ELE Group, LLC

Journyz

Meet ELE Contributing Members and get involved Thursday, October 2 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (or later, if the wine flows!) Location: Culturerox | 60 Witt Rd, South Barrington, IL 60010
Join Dirk Tussing, Deepa Kartha, and Alaska Fu—ELE Contributing Members—for an evening of authentic conversation.
No panels, no slides—just real talk, fresh insights, and lite refreshments. Bring a dish and your ideas for October 20th, as Alaska joins us as our newest co-Emcee.
Only 15 seats—RSVP now!
<img class="aligncenter" src="https://wp.ele.llc/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20251002-Potluck-Meetup.jpg" alt="" width="665" height="443" />
What to Expect
Not your usual networking. Session leaders will spark honest, low-pressure conversations with prompts that help us share what’s really on our minds. Safe, open, and meaningful.
Dress Code: Lakeside Casual Think comfort with style—like visiting a friend’s home in nature. ✔ Relaxed pants, skirts, or dresses in natural colors/patterns
Relaxed. Inviting. Effortlessly chic. Come ready for genuine conversation!

ELE Potluck South Barrington Meetup

single-event

Talent Executives

Chicago Cohort

chicagoland

dirk.tussing

teri.hart

collaborative learning

chicago

meetup

in-person event

Engagement &amp; Culture

Executive Influence

deepa.kartha

Strategic Advisory Board

alaska.fu

This live discussion provided a wake-up call for talent development leaders: to influence the C-suite, it’s not enough to show data — you must show why it matters.
We explored how L&amp;D leaders can transform talent insights into true business intelligence by focusing on one essential principle:

<blockquote data-start="429" data-end="539">
“Define the decision you’re supporting, then show the data that reduces uncertainty so leaders can act.” -- <a href="https://www.ele.llc/members/colin-hahn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colin Hahn</a>, FranklinCovey
</blockquote>
Here’s the real challenge — it’s not the communicating that’s hard; it’s knowing what to gather, why it matters, and how it ties to business outcomes.
Instead of reporting training hours, flip the script: ✅ What risk are we reducing? ✅ What opportunity are we unlocking? ✅ How does this help the business win?
Five takeaways to spark your next conversation with executives:
🔹 Frame talent metrics as business outcomes. Speak the C-suite’s language: revenue, risk, cost, speed, and competitive edge. 🔹 Use rising external reporting as leverage. Public companies will soon report talent risks and strengths to shareholders — get ahead by shaping the internal story now. 🔹 Playbook available — leverage ISO 30414. Use global standards to boost credibility and translate talent insights into business terms. 🔹 Focus on outcomes, not activities. Shift from counting programs to showing measurable results executives care about. 🔹 Position talent risks as business risks — and advantages. Show how skill gaps, leadership pipelines, or engagement directly affect strategy and market position.
Practical next moves for talent leaders: ✨ Audit your reporting: are you showing impact or activity? ✨ Build a one-page human capital statement that speaks their language. ✨ Find your executive champions. ✨ Map the skills that future-proof your business. ✨ Socialize early — shape the narrative before the big meeting.
Here’s the unlock: When talent leaders shift from reporting to advising — from showing numbers to reducing uncertainty — they become indispensable partners at the table.

Talent Data = Business Strategy: Speaking the Language of the C-Suite

Strategy

talent risk

Analytics

jane.shlaes

talent acquisition

azizeh.constantinescu

leadership development

talent development

talent management

eduardo.burgos

colin.hahn

Talent Strategy

employee engagement

marty.murrillo

reskilling

yolanda.mangram

HR leadership

HR Strategy

HR leaders

learning analytics

lauren.marder

data storytelling

business strategy

HR Data Analytics

Workforce Transformation

HR Analytics

emily.decker-bess

Business Alignment

sheryl.smikle

phyllis.king

angelica.janina.stilling

3Q2025

adam.walleser

HR business strategy

talent insights

HR talent management

HR data

C-suite communication

holly.r.pyatt

human capital reporting

L&amp;D metrics

business outcomes

Meet ELE Contributing Members and get involved Saturday, Aug 16 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (or later, if the wine flows!) Location: At Dirk's Koi Pond | North Park, Chicago
Join Dirk Tussing and ELE Contributing Members for an intimate brunch where insight meets reflection and connection drives momentum. This is where we trade PowerPoint for people-first dialogue, and co-create what comes next for talent development.

<blockquote>
Real conversations. Trusted peers. This isn’t a panel or a presentation—it’s an invitation
</blockquote>
We are hosting two relaxed summer brunches with smaller groups from the ELE community. Join us by Dirk's Koi Pond for good conversation, fresh ideas, and easy networking.

🕰️ Choose the date that works for you: 
<ul>
 	<li>Saturday, July 12 at 11:00 AM (<a href="https://www.ele.llc/events/ele-brunch-2025-jul" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK HERE</a> to register)</li>
 	<li>Saturday, August 16 at 11:00 AM (Register on this page)</li>
</ul>
It's potluck style. Bring a dish to share and a drink that pairs well.
🏃‍♂️ Seats are limited—only 12 per brunch! RSVP now to help us plan.
<img class="aligncenter" src="https://wp.ele.llc/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-ELE-Brunch-AUG-v715.jpg" alt="" width="733" height="469" />
Think: Casual, Thoughtful, and Fun.
This isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey. We’ll move through three reflective prompts to explore what we’re releasing, what’s taking root, and what big shifts we’re chasing. Expect honest, peer-to-peer connection around ideas that matter—personally and professionally.

Small group chats, zero pressure, and real talk encouraged.

Dress Code: Zen by the Koi Waterfall
Effortless. Expressive. Grounded.

Come dressed in soft fabrics and relaxed silhouettes—floral prints and organic colors welcome. Think garden elegance meets mindful presence.
✔️ Yes to: breezy linens, flowy dresses, nature-inspired colors and patterns
❌ No to: suits, ties, or anything that says “conference room”

<blockquote>🪷 Dress like you’re about to have your most important conversation of the summer—with someone who really sees you.</blockquote>
Additional Details
🌟 Space is limited to 12 guests for this trust-building experience.
🚗 Street parking is free and readily available.

ELE Meetup: Potluck Brunch | Chicago

newton.moore

laura.jones

rebecca.benson

erin.joslin

nicole.defalco

ELE Brunch

Meet ELE Contributing Members and get involved Saturday, July 12 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (or later, if the wine flows!) Location: At Dirk's Koi Pond | North Park, Chicago
Join Dirk Tussing and ELE Contributing Members for an intimate brunch where insight meets reflection and connection drives momentum. This is where we trade PowerPoint for people-first dialogue, and co-create what comes next for talent development.

<blockquote>
Real conversations. Trusted peers. This isn’t a panel or a presentation—it’s an invitation
</blockquote>
We are hosting two relaxed summer brunches with smaller groups from the ELE community. Join us by Dirk's Koi Pond for good conversation, fresh ideas, and easy networking.

🕰️ Choose the date that works for you: 
<ul>
 	<li>Saturday, July 12 at 11:00 AM (Register on this page)</li>
 	<li>Saturday, August 16 at 11:00 AM (<a href="https://www.ele.llc/events/ele-brunch-2025-aug" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK HERE</a> to register)</li>
</ul>
It's potluck style. Bring a dish to share and a drink that pairs well.
🏃‍♂️ Seats are limited—only 12 per brunch! RSVP now to help us plan.
<img class="aligncenter" src="https://wp.ele.llc/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Strategic-Advisory-Board-Dinner-2025-JUL.jpg" alt="" width="679" height="427" />
Think: Casual, Thoughtful, and Fun.
This isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey. We’ll move through three reflective prompts to explore what we’re releasing, what’s taking root, and what big shifts we’re chasing. Expect honest, peer-to-peer connection around ideas that matter—personally and professionally.

Small group chats, zero pressure, and real talk encouraged.

Dress Code: Zen by the Koi Waterfall
Effortless. Expressive. Grounded.

Come dressed in soft fabrics and relaxed silhouettes—floral prints and organic colors welcome. Think garden elegance meets mindful presence.
✔️ Yes to: breezy linens, flowy dresses, nature-inspired colors and patterns
❌ No to: suits, ties, or anything that says “conference room”

<blockquote>🪷 Dress like you’re about to have your most important conversation of the summer—with someone who really sees you.</blockquote>
Additional Details
🌟 Space is limited to 12 guests for this trust-building experience.
🚗 Street parking is free and readily available.

matt.sernaker

diana.anderson

tanya.hinton

roberto.seif

ELE Strategic Advisory Board Dinner Wednesday, July 2 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (or later, if the wine flows!) Location: At Dirk's Koi Pond | North Park, Chicago
Join Dirk Tussing and fellow members of ELE’s Strategic Advisory Board for an intimate evening where insight meets reflection and connection drives momentum. This is where we trade PowerPoint for people-first dialogue, and co-create what comes next for talent development.

<blockquote>
Real conversations. Trusted peers. This isn’t a panel or a presentation—it’s an invitation
</blockquote>
Whether you're refreshing your leadership pipeline, piloting AI agents, or exploring new capability frameworks—this dinner is a place to think aloud with others who get it.
<img class="aligncenter wp-image-43297" src="https://wp.ele.llc/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ELE-Executive-Dinner.jpg" alt="ELE Strategic Advisory Board" width="540" height="455" />
What to Expect:

<ul data-start="773" data-end="960">
 	<li data-start="773" data-end="809">
🍷 Light wine tasting and informal mingling starting at 5:30 PM 🍽️ Dinner service around 6:30 PM 💬 3 curated conversation cards to guide us (before, during, and after the meal) 🌙 Outdoor setting by the koi pond—come as you are, stay as long as you'd like
</li>
</ul>
<img class="aligncenter wp-image-43299" src="https://wp.ele.llc/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Conversations-at-Koi-Pond.jpg" alt="ELE Strategic Advisory Board" width="541" height="304" />

Dinner Theme: Burn, Bloom &amp; Breakthrough
This isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey. We’ll move through three reflective prompts to explore what we’re releasing, what’s taking root, and what big shifts we’re chasing. Expect honest, peer-to-peer connection around ideas that matter—personally and professionally.

Small group chats, zero pressure, and real talk encouraged.
<img class="aligncenter wp-image-43300" src="https://wp.ele.llc/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DURING-DINNER-1.jpg" alt="ELE Strategic Advisory Board" width="612" height="408" />
Dress Code: Zen by the Koi Waterfall
Effortless. Expressive. Grounded.

Come dressed in soft fabrics and relaxed silhouettes—floral prints and organic colors welcome. Think garden elegance meets mindful presence.
✔️ Yes to: breezy linens, flowy dresses, nature-inspired colors and patterns
❌ No to: suits, ties, or anything that says “conference room”

<blockquote>🪷 Dress like you’re about to have your most important conversation of the summer—with someone who really sees you.</blockquote>
Additional Details
🌟 Space is limited to nine guests for this trust-building experience.
🚗 Street parking is free and readily available.

ELE Strategic Advisory Board Dinner

charisse.kosova

brian.gold

susan.heatherly

Sinek starts with a fundamental question: Why are some people and organizations more innovative, more influential, and more profitable than others? Why do some command greater loyalty from customers and employees alike? Even among the successful, why are so few able to repeat their success over and over?

People like Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, and the Wright Brothers had little in common, but they all started with WHY. They realized that people won't truly buy into a product, service, movement, or idea until they understand the WHY behind it.

START WITH WHY shows that the leaders who've had the greatest influence in the world all think, act, and communicate the same way -- and it's the opposite of what everyone else does. Sinek calls this powerful idea The Golden Circle, and it provides a framework upon which organizations can be built, movements can be led, and people can be inspired. And it all starts with WHY.

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