Our team left PDXYZ 2025 energized by the reminder that culture, connection, and community remain the real drivers of performance.
Over 2.5 days, we gathered with peers from across the West Coast to explore the evolving landscape of talent, leadership, and the human side of work. It wasn’t your typical conference — it was a collection of enlightening conversations that stuck.
Here are some standout themes and ideas we’re still thinking about:
1. Culture & Communication
Courtney Carter, Chief Revenue Officer for the Seattle Sounders & Seattle Reign FC, said it best: “Culture is caught, not taught.”
Culture isn’t what’s written down — it’s what’s lived. It’s built through shared experiences, mutual accountability, and trust. Courtney’s framing of “on-brand vs. off-brand” behavior is a simple way to align actions with values.
And when it comes to communication? How people want to receive information matters just as much as the message itself.
2. Leadership & Resilience
Heather Davis, CEO of the Portland Timbers, reminded us that even in high-pressure environments, small joys matter — even something as simple as rewatching a feel-good movie can be a good reset.
From the Blue Angels, Greg “Boss” Wooldridge shared the “Glad to Be Here” mindset: performance rooted in belief, intentionality, and consistent reflection. His best advice? Leaders should help people reconnect with their strengths during moments of doubt. If you want to be inspired, check out the 2024 documentary film he worked on, The Blue Angels.
3. Talent & Development
Talent acquisition needs to be aligned with organizational values — starting with interview questions. And post-interview feedback loops? Crucial.
A quick tip we’re adopting: always let the most junior voice in the room share first.
Kalen Thornton, Global Chief Brand Officer at Pizza Hut, highlighted the importance of building relationships while driving results, especially during culturally significant moments.
4. Generational Perspectives & Empowerment
One panel discussion explored ways to bridge generational gaps in the workplace:
- Tana Thomson, Chief People Officer at Vista Capital Partners, advocated for social learning opportunities, like lunch-and-learns, to foster internal expertise. When people share their areas of operational excellence, they build trust and collaboration.
- Mayra Arreola, Chief Shared Prosperity Officer at Port of Portland, focused on shared experiences and building trust, especially in conflict.
- And Patty Groman, SVP, Chief People Officer at OnPoint Community Credit Union, reminded us that empowered employees are the best ambassadors of an organization’s values.
5. Purpose & Personal Growth
One of the most powerful themes we heard was around personal clarity and growth. Karina LeBlanc, Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth Development for the Portland Thorns, gave us these reminders:
- You have to be your own hero.
- Everything that has happened to you prepares you to thrive.
- Embrace the qualities of the best people you know.
Jenny Nguyen, CEO & Founder of The Sports Bra. spoke to the power of celebrating others and the resilience that sports — and teamwork — teach.
Libra Forde, Executive Director at the Women’s Foundation of Oregon, brought it all home: when women rise, communities thrive.
6. Inspiration & Vision
The conference ended with a question we can’t stop thinking about:
“If you were dreaming with no hesitation, what would that look like?”
“If you were dreaming with no hesitation, what would that look like?”
Hope isn’t passive — it’s active.
