Chris Sund at the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) Conference

Keynote: The SPARK Advantage: Motivating Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Success

Chris Sund was invited to speak at the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) Conference, delivering a keynote to an audience of occupational health professionals committed to protecting and advancing the health, safety, and well-being of the healthcare workforce.

In an environment where teams are facing increasing pressure, evolving expectations, and ongoing burnout, this keynote focused on one of the most important challenges leaders face today, how to truly motivate and retain their people.

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Association of Occupational Health Professional in Healthcare

About AOHP

The Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) is a national organization dedicated to supporting and advancing occupational health professionals who serve the healthcare workforce. AOHP members are committed to protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of the people who deliver care.

The AOHP National Conference brings together occupational health nurses, employee health directors, and healthcare safety professionals from across the country to share knowledge, develop skills, and strengthen the occupational health profession.

Each year, attendees gain:

Clinical education and best practices for occupational health in healthcare settings
Networking with peers and leaders in the employee health field
Strategies for workforce wellbeing, injury prevention, and regulatory compliance
Inspiration and tools to advocate for the healthcare workforce

About the Keynote

The SPARK Advantage challenges the idea that motivation is driven by compensation, perks, or external pressure alone.

Instead, it introduces a practical framework that helps leaders understand what actually drives engagement, performance, and long-term commitment.

Through real-world insights and relatable examples, Chris walked attendees through how small, consistent leadership behaviors shape culture, influence retention, and determine whether teams simply show up or fully engage.

The SPARK Framework

At the center of the keynote is the SPARK framework, a simple and actionable model leaders can apply immediately:

• Support – Creating an environment where people feel backed and set up to succeed
• Purpose – Connecting daily work to a greater mission and impact
• Appreciation – Recognizing effort and contribution in meaningful ways
• Relationships – Building trust and connection across teams
• Knowledge & Growth – Investing in development and long-term success

Why It Matters

For occupational health professionals, the connection was clear.

They play a critical role in supporting the people who care for others.

And just like the teams they serve, they are navigating increased demands, limited resources, and rising expectations.

This keynote reinforced that motivation is not about doing more.

It is about focusing on what matters most and leading with intention.

What Attendees Take Away

Attendees left with:

• A clear framework to strengthen engagement and retention
• Practical ways to better support and connect with their teams
• A deeper understanding of what today’s workforce values
• Ideas they can apply immediately within their organizations
• A renewed focus on leading with both performance and empathy

The Impact

The SPARK Advantage provided more than motivation.

It gave leaders a way to rethink how they show up every day and how their actions directly shape the experience of their teams.

Because in today’s workforce, the difference between people staying and leaving often comes down to how they are led.

Bringing This Keynote to Your Organization

Chris Sund’s keynotes on leadership, workforce wellbeing, and building high-performing teams are among his most requested sessions for healthcare workforce conferences, occupational health organizations, and employee health teams. If your organization is committed to the people who deliver care, Chris delivers both the mindset and the tools to make it happen.