AME Milwaukee 2026 International Conference
PRESENTATIONS
Presentation
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The heart of high performance: Building a culture of respect, collaboration and connection
Putting people at the center of improvement and innovation
OVERVIEW
In today’s fast-moving workplace, tools and technology are evolving faster than ever — but lasting success still begins and ends with people. This session explores how respect and collaboration fuel engagement, creativity and performance across all levels of an organization. Drawing from real-world transformations and continuous improvement journeys, the presenter will share practical strategies for fostering trust, empowering teams and creating environments where every voice matters.
Key Learning Objectives
1. Reframe respect as a performance driver: Learn how respect isn’t just a value, it’s the foundation for stronger collaboration, innovation and accountability.
2. Lead through connection: Explore practical techniques to build psychological safety, active listening and shared ownership across teams.
3. Turn collaboration into culture: Leave with actionable tools to transform respect and teamwork from good intentions into daily behaviors that drive results.
2. Lead through connection: Explore practical techniques to build psychological safety, active listening and shared ownership across teams.
3. Turn collaboration into culture: Leave with actionable tools to transform respect and teamwork from good intentions into daily behaviors that drive results.
Presenter
Katie Chase
Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Thrivent
Katie Chase believes that meaningful change doesn’t start with a new system or a better process – it starts with people. As a Continuous Improvement Program manager at Thrivent, Chase leads enterprise initiatives that reimagine how work gets done, modernizing client data, simplifying operations and creating better experiences for both employees and customers.
Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Thrivent
Katie Chase believes that meaningful change doesn’t start with a new system or a better process – it starts with people. As a Continuous Improvement Program manager at Thrivent, Chase leads enterprise initiatives that reimagine how work gets done, modernizing client data, simplifying operations and creating better experiences for both employees and customers.
Under her leadership, the Continuous Improvement Program has evolved into a powerful grassroots movement: over 40 new grassroot programs launched, nearly 100 improvements implemented, over $1 million in savings delivered, and hundreds of employees newly equipped with the tools and mindset to make things better every day.
But Chase's story isn’t about metrics – it’s about momentum. She knows that when people feel empowered to improve the work they do, performance follows. Her passion lies in helping others see continuous improvement not as a project or methodology, but as a culture — one that thrives on curiosity, collaboration and courage to challenge “the way we’ve always done it.”
View on LinkedIn
But Chase's story isn’t about metrics – it’s about momentum. She knows that when people feel empowered to improve the work they do, performance follows. Her passion lies in helping others see continuous improvement not as a project or methodology, but as a culture — one that thrives on curiosity, collaboration and courage to challenge “the way we’ve always done it.”
View on LinkedIn
TAGS
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People-centric leadership
Level: Beginner
