The strongest workplaces aren’t built on perks, pressure, or performance dashboards alone — they’re built on leaders who are rooted.

Too often, leaders feel stretched. Pushing for results. Managing urgency. Holding everything together. And somewhere along the way, care starts to feel optional or secondary to performance.

But the belief that leaders must choose between caring for people and driving results is a myth.

And it’s costing organizations retention, trust, and sustainable growth.

In this energizing and practical keynote, Leslie Wireback draws from her experience as a former Chief HR Officer to introduce Rooted Leadership — a disciplined approach to leading with care that strengthens performance rather than softens it.

Rooted Leadership is built on four essential roots: Curiosity, Communication, Connection, and Care. When these roots are strong, leaders create clarity, build trust, navigate tension effectively, and drive results that last.

Through real-world stories and practical application, Leslie demonstrates how leaders who are grounded in these practices:

• Build trust that keeps strong team members

• Create clarity that strengthens accountability

• Navigate conflict without fracturing culture

• Drive results that last

Because when leadership is rooted in care, growth is stronger, decisions are steadier, and performance is sustainable.

Participants will leave ready to:

• Increase retention by leading in ways that build trust and stability

• Elevate team performance without relying on pressure or control

• Strengthen accountability and decision-making across the organization

• Create the cultural foundation required for sustainable growth