Lessons Learned From Being a Best Place to Work
What does it take to build a workplace where people want to stay, grow, and do their best work? In this opening keynote, attendees will hear reflections and lessons drawn from years of experience leading an organization recognized as one of Hawaiʻi’s Best Places to Work. Through stories, insights, and practical observations, this session will explore the leadership decisions, cultural commitments, and people-first approaches that contribute to a strong workplace. Attendees will leave with ideas they can apply within their own organizations to strengthen engagement, trust, and long-term success.
Keynote Speaker:
- Brian Bowers, President, Bowers + Kubota
Scaling Culture: Growing Your Organization Without Losing What Makes It Great
Hear from leaders of Hawai‘i’s Best Places to Work companies on how they’ve successfully grown their organizations while preserving strong workplace cultures. This session will share practical insights about protecting core values, empowering employees , and keeping the spirit of aloha alive as teams expand.
Speaker:
- Brian Bowers, President, Bowers & Kubota
- Glen Kaneshige, Nordic PCL Construction, Inc.
- Kent Coules, Hawaii Business Magazine
Trust at the Top: Leadership That Builds Great Workplaces
Great workplaces begin with trusted leadership. In this session, hear how leaders build credibility through transparency, communication, and accountability—creating environments where employees feel respected, engaged, and motivated to contribute their best.
Speakers:
- Lisa Daijo, Express Employment Professionals
- Spencer Dung, WestPac Wealth Partners
- Charles Kaneshiro, G70
- Jennifer Bowers, , Pang Communications
Healthy Teams, Stronger Results: Why Employee Well-Being Matters
Employee well-being is becoming a defining feature of successful organizations. In this session, hear how leading employers are supporting the physical, mental, and emotional health of their teams through meaningful programs and supportive cultures. Learn how investing in well-being leads to stronger engagement, resilience, and performance.
Speakers:
- Emile Alano, AHL
- Christian Lee-Lewis, Hawaii State FCU
- Ken Wills, Hawaii Business Magazine
Everyday Inclusion: Creating Workplaces Where LGBTQ+ Employees Belong
Building an inclusive workplace goes beyond policies—it shows up in everyday leadership, behaviors, and culture. This session explores how organizations are creating environments where LGBTQ+ employees feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. Hear practical approaches to fostering inclusion across the workplace.
Speakers:
- Alyson Hanson, Parents And Children Togethe
- Sherry Menor, Chamber of Commerce
- Ken Wills, Hawaii Business Magazine
- Joy Barua, Finance Insurance
Where Women Thrive: Creating Pathways to Leadership and Equity
Organizations perform better when women have clear opportunities to grow and lead. In this session, panelists will discuss how companies are creating intentional pathways for women’s advancement—from mentorship and leadership development to equitable policies and workplace culture. Learn how supporting women’s success strengthens organizations and builds more inclusive workplaces.
Speakers:
- Lynn Babington, Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Jessica Katinszky, Northwestern Mutual Hawaii
- Madalyn Kenney Bumanglag, Make-A-Wish Hawaii
- Carol Davis, Atlas Insurance Agency
