Executive Session | Exploring Our Triggers and Their Impact to Create More Inclusion and Belonging

Triggers (or "hot buttons") are caused by what we see, hear or smell. Often, they are words, actions and behaviors that cause a physical and/or emotional reaction or response in any given moment. Our hearts race, we might feel frustrated, fearful, anxious, shameful, or panic. Often, we get triggered by things like comments about our race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, physical appearance, age, or ability and many other things outside of our control. We may freeze and/or ruminate about what's going on for days, weeks or even months causing a disruption in our personal and professional lives and relationships. As a leader, one word, one phrase, or one action in response to when you’re triggered could affect your reputation, public and personal image, and ability to lead inclusively.

What we do not often realize is that hot buttons or triggers say more about us than the other person. Therefore, understanding what triggers us is just as important as understanding how we also trigger others.

In this interactive, experiential, and exercise-filled workshop, you will get a chance to explore and share what your triggers are, how your body responds physically, emotionally, and biologically. Take away strategies on how to interrupt them before they become an issue. Then learn how to start building a relationship with your own triggers to manage your triggers and reactivity so they don’t manage you.

Award winner Lillian A. Tsai has worked with dozens of organizations on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), and intercultural communications since 2005. This includes: organizational DEI culture assessments, jump starting and helping DEI committees move forward, restorative relationship building, coaching and training of executives, managers, and frontline employees.

Ms. Tsai’s strengths lie in the ability to understand and bridge gaps between cultural (organizational, team and individual) differences as a result of her lived experiences as an immigrant from Malaysian Borneo and working with or inside multi- cultural and global organizations for more than 45 years. Her clients include private, government, public and/or nonprofit agencies.

Ms. Tsai has trained and/or worked with the Cities of Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego & Tualatin, Clean Water Services, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels People, National Crime Victims Law Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon Youth Authority, Oregon Health Authority, PeaceHealth, Port of Portland, Port of Vancouver, Portland General Electric, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Pre-trial Services, Willamette Health Council, and many more. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, coach, consultant, trainer, and facilitator.

She recently served as co-chair of the Washington County Advisory Committee for Racial Equity (ACRE) and chair of Portland Tennis and Education’s DEIB Committee.

She is a returning speaker to this conference, presenting workshops in 2016, 2019, and 2020, when she was keynote and Executive Session speaker.

She is a proud grandmother and spends her spare time on the pickleball court, gardening, hiking, and participating in Pilates, aerobic, strength building, Qigong, and Tai Chi classes.

More information about her is available at tsaicomms.com and LinkedIn.