Our final program of the year is about an award-winning chef facing the challenges of the food industry in the year of COVID. And while he will talk about fresh farm food, and how food connects us, his story is more about the ingenuity we all share when it comes to surviving and thriving.

Among the things we’re grateful for in 2020 are the people who have shown up in the world to help us through it. We are grateful for selfless heroes like Liz. She is CEO of Roof Above, a beloved champion for the homeless, and this year’s winner of the Community Voice Award, presented by Interact Studio.

Negotiation and conflict are places to shine--or disappoint. If either gets the best of you, you can lose influence. If you find yourself needing to stand your ground, be less competitive or more accommodating when you experience conflict. Learn a way of thinking about your style of handling conflict that will give you renewed confidence.

Do you ever find yourself in the position of needing to sell your services, but worrying about how you can remain authentic? Whether you are looking for a job, raising money for a cause, or trying to start a business, you are in sales. Unless we’re officially “in sales,” we are not always comfortable with the idea of asking for something.

Two-thirds of business leaders are uncomfortable with giving employees direct feedback on their behavior. The fear of hurting people’s feelings and dealing with potential drama and retribution holds us back. Our humanness also causes us to avoid these feelings of vulnerability. There are steps you can take to ensure a smooth delivery when giving difficult feedback.

Dr. Mark Kelso, Professor of Political Science at Queens University of Charlotte, will share his insights as we head into the presidential debates of 2020. Dr. Kelso teaches a variety of courses at Queens including Campaigns and Elections, Environmental Politics, and Congress and the Presidency. His research interests includes electoral behavior and political leadership.