
"Designing for Resilience: How Environments, Culture, & Relationships Shape Success"
AFTERNOON KEYNOTE (1:15-2:30pm) – Salon 1 & 2
Michael O’Bryan
Resilience has long been mislabeled as an individual personality trait, but what if it’s actually an outcome crafted by our environments and the processes within them? In this engaging keynote and group dialogue, Mike will explore how resilience emerges not just from within individuals but from the systems, cultures, and relationships that surround them. Humans are inherently social creatures; our biology and social nature are forever intertwined. Relationships form the bedrock of our humanity, and culture is the foundation upon which resilience is built. By understanding this, we can design workplace environments that not only support but actively cultivate resilience in both people and systems. Join Mike O’Bryan as he delves into strategies for creating cultures and practices that foster resilience. We’ll discuss what we might need to do differently or where to invest more to achieve these outcomes. Leveraging insights from the science of human development, performance, and design theory, we’ll chart a path toward a more resilient future for your organization. Discover how to transform your HR practices to empower your workforce, and leave with actionable ideas to shape a resilient and thriving workplace.
Michael O’Bryan is a passionate advocate for human rights and social change. He is the founder and CEO of humanature, a talent and organizational development firm with a mission of putting humanity at the heart of every organization. Michael is a dedicated practitioner and researcher in the fields of community development, organizational culture, and human well-being. His work, fueled by the intersections of developmental science and design, resonates in both the public and private sectors. Notable clients such as Neighborworks America, Campbell Soup Foundation, and The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia have benefited from his human-centered approach. At Drexel University’s Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation, he founded and runs a design lab called “”The Wealth and Work Futures Lab”” focused on the future of economic well-being for historically excluded populations. Michael is also the co-author of “”Connected Community: A Trauma Informed Community Engagement Toolkit,”” and was most recently a lecturer at The Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania, sharing insights on community engagement and design research.
Beyond his work endeavors, Michael is a sought after keynote speaker, panel moderator, and featured presenter. He has spoken at national conferences and convenings for organizations like Comcast NBCUniversal, The US Conference of Mayors, The Pew Charitable Trust, Jobs For The Future, and The National Skills Coalition. He is proud to serve on the boards of three philanthropic institutions: The Samuel S. Fels Fund, The Union Benevolent Association, and The Philadelphia Cultural Fund. In recognition of his work and service Michael was awarded the Diversity in Business Award from The Philadelphia Business Journal and the Promise Leader Award from Worldmaker International.