Join fellow HR executives for an intimate, curated gathering focused on the future of the workforce, exploring how evolving technologies, shifting expectations, and new ways of working are redefining talent, leadership, and organizational performance.
May 20, 2026
5:00 PM PDT
The Elwood Club
690 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Overview:
Join McDermott + Bull and Activate 180 for an invitation-only discussion with HR executives focused on the future of the workforce and the evolving role of HR leadership. As artificial intelligence, shifting employee expectations, and new ways of working continue to reshape organizations, HR executives are being called on to lead transformation at both a strategic and human level.
As organizations navigate accelerating change, HR leaders are being asked to build more agile teams, strengthen leadership pipelines, and create environments that support continuous development and performance. This discussion will focus on how HR executives can design talent strategies, leadership frameworks, and organizational systems that enable adaptability, resilience, and sustained growth.
Guest Speaker: Zach Smith, President and Co-Founder, Activate 180
Zach Smith is President and Co-Founder of Activate 180, where he partners with organizations to build the performance infrastructure required to thrive in a rapidly changing world. He works with companies to design high performance systems and engages executive teams to align around the key drivers that accelerate performance, strengthen capability, and turn strategy into execution. His work centers on unlocking human capacity as a competitive advantage.
Exclusivity: This event is by invitation only.
Contact: If you have any questions, please email marketing@mbexec.com.
Event Hosts
About McDermott + Bull Executive Search:
McDermott + Bull Executive Search is leading the way in transforming executive search services worldwide, one relationship at a time. With experienced Principals in Canada, United States, and Europe, McDermott + Bull has become the trusted search advisor for empowering change on behalf of private and public companies, private equity firms, and their operating companies. Known for being thorough and balancing the need for urgency, McDermott + Bull provides personalized solutions to those who value contribution over pedigree. Leveraging deep vertical experience, innovative thinking, and proven time-saving methodologies, the company challenges the norm and thrives in the recruitment of difficult-to-find, culture-critical VP to C-Suite executive talent.
About McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders:
McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders is a unique, personalized, and urgent service that places performance-focused senior-level executives into consultative roles to manage business challenges and opportunities during a time of transformation. The interim leader talent pool consists of senior-level professionals across a diverse functional spectrum who meet the rigorous qualifications to work on time-sensitive engagements. The firm specializes in placing operations, finance and accounting, technology, human resources, and executive-level functions.
About Activate 180:
Activate 180 high-performance coaching boosts productivity, retention, and revenue with a science-backed approach for your whole team. Their expert-led 1:1 coaching sessions and core skills workshops are proven to create lasting change at every level of the organization.
About Hub International Limited (HUB):
Hub International Limited (HUB) is a leading full-service global insurance broker providing property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services. From offices located throughout North America, Hub’s vast network of specialists provides peace of mind on what matters most by protecting clients through unrelenting advocacy and tailored insurance solutions.
Event Agenda
5:00pm – 6:15pm | Networking + Happy Hour
6:15pm – 7:30pm | Dinner + Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Parking: Valet parking will be available on-site for your convenience.