2025 Agenda

That’s a Good Question | Ladder Up: Fast-Track Your Leadership Ascent

Ready to elevate your career to new heights and dive deep into the strategic moves and mindset shifts that propel you toward top-tier leadership? Whether you’re eyeing a C-suite role or aiming for a senior position, this dynamic session gives YOU the chance to drive the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions about the modern leadership landscape, common career roadblocks, and how to supercharge your leadership skillset. Learn from mentors that illustrate success at every level of the ladder and unlock the secrets to accelerating your leadership journey with purpose and precision.

Stay tuned for speaker updates!

That’s a Good Question | Everyday AI: Practical Tools for a Smarter Life

From smart home devices to personalized digital assistants, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an invisible yet powerful part of our daily routines. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just AI-curious and seeking ways to use it more intentionally at work, at home, and everywhere in between, this dynamic session gives YOU the chance to drive the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions about how to use it effectively to simplify tasks, boost productivity, and enhance decision-making; and  how to ask the right questions to get the most out of AI-powered tools. Join us to demystify the buzz, cut through the hype, and discover how AI can help you live and work smarter every day.

Stay tuned for speaker updates!

That’s a Good Question | Success Strategies in Healthcare & Life Sciences

Health and life sciences are at the forefront of innovation and transformational change, offering exciting opportunities—and unique challenges—for professionals across the field. Building a career in this space requires not only technical expertise but also strategic thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to collaboration and mentorship. This dynamic session gives YOU the chance to drive the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions about navigating leadership pathways, fostering inclusive and resilient teams, leveraging networks, and positioning yourself for long-term growth and impact. Whether you’re advancing scientific discovery, improving patient outcomes, or mentoring future leaders, this session will offer actionable strategies to grow your influence and thrive in the field.

Stay tuned for speaker updates!

 
Tomi Adeyemi, #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author

Tamala Edwards, Action News Anchor, 6abc, WPVI-TV Philadelphia

Cynthia Erivo, Oscar-Nominated Actress, Author, Singer-Songwriter, Producer, & Emmy, Grammy, & Tony Award-Winning Performer in Conversation with Lulu Garcia-Navarro, Host of The Interview at NYT Magazine

Lynelle Hoch, President, Cell Therapy Organization, Bristol Myers Squibb

Jesse Israel, Human Performance & Wellbeing Expert, 5X Audible, Worldwide Best-Seller, Founder of the The Big Quiet

Hoda Kotb, Award-Winning Journalist & Best-Selling Author in Conversation with Alicia Vitarelli, Action News Anchor, 6abc WPVI-TV

Mel Robbins, Creator & Host of Award-Winning The Mel Robbins Podcast & #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author

 
Speakers are not listed in order of appearance. Please check back for updates.

*** LUNCH INTERMISSION | 11:30 am – 11:45 am ***

Becoming the CEO of Your Career

You’re not new to the game—but is your career still playing by outdated rules? In this dynamic session, Brandpreneur and organizational expert Dethra Giles challenges you to think like a strategist, act like a leader, and step fully into your professional authority. This session will show you how to manage your career with the precision of a corporation. Learn how to advocate for your value, build influence across the organization, while cultivating a powerful network that opens new doors, and make bold, intentional moves that align with your vision. If you’re ready to stop playing defense and start leading with purpose and clarity, this session is your blueprint for what’s next.

Speaker: Dethra Giles, CEO, ExecuPrep

Leading High-Performing Teams Through Productive Conflict

Avoiding conflict may feel safe—but it often stalls progress. Today’s top teams aren’t free of friction; they know how to navigate it. In this powerful session, organizational psychologist and “Teamwork Doctor” Dr. Liane Davey reveals how conflict, when handled well, fuels clarity, trust, and performance. You’ll explore why avoiding tough conversations undermines success, and how to foster a culture where candid dialogue drives results. With actionable strategies and real-world insights, this session will equip you to embrace tension, resolve issues faster, and lead teams that collaborate at the highest level.

Speaker: Dr. Liane Davey, Organizational Psychologist, “Teamwork Doctor,” & New York Times Best-Selling Author

Reclaiming Ambition: Turning Pivots into Power Moves

What if a career pause wasn’t a setback—but a strategic move? What if a pivot or transition wasn’t a disruption—but a moment of radical clarity? In this bold and timely talk, Neha Ruch challenges outdated narratives around ambition, identity, success, and self-worth during life’s transitional seasons. Whether you’re stepping away, shifting direction, or simply reassessing what matters most, this session will help you reframe your mindset and recognize the power in the pause. Learn how to navigate transition and shed shame, reject stereotypes, and reclaim your voice with purpose and presence. This isn’t about what’s next—it’s about seeing where you are as a defining chapter in your leadership story.

Speaker: Neha Ruch, Best-Selling Author and Founder, Mother Untitled

The New Era of Work, Care, and Wellbeing

In today’s hustle culture, the daily grind has become unsustainable—for individuals, families, and organizations. As burnout rises and boundaries blur, the call for change is louder than ever. Panel thought leader Brigid Schulte will provide initial remarks to explore how we got here—and what must shift to build healthier, more human-centered workplaces. She will then be joined by a panel of professionals who will share actionable strategies for both individuals and managers: how to reclaim time, set better boundaries, reduce stress, and foster a culture of trust and flexibility. You’ll walk away with strategies to find more balance, purpose, and sustainability in your work—and help your teams do the same in ways that support productivity and drive bottom-line success.

Thought Leader: Brigid Schulte, NYT Best-Selling Author & Director, Better Life Lab and The Good Life Initiative at New America

Stay tuned for panelist updates!

Creating Financial Strength & Resilience in a Shifting World

In today’s turbulent economy—marked by inflation, rising costs, and financial uncertainty—building wealth can feel out of reach. But even in times of volatility, your financial future doesn’t have to be left to chance. In this bold and empowering session, Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, shares smart, actionable strategies to crush debt, grow real wealth, and stay retirement-ready without sacrificing the life you want now. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck, recovering from a setback, or looking to build momentum, this is your moment to take inventory, get clear on your goals, and make intentional money moves that reflect today’s challenges and tomorrow’s possibilities. You’ll leave with the confidence and tools to navigate uncertainty and create lasting financial freedom on your terms.

Speaker: Bola Sokunbi, Best-Selling Author and Founder, Clever Girl Finance

Becoming the CEO of Your Career

You’re not new to the game—but is your career still playing by outdated rules? In this dynamic session, Brandpreneur and organizational expert Dethra Giles challenges you to think like a strategist, act like a leader, and step fully into your professional authority. This session will show you how to manage your career with the precision of a corporation. Learn how to advocate for your value, build influence across the organization, while cultivating a powerful network that opens new doors, and make bold, intentional moves that align with your vision. If you’re ready to stop playing defense and start leading with purpose and clarity, this session is your blueprint for what’s next.

Speaker: Dethra Giles, CEO, ExecuPrep

Leading High-Performing Teams Through Productive Conflict

Avoiding conflict may feel safe—but it often stalls progress. Today’s top teams aren’t free of friction; they know how to navigate it. In this powerful session, organizational psychologist and “Teamwork Doctor” Dr. Liane Davey reveals how conflict, when handled well, fuels clarity, trust, and performance. You’ll explore why avoiding tough conversations undermines success, and how to foster a culture where candid dialogue drives results. With actionable strategies and real-world insights, this session will equip you to embrace tension, resolve issues faster, and lead teams that collaborate at the highest level.

Speaker: Dr. Liane Davey, Organizational Psychologist, “Teamwork Doctor,” & New York Times Best-Selling Author

Reclaiming Ambition: Turning Pivots into Power Moves

What if a career pause wasn’t a setback—but a strategic move? What if a pivot or transition wasn’t a disruption—but a moment of radical clarity? In this bold and timely talk, Neha Ruch challenges outdated narratives around ambition, identity, success, and self-worth during life’s transitional seasons. Whether you’re stepping away, shifting direction, or simply reassessing what matters most, this session will help you reframe your mindset and recognize the power in the pause. Learn how to navigate transition and shed shame, reject stereotypes, and reclaim your voice with purpose and presence. This isn’t about what’s next—it’s about seeing where you are as a defining chapter in your leadership story.

Speaker: Neha Ruch, Best-Selling Author and Founder, Mother Untitled

Power Circles: How to Build Your Personal Board of Advisors

Behind every powerful woman is a powerful circle. In this session, the Thought leader will give initial remarks to explore how to build your own personal board of advisors—mentors, peers, sponsors, and allies—who challenge you, champion your growth, and help you navigate what’s next. She will then be joined by a panel of professionals who will share actionable strategies to help you cultivate intentional relationships that fuel both professional and personal success so you gain a clear sense of who belongs in your circle—and how to find them. Whether you’re looking to expand your network or deepen the connections you already have, this session offers real talk, real strategies, and the inspiration to build your most powerful community yet.

Stay tuned for speaker updates!

Creating Financial Strength & Resilience in a Shifting World

In today’s turbulent economy—marked by inflation, rising costs, and financial uncertainty—building wealth can feel out of reach. But even in times of volatility, your financial future doesn’t have to be left to chance. In this bold and empowering session, Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, shares smart, actionable strategies to crush debt, grow real wealth, and stay retirement-ready without sacrificing the life you want now. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck, recovering from a setback, or looking to build momentum, this is your moment to take inventory, get clear on your goals, and make intentional money moves that reflect today’s challenges and tomorrow’s possibilities. You’ll leave with the confidence and tools to navigate uncertainty and create lasting financial freedom on your terms.

Speaker: Bola Sokunbi, Best-Selling Author and Founder, Clever Girl Finance