Jeff Salz will be the keynote speaker on Tuesday, Oct. 9 (8:45 - 9:45 a.m./08.45 - 09.45) at IMEX America, and he will talk about lessons that have been adopted by some of today's most successful teams and organizations.

We contacted Salz to learn more about his presentation and why you should attend it. 

One+: How do organizations and leaders overcome the fear of change and the unknown?
Jeff Salz: The recognition and acceptance of change as an inevitability in both life and work is the core of every change management program. But what makes an organization (or leader) truly successful is the intentional cultivation of an attitude of adventure.

To twist Jack Welch's words inside out: if the pace of change inside an organization exceeds the pace of change outside… you win. This is the true meaning of "creating a culture of adventure."

One+: What are the key takeaways for attendees of your presentation?
JS: Attendees will be introduced to the Six Steps of Adventure. While once the exclusive domain of explorers and expedition guides, today all of us need the leadership skills required to navigate uncharted waters and successfully traverse vast stretches of un-mapped "terra incognita." The Six Steps—if understood and applied—are the tool kit for certain success in these troubled and uncertain times.

One+: What makes an organization’s culture authentic?
JS: When I speak of an authentic culture, I am referring to an optimally effective work environment in which individuals collaborate around their highest vision and most aspirational selves maximizing empathy and thus minimizing entropy. Authentic organizations are by definition nimble, innovative and enthusiastic. Politics and infighting are minimal while collaboration and genuine affection are the norm. I have experienced this kind of community exist at times in such organizations as Microsoft, Google, Disney, Wal-Mart and eBay and seen how it cannot help but lead to creativity and organizational vitality. The key is to create a culture align around the principle of the Highest Common Denominator™. The challenge is how to maintain it!

Curious to know more? Check out his recent webinar, The Adventure of Change.

Jeff Salz' general session is sponsored by the Philadelphia CVB.