PRESENTATIONS

Discover how Gibson Guitars introduced standard work in a high‑skill, high‑autonomy environment without sacrificing craftsmanship or pride. This session reveals a people‑centered transformation built on collaboration, co‑created standards and a team‑led train‑the‑trainer model. Learn how Gibson’s Change Champion Network accelerated adoption, strengthened capability and turned resistance into advocacy. Attendees will gain practical, repeatable strategies for embedding standard work, sustaining improvements and balancing precision with the art of expert work.

1. Consistency and standardization in high-autonomy environments without compromising employee expertise or engagement.
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2. Co-authoring standards, not imposing them.
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3. Building capability and ownership through team-led approach to training and sustainability.
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4. Building trust through transparency, dialogue and inclusion.
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5. Sustainability blueprint.

Currently serving as senior training and engagement manager for U.S. Operations at Gibson, a company celebrated for its iconic legacy in guitar craftsmanship, Ulrich leverages over eight years of corporate training experience. His previous roles include positions at Lowe’s and Advance Financial, where he drove learner engagement, leadership development and operational excellence. Ulrich's diverse background makes him a powerful partner to the business, bridging strategy with execution in fast-paced, high-impact environments.He recently published the leadership book "Accidentally Aligned - How Leaders Create Value in Chaos."  He holds a mechanical engineering degree from Miami University, as well as an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

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With her doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology from Kansas State University, Jackson's career spans both internal and external consulting roles, with deep expertise across industries such as retail, manufacturing, utilities, healthcare, technology, and food and beverage.

As director at GP Strategies, Jackson leads the organization design and change management practice, partnering with clients to align talent, culture and performance through strategic organization design, change leadership and executive development. Jackson brings a client-centered mindset to every engagement and is known for her ability to translate complex business challenges into actionable strategies that elevate both people and results.

In addition to her consulting work, she serves as a lecturer in the Masters of I/O Psychology (MSIOP) Program at Texas A&M University and contributes regularly to thought leadership in the field.

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