"Unleashing High-Performance Talent for Competitive Advantage in the 22nd Century"

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In an era defined by rapid innovation and relentless competition, talent is no longer just a resource—it’s the ultimate differentiator. This presentation, "Unleashing High-Performance Talent for Competitive Advantage in the 22nd Century," explores how organizations can elevate their talent strategies to fuel sustainable growth and outpace competitors.

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The focus will be on actionable approaches to identify, develop, and retain high-performing individuals who drive measurable results. Attendees will learn how to prioritize talent investments where they deliver the highest ROI, optimize workforce planning using data-driven insights, and create a culture that empowers adaptability and innovation.

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This session will also highlight how organizations can leverage skill-based ecosystems, agile team structures, and predictive talent analytics to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Through real-world examples and proven strategies, participants will leave equipped with the tools to align their workforce with business objectives, build resilient leadership pipelines, and unlock untapped potential within their teams.

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Whether you’re leading a global enterprise or scaling a high-growth startup, this presentation will provide the blueprint for transforming talent into your most powerful lever for competitive advantage. The future belongs to those who unleash the full potential of their workforce—starting now.

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Through this session, you'll learn how to:​​

1. Identify top performers and critical roles driving your organization's competitive edge. Invest disproportionately in their development through personalized training, leadership pipelines, and performance-based incentives.

2. Redesign your talent acquisition and retention strategy to prioritize high-performance individuals who align with key organizational objectives. Shift from reactive hiring to proactive talent mapping.

3. Build a high-performance culture by rewarding adaptability, accountability, and results-driven behaviors. Shift focus from job descriptions to skill ecosystems that empower employees to contribute beyond their roles.

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Speaker Bio:

By day, Donald Knight is a dynamic leader serving as a Venture Partner with Valor Ventures and a Fortune 500 executive overseeing People and Culture. Renowned for his proven track record of fostering a people-first culture, he previously served as Chief People Officer at Greenhouse Software, where he spearheaded global talent initiatives and championed employee development. His diverse leadership experience includes roles at Edelman, Equifax, Southern Company Gas, and the Defense Commissary Agency.

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Donald holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master's degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Richmond. A proud Virginia native, he remains actively engaged in the tech ecosystem within the Commonwealth and throughout the Southeast. Donald currently resides in the Greater Atlanta area.