News & Events

Impact Insights is extremely active in the business community and technology industry. Check here regularly for events, workshops, Webinars and more.
IN THE NEWS
POWERSHIP is noted in a Chicago SunTimes Article for supporting the outstanding group ITKAN reach their mission which is to develop professionals with disabilities into technology leaders.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Innovation, Value, Profitability, Bottom-line : Who will be the Next Game Changers?
The Renaissance CIO Executive Forum annual event. Sponsored by IMPACTinsights and Renaissance Executive Forums.  This event is for CIOs and CEOs who want to be an active part of the Game Changer landscape of the future.
Don’t get left behind your competition. The landscape of executive roles in corporations today are changing faster than ever before. Be prepared to be on top!
  • Date : October 28, 2011
  • Time : 7:30 a.m. – Noon
  • Location:
    Northern Illinois University
    1120 E. Diehl Rd.
    Naperville, IL
Featured Speakers:
  • Khalid Kark – Vice President and Research Director, Forrester,
  • Thomas Stat – Co-Founder & Executive Director, Edison Universe,
  • Ian Woodall – President, The TAO of Everest
For more information and to register, please visit: http://nextgamechanger.eventbrite.com/
Presenting for IIT Business Innovation Conference
Title : Leadership for Profitable Innovation!
DATE : October 11th, 2011
What is the role of the leader for the future?
We hear things like differentiation, business value, sustainable innovation, maximized impact and strategy execution all the time. But, if the leader of the future is going to be an effective catalyst for innovation they will need to ensure that their team is engaged in the business and not just their individual role. The responsibility of innovation opens up an entirely new need for employee development.  It leaves the leader with a number of questions on how to most effectively deal with the topic of innovation for profitable success.
What questions need to be answered? Leaders must be able to understand and articulate the direction on 3 challenging but extremely important questions; 1) What does innovation mean to our company?  2) What process should I use to track innovation? 3) How do I integrate innovation into the DNA of the culture?
In this interactive session, you will learn more about how leadership for profitable innovation is not only for executives but a role everyone must support.  Kathie Topel will cover concrete techniques you can implement immediately following the presentation to uncover your answers to the innovation questions posed.  You will also discuss how to tailor an approach for innovation that will have tangible results for every member of your team.
RECENT EVENTS :
Presenting as a Panalist for Chicago Technology Executives Club Marketing Academy
Event Focus :  Your Pipeline Growth Blueprint:  The Key Strategis You Need to Build Your Pipeline and Create a Steady Stream of Qualified Prospects that Come to You!
Panel Session V. What’s Working Now: Interviews with Pros who are Making it Happen
DATE : August 26th, 2011
Time : Full-day event
Join Senior Technology Field Marketing and Sales professionals who are constantly making it happen.  Learn what it takes to succeed in today’s marketplace.
Kathie Topel will be a panalist.

Presented for Innovation in Action – Milwaukee, WI

Title : Game Changer Innovation – Where do we start?
Date : August 25, 2011
Time : 7:30 a.m.
Innovation, Differentiation, Business Value………  Topics we hear on a daily basis in the Information Technology space.  Everyone is looking to us to continuously come up with new ideas.  We are being challenged to be the game changers for our company.  With technology shifting at a new record speed it is right to assume that we need to be the leaders.  But with that being said there are a number of questions that we need clarity on;
  • What is the definition of innovation?
  • How do we foster innovative thinking?
  • How to we make innovation a part of our culture?
  • Where do we start?
  • What direction do we take?
This session will address how to think through the answers for these questions and give guidance on options.  It will also allow input from everyone that attends regarding their firsthand experience and best practices developed.  Each participant will work together to shed light on these topics and build definition for the Information Technology community.

Presented the Keynote for Technology Executives Club IT Leaders Circle Luncheon in Chicago
Date : June 10, 2011
What makes a good CIO?  Being a change agent.  This definition has shifted in recent years from technology expert to strategic leader.  Today’s CIO needs to understand business goals and change and improve IT services to creat competitieve advantages, insire innovation and boost revenue.
Fostering change, However, isn’t easy.  resistance from employees, clashing business and department cultures and difficulties aligning IT and business goals pose major roadblocs to succes.
Author Kathie Topel will provide a framework for implementing effective change management methodologies.

Presented for EWN Executive Roundtable – Chicago / Northwestern Chapter

Presentation :  How to Motivate and Engage a Team for Peak Performance
DATE : June 10th, 2011
Time : 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Join Kathie Topel, longtime IT industry executive and visionary from IMPACT insights, as she shares the secrets to building dynamic, high-performing IT organizations. Focusing on POWERSHIP®, the proprietary business management methodology developed to rigorously align technology processes, initiatives and teams with business performance, the presentation will explore how the very best IT organizations involve every team member—from admin to senior-most executives—in business strategy and execution. At the same time, we will discuss how to advance and evolve IT contributions to ensure they are aligned with business goals such as profitability, growth, innovation, brand reach, customer retention and market position.

Presented for the CIO & IT Security Forum – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
DATE : May 22 – May 24, 2011In this interactive session, you will learn more about how leadership is not only for executives from Kathie Topel, longtime IT industry executive and visionary from SPR Companies’ Impact Insights. Topel will cover concrete techniques you can implement immediately following the presentation—approaches that have tangible application at work and life in general and demonstrate how everyone can exhibit leadership skills—not only in their daily job, but also in day-to-day life, with family, friends and in the greater community.
Presented for Booz / Allen / Hamilton
Diplomacy and International Development CIO Executive Roundtable – Washington, D.C.DATE : May 10th, 2011
TOPIC : How to Build an Award-winning IT Organization
Getting IT Organizations Where They Should Be: At the Heart of Business Mission, Vision & StrategyJoin us for lunch and learn the secrets to building dynamic, high-performing IT organizations! Focusing on POWERSHIP®, the proprietary business management methodology developed to rigorously align technology processes, initiatives and teams with business performance, the presentation will explore how the very best IT organizations involve every team member—from admin to senior-most executives—in business strategy and execution.We will also share concrete techniques for advancing and evolving IT contributions to ensure they are aligned with business goals, such as profitability, growth, innovation, brand reach, customer retention and market position.  This event is hosted by Impact Insights Vice President Kathie Topel.
Presenting for Technology Executive Network (TEN)
How to Build an Award-winning IT Organization
Getting IT Organizations Where They Should Be: At the Heart of Business Mission, Vision & StrategyJoin us for lunch and learn the secrets to building dynamic, high-performing IT organizations! Focusing on POWERSHIP®, the proprietary business management methodology developed to rigorously align technology processes, initiatives and teams with business performance, the presentation will explore how the very best IT organizations involve every team member—from admin to senior-most executives—in business strategy and execution.
We will also share concrete techniques for advancing and evolving IT contributions to ensure they are aligned with business goals, such as profitability, growth, innovation, brand reach, customer retention and market position.  This event is hosted by Impact Insights Vice President Kathie Topel.
March 10th , Rosemont - Littelfuse, Inc.  - 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Webinar : Innovation for the Enterprise

Innovation, differentiation and game changer are terms appearing in almost every business publication that you pick up.  From the front line to the top line we need to have an eye on how our daily actions drive business value through new ideas and new focus.  It is no longer acceptable simply to find out your customer needs; you have to anticipate what the needs are going to be for them based on the relationship you have.  If you are just addressing their current needs it’s likely that your competitors have already heard about those needs too.
A 3-layered approach to leading your competition
A three layered approach to enterprise services as a pyramid
To build long-lasting relationships with customers that you need to compete, everyone in the company must be on board with the mission, vision and the strategy to maximize your impact.  You need to find ways to communicate and collaborate 24 by 7.  You need to be able to get your messages heard and be able to respond instantly to customers who want to be heard.   Another key factor of innovation success is recognizing that our workforce is now global and more diverse than ever.  Diverse and global organizations are better positioned for innovation and success.
This webinar will allow you to hear from three influential leaders who have helped enterprises to implement effective accountability, communication and diversity initiatives.  Pat Maher, VP of nAblement  and award winner of numerous awards for championing diversity and inclusion,  Todd Nilson, VP of Social Syntax and creator of highly successful employment branding and communications campaigns leveraging the latest social business technologies, and Kathie Topel, VP of IMPACT insights and author of POWERSHIP®.
In this webinar you will walk away with….
  • A strong understanding of what it takes to drive innovation and differentiation … and establish yourself as a game changer in the eyes of your customers.
  • An overview of the POWERSHIP model and how you can get your organization to focus on vision accountability and achieving ROI results in 90 days.
  • An insight into the latest social media strategies and how you can foster continuous communication and collaboration personally and company-wide.
  • A look at deep diversity and how your success in this area can move your organization to an entirely new level.
  • A step-by-step guide to get you started.
Maximize your impact in innovation and sign up today!
February 24th,  = 12:00 p.m. - 1:o0 p.m. (CST)
Presenting for Technology Executive Network (TEN)
How to Build an Award-winning IT Organization
Getting IT Organizations Where They Should Be: At the Heart of Business Mission, Vision & StrategyJoin us for lunch and learn the secrets to building dynamic, high-performing IT organizations! Focusing on POWERSHIP®, the proprietary business management methodology developed to rigorously align technology processes, initiatives and teams with business performance, the presentation will explore how the very best IT organizations involve every team member—from admin to senior-most executives—in business strategy and execution.
We will also share concrete techniques for advancing and evolving IT contributions to ensure they are aligned with business goals, such as profitability, growth, innovation, brand reach, customer retention and market position.  This event is hosted by Impact Insights Vice President Kathie Topel.
February 8th , Chicago – Willis Tower – 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
How to Maximize the Impact for an Award-winning IT Implementation
The Art Behind Creating Shared Risk, Shared Gain and Shared Success:  Everyone Involved…Everyone Wins!
Webinar : Innovation for the Enterprise

Innovation, differentiation and game changer are terms appearing in almost every business publication that you pick up.  From the front line to the top line we need to have an eye on how our daily actions drive business value through new ideas and new focus.  It is no longer acceptable simply to find out your customer needs; you have to anticipate what the needs are going to be for them based on the relationship you have.  If you are just addressing their current needs it’s likely that your competitors have already heard about those needs too.
A 3-layered approach to leading your competition
A three layered approach to enterprise services as a pyramid
To build long-lasting relationships with customers that you need to compete, everyone in the company must be on board with the mission, vision and the strategy to maximize your impact.  You need to find ways to communicate and collaborate 24 by 7.  You need to be able to get your messages heard and be able to respond instantly to customers who want to be heard.   Another key factor of innovation success is recognizing that our workforce is now global and more diverse than ever.  Diverse and global organizations are better positioned for innovation and success.
This webinar will allow you to hear from three influential leaders who have helped enterprises to implement effective accountability, communication and diversity initiatives.  Pat Maher, VP of nAblement  and award winner of numerous awards for championing diversity and inclusion,  Todd Nilson, VP of Social Syntax and creator of highly successful employment branding and communications campaigns leveraging the latest social business technologies, and Kathie Topel, VP of IMPACT insights and author of POWERSHIP®.
In this webinar you will walk away with….
  • A strong understanding of what it takes to drive innovation and differentiation … and establish yourself as a game changer in the eyes of your customers.
  • An overview of the POWERSHIP model and how you can get your organization to focus on vision accountability and achieving ROI results in 90 days.
  • An insight into the latest social media strategies and how you can foster continuous communication and collaboration personally and company-wide.
  • A look at deep diversity and how your success in this area can move your organization to an entirely new level.
  • A step-by-step guide to get you started.
Maximize your impact in innovation and sign up today!
February 24th,  = 12:00 p.m. - 1:o0 p.m. (CST)
Presenting for Technology Executive Network (TEN)
How to Build an Award-winning IT Organization
Getting IT Organizations Where They Should Be: At the Heart of Business Mission, Vision & StrategyJoin us for lunch and learn the secrets to building dynamic, high-performing IT organizations! Focusing on POWERSHIP®, the proprietary business management methodology developed to rigorously align technology processes, initiatives and teams with business performance, the presentation will explore how the very best IT organizations involve every team member—from admin to senior-most executives—in business strategy and execution.
We will also share concrete techniques for advancing and evolving IT contributions to ensure they are aligned with business goals, such as profitability, growth, innovation, brand reach, customer retention and market position.  This event is hosted by Impact Insights Vice President Kathie Topel.
February 8th , Chicago – Willis Tower – 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Join Kathie Topel, longtime IT industry executive and visionary from IMPACT insights, as she shares the secrets to building dynamic, high-performing IT implementation teams. Focusing on POWERSHIP®, the proprietary business management methodology developed to rigorously align technology/business processes, initiatives and team members with the vision, strategy and metrics for implementation success.  The presentation will explore how the very best IT implementation teams involve every team member—from admin to senior-most executives—in business strategy and execution. At the same time, we will discuss how to advance and evolve IT implementation contributions to ensure they are aligned with business goals such as profitability, growth, innovation, brand reach, customer retention and market position.
In this session, you will learn…
  • The proven, nine-step POWERSHIP® process for engaging IT/Business teams, executing “the impossible” and delivering powerful business results.
  • How to make awareness and accountability core responsibilities for an entire IT implementation team.
  • The critical difference between teamwork in name and teamwork in practice.
  • The surprising amount of change IT implementation teams can manage if the adjustments are well explained and left open for plenty of discussion.
  • How to turn strong IT performance into award-winning IT performance that will get your IT implementation team noticed, inside the company and out.
This event is hosted by Impact Insights Vice President Kathie Topel.
  • December 9,  11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
i.c.stars’ 4th Annual iOpener Conference
Innovation Facilitator – Kathie Topel On August 27th, from 7:30am till noon, i.c.stars (www.icstars.org) is holding its fourth annual iOpener event. Everybody in attendance will participate in a brainstorming session around what it means to be an organization with “innovative DNA” to attract and retain employees for the future workforce.  Learn what a wide range of companies are doing that’s innovative, share what jobs are being created – jobs that didn’t exist 3 years ago – and how other companies of all sizes are recruiting staff with innovative DNA. Hear how the workforce is evolving and see how companies are training and, in some cases, re-training their employees to stay on the leading edge of their industries.  Lance Pressl of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Innovate Now will highlight key entrepreneurs who are innovators in staffing for the future and The event’s lead guide/moderator Tom Kuczmarski of the Chicago Innovation Awards will take us through our table brainstorming.
SIM WI September Meeting When: Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Where: Radisson – Mayfair directions, 2303 North Mayfair Road, Milwaukee 53226
Time:
7:30 a.m. Registration & Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Speaker, Kathie Topel, Vice President, Impact Insights
9:15 a.m. Questions & Answer
Cost: $35/Members; $45/Guests; $15/Academics/Non-profits/in-transition; $22/Academic Guest
Topic: How to Build an Award-winning IT Organization: The Art Behind Getting IT Organizations Where They Should Be. Learn more here: http://www.simnet.org/?page=WIS_Sept_Meeting. Register Join Kathie Topel, longtime IT industry executive and visionary from Impact Insights part of SPR Companies, as she shares the secrets to building dynamic, high-performing IT organizations. Focusing on POWERSHIP®, the proprietary business management methodology she developed to rigorously align technology processes, initiatives and teams with business performance, the presentation will explore how the very best IT organizations involve every team member—from admin to senior-most executives—in business strategy and execution. At the same time, Topel will discuss how to advance and evolve IT contributions to ensure they are aligned with business goals such as profitability, growth, innovation, brand reach, customer retention and market position.
In this session, you will learn…
  • The proven, nine-step POWERSHIP® process for engaging IT teams, executing “the impossible” and delivering powerful business results.
  • How to make awareness and accountability core responsibilities for an entire organization, not just the leadership team.
  • The critical difference between teamwork in name and teamwork in practice.
  • The surprising amount of change IT teams can manage if the adjustments are well explained and left open for plenty of discussion.
  • How to turn strong IT performance into award-winning IT performance that will get your technology team noticed, inside the company and out.
While half of the presentation will examine POWERSHIP® principles Topel laid out in her best selling business book of the same name, the second half will dissect two case studies of leading businesses that embraced the methodology. Session attendees will walk away with actionable ideas and see firsthand how true alignment and focus across the IT organization fuel remarkable business achievements.
ITKAN Refresh Kick Off
Innovation and the Enterprise - Fostering Our Creativity  Speaker: Kathie Topel
When: Tuesday, September 7, 4 – 6 p.m.
Details: http://www.slideshare.net/pmaher59/itkan-agenda9710?from=share_email
Presentation :  How to Motivate and Engage a Team for Peak Performance
DATE : May 20th, 2011
Time : 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Join Kathie Topel, longtime IT industry executive and visionary from IMPACT insights, as she shares the secrets to building dynamic, high-performing IT organizations. Focusing on POWERSHIP®, the proprietary business management methodology developed to rigorously align technology processes, initiatives and teams with business performance, the presentation will explore how the very best IT organizations involve every team member—from admin to senior-most executives—in business strategy and execution. At the same time, we will discuss how to advance and evolve IT contributions to ensure they are aligned with business goals such as profitability, growth, innovation, brand reach, customer retention and market position.
DATE : May 20th, 2011
DATE : May 22nd - May 24th, 2011
Join Kathie Topel, longtime IT industry executive and visionary from IMPACT insights, as she shares the secrets to building dynamic, high-performing IT organizations. Focusing on POWERSHIP®, the proprietary business management methodology developed to rigorously align technology processes, initiatives and teams with business performance, the presentation will explore how the very best IT organizations involve every team member—from admin to senior-most executives—in business strategy and execution. At the same time, we will discuss how to advance and evolve IT contributions to ensure they are aligned with business goals such as profitability, growth, innovation, brand reach, customer retention and market position.
TOPIC: Building the IT Leader: From the Backroom to the Boardroom
What is the role of the CIO and the IT organization of the future?
We hear things like differentiation, business value, sustainable innovation, maximized impact and strategy execution all the time. But, if IT leaders are going to be a true peer to their executive counterparts and assume “Game Changer” status within their company, they will need to ensure that their team is engaged in the business and not just the technology.
How does this happen? IT leaders must have awareness and knowledge centered around how they participate in the delivery of the mission, vision, strategy and brand values of the company.
Presentation :  IT Leadership Best Practices: Fostering Change Management
DATE : June 10th, 2011
Time : 11:30 – 2 p.m.
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