Chicago OD Practitioners Network
Topic: Navigating Polarities: Application & Practice
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Time: 7:45-8:00 AM, CDT - networking
8:00-9:30 AM, CDT - program
Register: Send an email to CODPNetwork@gmail.com by May 26,2026 (free program). You will receive a Zoom link the week of the program.
Program Description:
This interactive session gives OD practitioners and leadership coaches a chance to deepen their ability to spot and navigate polarities through real‑world practice. After a brief refresher to ground everyone in the essentials, participants will work through two case studies that illustrate how polarities show up in leadership, team dynamics, and organizational culture. The emphasis is on practical application, seeing the patterns, naming what’s happening, and using simple tools to help leaders move from either/or reactions to more effective both/and solutions.
Designed to be energizing and immediately useful, the session equips participants with two versions of a polarity‑navigation tool they can apply directly with clients and teams. Attendees will leave with a stronger appreciation for the value of navigating polarities in complex environments, along with clear next steps and resources for continuing to build mastery in this essential OD and leadership capability.
Presenter: Jane Shlaes, President of Mindell Leadership, a leadership coaching and consulting organization, is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with over 30 years of experience in all facets of talent development.
Program Format:
Initial presentation, with large group & small group interactive discussions blended in. Informal Zoom atmosphere. We ask that all participants keep their camera on during the entire program, to promote good involvement and interaction.
To register, send an email to CODPNetwork@gmail.com by May 26,2026 (free program). You will receive a Zoom link the week of the program.
You are Invited to Participate
in an ATD Multi-Chapter Special Event
May 29th 11:00 - 12:30 (CST) Hosted by ATD Central Indiana, join ATD Midwest chapter members from Chicago, Central Indiana, Cincinnati, and Wisconsin. As a talent development leader, you appreciate the value of well designed and engaging learning experiences. But what if the bigger opportunity is not adding more engagement inside the workshop, but designing engagement across the entire talent development value chain? In this 90-minute virtual PopUpThinkTank, we’ll explore a timely shift: from engagement as an instructional technique to engagement as a strategic value-creation practice. Together with Talent Development leaders from the Midwest Regional ATD community, we’ll examine how engagement can happen before, during, between, and after formal learning, with business leaders, managers, employees, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders. Our shared challenge: How might we move engagement beyond the learning event and use it to create value cross the full talent development roadmap? May 29th 11:00 am - 12:30 pm (CST) What is a PopUpThinkTank Event? This is not a webinar, panel, demo, or pitch. It is a facilitated, peer-to-peer working session around one shared question. There is no pressure to speak in front of the full group; the format is designed so people can contribute in ways that feel thoughtful, useful, and human. Participants will leave with meaningful connections, fresh visibility into how collective insight emerges, and the chance to contribute to something usable, a shared view of how engagement can become a more strategic practice for Talent Development. The missed opportunity may not be that our workshops need more engagement. The missed opportunity may be that our talent development process does. Join us to be seen, heard, and valued as we create something meaningful and practical together! REGISTER HERE Please Note: You will be directed to a dedicated PopUpThinkTank registration page hosted in partnership with ATD-CIC. There is no cost to participate, and guests are welcome. Because this is a virtual event, Zoom access information will be included in your confirmation email after registration. Facilitated By: Pete van Overwalle on behalf of ATD-CIC and PopUpThinkTank
May 29th 11:00 - 12:30 (CST)
Hosted by ATD Central Indiana, join ATD Midwest chapter members from Chicago, Central Indiana, Cincinnati, and Wisconsin.
As a talent development leader, you appreciate the value of well designed and engaging learning experiences. But what if the bigger opportunity is not adding more engagement inside the workshop, but designing engagement across the entire talent development value chain?
In this 90-minute virtual PopUpThinkTank, we’ll explore a timely shift: from engagement as an instructional technique to engagement as a strategic value-creation practice.
Together with Talent Development leaders from the Midwest Regional ATD community, we’ll examine how engagement can happen before, during, between, and after formal learning, with business leaders, managers, employees, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
Our shared challenge: How might we move engagement beyond the learning event and use it to create value cross the full talent development roadmap?
May 29th 11:00 am - 12:30 pm (CST)
What is a PopUpThinkTank Event?
This is not a webinar, panel, demo, or pitch. It is a facilitated, peer-to-peer working session around one shared question. There is no pressure to speak in front of the full group; the format is designed so people can contribute in ways that feel thoughtful, useful, and human.
Participants will leave with meaningful connections, fresh visibility into how collective insight emerges, and the chance to contribute to something usable, a shared view of how engagement can become a more strategic practice for Talent Development.
The missed opportunity may not be that our workshops need more engagement. The missed opportunity may be that our talent development process does.
Join us to be seen, heard, and valued as we create something meaningful and practical together!
REGISTER HERE
Please Note: You will be directed to a dedicated PopUpThinkTank registration page hosted in partnership with ATD-CIC.
There is no cost to participate, and guests are welcome.
Because this is a virtual event, Zoom access information will be included in your confirmation email after registration.
Facilitated By:
Pete van Overwalle
on behalf of ATD-CIC and PopUpThinkTank
Hosted by:
P.O. Box 6206 Fishers, IN 46038
Join ATD Chicagoland for a one-hour Ask Me Anything with JD Dillon. This session will spotlight what is shaping the world of talent development today, from leadership development and workforce strategy to emerging trends and innovation.
Then, the conversation opens to you. Bring your questions, challenges, and curiosities for an honest, unscripted discussion with a leader who is actively doing the work.
About JD Dillon JD Dillon began his career on the frontline, leading teams in theme parks, movie theaters, and contact centers. Those early experiences shaped his understanding of how people learn, perform, and succeed in fast-paced business environments.
Over the past 25 years, JD has become a leading voice in frontline enablement. He has held operations and talent development roles with global organizations including Disney, AMC, Kaplan, and Axonify, helping shape technology, content, and services used by millions of frontline workers around the world.
Today, JD advises organizations on frontline performance strategy, ecosystem architecture, and AI-enabled solutions that help people do their best work every day. He is a popular keynote speaker, prolific creator, and author of The Modern Learning Ecosystem and The Frontline Enablement Playbook.
JD lives in Orlando, Florida, and is an avid Philadelphia Flyers fan. Learn more about his work at LearnGeek.co.
Join fellow talent development professionals on Friday mornings for relaxed, no-pressure virtual conversation. Coffee & Connections is not a webinar or a formal networking event. It is a welcoming space to connect with peers, talk through real challenges, exchange ideas, and start the day with community.
Bring your mug, your curiosity, and whatever is top of mind. We will share stories, spark new ideas, and enjoy a few laughs as we wrap up the week together.
Register now to save your spot for this Friday morning virtual coffee chat.
