2025 SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES · PANEL REPLAY Culture, Identity & Authentic Leadership at Work A candid panel on how culture shapes leadership and team dynamics, and practical ways to build trust, bridge differences, and lead authentically. Published Sep 25, 2025
About This Session
In this HCM Tech Advisory webinar, we explored how culture shapes the workplace; from leadership styles and team dynamics to the unspoken customs that influence how people connect and get things done. Our panel shared candid stories about navigating cultural identity, managing global teams, balancing personal and professional values, and leading authentically in environments where expectations don’t always match natural style.

Together, we discussed practical ways leaders can bridge gaps between intention and action, foster trust across differences, and build cultures where both people and organizations thrive.
Panelists
• Leah Joyner – Founder, HCM Tech Advisory • Mercedes Sullivan – EVP, People, Culture & Comms, McKinley Companies • Opal Wagnac – SVP, Product Strategy, isolved • Becky Miller – Chief, Employee Benefits, FL Sheriff Risk Management Fund • Carol Baxter – SVP, Head of HR, Revature Whether you’re strengthening team culture, navigating identity in leadership, or guiding organizations through change, this conversation offers insight and inspiration for today’s evolving workplace.

Whether you’re just starting out or advancing into HR leadership, you’ll walk away with actionable insights and practical advice to grow in today’s evolving future of work.
Key Takeaways
  • Culture is shaped as much by everyday behaviors and unspoken norms as it is by formal strategy.
  • Authentic leadership requires balancing personal identity with organizational expectations.
  • Building trust across teams means actively bridging gaps between intention and action.
  • Strong cultures are intentionally designed to support both individual connection and organizational success.
Featured Guests
Leah Joyner
Founder, HCM Tech Advisory
Opal Wagnac
GTM Strategy, Darwinbox
Mercedes Sullivan
EVP, People, Culture & Comms, McKinley Companiesy
Carol Baxter
SVP, Head of HR, Revature
Becky Miller
Chief, Employee Benefits, FL Sheriff Risk Management Fund
Links
Stay connected: LinkedIn