UCCS McConkie Leadership Conference 2023

The College of Public Service at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) announced that renowned leadership coach and bestselling author Dr. Jackie Freiberg will be the featured keynote speaker at the 2023 McConkie Leadership Conference, hosted by the College’s Public Safety Initiative on Thurs., April 27 at 8:30 a.m.

The theme of Freiberg’s presentation is “Leading for Retention,” designed to help employers develop strategies for creating an engaging workplace to keep their best employees during the ongoing tight labor market. According to recent research by the UCCS Economic Forum, the Colorado Springs area currently has roughly four job openings for every unemployed person, making recruiting and retention critical for every business.

“What’s great about so many local leaders coming together for this event is that we’ll show how you don’t have to look far to find best practices—companies can tap into the talent and brain trusts in their own communities to solve these problems,” Freiberg said. “We’ll also explore how retention is everyone’s responsibility across an organization, it’s not just an HR issue. Each employee has a role to play in creating a workplace where people are proud to work there, empowered in their roles, and enabled with opportunities for growth.”

Ranked as one of the “Top 30 Best Minds on Leadership,” Freiberg is one of the most sought-after business speakers in the nation. Her seminars and workshops give people the courage, reassurance, and direction they need to adapt to changing conditions and rise strong together as they face uncertainty and disruption. Freiberg is also a bestselling author and entrepreneur. Her books include “NUTS!” a biography of Southwest Airlines’ founder Herb Kelleher, and “Bochy Ball!” featuring the leadership insights of World Champion baseball manager Bruce Bochy.

Additional topics to be covered also include networking, how to reset and avoid burnout, developing the best in yourself and enabling others to do their best, and more.

The event goes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 13071 Bass Pro Drive in Colorado Springs, with check-in opening at 8 a.m. The event is open to the public and attendees can register online here. Registration for the event is $185 and includes a light breakfast and lunch.

About the UCCS College of Public Service

The mission of the UCCS College of Public Service is to improve the quality of life for people and their communities, here and abroad, through collaborative governance, public service innovation, community engagement, and research.

Established in 2017, the College’s Public Safety Initiative has forged forward with the mission of providing evidence-based academic quality training and non-academic credit educational services to law enforcement and public safety agencies.