Building Your Leadership Brand
Schedule
Thu Jan 08 2026 at 05:30 pm to 07:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
250 Monroe Avenue NW, Ste 150, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, Michigan 49503 | Grand Rapids, MI
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Building Your Leadership Brand, an interactive leadership development session led by nationally recognized HR strategist and bestselling author Ovell Barbee. The event is FREE for all AHRM + GRJC members, with SHRM and HRCI credit available.
Program: Building Your Leadership Brand
This engaging session helps early- and mid-career professionals define, strengthen, and amplify the leadership impression they leave on others. Participants will explore how to increase influence, show up with intentionality, and build trust — especially during times of change and growth. Through guided reflection and peer discussion, attendees will identify the values, strengths, and behaviors that shape their brand today and walk away with practical strategies to communicate clearly, foster psychological safety, and lead with presence.
Key Takeaways:
-Define your leadership brand and the behaviors that reinforce it
-Strengthen communication and influence strategies
-Apply techniques to build trust and psychological safety
-Lead with authenticity and resilience during change
-Create a personal action plan to elevate your brand and impact
Agenda:
5:30p - Doors Open + Networking
6:00p - Programming: Building Your Leadership Brand
7:00-7:30p - Networking + Event Conclusion
About The Speaker:
Ovell Barbee, Human Resources Strategist Principal, Ovell Rome & Associates dba Ask Ovell AskOvell.com
Ovell Barbee Jr. is a nationally recognized human resources strategist, consultant, and speaker known for his human-centered approach to leadership, workforce transformation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As Principal of Ovell Rome & Associates (dba Ask Ovell), Ovell draws on a career spanning Fortune 500 companies such as Motorola, Blue Cross Blue Shield, General Motors/OnStar, Spectrum Health (now Corewell Health), and Indiana University Health. With an emphasis on systemic change, Ovell has led culture transformations, implemented equitable HR and DEI practices, and helped organizations navigate complexity with authenticity and integrity. His leadership philosophy is grounded in encouraging people to “use their voice” — a theme that resonates throughout his work and his signature platform, AskOvell.com. A two-time chair of the National HR Healthcare Conference (2022, 2023), Ovell is a sought-after speaker who has delivered keynotes and workshops at national forums such as Becker’s Healthcare Annual Meeting, the Healthcare HR Management Institute, and the National Diversity Council’s Black Men in Leadership Summit. He has been featured in news articles, webinars, and podcasts and frequently shares insights through his platform and his popular slogan, “You better ask somebody!” Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ovell credits his upbringing and early work experiences for shaping his values. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in social work from the University of Michigan, as well as a master’s degree in human resources and labor relations from Michigan State University. As part of his ongoing commitment to education and equity, Ovell supports deserving college students through the Barbee Book Club, which provides books and supplies for all four years of college. His debut book, The Big House: A Human-Centered & Progressive Approach to DEI and Positive Workplace Engagement (2023), quickly became an Amazon bestseller.
Event submitted for HRCI and SHRM credits
Event Sponsored by AHRM, Association of Human Resources Management
Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected]
Register today!
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Where is it happening?
250 Monroe Avenue NW, Ste 150, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, Michigan 49503Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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