Spirit Week Sessions
Monday, September 9–Friday, September 13
Here’s what we have on deck! Register for each session you want to join and a calendar invitation will be sent to your inbox.
Monday, September 9
Theme: Red Day
Bust out your swag and go boldly red to kick off our Spirit Week.
9:30–10 AM PST/12:30–1 PM EST
COFFEE WITH THE PRESIDENT
Hosted by Rainy Hake Austin
Kick off Spirit Week with the President of The Agency, Rainy! Hear her career story and get grounded in a growth mindset for the week ahead.
11–11:30 AM PST/1–1:30 PM EST
INTERVIEW WITH MAURICIO: 8/8/8
Mauricio Umansky, Founder & CEO, Interviewed by Laura Corrigan, SVP of Marketing & Public Relations
Hear from Mauricio on his secrets to success in business and life through work, play and rest. It’s all about dedication, determination and disruption.
1–1:30 PM PST/4–4:30 PM EST
HEALTHFUL HABITS FOR FALL
Presented by Yael Sverdlik Markowicz
Join Yael, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, for a health-focused session as we shift into fall. She’ll share insights and techniques that can transform your personal habits, preserve your energy for the season ahead, and walk you through some breathing exercises that will reconnect you with your body.
Tuesday, September 10
Theme: Pajama Day
Stay cozy and comfy all day long in your PJs.
9–9:30 AM PST/12–12:30 PM EST
BEAUTIFY YOUR WORK WEEK WITH A FRESH FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
Presented by Kendall Roark, Corporate Initiatives Project Manager
Gather some greenery and florals that you love and join Kendall for a flower-arranging workshop. She’ll share tips and tricks on creating a stunning arrangement that will light up your desk for the rest of the week. A list of materials will be sent in advance.
10–11 AM PST/1–12 PM EST
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY: MAKING CHANGES FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Presented by Erika Edwards, Director of Talent Development at The Agency.
Yes, Erika is the powerhouse behind The Agency University and so much more. She also holds a Master's Degree in IO Psychology with a focus on Positive Psychology and Measurement. In this session, she’ll share statistics and studies on positive psych and how to apply (or avoid) those findings to yourself. Learn about different daily and monthly things you can do to increase your positivity and techniques you can put in place immediately to your vibes.
1:15–1:45 PM PST/3:15–3:45 PM EST
MIXER: PETS!
Hosted by Cassie Thomas, Senior Project Manager & Media Buyer
It’s time to paws your work for some play. Bring your furry (or feathered or scaly!) friend and join us for a fun-filled pet mixer! Introduce your pet to your colleagues and meet the other adorable animals of The Agency.
Wednesday, September 11th
Theme: Crazy Hair Day
Bring on the gel and side pony! We can’t wait to see your wacky hairdo.
9:15–9:30 AM PST/12:15–12:30 PM EST
DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING AND POSTURE FOR AT-HOME WORK
Presented by Amanda Thompson, Executive Assistant to the President
Does sitting at your desk give you back, neck, or another kind of pain? Stop in to hear a few simple tips on postural corrections for the workplace. Amanda will also walk you through diaphragmatic breathing and why this practice is so important for our busy work lives.
10:30–11:30 AM PST/1:30–2:30 PM EST
PANEL: STRATEGIES FOR WORKING PARENTS
Moderator: Lesley Stern, Director of Agent Services
Panelists: Jeff Samuels, SVP Regional Manager of NorCal
Elisabeth Walton, Vice President of Agent Experience
Vicky Alarcon, Senior Agent Experience Manager
In this session, our panelists will share strategies for balancing a successful career with parenthood—and discuss the challenges (and joys!) that come with it. Get practical advice on time management, including setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks and learn about the art of filling your own cup up, so you can keep filling the cups of others. We’ll also cover the importance of building a strong support network, both at home and in the workplace.
1–2 PM PST/4–5 PM EST
CREATING YOUR PERSONAL BEST-SELF BRAND
Presented by Sarah Jansen-Mount, Manager of Corporate Culture & Content
To show up to life, opportunities, and relationships with intention, you need to get clear on who you are as a person and who you strive to be. In this session, dive deep into your own identity and learn about the power of personal branding for your life and career. Sarah will walk you through creating a brand foundation for yourself, including your values, purpose, characteristics—and how your unique “brand” can be applied to aspects of your life.
Thursday, September 12
Theme: Decades Day
Pick a decade and commit! Get your 80s Jazzercise on, flaunt 1920s elegance or lean into the 90s.
9–9:45 AM PST/12–12:45 PM EST
HOW TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CAREER
Presented by Jim Ramsay, Executive Vice President of Franchise Sales
Over his 33-year career in corporate America, Jim has learned a lot about taking charge of your career. With experience at two Fortune 100 companies, an international real estate company, and The Agency, Jim has held over 20 different positions in marketing, operations, ancillary services, and sales, and has relocated ten times. Join us to gain insights on the importance of identifying and filling career gaps, crafting a clear 3, 5, and 10-year vision, and managing up. He’ll discuss the critical role of mid-year and end-of-year reviews, learning from others, and adopting a proactive approach to career development rather than a reactive one.
*This session is primarily geared towards The Agency corporate staff.
11–11:45 AM PST/2–2:45 PM EST
THE POWER OF GIVING
Presented by Tara Gettles, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations
In this collaborative presentation, we’ll delve into the power of giving and its profound impact on our lives, workplaces, and communities. Hear inspiring stories, engage in interactive discussions, and explore actionable insights. Tara will share valuable tools and practical strategies to harness the power of giving, drive positive change, and achieve remarkable results. Let’s embark on this journey together and see how our acts of generosity can make a lasting difference.
1–2 PM PST/4–5 PM EST
PANEL: SELF-CARE AT WORK
Moderator: Andrea Delgado, Senior Director of Public Relations
Panelists: Stephanie Burrell, Recruiter/AEM
Shane Gazzo, Creative Director
Billy Rose, Founder & Vice Chairman
This panel will explore the importance of self-care at work, offering strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and creating a healthier work environment. Panelists will share insights on incorporating mindfulness, setting boundaries, and balancing workload demands with personal needs. The discussion will also highlight how prioritizing self-care can help you work better and make it more fun.
Friday, September 13
Theme: Ready for the Weekend
Whether it's a Hawaiian shirt or your workout gear, wear whatever makes you feel like it's Friday—because it is!
10–11 AM PST/1–2 PM EST
MIND/FULL COOKING MEDITATION
Presented by Ajinder Plahey, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition
Join us for a virtual cooking meditation experience like no other! We'll start with a short discussion on the Blue Zones before the group cooking session where you will learn to make a nutrient-dense dish that will nourish your mind, body, and soul. We will close with a guided meditation focused on connecting us to the meal we just prepared. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook or meditator, this event is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, recenter, and learn a new recipe. You will be provided with a list of ingredients to get a week before the event and will need a kitchen to cook in during the session. Ajinder is a certified nutrition coach and meditation teacher.
1–2 PM PST/4–5 PM EST
ENNEATYPE PERSONALITY TEST: DISCOVER YOURS
Presented by Kendall Roark
Join us for an engaging presentation on understanding your Enneagram type, a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Prior to the session, participants will receive quizzes to identify their Enneatype, which they can bring to the presentation. During the session, we’ll explore the nine Enneagram types, delving into the unique strengths, challenges and growth opportunities associated with each. Learn about your motivations and behaviors and how to better navigate relationships and challenges in both your personal and work life.
2–2:30 PM PST/5–5:30 PM EST
MIXER: YOUR PASSION PORTFOLIO
Hosted by Sarah Jansen-Mount, Manager of Corporate Content & Culture
Grab your favorite drink and join us for a fun staff mixer to close out our week. We’ll chat about what truly lights you up outside of work. Whether it’s a hobby, a creative project, or a unique interest, this is your chance to share your passions and get to know your colleagues on a deeper level. Come ready to chat, connect, and inspire each other.