Description

Led by the Small Business Community Committee

Ever had an employee, client, or partner react in a way that made no sense?
One conversation builds momentum. Another creates tension, confusion, or resistance—and you’re left wondering what went wrong.

In this session, Dr. Suzette Plaisance Bryan of UT Dallas will break down the SCARF model, a simple, practical framework that explains what actually drives human behavior at work.

You’ll learn how to:

• Give feedback without triggering defensiveness
• Handle tough conversations with more confidence
• Create clarity so your team knows exactly what to do next
• Build trust quickly with employees, clients, and partners

This isn’t theory—it’s real-world communication you can use immediately in your business.
If you’ve ever walked out of a conversation thinking “that didn’t go how I expected,” this session will change how you lead and communicate.

In addition, you’ll learn about two valuable UT Dallas programs—UTDsolv and UTDserv—and how they can provide support, resources, and talent connections to help your business grow.

Sponsor:
(Limited to 2 non-competing businesses)
$750 - includes premier reserved table, recognition from emcee, logo printed in programs, logo on event promos and signage, @mention on social media, may bring branded items to event

About the speaker:
Suzette Plaisance Bryan, Ph.D., SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP has an extensive background in human resources, leadership development, and corporate training and development. A former tenured college professor teaching organizational communication courses to both undergraduate and graduate students, Suzette has presented at numerous conferences, including ones in Athens, Greece; Belfast, Ireland; and Vevey, Switzerland.  Her work has been published by the Consortium for the Study of Emotional Intelligence in Organizations. She has published book chapters and articles in academic and professional journals and is co-author of Scripts and Communication for Relationships published by Peter Lang Publishing. Suzette worked as head of training for a large organization in Dallas, for Nestle’ Health Science as a leadership and organizational development specialist and for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana as a leadership development consultant. She completed a six-month program in the Foundations of Neuroleadership, earning a Certificate of Distinction.  She presently teaches in the Executive Master’s Program at the University of Texas at Dallas and formerly served as Director of the UTD Leadership Center. She is the proud mother of a son, daughter and fur baby, named Falstaff (Shakespeare not beer).