From Franchisee To Company Owner And CEO
‘I may not be the smartest person in the room or the most knowledgeable, but I will out-work everyone.’
‘I may not be the smartest person in the room or the most knowledgeable, but I will out-work everyone.’
‘You don’t have to score every hit at bat,” says Marcy Syms. “But have confidence in knowing what you bring to the table.’
‘If we want advanced industries to grow in American cities, we have to build systems—not just buildings.’
In an industry known for extreme workloads, operations executive Truszkowski found a better way—by removing chaos and talking openly.
Gibson’s approach prioritizes emotional intelligence over analytics, individual understanding over broad directives, and authentic purpose over empty metrics—proving that in an AI-driven world, the most irreplaceable leadership skill is deeply human.
The founder of IFAS shares lessons on military precision, entrepreneurial grit and building a $350M government contracting firm.
Even seemingly healthy leadership traits can become toxic without the proper counterweight.
When Rogue Valley Microdevices was founded, it couldn’t afford air conditioning. Now, with $6.7 million in CHIPS funding, CEO Jessica Gomez is tripling their manufacturing capacity.
Lila Snyder’s methodical, curiosity-fueled approach to leadership was shaped by early lessons in problem solving—and a drive to always ask why.
This CEO urges women to lean into the discomfort of change—and be open and honest about the process with others.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.