Category: News

The Asheville Independent Restaurant (AIR) project has successfully completed its first cohort of a groundbreaking financial empowerment program designed to equip Asheville restaurant workers with essential financial planning skills, helping them take control of their finances and build a secure future. This initiative was launched to address the unique challenges faced by service industry employees, many of whom rely on minimum wage and tips.

The Best Year Yet Foundation contributed significantly to the success of the program, donating intellectual property, materials, and ongoing support for the workshops. The Best Year Yet methodology was central to the program, helping Ashville restaurant workers overcome mindset barriers, stay focused on their goals, and track their financial progress over time.

A key feature of the program was a savings challenge that provided a match on savings for those who managed to set aside $1,000 by the end of the workshop series. This match, sponsored by a local bank, enabled many participants to double their savings, giving them a solid foundation for future financial stability.

Program Results

Annice Brown, Best Year Yet Partner and trained facilitator, was instrumental in launching and leading the program for Asheville restaurant workers. Reflecting on the cohort’s success, Brown shared, “I’m so proud of the 24 restaurant employees who spent six months learning about savings, budgeting, reducing debt, improving credit scores, and so much more. They all received the matched savings, and we have The Community Foundation, Dogwood Health Trust, Eblen Charities, and the Best Year Yet Foundation to thank for sponsoring this innovative program.”

The Financial Empowerment Program for Asheville restaurant workers was a true community effort, supported by a team of dedicated instructors and volunteers, with support from many local restaurant owners who were committed to investing in their employees’ financial literacy. “This program is about empowering people to take charge of their finances,” Brown emphasized. “It was incredible to witness the participants’ growth over six months.”

Next Steps

The success of the first cohort has already led to plans for a second session in January 2025, which is already fully booked. The overwhelming interest underscores the critical need for this kind of support in the Asheville restaurant worker industry, where many workers struggle to build financial safety nets.

To celebrate the achievements of the first cohort, AIR will host a Financial Empowerment Pilot Program Celebration on August 12th, 2024, in Asheville, NC. Twenty-five employees from AIR member restaurants will receive certificates of completion and their matched savings at the event. The Best Year Yet Foundation will be recognized alongside other key sponsors for their essential support of the program.

The ongoing partnership between AIR and the Best Year Yet Foundation marks a significant step forward in providing Asheville restaurant workers with the financial skills they need to succeed and empowering them to secure their futures.

For more information on AIR Asheville:
AIR Asheville: Asheville Independent Restaurant Assoc

To learn more about the work of the Best Year Yet Foundation:
Best Year Yet Foundation – InteraWorks

Do you have any questions about these programs? Let’s chat:
robin.doss@interaworks.com

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About InteraWorks

InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. 

interaworks.com

Denver, CO

In May, the InteraWorks team took their remote team status to the next level by completing May Community Service Day together. Team members from across the US and other parts of the globe united to serve their local communities, learning through the act of giving. They discovered countless ways to support the health of our local communities and the environment. Moreover, they realized that taking time to serve enhanced their lives and did not at all detract from their ability to support teammates and clients. Facilitation & Relationship Lead Joel Sutliff, was particularly inspired by the “collective intention to contribute in a positive way as a means to live into our own mission, vision, and values.”

InteraWorks, with its entirely remote and flexible work culture, naturally adopted a remote and flexible approach to community service day as well. Team members chose whether, how, when, and where to serve. At a recent All Hands Meeting, the team shared their experiences. The reflections and impact were nothing short of inspiring.

Here are a few team insights:

Steven Terry, Project Global Relationship Lead:
“I realized service does not have to be grandiose but can be a simple action.”
Coastal Beach Clean Up, Mexico

Stephenie Rockwell, Director of Culture and Client Experience:
“This experience showed me that volunteering doesn’t have to be time consuming or ongoing. Every small moment reconnects you back to your community-based values. It’s more of a win-win than I ever expected.”
Rimrock Police Department Search and Rescue

Charity Wilkins, Director of Shared Services:
“There is enough! We worked on bagging and boxing black beans and pinto beans into hundreds of 1-pound bags and seeing the massive quantities of food available to be shared sparked feelings of abundance. It reminded me of how much abundance this planet and all of us can experience.” Food Bank of the Rockies

Laurie Oswald, CEO:
“I was inspired by how much the team found joy in the experience and the perspective it provides about our world.”
Gulf Islands National Beach Clean Up

Katie Sanderson, Finance and Legal Lead:
“The impact that individuals can have in their communities when united for a common cause is boundless. Participating in this community service day initiative has reignited my passion for giving back, and I eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to serve!”
Food Bank of the Rockies

Sarah Furrier, Facilitator & Relationship Lead:
“Witnessing the determination of refugees to learn English amidst starting over in a new country has broadened my perspective and made me more aware of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. It has also deepened my gratitude for the general feeling of safety I have in my community.”
Teaching English to Refugees

Diane Holz, Accounting:
“I was amazed at the entrepreneurial spirit of the young people and how they faced their adversities and used them to create positive experiences. Their outlook on life was beyond their maturity.”
Boys and Girls Club Texas State Youth of the Year Program

Michelle Santaferraro, Facilitator: “What I walked away with from my trash pick-up is that this is now on my radar in my community. I would find myself putting stuff into my backpack or even getting out of my car when seeing trash I just could NOT look at any more and saying to myself – ‘I am taking responsibility.’ I just kept repeating it to myself. It made me own my actions and it reinforced their significance.”
Italian Hiking Trail Clean Up

While these are just a few of the projects completed by the team, the takeaways will have lasting impact. “Making a big difference doesn’t require an equally big-time commitment… Small contributions make a sizeable difference,” as Jennifer Wilmoth, Relationship Lead & Facilitator shared. Another InteraWorks team member  shared, “it reminded me that we all have an innate desire to connect with others and help each other through their journey of life.”

For more information on InteraWorks contact:
Cathey Stamps, Marketing and Partner Lead

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About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of workingat all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com

Denver, CO

InteraWorks, a global leader in providing transformative leadership development training and coaching, is setting a new standard for employee growth and holistic development. The company’s commitment to elevating the human experience at work is not just a mission statement; it’s a way of life.

“I’m fortunate to work for a company that embodies a commitment to growth and development and that understands that creating and cultivating high-performing teams requires more than just job-specific training,” said Charity Wilkins, Director of Shared Services.

Last year, Charity attended the CFO Conference, a testament to InteraWorks’ dedication to investing in its people. The immersive experience offered valuable networking opportunities, workshops, and inspiring speakers, broadening Charity’s understanding of emerging technology, data leverage for strategic decision-making, and innovative approaches to employee benefits and retention strategies.

Technology Lead, Royann Schmigdall attended Microsoft Ignite in November of 2023. Ignite is held annually and offers attendees the chance to check out the latest tech Microsoft has to offer. “I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a wealth of impactful and informative content,” she said. Royann gained valuable strategic information about new technologies, which empowers InteraWorks to continue its thought leadership in deploying and engaging evolving technologies to support business leadership strategies.

Sales Director, Steve Crawford, took his commitment to self-improvement to the next level by completing a rigorous six-month Coaching for Coaches program and attending the Landmark Forum and the Facilitator’s Xchange. Steve shared, “I’ve always engaged in self-improvement throughout my life. It’s really important because times change, and we evolve. I like to put the foot on the gas of my evolution of always growing.” Steve emphasized the importance of growth for leaders at InteraWorks, stating that it adds arrows to the quiver of his coaching and facilitation game. He highlighted the impact of appreciative inquiry strategies on building deeper connections, not just in business but also with his family.

Director of Practice, Anne McGhee Stinson, recently completed a certification in Vertical Holistic Leadership Development that has validated and bolstered InteraWorks’ approach to leadership development. She noted, “As we look at organizational and leadership development, we’re flattening out the organization and fostering more of an ecosystem than a hierarchy; it’s far more adaptable, far more resilient, far more effective in this new age we’re living into.” Anne explained the focus on vertical development, emphasizing the importance of accessing one’s own resources and wisdom to apply to their skill building development. “We make that holistic and apply it to the entire way we work and live and be in the world, and that is the leadership development of the future,” she reflected.

CEO Laurie Oswald took part in the Leading Personal and Business Transitions Program on the Harvard main campus, hosted by the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and sponsored in part by Wells Fargo for women business owners. The program was facilitated by Harvard Business School Professors and explored key leadership and ownership transitions as well as topics key to small business execution including expansion, M&A, funding, product innovation and exit planning via case reviews and discussion. The program participants were an international group of women business owners from diverse industries and businesses.

Stephenie Rockwell, Director of Culture and Client Experience, highlighted InteraWorks’ culture of encouraging employees to pursue learning opportunities, fostering an environment where personal and professional growth is not just encouraged but championed. She praised the impact of having the opportunity to take the company’s innovative courses herself on both her personal and professional life. Stephenie reflected, “For over a decade, I’ve embraced the Effective Edge system in Outlook as an integral part of my life. Despite my extensive experience, I make it a point to undergo the full program annually to reinforce sustainability and gain fresh perspectives. Without a doubt, it stands as the most impactful program I’ve ever encountered. I am more present, confident, and balanced as a result.” She said the Best Year Yet program was another highlight for her; she left feeling completely transformed, empowered, and extremely confident that she could achieve every one of her well-designed goals.

Other InteraWorks team members attended a variety of other conferences and trainings, including the Chief Learning Officer Conference, the NeuroLeadership Institute Conference, Facilitator’s XChange trainings, and the WBENC Supplier Diversity Certification, to name a few. InteraWorks continues to lead the way in innovative leadership development, affirming its commitment to the growth and well-being of its employees and the organizations they serve.

For more information on InteraWorks contact:
Cathey Stamps, Marketing and Partner Lead

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About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of workingat all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com

Denver, CO

In today’s fast-paced world, technology is constantly evolving. To help businesses and individuals keep pace, InteraWorks is rolling out new and updated programs that provide support for upcoming Microsoft Office 365 changes.

Where InteraWorks Provides Additional Support for Microsoft Office 365 Apps

Microsoft Teams: The new Microsoft Teams application represents a significant leap forward in modern workplace collaboration. It combines an array of powerful features to foster teamwork, communication, and productivity with an improved integration with other Microsoft 365 apps.

Microsoft Outlook: The new Outlook is poised to revolutionize the way we manage our emails and productivity. With its sleek and user-friendly design, it promises a seamless and more intuitive experience for users. Outlook’s new features, such as improved search functionality, ensure that users can stay organized and find what they need faster than ever before. Furthermore, it embraces collaboration with greater integration with Microsoft Teams and other Office 365 apps.

Microsoft To-Do: To-Do is a versatile task management application designed to help individuals and teams organize and prioritize their daily activities effectively. With its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 apps, To-Do empowers users to create and manage tasks effortlessly. Its intuitive features include due dates, reminders, and the ability to categorize tasks into lists, ensuring that users stay on top of their commitments. Microsoft To-Do is accessible across multiple devices, allowing for real-time synchronization of tasks, and making it a valuable tool for both personal and professional productivity.

How InteraWorks Can Help You

These upcoming changes to the Microsoft landscape and the solutions being implemented by InteraWorks should not only address your current needs but also anticipate future challenges. InteraWorks solutions are designed with scalability and future-proofing in mind, reducing the hassle of frequent, disruptive transitions.

Technology changes often mean adopting new tools, software, or processes. InteraWorks understands that your team may need training to become proficient in these new technologies. We offer comprehensive training programs and resources, such as our Learning eXperience Platform (LXP) to ensure that you and your employees are well-prepared to embrace the changes. InteraWorks also provides live webinars and sessions focused strictly on these new changes coming and show you how to prepare now, both for current clients and for those who need initial support for Microsoft Office 365 changes.

While changes coming to some Microsoft programs are designed to improve your experience, enhance your security, and boost your productivity, InteraWorks understands that technological transitions can be overwhelming. With dedicated support teams to assist you every step of the way, embracing these changes can lead to a more secure, collaborative, and flexible work environment that provides the needed support for Microsoft Office 365 Changes.

Whether your software was recently upgraded or you simply want to see what is coming up as the technology evolves, InteraWorks is equipped to troubleshoot issues, answer questions, guide you through the transition, and ensure that our products and services are sustainable throughout any changes that may arise now, or in the future.

For more information on InteraWorks contact:
Stacy Cross, Programs + Branding Lead

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About InteraWorks

InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs based on four defined conditions that must exist for individuals, teams including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. interaworks.com
We’ve defined four conditions that must exist for an individual, team or organization to be effective within the arena of performance and development; Accountability, Focus, Alignment, and Integrity. We’ll continue to explore these and more in our blog and look forward to your engagement and interaction with us. Stay tuned as we engage the edges.

Denver, CO

InteraWorks has been renewed for certification with Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). The certification endorses the company as a women-owned and operated entity. InteraWorks has proudly maintained this certification since 2019.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with WBENC as a certified National Women’s Business Enterprise,“ said Laurie Oswald, CEO and co-owner of InteraWorks. “We so appreciate the work of the organization in recognizing and supporting women-owned and operated businesses and providing more visibility in the marketplace, as well as connecting women business owners with networking opportunities and other resources to help them achieve success and build community along the way.”

This year’s recertification is even more exciting because it comes alongside receiving the Platinum Supplier Certification. The Platinum Supplier Certification ensures attendees demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of corporate procurement processes and the roles and responsibilities of supplier diversity professionals. It is yet another way WBENC provides more visibility and resources to support women-owned business, as well as businesses who are searching for them to partner for services.

“I have enjoyed the learning and connection provided in the Platinum Supplier Certification program,” said Robin Doss, program attendee and Relationship Lead with InteraWorks. “With this information InteraWorks is now better poised to access the resources and connections available to diversity suppliers, such as women-owned businesses, so we can connect with the corporations needing our support to create the biggest impact.”

For more information on WBENC:
https://www.wbenc.org/

For more information on InteraWorks contact:
Cathey Stamps, Marketing and Partner Lead

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About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of workingat all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com

The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) is hosting their first annual Heroes Gala on September 21, 2023 to honor the county’s first responder community. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Colorado nonprofit, provides community support for emergency needs when it matters most. The inaugural gala will raise awareness and support, as well as say thank you to first responders, Armed Forces members, veterans, and their nonprofit partner organizations that support these brave heroes.

InteraWorks and the Best Year Yet Foundation are co-sponsoring the Heroes Gala event. In addition, they are proud to announce the giving of the first ever Best Year Yet Hero Award, a grant that will honor a nonprofit that demonstrated exceptional InteraWorks commitment to leadership and people development this past year.

“We are passionate about serving people who serve and that are doing the most important work on the planet,” said Best Year Yet Foundation co-founder and InteraWorks CEO, Laurie Oswald. “This is most vital when protecting our communities and resources from the front lines.” Funds raised from the Heroes Gala will directly assist the community, first responders, and nonprofit partners during catastrophic events that impact county residents.

“The response to this sold-out event is a demonstration of the difference DCCF is making in the first responder community, and we are honored to be involved,” said Steven Crawford, Best Year Yet Foundation Board Member and InteraWorks Director.

 

For more information on DCCF and the event, see www.dccf.org

For informtion ot the Best Year Yet Foundation, go to www.bestyearyetfoundation

For more information on InteraWorks contact Cathey Stamps, Marketing and Partner Lead

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About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of workingat all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com

Denver, CO

The INNOVATE Global book series has just released INNOVATE Nashville, featuring both InteraWorks and CEO Laurie Oswald in its collection of the top 100 thought leaders and innovators in the Nashville business community.

The stated mission of the series is to create a global tribe of innovators and a platform to allow them to share their ideas and accomplishments in a meeting of the minds to encourage the free flow of ideas and knowledge. INNOVATE Nashville makes it clear that there’s a lot more than music going on in Music City. Featured leaders and businesses represent a wide range of  industries including technology, healthcare, government, financial services, community development, education, data and analytics, blockchain, NFTs, and Web 3, as well as social, products, and services innovation.

“We’re honored to be included in this amazing group of people who, like us, want to help address the challenges facing us at this particular time in history,” said Laurie. “Being able to connect what we at InteraWorks are creating in our space with others who are out there doing similar work in their own fields is just so incredible. The inspiration alone is amazing, but even more exciting is the opportunity to meet and learn from each other, and partner where there is a fit, to amply our collective positive impact.”

InteraWorks is in good company, with other featured businesses including Go West Creative, Celero, the Wond’ry, Innovation Studio, Village, Studio Bank, Alto, Nxt Level, The Table, Nashville Entrepreneur Center, and as well as many others.

To view the INNOVATE NASHVILLE e-book version click here

• Laurie Oswald – page 26
• InteraWorks – pages 158-161

Contact:
Cathey Stamps, Marketing and Partner Relationship Lead
cathey.stamps@interaworks.com

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About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent, and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com

Denver, CO

InteraWorks has announced a new partnership with Nashville-based software development company DevDigital to create a new app for its flagship Best Year Yet program. The new app will have a new easier to use interface that also integrates with its other core offerings, including powerhouse productivity program Effective EDGE allowing users to easily connect their personal and professional goal setting with their day-to-day action planning from their phones, tablets, and laptops in real time.

InteraWorks CEO Laurie Oswald is thrilled about the forthcoming app. “It’s the impactful Best Year Yet methodology and metrics with powerful tools and resources, all available from your mobile device. Best Year Yet is a proven, practical gamechanger that has been changing businesses and lives for the better for years. We’re taking this process and putting it into the hands of individuals around the globe in a way that can make it fun, sharable, easily sustainable, and integrated with other tools that can help users create the lives, teams, and opportunities that they want.”

DevDigital is one of Tennessee’s few certified Google Partners and has won multiple awards for its apps, serving a wide range of companies and industries. The choice of DevDigital to bring the Best Year Yet app vision to life was based on the company’s understanding of specific desired outcomes, global usage requirements, and demonstrated understanding of what InteraWorks wants to create through this program, both immediately and over time.

“Over the past 15 years, DevDigital has had the tremendous honor to work with some of the greatest Fortune 500 brands and smartest entrepreneurial minds,” said DevDigital President Stephen Davis.  “However, development shops seldom have the opportunity to apply their technology to truly change people’s lives for the better. We are thrilled that InteraWorks has chosen DevDigital as its development partner and we are committed to making the Best Year Yet program accessible to all through their computers and personal devices.”

Marketing and Partner Lead Cathey Stamps looks forward to InteraWorks’ partnership with Dev Digital in this process. “It’s the perfect partnership. Dev Digital produces outstanding results, and more importantly, who they are as an organization is so aligned with InteraWorks and our company values. They are human-centered and do their work from a place of service and elevating the human experience. That’s always a top priority for us as well. Having seen the powerful results our clients at all levels around the globe have experienced through Best Year Yet over the years, I can only imagine the exponential impact we can have with this updated and more mobile-focused version in place.”

Beta testing is currently scheduled for mid-to-late summer 2023, with the official product availability release date announcement to follow.

Discover more about InteraWorks and its programs
https://www.interaworks.com

Learn more about DevDigital
https://www.devdigital.com

Contact:
Cathey Stamps, Marketing and Partner Relationship Lead
cathey.stamps@interaworks.com

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About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent, and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com

Denver, CO

Anne McGhee-Stinson will join host and conference creator Greg Aden in the anchor presentation of the August 11^th Leadership Development Conference. McGhee-Stinson is Co-Founder and Director of Practice for international training and development company InteraWorks. “[The focus will be] the complexity of our environment that demands new ways of thinking,” said McGhee-Stinson. “Our speakers will be demonstrating these concepts and challenges through words and action. The question is then how will YOU break through to new ways of thinking and being in the upcoming years.”

Part two of the 2022 series that featured InteraWorks CEO Laurie Oswald in April, this livestreamed day of learning brings together leaders from around the country and across a wide range of channels to share their wisdom and insights. The purpose is to help viewers and participants uplevel their own leadership skills personally and professionally. The event will be recorded in full to allow registrants to view the conference content on demand.

The event will include both live-onsite and remote options for attendance. Use the code Interaworks for a 10% discount on registration.

 

For more information of THE LEADERSHIP Development Day conference:
https://adenleadership.com/leadership-development-day

For more on Anne McGhee-Stinson
https://www.interaworks.com/about-us/team/anne-mcghee-stinson/

Contact:
Greta Hartmann
gretahartmann14@gmail.com

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About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, they offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Their integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, they’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com