Speaking Engagements

The Ishkadee Principle
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Transformation

Presented by Richard Polak

What if you could travel to a magical land where you could meet amazing creatures and learn valuable lessons about yourself and your relationships?

Using storytelling as a lens, Richard explores how organizations can design programs that transcend spreadsheets and drive deep connections with employees.

This session will help professionals rethink their approach to fostering well-being, belonging, and ethical decision-making. Drawing parallels between Phil’s journey to save his family and the challenges organizations face in creating meaningful employee experiences, Richard will guide attendees through critical areas:

  • Compassion as Strategy: How employee programs rooted in empathy strengthen employee loyalty and drive engagement.
  • Ethical Leadership: Balancing cost, care, and corporate responsibility, with lessons from the moral dilemmas.
  • Family and Psychological Safety: Creating programs that encourage employees to prioritize family bonds and mental well-being, boosting productivity and retention.
  • The Legacy of Total Rewards: Moving beyond transactional perks to establish employee programs as transformative tools for both employees and organizations.

Attendees will leave with a copy of his book “The Legend of the Ishkadees” and be inspired, entertained and enlightened as the mythical Ishkadees themselves—solutions that heal, empower, and foster a culture of care.

Legend of the Ishkadees
Richard Polak

About Richard Polak

When not writing business books, novels, or plays, Richard speaks at many conferences for organizations around the world, including the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Social Security Reform in Bulgaria, several Compensation and Benefits Associations, the National Conference on Pension Reform, SHRM, WorldatWork, American Benefits Council and the International Leadership Forum.

Interested in having Richard speak at an event?

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