Marie-Genevieve Pawlak

Personal Details

Current position (1)

Game Strategist; President

The Prime Alchemy Group, Corp.

Degrees (2)

Master in Org Leadership

Lewis University

2005 to 2007

Leadership Executive Coaching Cert

Lewis University

2013 to 2014

Bio

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Why Marie

Marie-Genevieve Pawlak, our Managing Principal and Chief Problem Solver at Planning101 Group, is the driving force behind Prime Alchemy, our unique boutique consultancy specializing in game-based strategies to foster organizational health. At Prime Alchemy, we're passionate about revolutionizing how teams work, leveraging the power of deliberate play to enhance team development, leadership, and employee experience across various industries.

Marie doesn't just bring over twenty years of experience in executive team operations and process improvement to the table; she embodies our mission of transforming workplaces into environments where work is fulfilling and fun. With her employee values, expertise, and multilingual and multi-degreed background, Marie has more than just qualifications and accolades. She's about action and impact, focusing on guiding teams through the essential "What, Now?" question and helping build an internal brand that powerfully supports the external one.

When Marie speaks, it's not just about delivering a speech; it's about sparking a movement towards better organizational health through the joy and engagement of deliberate play. Whether you're launching a new project, nurturing your leaders, or looking for an engaging, story-driven presentation, Marie is the speaker who will inspire and transform your group with Prime Alchemy's innovative approach.

Bio #3

Marie-Genevieve Pawlak stands at the forefront of Planning101 Group as the Managing Principal and Chief Problem Solver, and she's the visionary force propelling Prime Alchemy. Our boutique consultancy breathes life into teams across sectors with our pioneering game-based strategies aimed at cultivating a vibrant organizational culture. At the heart of Prime Alchemy is our commitment to redefining the workplace dynamic, making teamwork not just productive but also deeply rewarding and engaging through the magic of deliberate play.

With a rich tapestry of over two decades in executive team leadership and process innovation, Marie isn't just seasoned; she's a catalyst for change. She brings to the table a profound understanding of what makes teams tick, backed by a diverse educational background and a willingness to learn. But Marie's true essence lies in her unwavering commitment to action and tangible results. She excels in steering teams towards clarity with the pivotal "What, Now?" question, seamlessly aligning the internal ethos with the external brand narrative.

Marie's speaking engagements transcend conventional presentations. They are immersive experiences designed to ignite a paradigm shift towards enhanced organizational well-being, leveraging the transformative power of play. If your goal is to kickstart a project with momentum, empower your leadership, or captivate your audience with a narrative that resonates, Marie delivers not just a message but a transformative experience with Prime Alchemy's innovative edge.

Presentations

Presentations (10)

The Human Element: Connecting Employee Experience to Customer Satisfaction

At the heart of every thriving brand lies a fundamental truth: the way your employees feel is directly mirrored in the experience your customers receive. "The Human Factor" delves into the critical link between employee engagement and customer satisfaction and, ultimately, your company's financial health. This talk is designed to challenge conventional perceptions and illuminate the undeniable impact that a positive employee experience has on every facet of your business, from service quality to bottom-line results. We'll provide you with actionable insights and the initial steps to craft an employee experience strategy that not only enriches your team's work-life but also elevates your brand in the eyes of your customers. Join us to unlock the transformative power of putting your people first and watch as it reverberates throughout your business success.

Kindness on Trial: Unveiling the Power of Compassion in Leadership

Imagine a world where Kindness stands accused, its value and impact questioned in the court of modern leadership and fast-paced lifestyles. Does kindness truly hold merit in the realm of leadership? Can it be the secret sauce to thriving in today's rapid-fire world? This thought-provoking talk delves deep into the heart of these questions, blending insightful analysis with a touch of humor to explore the true essence of kindness. We'll unpack the myriad ways in which kindness elevates individual interactions and acts as a cornerstone for genuine success. Join us as we put Kindness on trial, only to discover that its power and influence may be the most underappreciated weapon in a leader's arsenal.

Murder by Meetings: Bringing Meetings Back to Life

Ever felt like you were on the brink of "death by meeting"? Our signature talk, "Murder by Meetings," is here to renew those lifeless gatherings and turn them into vibrant hubs of connection, innovation, and productivity. Dive into the seven deadly sins of meetings that leave participants feeling drained and disengaged, and discover the culprits behind the scenes. This session isn't just an eye-opener; it's a heartfelt journey where you'll find yourself laughing at the relatable ways we've all been "guilty" of meeting related misdemeanors, shedding a tear for the lost potential and, finally, facing the liberating truth of our own actions.

But fear not; redemption is within reach! You'll emerge from this experience armed with a practical, actionable plan to transform your meetings from mundane to magical.

Expect the Unexpected: Navigating the Tightrope of Expectations, Communication, and Boundaries

Ever felt like you're walking a tightrope between what's expected, what's communicated, and where the lines are drawn? You're not alone! Dive into an exhilarating journey with us as we unravel the art of juggling expectations, mastering the craft of crystal-clear communication, and drawing lines that everyone respects (and maybe even appreciates!).

In a world where the only constant is change, and the lines often seem more like squiggles, we're here to share some game-changing strategies and insights. Join us for a session that promises not just lightbulb moments but fireworks! Expect to laugh, nod in agreement, and maybe even facepalm as we explore the often comical, sometimes challenging, but always crucial world of expectations, communication, and boundaries.

So, buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster ride of insights and actionable takeaways that will empower you to not just walk that tightrope but to perform a graceful balancing act.

If Feedback Is a Gift, What's the Return Policy?

Feedback Unwrapped: Navigating the Return Policy of Constructive Criticism"

Ever wondered what to do with feedback that feels more like a white elephant gift than a treasure? "If Feedback Is a Gift, What's the Return Policy?" tackles the often uncomfortable but invaluable process of receiving feedback. This engaging talk takes a humorous yet insightful look at how to accept all types of feedback in a manner that stays true to yourself while transforming potentially awkward exchanges into fruitful dialogues. Prepare to chuckle and nod in recognition as we explore strategies to not only hear but genuinely engage with feedback, turning it into actionable insights. You'll leave equipped with a personal blueprint for leveraging feedback to fuel growth and foster meaningful conversations, both in and out of the workplace.

Strategic Minds: Navigating the Future with Foresight

In today's whirlwind of global challenges and opportunities, the ability to carve out a clear, strategic path is more than a skill—it's a necessity for leaders. "How To Master Strategic Thinking" is more than just a talk; it's an interactive journey designed to redefine and enhance your strategic acumen. We'll dive into the art of seeing the bigger picture, streamlining processes, and seizing opportunities with agility and precision. This session promises not only to enlighten but also to engage, providing you with the tools and mindset needed to align your strategic thinking with your organization's overarching goals. Prepare to be entertained and empowered as you embark on a path to mastering strategic thinking, ensuring you're not just keeping pace with the world but setting the pace for your team and organization.

Stop Surveying Me! Beyond the Questionnaire: Crafting Meaningful Employee Experiences

Tired of endless surveys with little to no change? It's time to shift the focus from asking to acting with "Stop Surveying Me!" This talk delves into the pivotal role of employee experience in fostering a culture of engagement and commitment. Discover how thoughtfully designed experiences enhance involvement and service quality and strengthen allegiance to your brand. We'll unpack the essential elements contributing to a fulfilling work environment and provide you with a toolkit to kick-start your tailored action plan. Join us to transform your approach to employee engagement and create a workplace where feedback leads to tangible, positive changes.

Democratizing the Future: Succession Planning for Everyone

Succession planning isn't reserved for the upper echelons of leadership; it's a vital strategy at every level of your organization. Our enlightening session, "Succession Planning at All Levels," challenges the conventional notion that succession planning is an exclusive affair for the C-suite. We advocate for an inclusive approach, recognizing that every employee, regardless of tenure or title, plays a pivotal role in the tapestry of your organization's future.

This talk emphasizes the importance of early and proactive planning. We delve into how succession planning goes beyond mere knowledge transfer or preparing for departures—it's a powerful statement of value and investment in your employees' growth and potential. It's about fostering an environment where every team member sees a path forward and feels genuinely supported, whether eyeing the next ample opportunity or just starting their journey with your company.

Mastering the Virtual Frontier: Leading Teams Beyond Boundaries

Navigating the virtual landscape, leaders are met with a blend of challenges and unprecedented opportunities. The crux of leading a virtual team lies in crafting clear expectations underpinned by a foundation of mutual trust and commitment, all without the nuances of face-to-face interaction. This session is designed to arm you with strategies to cultivate an atmosphere where trust, loyalty, and collaboration flourish in the digital realm. We'll dive into the nuances that differentiate virtual leadership from its in-person counterpart, exploring innovative approaches to inspire, engage, and lead your virtual teams to new heights. Join us to unlock virtual leadership's potential and transform how your team connects, collaborates, and succeeds in the virtual world.

Revive Your Virtual Meetings: From Zoombies to Zoom Dynamos!

Virtual meetings can often feel like a life-draining ordeal, transforming vibrant team members into dreaded Zoom Zombies (Zoombies)! But what if there's a way to reinvigorate these digital gatherings? Dive into an enlightening talk that uncovers the three cardinal sins that spawn Zoombies in Zoom meetings, and more importantly, discover three transformative strategies to infuse your virtual sessions with palpable engagement. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as you laugh, shed a tear, and come to the stark realization of how you might have unwittingly contributed to the Zoombie apocalypse among your colleagues. Fear not, for you shall emerge with a concrete action plan poised to turn your upcoming virtual meeting from a mundane task into an exhilarating experience. Embrace the art of fostering a digital environment brimming with trust, loyalty, and collaboration. Say goodbye to Zoombies and hello to a new era of Zoom Dynamos!

Workshops (2)

Cannabis Safety and Reasonable Suspicion in the workplace

Full day

Cannabis is coming to every workplace; it is inevitable. What if there was a way for you to understand your responsibility as an employer and create a safer workplace? Wouldn't you take it? CSRST will help you build awareness and a process for documentation reasonable suspicion. Cannabis Safety and Reasonable Suspicion Training is designed to educate managers and supervisors of their roles in keeping a safe and healthy workplace from employees who are potentially associated with cannabis use. The goal is to create a better workplace, and that will benefit your whole organization.

Productive Confllict

4 hours

Workplace conflict is inevitable. Rather than focus on a step-by-step process for conflict resolution, Everything DiSC® Productive Conflict helps learners curb destructive behaviors so that conflict can become more productive, ultimately improving workplace results and relationships.

Past talks (9)

Panel on Consulting, Coaching and Mediation

Consulting, Coaching and Mediation – Why These Three Leadership Skills are so Important Today

Lewis University campus

October 23, 2019

The Human Factor of Branding

A Helping Hand for Nonprofits and Small Business Symposium

University Of Georgia - Griffin Campus 1134 Experiment Street Griffin, GA 30223

October 29, 2019

The Human Factor

Greenrushb2bexpo

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel

August 8, 2019

Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership

Women in LEADership Series

Lewis University Rt 53 Romeoville, IL 60446

January 31, 2019

How to develop your brand Strategy

The Helping Hands for Nonprofit

UGA-Griffin Campus

November 13, 2018

Elevate Financial Aid – Got Respect? How to gain respect in the workplace

MASFAA Conference

Minneapolis, MN

October 16, 2018

Murder by Meeting

Glendale Heights chamber Event

Glenside Public Library

October 2, 2019

Murder By Meeting

Grundy County Chamber Events

Holiday Inn Express 222 Gore Rd, Morris, IL 60450

June 27, 2019

Succession Planning at a levels

Louisiana Labor Summit

New Orleans Marriott, 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA

March 8, 2019

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Books & Articles (7)

Roadmap Succession Planning At All Levels Is The Key To Success

Quiet Conflict: How To Turn The War In Your Head Into A Productive Response

Don't Commit These Seven Meeting Sins

How To Harness The Power of 'No' If You're A 'Yes' Person At Work

How To Create A Remote Team That Works

Creating Employee Engagement

5 Leadership Skills Women Can Use to Improve Their Company’s Bottom Line

Expertise (16)

Reviews

Testimonials (1)

Marie brings an energy to the room which creates an atmosphere of learning and interactive participation! We have enjoyed her presentations with her down to earth analogies and her conversational way of connecting with the audience. I highly recommend her as a speaker!!
Trudy Gill