Event Agenda

PROGRAM schedule

Agenda

February 19, 2025 07:00 to
08:00

Networking Breakout Room Topics

1. Finding Your Why (Liesel Mendoza)

Connect with others as you explore the core purpose that drives you in your professional and personal life. Share insights, stories, and strategies for identifying and aligning your goals with your deeper motivations.

2. Leading with Empathy (Shannon rey Gibbs)

Join a conversation about the power of empathetic leadership. Discuss how understanding and connecting with others can transform teams, build trust, and create more inclusive environments in the workplace.

3. Building Meaningful Connections (Ed Stanley)

Talk with others about the art of networking and relationship building. Exchange ideas on fostering authentic connections that can support your personal growth and professional success.

4. Mapping Your Career Journey (Olga Ismagilova)

Discuss strategies for career planning, development, and navigating transitions. Share experiences and ideas with others on how to design a fulfilling career path while adapting to changes and opportunities.

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Ed Stanley
Executive Leadership Coach & Mentor

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Liesel Mendoza
Founder and CEO of The Mentoring Club

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Olga Ismagilova
Global Business Transformation and Sustainability Leader, Career Strategist, and Mentor

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Shannon Rey Gibbs
Coach, Trainer, Mentor, Speaker, Technologist

February 19, 2025 08:00 to
09:00

Just as a product's brand sets customer expectations and increases the company and product’s value, your brand can enhance or hinder your career success. In the Leadership Brand Mini-Workshop, you will learn how you can use techniques from top branding experts to build an inspiring leadership brand. Then, because a great brand starts with values, I will introduce you to a values-discovery process to discover the basis for your brand. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS/BENEFITS:

  1. What if everyone around you knew, with complete clarity, your mission? Learn how a crystal-clear brand inspires confident, clear leadership. 
  2. What do you stand for? Who are you? You will discover and articulate your core values to define your brand, eliminating the common ones that sound like mundane corporate-speak.
  3. Are you a confident leader? Armed with a clear leadership brand and connection skills, you will boldly inspire and your leadership will become more natural. 

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Career professionals who are looking to reinvent themselves as leaders, so their colleagues will see their ability to influence and inspire, and executives will see them as leadership talent worthy of top assignments and roles. 

WORKSHOP FACILITATOR BIO:

Moe Rubenzahl is a business and marketing strategy consultant with worldwide clients ranging from 2 to 700 million dollars in revenue. 

An engineer by training (with a BSEE from Princeton University and an MSEE from Stanford University), Moe is known for straightforward, methodical marketing processes that make sense. He has 45 years of executive-level marketing and business experience with billion-dollar firms, including a $2.5 billion semiconductor manufacturer, where his team built a world-class Internet marketing program that outperformed much larger competitors. Previously, he was the Marketing Director for a consumer electronics startup, which he saw through its public offering. He began his career at Hewlett-Packard, in design engineering and product marketing roles.

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Moe Rubenzahl
Business and Marketing Leadership Strategy Consultant

February 19, 2025 09:00 to
10:00

Immigrants bring unique perspectives to leadership, shaped by their journeys across borders and cultures. This panel will explore why these leaders chose to leave their home countries—whether for family, education, or career opportunities—and reflect on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons that defined their paths to leadership.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overcoming challenges: Practical strategies panelists used to navigate obstacles such as language barriers, discrimination, and cultural adjustment.
  • Pivotal moments: Stories of resilience and key decisions that shaped their paths toward leadership.
  • Authentic leadership: How panelists turned failures into lessons and successes into opportunities to lead with authenticity.
  • Personal growth: Reflections on self-discovery and how embracing change fostered their leadership development.
  • Actionable inspiration: Ideas for applying lessons learned from immigrant leaders to overcome personal and professional challenges.

This session promises to be a powerful exploration of the human spirit, resilience, and the transformative potential of leadership. Whether you’re an immigrant yourself, a leader navigating challenges, or someone seeking inspiration, these stories will resonate and empower you to take the next step on your own leadership journey.

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Babajide Soyode
Engineer, Technical Consultant, Business Strategist, Entrepreneur

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Ken Morris
Founder & CEO, Chordify Inc

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Olga Ismagilova
Global Business Transformation and Sustainability Leader, Career Strategist, and Mentor

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JoAnn R. Corley
Executive Advisor, Leadership Coach

February 19, 2025 10:00 to
11:00

Esther Wojcicki is famous for three things: teaching a high school class that has changed the lives of thousands of kids, inspiring Silicon Valley legends like Steve Jobs, and raising three daughters who have each become famously successful. What do these three accomplishments have in common? They are the result of TRICK, Esther’s secret to raising successful people: Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness. Simple lessons, but the results are radical. Esther Wojcicki is a leading American educator and journalist. Mother of former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, Fulbright scholar Janet Wojcicki, and 23&Me founder Anne Wojcicki, as well as a teacher and mentor to hundreds.  Esther is widely heralded as the most successful parent and educator in the United States.  Esther offers essential lessons for raising, educating, and managing people to their highest potential. She is the author of Moonshots in Education (2014) and bestseller How to Raise Successful People (May, 2019) published in 31 languages. To help parents, she created Parenting TRICK, an app that aims to revolutionize the way we approach parenting, available on both Android and iPhone. Esther is the Founder of WOJ.Education (www.woj.education). 

KEYNOTE TITLE:

HOW TO RAISE SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE

KEYNOTE SYNOPSIS:

Esther Wojcicki will explore the key factors in raising successful people, running a successful business, and building satisfying relationships. She will reveal how Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness (TRICK) form a common set of behaviors that inspire leadership and drive success. Her message will underscore how mentorship, grounded in these principles, empowers individuals to realize their potential and fosters authentic, empathetic leadership.  

(Original from Esther) What are the key factors in raising successful people, running a successful business and having satisfying relationships?  They all have a common set of behaviors, which Esther Wojcicki will discuss on her keynote.

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Esther Wojcicki
Mother, Educator, Author

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Rukevwe Agbro
Project Management Leader, Trainer, Speaker and AI Advocate

February 19, 2025 11:00 to
12:00

Diversity is more than a value—it is a critical leadership asset. It encompasses the richness of cultures, ethnicities, genders, abilities, orientations, philosophies, and beliefs that define humanity. Leaders who recognize diversity as a leadership asset unlock unparalleled potential within their teams, driving innovation, fostering trust, and building environments where everyone can succeed. This impactful panel discussion will delve into how embracing diversity as a core leadership strategy creates stronger, more adaptable, and inclusive communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Defining diversity as an asset: Explore the broad dimensions of diversity and its transformative role in leadership success.
  • Fostering inclusive leadership: Learn practical strategies to create equitable environments where all community members feel valued and empowered.
  • Overcoming barriers: Gain tools to address biases, navigate challenging dynamics, and promote meaningful inclusion.
  • Harnessing innovation through diversity: Understand how varied perspectives drive creativity, resilience, and adaptability in complex situations.
  • Real-world inspiration: Hear from leaders who have turned diversity into a strategic advantage, achieving remarkable results.

This session will inspire and equip you to see diversity as a leadership asset that strengthens your community, enriches your decision-making, and prepares you to lead in a rapidly evolving world. Join us to learn how you can leverage the power of diversity to elevate your leadership and create lasting impact.

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Ayaz Bhuta
Coach, Mentor, Paralympic Gold Medallist, Disability Advocacy, Youth Empowerment

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Nethaji Kapavarapu
Senior Software Engineer, Technical Architect, and Innovator

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Jenifer Ngo Waldrop
Equity Advocate, Mentor, Strategic Leader, Innovator

February 19, 2025 12:00 to
13:00

What happens when you blend a large dose of self-doubt with a fear that others will discover (wrongly) that you aren’t up to the task? 

You end up with Imposter Syndrome, a phenomenon that affects at least 70 % of all people including a large number of experienced professionals and other high achievers.

Join Sonya Sigler for a transformational and interactive workshop to understand the causes of Imposter Syndrome and learn how to overcome self-doubt, increase your confidence, and own your success.

Now is the time to stop holding yourself back. This workshop is an opportunity to leave your comfort zone and take the next step on your journey to success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS/BENEFITS:

In this workshop you’ll learn:

  • What imposter syndrome is and the main fears behind it
  • How to recognize when imposter syndrome strikes
  • What the main characteristics are and how it shows up in your life
  • Tips and strategies to implement immediately to neutralize imposter syndrome’s effect on you
  • How to unlearn this self-limiting mindset and move forward with confidence

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Whether you’re grappling with Imposter Syndrome for the first time or seeking to address a lifelong challenge, this workshop offers actionable insights and strategies for growth for anyone, from high-achievers or beginner, who may be feeling like a fraud or like they don’t know what they are doing or may have lost their confidence.

WORKSHOP FACILITATOR BIO:

Sonya is the founder of PractiGal and has been an IP and corporate lawyer for over 25 years. She started her career in-house at Sega and Intuit before moving to start-ups, including Cataphora which pioneered AI software for the legal industry beginning in 2002. 

Known as a high-energy and inspiring speaker and workshop facilitator for corporate teams and women’s networks, Sonya inspires her audiences to take action to reach their goals and make their dreams come true. In her private coaching and consulting work, Sonya works with corporate teams, founders, executives, entrepreneurs, and legal professionals to provide them with the tools and connections they need to succeed. 

Sonya is the best-selling author of WELCOME to the Next Level: 3 Secrets to Become Unstuck, Take Action, and Rise Higher in Your Career, and What’s Next for My Career? Your Guide to Deciding to Leave Your Stable Job to Follow Your Passion, both of which have accompanying workbooks and online courses available on demand. Her latest book is 30 Days to Better Self-Care. She is a certified Vistage speaker and her most popular workshops are Authentic Personal Branding, Networking with a Purpose, Self-Care Made Easy, and Getting Noticed on LinkedIn. She and her husband live in Vancouver, WA, where she is writing her next book, Set Yourself Up for Success - Master the 5 Essential Skills to Succeed in Any Job.

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Sonya Sigler
Business Strategy Consultant, Executive Coach, Author

February 19, 2025 13:00 to
14:00

Entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of innovation and growth, but it is also a path filled with unique challenges and opportunities. In this panel discussion, we’ll explore what it truly means to be an entrepreneur and whether entrepreneurship inherently involves leadership. Our panelists—seasoned entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds—will share their personal journeys, offering candid insights into their motivations, the obstacles they’ve encountered, and the rewards they’ve gained along the way.

Key takeaways:

  • Entrepreneurship vs. Leadership: A deeper understanding of the relationship between entrepreneurship and leadership.
  • Navigating challenges: Practical insights into balancing vision with execution and building resilience.
  • Seizing opportunities: Strategies to overcome common entrepreneurial hurdles and capitalize on opportunities.
  • Learning from experience: Lessons from seasoned entrepreneurs' successes and failures.
  • Actionable inspiration: Guidance and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs to craft their leadership journeys.

Whether you’re contemplating starting your own venture, actively growing a business, or simply curious about the entrepreneurial mindset, this session will inspire and equip you to lead with purpose, creativity, and confidence.

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Maayan Gordon
Entrepreneur & Founder, Community Builder, Influencer

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Moyosore Liadi
Managing Director, Entrepreneur, Business Enthusiastic, Mum

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Victoria Theodore
Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Lyricist, Author, Entrepreneur

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Pete Alexander
President & Stress Reduction Advocate

February 19, 2025 14:00 to
15:00

Several years ago, The IBM Leadership Institute conducted a study to determine what were the critical leadership competencies for the 21st century. Among 1,500 global CEOs surveyed, the most popular answer was creative thinking. The reason? Workplaces and the overall business landscape were becoming more complex and creative thinking was seen as the essential competency to navigate and leverage those complexities.

Here's the interesting fact. That survey was conducted prior to the pandemic and the emergence of AI. In reality, since that survey, the challenges of the workplace have become even more multi-layered and therefore will require a leader to interpret and harness those challenges for potential opportunities. All this requires creative thinking.

But here is the challenge, there is a significant misunderstanding of creativity in general, creative thinking, how to do it, and how to use it. And so, this session will offer a practical introduction to creative thinking and will include:

  1. Defining creativity
  2. Answering the question: What is creative thinking? 
  3. Provide a practical creative thinking process
  4. How to cultivate creative thinking in your leadership.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  1. Learn the fundamentals of creativity and creative thinking
  2. Have a practical, repeatable creative thinking/ideation process
  3. Learn how to embed creative thinking into the everyday work experience.

BENEFITS:

  1. It will transform how you lead. 
  2. It will help cultivate your talent, impact and effectiveness.
  3. Leading will be more enjoyable and satisfying.
  4. You will feel more confident, competent, and empowered.
  5. Since it’s not a popular skill, you will gain an edge in career advancement.
  6. Become a standout leader.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Any leader who wants to boost their effectiveness and gain a career edge.

 

WORKSHOP FACILITATOR BIO:

JoAnn R. Corley, Executive Advisor

JoAnn Corley is a highly recommended executive leadership advisor with a focus on holistic business and organizational development. She helps companies increase profits and operate optimally by successfully integrating the human aspect of their enterprise, while developing high-functioning leadership and management teams.

Her overriding business philosophy is "when we are our best human selves, we will have our best businesses". So, when we see a business/organization as an eco-system of human experiences, we will be best equipped to effectively lead and manage.

JoAnn is also a passionate, inspiring speaker and author. She has shared that passion with thousands globally on such themes as modern leadership, creative & critical thinking, team synergy, managing conflict and emotional intelligence. She has spoken in every major city and state in the U.S., a unique distinction. Globally, she was recognized as a highly acclaimed LinkedIn Learning course author for Global Teacher's Day.

Consistently recognized among her peers, she’s most recently been named to the 2023 Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and  2022 Top 100 HR Influencers. She been quoted or featured in a variety of media both radio and print such as NBC News, Huffington Post, Monster.com, Harvard Business Review, ATD & SHRM National, HR Magazine, Management Business Daily, Daily Telegraph UK to name a few.

She has authored several books, most notably: The Human Quotient: The Most PotentForce for Your Business Success and Brain on Fire: Unleashing Your Creative Superpowers. Her most recent release is a guide to holistic career planning and management entitled The Real You @Work.

You can find her on every major social media platform. Her main URLs are: www.joanncorley.com, www.thedistinctleader.com.

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JoAnn R. Corley
Executive Advisor, Leadership Coach

February 19, 2025 15:00 to
16:00

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, generative AI has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping how we think, work, and lead. This engaging panel discussion brings together thought leaders who have closely tracked the rise of generative AI and its profound implications for leadership. Through their unique experiences and foresight, panelists will explore how AI is revolutionizing decision-making, creativity, and human interaction across diverse roles—from parenting and workforce management to professional growth and entrepreneurial innovation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding AI’s current impact: Gain insights into how generative AI is currently transforming various industries and everyday life.
  • Leadership adaptation: Learn how leaders are adapting to the challenges and opportunities posed by AI advancements.
  • Ethical considerations: Explore the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities leaders face when incorporating AI into their strategies.
  • Practical applications: Discover real-world examples of how generative AI can enhance decision-making, foster innovation, and improve team dynamics.
  • Future-proofing leadership: Get practical advice on how to cultivate leadership skills that align with the AI-driven future.

Join us for this thought-provoking discussion as we examine the intersection of leadership and generative AI. Whether you’re a parent striving to raise future-ready children, a professional navigating workplace transformation, or an entrepreneur seeking innovative growth strategies, this session offers a wealth of actionable insights to help you lead with clarity and confidence in an AI-infused world.

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Anagha Todalbagi
Technologist, Product Manager, Mentor, Speaker

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Charlie Isaacs
CTO for Customer Connection

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Peter Ivanov
Manager, Author, Expert in AI and Leadership, Speaker

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Shawn Flynn
Investment Banking Principal and Podcast Host

February 19, 2025 16:00 to
17:00

Are you ready to elevate your leadership skills and create lasting impact? In this session, you’ll explore the transformative power of Energetic Leadership, designed to enhance your self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and leadership effectiveness. Whether you’re an aspiring leader seeking growth, navigating a career transition, or balancing leadership in diverse cultural environments, this session provides actionable strategies to lead with confidence, manage stress, and drive meaningful results. Join us and begin the journey toward leading authentically and powerfully, in a space focused on your growth and success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS/BENEFITS:

  1. Increased self-awareness: Gain clarity on your leadership style and learn how to adapt your approach to different situations with confidence.
  2. Enhanced emotional intelligence: Develop the ability to connect with others, lead with empathy, and build stronger, more authentic relationships.
  3. Improved leadership effectiveness: Inspire, motivate, and drive your team toward success through clear, focused, and constructive leadership practices.
  4. Stress management: Master tools to manage stress and stay resilient, even in challenging or high-pressure environments.
  5. Holistic growth: Align your personal values with your professional goals for a more fulfilled and authentic leadership journey.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

  1. Aspiring leaders and professionals seeking guidance on how to enhance their leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and career growth.
  2. Those experiencing career transitions or facing leadership challenges, looking to refresh their approach to managing teams, making decisions, and driving results in complex environments.
  3. Individuals navigating leadership in diverse environments, often balancing traditional cultural expectations with modern professional demands. 

WORKSHOP FACILITATOR BIO:

Wen is an engineering leader with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry, particularly as an immigrant woman. She’s intimately familiar with the pressures of leadership, the need to constantly prove oneself, and the challenges of finding fulfillment while climbing the corporate ladder. Wen’s journey led her to redefine her leadership style, challenge norms, and ultimately forge her own path to success. Now, as a bestselling author and Founder of Wen Coaching, Wen empowers other women leaders to lead with authenticity and confidence. Her mission is to help these women confidently reclaim their power, elevate their influence, and strategically navigate their careers while embracing their authentic selves. Through her coaching, Wen guides her clients to achieve not only higher titles and better pay but, most importantly, a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

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Wen Hsu
Career and Leadership Coach, Author, Engineering Leader

February 19, 2025 17:00 to
18:00

Leadership thrives when diverse voices and perspectives are celebrated and empowered. Women bring unique strengths, insights, and approaches to leadership that enrich teams, organizations, and communities. However, systemic barriers and unconscious biases have often sidelined women who deserve recognition and advancement.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Inspiring stories: Hear real-life stories of women as leaders, from men and women, who have overcome challenges to make impactful contributions in their fields.
  2. Actionable strategies: Learn about practical ways to advocate for and support women in leadership roles.
  3. The role of allyship: Understand how men and women can work together to break barriers and champion inclusive leadership.
  4. Celebrating success: Discover the importance of recognizing and amplifying the achievements of women in leadership.

By spotlighting allyship, this session hopes to ignite a ripple effect of advocacy, recognition, and inclusion in leadership spaces. Attendees will walk away with a deeper appreciation of women's journeys and practical ways to celebrate and support them.

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Aaron Vaccaro
Leader, President of Singularity, Strategic Visionary, Mentor

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Deepak Sharma
Facilitator, Trainer, Professional Development, Leadership

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Jossie Haines
Founder & Executive Leadership Coach | Advocate for Women in Tech | Former VP of Software Engineering

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Manju Abraham
Leader, Change Agent, Women's Empowerment Advocate, Mentor

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Elaine Leung
Journalist, Broadcaster, Educator, Storyteller

February 19, 2025 18:00 to
19:00
February 19, 2025 19:00 to
20:00

Networking Breakout Room Topics

1. Finding Your Why (Liesel Mendoza)

Connect with others as you explore the core purpose that drives you in your professional and personal life. Share insights, stories, and strategies for identifying and aligning your goals with your deeper motivations.

2. Leading with Empathy (Lisa Galea)

Join a conversation about the power of empathetic leadership. Discuss how understanding and connecting with others can transform teams, build trust, and create more inclusive environments in the workplace.

3. Building Meaningful Connections (Shawn Flynn)

Talk with others about the art of networking and relationship building. Exchange ideas on fostering authentic connections that can support your personal growth and professional success.

4. Mapping Your Career Journey (Hong Nguyen-Phuong)

Discuss strategies for career planning, development, and navigating transitions. Share experiences and ideas with others on how to design a fulfilling career path while adapting to changes and opportunities.

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Hong Nguyen - Phuong
Strategic Career Mentor

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Liesel Mendoza
Founder and CEO of The Mentoring Club

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Lisa Galea
Creative Leadership Strategist and AI Innovation Consultant

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Shawn Flynn
Investment Banking Principal and Podcast Host