Register to watch the recorded Roundtables

As part of their final project, the Water Leadership Institute (WLI) 2021 cohort has developed a YouTube series focusing on different aspects of Change Leadership in the water sector where each group focused on a single area of excellence.  Created in TED-Talk style, each group created two videos expanding on each of the nine topics below.  All eighteen videos have been released and are linked below.

Join the groups during the roundtable discussions to delve into the topics further.  Submit your question in advance, so the panel is ready to answer your questions.

Roundtable 1 Covers Workforce Development:

  • What to Do When You Can’t Keep Doing It “That Way” 
  • Reimagining and Innovating the Water Industry Workforce 
  • Determining the Right Amount of Innovation Within the Workforce and Workplace 

Roundtable 2 covers Data and Digital Communication:

  • Finding the Signal Within the Noise: Leveraging Data to Improve Outcomes 
  • Next Generation Data Driven Decision-Making
  • Best Practices and Collaboration Platforms for Communication and Networking (Digital Tools) 

Roundtable 3 covers Human Resources:

  • Maintaining Staff Engagement and Motivation in Times of Change 
  • Overcoming the Aging Workforce- Recruiting and Retaining the Next Generation of Water Professionals 
  • Operational Risk and Resiliency 

Learn More about the series in this blog post. This series was developed as part of the final project for the Water Leadership Institute (WLI) 2021 and will take place throughout September and November 2021. The WLI 2021 consists of 54 participants from around the US, Canada, and New Zealand.  

Watch the Videos Below

Roundtable 1
Workforce Development
Register to watch the recording
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET (UTC-4)
Mem: $10 | Non-Mem: $25
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Roundtable 2
Data and Digital Communication
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1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET (UTC-4)
Mem: $10 | Non-Mem: $25
Learn More and Register

Roundtable 3
Human Resources
Register to watch the recording
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET (UTC-4)
Mem: $10 | Non-Mem: $25
Learn More and Register

What to Do When You Can’t Keep Doing It “That Way”

Creating a Healthy Workplace in a Changing World

Join us in a discussion of three strategies to creating a healthy workplace, namely work-life balance, diversity, and mental health. 

Part 2: Building and Maintaining Employee Trust in a Changing Environment

The team discusses three strategies leaders can use to build employee trust:  showing you care, honesty & transparency through authentic leadership, and loyalty to our employees.

 

Watch the recording from Roundtable 1: Workforce Development


Videos Developed by:
Aimee Bajoie, Texas Meter Device; Brian Persing, WSSC Water; Brittany Park, Leeway Engineering Solutions LLC; Jamie Kreller, Town of Suffield WPCA; Sarah Cook, The Thrasher Group; Steven Jarvis, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

Reimagining and Innovating the Water Industry Workforce

"Reimagining the Water Workforce" - Energizing the global water-industry by changing our customer perceptions and reinforcing the importance of relationships.

 

This video dives into the state of the current water industry and discusses the importance of water and how we are connected to it. Through this connection we introduce the concept of stewardship and how tapping into our passions through outreach programs and mentorship we all have the ability to radically transform our workforce for the better. 

Part 2: "Getting Comfortable with Change" - Forming a dynamic workforce which embraces change, embodies collaboration, and encourages knowledge transfer.

The team discusses the type of changes our current workforce is encountering. This presentation will discuss through engagement, delegation and mentorship we are able to future-proof our workplace which is able to embrace change and is collabrative.

Watch the recording from Roundtable 1: Workforce Development


Videos Developed by:
Laurin Benson, SUEZ; Kayson Smith-Bejgrowiz, Carollo Engineers; Jonathan Sandhu, Gulf Coast Authority; Jeremey Stachowski, City of Redmond; Jeremy Carnahan, Pierce County Planning and Public Works; and David Grace, Beca Limited

Determining the Right Amount of Innovation Within the Workforce and Workplace

A Goldilocks State of Mind: Identifying Too Little and Too Much Innovation

Join Leah and Kristin as they walk you through some failures their facilities have experienced trying to innovate. And how their knowledge, and experiences can help you identify if you are about to make a bed that is too stiff or too soft for your people.

 

Part 2: Determining the Right Amount of Innovation Within the Workforce and Workplace

The right amount of innovation… Wouldn’t you like to know what that perfect pace is? Adam and Suzy can help! When have we, and others, gotten it right? How does it look and feel? Check this out, our second video, to find out more!

Watch the recording from Roundtable 1: Workforce Development

Videos Developed by: Andrew C. Denger, City of Gresham; Adam Feffer, San Jose Water; Leah Hall, City of Rapid City Water Reclamation Division; Suzanne Lindblom, Mobile Area Water And Sewer System; Kristin O’Neill, Stantec Consulting Services; and Ar’Manni Pretlow, DC Water

Finding the Signal Within the Noise: Leveraging Data to Improve Outcomes

Finding the Signal Within the Noise: Leveraging Data to Improve Outcomes

There is a world of new data sources and updates to traditional data that we as water professionals need to leverage to help determine priorities and get more equitable results. In this first video, we focus on wastewater surveillance data to improve outcomes in the COVID-19 crisis. 

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Explore all types of data
  • Weigh it properly, understand drivers
  • Apply correctly to promote equitable outcomes and provide needed improvements across communities
  • Inspire change leadership for water leaders

 

Part 2: Finding the Signal Within the Noise: Leveraging Data to Improve Outcomes

The team introduces specific new data types that are being used in water management decision making and explores two case studies that show how these data are being worked with.

 

Join Roundtable 2: Data and Digital Communication on Nov. 8 or watch the recording after.

Videos Developed by: Wes Cardwell, Garver; Joanne So Young Dill, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD); Frank Dubasik, GHD; Adam Eaton, Houston Public Works; Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman, University of Maryland; Laurie Perkins, Wright-Pierce Mentor: Aaron Rivard, GCDCWWS

Next Generation Data Driven Decision-Making 

Using Advanced Technology to Make Data Driven Decisions: Workforce Development and Predictive Planning

Explore how advanced technology provides management teams with vital insight and tools to make data-driven decisions for improving resource efficiency, both in workforce development and predictive planning.  

Part 2: Using Advanced Technology to Make Data Driven Decisions: Effectively Sharing Data with Your Users

The feedback loop between decision makers, the public, and external stakeholders can be challenging, but it’s critical to deliver clear, understandable, and meaningful communication. Explore how to translate what we know and the data we have into useful tools for consensus-driven decision making and create transparency with the public.

 

Join Roundtable 2: Data and Digital Communication on Nov. 8 or watch the recording after.

Videos Developed by: Emily Cole-Prescott, City of Saco, Maine; Hannah Frels, Plummer Associates, Inc.; Andrew Hollis, Slater Infrastructure Group; Lori Jordan, Water Environment Federation; Heather Tugaoen, Stantec; Charles Wright, Jr., Hampton Roads Sanitation District

Best Practices and Collaboration Platforms for Communication and Networking (Digital Tools)

Connecting the One Water Community; Utilization of Digital Communication Tools

Have you reflected on the rapid implementation of virtual work environments or considered its impact on your teams, organizations, and the environment? In this video, we discuss online resources and tools, and how to choose the right digital platform for your message or objective.

Check out our video for tips and tricks to set your team up for success in today’s digital world! 

Part 2: Connecting the One Water Community: Bringing People Together & Empowering Water Professionals

In this video, we ‘talk about’ enhancing participation and collaboration in a remote/virtual environment. Let’s come together and normalize the new normal! 

 

Join Roundtable 2: Data and Digital Communication on Nov. 8 or watch the recording after.

 

Videos Developed by: Will Schanen, Rapid Radicals Technology; Kristan VandenHeuvel, The Water Tower; Bryan Coday, Carollo Engineers; Rucha Shah, Arcadis US, Inc; Seth Luma, Hampton Roads Sanitation District; Tesha Okioga, Charlotte Water

Maintaining Staff Engagement and Motivation in Times of Change

Maintaining Staff Engagement and Motivation in Times of Change: Why Improve Engagement

A look at some of the reasons why team engagement should be important to your organization. This video examines how different demographics of the workforce have different needs to maintain engagement. 

Part 2: Maintaining Staff Engagement and Motivation in Times of Change: The Modern Tools to Engage Employees

Skype is so 2019; let’s take a look at some of the more modern tools and tactics organizations can use, and how these can improve employee engagement and motivation.

 

Join Roundtable 3: Human Resouces on Nov. 10 or watch the recording after.


Videos Developed by: Katie Peach, SUEZ WTS; Casey Mentzer, TMWRF; Faith Oviawe, Alexandria Renew Enterprises; Steven Buday, Plymouth Technology; Jane Schipma, MWRDGC; Rick Jolley, Spartanburg Water

Overcoming the Aging Workforce- Recruiting and Retaining the Next Generation of Water Professionals  

Strengthening the Workforce by Embracing Generational Diversity

Learn How Your Organization Can Recruit, Nurture, And Establish Connections Between Generations.  

Part 2: Increasing Your WOW Factor – Women of Water

Understanding the need for female talent and how gender diversity can empower your organization. 

 

Join Roundtable 3: Human Resouces on Nov. 10 or watch the recording after.


Videos Developed by: Anjali Gupta, DC Water; Jazmin Goines, WEF; Joe Carter, Lyon County Utilities; Michael Stewart, Mitchell Technical Services, Inc.; Robert Delgado, Inland Empire Utilities Agency; Spencer Parkinson, South Valley Water Reclamation Facility

Operational Risk and Resiliency

Creating Workforce Resilience to Meet Operational Goals

We believe that people are an organization’s most valuable asset. By employing a diverse workforce and ensuring they have the right resources, we can mitigate most operational risks. This video explores the ways that we can nurture, retain, and recruit talented individuals.  

Part 2: Success Stories through Challenges and Perseverance

Every day various circumstances or events threaten the operation of utilities within the water industry. Explore the resilience of several utilities as they adapted and adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity incidents, and natural disasters.

 

Join Roundtable 3: Human Resouces on Nov. 10 or watch the recording after.


Video Developed by: Joe Dvorak, City of Portland; Laura Kirkwood, HRSD; Miranda Hamrick, Burns & McDonnell; Lisa Melton, City of Goodyear; Mahmudul Hasan, George Washington University; Jana Stewart, City of Greensboro