CRC’s WIN Focuses on Breaking Down Barriers to Innovation During Second Annual Conference

Creating diverse teams to foster new ideas, overcoming common biases and practicing active listening were just a few of the key takeaways for the more than 200 employees attending CRC’s second annual Women’s Interest Network (WIN) Conference this year. Held at CRC Plaza in Bakersfield, the event furthered CRC’s goal of continuous improvement by featuring speakers and panelists who spoke on the theme of Fueling Success: Breaking Down Barriers to Innovation.

The WIN conference featured three spectacular keynote speakers. Dr. Anita Sengupta, an aerospace engineer impassioned to innovate personal travel through new technologies, shared her experiences from NASA and Virgin Hyperloop and discussed how creating diverse teams helps organizations find new solutions to complex problems. Dr. Corinne Bendersky, a professor of Management and Organization from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, presented methods to overcome Common Information Bias, Groupthink and stereotype-based decisions that can stifle creativity among teams. Dr. Karen Dietz, coached attendees on active listening and explained how storytelling can be used to improve communication among team members and business presentations.

Todd Stevens closed the conference where he announced a surprise $5,000 donation to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of Kern County, a local non-profit organization that works to protect and ensure children’s rights until they are able to reach a safe, permanent home. WIN was very proud to sponsor CASA during the conference, raising funds through donations from employees and through CRC’s company match program. During his closing remarks, Todd reminded employees of the importance of building teams from the best possible talent.