Are you looking for a friendly and collaborative opportunity for knowledge sharing? Join fellow Talent Development professionals for ATD-Cascadia’s free Learning Over Lunch series.
Please note: To continue offering high-quality programming and to ensure the sustainability of our chapter, we are now implementing a $10 fee for non-members to attend networking events including our Learning Over Lunch series.
This workshop supports leaders in navigating difficult conversations with confidence by helping them understand how the brain responds to stress and perceived threat. Participants explore the neuroscience of emotional regulation, reflect on their personal stress and safety cues, and practice practical tools for staying grounded, clear, and effective during high-stakes conversations.
Take aways:
• Normalize emotional reactions – Understand that stress responses are a natural biological reaction, not a personal failure or lack of capability.
• Increase self-awareness – Learn to recognize personal signs of being in a stress state versus a safe state, and how each impacts communication and problem-solving.
• Build regulation skills – Leave with practical tools to shift from a stress response into a calm, productive “safe zone” during challenging conversations.
About Elle Christensen:
Training & Development Manager
OrePac Building Products
Elle Christensen is the Training and Development Manager at OrePac Building Products, where she supports leadership development across the organization. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College (Class of 2015) with a degree in Critical Social Thought, Elle brings a strong foundation in systems thinking and human behavior to her work. She is also an alumna of Gonzaga University (Class of 2018), where she earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Elle’s work focuses on building leadership capability by helping people understand the neuroscience behind predictable human reactions and apply that knowledge to stay calm, clear, and connected.
This Month's Topic: Grounded Leadership: Staying Effective in High-Stakes Conversations
Agenda items:
Group discussion and sharing
Details:
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Date & Time: August 20, 2026 - 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
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Format: Virtual discussion with small group breakouts
Additional Information:
Bring your ideas, experiences, and questions to what promises to be an engaging and forward-thinking session!
Capability Areas: Developing Professional Capability, Building Personal Capacity, Communication, Emotional Intelligence & Decision Making
