KAI Symposium 2025 Review

KAI Symposium 2025
The KAI Symposium 2025 was another great success!

Below are details of all the presentations, round tables and keynotes. Please Contact us for more information about the symposium or any individual topics.

Next year, 2026, will be the 50th Anniversary of KAI, and we are hoping to do something extra special to commemorate it. Stay tuned for more details!

Keynote Speakers

Dr Karen Bridbord KAI SymposiumKeynote

Dr. Karen Bridbord

Intentional Relationships: Generating Big Wins with Small Changes

There will be breakout rooms for 30 minutes after this keynote to discuss and reflect on the message.
Karen will be presenting on Wednesday, February 12, at 2:30 PM (EST)

More about Dr Karen Bridbord

Karen Bridbord, PhD is a licensed psychologist who uniquely combines the expertise of clinical psychology, organizational behav- ior, and counseling. Her approach integrates psychological insights with practical leadership strategies, focusing on building strong, healthy workplace cultures by strategically aligning people, per- formance, and productivity. Through her firm, Karen Bridbord & Associates, she has supported corporations in achieving their people strategy while building their talent pipeline and succession plans. With a robust career spanning a range of industries, including law, technology, construction, finance, and the arts, she currently serves in the role of Chief Talent Officer at Alberici Constructors.
https://karenbridbord.com

Guido Prato Previde KAIKeynote

Dr Guido Prato Previde

Turning Insight into Foresight

There will be breakout rooms for 30 minutes after this keynote to discuss and reflect on the message.
Guido will be presenting on Wednesday, February 12, at 1.00 PM (EST)

More about Dr Guido Prato Previde

Dr Guido Prato Previde is a passionate business psychologist consulting leaders, teams and organizations at a local and at an international level. As a background, he is a medical doctor and a clinical psychologist. Guido has developed a number of professional collaborations with leading organizations (KAI Centre/UK; Creative Problem Solving Inc./U.S.A.; RHR/U.S.A.). He is Country Partner of the European Institute for Workplace Dynamics (IWD) and member of the Working with Resilience Consortium. Guido is the author of the Italian validation of KAI and a senior practitioner. www.decathloncons.it

Gregg Ward KAI SymposiumKeynote

Gregg Ward

How A Once Nice-To-Have Turned Into An Operational Imperative: the key role that respect is now playing in today’s organizations

There will be breakout rooms for 30 minutes after this keynote to discuss and reflect on the message
Gregg will be presenting on Thursday, February 13th, 9:45 AM (EST)

More about Gregg Ward

Gregg Ward is the Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Respectful Leadership and the author of the award-winning, bestselling business fable, The Respectful Leader. He is also a celebrated keynote speaker, consultant and executive coach on respect and Respectful Leadership® and the developer of the Coaching for Respect™ process and The ARC™ (Actively Respectful Culture) Assessment.
https://centerforrespectfulleadership.org

Panel Discussion

Panel discussion – How KAI Helped Me Maximize My Own Style While Minimizing Problem B

Anne Collier KAI Lisa Centeno KAI Cynthia Shaffer KAIJennifer Ratcliff KAI

Join our panel of KAI experts and clients ranging from the adaptive to innovative to explore how KAI impacted them both individually and their relationships with others. Learn what they are doing differently, and how they’ve used their knowledge of KAI to effectuate change and minimize Problem B.

Panel Moderator:
Anne Collier

Panelists:
Lisa Centeno
Cynthia Schaffer
Jennifer Ratcliff

More about Anne Collier
Anne Collier, MPP, JD, PCC, is the CEO of Arudia, a firm dedicated to improving culture, collaboration and communication. She is an expert leadership coach steadfast in her commitment to excellence and her clients’ goals. She coaches and delivers programming designed to support individuals, teams and organizations amplify their accomplishments and navigate change, including culture challenges. https://arudia.com
More about Lisa Centeno
Lisa Centeno is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Certified Clinical Supervisor. She has worked in Addiction and Clinical Operations field for close to 20yrs. Some of her highlights in her career include creating Bergen New Bridge Medical Center’s Teen THRIVE Program, being Senior Director of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services, Administrative Director of Clinical Integration. In Juley 2023 she became Care Plus NJ’s Senior Vice President of Addiction Recovery Services and most recently transitioned to the role of Senior Vice President of Integration and Access to Care. She is passionate about transforming the way in which substance use disorder care is delivered to client’s and their families and most of all is dedicated to saving lives. Additionally, she is a dedicated her career to improving healthcare systems and quality of care for all. https://CarePlusNJ.org
More about Cynthia Shaffer
Cynthia Shaffer is an expert in strategic management. With a twenty-year career in healthcare and life sciences, she has a wealth of experience in establishing and developing large-scale programs and initiatives.
https://arudia.com
More about Jennifer Ratcliff
Jennifer Ratcliff, JD has been representing parents of students with special needs protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) since 2011. She helps families navigate the impartial hearing process and obtain funding for their children’s tuition and educational services. Jennifer takes the mystery out of this often convoluted and very emotionally charged process, guiding families, step-by step. https://www.ratclifflaw.org

Round Table Discussions

Samantha Giridhar KAI
Dr Samantha Giridhar

Creative Media Minds Matter! How Students Articulate Creative Processes

This roundtable discussion will introduce an upcoming project exploring how creative media students at different points in the university pathway articulate their creative processes. We will discuss how problem-solving style may impact the ways that students use language when describing their approaches to creative projects.

More about Dr Samantha Giridhar
Samantha Giridhar is an assistant professor for the Academy for Creative Media at University of Hawaii – West Oahu. She is a triple-degreed Virginia Tech Hokie, and holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. Her research interests focus on the impacts of problem-solving style within the arts and education.
Sarah Bush KAIMegan Seibel KAILauren Lewis Cline KAI
Dr Sarah Bush, Dr Megan Seibel & Dr Lauren Lewis Cline

Measuring and Evaluating KAI Training Impact on Stress in the Workplace

This roundtable will discuss how KAI training is currently proposed to reduce stress in the workplace by increasing understanding between colleagues and coping strategies. We will discuss proposed means of solidifying KAI training as a tool for reducing overall workplace stress through data-driven outcomes.

More about Dr Sarah Bush
Dr. Sarah A. Bush is an assistant professor of Agricultural Leadership Education at the University of Florida. She has been a KAI practitioner for over 10 years and has conducted multiple studies using KAI theory. Her research focus on collaborative community-based problem solving, youth leadership, and workforce development.
More about Dr Megan Seibel
Dr. Megan M. Seibel is holds faculty roles at Virginia Tech as Director of the VALOR Program, Director and Co-Founder of the Center for Cooperative Problem Solving, and Senior Extension Specialist. She is part of the KAI Accreditation teaching team and an Associate Fellow of the Occupational Research Centre. KAI-focused work is in areas of leadership development, team dynamics, and outreach program applications.
More about Dr Lauren Lewis Cline
Dr. Lauren Lewis Cline is an assistant professor and state Extension specialist of agricultural leadership at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA. She has been a KAI practitioner since 2023 and works with veterinarians, state Extension personnel, and youth leaders to improve team and workplace collaboration and problem-solving.
Abby Cheng KAI
Abby Cheng

Leveraging KAI to Support Autistic Team Members

This roundtable explores how KAI can enhance understanding and support for autistic team members. We will discuss potential relationships between cognitive style and autism and how KAI insights can foster more inclusive, effective, and collaborative team environments.

More about Abby Cheng
Abby Cheng is a graduate student researching relationships between KAI and autism. Her research focuses on developing strategies to support cognitive diversity and foster inclusive teams. Her background in adult and youth education brings insight into creating supportive learning environments and effective collaboration.
Rob Sheffield KAI
Nicolas Uwitonze & Dr Rob Sheffield

Every Mind Matters: Leveraging KAI Mentorship Program to Accelerate Learning and Practice for Mentees and Mentors

This roundtable reflects on lessons learned from the KAI mentorship program at Virginia Tech, exploring how mentorship bridges theory and practice. It shares insights from participants and discusses strategies for enhancing and scaling mentorship to better support KAI practitioners.

More about Nicolas Uwitonze
Nicolas Uwitonze is a PhD candidate writing a dissertation that focuses on KAI and Evalpreneurship based in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, and Community Education at Virginia Tech. He became an accredited KAI practitioner in 2023 and currently serves as a graduate research assistant at the Centre for Cooperative Problem Solving (CCPS).
More about Dr Rob Sheffield
Dr Rob Sheffield works in organisational practice and research, helping people develop their leadership and innovation capabilities at Bluegreen Learning. He co-leads two networks – the city-based Bristol Innovators’ Group, and the international Innovation Leadership Group – part of the ISPIM – International Society for Professional Innovation Management network. https://bluegreenlearning.com ISPIM
John Bryant KAI
John Bryant

Supporting survival and evolution in a VUCA world with KAI

KAI can support people to not only survive but thrive in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous environment. VUCA brings a ‘world’ of anxiety. Yet it can offer a world of opportunity. Not everyone can see or hear or feel that potential while under-the-pressure it presents. There’s a gift called KAI which can help in responding beyond the challenge to a point of evolving.

More about John Bryant
John Bryant is Director of Integrated Care and Generative Relationships at the Learning & Development Centre, a community interest company supporting change initiatives across health and social care. His 30 years of experience working in and with executive teams across different sectors reinforces his commitment to encouraging collaboration between partners and teams. He works with academic institutions, the NHS and councils to enable teams to succeed through increasing trust to achieve even better outcomes.
Cate Hollowitsch KAIIwan Jenkins KAI
Cate Hollowitsch and Dr Iwan Jenkins

Exploring the Roles of Homogenous and Hetergenous Cultures in Organizational Success

This Round Table will explore the strengths and challenges of homogenous and heterogenous cultures. Homogenous cultures excel in efficiency and focus, while heterogenous ones shine in tackling complexity and fostering creativity. Discuss strategies to harness both for organizational success and examine how these dynamics influence business cultures to drive alignment and resilience.

More about Cate Hollowitsch
Cate Hollowitsch is a CMO with 30+ years of experience. She is a 2x Titan of Industry winner, and the 2024 Female Executive of the Year. Cate is a 2024 TEDx Speaker and created the Brand Blueprint™, and the Culture Canvas™. Cate co-created True North OS™, a business operating system for PE firms. Cate is an author and an adjunct professor in digital marketing. https://www.nesnahventures.com/
More about Dr Iwan Jenkins
Dr Iwan Jenkins consults at the intersection of strategy and leadership. His clients are international manufacturing and technology companies. The KAI theory and inventory are at the heart of his practice. https://www.theriotpoint.com

KAI Circle of Practice Networking

Fostering an Environment Where Every Mind Truly Matters: A Networking Dialogue

Hosted by Anika Davis and Jessica Prater from the KAI Circle of Practice

Objective: This networking session led by the Circle of Practice team explores how organizations can recognize, value, and leverage cognitive diversity to create environments where every perspective contributes to innovation and problem-solving. Participants will examine the processes that enable diverse thinking styles to shape organizational culture and drive progress.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Strategies for recognizing and leveraging diverse thinking styles to improve group dynamics and outcomes.
  • Connections with peers who share a commitment to fostering environments where diverse perspectives thrive.
Anika Davis KAI Consultant Jessica Pater KAI Consultant
More about Dr Anika Davis
Dr Anika Davis, CEO of Winning Results, excels in organizational development with a proven record of helping organizations foster growth and achieve remarkable results. With a background in organizational psychology and executive leadership across various sectors, her work focuses on strategic planning, leadership development, and employee engagement. Dr. Davis holds degrees from Duke, Argosy, and Vanderbilt Universities. www.getwinningresults.com
More about Jessica Prater
Jessica Prater, PHR, ACC is the Principal Consultant of J Prater Consulting, a firm based in Middle Tennessee focused on talent development and coaching. She brings 15 years of experience in organizational development, training, and human resources. Jessica holds a Master of Arts with an emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, where she now serves as an adjunct professor in the Behavioral Sciences Department. www.jpraterconsulting.com

Presentations

Anne Collier KAI Jeff Kahn KAI
Anne Collier and Jeff Kahn

How KAI Can Soften the School of Hard Knocks for At Risk Youth and Young Adults

This presentation explores whether the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Framework and Inventory offer educators a tool for teaching our youth how to understand their thinking style as a way to manage and cope with stress. Learn the results of a pilot program, including students’ insights about themselves and the people in their lives.

More about Anne Collier
Anne Collier, MPP, JD, PCC is an expert leadership coach who uses KAI, other assessment tools, and her proprietary communications work to support clients in actualizing their potential. She is passionate about helping leaders to improve performance, wellbeing, and culture in their organizations. https://arudia.com
More about Jeff Kahn
Jeffrey Kahn, MS, is the Executive Director of Paradigm Therapeutic Day School, a school whose mission is to provide an educational and therapeutic environment designed to help its students develop the academic, emotional, behavioral, and life skills needed to become independent and successful. As a founder of special education schools, a national consultant, and a founding board member and president of a care management organization, his path has been clear – to help improve the lives of children and their families.
Maria Vittoria Colucci KAI
Maria Vittoria Colucci D’Amato

KAI in action: opening minds and boosting awareness

No individual development can be achieved without an increase in awareness of one’s behaviour, one’s impact on others, one’s effectiveness in different situations. I explore, through a case study, the impact of using KAI in a group Development center to increase self awareness, curiosity towards others, better understanding of their colleagues.

More about Maria Vittoria Colucci D’Amato
Maria Vittoria Colucci D’Amato is an expert in facilitating innovation processes, cultural change, individual and team development within organizations, using a human-centred approach. She combines methodologies and practices that come from her background as a business economist and MBA, with those acquired in other paths, such as design thinking, counselling and coaching. She uses KAI in change and innovation processes and to support individual and team development. Cofounder of Evidentia, benefit company. https://evidentia.it
Dr Jerald Walz

Every Mind Matters: Understanding Problems, Coping, and Motivation in the 21st century

While Adaption-Innovation theory and the KAI is complete and even elegant, further application and development continues. Based on recent scholarship, this presentation seeks to further develop the understanding of problems, and when coping is necessary, the motivation that fuels that behavior—topics also important for applying A-I theory.

More about Dr Jerald Walz
Dr Jerald Walz is a KAI Master Practitioner and has taught a graduate course entitled Cognition, Problem-solving, and Preference for Change for the past five years at Virginia Tech. He regularly teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership, as well as presenting on KAI at academic conferences and organizational consultations.
Joy Wiggins KAI
Dr James Anderson & Dr Joy Wiggins

Managing Team Dynamics for Inclusive Collaboration: A Proactive Approach to Problem-Solving

This session equips leaders with tools to manage diverse team dynamics, addressing Problem B—interpersonal challenges in solving Problem A—organizational goals. Explore cognitive diversity, schema awareness, and DEI principles to build cohesive teams. Participants gain strategies for inclusive collaboration, fostering psychological safety, mitigating biases, and driving innovative problem-solving outcomes.

More about Dr James Anderson
Dr James Anderson is an Associate Professor of Agricultural Leadership and ALEC Graduate Program Coordinator at the University of Georgia. In addition, he is an Extension Leadership Specialists who travels both nationally and internationally presenting on culturally responsive practices for educational, organizational and community leaders.
More about Dr Joy Wiggins
Dr Joy Wiggins is a TEDx speaker, author, and global CEO of Joy Wiggins, Ph.D.: Equity and Inclusion Consulting. She empowers leaders to create equitable workplaces through compassionate dialogue and actionable strategies. With over 15 years of expertise, Dr. Wiggins fosters inclusion, cross-cultural communication, and innovation in professional and personal relationships. https://www.joywiggins.com