Hot Topics, Cool Heads: Fostering Respectful Dialogue in a Divided World
In-Person and Online Options
In-Person Course Date(s): Thursday, May 22
In-Person Course Time(s): 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
In-Person Location(s): UW-Stout Campus
Professional Credit(s): 0.2 CEUs, 2.0 SHRM PDCs
In-Person Rate: $120
Online Course Date(s): Thursday, June 19
Online Course Time(s): 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Online Platform(s): Zoom
Professional Credit(s): 0.2 CEUs, 2.0 SHRM PDCs
Online Rate: $140
How Do You Talk About Tough Topics—Without Tearing Teams Apart?
From political debates and social justice issues to global conflict and public health, hot-button topics don’t stay outside the workplace—they show up in conversations, meetings, and even Slack threads. The challenge? Navigating these conversations without sparking division or disengagement.
Whether you’re leading a team or collaborating across departments, the ability to engage in respectful, emotionally intelligent dialogue is no longer optional—it’s a core leadership skill.
Why This Workshop Matters Now
Today’s workplaces are more diverse, interconnected, and influenced by current events than ever before. As tensions rise and opinions clash, the cost of poor communication—missed deadlines, fractured relationships, lost talent—only increases.
This workshop gives you the tools to turn difficult conversations into productive ones, helping you build a culture of trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
What You’ll Learn
Through interactive exercises, real-world scenarios, and guided reflection, you’ll gain strategies to:
- Promote Respect: Understand how respectful dialogue fuels team cohesion and productivity
- Stay Grounded in the Heat of the Moment: Apply de-escalation strategies to emotionally charged conversations
- Lead with Empathy: Use structured approaches to guide difficult discussions in a way that fosters trust and inclusion
Who Should Attend
This session is designed for team members, supervisors, HR professionals, and organizational leaders who want to enhance their communication skills and contribute to a more inclusive, resilient workplace. No prior training required—just a willingness to engage.
Your Takeaway: Courageous Conversations Start With You
By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with a confident, actionable approach to navigating tension without sacrificing professionalism or connection. You’ll be the calm in the chaos—and the leader others turn to when things get complicated.
With a wealth of expertise in both on-site and remote human resource management, project management, and customer/employee service, Dr. Katie Walk is a seasoned professional renowned for master-level communication and relationship-building skills essential for fostering positive talent development outcomes. Throughout a dynamic career, Katie has over 25 years of professional Human Resources and management experience and has successfully navigated roles such as Human Resources Director, District Manager, Senior Implementation Manager, and Account Manager. Currently serving as the Program Director for the Human Resources program at Chippewa Valley Technical College and an associate lecturer at UW-Stout, Katie plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of HR and management professionals. Notably, Katie holds esteemed certifications, including the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), and possesses SHRM Specialty Credentials in People Analytics and Workplace Inclusivity. Furthermore, Katie is an HRCI Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
As a multifaceted professional, Katie seamlessly blends strategic leadership, organizational acumen, and a commitment to continuous learning. Her diverse experience in various managerial capacities underscores a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of HR and business management. In addition to certifications, Katie has obtained a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from University of Missouri – Columbia and an MBA from University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Beyond academia and professional achievements, Katie is a frequent guest speaker, sharing insights and expertise, and a dedicated community volunteer. Katie lives in Eau Claire, WI with her husband and three children.