Navigating Change: The Future of the Workplace in Corporate America

The American workplace is changing, driven by a variety of external trends, including new technologies, shifts in inclusion priorities, and the return to the office. As organizations navigate these transitions, business leaders are tasked with updating their workforce management practices to meet new demands. In this program, representatives from leading companies share their perspectives on strategies for supporting talent, culture and inclusion that are aligned with overall business objectives and keep pace with the world around us. 

Admission 
This event is only available to Japan Society corporate members. Admission is free with advance registration required. If you don’t know your corporate member code, please contact [email protected]. Please note that seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis.

Agenda
6:30-7:30pm Discussion and Q&A Session
7:30-8:00pm Reception

Speaker Bios
Erika Irish Brown 
Head of Talent Management and Engagement, Citi
Erika is Citi’s Head of Talent Management and Engagement, responsible for developing global talent management and engagement strategy and driving Citi’s agenda on talent planning, succession planning and leadership development. Prior to joining Citi, Erika was Chief Diversity Officer at Goldman Sachs from 2018 to 2021 and Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Bloomberg from 2015 to 2018. Prior to this, she led executive and diversity hiring efforts at Bank of America and Lehman Brothers. Erika’s background includes a range of banking and finance roles, including Head of Business Development for Black Entertainment Television, Senior Associate in High Yield Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley and Senior Policy Analyst for Domestic Finance for the United States Department of the Treasury. She began her career as an Analyst in Public Finance at Lehman Brothers. Erika is Vice Chair of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation and serves on the Boards of Columbia Business School and the Riverside Hawks. Erika earned a BS in Economics from the State University of New York at Albany and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Alysia Steinmann
Managing Partner, EY Americas Metro New York Office, Ernst & Young LLP
Alysia Steinmann is the EY Americas Metro New York Office Managing Partner, overseeing client service and internal management for the firm’s largest office in the United States. Leading over 13,000 professionals, she fosters a culture of belonging while delivering quality service across the tri-state area. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Alysia previously served as an Assurance partner specializing in wealth and asset management, managing complex accounting and valuation projects. A dedicated advocate for New York’s growth, Alysia serves on the boards of NYC Autism Charter Schools and WhyHunger. As a working mother of two sons with autism, she champions neurodiversity and work-life balance, frequently speaking on these topics. Alysia is actively involved in various EY inclusiveness initiatives. An avid runner, she has completed 32 marathons, including 17 in New York City, often supporting the Robin Hood Foundation in its mission to alleviate poverty in the city.

Susan Gross Sholinsky
Board of Directors / Member of the Firm, Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. 
Attorney Susan Gross Sholinsky gives employers the tools they need to make smart decisions about their workforce challenges. She is a sharp, versatile partner to executives, human resources professionals, and in-house legal teams who seek her out for her straight-forward advice and access to boots-on-the-ground resources, regardless of location. Susan also helps employers ensure compliance with the latest local, state, and federal laws, from sexual harassment to discrimination, restrictive covenants, paid family leave, and accommodations. When a company makes an acquisition, she literally writes the legal and compliance script for ensuring a smooth transition and integrating employees into the new organization. Her succinct talking points help deliver key updates and tough decisions to affected team members. Whether she’s conducting training on anti-harassment or leading training on diversity, internal investigations, or performance documentation best practices, Susan’s effective training style helps managers spot problems early and boost productivity through safe, compliant practices. Susan helps employers respond rapidly to social issues, like the #MeToo or racial justice movements. She also spearheaded the firm’s COVID-19 taskforce, and oversees the firm’s compliance practice, including its legislative updates, as well as client advisories, blog posts, and articles. To read her complete bio, click here.

Moderator:
Joshua W. Walker, Ph.D., President & CEO, Japan Society

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The U.S.-Japan Emerging Leaders Initiative is generously supported by Advocate sponsors.

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Business & Policy Forum is generously supported by Japan Society Global Leaders & Corporate Partners.

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Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).