Heather Polivka helps leaders create workplaces where people thrive, great talent stays, and businesses grow.
Whether clients are responding to a changing talent market, fueling high growth, or navigating accelerated change, Heather guides leaders to cultivate a way of working that fuels their organization and empowers their people. She has been doing that for over two decades at companies of all sizes.
In 2022, Heather founded Awesome People Leaders (APL) which increases manager effectiveness in less time, in real-time, and in the flow of work, using neuroscience and AI. APL focuses on the soft skills, emotional intelligence, and healthy workplace behaviors that leaders need to cultivate high-performing teams.
INC Magazine recognized APL as a Power Partner to help businesses succeed. APL was chosen as one of four companies to participate in national Butler University Gener8tor accelerator for Workforce Innovation in 2024.
Heather was named the 2024 Minnesota SBA Encore Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2023, Heather was selected as a 100 Women to KNOW in America, and recognized as a Top 10 Finalist for NAWBO’s Business Women Owner of the Year. She holds an MBA from Purdue University.
Session Summary:
In today’s evolving fraud landscape, technical skills alone aren’t enough—emotional intelligence (EQ) is the secret weapon for effective, ethical, and enduring fraud prevention. In this session, Heather from Awesome People Leaders will unpack why EQ is essential for fraud professionals and how to apply it in high-stakes situations.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand the core components of emotional intelligence and their relevance in fraud prevention.
• Learn how to manage stress, emotions, and interpersonal dynamics during fraud investigations.
• Discover how EQ supports stronger collaboration across departments and with victims.
• Identify practical ways to grow your emotional intelligence skills in your current role.
