thom Gonyeau

Co-owner, Mountain View Group, LTD.
Thom Gonyeau is a co-owner of Mountain View Group, a creative communications agency, and media production company, where he has worked for more than 35 years.Thom began his career as a producer and has held many positions at Mountain View from business development to Chief Operating... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 4: Training Creative Problem Solving
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: Foundations of CPS at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 at CPSI or FLCC but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.
PREFERRED: Completion of Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools and Level 3: Facilitating CPS. Registrants should have a solid understanding of CPS tools and facilitation skills.

This program is designed to provide the framework and practice to help you train individuals and groups to use the Creative Problem Solving Process.

You will have the opportunity to train others in CPS, while receiving feedback and coaching from your peers and experienced facilitators. Come prepared to work hard and have fun. Please note: Pre-work and on-site preparation will be required in order to “teach back” the course.

In this course, you will:
• Explain each step of the CPS process.
• Explain the supporting principles of the CPS process.
• Apply adult learning and thinking styles for effective instruction.
• Demonstrate the skills needed to teach the CPS process, principles and tools, including effective presentation.
• Conduct CPS training sessions.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference in order to complete this program.

Presenters
avatar for Suzanne Chamberlain Bergman

Suzanne Chamberlain Bergman

Senior Director, University at Buffalo
avatar for Joette Field

Joette Field

Adjunct Professor Daemen College, Daemen College
Joette Field's passion for creativity and educational emergence lies deep. As a part of Dr. Sidney J. Parnes’ Research Study, and as a pioneer for developing the Masters of Science in Creative Studies at Buffalo State, she continues to research and facilitate the multi-faceted discipline... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Broaden your Focus with Polarity Thinking

What if issues exist that are inherently “unsolvable,” regardless of our best attempts to solve them? Polarity Thinking™ asserts that paradoxical issues not only exist but also present exciting opportunities for creativity, sustainable solutions, and being more effective in complex situations. Polarity Thinking is a proven way to use the energy of a universal phenomenon in human experience. You’ll learn to distinguish between either-or problem solving and both-and thinking.

You’ll explore how to leverage dynamic tensions such as head and heart, analysis and action, team and individual, and – of course – diverge and converge. Through discussion, activities, and Polarity Mapping, you’ll identify interdependent factors that are constants and indestructible, and learn a deliberate process to leverage them. Facilitators will integrate polarity theory based on the work of Barry Johnson and the work of other authors with recent books on paradox or polarities. You’ll find that polarity thinking has a wide range of applications, e.g., organizational planning, coaching, customer insights, conflict management, team performance, and individual development. You’ll be able to apply your insights to personal and professional situations as you choose.

Expand your thinking through awareness of the phenomenon of interdependent pairs – polarities.
Learn a powerful approach and tool for analysis and action when facing dilemmas. Gain insights about how to recognize and use paradox to manage complexity. Learn about the rich partnership of Polarity Thinking and CPS.

Presenters
avatar for Lindsay Burr

Lindsay Burr

CEO, Yarbrough Group
An engaging facilitator and Polarity ThinkingTM Master Trainer, Lindsay brings a depth of knowledge and a global perspective that supports seeing the known in a new way. Lindsay will unpack the key concepts of Polarity Thinking and change how you think about leadership and followership... Read More →
avatar for Liz Monroe-Cook, Ph.D.

Liz Monroe-Cook, Ph.D.

Owner, Monroe-Cook & Associates
CEF board past chair Liz Monroe-Cook has been attending and leading at CPSI since 1991. She is a consulting psychologist who began her work as a clinician but transferred to organizational applications through a qualitative research position at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles. She... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Creative Connections
This Immersion will be four experiences in one! Each day will focus on a different topic, yet they’re all connected by developing the creative person, the creative process, the creative culture, and a creative product. Creativity thrives with a multidimensional approach. This Immersion experience will explore various facets leading to enhanced creativity.

How might you improve your facilitation or training experiences, and better engage your audience? How might you better navigate or lead change through positive, creative mindsets and processes? How might you foster deeper understanding of individuals on your team or in your audience in order to enhance collaboration? How might you create and sustain an environment that supports and encourages creative thinking and action? Explore and experience ALL of these areas and make your own Creative Connections!
Topics will include:
  • Positive Culture, Positive Teams
  • A Deeper Look at Complexity and Change

  • Positive Creativity: Combining Appreciative Inquiry and the Science of Creativity for Change Management
  • Workshop Design



Presenters
avatar for Jessica Andrews-Wilson

Jessica Andrews-Wilson

Executive Director, GUIDE, Inc.
I am in love with all things CEF after my introduction to this work/CPS in 2021 thanks to Beth Miller. I have been using CPS techniques for ages without knowing it but now I have a framework and some terminology to go along with it! I have been facilitating with both youth and adults... Read More →
avatar for Michael Ackerbauer

Michael Ackerbauer

Business Transformation Consultant, IBM
see bio here: https://twitter.com/RobertDowneyJr
avatar for Douglas Ferguson

Douglas Ferguson

President, Voltage Control
Douglas Ferguson is an entrepreneur, educator, and human-centered technologist. He is the founder and president of Voltage Control, a facilitation academy that develops leaders through certifications, workshops, and organizational coaching focused on facilitation mastery, innovation... Read More →
avatar for Terry Fulcher, BS, MS

Terry Fulcher, BS, MS

Lead Consultant, Resource-Ful One Consulting
Terry is an experienced healthcare leader, executive coach & team facilitator. Terry utilizes Appreciative Inquiry and Creativity based research as the basis for Strategic Planning work. Terry has provided executive coaching and organizational development experiences to healthcare... Read More →
avatar for Kim Marie McKernan, MBA, MS

Kim Marie McKernan, MBA, MS

Founder, Inspired Outcomes Now LLC
Kim is an international marketing leader, facilitator, and presenter. She left a career as a marketing executive at a 3 billion company to found her business, Inspired Outcomes Now, to help organizations be more positive, creative, and strategic. Over 125 organizations and individuals have leveraged her A Nu Way™ Branding and Co-Creating the Future processes to stand apart and design their desired future. With an MBA from SUNY at Buffalo, an MS in Creative... Read More →
avatar for Erik Skogsberg

Erik Skogsberg

VP of Learning Experience, Voltage Control
Erik believes that a deep empathy and caring rooted in human-centered design, systems thinking, and futures thinking best supports partners in finding their solutions. Erik is passionate about supporting clients imagining innovative approaches to complex organizational challenges.Trained... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Real Focus for Your Life
In this immersion experience, you will bring focus, clarity, order, and alignment to your life so that you can live and work with creative purpose and maximize your personal and professional impact. You will be guided through an engaging and holistic process that will help you get clear about who you are and how you want to live. By renewing your “being” and aligning it with your “doing,” you’ll craft a life that is both productive and purposeful.

In this immersion, you will:

· Gain clarity about your needs, values, gifts, and priorities
· Renew your focus on what matters most in your life
· Make an easy-to-follow plan to complete important projects
· Plan your time purposely for maximum impact and balance
· Learn how to sustain this new pattern of living with a process, tools, and practices

Immersion elements include an assessment, short periods of teaching, personal reflection, small group/partner conversation, facilitated large group dialogue, and practical applications.

This process empowers you to develop a vision for your life that is more joyful, balanced, and purposeful, and it guides you step-by-step as you build that vision into your real life today – and every day after.

Presenters
avatar for Kathy Goller

Kathy Goller

Life & Leadership Coach, Facilitator & Presenter, Teal Horizon Coaching
I was first introduced to CPS as a high school student, and it impacted the way I saw challenges, the way I thought about solutions, and the way I led others through challenges. I was re-introduced to CPS at CPSI 2020 and 2021, and deepened my understanding through the Foundations... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Strategic Play Elements: The Playful Leader
The Nature of Innovative Leadership Certification with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methods!

Innovation thrives in a vast ecosystem that reaches far and wide, comprised of countless different elements, relationships, and resources. Resilient Leaders who know how to adapt have the ability to take a concept and apply it to transform how we live, work, and play.

The biggest skills gap for today’s leader is balancing the struggle to lead while expertly adapting against changing situations and moving targets. Now more than ever before we need people to step up and lead from their natural element where they can connect with something fundamentally connected to their sense of identity, purpose, and well-being and support others to do the same.

Most people have struggled to find their natural element, the thing that makes them the most effective. This CPS Immersion program has been developed to support everyone in their quest for greatness through the identification of their unique and distinctive talents and passions. We will build on your strengths as we uncover how and where to apply and lead with them using systematic and applied creativity during the innovation process.

“Finding your element is essential to your well-being and ultimate success, and, by implication, to the health of our organizations and effectiveness of our educational system.” -Sir Ken Robinson

Innovation leaders are not expected to have all the answers. They may be able to identify trends for the future, but It’s impossible to make accurate predictions. The way forward requires an applied process with an open mindset, not an expert option. Lego Serious Play takes a front seat in this applied innovation process where all voices are heard.

Are you ready to lead innovation and transform teams into highly effective change agents? This is your moment to shine. Join us and build your creative confidence!

Powered by Lego Serious Play, you will discover how to navigate and inspire others at each stage of the innovation process. You will be learning how to use proven frameworks with creative tools that engage and activate thinking. This is learning by doing, so be prepared to work while having serious fun. You will emerge with skills and the experience to apply what you learn. You will amplify your natural leadership abilities as you transition into a resilient and adaptable leader who excels in supporting groups to drive change.

Learning Objectives:
-Uncover your unique leadership element;
-Add LEGO® bricks to your workshops to improve engagement;
-Apply the five step processes to improve communication;
-Identify the four stages of CPS;
-Avoid conversational roundabouts as your move through the seasons of innovation;
-Put all your CPS tools and techniques to work.

Let’s get ready to PLAY!

Note: Bring your smart phone for the online assessment.

Presenters
avatar for Jacqueline Lloyd Smith

Jacqueline Lloyd Smith

Master Trainer / Founder, Strategic Play Global
Jacqueline Lloyd Smith, MA, MBA, (ATR), (CMC), (FRSA)Jacqueline (Jacquie) is the founder of Strategic Play Group Ltd., a global training company with their head office in Whistler, Canada She is a Registered Art Therapist (ATR), and is certified in Play Therapy and Creative Problem... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Steve Ralph

Dr. Steve Ralph

Founder, EPIC Impact Society
avatar for Stephen Walling

Stephen Walling

Director of PLAY, Strategic Play Global


Monday June 24, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

4 Models That Help You Evaluate Your Job, Your Life & Your Options
Have you thought, “Where did my spark go?” or “Is this all there is?” When you’re feeling crushed by the everyday pressure of things that need doing—and working in a market and an organization you know well—it’s extremely hard to step back and get a clear view of the forest. A mental model can help you see your situation differently, articulate what you need, and give clarity to issues that seem intangible. In this session, we’ll share four models that will help attendees assess their work and their options and prioritize the most effective next steps for professional satisfaction. In every session, Portia and Marnette apply adult learning techniques, including brain breaks, stretching, sketch noting and mindfulness activities. We also use facilitated attendee engagement, interactive, collaborative learning strategies, learning by doing, and focus on personalized action plans.


Presenters
avatar for Portia Stewart

Portia Stewart

Creative Consultant, Mind Full Creatives
I lead fun, revenue-generating workshops for companies that use design thinking and mindfulness principles to unlock the flow state.  I’m a passionate content strategist, driving business opportunities and revenue growth through Innovative Content Strategy and Optimization. I’m... Read More →
avatar for Marnette Falley

Marnette Falley

Executive Coach, SunRoad Coaching & Consulting LLC
IFC certified coach Marnette Falley, MS, is a strategist and creative problem solver who helps clients identify and activate personal and organizational strengths and overcome persistent barriers. She helps leaders and teams find new paths. Marnette leverages 25 years of business... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Draw Your Creativity into Focus with Visual Thinking Strategies
Explore a new way of seeing and solving challenges with a focus on freehand drawing. Using a unique 50-card deck with visual prompts on the front and guided instructions for using drawing as a creative problem-solving tool on the back, you will learn a variety of strategies for incorporating visual language into the CPS process. Designed for individual or group work in boardrooms, classrooms, or for anyone looking to unleash their creative thinking with the power of freehand drawing. A demonstration of this Visual Thinking Strategies Card Deck will be offered in this workshop as well as the opportunity for participants to practice the tool. Participants are encouraged to bring a challenge to work on and a Yes! attitude to exploring the Power of Drawing. No artistic talent is required.


Presenters
avatar for Iryna Molodecky

Iryna Molodecky

Visual Strategist, IZM Visuals
Iryna Molodecky is an educator, creative thinker and visual practitioner with over 25 years’ experience in advertising, graphic design, illustration, art and visual facilitation, and 13 years as a professor of Advertising and Creative Thinking. Passionate about making a meaningful... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Humanizing Digital Transformation: Embracing Discomfort, Risk and (Smart) Failure with Humility!
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations must navigate the complexities of digital transformation to stay competitive. However, this journey often comes with discomfort, risks, and failures. Embracing these elements is crucial for successful transformation and fostering innovation.


Presenters
avatar for Michael Ackerbauer

Michael Ackerbauer

Business Transformation Consultant, IBM
see bio here: https://twitter.com/RobertDowneyJr
MC

Marysia Czarski

CEO, Lead Facilitator, and Creativity Expert, Ignition Creativity


Monday June 24, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Knowing and Not Knowing - Recognizing and Dealing with Ambiguity
Most relate Ambiguity to not knowing and doubt, which can lead to becoming stuck. The reality is that we don’t choose whether ambiguity is part of a challenge or situation. It is inherent to the process of getting to a successful outcome. In this session, we will examine our view of ambiguity, learn 5 polarities to use in best-managing ambiguity, and do some practice on a real challenge.


Presenters
avatar for Anthony Billoni

Anthony Billoni

Owner, APEX Leader Growth
I have an MS from Center for Applied Imagination. I use CPS/Deliberate Creativity daily in live and in my consulting practice. I have been leading, volunteering and presenting at CPSI for 20+ years.


Monday June 24, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Purpose-Centered Creativity
Join a conversation in which the intersection of Creative Problem Solving (CPS), Positive Psychology, Polarity (Both-And) Thinking, and coaching will be the focus. This session will challenge all of us to consider how—as Dr. Ramsey says—the pursuit of purpose leads to contentment or happiness. In this participant-driven workshop, we will create a tapestry of ideas and applications drawn from the different disciplines the presenters bring to the conversation. Explore with us how coaching (self and others) can be enriched, how creativity can be strengthened, and how our worldviews can be expanded when we move from having “success” define us to having purpose as our central drive.


Presenters
avatar for Dr. Kiki Ramsey

Dr. Kiki Ramsey

The Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute
Dr. Kiki Ramsey is a renowned Positive Psychologist, ICF Master Certified Executive Coach, International Keynote Speaker and Best Selling Author. With a commitment to making a positive impact in the world, Dr. Kiki founded The Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute (PPCaDI... Read More →
avatar for Liz Monroe-Cook, Ph.D.

Liz Monroe-Cook, Ph.D.

Owner, Monroe-Cook & Associates
CEF board past chair Liz Monroe-Cook has been attending and leading at CPSI since 1991. She is a consulting psychologist who began her work as a clinician but transferred to organizational applications through a qualitative research position at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles. She... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Strength Based Employee Coaching: An Innovative Application of Positive Leadership Psychology
Many people believe we are dealt a hand of cards in life, and we must make the best of the hand we are dealt. However, science has proven just the opposite. Every human has the ability to add strength “cards” to the hand nature dealt them.


Presenters
avatar for Dr. Gregory Buschman, MSMKT, MSIS, Ph.D.

Dr. Gregory Buschman, MSMKT, MSIS, Ph.D.

Founder, Strategic Leadership Development
A leadership author, keynote speaker, professor, and expert in leadership development and workforce optimization. Dr. Buschman specializes in creative leadership for innovation and change, generational diversity, and strength-based employee coaching. He has facilitated creative leadership... Read More →
DB

Debbie Buschman

Co-Founder, Strategic Leadership Development


Monday June 24, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Workshop Design
The best workshops are impactful learning experiences and leverage learning experience design principles to create lasting transformation. In this workshop, we’ll introduce the foundational learning science and learning experience design principles that you can bring to your sessions to maximize participant potential. Using our proven Workshop Design Canvas, you’ll immediately apply your learning to a workshop of their choice.
The Workshop Design Canvas is a visual tool for designing workshops, meetings, training courses, summits, and any time we want to gather people and drive toward shared outcomes. Ultimately, when we're bringing people together and seeking a shared outcome, it’s essential to account for how our brains work and for the real human beings taking part in the experience.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a trainer, these techniques will improve engagement, retention, and participant commitment during and after your workshop. If you value true adoption and continued growth, this workshop is for you.
Key Takeways
  • Recognize key learning experience design principles for impactful facilitation
  • Facilitate workshops using key learning experience design principles 
  • Build community with other facilitators
  • Practice applying learning insights as a facilitator

Presenters
avatar for Douglas Ferguson

Douglas Ferguson

President, Voltage Control
Douglas Ferguson is an entrepreneur, educator, and human-centered technologist. He is the founder and president of Voltage Control, a facilitation academy that develops leaders through certifications, workshops, and organizational coaching focused on facilitation mastery, innovation... Read More →
avatar for Erik Skogsberg

Erik Skogsberg

VP of Learning Experience, Voltage Control
Erik believes that a deep empathy and caring rooted in human-centered design, systems thinking, and futures thinking best supports partners in finding their solutions. Erik is passionate about supporting clients imagining innovative approaches to complex organizational challenges.Trained... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Campus Innovators: A Dual Approach to Creative Problem-Solving
UR’s Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship initiative aims to foster creativity, entrepreneurial ingenuity, willingness to take risks, resilience, and competence in addressing problems and challenges from multiple perspectives. Dive into this dynamic workshop tailored to redefine problem-solving in higher education. Experience the power of Design Thinking and Lean Launchpad through inspiring outcomes and engaging activities that teach empathy mapping, ideation, customer discovery, prototyping, and testing to creatively address academic and personal projects. Walk away equipped with a suite of practical techniques, from empathy to rapid prototyping, ready to lead your institution in transforming unique challenges into innovative solutions.


Presenters
avatar for Andrew Ilnicki

Andrew Ilnicki

Director, Experiential Education and Emerging Tech, University of Richmond
Andrew Ilnicki is the Director of Experiential Education + Emerging Technology at the University of Richmond.With more than 17 years of experience in higher education, he most recently served as the Director of Digital Innovation for the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation and as a... Read More →
SL

Somiah Lattimore

Senior Director of Creativity, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship Initiative (CIE), University of Richmond


Monday June 24, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Daily Creative Habits
This session introduces participants to a system of everyday creative strategies and helps enhance awareness of personal creative resources. Marrying 30 years of creativity research literature review together with creative strategies of global innovators workshop offers a framework of Daily Innovation Strategies (D!P) that are accessible to everyone.


Presenters
avatar for Dr. Ieva Martinaityte

Dr. Ieva Martinaityte

Founder, Creativity Lab
Dr. Ieva Martinaitytė has researhed workplace creativity and innovative behaviorfor 15 years. Her research findings have been published in leading managementjournals such as the Journal of Management, the Journal of Occupational andOrganizational Psychology, and the Journal of Organizational... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Dramatic Engagement: Theater Education Tools for Ensuring Inclusivity
This is a dramatically different series of exercises and tools that will not put anyone in a spotlight that feels too bright.  We will leverage your natural curiosity to fully engage and delight you. You will want to try these out, singly or in a series, like our session will do.

Presenters
avatar for Deb Williams

Deb Williams

Organizational Development Consultant, Collective Energy Consulting LLC
2023 might be my 10th year attending CPSI!At the last two CPSI conferences I was a presenter: Navigating Change in 2021 and Connecting the Dots (to make learning stick) in 2022.I love helping people with what I call the four Cs: Creative Problem Solving, Change Management, Communication... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

From Bach to Brainwaves: Music's Power to Boost Concentration and Imagination
From musical warm ups, to background music to set the right mood, and spark ideas, music can enrich any classroom, workshop, or creative problem solving session. This session is unique as it offers strategies for educators and facilitators to use music in a way that is approachable and easy to implement in any classroom or training situation. You will learn how to effectively use music to encourage creativity and discover fun ways to incorporate music activities without needing a background in music.

Presenters
avatar for Tamara Bertram

Tamara Bertram

Innovation Training Specialist, University of North Dakota
Tamara Bertram is an Innovation Training Specialist at the Center for Innovation, University of North Dakota. Tamara collaborates with nonprofits, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and tech and manufacturing companies, utilizing the Creative Problem Solving process to discover innovative... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

From Stress to Strength: Your Personal Playbook to Combating Workplace Burnout and Reclaiming Your Health and Sanity
Burnout is on the rise, yet, most people don’t understand this workplace phenomenon, let alone know how to prevent it from happening in the first place. Burnout affects individuals differently but there are proven solutions that will not only enable you to thrive in the face of workplace challenges but take steps to change your work environment to improve your experience. This session will provide participants with an opportunity to understand their unique expression of stress and burnout and co-create a playbook to recover and return to a healthier workplace and more fulfilled state of being.


Presenters
avatar for Lindsey Coit

Lindsey Coit

Co-Founder, capital H
avatar for Julia Coit

Julia Coit

Co-Founder, capital H


Monday June 24, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Rabbit in a Hat: Experiments in Creative Vulnerability
What feelings, thoughts, and emotions are raised when we consider making ourselves vulnerable? Are we potentially missing out when we sidestep these vulnerability opportunities? Vulnerability is scary. We often frame it negatively with words like exposure, weakness, and threat. Why then are we drawn to vulnerability in others but dis-interested when we consider it for ourselves? Let’s approach vulnerability as a strength, push our boundaries through creative experiments, and ultimately re-shape our relationship with vulnerability. This workshop is an opportunity to explore your creative vulnerability and step into action with your own creative vulnerability experiment.


Presenters
avatar for Shay Butler

Shay Butler

Programme Manager, Tangent Innovation, Trinity College Dublin
I am winging my way over to CPSI all the way from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. I spend my time there managing and facilitating workshops in Design Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, and more. Keen to get creativity out in the open to play! Desperate to help un-shackle people... Read More →


Monday June 24, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Seeing What Matters in the Big Picture: Challenge Mapping to Uncover Powerful Problem Definitions
Experience an innovative conceptual thinking tool that integrates analytical and imaginative thinking to create better, more robust business strategies applicable to any complex problem. In this highly interactive session learn a tool and techniques you can use day-to-day to discover both real root causes and new aspirational opportunities in complex problems leading to new insights on how to best innovate. We will create an explicit logical map connecting actionable tactics to strategic pillars to broad strategic vision as a better way to articulate robust strategies with ownership.


Presenters
avatar for Tim Basadur

Tim Basadur

Lead Trainer and Facilitator, Basadur Applied Innovation
I have been facilitating and training people in CPS for 30+ years. I have been a presenter at CPSI for nearly 20 years now and when I was a wee lad I helped my father, Min Basadur, with his CPSI presentations.


Monday June 24, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

7:00pm EDT

Playsonality©
On the first evening of CPSI, we think you deserve to play, meet people, and maybe have several A-HA moments along the way!

Test your DNPlay to find out your unique Playsonality© style.

Why is Adult Play so important? How we play is directly linked to how we learn, think, work, feel, perform, and interact with others.

What you learn in play you remember for life! Do you run with scissors or play well with others? Time to find out.

If you are looking for a new way to engage with your team and you want to add more fun to your work or workplace culture, this workshop is designed for you. You will walk away with not only new insights about the power of play and how we all use play every day, but also a new tool that you can put to use immediately to improve team performance, while adding more play to your corporate culture.

Are you looking for a session which will:
1. Unpack the value of play at work and discover the ROI of play in business life
2. Use the Playsonality app to decode your playstyle
3. Conduct a deep dive into how play formulates how we present ourselves to others
4. Compare and contrast playstyles and explore conflicting styles
5. Identify play styles and the key to happiness

What You'll Get:
-Discover new ways to stimulate powerful conversations about work and play
-Explore how playstyles pave the way to flow
-Uncover the multiple playstyles of CPSI participants with interactive tools
Get ready to PLAY!

Presenters
avatar for Jacqueline Lloyd Smith

Jacqueline Lloyd Smith

Master Trainer / Founder, Strategic Play Global
Jacqueline Lloyd Smith, MA, MBA, (ATR), (CMC), (FRSA)Jacqueline (Jacquie) is the founder of Strategic Play Group Ltd., a global training company with their head office in Whistler, Canada She is a Registered Art Therapist (ATR), and is certified in Play Therapy and Creative Problem... Read More →
avatar for Stephen Walling

Stephen Walling

Director of PLAY, Strategic Play Global
avatar for Dr. Steve Ralph

Dr. Steve Ralph

Founder, EPIC Impact Society


Monday June 24, 2024 7:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Dining Addition
 
Tuesday, June 25
 

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 1: Foundations of Creative Problem Solving
If you are new to CPSI, Foundations of Creative Problem Solving is your fast track to a deliberate creativity process for solving problems and capitalizing on opportunities. You’ll learn the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Process, the research-based gold standard of creativity methods, and be exposed to the FourSight framework, which can help you understand how you and your teammates approach challenges.

In an incredibly engaging format, your team of experienced facilitators will use hands-on activities, real-world examples, and a variety of divergent and convergent thinking tools to give you the skills you need to advance your personal and professional goals.

Foundations of Creative Problem Solving is the first of four skills-building courses in Creative Problem Solving. After completing all four CPS courses, you will deepen your ability to facilitate and train others in the CPS process, while also becoming eligible to be considered to lead CPS programs at future CPSIs!

In this course, you will:
• Recognize and overcome blocks to creativity.
• Identify attitudes and behaviors conducive to creative thinking.
• Apply core concepts of creative thinking.
• Use a variety of divergent and convergent thinking tools.
• Apply the CPS method to many simulated or real situations.
• Consciously be creative when facing problems and opportunities.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference in order to complete this program.




Presenters
avatar for Jonathan Bannister

Jonathan Bannister

Founder, Make Happy
avatar for David Lunken

David Lunken

Principal, Cedarcroft Advisors
CPSI frequenter, Core Faculty, Talent Optimizer, Problem solver, Collaborator, Husband, father of 3 girls, triathlete, gardener, baker of sourdough before Covid
avatar for Shay Butler

Shay Butler

Programme Manager, Tangent Innovation, Trinity College Dublin
I am winging my way over to CPSI all the way from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. I spend my time there managing and facilitating workshops in Design Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, and more. Keen to get creativity out in the open to play! Desperate to help un-shackle people... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: CPS Foundations at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.

Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools is a natural stepping stone if you have previously taken Level 1: Foundations of CPS. This fast-paced course allows beginner to intermediate facilitators to go deeper into the CPS process, adding more facilitation tools to your repertoire.

You will gain a clear understanding of which tools to use at each stage of the CPS process, as well as how to modify them to fit your session objectives or add a bit of creative flair. You will have time to practice tools to gain real mastery of them. You will also learn a variety of energizers and fun grouping games to keep your sessions engaging and interactive. Learn through small- and large-group work, including round-robin sharing and show-and-tell exercises.

In this course, you will:

• Explore a variety of divergent and convergent tools for individual and group problem solving.
• Learn how and where to apply different tools within the CPS process.
• Practice facilitating tools.
• Discover how to use tools when you or your team are unable to progress or working in areas of low preference.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference to complete this program and qualify for the credential assessment for CPS Level 2.


Presenters
avatar for Ardjan Robbe Groskamp

Ardjan Robbe Groskamp

Ardjan Robbe Groskamp is a passionate practitioner of creative thinking and doing based in the Netherlands. Creativity is and has always been his driving force. Ardjan has an educational background in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, neuro linguistic programming and copywriting... Read More →
avatar for Melissa Rheaume

Melissa Rheaume

Melissa Rhéaume is a passionate advocate of creativity and innovation, whose academic and professional journey has been shaped by an incessant exploration of the possibilities offered by creative thinking. She has a Certificate in Creativity and Innovation from the University of... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 3: Creative Problem Solving Facilitation Techniques
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: Foundations of CPS and Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 or 2 at CPSI/FLCC but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process and have experience with CPS tools, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.

Level 3: Facilitating CPS
Facilitation skills are central to the effective use of CPS, whether in formal meetings or informal brainstorming sessions. This course is designed for those who already know the CPS process in theory and are ready to put it into action as a facilitator. This course uses peer-group practices to prepare participants for working with actual clients. Characteristics of successful facilitation will be identified and practiced, and you will develop an awareness of your own strengths and areas for development. In this course, you will:

•Review and internalize the CPS process through the lens of the facilitator.
•Experience CPS from several points of view – as a facilitator, as the problem-owner, and as part of the resource group.
•Understand how to facilitate each step of the CPS process.
•Receive general facilitation tips that enhance any meeting.
•Receive individual and group feedback on facilitation skills.
•Explore and develop your facilitation style.


Presenters
avatar for Thom Gonyeau

Thom Gonyeau

Co-owner, Mountain View Group, LTD.
Thom Gonyeau is a co-owner of Mountain View Group, a creative communications agency, and media production company, where he has worked for more than 35 years.Thom began his career as a producer and has held many positions at Mountain View from business development to Chief Operating... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 4: Training Creative Problem Solving
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: Foundations of CPS at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 at CPSI or FLCC but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.
PREFERRED: Completion of Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools and Level 3: Facilitating CPS. Registrants should have a solid understanding of CPS tools and facilitation skills.

This program is designed to provide the framework and practice to help you train individuals and groups to use the Creative Problem Solving Process.

You will have the opportunity to train others in CPS, while receiving feedback and coaching from your peers and experienced facilitators. Come prepared to work hard and have fun. Please note: Pre-work and on-site preparation will be required in order to “teach back” the course.

In this course, you will:
• Explain each step of the CPS process.
• Explain the supporting principles of the CPS process.
• Apply adult learning and thinking styles for effective instruction.
• Demonstrate the skills needed to teach the CPS process, principles and tools, including effective presentation.
• Conduct CPS training sessions.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference in order to complete this program.

Presenters
avatar for Suzanne Chamberlain Bergman

Suzanne Chamberlain Bergman

Senior Director, University at Buffalo
avatar for Joette Field

Joette Field

Adjunct Professor Daemen College, Daemen College
Joette Field's passion for creativity and educational emergence lies deep. As a part of Dr. Sidney J. Parnes’ Research Study, and as a pioneer for developing the Masters of Science in Creative Studies at Buffalo State, she continues to research and facilitate the multi-faceted discipline... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Bring Focus to Your Life
In this immersion experience, participants will be led through an engaging and holistic process (The REALIFE Process®) that will help them get clear about their “being” so that you can focus your “doing” on what matters most. Immersion elements include an assessment, short periods of lecture, personal reflection, small group/partner conversation, facilitated large group dialogue, and practical applications.

The REALIFE Process®: The REALIFE Process is a four-component framework to help you develop a unique Modern Day Rule of Life® so that you can create and live a life that feels more joyful, balanced, and purposeful. You will name what matters most to you, make progress on important projects, plan your time so that it reflects what matters most, and create a pattern of rhythms and routines that make this cycle of living sustainable. This process helps people live from a place of rest, not rush, and keep their lives focused on their unique purpose in life.

Day 1: Needs & Values; Areas of Focus, I AM statements
Day 2: Talents, Gifts, Abilities; REALIFE statement – purpose statements
Day 3: Projects – learn process, choose and map out 3 projects
Day 4: Time Management; Rest, Renew, Review; 90 Day Reset

Presenters
avatar for Kathy Goller

Kathy Goller

Life & Leadership Coach, Facilitator & Presenter, Teal Horizon Coaching
I was first introduced to CPS as a high school student, and it impacted the way I saw challenges, the way I thought about solutions, and the way I led others through challenges. I was re-introduced to CPS at CPSI 2020 and 2021, and deepened my understanding through the Foundations... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Broaden your Focus with Polarity Thinking
What if issues exist that are inherently “unsolvable,” regardless of our best attempts to solve them? Polarity Thinking™ asserts that paradoxical issues not only exist but also present exciting opportunities for creativity, sustainable solutions, and being more effective in complex situations. Polarity Thinking is a proven way to use the energy of a universal phenomenon in human experience. You’ll learn to distinguish between either-or problem solving and both-and thinking. 

You’ll explore how to leverage dynamic tensions such as head and heart, analysis and action, team and individual, and – of course – diverge and converge. Through discussion, activities, and Polarity Mapping, you’ll identify interdependent factors that are constants and indestructible, and learn a deliberate process to leverage them. Facilitators will integrate polarity theory based on the work of Barry Johnson and the work of other authors with recent books on paradox or polarities. You’ll find that polarity thinking has a wide range of applications, e.g., organizational planning, coaching, customer insights, conflict management, team performance, and individual development. You’ll be able to apply your insights to personal and professional situations as you choose. 

Expand your thinking through awareness of the phenomenon of interdependent pairs – polarities. 
Learn a powerful approach and tool for analysis and action when facing dilemmas. Gain insights about how to recognize and use paradox to manage complexity. Learn about the rich partnership of Polarity Thinking and CPS.

Presenters
avatar for Lindsay Burr

Lindsay Burr

CEO, Yarbrough Group
An engaging facilitator and Polarity ThinkingTM Master Trainer, Lindsay brings a depth of knowledge and a global perspective that supports seeing the known in a new way. Lindsay will unpack the key concepts of Polarity Thinking and change how you think about leadership and followership... Read More →
avatar for Liz Monroe-Cook, Ph.D.

Liz Monroe-Cook, Ph.D.

Owner, Monroe-Cook & Associates
CEF board past chair Liz Monroe-Cook has been attending and leading at CPSI since 1991. She is a consulting psychologist who began her work as a clinician but transferred to organizational applications through a qualitative research position at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles. She... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Creative Connections
This Immersion will be four experiences in one! Each day will focus on a different topic, yet they’re all connected by developing the creative person, the creative process, the creative culture, and a creative product. Creativity thrives with a multidimensional approach. This Immersion experience will explore various facets leading to enhanced creativity.

How might you improve your facilitation or training experiences, and better engage your audience? How might you better navigate or lead change through positive, creative mindsets and processes? How might you foster deeper understanding of individuals on your team or in your audience in order to enhance collaboration? How might you create and sustain an environment that supports and encourages creative thinking and action? Explore and experience ALL of these areas and make your own Creative Connections!

Topics will include:
  • Positive Culture, Positive Teams
  • A Deeper Look at Complexity and Change
  • Positive Creativity: Combining Appreciative Inquiry and the Science of Creativity for Change Management
  • Workshop Design

Presenters
avatar for Michael Ackerbauer

Michael Ackerbauer

Business Transformation Consultant, IBM
see bio here: https://twitter.com/RobertDowneyJr
avatar for Jessica Andrews-Wilson

Jessica Andrews-Wilson

Executive Director, GUIDE, Inc.
I am in love with all things CEF after my introduction to this work/CPS in 2021 thanks to Beth Miller. I have been using CPS techniques for ages without knowing it but now I have a framework and some terminology to go along with it! I have been facilitating with both youth and adults... Read More →
avatar for Douglas Ferguson

Douglas Ferguson

President, Voltage Control
Douglas Ferguson is an entrepreneur, educator, and human-centered technologist. He is the founder and president of Voltage Control, a facilitation academy that develops leaders through certifications, workshops, and organizational coaching focused on facilitation mastery, innovation... Read More →
avatar for Terry Fulcher, BS, MS

Terry Fulcher, BS, MS

Lead Consultant, Resource-Ful One Consulting
Terry is an experienced healthcare leader, executive coach & team facilitator. Terry utilizes Appreciative Inquiry and Creativity based research as the basis for Strategic Planning work. Terry has provided executive coaching and organizational development experiences to healthcare... Read More →
avatar for Kim Marie McKernan, MBA, MS

Kim Marie McKernan, MBA, MS

Founder, Inspired Outcomes Now LLC
Kim is an international marketing leader, facilitator, and presenter. She left a career as a marketing executive at a 3 billion company to found her business, Inspired Outcomes Now, to help organizations be more positive, creative, and strategic. Over 125 organizations and individuals have leveraged her A Nu Way™ Branding and Co-Creating the Future processes to stand apart and design their desired future. With an MBA from SUNY at Buffalo, an MS in Creative... Read More →
avatar for Erik Skogsberg

Erik Skogsberg

VP of Learning Experience, Voltage Control
Erik believes that a deep empathy and caring rooted in human-centered design, systems thinking, and futures thinking best supports partners in finding their solutions. Erik is passionate about supporting clients imagining innovative approaches to complex organizational challenges.Trained... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Strategic Play Elements: The Playful Leader
The Nature of Innovative Leadership Certification with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methods!

Innovation thrives in a vast ecosystem that reaches far and wide, comprised of countless different elements, relationships, and resources. Resilient Leaders who know how to adapt have the ability to take a concept and apply it to transform how we live, work, and play.

The biggest skills gap for today’s leader is balancing the struggle to lead while expertly adapting against changing situations and moving targets. Now more than ever before we need people to step up and lead from their natural element where they can connect with something fundamentally connected to their sense of identity, purpose, and well-being and support others to do the same.

Most people have struggled to find their natural element, the thing that makes them the most effective. This CPS Immersion program has been developed to support everyone in their quest for greatness through the identification of their unique and distinctive talents and passions. We will build on your strengths as we uncover how and where to apply and lead with them using systematic and applied creativity during the innovation process.

“Finding your element is essential to your well-being and ultimate success, and, by implication, to the health of our organizations and effectiveness of our educational system.” -Sir Ken Robinson

Innovation leaders are not expected to have all the answers. They may be able to identify trends for the future, but It’s impossible to make accurate predictions. The way forward requires an applied process with an open mindset, not an expert option. Lego Serious Play takes a front seat in this applied innovation process where all voices are heard.

Are you ready to lead innovation and transform teams into highly effective change agents? This is your moment to shine. Join us and build your creative confidence!

Powered by Lego Serious Play, you will discover how to navigate and inspire others at each stage of the innovation process. You will be learning how to use proven frameworks with creative tools that engage and activate thinking. This is learning by doing, so be prepared to work while having serious fun. You will emerge with skills and the experience to apply what you learn. You will amplify your natural leadership abilities as you transition into a resilient and adaptable leader who excels in supporting groups to drive change.

Learning Objectives:
-Uncover your unique leadership element;
-Add LEGO® bricks to your workshops to improve engagement;
-Apply the five step processes to improve communication;
-Identify the four stages of CPS;
-Avoid conversational roundabouts as your move through the seasons of innovation;
-Put all your CPS tools and techniques to work.

Let’s get ready to PLAY!

Note: Bring your smart phone for the online assessment.

Presenters
avatar for Jacqueline Lloyd Smith

Jacqueline Lloyd Smith

Master Trainer / Founder, Strategic Play Global
Jacqueline Lloyd Smith, MA, MBA, (ATR), (CMC), (FRSA)Jacqueline (Jacquie) is the founder of Strategic Play Group Ltd., a global training company with their head office in Whistler, Canada She is a Registered Art Therapist (ATR), and is certified in Play Therapy and Creative Problem... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Steve Ralph

Dr. Steve Ralph

Founder, EPIC Impact Society
avatar for Stephen Walling

Stephen Walling

Director of PLAY, Strategic Play Global


Tuesday June 25, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

A Practical Guide to Influencing More
We all run across people and situations in our professional lives that we find challenging. And it’s genuinely tough to change these difficult situations. In this session, we’ll share practice specific strategies that help people see these challenges differently, and we’ll workshop approaches and ideas that could help boost your influence with the people around you. In every session, we will apply adult learning techniques, including brain breaks, stretching, sketch noting and mindfulness activities. We also use facilitated attendee engagement, interactive, collaborative learning strategies, learning by doing, and focus on personalized action plans.


Presenters
avatar for Marnette Falley

Marnette Falley

Executive Coach, SunRoad Coaching & Consulting LLC
IFC certified coach Marnette Falley, MS, is a strategist and creative problem solver who helps clients identify and activate personal and organizational strengths and overcome persistent barriers. She helps leaders and teams find new paths. Marnette leverages 25 years of business... Read More →
avatar for Portia Stewart

Portia Stewart

Creative Consultant, Mind Full Creatives
I lead fun, revenue-generating workshops for companies that use design thinking and mindfulness principles to unlock the flow state.  I’m a passionate content strategist, driving business opportunities and revenue growth through Innovative Content Strategy and Optimization. I’m... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Art of the Decision
Most people are looking for an edge in their decision-making. We spend time clarifying the challenges in our workplace and in our lives, developing ideas, and then planning for action only to find ourselves stalled or back at square one just a bit frustrated. Wouldn’t it be great if there existed a resource that would yield more novel and useful ideas than you could have ever imagined? Creativity expert and arts professional Anthony Billoni developed and tested a process over the last ten years that will guide you toward this treasure trove of ideas by experiencing art like never before.


Presenters
avatar for Anthony Billoni

Anthony Billoni

Owner, APEX Leader Growth
I have an MS from Center for Applied Imagination. I use CPS/Deliberate Creativity daily in live and in my consulting practice. I have been leading, volunteering and presenting at CPSI for 20+ years.


Tuesday June 25, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Create 8 - Unlocking Creativity Education
Why isn’t creativity a school subject? Create 8 – is a curriculum designed to mitigate the missteps, pitfalls, and blind spots that often undermine educating for creativity. This interactive, reflective offering presents mind, brain, and education science that supports a new approach to creativity education.


Presenters
avatar for Melissa Schmitz

Melissa Schmitz

Founder and Executive Coach, WISE HD
Melissa Schmitz is an award-winning educator recognized for increasing academic success and motivating educational change. She has over 25 years of experience as a public and private educator. Receiving a Bachelor’s degree in music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s... Read More →
JW

Jessica Weber

Director of Research and Development, WISE HD


Tuesday June 25, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Daydream. Imagine. Play. Reconnect with Your Superpower
Thinking imaginatively can greatly improve our wellbeing and happiness, but paradoxically it is one of the hardest activities to practice because some personal attitudes lock our imagination into the status quo constraining it to our memory and experience as well as grounding it in the real world. This workshop will present imagination as people’s superpower and the engine of creativity by helping participants embrace who they are and empower them to believe in their ideas. Through daydreaming, experiential playful exercises, and metacognitive activities, participants will activate their imagination and be able to envision radically new possibilities and scenarios about their lives or society while also learning tools to transform those ideas into realities.


Presenters
avatar for Sheila Pontis, PhD

Sheila Pontis, PhD

Professor of Practice in Design & Graduate Program Leader, Northeastern University
Sheila Pontis, PhD, is Professor of Practice in Design and Director of the Information Design and Data Visualization (IDDV) graduate programs at Northeastern University, as well as partner at the design consultancy Sense Information Design. Combining design, and metacognitive and... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Focusing Playground
Play & practice with focusing hacks that are easy to learn, easy to master & quick to use.  Each technique quickly & effectively (re)focuses participants to optimize your desired outcomes, for meetings, training & even large gatherings.  Most techniques require zero materials, zero prep, and just seconds to launch.


Presenters
BO

Bill Olsen

Facilitator, Trainer, Lead Guide, Speaker, Olsen Innovations Inc.
I work with teams, groups & entire organizations... to unleash and significantly accelerate their performance.  Incidentally, you have products right now in YOUR wallet, in your home, in your car, in your health care, in your neighborhood, and in scores of gov’t programs from which... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Positive Creativity Leadership: Leveraging Appreciative Inquiry in Your Work Life
Appreciative Inquiry and Creativity are powerful approaches to Leadership that will further strengthen the results you can achieve with teams. This session shows you how to incorporate Positive Creativity Leadership, a strategic combination of AI and the Science of Creativity, in your work life. We use an interactive style to share the foundational concepts and exercises to help you master the art of reframing problems to become opportunities.  If you are looking for some ways to amplify your own work or help others increase their professional impact, this reframing is an essential skill for achieving clear, actionable outcomes. Join us to begin your process of incorporating AI + Creativity into your Leadership practice.


Presenters
avatar for Kim Marie McKernan, MBA, MS

Kim Marie McKernan, MBA, MS

Founder, Inspired Outcomes Now LLC
Kim is an international marketing leader, facilitator, and presenter. She left a career as a marketing executive at a 3 billion company to found her business, Inspired Outcomes Now, to help organizations be more positive, creative, and strategic. Over 125 organizations and individuals have leveraged her A Nu Way™ Branding and Co-Creating the Future processes to stand apart and design their desired future. With an MBA from SUNY at Buffalo, an MS in Creative... Read More →
avatar for Terry Fulcher, BS, MS

Terry Fulcher, BS, MS

Lead Consultant, Resource-Ful One Consulting
Terry is an experienced healthcare leader, executive coach & team facilitator. Terry utilizes Appreciative Inquiry and Creativity based research as the basis for Strategic Planning work. Terry has provided executive coaching and organizational development experiences to healthcare... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

The Power of Unlearning
Presenters
MG

Michelle Green, PT, DPT

Assistant Program Director / Associate Professor of Health Sciences, Campbell University
Innovation, teambuilding, employee, and student engagement


Tuesday June 25, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Transcending Experiences by CX Your Life
How well are you treating the #1 client in your life = YOU? Let's switch the lens of these powerful CX (Customer Experience) tools to exponentially improve your life and professional experiences. In this dynamic workshop, Mari will apply CX (Customer Experience) Tools to improve to the experiences of your most important client: YOU.

Key Takeaways:
1. Explore the experiences you are creating for yourself at key touchpoints in your life
2. Align your experiences and life journey with your life goals
3. Reclaim your VIP spot in your life and share the joy of being YOU

Presenters
avatar for Mari Puras

Mari Puras

Founder & Chief Insights Strategist, Insight Marketing Touch
Mari Puras is passionate about supporting individuals, businesses, and society to transcend their stories and experiences. As an entrepreneur, multicultural insights and marketing expert, life coach, speaker, and mother, she is blessed to have transcended many challenging life experiences... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Battlefield Guide for Staying Alive (in Conversations)
In this lively session, we'll inject purpose and creativity into your conversations. Bid farewell to autopilot mode and embrace purposeful interactions. Discover innovative ways to foster personal psychological safety, express your authentic self, and navigate challenging discussions with finesse. Through interactive exercises, you'll hone these skills and transform your communication style.


Presenters
avatar for Kate Thomas

Kate Thomas

Financial Strategist, Chick-fil-A
Kate is a Strategic Accountant by profession, but an Innovator at heart. While her expertise lies in numbers, she is also a Certified Facilitator, who unleashes teams' full potential through dynamic and interactive sessions. She can also be seen commanding the stage at large events... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Creativity Games for Divergent Thinking
Creative play is a great way to increase flexibility of thinking, open up possibilities, dream a new future, and practice divergent thinking. In this session, play games and explore ideas in a judgment-free zone! We will do exercises that help develop your divergent thinking skills in a fun way. This is all participation and will stretch your brain!


Presenters
avatar for Talia Dashow

Talia Dashow

Creativity Catalyst, Talia Dashow Coaching
Talia started a Creativity Club during the pandemic to get to hang out with friends on Zoom while everything was shut down. Once she put it on Eventbrite it grew into an international group, and now has regulars from all over the world. Talia has spent decades trying to figure out... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Design (and Live) Your FIERCEST Life!
You don’t have to settle. You CAN create a FIERCE LIFE that you LOVE to LIVE. Discover the FIERCEST Framework and how the 9 components working in concert can help you create a life where you wake up 95% of the time you wake up – excited about what you do, who you are surrounded by, and the positive impact you are making in the world – ie YOUR FIERCEST LIFE. No need to be overwhelmed – we take TINY steps, creating TINY habits and use crayons to colors to create our unique path along the way!


Presenters
avatar for Erin Tarr

Erin Tarr

Confidence Coach, Be the Benchmark, LLC
WHAT I DO...write, speak and coach primarily (parents and teens) around how to choose their thoughts in order to create a life they love so that they can change the world. THINGS I LOVE ...+ messy buns, red lipstick & athleisure+ personality profiles (with a special affinity for... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Developing Conscious Facilitation
When we find ourselves in the role of facilitator, the responsibility can feel overwhelming. What do we do if and when conflict arises? How do we keep participants engaged without sacrificing authenticity? How do we build community when time is limited? How does a facilitator empower participants to take the reins of their own learning and unburden ourselves from being the keeper of knowledge? These concepts are particularly helpful as our culture learns to understand the impact of equity, inclusion and identity as points of leverage and unlearns perceiving them as barriers.


Presenters
avatar for Jimmy Juste

Jimmy Juste

CEO and Founder, Innerve Consulting
I am always looking for new spaces to ask hard questions and cause a bit of a ruckus. I have had the privilege of being welcomed into Montessori spaces for nine years and am grateful for the opportunity to disrupt and transform its culture through consulting for diversity, equity... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Digital Dexterity: Stretching Ourselves into a New Digital Thinking Mindset
Explore the space where digital and brain collide in coming up with creative solutions for our unique problems in the emerging world. Learn practical tools and exercises to unleash digital thinking. Explore digital dexterity to make us more agile and inventive.


Presenters
PM

Puleng Makhoalibe

CEO, Alchemy Inspiration
TM

Theko Makhoalibe

Head: Digital Transformation, Solugrowth


Tuesday June 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Outrageous Photos and Videos using AI
In this session we will explore using PicsArt, a photo and video app that has led the way in utilizing AI capability.  After a demonstration of what is possible in PicsArt using various AI functions, we will create some wild and outrageous photos and videos.  We will also discuss how AI photography might be used in your personal and professional lives.

At the end of the session, we will vote on the most outrageous photo or video created!

What You Need:  
  • PicsArt downloaded on your phone or tablet before the workshop
  • Some photos and videos ready to work on during the session



Presenters
avatar for Mary Ellyn Vicksta

Mary Ellyn Vicksta

Founder, Vicksta Innovative Practices, LLC
Mary Ellyn started taking photos with her own camera when she was 10.  Since then, she’s explored photography in college classes, photo workshops in wonderful parts of the US and creative expression-focused workshops in Canada.  She’s devoted to taking at least one photo a day... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Step Into: LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methods
Are you looking for new tools for engagement? Time to add LEGO bricks to your tool kit!

Come and sample this facilitated thinking & communications technique. It draws on extensive research from the field of business, organization development, psychology and learning. This session will be action packed with 90 minutes of hands-on real-time learning through play!

Using hand-brain knowledge this 3D process helps teams surface information, explore ideas, create better options, develop deeper knowledge and identify solutions faster with 100% engagement. Build some meaningful connection while you make and create in this fast paced breakout. You will be thinking in 3D like a pro in no time at all! It’s time to play!

Learning Objectives:
-Build with LEGO® bricks using directives to improve engagement;
-Apply the five step processes to improve communication through story-making;
-Experience how hands-on minds-on building creates powerful artifacts and changes the
conversation;
-Uncover the meaning behind the story;
-Examine flow theory and underlying neuroscience principles that make this method
powerful and memorable.

Presenters
avatar for Stephen Walling

Stephen Walling

Director of PLAY, Strategic Play Global


Tuesday June 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

The Comedy Cure: How To Turn Your Frustrations into Funnies to De-Stress Your Distress
“The Comedy Cure” is a combination stress-relief workshop and humor how-to that shines a light on the positive impact of turning our frustrations into funnies. The stressors of the world today can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout, and these kinds of stressors are no joke… but joking ABOUT them can be life-changing. Learning to create the comedy that CAUSES the laughter may just be the cure!


Presenters
avatar for Margie Cherry

Margie Cherry

Associate Director, Alumni Career Services/ Humorist, Lafayette College/ Work| Life | Joy
Margie Cherry’s multiple professional identities have included career coach, corporate outplacement counselor, illustrator, copywriter, former long-running cartoonist and (very) short-term stand-up comic. Margie presents workshops on humor, creativity, and career reinvention, and... Read More →


Tuesday June 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
 
Wednesday, June 26
 

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 1: Foundations of Creative Problem Solving
If you are new to CPSI, Foundations of Creative Problem Solving is your fast track to a deliberate creativity process for solving problems and capitalizing on opportunities. You’ll learn the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Process, the research-based gold standard of creativity methods, and be exposed to the FourSight framework, which can help you understand how you and your teammates approach challenges.

In an incredibly engaging format, your team of experienced facilitators will use hands-on activities, real-world examples, and a variety of divergent and convergent thinking tools to give you the skills you need to advance your personal and professional goals.

Foundations of Creative Problem Solving is the first of four skills-building courses in Creative Problem Solving. After completing all four CPS courses, you will deepen your ability to facilitate and train others in the CPS process, while also becoming eligible to be considered to lead CPS programs at future CPSIs!

In this course, you will:
• Recognize and overcome blocks to creativity.
• Identify attitudes and behaviors conducive to creative thinking.
• Apply core concepts of creative thinking.
• Use a variety of divergent and convergent thinking tools.
• Apply the CPS method to many simulated or real situations.
• Consciously be creative when facing problems and opportunities.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference in order to complete this program.




Presenters
avatar for Jonathan Bannister

Jonathan Bannister

Founder, Make Happy
avatar for David Lunken

David Lunken

Principal, Cedarcroft Advisors
CPSI frequenter, Core Faculty, Talent Optimizer, Problem solver, Collaborator, Husband, father of 3 girls, triathlete, gardener, baker of sourdough before Covid
avatar for Shay Butler

Shay Butler

Programme Manager, Tangent Innovation, Trinity College Dublin
I am winging my way over to CPSI all the way from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. I spend my time there managing and facilitating workshops in Design Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, and more. Keen to get creativity out in the open to play! Desperate to help un-shackle people... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: CPS Foundations at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.

Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools is a natural stepping stone if you have previously taken Level 1: Foundations of CPS. This fast-paced course allows beginner to intermediate facilitators to go deeper into the CPS process, adding more facilitation tools to your repertoire.

You will gain a clear understanding of which tools to use at each stage of the CPS process, as well as how to modify them to fit your session objectives or add a bit of creative flair. You will have time to practice tools to gain real mastery of them. You will also learn a variety of energizers and fun grouping games to keep your sessions engaging and interactive. Learn through small- and large-group work, including round-robin sharing and show-and-tell exercises.

In this course, you will:

• Explore a variety of divergent and convergent tools for individual and group problem solving.
• Learn how and where to apply different tools within the CPS process.
• Practice facilitating tools.
• Discover how to use tools when you or your team are unable to progress or working in areas of low preference.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference to complete this program and qualify for the credential assessment for CPS Level 2.


Presenters
avatar for Melissa Rheaume

Melissa Rheaume

Melissa Rhéaume is a passionate advocate of creativity and innovation, whose academic and professional journey has been shaped by an incessant exploration of the possibilities offered by creative thinking. She has a Certificate in Creativity and Innovation from the University of... Read More →
avatar for Ardjan Robbe Groskamp

Ardjan Robbe Groskamp

Ardjan Robbe Groskamp is a passionate practitioner of creative thinking and doing based in the Netherlands. Creativity is and has always been his driving force. Ardjan has an educational background in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, neuro linguistic programming and copywriting... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 3: Creative Problem Solving Facilitation Techniques
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: Foundations of CPS and Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 or 2 at CPSI/FLCC but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process and have experience with CPS tools, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.

Level 3: Facilitating CPS
Facilitation skills are central to the effective use of CPS, whether in formal meetings or informal brainstorming sessions. This course is designed for those who already know the CPS process in theory and are ready to put it into action as a facilitator. This course uses peer-group practices to prepare participants for working with actual clients. Characteristics of successful facilitation will be identified and practiced, and you will develop an awareness of your own strengths and areas for development. In this course, you will:

•Review and internalize the CPS process through the lens of the facilitator.
•Experience CPS from several points of view – as a facilitator, as the problem-owner, and as part of the resource group.
•Understand how to facilitate each step of the CPS process.
•Receive general facilitation tips that enhance any meeting.
•Receive individual and group feedback on facilitation skills.
•Explore and develop your facilitation style.


Presenters
avatar for Thom Gonyeau

Thom Gonyeau

Co-owner, Mountain View Group, LTD.
Thom Gonyeau is a co-owner of Mountain View Group, a creative communications agency, and media production company, where he has worked for more than 35 years.Thom began his career as a producer and has held many positions at Mountain View from business development to Chief Operating... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 4: Training Creative Problem Solving
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: Foundations of CPS at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 at CPSI or FLCC but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.
PREFERRED: Completion of Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools and Level 3: Facilitating CPS. Registrants should have a solid understanding of CPS tools and facilitation skills.

This program is designed to provide the framework and practice to help you train individuals and groups to use the Creative Problem Solving Process.

You will have the opportunity to train others in CPS, while receiving feedback and coaching from your peers and experienced facilitators. Come prepared to work hard and have fun. Please note: Pre-work and on-site preparation will be required in order to “teach back” the course.

In this course, you will:
• Explain each step of the CPS process.
• Explain the supporting principles of the CPS process.
• Apply adult learning and thinking styles for effective instruction.
• Demonstrate the skills needed to teach the CPS process, principles and tools, including effective presentation.
• Conduct CPS training sessions.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference in order to complete this program.

Presenters
avatar for Suzanne Chamberlain Bergman

Suzanne Chamberlain Bergman

Senior Director, University at Buffalo
avatar for Joette Field

Joette Field

Adjunct Professor Daemen College, Daemen College
Joette Field's passion for creativity and educational emergence lies deep. As a part of Dr. Sidney J. Parnes’ Research Study, and as a pioneer for developing the Masters of Science in Creative Studies at Buffalo State, she continues to research and facilitate the multi-faceted discipline... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Bring Focus to Your Life
In this immersion experience, participants will be led through an engaging and holistic process (The REALIFE Process®) that will help them get clear about their “being” so that you can focus your “doing” on what matters most. Immersion elements include an assessment, short periods of lecture, personal reflection, small group/partner conversation, facilitated large group dialogue, and practical applications.

The REALIFE Process®: The REALIFE Process is a four-component framework to help you develop a unique Modern Day Rule of Life® so that you can create and live a life that feels more joyful, balanced, and purposeful. You will name what matters most to you, make progress on important projects, plan your time so that it reflects what matters most, and create a pattern of rhythms and routines that make this cycle of living sustainable. This process helps people live from a place of rest, not rush, and keep their lives focused on their unique purpose in life.

Day 1: Needs & Values; Areas of Focus, I AM statements
Day 2: Talents, Gifts, Abilities; REALIFE statement – purpose statements
Day 3: Projects – learn process, choose and map out 3 projects
Day 4: Time Management; Rest, Renew

Presenters
avatar for Kathy Goller

Kathy Goller

Life & Leadership Coach, Facilitator & Presenter, Teal Horizon Coaching
I was first introduced to CPS as a high school student, and it impacted the way I saw challenges, the way I thought about solutions, and the way I led others through challenges. I was re-introduced to CPS at CPSI 2020 and 2021, and deepened my understanding through the Foundations... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Broaden your Focus with Polarity Thinking
What if issues exist that are inherently “unsolvable,” regardless of our best attempts to solve them? Polarity Thinking™ asserts that paradoxical issues not only exist but also present exciting opportunities for creativity, sustainable solutions, and being more effective in complex situations. Polarity Thinking is a proven way to use the energy of a universal phenomenon in human experience. You’ll learn to distinguish between either-or problem solving and both-and thinking.

You’ll explore how to leverage dynamic tensions such as head and heart, analysis and action, team and individual, and – of course – diverge and converge. Through discussion, activities, and Polarity Mapping, you’ll identify interdependent factors that are constants and indestructible, and learn a deliberate process to leverage them. Facilitators will integrate polarity theory based on the work of Barry Johnson and the work of other authors with recent books on paradox or polarities. You’ll find that polarity thinking has a wide range of applications, e.g., organizational planning, coaching, customer insights, conflict management, team performance, and individual development. You’ll be able to apply your insights to personal and professional situations as you choose.

Presenters
avatar for Lindsay Burr

Lindsay Burr

CEO, Yarbrough Group
An engaging facilitator and Polarity ThinkingTM Master Trainer, Lindsay brings a depth of knowledge and a global perspective that supports seeing the known in a new way. Lindsay will unpack the key concepts of Polarity Thinking and change how you think about leadership and followership... Read More →
avatar for Liz Monroe-Cook, Ph.D.

Liz Monroe-Cook, Ph.D.

Owner, Monroe-Cook & Associates
CEF board past chair Liz Monroe-Cook has been attending and leading at CPSI since 1991. She is a consulting psychologist who began her work as a clinician but transferred to organizational applications through a qualitative research position at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles. She... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Creative Connections
This Immersion will be four experiences in one! Each day will focus on a different topic, yet they’re all connected by developing the creative person, the creative process, the creative culture, and a creative product. Creativity thrives with a multidimensional approach. This Immersion experience will explore various facets leading to enhanced creativity.

How might you improve your facilitation or training experiences, and better engage your audience? How might you better navigate or lead change through positive, creative mindsets and processes? How might you foster deeper understanding of individuals on your team or in your audience in order to enhance collaboration? How might you create and sustain an environment that supports and encourages creative thinking and action? Explore and experience ALL of these areas and make your own Creative Connections!

Topics will include:
  • Positive Culture, Positive Teams
  • A Deeper Look at Complexity and Change
  • Positive Creativity: Combining Appreciative Inquiry and the Science of Creativity for Change Management
  • Workshop Design

Presenters
avatar for Michael Ackerbauer

Michael Ackerbauer

Business Transformation Consultant, IBM
see bio here: https://twitter.com/RobertDowneyJr
avatar for Jessica Andrews-Wilson

Jessica Andrews-Wilson

Executive Director, GUIDE, Inc.
I am in love with all things CEF after my introduction to this work/CPS in 2021 thanks to Beth Miller. I have been using CPS techniques for ages without knowing it but now I have a framework and some terminology to go along with it! I have been facilitating with both youth and adults... Read More →
avatar for Douglas Ferguson

Douglas Ferguson

President, Voltage Control
Douglas Ferguson is an entrepreneur, educator, and human-centered technologist. He is the founder and president of Voltage Control, a facilitation academy that develops leaders through certifications, workshops, and organizational coaching focused on facilitation mastery, innovation... Read More →
avatar for Terry Fulcher, BS, MS

Terry Fulcher, BS, MS

Lead Consultant, Resource-Ful One Consulting
Terry is an experienced healthcare leader, executive coach & team facilitator. Terry utilizes Appreciative Inquiry and Creativity based research as the basis for Strategic Planning work. Terry has provided executive coaching and organizational development experiences to healthcare... Read More →
avatar for Kim Marie McKernan, MBA, MS

Kim Marie McKernan, MBA, MS

Founder, Inspired Outcomes Now LLC
Kim is an international marketing leader, facilitator, and presenter. She left a career as a marketing executive at a 3 billion company to found her business, Inspired Outcomes Now, to help organizations be more positive, creative, and strategic. Over 125 organizations and individuals have leveraged her A Nu Way™ Branding and Co-Creating the Future processes to stand apart and design their desired future. With an MBA from SUNY at Buffalo, an MS in Creative... Read More →
avatar for Erik Skogsberg

Erik Skogsberg

VP of Learning Experience, Voltage Control
Erik believes that a deep empathy and caring rooted in human-centered design, systems thinking, and futures thinking best supports partners in finding their solutions. Erik is passionate about supporting clients imagining innovative approaches to complex organizational challenges.Trained... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Strategic Play Elements: The Playful Leader
The Nature of Innovative Leadership Certification with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methods!

Innovation thrives in a vast ecosystem that reaches far and wide, comprised of countless different elements, relationships, and resources. Resilient Leaders who know how to adapt have the ability to take a concept and apply it to transform how we live, work, and play.

The biggest skills gap for today’s leader is balancing the struggle to lead while expertly adapting against changing situations and moving targets. Now more than ever before we need people to step up and lead from their natural element where they can connect with something fundamentally connected to their sense of identity, purpose, and well-being and support others to do the same.

Most people have struggled to find their natural element, the thing that makes them the most effective. This CPS Immersion program has been developed to support everyone in their quest for greatness through the identification of their unique and distinctive talents and passions. We will build on your strengths as we uncover how and where to apply and lead with them using systematic and applied creativity during the innovation process.

“Finding your element is essential to your well-being and ultimate success, and, by implication, to the health of our organizations and effectiveness of our educational system.” -Sir Ken Robinson

Innovation leaders are not expected to have all the answers. They may be able to identify trends for the future, but It’s impossible to make accurate predictions. The way forward requires an applied process with an open mindset, not an expert option. Lego Serious Play takes a front seat in this applied innovation process where all voices are heard.

Are you ready to lead innovation and transform teams into highly effective change agents? This is your moment to shine. Join us and build your creative confidence!

Powered by Lego Serious Play, you will discover how to navigate and inspire others at each stage of the innovation process. You will be learning how to use proven frameworks with creative tools that engage and activate thinking. This is learning by doing, so be prepared to work while having serious fun. You will emerge with skills and the experience to apply what you learn. You will amplify your natural leadership abilities as you transition into a resilient and adaptable leader who excels in supporting groups to drive change.

Learning Objectives:
-Uncover your unique leadership element;
-Add LEGO® bricks to your workshops to improve engagement;
-Apply the five step processes to improve communication;
-Identify the four stages of CPS;
-Avoid conversational roundabouts as your move through the seasons of innovation;
-Put all your CPS tools and techniques to work.

Let’s get ready to PLAY!

Note: Bring your smart phone for the online assessment.

Presenters
avatar for Jacqueline Lloyd Smith

Jacqueline Lloyd Smith

Master Trainer / Founder, Strategic Play Global
Jacqueline Lloyd Smith, MA, MBA, (ATR), (CMC), (FRSA)Jacqueline (Jacquie) is the founder of Strategic Play Group Ltd., a global training company with their head office in Whistler, Canada She is a Registered Art Therapist (ATR), and is certified in Play Therapy and Creative Problem... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Steve Ralph

Dr. Steve Ralph

Founder, EPIC Impact Society
avatar for Stephen Walling

Stephen Walling

Director of PLAY, Strategic Play Global


Wednesday June 26, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Canvas of Connections: Mastering the Artful Mindset in Tech's Tapestry
Immerse yourself in a unique 90-minute session delving into the ‘Artful Mindset.’ Explore hands-on techniques like collaborative art creation, fostering team creativity. Learn mindfulness strategies promoting focus and enhancing interpersonal connections. Gain practical insights on incorporating artistic elements into everyday tasks, fostering innovation and human-centric success in the age of technology.


Presenters
FB

Fateme Banishoeib

Founder, RENEWBusiness GmbH


Wednesday June 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Decoding Emotional Harmony: Unveiling the Cognitive Behavioral Model
This workshop is an immersive exploration of the Cognitive Behavioral Model, where we unravel the intricate connections between our thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs, and how they sculpt our emotional landscape. Through interactive exercises, role play, and discussions, discover practical strategies to navigate and enhance your emotional well-being.


Presenters
avatar for Dr. Kristy Tyson

Dr. Kristy Tyson

Chief Talent Development Coach, Lifement LLC
Dr. Kristy Tyson, acclaimed author of "YOUR CALL: Critical Thinking for Decision Makers," is the Owner and Chief Talent Development Coach at Lifement LLC. With a focus on emerging leaders and organizations, Dr. Tyson delivers personalized coaching tailored to individual and group... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Finding the Root Cause of Your Success: A 5 W’s & H Tool
Ever wonder what made a project successful? Is there a way to repeat that success? Yes! Using an adaptation of Root Cause Analysis we will search for the root causes of success. Instead of searching for a solution to a problem, we will be investigating hidden patterns that have caused successful outcomes.


Presenters
avatar for Dr. Gregory Buschman, MSMKT, MSIS, Ph.D.

Dr. Gregory Buschman, MSMKT, MSIS, Ph.D.

Founder, Strategic Leadership Development
A leadership author, keynote speaker, professor, and expert in leadership development and workforce optimization. Dr. Buschman specializes in creative leadership for innovation and change, generational diversity, and strength-based employee coaching. He has facilitated creative leadership... Read More →
DB

Debbie Buschman

Co-Founder, Strategic Leadership Development


Wednesday June 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Flightpath: Your Strategic Life Plan
Flightpath is a fun, educational 90-minute endeavor that will leave you with a strategic flight plan for navigating the coming years. We will be combining CPS with strategic business tools to explore creative options. Fire up your jets and join us to accelerate your velocity.


Presenters
avatar for David Eyman

David Eyman

Faculty and Innovation Director, Miami University, Oxford, OH
David Eyman believes more people should say yes to making life better through creativity. As an entrepreneur, innovation leader, and industrial designer, David Eyman brings thirty years of creative experience to his teaching at Miami University. As a catalyst, his expertise lies in... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Great Expectations
Expectations that are clear and shared are critical for the success of a team or even a family. In this session participants will learn a process for setting clear expectations with themselves and others. Having a process that can be used in any setting is very helpful for new conversations that we wish we could have but often don’t.


Presenters
avatar for Lindsay Burr

Lindsay Burr

CEO, Yarbrough Group
An engaging facilitator and Polarity ThinkingTM Master Trainer, Lindsay brings a depth of knowledge and a global perspective that supports seeing the known in a new way. Lindsay will unpack the key concepts of Polarity Thinking and change how you think about leadership and followership... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Now What the Duck?
Are you looking for some fun activities you can do with just a handful of bricks? Like
most teachers, trainers, and counsellors, HR professionals, management consultants,
you are likely being asked to do more with less. If so, this is the perfect short session for
you.

You might be working with a classroom full of students, a large group of people at a
conference, or a small group, board of directors, or group of executives. Regardless, we
have the activities you need to keep people engaged, communicating, and learning
while time flies by.

So, what’s with the duck metaphor? We make use of the 6 LEGO® bricks that constitute a duck.

This fast-moving, interactive training will take you by surprise as you see the power of the hand-brain connection. This makes for a great activity to get started, and it is low-budget too. All you need are some simple LEGO® bricks. The true power of the process is the incredible ways in which this tool can be adapted and modified to deliver your outcome and results.

Learning Objectives:
-Explore ways to engage students and participants
-Create moments of insight re: cognitive diversity
-Uncover hidden creativity and the power of the hand – eye – brain connection
-Discover new ways to stimulate powerful conversations

Presenters
avatar for Stephen Walling

Stephen Walling

Director of PLAY, Strategic Play Global


Wednesday June 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Observational Mindfulness: Techniques to Spark Your Creativity
Neuroscience shows us that mindfulness can stabilize our attention and help us focus more deeply. By working to develop our attention and working memory, we can engage the senses and refresh the mind to spark creativity. In her book, Peak Mind, Amishi Jha, Director of Contemplative Neuroscience for the Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative, writes, “Attention is powerful, fragile, and trainable.” In this workshop we’ll leverage tools to practice mindfulness “push-ups” and engage in activities to move into an observational mindset where creativity and innovation flourishes. In every session, we will apply adult learning techniques, including brain breaks, stretching, sketch noting and mindfulness activities. We also use facilitated attendee engagement, interactive, collaborative learning strategies, learning by doing, and focus on personalized action plans.


Presenters
avatar for Portia Stewart

Portia Stewart

Creative Consultant, Mind Full Creatives
I lead fun, revenue-generating workshops for companies that use design thinking and mindfulness principles to unlock the flow state.  I’m a passionate content strategist, driving business opportunities and revenue growth through Innovative Content Strategy and Optimization. I’m... Read More →
avatar for Marnette Falley

Marnette Falley

Executive Coach, SunRoad Coaching & Consulting LLC
IFC certified coach Marnette Falley, MS, is a strategist and creative problem solver who helps clients identify and activate personal and organizational strengths and overcome persistent barriers. She helps leaders and teams find new paths. Marnette leverages 25 years of business... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Say ‘I Do’ to AI
Participants will discover new ways to engage with Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, concept/image generators, etc.) to enhance creative thinking. I will 1) disseminate the “fear factor” of AI, highlighting how human experience and creativity is unmatched 2) Demonstrate examples of ways to use AI to inspire, challenge, and enhance the creative thinking process and 3) Facilitate exercise prompts where participants use AI to gather information, provide inspiration, and discover how they can “one up” AI. A lot has changed in the last year in terms of what generative AI can accomplish. And even more will change before I deliver this session! This session will build on the basics of the 2023 AI session with more ways generative AI can be used in our professional and personal lives to aid and assist with menial tasks, spark fresh thinking, and even give you more time to focus on the work you love.


Presenters
avatar for Nicole Haddad

Nicole Haddad

Founder & CEO, ArtWorks


Wednesday June 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

3D Diagnostic Cards: Based on LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Methods
Do you need a faster way to better understand your clients / consumers?
Are you looking for a better way to design workshops?
Do you want to add more fun while effectively using your time?

The powerful pocket-sized tool is for inspiring creative thinking, problem-solving, decision-making and collaborating to drive innovation. Designed for facilitators, teachers, consultants and researchers, 3D Diagnostic Cards stimulate productive meetings and workshops through rapid diagnosis and purpose-built play.

This session is for you if you:
1. Recognize the power of storytelling
2. Love creative visuals
3. Like to play with ideas
4. You’re a LEGO® fan
5. You want to add a new tool to your facilitator play kit
6. You’re looking for some serious fun

3D Diagnostic Cards help you identify the key issues that clients are struggling with. Whether it is due to office politics, lack of clarity, embarrassment, or pride, it can be difficult to bring certain topics to light. The inherent humor of the image serves as an external prompt that makes it easier for people to open the discussion to topics which they may have considered taboo or challenging to address.

Learning Objectives:
-Explore CPS on a deeper level using this fun playful tool
-Create a common language and clarity to communication
-Uncover hidden innovation through root cause analysis and story boarding
-Discover new ways to stimulate powerful conversations

Presenters
avatar for Stephen Walling

Stephen Walling

Director of PLAY, Strategic Play Global


Wednesday June 26, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Ask The Right Questions (Creatively & Effectively)
CPS ideation is facilitated through… a series of questions… as are scoping CPS gigs with the sponsor, prework with surveys, and in Diverge & Converge & Innovation.   The objective is to ask the IDEAL questions, in the IDEAL order, and in a way that prepares ALL participants to engage!  Why?  This focuses the session participants, leading to significantly more engagement, higher-level thinking & breakthrough outcomes.


Presenters
BO

Bill Olsen

Facilitator, Trainer, Lead Guide, Speaker, Olsen Innovations Inc.
I work with teams, groups & entire organizations... to unleash and significantly accelerate their performance.  Incidentally, you have products right now in YOUR wallet, in your home, in your car, in your health care, in your neighborhood, and in scores of gov’t programs from which... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Focusing on Failure: Using Improv to Stretch Our Confidence Skills
Most people try not to fail, but this session is about taking that belief and flipping it around. This session will help us focus on learning from failing forward (or using lessons from our experiences) by developing comfort in the concept of “failure.” We will use improv and other therapeutic methods to help our brains and bodies find focus not on avoiding failure but find comfort in it.

Presenters
avatar for Mallori DeSalle, MA, LMHC, NCC, CMHC, CHP

Mallori DeSalle, MA, LMHC, NCC, CMHC, CHP

Therapist, Humorist, Trainer, and Oreo Sommelier, Mallori DeSalle, LLC
Mallori DeSalle is a licensed mental health counselor, motivational interviewing trainer, and certified humor professional. As a speaker and trainer, she has sparked curiosity in both the young and young-at-heart. Her passion for creating a lasting impact led her to the public health... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

My Expansive Self
Embrace the opportunity to foster and encourage intuitive, reflect engagement with yourself. By being expansive, you may be willing to open yourself up to different thoughts, ideas, and beliefs, even if just a little, and hopefully grow in the process. Bonus: you will leave with a memento of your expansive self!

Key Takeaways:
  • Acquire a flexible tool that allows you to consider past, present, and future experiences. 
  • Engage in self-reflection and introspection. 
  • Immerse yourself in multimodal opportunities to be creative.



Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Verbakel

Jennifer Verbakel

Owner, The Art of Amateurity
Jen is a doodler, a creative dabbler, and a sewing gal! She is also a certified Kaizen Muse Creativity Coach. She believes that creativity helps people take up their own unique space, and she is working towards embodying that presence as well. She loves to chat about creative... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Oodles of Doodles
Doodling requires no artistic skills, and is anything but mindless.  Doodling enhances comprehension and concentration: a recent study shows that people who doodle are more likely to retain information than non-doodlers. Putting pencil or pen to paper and randomly sketching is also shown to relieve stress, improve your mood, and enhance creativity.


Presenters
avatar for Aaron Wartner

Aaron Wartner

President, BuzzEngine Marketing & Events
Aaron Wartner is President of BuzzEngine Marketing & Events, potter and ceramics teacher.


Wednesday June 26, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Social Styles: How to Spot Creative Preference in the Wild
Collaboration is about idea exchange. When we collaborate, we express creative needs that often go unmet, which can derail how we work together. Wouldn’t it be great to understand what people think when emotions run high and conflict kicks in?


Presenters
avatar for Michael Ackerbauer

Michael Ackerbauer

Business Transformation Consultant, IBM
see bio here: https://twitter.com/RobertDowneyJr


Wednesday June 26, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Navigating Sustainability in Dynamic Business Landscapes
Join this dynamic session where strategic leadership meets sustainability. Uncover practical techniques to enhance self-leadership, navigate the Five Strategy Questions for sustainable decision-making, and unveil the Three Secrets to Sustainable Company Building. Gain actionable insights, not just theories, and leave equipped to creatively tackle challenges in your business journey.


Presenters
avatar for Dr. William Clark

Dr. William Clark

CEO, Eli Patrick & Co.
Dr. William Clark is a noted expert in nonprofit sustainability, fundraising strategies, and leadership development. With over 15 years of experience in city government, nonprofit administration, and public housing operations, he has dedicated his life's work to empowering nonprofit... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

The (Creative) Hero’s Journey
In the story of your life, you are the protagonist — the hero of your own story. Like all heroes of literature and history, you are on a journey. This workshop looks at how the archetypal Hero’s Journey mirrors a person’s creative journey and explores how it can be applied to your own creative journeys — whether it’s the journey of a single creative endeavor or the journey of living a creative life.


Presenters
avatar for Paul Reali

Paul Reali

Executive Director, Charlotte Lit
Paul Reali is co-founder of Charlotte Lit, a nonprofit literary arts center in Charlotte, NC, and is a lead for its Authors Lab book-writing program. He is co-author of "Creativity Rising", which is used in introductory creativity classes at colleges worldwide. His fiction has been... Read More →


Wednesday June 26, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
 
Thursday, June 27
 

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 1: Foundations of Creative Problem Solving
If you are new to CPSI, Foundations of Creative Problem Solving is your fast track to a deliberate creativity process for solving problems and capitalizing on opportunities. You’ll learn the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Process, the research-based gold standard of creativity methods, and be exposed to the FourSight framework, which can help you understand how you and your teammates approach challenges.

In an incredibly engaging format, your team of experienced facilitators will use hands-on activities, real-world examples, and a variety of divergent and convergent thinking tools to give you the skills you need to advance your personal and professional goals.

Foundations of Creative Problem Solving is the first of four skills-building courses in Creative Problem Solving. After completing all four CPS courses, you will deepen your ability to facilitate and train others in the CPS process, while also becoming eligible to be considered to lead CPS programs at future CPSIs!

In this course, you will:
• Recognize and overcome blocks to creativity.
• Identify attitudes and behaviors conducive to creative thinking.
• Apply core concepts of creative thinking.
• Use a variety of divergent and convergent thinking tools.
• Apply the CPS method to many simulated or real situations.
• Consciously be creative when facing problems and opportunities.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference in order to complete this program.




Presenters
avatar for Jonathan Bannister

Jonathan Bannister

Founder, Make Happy
avatar for David Lunken

David Lunken

Principal, Cedarcroft Advisors
CPSI frequenter, Core Faculty, Talent Optimizer, Problem solver, Collaborator, Husband, father of 3 girls, triathlete, gardener, baker of sourdough before Covid
avatar for Shay Butler

Shay Butler

Programme Manager, Tangent Innovation, Trinity College Dublin
I am winging my way over to CPSI all the way from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. I spend my time there managing and facilitating workshops in Design Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, and more. Keen to get creativity out in the open to play! Desperate to help un-shackle people... Read More →


Thursday June 27, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: CPS Foundations at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.

Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools is a natural stepping stone if you have previously taken Level 1: Foundations of CPS. This fast-paced course allows beginner to intermediate facilitators to go deeper into the CPS process, adding more facilitation tools to your repertoire.

You will gain a clear understanding of which tools to use at each stage of the CPS process, as well as how to modify them to fit your session objectives or add a bit of creative flair. You will have time to practice tools to gain real mastery of them. You will also learn a variety of energizers and fun grouping games to keep your sessions engaging and interactive. Learn through small- and large-group work, including round-robin sharing and show-and-tell exercises.

In this course, you will:

• Explore a variety of divergent and convergent tools for individual and group problem solving.
• Learn how and where to apply different tools within the CPS process.
• Practice facilitating tools.
• Discover how to use tools when you or your team are unable to progress or working in areas of low preference.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference to complete this program and qualify for the credential assessment for CPS Level 2.


Presenters
avatar for Ardjan Robbe Groskamp

Ardjan Robbe Groskamp

Ardjan Robbe Groskamp is a passionate practitioner of creative thinking and doing based in the Netherlands. Creativity is and has always been his driving force. Ardjan has an educational background in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, neuro linguistic programming and copywriting... Read More →
avatar for Melissa Rheaume

Melissa Rheaume

Melissa Rhéaume is a passionate advocate of creativity and innovation, whose academic and professional journey has been shaped by an incessant exploration of the possibilities offered by creative thinking. She has a Certificate in Creativity and Innovation from the University of... Read More →


Thursday June 27, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 3: Creative Problem Solving Facilitation Techniques
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: Foundations of CPS and Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 or 2 at CPSI/FLCC but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process and have experience with CPS tools, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.

Level 3: Facilitating CPS
Facilitation skills are central to the effective use of CPS, whether in formal meetings or informal brainstorming sessions. This course is designed for those who already know the CPS process in theory and are ready to put it into action as a facilitator. This course uses peer-group practices to prepare participants for working with actual clients. Characteristics of successful facilitation will be identified and practiced, and you will develop an awareness of your own strengths and areas for development. In this course, you will:

•Review and internalize the CPS process through the lens of the facilitator.
•Experience CPS from several points of view – as a facilitator, as the problem-owner, and as part of the resource group.
•Understand how to facilitate each step of the CPS process.
•Receive general facilitation tips that enhance any meeting.
•Receive individual and group feedback on facilitation skills.
•Explore and develop your facilitation style.


Presenters
avatar for Thom Gonyeau

Thom Gonyeau

Co-owner, Mountain View Group, LTD.
Thom Gonyeau is a co-owner of Mountain View Group, a creative communications agency, and media production company, where he has worked for more than 35 years.Thom began his career as a producer and has held many positions at Mountain View from business development to Chief Operating... Read More →


Thursday June 27, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

CPS Level 4: Training Creative Problem Solving
*PREREQUISITE: Level 1: Foundations of CPS at previous CPSI or FLCC. If you did not take Level 1 at CPSI or FLCC but have a solid understanding of the Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process, you must connect with CPSI Program Staff before being enrolled.
PREFERRED: Completion of Level 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools and Level 3: Facilitating CPS. Registrants should have a solid understanding of CPS tools and facilitation skills.

This program is designed to provide the framework and practice to help you train individuals and groups to use the Creative Problem Solving Process.

You will have the opportunity to train others in CPS, while receiving feedback and coaching from your peers and experienced facilitators. Come prepared to work hard and have fun. Please note: Pre-work and on-site preparation will be required in order to “teach back” the course.

In this course, you will:
• Explain each step of the CPS process.
• Explain the supporting principles of the CPS process.
• Apply adult learning and thinking styles for effective instruction.
• Demonstrate the skills needed to teach the CPS process, principles and tools, including effective presentation.
• Conduct CPS training sessions.

NOTE: You must attend your Core CPS Course all four mornings of the conference in order to complete this program.

Presenters
avatar for Suzanne Chamberlain Bergman

Suzanne Chamberlain Bergman

Senior Director, University at Buffalo
avatar for Joette Field

Joette Field

Adjunct Professor Daemen College, Daemen College
Joette Field's passion for creativity and educational emergence lies deep. As a part of Dr. Sidney J. Parnes’ Research Study, and as a pioneer for developing the Masters of Science in Creative Studies at Buffalo State, she continues to research and facilitate the multi-faceted discipline... Read More →


Thursday June 27, 2024 8:30am - 12:00pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Bring Focus to Your Life
In this immersion experience, participants will be led through an engaging and holistic process (The REALIFE Process®) that will help them get clear about their “being” so that you can focus your “doing” on what matters most. Immersion elements include an assessment, short periods of lecture, personal reflection, small group/partner conversation, facilitated large group dialogue, and practical applications.

The REALIFE Process®: The REALIFE Process is a four-component framework to help you develop a unique Modern Day Rule of Life® so that you can create and live a life that feels more joyful, balanced, and purposeful. You will name what matters most to you, make progress on important projects, plan your time so that it reflects what matters most, and create a pattern of rhythms and routines that make this cycle of living sustainable. This process helps people live from a place of rest, not rush, and keep their lives focused on their unique purpose in life.

Day 1: Needs & Values; Areas of Focus, I AM statements
Day 2: Talents, Gifts, Abilities; REALIFE statement – purpose statements 
Day 3: Projects – learn process, choose and map out 3 projects 
Day 4: Time Management; Rest, Renew

Presenters
avatar for Kathy Goller

Kathy Goller

Life & Leadership Coach, Facilitator & Presenter, Teal Horizon Coaching
I was first introduced to CPS as a high school student, and it impacted the way I saw challenges, the way I thought about solutions, and the way I led others through challenges. I was re-introduced to CPS at CPSI 2020 and 2021, and deepened my understanding through the Foundations... Read More →


Thursday June 27, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Broaden your Focus with Polarity Thinking
What if issues exist that are inherently “unsolvable,” regardless of our best attempts to solve them? Polarity Thinking™ asserts that paradoxical issues not only exist but also present exciting opportunities for creativity, sustainable solutions, and being more effective in complex situations. Polarity Thinking is a proven way to use the energy of a universal phenomenon in human experience. You’ll learn to distinguish between either-or problem solving and both-and thinking.

You’ll explore how to leverage dynamic tensions such as head and heart, analysis and action, team and individual, and – of course – diverge and converge. Through discussion, activities, and Polarity Mapping, you’ll identify interdependent factors that are constants and indestructible, and learn a deliberate process to leverage them. Facilitators will integrate polarity theory based on the work of Barry Johnson and the work of other authors with recent books on paradox or polarities. You’ll find that polarity thinking has a wide range of applications, e.g., organizational planning, coaching, customer insights, conflict management, team performance, and individual development. You’ll be able to apply your insights to personal and professional situations as you choose.

Presenters
avatar for Lindsay Burr

Lindsay Burr

CEO, Yarbrough Group
An engaging facilitator and Polarity ThinkingTM Master Trainer, Lindsay brings a depth of knowledge and a global perspective that supports seeing the known in a new way. Lindsay will unpack the key concepts of Polarity Thinking and change how you think about leadership and followership... Read More →
avatar for Liz Monroe-Cook, Ph.D.

Liz Monroe-Cook, Ph.D.

Owner, Monroe-Cook & Associates
CEF board past chair Liz Monroe-Cook has been attending and leading at CPSI since 1991. She is a consulting psychologist who began her work as a clinician but transferred to organizational applications through a qualitative research position at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles. She... Read More →


Thursday June 27, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Creative Connections
This Immersion will be four experiences in one! Each day will focus on a different topic, yet they’re all connected by developing the creative person, the creative process, the creative culture, and a creative product. Creativity thrives with a multidimensional approach. This Immersion experience will explore various facets leading to enhanced creativity.

How might you improve your facilitation or training experiences, and better engage your audience? How might you better navigate or lead change through positive, creative mindsets and processes? How might you foster deeper understanding of individuals on your team or in your audience in order to enhance collaboration? How might you create and sustain an environment that supports and encourages creative thinking and action? Explore and experience ALL of these areas and make your own Creative Connections!

Topics will include:
  • Positive Culture, Positive Teams
  • A Deeper Look at Complexity and Change
  • Positive Creativity: Combining Appreciative Inquiry and the Science of Creativity for Change Management
  • Workshop Design

Presenters
avatar for Michael Ackerbauer

Michael Ackerbauer

Business Transformation Consultant, IBM
see bio here: https://twitter.com/RobertDowneyJr
avatar for Jessica Andrews-Wilson

Jessica Andrews-Wilson

Executive Director, GUIDE, Inc.
I am in love with all things CEF after my introduction to this work/CPS in 2021 thanks to Beth Miller. I have been using CPS techniques for ages without knowing it but now I have a framework and some terminology to go along with it! I have been facilitating with both youth and adults... Read More →
avatar for Douglas Ferguson

Douglas Ferguson

President, Voltage Control
Douglas Ferguson is an entrepreneur, educator, and human-centered technologist. He is the founder and president of Voltage Control, a facilitation academy that develops leaders through certifications, workshops, and organizational coaching focused on facilitation mastery, innovation... Read More →
avatar for Terry Fulcher, BS, MS

Terry Fulcher, BS, MS

Lead Consultant, Resource-Ful One Consulting
Terry is an experienced healthcare leader, executive coach & team facilitator. Terry utilizes Appreciative Inquiry and Creativity based research as the basis for Strategic Planning work. Terry has provided executive coaching and organizational development experiences to healthcare... Read More →
avatar for Kim Marie McKernan, MBA, MS

Kim Marie McKernan, MBA, MS

Founder, Inspired Outcomes Now LLC
Kim is an international marketing leader, facilitator, and presenter. She left a career as a marketing executive at a 3 billion company to found her business, Inspired Outcomes Now, to help organizations be more positive, creative, and strategic. Over 125 organizations and individuals have leveraged her A Nu Way™ Branding and Co-Creating the Future processes to stand apart and design their desired future. With an MBA from SUNY at Buffalo, an MS in Creative... Read More →
avatar for Erik Skogsberg

Erik Skogsberg

VP of Learning Experience, Voltage Control
Erik believes that a deep empathy and caring rooted in human-centered design, systems thinking, and futures thinking best supports partners in finding their solutions. Erik is passionate about supporting clients imagining innovative approaches to complex organizational challenges.Trained... Read More →


Thursday June 27, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Strategic Play Elements: The Playful Leader
The Nature of Innovative Leadership Certification with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methods!

Innovation thrives in a vast ecosystem that reaches far and wide, comprised of countless different elements, relationships, and resources. Resilient Leaders who know how to adapt have the ability to take a concept and apply it to transform how we live, work, and play.

The biggest skills gap for today’s leader is balancing the struggle to lead while expertly adapting against changing situations and moving targets. Now more than ever before we need people to step up and lead from their natural element where they can connect with something fundamentally connected to their sense of identity, purpose, and well-being and support others to do the same.

Most people have struggled to find their natural element, the thing that makes them the most effective. This CPS Immersion program has been developed to support everyone in their quest for greatness through the identification of their unique and distinctive talents and passions. We will build on your strengths as we uncover how and where to apply and lead with them using systematic and applied creativity during the innovation process.

“Finding your element is essential to your well-being and ultimate success, and, by implication, to the health of our organizations and effectiveness of our educational system.” -Sir Ken Robinson

Innovation leaders are not expected to have all the answers. They may be able to identify trends for the future, but It’s impossible to make accurate predictions. The way forward requires an applied process with an open mindset, not an expert option. Lego Serious Play takes a front seat in this applied innovation process where all voices are heard.

Are you ready to lead innovation and transform teams into highly effective change agents? This is your moment to shine. Join us and build your creative confidence!

Powered by Lego Serious Play, you will discover how to navigate and inspire others at each stage of the innovation process. You will be learning how to use proven frameworks with creative tools that engage and activate thinking. This is learning by doing, so be prepared to work while having serious fun. You will emerge with skills and the experience to apply what you learn. You will amplify your natural leadership abilities as you transition into a resilient and adaptable leader who excels in supporting groups to drive change.

Learning Objectives:
-Uncover your unique leadership element;
-Add LEGO® bricks to your workshops to improve engagement;
-Apply the five step processes to improve communication;
-Identify the four stages of CPS;
-Avoid conversational roundabouts as your move through the seasons of innovation;
-Put all your CPS tools and techniques to work.

Let’s get ready to PLAY!

Note: Bring your smart phone for the online assessment.

Presenters
avatar for Stephen Walling

Stephen Walling

Director of PLAY, Strategic Play Global
avatar for Jacqueline Lloyd Smith

Jacqueline Lloyd Smith

Master Trainer / Founder, Strategic Play Global
Jacqueline Lloyd Smith, MA, MBA, (ATR), (CMC), (FRSA)Jacqueline (Jacquie) is the founder of Strategic Play Group Ltd., a global training company with their head office in Whistler, Canada She is a Registered Art Therapist (ATR), and is certified in Play Therapy and Creative Problem... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Steve Ralph

Dr. Steve Ralph

Founder, EPIC Impact Society


Thursday June 27, 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Endo-Preneur: From Internal Entrepreneurship to Successful and Sustainable Businesses
Presenters
avatar for Alona Starostenko

Alona Starostenko

General Director, Grupo Proactivo Mexicano A.C
Born in Ukraine and livingin Mexico and Canada; Aliona is a deamer devoted to making people happy who loves holistic creativity, magical journeys, and community support.Aliona has more than 12 years of experience in the area of corporate social responsibility, ESG and strategic marketing... Read More →
avatar for Mau Starostenko

Mau Starostenko

Founder, Endopreneur
Mau´s mission is to awaken people's life purpose and achieve their maximum empowerment, using the innovative ENDOPRENEUR initiative that he created.With studies in Spain, Canada, Mexico and the United States, Mau has applied disruptive leadership, emotional ecology, assertive kindness... Read More →


Thursday June 27, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Harnessing ChatGPT: Focusing Creative Energies in the Digital Age
Discover how ChatGPT, an advanced AI tool, can transform your creative process. This interactive workshop explores practical strategies for using ChatGPT to focus and enhance creativity. Engage in hands-on activities demonstrating how AI assists in problem-solving and ideation, offering unique, efficient approaches to creative challenges.


Presenters
DB

Debbie Buschman

Co-Founder, Strategic Leadership Development


Thursday June 27, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Social Fitness and Creativity
Solo genius is a myth. Productive creativity is a social process. During the session, participants will do a social network mapping exercise to enhance awareness of one's social relationships and dominant or missing roles within them.

Participants will be introduced to the concepts of close and distant connections as well as seven roles that can boost the creative process in different ways. Participants will leave with a social fitness framework and an understanding of how one can be more intentional about engineering their social relationships for creativity.


Presenters
avatar for Dr. Ieva Martinaityte

Dr. Ieva Martinaityte

Founder, Creativity Lab
Dr. Ieva Martinaitytė has researhed workplace creativity and innovative behaviorfor 15 years. Her research findings have been published in leading managementjournals such as the Journal of Management, the Journal of Occupational andOrganizational Psychology, and the Journal of Organizational... Read More →


Thursday June 27, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

The 7 Secrets of Making Empathy Your Superpower
Insight heroes, assemble! In this action-packed session, we will share the 7 Secrets of Making Empathy Your Superpower. Participants will engage with a framework of proven, strategic “secrets” that will ignite more powerful creative problem solving through empathy. We will reveal the secrets, see them in action, and put our newfound powers of good to use in a hands-on activity. The mission of the session is to educate and inspire attendees to integrate empathy into every part of the creative problem-solving process—in order to unlock keener observations, undeniable insights, sharper problem definitions, and impactful solutions.


Presenters
avatar for Troy Geesaman

Troy Geesaman

SVP, Strategy, Seed Strategy
Troy Geesaman is Seed Strategy’s SVP of Strategy. He’s a connector in every sense, bringing together ideas and action; learning and context; humanity and leadership. As a proven innovator who has led the strategy and launch of several new products on both the client and agency... Read More →
avatar for Jim Berling

Jim Berling

SVP & Managing Director, Burke Institute
Passionate educator, coach, and qualitative researcher that believes emotions and data come together through targeted stories that uncover actionable insights. 


Thursday June 27, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

The Basadur Profile: Creativity and Innovation with Style
In this interactive, experiential session, discover and learn to describe your unique preferred blend of the different stages of the Basadur creative problem solving process, and also to understand the preferences of others. Through use of the original CPS style preference instrument, the Basadur Profile, learn how to more fully internalize the process and put it into everyday practice, honing your own unique approach to creativity and increasing your effectiveness in working with others.

Presenters
avatar for Tim Basadur

Tim Basadur

Lead Trainer and Facilitator, Basadur Applied Innovation
I have been facilitating and training people in CPS for 30+ years. I have been a presenter at CPSI for nearly 20 years now and when I was a wee lad I helped my father, Min Basadur, with his CPSI presentations.


Thursday June 27, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Visioning through Abundance: Combining Creative Problem Solving and Appreciative Inquiry tools to celebrate and build an abundance based personal vision
Exploring the synergy between Appreciative Inquiry and CPS, this session invites participants to infuse these tools and techniques into a personal visioning process. Participants will be invited to participate in group activities utilizing tools and techniques from both models, and to celebrate and build an abundance based personal vision.


Presenters
avatar for Annemarie Boss

Annemarie Boss

Facilitator, UMBN
Annemarie honed her craft facilitating workshops at The Dalí Museum’s Innovation Labs in St. Petersburg, FL, where she helped clients view their business challenges through the works of Salvador Dalí. From there, she began working with all kinds of minds and missions. Since 2018... Read More →


Thursday June 27, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

5:00pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

CPSI Conference Closing
Thursday June 27, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
Dining Addition
 
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