Goldenwoman.org Correspondent
In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, human resource (HR) professionals are at the forefront of steering organizational change, fostering employee engagement, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. As companies across the globe grapple with shifting workforce dynamics, technological advancements, and the need for diversity and inclusion, the role of HR has never been more crucial. To address these challenges and opportunities, the IRIS Executive Development Centre is hosting its highly anticipated 14th Annual Human Resource Summit & Executive Masterclasses in Arusha, Tanzania, from September 2nd to 6th, 2024.
A Premier Event for HR Excellence
Described as “a premier learning event for HR, Change & Organizational Development (OD) professionals and Line Managers in the East African region,” by Phylisiah Mnene-Mcheni, CEO of IRIS Executive Development Centre, this year’s summit promises to be a landmark gathering for HR leaders, executives, and practitioners. The event will take place at the picturesque Mt. Meru Hotel, offering participants a perfect blend of professional development and scenic beauty.
Phylisiah Mnene-Mcheni (MS) underscores the summit’s significance: “This year’s theme will focus on Employee Engagement & Experience, and I believe that your presence and participation will help contribute to this vibrancy and enrich discussions around the theme, developing professional knowledge exchange, insights, and collaborations.” Her vision is clear: the summit is not just a conference but a catalyst for innovation and transformation in HR practices.
Exploring the Theme: Employee Engagement & Experience
The theme for the 2024 summit, “Employee Engagement & Experience,” is particularly timely as organizations worldwide recognize the critical importance of fostering a work environment where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated. The program includes a diverse range of sessions designed to provide actionable insights into how organizations can better engage their employees and create meaningful workplace experiences.
One of the most anticipated sessions is the keynote on “The Multifaceted Role of Authentic Leadership on Employee Engagement and Organizational Behavior.” This session will explore how leaders who are self-aware, transparent, and genuinely connected with their teams can shape a positive organizational culture and significantly enhance employee engagement. Reginald Massawe, Managing Director of Aml Finance Ltd, will lead this keynote, drawing on his extensive experience in leadership and management.
Exclusive Masterclasses: Deep Dives into Critical HR Topics
The summit features four executive masterclasses, each designed to address a critical area in HR and leadership. Participants can choose from:
- Integration of Mental Wellness in the Strategic Planning Process: Led by Dr. Susan Gitau, this masterclass emphasizes the need for organizations to normalize mental health conversations and create safe spaces for employees. As Mnene-Mcheni notes, “How can CEOs and management demonstrate commitment to changing the culture around mental health in the workplace?” This session aims to answer that question by providing strategies to anticipate the psychological impacts of business strategies.
- Human Resource Manager Program: Facilitated by Alex Kabeho Solo, Managing Director of Crystal Human Capital Tanzania, this interactive program enhances HR managers’ understanding of aligning human resources processes with business strategy. It covers a wide array of topics, including strategy, labor relations, negotiation, and change management.
- Emerging (Authentic) Leader Development Program: Bikundo Onyari, a life coach and corporate trainer, will guide participants on developing authentic leadership qualities. “The best leaders are authentic leaders—people whose inner compass guides their daily actions and enables them to earn the trust of subordinates, peers, and shareholders,” says Mnene-Mcheni, highlighting the session’s focus on integrity and principle-based decision-making.
- Finance for Human Resource Directors & Managers: This masterclass, led by Henry Horombe, Director and Partner at HH Martine & Co, is specifically tailored for HR professionals seeking to enhance their financial intelligence. The session will explore how HR can contribute to an organization’s financial health and strategic decision-making.
Interactive and Engaging Sessions
The summit is designed not just for learning but for meaningful interaction and engagement among peers. With a day dedicated to pre-summit workshops, participants can expect a blend of learning formats—from keynote speeches and panel discussions to interactive workshops and networking events. The summit will also feature a C-Suite panel titled “How are we Listening?” which will delve into innovative listening strategies and tools that organizations can use to gauge employee sentiment and foster a culture of openness and feedback.
Building a Culture of Engagement and Inclusivity
Phylisiah Mnene-Mcheni emphasizes the importance of building a culture where employee engagement is central. She states, “Your culture is your competitive advantage. A company’s culture defines who you are, what you believe in, including your values and core mission.” The summit will offer several experience-sharing sessions where participants can discuss best practices for nurturing a culture that strengthens employee engagement. These sessions will cover a range of topics, from integrating employee feedback into decision-making to strategies for retaining Gen Z employees, who often have different expectations and needs compared to their older counterparts.
A Unique Networking Opportunity
In addition to the robust educational program, the summit offers ample opportunities for networking and building professional relationships. One highlight is the HR Cocktail Night, an informal event where attendees can relax, share insights, and forge connections in a more casual setting. For those looking to unwind after intense sessions, a subsidized visit to the Arusha National Park provides a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to experience the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Looking Ahead: The Future of HR in East Africa
As the summit draws closer, anticipation is building among HR professionals and business leaders across the region. “The Summit Organizing Committee and I look forward to welcoming you to this exciting event and to meeting all of you in person in September 2024 in Arusha, Tanzania,” says Mnene-Mcheni. Her words reflect the collective excitement and the promise of a dynamic, engaging, and impactful event.
For organizations looking to stay ahead of the curve in HR practices, the 14th IRIS Annual Human Resource Summit & Executive Masterclasses is an unmissable opportunity. It is a chance to learn from the best, engage with peers, and shape the future of human resources in East Africa and beyond.
Register Today!
Spaces are limited, so register now to secure your spot at this transformative event. Join your peers, industry leaders, and thought innovators in Arusha this September and be part of a movement that is redefining human resource management for the better.
For more information and to register, please visit the IRIS Executive Development Centre website or contact the Event Coordinator, Eva, at +255 689 348 815.
Some speakers for the 14th IRIS Annual Human Resource Summit & Executive Masterclasses 2024:
- Phylisiah Mnene-Mcheni (MS)
- CEO, IRIS Executive Development Centre, Tanzania | Kenya
- Opening remarks and keynote speaker.
- Dr. Susan Gitau (PhD)
- Lecturer & Clinical Practice Director, Counseling Department at Africa Nazarene University, Kenya
- Director, International Professional Counselors Centre
- Speaker for the Masterclass: “Integration of Mental Wellness in the Strategic Planning Process.”
- Alex Kabeho Solo
- Managing Director, Crystal Human Capital Tanzania
- Speaker for the Masterclass: “Human Resource Manager Program.”
- Bikundo Onyari
- Life Coach, Business, Corporate Trainer, and Facilitator, Africa
- Speaker for the Masterclass: “Emerging (Authentic) Leader Development Program.”
- Henry Horombe
- Director and Partner, HH Martine & Co, Tanzania
- Speaker for the Masterclass: “Finance for Human Resource Directors & Managers.”
- Reginald Massawe
- Managing Director, Aml Finance Ltd
- Keynote speaker on “The Multifaceted Role of Authentic Leadership on Employee Engagement and Organizational Behavior.”
- Victoria Elangwa
- Director Corporate Services, TFRA (Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority)
- Facilitator for the Pre-Summit Workshop on “Developing an Employee Engagement Program & Strategy.”
- Imelda Lutebinga
- Country General Manager, G4S Solutions, Tanzania
- Keynote speaker on “Embracing the CEO as the Chief Engagement & Experience Officer.”
- Martha Baare
- Head of Human Resource, Grumeti Singita, Tanzania
- Speaker for the Case Study: “Building an Effective Culture in a Remote or Hybrid Workplace.”
- Vicky Karuga
- Managing Director, Profiles International, Kenya
- Speaker for the Case Study: “Emotional Intelligence and Leading Employee Engagement in a Multi-generational Workplace.”
- Mignon Brighton
- Director, Midpoint Consulting, South Africa
- Speaker for the Workshop: “Use of Appreciative Inquiry and Employee Engagement.”
- Dr. Vuyiwe Marambana
- Director, Design Thinking & Research Solutions, South Africa
- Speaker for the Workshop: “How Human Resources Can Use Human-Centered Design Thinking to Improve Employee Engagement and Retention.”
- Honest Marandu
- Founder & Managing Director, Zawadi House & Malkia Tree Lodges
- Speaker on “What is your Leadership Language?”