All Employee Conference | Human Resources | BYU-Idaho

# All Employee Conference

State of the University, Thursday, Jan. 22 at 11:30 a.m. 
All-Employee Conference, Friday, Jan. 23 at 8:30 a.m.

On Friday, January 23, 2026, BYU-Idaho and the Employee Engagement Council will sponsor the 12th Annual BYU-Idaho All Employee Conference. The conference is an opportunity for employees to further develop as disciples of Jesus Christ and employees of BYU Idaho.

The theme for this year's conference is "Faith in the Future." As President Dallin H. Oaks has taught, "We have faith in the future, and we are preparing for that future."

## State of the University Address

Thursday, January 22, 2026 
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
BYUI Center 
 
Preceding the ****12th annual All Employee Conference****, President Alvin F. Meredith III will give a State of the University Address in the BYU-Idaho Center. All employees are invited to attend.

Watch the State of the University Address

## 2026 All Employee Conference Overview

- 8:30 a.m. | Doors open for the Opening Session in the MC Ballroom to start serving a light buffet breakfast
- 9:15-10:00 a.m. | Opening Session with Keynote Speaker Sister Reyna I. Aburto, former second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency
- 10:15-11:15 a.m. | Session 1 in the Taylor Building
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Session 2 in the Taylor Building

****All classes will be available through Zoom for online employees to view and recorded for future viewing.****

Opening Session

Sister Reyna I. Aburto 
Former second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency 
9:15 to 10:00 a.m. 
MC Ballroom

Watch the Opening Session

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Previous All Employee Conference Sessions

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019

## Keynote Address and State of the University

2025 Keynote Address

Gifford and Wendy Nielsen present their keynote address during the Winter 2025 All Employee Conference at BYU-Idaho.

45:23

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2025 State of the University Address

Alvin F. Meredith kicks off the Winter 2025 All Employee Conference with his state of the university address.

47:30

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## Individual Sessions

Core and Retirement Financial Planning

DMBA Mission Statement "We want to Inspire action, to achieve lifelong financial security, empowering individuals to save, serve and bless others' lives."

1:00:25

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"Watch me; Let's work together; Try it on your own." - Leading like the Savior

Review scriptural accounts of the Lord leading and teaching His disciples. Engage in a class exercise implementing Christ's leadership model.

48:32

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Communication Connections that Cultivate Capacity

Create a culture of connection through effective communication and teaching to cultivate student engagement with course content.

58:38

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Establishing Expectations in Student Employment

Teach and demonstrate how to effectively establish and manage expectations in the workplace so managers can feel confident in approaching topics such as time fraud, poor performance and other employment-related issues. All in the effort to show that through employment we can create disciple leaders through our management and examples in the best learning center we can offer our students.

58:56

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Christ-Centered: The Family Proclamation Simplified

"Whatever questions or challenges arise, the solution is always found in the life, teachings, and Atonement of Jesus Christ." (Russell M. Nelson, "The Answer is Always Jesus Christ," April 2023) Explore how the principles of The Family: A Proclamation to the World gain new meaning and power when centered on the Savior. In this presentation, we will highlight how the Eternal Family course was reimagined by placing Christ at the core of every concept. This Christ-centered approach has brought greater peace, clarity, and simplicity to students as they navigate the complexities of modern issues surrounding the family.

2:09:15

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"We've Got (the) Spirit, How About You?!": Catching the Spirit of Following the Spirit

"Follow the Spirit." It's the answer to so many of our questions in life, including at work. And yet, people often don't feel like they're very good at it. (Sneak preview: you're doing better than you think!) This fun, interactive presentation will help you recognize ways the Spirit can bring you greater joy and direction in your work at BYU-Idaho!

1:02:32

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Making Peace with Conflict

Are you ready to make peace with conflict? Together we'll uncover fresh insights for navigating difficult conversations, challenging the status quo, and expanding our emotional toolkits. This interactive presentation aims for productive outcomes--both personally and professionally--and will help you rethink the way you approach conflict.

1:02:43

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Shepherd Leadership in Practice

Every team thrives under effective leadership and a sense of belonging. Discover key insights to elevate your leadership effectiveness in teams, workplaces, classrooms, and beyond. Learn to guide individuals with care and purpose, fostering their growth and helping them achieve their full potential by demonstrating genuine care and focusing on individualized support.

1:04:53

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Feedback: Love-Inspired Guidance

Gain a new perspective on the potential of feedback and how to elicit change so you and others are fulfilling your potential.

56:57

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Effective Public Relations: Navigating Diplomacy, Media, and Crisis Communication

A reporter calls and wants to interview you. How should you respond? Do you need permission? How should you prepare for an interview? A student posts a negative video about you on social media. How do you respond? This class will explore best practices on navigating both news media and social media to help you avoid any negative PR for yourself and the university.

59:33

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Employee Wellness and Opportunities Available

This is a combined class where Taylor Woods will talk to us about lesser-known employee benefits that help with joy and satisfaction at work and at home.
Emily Brumbaugh will talk to us about the way we define wellness and strategies to support your unique needs on campus.

54:19

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True Messengers: Discerning Truth in These Polarized and Confusing Last Days

The closer we get to the second coming of our Savior, the more difficult it will be to discern truth among the myriad of voices found in media, friends, and even our own family members. Thiscan leave us feeling as young Joseph did "the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?" This class will focus on navigating these questions with a focus on the need for an individual testimony of the Lord's true messengers.

1:00:47

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Building Relationships of Trust Within Your Team/Leadership

Discover the art of servant leadership and learn how to inspire trust, foster collaboration, and empower your team to achieve their best.

57:30

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AI in Action: Driving Efficiency and Innovation Across Campus

David Ashby and Adam Jacobsmeyer present during the Winter 2025 All Employee Conference at BYU-Idaho.

59:48

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## Opening and Closing Remarks

Elder Lynn G. Robbins - Disciples of Jesus Christ

Emeritus General Authority Seventy, Elder Lynn G. Robbins presents the opening remarks during the Winter 2024 All Employee Conference at BYU-Idaho.

43:36

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President Alvin F. Meredith III - All Employee Conference Closing Speaker

President Alvin F. Meredith III presents closing remarks during the Winter 2024 All Employee Conference at BYU-Idaho.

46:38

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## Individual Sessions

Elizabeth Pingry - Safe to Say: Building Great Work Culture Leads to Giving & Receiving Transparent Feedback

We will look into the steps of building a work environment that encourages two-way feedback that is open, authentic, and strengthens connections. Learn about three essential cues that foster a sense of belonging in a workplace. Drawing insights from Daniel Coyle's "The Culture Code" and other research, this presentation is a guide to developing a workplace culture where transparent feedback is not just a momentary exchange but a continuous and uplifting practice.

54:20

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Layne Kinghorn - Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Because of the stigma and taboo surrounding suicide, many people struggle to talk openly about the topic. In this session, we will debunk some myths surrounding suicide. We will identify warning signs and discuss resources so that you will know what to do if someone you know is thinking about suicide.

58:42

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Reed Stoddard - Living After the Manner of Happiness: Finding Joy in a Sometimes Challenging World

We will consider behaviors and perspectives that contribute to a more joyful life, even in the face of trials and frustration.

58:29

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Benjamin Pacini - Future U

What are the trends in higher education and how are they going to shape the university of the future? How can we see what is coming and best prepare? Come to this class to learn about US higher education trends with a focus on application to BYU-Idaho.

1:21:04

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Natalie Gay - Humility as a Leadership Principle

Natalie Gay: "Humility as a Leadership Principle"

52:50

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Chad McLane - 4 Frames in Changing Management

All teams, departments, and organizations change. It's inevitable. And while some individuals are more receptive to changes than others, there are things that can be done to help everyone embrace and thrive in seasons of change, but only if the structural, human, political, and symbolic implications of changes are addressed by those who influence the changes. This session will present Bolman and Deal's (2017) 4 Frames to attendees and help them explore how considering these frames can help them plan changes that are more easily adopted and implement in any situation in which changes occur and people exist.
Bonus: If you have a change you're considering implementing, bring the idea with you and we'll use it to practice with the four frames.

1:00:40

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Patrick Walsh - How to Easily Create Auto-Graded Excel Files

Learn about a way to take any problem/case and, in a minute, turn it into an Excel file that can be used to provide students with immediate feedback, create an auto-scored exam without feedback, or a combination of both. It's not required, but bringing your laptops is encouraged.

44:12

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Samuel Head - Intimidated by AI?

Join this practical session for faculty and staff new to AI to start incorporating AI literacy and skills into your teaching and work.

47:04

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Victoria Passey - Communicate with Impact: A BYU-Idaho Branding Workshop

President Meredith has asked us to "teach and amplify BYU-Idaho's message," but how do we do that? Gain practical tips on brand voice, messaging, and visuals to share the BYU-Idaho story with maximum impact.

59:30

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Melanie Kennelly - Empowered Choices: Navigating Life's Journey with Meaning and Purpose

This presentation examines how conscious choices shape our personal and professional direction. With the use of examples and insightful discussions, participants will discover the rewards of embracing responsibility, gaining tools to navigate challenges, and cultivating a sense of purpose that propels them towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

48:35

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Dallas Johnson - Emotional Resilience: Dealing with the movies in your mind

Thoughts are a major source of stress, anxiety, and depression and thoughts can also be a source of coping and gaining emotional resilience. Increase your ability to flexibly respond to school, work, and relationships by managing the movies in your mind.

56:18

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Ezra Gwilliam - The Power of Moments

This class will help you understand principles taught in Chip and Dan Heath's book, The Power of Moments with application on creating and utilizing meaningful pedagogical moments in our classes.

36:55

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Stephen Mendenhall - Unconventional Productivity Strategies: From Fish Throwing to Frog Eating-

This presentation introduces novel techniques to be more productive at work while preventing burnout.

43:06

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Rick Henry - Building Effective Teams Through Leadership

Building meaningful relationships to maximize collaboration and productivity. Also, how to build and train leaders within your teams.

55:13

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Sheila Wener and Garrett Nilsson - How Career Resources Aid In Student Retention

This presentation will cover the BYU-Idaho career resources available to students from the Advising and Career Centers and discuss why they can aid in student retention.

48:08

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James Helfrich - Using AI in the Classroom

This class will explore how AI will fundamentally change the way people learn and share information. In light of this revolution, several ideas will be explored regarding how we can better prepare our students for the rapidly evolving workspace they will be facing.

55:34

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Shelley Nash - The Lost Sheep: Successful Student Outreach

How can you safely leave the "99" in your classroom and seek after the "1"? What tools can help whether you teach online or in person? How do you find the time? Come learn about different tools, including WhatsApp, that help students feel seen in your classroom. You'll leave empowered to seek the 1!

42:08

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Jodi Robison - Catalysts for Synchronizing Learning Experiences: Common Learning Outcomes and Assessments

This presentation focuses on the essential principles and practical reasons for adopting common learning outcomes and key assessments for all sections and modalities of the same course. Additionally, tools and resources to accomplish this lofty goal will be introduced and discussed.

45:06

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Patrick Powell - The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX)

Key concepts from the FranklinCovey program, "The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals." Learn more about EXECUTING your goals (versus goal setting, planning, and organizing). Learn more about "getting the job DONE!" Learn how to deal with your day-to-day WHIRLWIND of urgent activities. KEY TOPICS of the Presentation: Focus, Leverage, Engagement, and Accountability.

58:01

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Ron Vallejo - Tech Workshop

Tips and tricks for everyday tech. Where to go when you need help. Answers to commonly asked questions.

1:00:06

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## 2023

Carl Canlas - Agile 101

An All Employee Conference presentation given by Carl Canlas entitled
"Agile 101".

1:00:05

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Denny Bates's Personal Meeting Room

Zoom Recording ID: 4804334146
UUID: JQ7hvXCgRZq2rhs1XRHB6g==
Meeting Time: 2023-02-07 03:49:10pmGMT

46:14

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Kevin Dartt - "Bringing the Gospel into Your Course"

An All Employee Conference presentation given by Kevin Dartt entitled "Bringing the Gospel into Your Course".

1:00:05

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"Employee Engagement: Brainwashing or Brainstorming" - All Employee Conference

An All Employee Conference presentation entitled "What Lack I Yet: Finding Answers in Difficult Students".

1:00:05

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Mitch Nelson: A Vision of God's Vision the Work of Salvation and Exaltation in our Everyday Lives"

An All Employee Conference presentation given by Mitch Nelson entitled "A Vision of God's Vision the Work of Salvation and Exaltation in our Everyday Lives ".

1:21:30

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Michael Clark - "Unlocking the Hidden Treasures of the Word of Wisdom"

Michael Clark presents during the All Employee Conference on February 3, 2023.

57:17

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Michael Ballard and Caleb Bailey - Feeding Mind, Body, and Spirit with Fasting

An All Employee Conference presentation given by Michael Ballard and Caleb Bailey.

1:07:19

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The Presence of Spiritual Leadership and the Impact on Students and Employees

An All Employee Conference given by Larry B. Friis entitled "The Presence of Spiritual Leadership and the Impact on Students and Employees".

1:02:44

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Two Exercises Any Teacher Can Do to Help Improve Their Students' Writing

An All Employee Conference given by Lane Williams entitled "Two Exercises Any Teacher Can Do to Help Improve Their Students' Writing".

32:30

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Building Effective Multi-User Rubrics

An All Employee Conference entitled "Building Effective Multi-User Rubrics".

59:25

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"The Temple and the Book of Mormon" - All Employee Conference

An All Employee Conference presentation entitled "The Temple and the Book of Mormon".

1:01:12

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"The Temple and the Book of Mormon" - All Employee Conference

An All Employee Conference presentation entitled "The Temple and the Book of Mormon".

1:01:12

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Let Him Lift

An All Employee Conference entitled "Let Him Lift".

45:27

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"What Lack I Yet: Finding Answers in Difficult Students" - All Employee Conference

An All Employee Conference presentation entitled "What Lack I Yet: Finding Answers in Difficult Students".

1:00:05

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Mitch Nelson: A Vision of God's Vision the Work of Salvation and Exaltation in our Everyday Lives"

An All Employee Conference presentation given by Mitch Nelson entitled "A Vision of God's Vision the Work of Salvation and Exaltation in our Everyday Lives ".

1:21:30

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Michael Ballard and Caleb Bailey - Feeding Mind, Body, and Spirit with Fasting

An All Employee Conference presentation given by Michael Ballard and Caleb Bailey.

1:07:19

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"Storytelling" - All Employee Conference

An All Employee Conference presentation entitled "Storytelling".

55:34

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The Presence of Spiritual Leadership and the Impact on Students and Employees

An All Employee Conference given by Larry B. Friis entitled "The Presence of Spiritual Leadership and the Impact on Students and Employees".

1:02:44

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"Stress Management: How to Make Stress Your Friend" - All Employee Conference

An All Employee Conference presentation entitled "Stress Management: How to Make Stress Your Friend".

1:14:18

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Confirmative Evaluation

An All Employee Conference given by Chad McLane entitled "Confirmative Evaluation".

59:57

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Bob Morley - "Disciple Leadership in the Temple"

Bob Morley, presents during the All Employee Conference on February 3, 2023.

1:01:32

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Supporting Disciple Leaders with Mental Health Concerns

An All Employee Conference entitled "Supporting Disciple Leaders with Mental Health Concerns".

1:04:35

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Brett Sampson - "The Prophet's Pleadings"

Brett Sampson, University Relations Managing Director, presents the opening keynote during the All Employee Conference on February 3, 2023.

36:00

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## 2022

Thriving through Personal Adversity (2022 All Employee Conference)

Jessica Hanks, Co-host: Patrick Powell

54:00

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Addressing Pornography with the Three Cs: A Non-Shaming Approach to Recovery (2022 All Employee Conference)

Arlen Wilcock, Co-host: Sam Eidam

59:33

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Be C.A.L.M. During Difficult Conversations (2022 All Employee Conference)

Lauri Arensmeyer, Co-host: Trish Carvajal

1:14:13

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Time Management and Personal Productivity Using Technology (2022 All Employee Conference)

Tony Derricott and Amber Gneiting

59:55

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Mentoring Matters: Three Crucial Factors to Success (2022 All Employee Conference)

Tressa Lacy, Co-host: Richard Datwyler

1:05:38

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Public Mentors: Who and What Topics Brought the Most Change This Past Year (2022 All Employee Conference)

Tara Steenson, Co-host: Rebekah Griffin

57:29

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Power, Protection, and Deliverance: Legal Principles and Resources for Advancing the Mission of BYU-Idaho (2022 All Employee Conference)

Josh Figueira, Co-host: Sam Eidam

1:02:32

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Church Smart Phone Apps for Dummies (2022 All Employee Conference)

Jerrod Guddat, Co-host: Trish Carvajal

58:16

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The Retirement Puzzle: Financial Peace through Preparation (2022 All Employee Conference)

Brian Tuttle, Co-host: Patrick Powell

1:01:10

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Global Student Synergy (2022 All Employee Conference)

Rob Walton, Co-Host: Richard Datwyler

1:03:38

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Increasing Happiness by Including Fun in the Workplace (2022 All Employee Conference)

Alan Whitehead, Co-host: Trish Carvajal

51:22

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Time Management Principles Using Stephen Covey's Time Matrix (2022 All Employee Conference)

Jennifer Hunter, Co-host: Laila West-Hid (HR Student Employee)

57:35

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Becoming Legendary: Where the Rubber Hits the Road (2022 All Employee Conference)

Julene Bassett, Tim Tanner, Jim Croasmun, Selena Robins, Heidi Egan, Patty Hendricks, and Peter Blair

1:01:48

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10 Things You Always Wanted to Know about Online Classes (2022 All Employee Conference)

Cindy Goodwill, Lynne Landon, James Patterson, and Mike Wegner, Co-Host Sam Eidam

1:10:12

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The Ideal Team (2022 All Employee Conference)

Casey McDaniel, Co-host: Neal Carter

1:02:31

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## 2021

Financial Planning Principles & Preparing for Retirement

Lisa Stott (DMBA), Co-host: Patrick Powell

1:00:54

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Want Increased Unity in Your Teams? Then Swim Like a Dolphin!

Barry Bjork, Co-host: Anna Taylor

1:00:05

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Developing and Implementing an Outward Mindset [from the Arbinger Institute]

Seth Deming, Co-host: Jenifer Craner

59:58

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Leading Like the Savior: A Mini-Course in The Leadership Pattern

Tara Steenson, Co-host: Baylor Manley

29:37

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Positive and Engaging Zoom Classes

Mindy Davis, Co-host: Trish Carvajal

1:00:03

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Helping, Not Hindering: How Professors Can Make Life Better for Students with Mental Health Challenges

Rob Eaton, Co-host: Torry Morrill.

58:56

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Parables! Why and How Did Jesus Use Them in His Teaching?

Michael Bolingbroke, Co-host: Patrick Powell.

50:10

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Emotional Intelligence

Jennifer Hunter, Co-host: Jenifer Craner

49:41

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Am I a Builder?

Trent Shippen, Co-host: Baylor Manley

53:01

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Emergency Preparedness in the Office

Catrina Wylie, Co-host: Anna Taylor

58:27

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Why Opposition: How Story and the Hero's Journey Help Us Understand Why We Need It in Our Own Journey

Ted Finch, Co-host: Trish Carvajal

1:03:44

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Creating Successful Remote Practicums and Internships

Amy Clark, Co-host: Richard Datwyler

50:41

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Canvas Assignment Feedback Made Easier

Gaylen Jensen, Co-host: Jenifer Craner

37:02

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Acquiring Spiritual Gifts to Help Us Become Better Teachers

Patrick Walsh, Co-host: Baylor Manley

56:55

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Motivational Interviewing: Conversations that Strengthen Commitment to Change

Brian Schmidt, Co-host: Anna Taylor

1:01:13

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All Leaders Are Flawed

Beth Baldwin, Co-host: Torry Morrill.

57:23

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Time Management and Personal Productivity Using Microsoft 365

Tony Derricott and Amber Gneiting.

1:01:53

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The Intergenerational Office: What One Thing Unites All Generations?

Natalie Gay, Co-host Richard Datwyler.

58:30

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## 2020

Life Hacks to Avoid Being Hacked

Steven Rigby

1:00:13

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One Ray of Glory

Ed Sexton and Jon Linford

44:36

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## 2019

All Employee Conference 2019 - Seth Robins

Address entitled "Growing Grit: Inculcating the Psychological Traits Necessary for Achieving Long-Term Goals" given by Seth Robins at the All Employee Conference at Brigham Young University-Idaho on February 01, 2019.

39:14

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All Employee Conference 2019 - Jerrod Guddat

Address entitled "Leadership Lessons from The Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes" given by Jerrod Guddat at the All Employee Conference at Brigham Young University-Idaho on February 01, 2019.

41:28

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All Employee Conference 2019 - Scott Galer, Jed Rhein, Allen Jones

Address entitled "Every Employee a Mentor" given by Scott Galer, Jed Rhien, and Allen Jones at the All Employee Conference at Brigham Young University-Idaho on February 01, 2019.

38:56

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All Employee Conference 2019 - Dallas Johnson

Address entitled "FEAR-less Emotion Management: Skills to Understand and Treat Anxiety and Depression" given by Dallas Johnson at the All Employee Conference at Brigham Young University-Idaho on February 01, 2019.

41:26

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All Employee Conference 2019 - Jill Evans

Closing address given by Jill Evans at the All Employee Conference at Brigham Young University-Idaho on February 01, 2019.

39:57

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All Employee Conference 2019 - Bill Riggins

Keynote address given by Bill Riggins at the All Employee Conference at Brigham Young University-Idaho on February 01, 2019.

35:36

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