Chris Saksa, MSC

As a Global Learning and Development Manager I support a large percentage of Aon’s colleagues around the globe, with their career development and assisting them in reaching their full potential. Results of the training sessions will allow our colleagues to in turn assist Aon’s clients around the globe, be better informed and better advised, all so they can make a better decision. Design and deliver, in-person and e-learning courses and workshops to Aon colleagues to assist with their professional development around the globe. Develop new approaches and techniques around how trainings are delivered that are tailored to all regions of the globe that Aon has colleagues and clients in and define success. Lead regional and global project teams, which include instructional designers, subject matter experts, and vendors, to ensure the effective development and delivery of programs, pilots, strategies, and processes. Design and implement career pathing and a development roadmap for Aon colleagues under the supervision of the Global Curriculum Director. Train and coach managers, supervisors, and other leaders involved in colleague development efforts to help colleagues achieve their full potential. Develop and maintain organizational communications such as weekly emails, pre-work for learning sessions, as well as the post-work follow up materials and process. Partner with internal and external subject matter experts to ensure all learning sessions are achieving the intended goals and allowing colleagues to add new skills to their repertoire. Assist all of Aon’s solution lines with the technical skills training setup and implementation to ensure all Aon colleagues are helping Aon’s clients to make a better decision for their future.

As the North American Early Careers Development Program Lead, I provided expert consultation, recommendations and management of new and existing early career colleagues in North America with additional input to regional/global initiatives and projects. Spearheaded the design and implementation of new curriculum for all three of Aon’s early careers programs, as well as refreshing existing curriculum with updated content / speakers. Designed a playbook that was implemented around the globe. Redesigned the summer internship program across Canada and the US, where Aon hired in 330+ interns across all solution lines / locations. During the Program, Interns learned about Aon, as well as career skills that could be used during and after the internship. 95% of interns rated the internship program as engaging and beneficial to their career development Designed / Facilitated trainings that were attended by 400+ Aon early career colleagues from around the globe. Topics included: Presentation Skills, Deign Thinking, Communicating with Impact, Time Management, Active Listening, Aon’s Impact around the Globe, Networking in 2022, and Succeeding with Clients / Client Planning, to name a few Implemented a new early careers manager orientation program. Program educated managers on the importance of having development conversations with their colleague(s) frequently and the benefit of active listening. Hosted weekly fireside chats with Aon early careers colleagues around the globe, where myself and 1-3 Aon colleagues (ranging from managers to senior leaders) discussed a variety of topics Created an onboarding program for all North American early careers colleagues to help them learn more about Aon and the training and development programs we offer through our programs Defined in measurable terms, the key indicators of success of our programs around retention, promotions, and other career growth areas to generate best practice and encourage new and innovative ideas.

As a Program Lead, I managed all college and military recruiting programs as well as a referral program that encouraged current agents to refer in people they know. I created trainings where more than 150+ participants have attended to discuss best practices and the importance of active listening and relationship building. I also used my knowledge of data analytics to help steer CNO down paths that have been built on quantifiable data and facts. Transformed data into meaningful and engaging executive style summaries and presentations, ensuring the CNO Financial remains an industry leader in recruiting and training practices. These reports have increased funding for successful programs and the elimination of underperforming programs, saving the company time and money. Consulted with multiple management teams on recruiting performance, onboarding, and organizational leadership matters through monthly / quarterly needs assessments. Results from assessments have enhanced overall company performance, especially in recruiting and pipeline management. Implemented various learning methods companywide (online trainings, webinars, and communications) to educate field leaders on the key strategies of recruiting the best quality agent and re-engaging with candidates in their pipeline. Trained recruiters and managers to identify and engage with passive candidates, leading to an increase an overall productive first year agents. Partnered with finance to streamline bonus tracking and decrease the time between when an agent earned a bonus and when the bonus appeared on an agent’s paycheck. Improvements led to bonuses being processed 7 days quicker. Educated managers on the importance of having a strong social media presence to communicate their brand to clients and candidates. Leading to increased traffic to branch Facebook pages and CNO’s YouTube page.

As a Coordinator I fine-tuned, networking and cross-functional teamwork skills. I also developed front line training skills such as creating newsletters, conducting webinars, and mastering digital communications. Designed training videos to assist branch managers with creating an inclusive culture to help increase overall job satisfaction. Created a monthly webinar which discussed the importance of college recruiting. In 2017 CNO Consumer (Bankers Life) contracted 55 interns and this program provided the building blocks for a future college graduate bonus program. Partnered with CNO marketing to create new one pagers and flyers that could be used at college events and on social media. Rebranded CNO Financial Group’s Social Media Platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Hearsay, Glassdoor, and Indeed).

Samuel, Son and Co., Ltd. is a $3 billion, multi-national processor and distributor of steel and aluminum products. Samuel Strapping Systems is the company’s U.S. headquarters and the site of a significant operating division Partnered with office and plant employees to build connections for new projects where collaboration among different teams was key to the success of the company Created interview guides for open positions in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Conducted phone screens with job applicants and made recommendations about hiring decisions as well as trained managers on proven interview techniques Prepared and organized information to centralize Samuel’s HRIS systems for U.S. locations, to support a future system conversion.

Led two lecture hall discussions on Social Penetration theory and the different forms of management Held study groups and office hours where students would drop in and receive personalized assistance on theoretical materials. For the final exam 85% of enrolled students attended my final review Invited to be a Guest Lecturer at Eureka College for a Senior Organizational Leadership class to lead a discussion on Realistic Job Previews (RJP’s) and the impact they have on an organization

Trained new and returning officials about rules and placement during games and the importance of leadership and confidence Promoted to Intramural Supervisor in April of 2014, where I oversaw 20-30 employees a night along with over 100 participants. Illinois State University Campus Recreation Outstanding Guest Service award winner in 2015 IIllinois State University Campus Recreation Team Member of the Year award winner in 2014

Demonstrated clear and concise communication skills to both players and spectators. Resolved difficult situations with fairness and equity, including injuries and disruptive players / spectators. Officiated Floor Hockey, Basketball and Volleyball, Soccer, Flag Football and Softball. Exhibited excellent decision making ability in adverse situations.

Samuel, Son and Co., Ltd. is a $3 billion, multi-national processor and distributor of steel and aluminum products. Samuel Strapping Systems is the company’s U.S. headquarters and the site of a significant operating division. Policy and Procedure Development – Created an Anti-Harassment and Workplace Violence Presentation to educate Employees, Managers and Supervisors on the importance of creating a safe work environment. Wrote an Anti-Drug and Alcohol Policy for a new facility in Tennessee, which when implemented, saved Samuel 5% on Workers’ Compensation premiums for this site. Recruiting and Interview Experience – Created interview guides for open positions in The U.S., Canada and Mexico. Conducted phone screens with job applicants and made recommendations about hiring decisions. HRIS Systems – Prepared and organized information to centralize Samuel’s HRIS systems for U.S. locations, to support a future system conversion. Completed and verified employee I-9 forms, using E-Verify. Facilities Management – Helped open a new green field manufacturing facility in Tennessee.

Created a training program for new hires. Trained and supervised new umpires from 2012-2014 Refined conflict resolution and leadership techniques under pressure. Named Westmont Little League Senior Umpire in 2012.

Managed the production line flow through distribution team membership. Assembled electric reclosers as a member of the manufacturing team. Ensured manufacturing orders and blue prints were error free and processed according to manufacturing schedule.

This program educates ambitious and inspired professionals to become more valued and effective leaders. The highly interactive curriculum integrates communication theory with practical application, providing students with the skills essential for an immediate competitive advantage in the workplace. Courses: - Leading Collaboration - Communication, Management, and Ethics - Workplace Learning and Communities Practice - Change Management - Crisis Communication - Understand/Leverage Networks - Managing Global Teams - Current Issues in Law, Technology and Strategy

Organizational leadership concentrates on the knowledge and skill development to become an effective manager. Coursework provides theoretical, experiential and practical knowledge and skills relative to problem solving, decision making, behavior of people and groups in organizations, teamwork, managerial philosophy and style, organizational design, culture, and change as well as related topics. - Business Finance - Organization and Management Business - Industrial Psychology - Foundations of Organizational Communication - Introduction to Interview - Introduction to Marketing Management - Legal, Ethical and Social Environment of Business - Organizational Communication - Organizational Leadership - Psychology