Community is the New Currency
Program description
In today’s workplace where burnout is high, loyalty is low, and job-hopping is the new jet-setting, every organization is asking the same question: “How do we attract and keep top talent?”The problem is, loyalty isn’t built on pay raises or ping-pong tables, it’s about the people. The truth is people don’t quit their jobs, they quit the company and the culture. With over a decade of experience crafting vibrant, loyalty-driven communities for powerhouse brands like GM, Siemens, and Nintendo, Dre Thompson is a master at transforming workplaces into magneticS.T.A.R.Communities, where Story, Transparency, Authenticity, and Respect fuel lasting connection and unstoppable performance. As a talent acquisition expert and community strategist Dre is on a mission to help organizations stop managing culture from the top down, and start building community from the inside out. He guides leaders to break down barriers, spark authentic engagement, and cultivate strong, connected teams that drive retention and sustained success.
Learning Objectives:
- Diagnose disengagement and uncover the unmet human needs behind low performance
- Use the S.T.A.R. Framework to foster real-time, real-life connection across teams
- Design inclusive environments where every employee sees their value and potential
- Lead with intention by trading one-size-fits-all culture tactics for people-centered strategies
- Foster long-term loyalty by elevating employees from metrics to meaning
Thriving Through Transition: Rebuilding Your Workforce In the Wake Of Change
Program Description:
Change is inevitable —but growth is intentional. In this dynamic keynote, Dre Thompson helps organizations navigate workforce disruption and turnover with clarity and confidence. Whether due to layoffs, leadership shifts, or market changes, Dre offers actionable insights to help teams rebuild morale, reengage staff, and realign their hiring strategies for long-term success. Learn how to turn instability into opportunity and lead with purpose in uncertain times.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover practical tools to rebuild workforce stability and boost team morale after disruption.
- Learn how to retain top performers during times of organizational change.
- Increase productivity and profitability through transition-ready workforce strategies.
- Create an adaptable talent framework that supports sustained performance and ROI.
From Burnout To Buy-In: How S.T.A.R. Retains Talent Through Branding, Story, and GRIT
Program Description:
Employee disengagement is costing organizations more than ever. This talk introduces Dre’s S.T.A.R. Framework—Story, Task, Action, Result—paired with principles of personal branding and GRIT. Designed to help leaders reframe the employee experience, this session equips companies to re-engage their workforce, reduce turnover, and inspire teams to perform with passion and purpose.
Learning Objectives:
- Implement the S.T.A.R. Framework to enhance employee storytelling, feedback, and growth conversations.
- Identify the key causes of burnout and practical ways to restore engagement across teams.
- Align personal and organizational branding to improve retention and job satisfaction.
- Drive measurable improvements in team performance, engagement, and bottom-line results.
Pipeline to Purpose: Build Pipelines That Perform and Teams That Persevere
Program Description:
Great companies don’t just fill roles—they build pipelines with purpose. This high-impact program helps organizations develop long-term, inclusive talent strategies that fuel performance, culture, and growth. Dre reveals how to attract candidates who align with your mission, cultivate perseverance in your team, and future-proof your workforce from turnover and talent shortages.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to build inclusive, values-aligned pipelines that drive hiring efficiency and retention.
- Increase ROI by developing high-performing teams built for long-term success.
- Create a talent acquisition strategy that aligns with both culture and company goals.
- Reduce recruitment costs and boost profitability through proactive pipeline planning.