The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Executive Education program hosts four power lunches beginning in September, providing business professionals opportunities for strategic career development. The lunches, led by College of Business faculty members, offer ideas and approaches to help solve today’s business challenges.

“Our programs allow professionals to develop a perspective on the challenges that many businesses face,” said Emre Unlu, director of executive education.

Each 90-minute session costs $49, including lunch and parking validation for the 14th and Avery parking garage. Lunches and programs are open to all Nebraska and surrounding area professionals and students. Registration is available online.

The power lunch series include:

Influence with Intention, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 12 — Every day we are called upon to persuade, influence or convince others. In fact, we spend about 40 percent of our work time selling our perspective or our recommendations to others. Laura McLeod, assistant professor of practice within the Center for Sales Excellence, will discuss ways to better understand your audience and more effectively sell your ideas to others.

College Sports: Knowing the Financial Score, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 19 — Nebraskans know college sports can be a very big deal, igniting the enthusiasm and passion of thousands and thousands of fans. But just how “profitable” is the business of collegiate sports and who really pays the bills? How do collegiate sports affect the local economy? Scott M. Fuess, Steinhart Foundation Distinguished Professor of Economics and director of the university’s graduate program in intercollegiate athletics administration, will discuss the business and economics of collegiate sports.

Shifting Mindsets: Navigating the Complexity of Diversity and Inclusion in Organizations, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 26 — Gwendolyn Combs, associate professor of management and diversity and inclusion scholar, will discuss the obvious and hidden complexities of difference in the workplace when considering these questions. Participants will consider perspectives that can re-direct organizational thinking regarding diversity and inclusion implementation and sustainability strategies. This presentation furthers understanding of this dynamic environment and provides an innovative framework for obtaining more effective diversity and inclusion outcomes.

Customer Service in the Digital Age, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 3 — This interactive presentation will discuss the evolving nature of customer service in today’s marketplace as well as changing customer expectations. Rob Simon, associate professor of practice in marketing and formerly president of a brick-and-mortar retailer and a business director for an e-commerce company, will lead the presentation and discussion on trends in customer service and what organizations are focusing on to meet customer expectations. This power lunch is applicable for all types of organizations that deal with customers or clients.

For more information on power lunches and professional development offered by the Executive Education program, visit: .