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#USATODAYTWP

HI, I'M JASON.

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A dynamic keynote speaker, Jason Lauritsen is a true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement who is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we lead with RelationshipTM. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership.


Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity. His thought leadership has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Talent Management magazine, HR Executive magazine, and SHRM publication.

Keynote Description - Tuesday, March 18 - 8:30 am

Performance is Cultivated, not Managed

Let’s be honest – our performance management practices aren’t working. In fact, they’ve been failing to deliver results for a long time (if they ever did in the first place). Like many other traditional workplace practices we’ve been scrutinizing and redesigning, traditional performance management overlooks an important truth about human beings: performance and growth are our default setting.

 

Performance is human nature. It doesn’t need to be managed; it needs to be cultivated. So how do we do this? By learning to have wildly effective check-in conversation. When we have the conversations that matter, performance improves naturally.

 

What you will learn:

  • How to replace outdated, production-minded management practices with a more modern and effective approach called cultivation.

  • A four-step check-in process you can use to cultivate employee performance, growth, and retention.

  • Structured clarity check-in template you can use to cultivate and accelerate employee performance.

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Getting to the top is one thing. Staying on top is another. 

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Being a Top Workplace that employees love requires you to continually strive to make things better. As the conference ends, we will explore what we’ve learned during our time together. We’ll identify those insights that will help you remain a Top Workplace in the future. 

Building on Excellence or Staying at the Top

Keynote Description - Wednesday, March 19 - 3:15 pm

Top Workplaces USA 2026 National Conference Cancellation Policy

All Conference Passes are contingent upon your organization receiving the USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2026 Award. If your organization does not receive the award, your Conference Registration will be canceled without penalty.

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​All cancellation request must be submitted in writing via email to justin.libak@usatoday.com.

 

Confirmed registrants may cancel and receive a full refund minus a $150 cancellation fee for general attendees through February 27, 2026. Cancellation request received from February 28, 2026 through March 20, 2026 are nonrefundable but can be transferred to another member within your organization. Cancellations on or after March 21, 2026 are nonrefundable and transfers are not permitted.    

 

Attendees who do not attend the event and/or do not contact USA TODAY/Gannett via written correspondence by the dates above will be responsible for the full attendee registration fee. If the conference is cancelled, USA TODAY/Gannett is not responsible for any penalty incurred by purchasing a nonrefundable airline ticket or related costs.  


Notice of Filming statement: 

By entering this event and by your presence here, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. Your entry constitutes your consent to such photography, filming and/or recording and to any use, in any and all media throughout the universe in perpetuity, of your appearance, voice and name for any purpose whatsoever in connection with USA TODAY National Top Workplaces Awards Summit.  You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent given by you by entering this area. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter this area. Holder releases and waives each of Gannett Co., Inc., USA TODAY Network, the facility, vendors and participants, and their respective affiliates and representatives from any and all loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by Holder or damage to any of his/her property, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, or otherwise, while attending and/or participating in the Event, or while in, on or upon the premises where the Event is being conducted. HOLDER VOLUNTARILY ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY RISKS OF LOSS, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, that may be sustained by Holder, or any loss or damage of property owned by Holder, as a result of participating in the Event, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE.

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*Policy subject to change

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