Discover the transformative power of validation in the workplace. In this interactive session, participants will explore what it truly means to validate others—and themselves—through seven essential behaviors: seeing, hearing, acknowledging, welcoming, honoring, understanding, and supporting. Learn how validation affirms another persons right to their experience, feelings, and perspective without requiring agreement, creating space for authentic connection and collaboration. Through guided reflection and breakthrough discussions, participants will examine real experiences of feeling validated during challenging work relationships and uncover the profound impact validation has on trust, performance, and organizational culture. Walk away with practical strategies to create environments where everyone has permission to show up authentically, fostering stronger relationships and more effective teams. This session is ideal for leaders, teams, and anyone committed to building more inclusive and psychologically safe workplaces.

Gloria (Glo) Cotton is an organizational development consultant, keynote speaker, and facilitator who helps people fall in love with themselves so they can be and do their best. With over 30 years partnering with corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations, she brings what clients call & quote 'grandmother' energy meets boardroom excellence, bold, warm, practical, and unapologetically real. Gloria creates interactive learning experiences where C-suite leaders, teams, and professionals in transition discover their treasure instead of hunting for problems, navigating challenges with straight talk, respectful curiosity, and surprising joy. Her work begins with affirming the inherent value of human beings and ends with practical, SMART goals that stick. Whether facilitating truth-telling conversations about bias, building high-performance teams across diverse geographies, or helping leaders be authentic in a world of fakery, Gloria distinguishes between humanity (what we do) and humanness (who we are)—celebrating the second to secure excellence in the first. A published author, vocal performing artist, and community leader with a B.S. in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, she promises transformation, measurable results, and if you would like—there is always a hug in your future, if you want one.

We invite leaders from all backgrounds to come prepared to challenge assumptions, ask tough questions, and leave with actionable insights to shape a more inclusive future. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, reflect, and expand your leadership practice. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ each Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.