Opening (5 minutes)

• Welcome and Introductions: Warmly welcome everyone to the panel discussion and express appreciation for their participation. Briefly introduce the topic of showcasing brilliance and making work stand out, highlighting its importance for career advancement.
• Introduce Panelists: Introduce each panelist, highlighting their expertise and accomplishments.

Panel Discussion (30 minutes)

• Strategies for Self-Advocacy: Guide the panelists in a discussion about effective self-advocacy strategies, including:
  • Identifying and articulating key accomplishments
  • Crafting compelling stories to highlight contributions
  • Seeking opportunities for visibility and recognition
• Building a Personal Brand: Explore how panelists have built their personal brands within the company and their respective fields:
  • Defining strengths
  • Leveraging professional platforms, social media and/or professional network
  • Building a reputation for expertise and leadership
• Creating a Lasting Impact: Discuss the importance of leaving a lasting impact on projects and initiatives, including:
  • Going above and beyond expectations
  • Taking ownership and initiative
  • Mentoring and supporting colleagues
• Building a Network of Supporters: Explore how panelists have built their networks and cultivated relationships with key stakeholders:
  • Identifying and connecting with influential individuals
  • Seeking mentorship and guidance
  • Providing value to others and fostering collaboration

Q&A Session (15 minutes)

• Open the Floor: Encourage participants to ask questions to the panelists about self-advocacy, personal branding, and building a network.
• Facilitate Interaction: Engage the panelists in answering questions and providing insightful advice.

Networking Session (15 minutes)

• Facilitated Networking: Structure a networking session where participants can connect with panelists and other attendees. Provide prompts or questions to guide conversations:
  • "What are you currently working on that you're excited about?"
  • "What are some of your career aspirations?"
  • "What resources or support are you seeking?"
• Encourage Engagement: Promote a positive and collaborative environment where participants can exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore potential collaborations.

Closing (5 minutes)

• Key Takeaways: Summarize the key insights shared by the panelists and emphasize the importance of self-advocacy, personal branding, and networking for career advancement.
• Call to Action: Encourage participants to reflect on the panel discussion and identify one or two actionable steps they can take to showcase their brilliance and build their professional presence.

Additional Tips:

• Visual Aids: Encourage panelists to use visual aids (e.g., slides, images) to illustrate their points and stories.
• Interactive Format: Incorporate polls or interactive questions to engage the audience during the Q&A session.
• Resource Guide: Provide a resource guide with helpful links, articles, and books on self-advocacy, personal branding, and networking.
• Feedback Loop: Gather feedback from participants after the event to identify areas for improvement and tailor future events based on audience needs.

Note: This conversation guide is a starting point and can be adapted to fit the specific needs and interests of the group and the expertise of the panelists.