A new fall online series offered by the is aimed at helping participants develop communication skills critical to enhancing cultural awareness, knowledge and practical skills in the increasingly diverse contemporary workplace.
explores the concepts underlying effective communications that strike deeply into the core of our very identities 鈥� customs, ethnicities and a wide range of other factors that help to explain why we behave the way we do.
The series is offered as part of , a 91吃瓜 Alumni Association initiative designed to help 91吃瓜 alumni and friends easily access free, online learning opportunities from across the University. It is co-sponsored by the , the at Mendoza, and the Keough School鈥檚 .
鈥淔rom dealing with the effects of a global pandemic to having long-overdue discussions for racial justice, the need for clear communication and understanding in professional and personal settings may never be greater than it is right now,鈥� said , executive director of the 91吃瓜 Alumni Association. "These discussions will provide the 91吃瓜 family with perspectives and insights from various industries to build their own strong workplace and community cultures."
The four-week program features two components: brief, pre-recorded video presentations by noted business communication expert , management teaching professor at the Mendoza College of Business, and live, online discussions with chief communications officers from SiriusXM, AT&T, Southwest Airlines and BioMarin.
The video segments cover 14 topic areas including understanding culture, global communication skills聽and cultural fluency. The online discussions are guided by O鈥橰ourke and Amanda G. McKendree, the Arthur F. and Mary J. O'Neil Director of the Fanning Center for Business Communication at Mendoza College of Business.
鈥淥ur notion of culture can take on a wide range of meanings,鈥� O鈥橰ourke said. 鈥淚t can refer to our possessions or surroundings, our values and beliefs, as well as our behavior.鈥� The role of culture in our organizations, our society and communities has taken on new meaning and importance. 鈥淎s a result,鈥� he added, 鈥渨e conclude that now is the moment to expand the conversation. Our aim is to share what we know, both as academics and as corporate executives, and to ask what鈥檚 on your minds.鈥�
鈥淩ecognized as a leader in business communication education and training, the Fanning Center is delighted to contribute to this series by connecting our expertise with the important work that these leaders do in creating and communicating culture,鈥� McKendree said.聽鈥淓ach guest brings a unique case study and lens for examining significant questions that are relevant to each of us and our organizations.鈥�
The discussions take place at noon on the following Fridays:
- Sept. 4: Denise Karkos, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for SiriusXM.
- Sept. 18: Chris Murphy, vice president and deputy chief communications officer for AT&T.
- Oct. 2: Linda Rutherford, senior vice president and chief communications officer for Southwest Airlines.
- Oct. 16: Debra Charlesworth, vice president and chief communications officer for BioMarin.
The videos and discussion events are free and available to the public.
Visit to register for the series and for more information.
Originally posted on .