2026 Catapult HR Conference

On May 6, 2026, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at the 2026 Catapult Employers Association HR Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina.

This year’s conference theme, “Tech Enabled. People Centered.”, could not have been more timely. As organizations continue navigating AI, digital transformation, workplace culture, and evolving leadership expectations, the conference created meaningful conversations around how we can embrace technology without losing the human connection that matters most.

Held at the beautiful McKimmon Conference Center, the event brought together HR professionals, business leaders, and culture-focused organizations from across the Southeast to discuss the future of work, leadership, employee engagement, and organizational transformation.

I was honored to present a keynote session titled:

The Power of the Pen: Building Culture and Connection in the Workplace in a Digital World

During my session, we explored something simple yet increasingly rare in today’s digital world: handwritten communication through notes, letters and greeting cards.

In an age dominated by emails, texts, instant messaging, and AI-generated responses, handwritten notes still have the unique ability to make people feel seen, valued, remembered, and appreciated.

We discussed how intentional handwritten communication can help organizations:

• Strengthen workplace culture

• Increase employee engagement

• Build deeper trust and connection

• Improve retention and morale

• Create memorable leadership moments

• Humanize communication in a technology-driven world

  I also had the attendees write an actual handwritten note to give someone they felt who needed to hear from them. This was a very powerful moment of the presentation.

One of the greatest reminders from the conference was this:

Technology should enhance human connection — not replace it.

As businesses continue investing in systems, automation, and AI, there is still tremendous value in slowing down long enough to personally encourage, thank, recognize, and connect with people in meaningful ways.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Cheryl Richards, her incredible staff, and the members of Catapult Employers Association for the opportunity to share this message.

Your hospitality, professionalism, and commitment to developing people-centered leaders made this event truly special.

I left encouraged, inspired, and hopeful about the future of leadership and workplace culture.

The future of work may be digital…but people will always need to feel valued.

And sometimes, a handwritten note can do that in ways technology never will.