Darshika Patel / Michelle Morrison | PDU: 1 Power Skills
Where Human Intelligence leads, AI follows. Build the network no machine can replicate.
Conversations matter. In life, in business, and in every project. Each conversation is a gateway to opportunity. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, land a job or get promoted - how do you make sure your name is top of mind? If you are leading people, shaping culture, or using data to tell a story and guide the customer journey, it all starts with a conversation. This session will show you how to turn that conversation into a strategic connection. Learn how to position yourself as someone who delivers against the odds, influences across the matrix, and builds a trusted network ready to support you when it matters most.
Key Takeaways
- Connect with your network: Get to know your network. Position yourself as a valuable connector and open doors to meaningful opportunities. (Connect)
- Transform Pitches into Conversations: Learn techniques to spark engaging conversations that build credibility and a path from stranger to collaborator. (Align)
- Reconnect with intent and impact: Implement follow-up strategies that turn short conversations into long-term opportunities creating a reputation for being both memorable and commercially valuable. (Reconnect)
about the co-speaker
Darshika Patel
Darshika Patel is a global transformation expert, founder of DrShika Academy, and Commercial Director at Data Tamers. With over 25 years of experience in project leadership, consulting, and culture-driven change, she has led strategic transformations across 35 countries, delivering impact through roles at PwC, EY, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Her background spans life sciences, financial services, and technology-enabled change, with a unique ability to balance governance, risk, and commercial performance.
At Data Tamers, Darshika serves as an account manager for a multi-year strategic risk data transformation programme with a New York–based investment bank. Previously, as Chief Operating Officer of Calibrate Consulting, she oversaw global Finance, Risk, and Data portfolios, leading the firm to achieve two ISO certifications within six months while building a values-based, high-performing organisation.
Darshika is a recognized thought leader on team leadership and the future of work. She is the creator of the CAR Method™ and the H! (Human Intelligence) Framework, which equips leaders to build trust, influence with integrity, and drive meaningful change. She also founded the Pharma Controls Forum, a global peer network advancing gross-to-net strategy, compliance readiness, and operational resilience.
Driven by a commitment to social impact, Darshika created the Invest in the Future programme, providing real-world work experience opportunities for young people across sectors and geographies. Her Shine Your Light programme empowers youth to lead with curiosity and communicate with confidence, while her high-impact networking masterclasses help professionals build lasting connections through meaningful conversation.
A global speaker and mentor to both seasoned and emerging leaders, Darshika delivers her leadership programmes across Europe, Asia, and the United States. She is also the author of the upcoming book Connect with Impact, which offers practical tools, stories, and strategies to build powerful human connections in a rapidly changing world.
Her mission is to inspire 1,000 future-ready leaders who lead with purpose, connect across cultures, and create impact that outlasts roles, titles, and industries.
about the co-speaker
Michelle Morrison, MBA, PMP
Michelle Morrison is a trusted leader in global culture, change, and people strategy, and founder of Culture Timing. With over 24 years of experience shaping organizations within Big Four professional services, she is recognized for designing practical, high-impact strategies that make large-scale transformations not only achievable but sustainable. Michelle has a proven ability to guide leaders and teams to thrive in an AI-powered, ever-evolving workforce, driving measurable business outcomes.
After more than two decades in the corporate world, Michelle now partners with small and mid-sized companies navigating major transitions—from mergers and acquisitions to technology rollouts and AI adoption—helping leaders align culture, people strategy, and business goals so change takes root and delivers results.
Known for her engaging and results-driven learning experiences, Michelle has reached professionals internationally across Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Singapore, the UK, and the USA. She holds an MBA and PMP certification and currently serves as the AVP of Professional Development for PMI Southwest Ohio.
