New York City shimmered on October 23 as leaders, families, and changemakers gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street for the annual Seramount Gala. Beneath its grand tilework and historic arches, the evening celebrated not only excellence but also belonging. Guests enjoyed an immersive experience that included virtual reality headsets offering glimpses of innovation, Ms. Wendy’s whimsical pipe cleaner art that brought smiles across generations, and an exquisite menu that kept conversation flowing late into the night
Seramount Gala guest enjoying the VR headset station.Ms. Wendy, the Pipe-cleaner Lady, with Gala guests and her whimsical creations.
The night’s most moving moment came as Seramount honored the Working Parents and Caregivers of the Year—individuals whose leadership at work is matched only by their care at home. It was a powerful reminder that progress begins with people who show up for others, day after day.
Subha V. Barry with Gala Dinner Sponsor, AbbVie’s Working Parents and Caregivers of the Year, Donna Hahn and Anne Johnson.
A collage of Seramount Gala honorees and their families celebrating inclusive and supportive workplaces.
The Future of Leadership Takes the Stage
As dinner gave way to dialogue, the spotlight turned to a CHRO panel titled “The Future of Leadership: People, Purpose, and Possibility.” Moderated by Sally Amoruso, Chief Partner Officer at EAB, the conversation brought insight and honesty in equal measure.
Panelists Anne Erni (Audible), Tara Favors (Mutual of America), and Sharon Pollard (CloudZero) discussed how leadership itself is evolving — blending data, empathy, and adaptability in ways that redefine what it means to lead well. They spoke about building trust, using analytics to uncover bias, and leading with “radical empathy” in complex times.
It was a candid, inspiring look at where leadership is headed—and how today’s HR visionaries are already shaping that future.
Sally Amoruso, Chief Partner Officer, EAB, with Anne Erni, Chief People Officer, Audible, Inc., Tara Favors, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Mutual of America, and Sharon Pollard, Vice President, Head of People & Culture, CloudZero, Inc.
The night concluded with a stunning medley of New York–inspired songs from the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, perfectly capping off an evening of harmony and celebration.
If the Gala was the celebration, the Summit was the think tank—a full day devoted to the next chapter of workplace evolution.
Under the theme “Future Forward: Inclusion, Innovation, and Impact,” HR, talent, and inclusion professionals spent the day exploring the evolving world of work—from well-being and belonging to technology and transformation.
Photo of the Community Impact station, where attendees packed bags with sanitary products to support the I Got You Girl initiative.
Rediscovering Our Humanity
Keynote speaker Vanessa Woods, research scientist and author of Survival of the Friendliest, challenged the audience to rethink what truly drives progress.
“Inclusion is an adjective, not a noun,” she shared in her conversation with Subha V. Barry, President of Seramount. Her insight was simple but powerful: humanity has always thrived through cooperation, not competition.
Subha V. Barry, President of Seramount and Vanessa Woods, Keynote speaker in conversation.
Her words filled the room with quiet conviction—a reminder that empathy and curiosity will define the next era of leadership.
Ideas in Action: The WorkBeyond Idea-thon
The WorkBeyond Idea-thon, led by David Attis (EAB) and Nichelle Wash (Seramount), turned ideas into action. Participants rolled up their sleeves to reimagine workplace challenges using design thinking.
Teams explored themes such as leadership accountability, trust, and cross-functional collaboration. The energy was high—ideas flew, laughter filled the room, and strangers became collaborators. For many attendees from the same organization, it was also a rare chance to work together—something they don’t often get to do since they’re spread across different offices.
Attis summed upped this session best: “To see the future, start looking in the present.”
WorkBeyond Summit Attendees during the Idea-thon Session sharing their collaborative work.
Insights That Inspire
The afternoon featured sessions on neurodiversity in hiring, AI’s human side, and mental health at work—each offering new ideas for how organizations can thrive in times of change.
Panelists shared strategies that were practical yet deeply human: design workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow. The Summit closed with a lively networking reception, where insights turned into introductions and ideas found their next champions.
The mood? Energized, hopeful, and ready for what’s next.
Attendees making connections at the WorkBeyond Summit.
Looking Ahead
From the Gala’s sparkle to the Summit’s strategy, this year’s events captured the full spirit of Seramount—equal parts elegance and action. Together, they reminded us that the future of work isn’t something to predict; it’s something to design.
To everyone who joined us—sponsors, honorees, speakers, partners, and guests—thank you for making this year one to remember.
We can’t wait to return to New York City on October 22–23, 2026, for another unforgettable celebration of progress, people, and possibility.
Interested in getting involved early? Connect with your Seramount representative to begin planning.We look forward to continuing this work together and celebrating your progress next year.
Krista L. Lindsey brings nearly a decade of expertise in B2B sales, corporate communications, graphic design, and product marketing as the Associate Director, Research Partner Experience at Seramount.
Krista L. Lindsey brings nearly a decade of expertise in B2B sales, corporate communications, graphic design, and product marketing as the Associate Director, Research Partner Experience at Seramount. Her career includes leading recruitment communications, digital marketing, event promotion, and print design as the former Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of North Texas Division of Enrollment.
Krista earned her Juris Doctor from the University of North Texas Dallas College of Law, where she also conducted independent research on the legal implications of artificial intelligence. Prior to law school, she built a robust career in marketing and communications following an early start in B2B sales. She served as Communications Coordinator at the University of Houston Division of Enrollment and also ran a successful marketing consultancy, helping small and mid-sized businesses develop effective branding and collateral.
A proud first-generation college graduate and alumna of Sam Houston State University, Krista lives in Dallas with her husband, bonus son, and two beloved dogs. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, practicing mindfulness, and catching up on the latest reality TV drama.
