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Schedule

Optica Middle Management Summit

06 - 07 August 2025


Optica Headquarters
Washington, District of Columbia UNITED STATES

Schedule

Wednesday, 6 August

Day 1: Leadership & Strategic Thinking
Time
Event

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration & Welcome Coffee

  • Check-in, networking over a light breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Opening Remarks

  • Welcome from Optica leadership
  • Overview of summit goals & agenda
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Keynote Address: The Evolving Role of Middle Managers in a Changing Workplace -Lee Rubin

  • Key insights on leadership adaptability and influence
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Coffee Break & Networking
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM

Keynote Breakout: Translating Vision into Action

  • Small group discussions on implementing leadership strategies
  • Interactive case study & takeaways
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

  • Open seating for cross-department networking
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Afternoon instructor-facilitator - Christopher R. DeVany, PMP

Emotional Intelligence Workshop: Leading with Empathy & Influence

  • Facilitator:
  • Topics covered:
    • Understanding emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership
    • Strategies for conflict resolution & team motivation
    • Practical exercises and self-assessments
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Refreshment Break
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM

Budgeting & Financial Acumen for Middle Managers

  • Instructor-led session on:
    • Budget planning & allocation strategies
    • Making data-driven financial decisions
    • Case study: Real-world budget scenarios
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Panel Discussion: Navigating Challenges in Middle Management

 

  • Panelists: Senior leaders & experienced middle managers

  • Panelists: Senior leaders & experienced middle managers
  • Topics covered:
    • Overcoming organizational silos
    • Managing up & down effectively
    • Career growth strategies
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Networking Reception

  • Light refreshments & informal discussions
  • Opportunity to connect with speakers & panelists

Thursday, 7 August

Day 2: Execution & Career Growth

Instructors-Facilitators-Panelists: Christopher R. DeVany, PMP, Nanette Miner, Ed. D. and Ethan Chazin
Time 
Event
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Morning Coffee & Networking

  • Check-in, networking over a light breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Interactive Workshop: “Strategic Thinking for Operational Success” – Christopher R. DeVany, PMP and Ethan Chazin

  • Frameworks for better decision-making
  • Balancing short-term execution with long-term vision
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Coffee Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM

Leadership Roundtables: “Problem-Solving in Real Time” – led by Nanette Miner, Ed. D.

 

  • Small group discussions tackling real workplace challenges
  • Peer coaching & feedback
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Career Development Session: Positioning Yourself for the Next Level – Ethan Chazin

  • Identifying growth opportunities within Optica
  • Personal branding & executive presence strategies
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Break
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM

Action Planning Workshop: Building Your Leadership Roadmap – Nanette Miner, Ed. D. and Christopher R. DeVany, PMP

  • Participants create actionable leadership development plans
  • Peer review & accountability partners assigned
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Closing Remarks & Next Steps -
Christopher R. DeVany, PMP, Nanette Miner, Ed.D. and Ethan Chazin

  • Summary of key learnings
  • Encouragement for continued professional development
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