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HBA Think Tank Solutions Summit

Data & Dialogue: Powering the Future Workforce

Day 1 | 16 November 2026 | 7:15 AM – 12:50 PM CT
The experience includes transportation, lunch, and a tour of the Texas Medical Center labs.
 

A global dialogue on digital futures. Think AI. Think readiness. Think Tank.

The future of work will be defined by how organizations build, enable, and sustain a workforce ready to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. As AI, technology, and data reshape the nature of work, leaders are being challenged to rethink not only the skills their workforce needs, but also the systems, structures, and strategies required to unlock human potential at scale.

This Solutions Summit goes beyond conversation. It is a hands-on, solution-focused experience that puts participants in the driver’s seat to shape the future of workforce innovation and digital readiness. The Summit will also reveal the latest global data from the HBA Think Tank Survey, Powering the Future Workforce, exploring how healthcare and life sciences organizations are experiencing digital transformation today and the leadership behaviors, workforce supports, and future-ready capabilities needed to help employees thrive in an AI-enabled, digitally driven future.

Through data-driven insights, interactive collaboration, and real-world experiences, participants will:

  • Engage with senior leaders, innovators, and industry experts in candid, data-informed discussions on how AI, technology, and digital transformation are reshaping the workforce.
  • Gain valuable insights and hear the latest global findings from the HBA Think Tank Survey and other data and research sources that enable powerful solutions to deliver what is needed to build AI-ready, digitally fluent, and future-ready workforces.  
  • Examine critical workforce challenges and opportunities, from redefining leadership expectations and advancing STEM pathways to building digitally fluent teams.
  • Participate in collaborative sessions and solution labs designed to surface gaps and co-create practical, scalable approaches to workforce transformation action plans.

Grounded in the Future of Work Pillar, this Summit is a hands-on opportunity for attendees to help shape solutions that advance workforce readiness, accelerate digital adoption, and prepare organizations and their people for what’s next.

Hosted at Texas Medical Center, one of the leading healthcare and life sciences ecosystems, this program invites leaders to explore innovation in action through co-designing meaningful strategies that will power the future workforce. 

Speakers

Freda Lewis-Hall, MD, DFAPA, MFPM headshot
Life Sciences Leader, Former Chief Patient Officer and Chief Medical Officer, Former HBA WOTY
Susan Childs 2025 Headshot for website
Founder & Principal Managing Partner
LCA Enterprise and Consulting LLC
Dr Deepa Desai Headshot
Founder and CEO - D Cube Consultancy
D Cube Consultancy
Walter Garcia Headshot
Director, Talent Management US
Lundbeck
Ramcess Jean-Louis Headshot
Global Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer & Vice President, PX, Global Workplace Experience
Pfizer
Dr Sarah Hein Headshot
CEO & Founder
March Biosciences

Schedule

All times listed are in CT unless otherwise noted

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Time Session

7:15 - 7:30 AM

Shuttle Departs Marriott Marquis for Texas Medical Center – Helix

7:30 – 8:00 AM

Shuttle Arrival
TMC Site Tour & Connection Café

8:00 – 8:30 AM

Welcome & Opening Remarks

8:30 – 9:00 AM

Opening Keynote: Dr. Freda Lewis Hall

9:00 – 9:25 AM

An Interactive Dive into the Data: "Powering the Future of Work and Health: The Impact of Digital Transformation"
Interactive unveiling of Powering the Future of Work and Health survey findings featuring live polling, facilitated discussion, and leadership dialogue.

Susan Childs, HBA Think Tank Consulting Partner

9:25 – 9:55 AM

Roundtable Discussion
Fireside discussion on digital transformation’s impact on work and patient care.

Panelist: Walter Garcia, Lundbeck US

9:55 – 10:45 AM

Leadership Panel - Igniting the Future Healthcare & Lifesciences Workforce: Digital Fluency, Leadership, and Human Potential

Panelist: Ramcess Jean-Louis, Pfizer; Dr. Sarah Hein, March Biosciences 

10:45 – 11:30 AM

Solutions Summit Mini-Lab & Table Talk Session

10:42 – 11:42 AM

Panel Discussion: Igniting the Future Healthcare & Life Sciences Workforce: Digital Fluency, Leadership & Human Potential

11:30 – 11:40 AM

Call to Action and Reflections: 

Dr. Deepa Desai, HBA Corporate Board Member and Interim Head, HBA Think Tank 

11:40 AM – 12:05 PM

Lunch

Networking, Food and Refresh break. 

12:05 – 12:15 PM

Closing Remarks:

Wanell Boone, Sr. Program Manager HBA Think Tank 

12:15 - 12:40 PM

TMC Site Tour - Networking Connections 

12:40 - 12:50 PM

Bus Boarding & Bus Departs at 1:00 PM

 

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Schedule subject to change