Ever wonder which fork to use or which glass is yours? This session will start with a served 3-course meal where all of those questions will be answered so you can head to the next awards lunch with confidence.
Following lunch, we will dive into the Unwritten Rules of Work. Ever wondered what your manager really means when they say, "Let's circle back"? Or whether showing up at 9:00 means you're actually ready to work at 9:00? And what's the deal with all those unwritten workplace rules nobody mentioned during orientation? Starting your career (or even just a new job) comes with plenty of learning curves, and not all of them are covered in the employee handbook. From email etiquette and social media to workplace expectations, accountability, and navigating feedback, sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference.
Join us for an interactive, lighthearted look at the workplace expectations your manager wishes you knew but might not always explain. Through relatable scenarios, practical tips, and a few laughs, we'll unpack the sometimes awkward, often unspoken, and surprisingly important parts of being a professional. You'll leave with greater confidence, a better understanding of workplace expectations, and a few tips you can put to use right away.
No boring HR lecture required!
Speakers
Kourtney McCauliff, President of Purple Ink LLC
Kourtney McCauliff, SHRM-CP, has worked in the human resources industry for over 15 years, gaining experience in compliance, leadership and team culture. As the President of Purple Ink, LLC, she is passionate about cultivating cohesive teams and developing strong leaders to lead them. In addition to being a certified DiSC and Mental Health First Aid instructor, she has also been involved in the HR Indiana SHRM State Council, East Central Indiana HR Association, and the Non-Profit Support Network. She is always interested in connecting with new people, so don’t hesitate to find her on LinkedIn or introduce her to a friend!
James Mitchell, Career Coach
James Mitchell is a Career Coach with a "there's always an answer, we just have to find it" attitude. He has worked in nonprofits in Muncie for the past 25 years. As a first-generation college graduate originally from Chicago, he is passionate about others and helping them to be successful. Learning, training and professional development are important to James and he wants everyone to have the opportunity to grow into who they want to be. James currently serves as Past President of the East Central Indiana Human Resources Association (ECIHRA) and is the 2026 Governing Board Chair for his church.