As a LabOps leader, you’re in a unique position to lead change—even if you’re not “in charge.” You work at the intersection of science, people, process, and policy, giving you a powerful vantage point.

You may not always have formal authority, but with the right mindset, tools, and communication skills, you can drive meaningful change—upward, across, and within your lab.

This workshop will equip you to lead strategically and collaboratively, no matter your title.

Three Keys to Leading Change in LabOps

1. Shift the Narrative: From “Implementer” to “Influencer”
2. Communicate Strategically: Clarity, Curiosity, and Credibility
3. Influence Without Authority: Manage Upward & Across

Shift the Narrative

Learn to manage your mindset in moments of change:

• Focus your energy where it will have real impact
• Recognize emotional triggers and what is fueling them
• Pause, get perspective, and choose a more productive response 

Communicate Strategically

Get practical tools to connect and be heard:

• Lower tension and open space for real conversation
• Understand what people really mean, not just what they say
• Flex your style to connect with colleagues at every level 

Influence Without Authority

Gain confidence to lead change from any seat:

• Map relationships and spot where real influence lives
• Build trust and speak with clarity in high-stakes moments
• Move things forward, even when the title is not yours

Join us at SciSure's office for the Welcome Reception!  This is open to all LabOps Unite members and partners. 

Check in with our staff to pick up your badge and conference swag, then take a moment to mingle with fellow LabOps Unite community members and connect with our event sponsors. Start the day by networking, making new connections, and getting ready for the event ahead until the doors open.

Change is inevitable—but successful change is intentional. This fireside chat will explore the multifaceted nature of organizational change management, addressing the people, processes, and technologies that must align to drive lasting transformation. Panelists will share insights on the challenges and technologies that must align to drive lasting transformation. Panelists will share insights on the challenges and opportunities that come with change, from managing cultural resistance to implementing new systems, and highlight strategies for building resilient organizations that adapt and thrive.

Attendees will walk away with practical perspectives on how to systematically approach change and anticipate the outcomes—both the wins and the pitfalls.

Change management rarely follows a straight path. In this session, we'll explore real-world case studies of both successful and challenging change initiatives, examining what worked, what didn't and, most importantly, what can be learned from each experience.  Our speaker will walk through pivotal moments, alternative approaches that could have been taken, and the key factors that determined the outcomes.

Attendees will gain practical insights into how to anticipate obstacles, adapt strategies, and turn missteps into opportunities for growth. 

This workshop helps technical experts strengthen their influence by communicating expertise like leaders. Instead of focusing on being the perfect informer, participants learn how to become present, helpful advisors who move conversations and decisions forward.

Key takeaways include:

• Shift from information-dumping to impact-driven communication
• Manage the anxiety that often comes with communicating
• Practice clear, concise messaging that builds trust

Managing up is a critical skill at every stage of your career, but how it looks and what it requires can vary dramatically depending on your role. In this interactive session, a moderated panel will unpack the realities of managing up from multiple perspectives—what works, what doesn’t, and why it matters.

Attendees will walk away with practical strategies for building trust with managers, aligning communication to leadership priorities, and framing ideas in ways that accelerate decisions and strengthen organizational impact.

Followed up interactive session by Jim Tenuto.

 What is next? How can you help?