Location: Christophers 2816 Beaver Avenue Des Moines IA 50310

Date: Monday, June 24th 5:30-8:00 (dinner will be provided)

5:30-6 networking  
6-7 - speaker presentation 
7-8 - optional networking 
 

The Event: Participants will explore a structured framework designed to plan and conduct important conversations effectively. Through interactive role plays and group discussions, you will learn how to navigate challenging discussions with confidence and tact. This session aims to equip you with the skills to lower resistance, build rapport, and foster a collaborative environment, turning difficult conversations into opportunities for growth and problem-solving.

About Paragon IT Professionals:
In 1997, Paragon IT Professionals was founded as an IT-focused staffing company in Des Moines, Iowa, by brothers Craig and Joel Jackman. Over the course of the past 27 years, Paragon has expanded its focus to include project services and leadership development. While headquarters remain in Des Moines, Paragon’s reach spans the United States, with consultants across the country and clients as far east as Florida and as far west as Arizona.

Meet Your Presenters:
Heidi Bedier, Director of Leadership Development
Paragon Director of Leadership Development, Heidi Bedier, will facilitate the four-part series. Heidi has over 25 years of experience guiding leaders, teams, and organizations through change management, leadership development, and culture formation. She holds a Master of Science in Adult Learning, Performance, and Development and is currently a PhD candidate pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. She is a graduate of the Brain-Base Coaching Program with NeuroLeadership and is a Ritz Carlton Service Excellence Culture Program participant.

Bryce Colston, Leadership Ambassador
In June 2023, when Paragon first announced it was expanding its leadership services, a recruiter by the name of Bryce Colston approached Leadership and declared he ‘wanted in’. At the time, he was told we were probably years down the road from being able to invest in additional people to support the Leadership Solutions service line. Fast forward seven months to the beginning of January, and Colston transitioned to the leadership ambassador role and now serves as the primary point of contact for the Leadership Forum. Bryce is a life-long learner who was interested in personal development long before Paragon. He values empathetic and resilient leaders who have a growth mindset and look forward to helping others along their self-development journey. Before Paragon, Bryce spent his career in the real estate industry as an agent and client success manager, and in the hospitality industry as a manager and co-owner.