NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education is launching a new webinar series, Career Catalyst Conversations, to give professionals space to think critically about the future of work and leadership.

The series begins on October 15 with Leadership in the AI Era: A Leader’s Guide to Staying Competitive. This free online event will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping decision-making, team dynamics and organizational strategy – and what it takes to lead responsibly in this new, fast-changing environment.

“Change driven by AI and other technologies isn’t on the horizon anymore; it’s here,” says Mark Bernhard, vice provost for NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education. “With Career Catalyst Conversations, we’re creating opportunities for professionals to step back from day-to-day pressures, hear from thought leaders and consider how to guide their organizations through rapid transformation.”

The October 15 session features Kacy Webster, CEO of Profit Quiver. A former university president and senior director of market strategy, Webster brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience to her work helping organizations bridge strategy and execution. She partners with executive teams to unlock competitive advantage through clarity, innovation and operational alignment.

Webster’s career spans education, workforce development and enterprise transformation – with a strong focus on how AI is reshaping the future of business. In Leadership in the AI Era, she’ll share practical ways leaders can integrate AI tools while maintaining ethical standards, encouraging innovation and fostering resilience in their teams.

Future installments of Career Catalyst Conversations will explore additional topics at the intersection of leadership, technology and workforce development. By convening experts and practitioners, NC State aims to support professionals in navigating uncertainty with confidence and clarity.

Registration for the October 15 webinar is free and open to the public. More information is available at lifelonglearning.ncsu.edu.