In this episode of Conversations with ICA, we talk with Bethany Adams, Associate Director of Marketing & Strategy for Villanova University’s HR graduate programs, to preview her upcoming Roadmap 2025 session. Bethany draws on more than 15 years of experience across small businesses, Fortune 500 companies and higher education to explore how engagement, leadership and culture must evolve together.
Her perspective? The old playbook for engagement isn’t just outdated — it’s ineffective. “Employee expectations have shifted,” she explains, “and organizations need to shift with them.” That shift includes redefining leadership itself, starting with the concept of “leading the leader.” It’s a mindset that asks: how are we preparing managers, not just to manage, but to lead with authenticity, adaptability and emotional intelligence?
She explains why organizations can’t treat engagement as a program—but must embed it into everyday culture through emotional intelligence and practical design. Bethany also previews her “Action Lab” approach, showing attendees how to use creative problem-solving to meet real-time workforce challenges.
📺 Watch the full conversation below.
🎟️ Attend ROADMAP 2025 this November in Dallas to hear more from Bethany Adams and other people-focused leaders. Register today
👥 Bring your team! Purchase 5 passes for the price of 4 — enough to attend every program track on Day 1 and get full access to the Day 2 PROJECTIONS program.
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Conversations with ICA | 2025 season, episode 12