Get ready to customize your experience to exactly what sparks your curiosity and fuels your business passion!
At our upcoming conference, you have the power to customize your day by picking a breakout speaker for each of the three sessions from our specially curated tracks: (G) General Track, (C) Corporate Track, and (E) Entrepreneur Track.
Whether you're aiming to broaden your horizon, deepen your corporate savvy, or ignite your entrepreneurial spirit, these tracks are designed to ensure you find sessions that resonate with your goals. Why settle for a one-size-fits-all agenda when you can customize your day to be as unique as you are?
Meet The Breakout Speakers
Breakout Session One: 9:45am - 10:30am
AMANDA KERN
I’m a former high school English teacher turned SEO strategist, copywriter, and digital marketing agency CEO. I founded Emerald Creative Content in 2021 to help small to mid-sized businesses leverage local SEO tactics and content marketing to get more eyeballs on their business. Education is still at the center of all that I do—in addition to offering digital marketing services, I also offer course content and Power Hours to empower business owners with the foundational knowledge they need to DIY their SEO as they get their businesses off the ground.
Amanda Kern
(G) A.I. in Content Marketing: Best Practices, Tips, & Tricks To Save You Time and Money
If you’re still wrapping your head around the capabilities of artificial intelligence for your business, then this session is for you. Content marketing is one of the most time consuming tasks of any business—but it’s also one of the most effective for building, nurturing, and converting your audience. This session will teach you:
How to seed and prompt ChatGPT for on-brand output
How to tweak and refine output to teach A.I. to sound more like YOU
How to use A.I. specifically for social media marketing and search engine optimization
Ethical best practices for A.I. in marketing
Diana Westhoff
(C) Building Trust and Boosting Performance: The Power of Social Capital and Connectivity
It seems like trust has gone down because we aren't hanging out in the hallways. Join Diana to discuss social capital and connectivity in your workplace. Connectivity helps with career mobility and is a building block that leads to connection, innovation and sharing of ideas. Social Capital matters to an organization's performance and must matter to YOUR individual performance as well.
LEAH SEAMAN
Leah Seaman is a professional artist, live wedding painter, and entrepreneur based out of Columbus, Ohio. Her vision is to inspire other artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to step into their power and pursue their passions with confidence, tenacity, and creativity. Through her work as a full time artist, Leah is able to meet with audiences and clients from all walks of life, and has made it her mission to lighting a fire for the arts in the hearts of those she meets.
Leah Seaman
(E) Palette to Profit: How Creativity Fuels Small Business Success
Embark on a transformative journey at our session, 'Palette to Profit: How Creativity Fuels Small Business Success.' Led by accomplished artist Leah Seaman, this session explores the synergy between creativity and entrepreneurial success. Discover how a splash of creativity can elevate your small business by utilizing a specific set of techniques to evoke new solutions to old challenges. Drawing from the canvas of artistic inspiration, attendees will learn practical strategies to infuse their ventures with the vitality of creativity, unlock new perspectives, and carve a unique niche in the market. Join Leah for an immersive experience where the brushstrokes of entrepreneurship and artistry converge for lasting business brilliance.
Ralph Smithers
(G) How to Champion Opportunities for Women through Effective Advocacy and Allyship
As champions of diversity and opportunities for women, we have the power to keep the momentum going with advocacy and allyship, despite events that seem to be setbacks. However, how does one become a better advocate and ally? Join this session to hear ideas on better advocacy and allyship so you can be part of the solution to keep the positive momentum going!
RALPH SMITHERS
Ralph Smithers, Jr. is the assistant vice president, diversity, equity and inclusion and community relations, at Encova Insurance. He is responsible for managing the company’s diversity, equity, inclusion and community engagement efforts.
Ralph has extensive experience in a variety of insurance operations and human resources roles. Ralph earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and insurance from The Ohio State University. He currently serves on the Lincoln Theater, Leadership Columbus, WELD, and Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Board of Directors, as well as other steering committees and advisory groups.
STEPHANIE CUNNINGHAM
Stephanie Cunningham, Founder of RevelationU Reiki & Wellbeing, is a Certified Professional Coach, Reiki Master/Teacher, and Speaker.
Stephanie began her career as a corporate trainer and after a few years moved into sales and marketing. After nearly 20 years, Stephanie left the corporate world to consciously create a life that felt good to her physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Through this experience, Stephanie created RevelationU Reiki & Wellbeing whose mission is to help people better understand who they are and how they work so they can create a life that feels deeply satisfying.
Stephanie Cunningham
(G) Power Up! How to manage your energy and feel AMAZING!
What would life be like if you:
Made decisions that prioritized feeling good, consistently
Felt present, clear, focused and engaged every day
Had positive, meaningful relationships
Enjoyed life in the way you know, deep down, is possible
Energy is the fuel that keeps you moving forward. It can also pull you down into despair and worry. It’s time to understand how you (specifically) create energy, how you are affected by internal and external sources of energy and how to manage it so you can keep your mental health and energy high for yourself and those you love and support.
Breakout Session Two: 10:45am - 11:30am
ED STANGE
Ed Stange is an experienced leader in Beauty, Aesthetics, and Medical industries, known for balancing traditional values with a modernized approach for responsible growth. Specializing in organizational behavior and leadership development, Ed guides organizations in adapting their structure to evolving work dynamics. Central to his leadership philosophy is a focus on fulfillment in work, influencing his decision-making process to improve both business outcomes and individual growth. Ed holds an Undergraduate Business degree from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Capital University, underscoring his practical approach to leadership in the ever-changing landscape of these industries.
Ed Stange
(C) Abolish Performance Reviews: The Case for Real Conversations
Just like dieting, leadership over the years has been fraught with fads, hyperbole, and misdirection. Senior Leadership is tempted by new methods that quickly become the flavor of the month, driving team members into confusion and frustration. This session brings together research from leading management and development theorists to present a philosophy that can increase retention, improve conversations, and provide guidance in the ever-shifting landscape of business.
June Suepunpuck
(G) Unleashing Joy & Pleasure in High Achievers
This is an interactive talk that explores strategies for high achievers so they may find more joy and pleasure in their work, as well as, their personal lives. Oftentimes high achieving women can struggle with burnout, chronic stress, work-life imbalance, loss of motivation, and fear of not meeting their own or others’ expectations. June will be guiding everyone through exercises to get you back into alignment with the truth of who you are versus the person you think you should be. Come with an open mind and heart, and get ready to walk away feeling more joy and pleasure.
JUNE SUEPUNPUCK
June is a Joy Guide, speaker, and host of the How to Find Joy podcast. She helps high achievers, who feel lost or stuck, break free from the status quo so they can live a more joyful and purpose-driven life. June encourages them to question definitions of success and power so they may align with the truth of who they are versus who they think they should be. With June’s guidance, these leaders can release their burdens, recharge their energy and reignite their power. Most importantly, they can spread their joy to others and make the world a better place!
ZULENE ADAMS
Would you like your business to get noticed and be memorable? K. Zulene Adams does this as the CEO of Z Promotions, a promotional products firm based in central Ohio.
As a proven leader, she’s been honored with the awards: 2023 WCEO Central Ohio Small Business Woman of the Year, 2023 Columbus Business First Diversity in Business, 2022 International Athena Leadership, 2021 Smart Business Smart 50 and more.
Zulene serves as the current President of NAWBO Columbus, board member of The Diversity Chamber of Central Ohio and supports small business through the Small Business Holiday Hop and Brady Ware’s Women’s Leadership Conference.
Zulene Adams
(E) Leadership Through Influence: Harness Your Gifts to Navigate Negotiations
Are you ready to leverage your unique gifts and talents as a professional woman for successful collaboration?
Do you want to gain insight through effective preparation?
Do you want to enhance your experience by developing an art to your ask?
This is an interactive session to unlock strategic advantages that will successfully guide you through negotiations. The strategies may be applied to a wide range of professional activities such as salary/promotion, conflict resolution, vendor/supplier proposals and agreements, B2B collaboration, and even a personal activity like persuading your toddler to eat their peas. All of which will result in your improved confidence in all negotiation settings.
SARAH T. MOORE
As a Women’s Leadership Coach, Sarah coaches women to know what they want, to have the courage to speak it and pursue it. Whether she’s a senior executive leading a global brand, a middle manager learning how to manage a team, or an entrepreneur trying to figure it all out … Sarah coaches clients who struggle with self-doubt and want more of one thing: wholeness.
Sarah is the creator of the Pump Up Session, a one-of-a-kind fully curated mini-retreat designed to help women reset their thoughts and quiet their internal chatter. Sarah’s first book, Full of Herself is now available.
Sarah T. Moore
(G) Own Your Confidence: Unleashing the Leader Within You
The time has come to redefine what it means to be Full of Yourself. Picture walking confidently into any room, feeling like you truly belong, ready to make an impact with your ideas and presence. It's time to ditch the doubts, ladies! This isn’t about arrogance or ego; it’s about having the audacity to define your own brand of confidence. In this Pump-Up session, you’ll learn how to tune into your courage and find your voice to unleash your potential as a woman and a leader.
A broadly experienced startup leader with over 20 years in finance, strategy, and innovation, primarily in the MedTech industry. With expertise in VC/PE financings, corporate finance, innovation cycle strategy, and go-to-market commercialization, Kathryn is passionate about channeling her expertise into meaningful progress in healthcare. She has founded her own companies, served as an executive leader of startups from Pre-Seed to Series B, and spent 11 years working for Johnson & Johnson MedTech, where she graduated from elite programs in finance (2011) and general management (2015).
Kimmi Wernli is the first female owner of the oldest peanut butter company in America. Taking over for her father in 2015, she rebranded, launched new products, created an online presence, received the B Corporation Certification™ and Glyphosate Residue Free Certification™ and launched a humanitarian initiative called the Healthy Kids Happy Future™ project. Kimmi is on the American Peanut Council Board of Directors, a US Peanut Ambassador for the National Peanut Board and President of the BYU Management Society Central Ohio Chapter. Kimmi is happily married, mother of four, former collegiate lacrosse player and lover of all things peanut butter.
As a seasoned Sales & Marketing Executive with over two decades of experience in consumer products, I have consistently demonstrated a keen ability to drive revenue, elevate brand strategies, and exceed sales targets. My career journey reflects a track record of successfully navigating dynamic market landscapes while fostering innovation and cultivating high-performance teams.
Upon graduating from the University of Cincinnati, I entered the wonderful world of gourmet cookware and the housewares industry. In 2008, I fell into the delicious world of specialty food with a small start up that had a novel idea of creating edible craft kits for all ages; utilizing my past experiences, I was able to grow this business to $18M in five years. Currently, I am part owner of Cleveland Ketchup, a specialty condiment company and also running my own consulting business helping local food companies increase their distribution and elevate their brand awareness.
Kathryn Dougherty, Kimmi Wernli, Stacey Reid
(E) Beyond The Shelves – Exploring The Realities of Getting Your Product on Retail Shelves
Join us for an enlightening discussion on the realities of getting your product into retail stores. Our panel of experts will share stories, strategies, and the reality of getting into, surviving, and growing a Consumer Products Goods company.
Breakout Session Three: 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Elspeth Paige-Sack
(E) Catalyst for Success: Unleashing the Power of Marketing in Your Business Journey
Meet Elspeth Paige-Sack, the dynamic CEO of Hunter Marketing, a trailblazing full-service agency, as she takes center stage to unravel the secrets of strategic marketing tailored for women business owners. With a wealth of experience, Elspeth will share practical insights, industry trends, and success stories to inspire and guide you on your marketing journey. From branding to digital strategies, Elspeth brings a wealth of knowledge to empower you to elevate your business. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a marketing maven and transform your approach to business growth!
Dr. Lee C. Cordell
(G) How to Strengthen Relationships With Your Clients By Saying “No” More Often
Do you struggle to hold boundaries in your work life? Afraid your clients will get frustrated or leave if you say "no" to their requests? Then this workshop is for you!
In this session, you'll learn simple ways to model healthy boundaries with your clients- and in doing so, make them desire to work with you even MORE!
DR. LEE C. CORDELL
Dr. Lee founded the Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety after retiring from her decade-long career as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and graduate-level professor. She is devoted to helping humans understand their past so they can create happier, healthier futures. She integrates her personal stories of childhood abuse, anxiety, and neurodivergence with her 20 years of professional experience in order to bring accessible, practical trauma education to all who desire to learn more.
DR. MARGUERITE WESTON
Dr. Weston holds a certification from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and more than 17 years of practice with board certifications in both family medicine and sports medicine.
As a member of each, she has completed extensive training from The American Academy for Anti-Aging (A4M), The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Dr. Weston has been recognized as a Top Doctor in Columbus Monthly every year since 2019.
She has spent her illustrious career diving deep into the root causes of why symptoms occur — not just treating them on the surface.
Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP
(G) Cortisol: Striking A Balance Between Top Performance & Unnecessary Tension
Explore the intricate relationship between women's health and cortisol, the stress hormone. From stress management strategies to the impact on metabolic health, this presentation empowers women with knowledge and practical insights for achieving hormonal balance. Join us on a journey to discover the keys to fostering harmony within, as we navigate the nuanced interplay between women and cortisol.
Theresa Harris
(C) Next Step: What Do I Do Now?
Are you looking to expand the company you own? Have you taken on a new leadership role in your corporate journey? Or do you simply want to understand how to lead through change. What are some of the tips to help you excel when maintaining the "status quo" is not an option. Our goal is to help you own your next step. We will discuss strategies and tactics to develop the leader within. Get ready to thrive and build a sustainable business.
DALIA KALGREEN
Dalia is a seasoned management professional and esteemed expert in the realm of AI. With a distinguished career marked by consistently surpassing goals and expectations, Dalia brings a wealth of experience to the table. Skilled in all facets of marketing, sales, and strategic management, Dalia is renowned for crafting innovative solutions and driving success. Their expertise extends to employee development and budgeting, underpinning a proven track record of leadership and training. As a panelist, Dalia is committed to redefining the discourse on AI, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of technology.
Joe Rotella, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPBA
Joe Rotella is a leading thinker and professional speaker in business strategy, continuous performance management, and HR technology. He serves as Chief Value Officer (CVO) for Delphia Consulting, LLC, a national consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio. Joe has over 30 years of experience and is the Vice President of Development for the Human Resources Association of Central Ohio (HRACO). Joe is the co-creator of miviva – a web-based solution to help an organization manage performance by facilitating 1:1’s, tracking goals, KPIs and action items, and generating a performance artifact.
JIM SMOLIK
James (Jim) Smolik is an associate at Ice Miller LLP where his practice focuses on the areas of mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and corporate finance. Jim represents private equity funds, mezzanine debt funds, independent sponsors, and family offices in all stages of their corporate life cycle. Jim also counsels clients in matters relating to pre-incorporation planning, general corporate representation, financing, joint ventures, and outside general counsel services.
Dalia Kalgreen, Joe Rotella, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPBA, Jim Smolik
(C) AI In the Work Place: Applications, Impacts, and Limitations
Join us as a panel of experts share the realities of AI from a legal, HR, and implementation perspective. As interest in utilizing AI grows we are faced with concerns regarding job displacement, ethical implications, and equitable distribution of benefits. By embracing AI as a tool for empowerment rather than a threat to job security, organizations can unlock new realms of innovation and productivity.