Jay is an award-winning speaker and consultant with over 25 years of experience in building high-performance organizations. Renowned for his dynamic storytelling and practical methodologies, Jay captivates audiences by sharing real-world experiences that inspire action and drive results.

Drawing from his background as a former US Army Intelligence Officer with global leadership roles and as a corporate executive, Jay brings deep expertise in behavioral science, team dynamics, and transformational leadership. He leverages his C.L.E.A.R.™ methodology to accelerate performance and maximize organizational impact by focusing on culture development, leadership empowerment, and employee engagement.

Jay’s insights and strategies are designed to equip leaders and teams with the tools they need to cultivate high-performing teams and achieve exceptional results in today’s competitive landscape.

From the battlefield to the boardroom, veterans bring more than experience. They bring purpose, grit, and a deep commitment to mission and team. This powerful session invites you to see the workplace through a new lens, recognizing how military service shapes extraordinary leadership, adaptability, and innovation. Whether you're a veteran navigating your next chapter or a team member seeking to champion your colleagues, you’ll walk away with a renewed appreciation for the value veterans bring and the role we all play in creating an inclusive, high-performance culture where every background is an asset.

Turn Around Leadership Expert

Empower Your Organization with the Strengths of Military Leadership

From the Battlefield to Boardroom

Jason's journey began with the discipline and precision of military service in the US Army, which transitioned into the structured thinking required in strategy consulting at McKinsey & Company. This unique combination of experiences has equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership dynamics and the importance of clear communication. Now, as a dedicated CEO coach, he focuses on guiding leaders to recognize their potential and communicate consciously within their teams.

His approach stems from a lifetime commitment to studying leadership and personal development, with the conviction that conscious leadership is the key to creating meaningful change. Jason's method is rooted in self-awareness and the ability to inspire trust and connection among team members.

Alongside his practical experience, Jason's formal qualifications and MBA from Yale University enhance his ability to support and uplift aspiring leaders. He stands ready to share his insights and strategies to help others build a foundation of effective and mindful leadership.

What makes the military one of the most effective organizations in the world? And what can today’s leaders learn from those lessons? In Frontline Leadership Lessons, Jason shares personal stories from his deployment to Afghanistan, where he witnessed firsthand how military teams achieve extraordinary cohesion, resilience, and clarity under pressure. He contrasts those experiences with his later years in consulting, where even top-performing firms struggled with the same challenges leaders everywhere face: aligning teams, creating accountability, and building lasting trust.

This session explores three structural differences that make frontline leadership so powerful. First, the military motivates through a shared purpose and unshakable clarity of mission. Second, accountability isn’t top-down but built into empowered ownership at every level. And third, trust is forged through relentless training, rituals, and shared adversity—creating teams that truly have each other’s backs.

In 60 minutes, participants will not just hear stories, but gain practical ways to adapt these principles to their own leadership. Expect candid insights, actionable tools, and the chance to reflect on what it means to lead with clarity, courage, and trust in any environment.

Executive coach

What military service teaches us about people leadership and high-performing teams

Frontline Leadership Lessons

Dan Cnossen was raised on a fifth-generation family farm in Topeka, Kansas. After successfully completing SEAL qualification training in 2003, he deployed numerous times in support of global special operations. As a SEAL platoon commander, he was severely injured in 2009 in Afghanistan, resulting in the amputation of both legs above the knees. Turning to sport for recovery, Cnossen began training full-time for the U.S. Paralympic ski team in 2011 as a cross-country skier and biathlete. He has since competed for Team USA in the 2014 and 2018 Winter Games and is the first male athlete to win a gold medal for the United States in biathlon, a sport that combines cross-country skiing with precision shooting. Cnossen holds a bachelor of science degree in English from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a master’s in theological studies from the Harvard Divinity School.

In this moving and personal session, Former Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander Dan Cnossen will tell the story of the midnight mission in Afghanistan that changed his life forever. Dan Cnossen is now a gold medal-winning Paralympian in cross country skiing and will provide an in-depth perspective of what it means to be a disabled veteran and elite athlete. Dan will share his truth of trying to access care, and tell the story about how he has to balance what is "provided" for him, and the gaps that exist in order to feel fulfilled in life and to thrive in his sport. In this session participants will learn some basics like the distinction between active duty and veteran status, but will also get insight into the complex experience of navigating work and life post service, and post traumatic injury.

Gold Medal Paralympian & Former  SEAL Platoon Commander

Challenges in Accessing Health Care

Taking Care of Our Veterans

Zoe is a retired Commander from the U.S. Navy and played a pivotal role in the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, helping to shape a more inclusive military environment. Specializing in workplace inclusion and interpersonal communication skills, Zoe brings practical experience from her leadership roles and dedicated advocacy.

Zoe has served on various influential boards, including the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, the U.S. WWI Centennial Commission, and the California Veterans Board. She has also contributed her insights to organizations like Vets in Tech and the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

With substantial experience as a facilitator and executive coach, Zoe is committed to fostering inclusive workplaces and enhancing communication strategies. Her background in military leadership and advocacy equips her with a unique perspective and practical knowledge to guide others effectively.


In this class, participants will gain insight into why veteran inclusion is a personal and significant topic. Recognize and appreciate the contributions of veterans and the families of service members in the audience.

Participants will also challenge assumptions about veterans by addressing common myths, discussing shared common values, and understanding demographic statistics. This class will also discuss best practices for making veterans feel included, along with things to avoid and explore the concept of intersectionality. Identify tangible actions you can take as a colleague, leader, and company to support veteran inclusion.


Join us for the Veteran Inclusion Workshop to build a more inclusive workplace and better support our veterans.


Veteran and Inclusion Expert

Welcoming Environments for Veterans

Veteran Inclusion Workshop

FORGE TRUST, SOLVE CHALLENGES, LEAD

Robin is a Best-Selling Author, Professional Speaker, Trainer, Executive Coach, Podcast Host, Marine Corps Officer, and retired FBI Special Agent / Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program. Robin has taken his life's work of Recruiting Spies, Leading Marines, and Behavioral Assessment and created his unique Interpersonal Communication Strategies for Success.  Since 2010, Robin has been working with corporations, entrepreneurs, military, and law enforcement in their pursuit of Forging Trust, Solving Challenges, and Leading. Whether it is newly promoted leaders, executives, sales teams, or customer relations, Robin has crafted his People Formula for quick measurable results and maximum success.

The Military Leader 
Although Robin always aspired to become a great leader, he realized from his time at the United States Naval Academy and in the United States Marine Corps that leadership was much more than just telling people what to do: a great leader uses interpersonal skills to inspire action, rather than demand the compliance of others.

The Spy Catcher
Upon entering service as an FBI Special Agent in 1997, Robin began his journey as a counterintelligence specialist and behaviorist in the agency's efforts to thwart the efforts of our country's greatest adversaries. Serving in New York City, Norfolk VA, FBI Headquarters, Quantico VA, and Fredericksburg VA, Robin received advanced training and experience in the area of social psychology and the practical application of the science behind relationship development and trust, ultimately leading the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Program.

The Behavioral Analysis Expert
Robin has built his highly effective tools for all aspects and stages of interpersonal communication and relationship development. Robin has combined all these tools and techniques and created a one-of-a-kind formula for success with people. Today, Robin is a recognized expert, author, and gifted lecturer in the art of interpersonal communication, relationship building and Trust. These skills are used every day in leadership, sales, human resources, and all aspects of life, both business and personal.

Marine Corps Boot Camp is a life changing event for the veterans who persevered through the challenge. The ability to Build Teams, Inspire Commitment, and Lead Organizations to Innovative Solutions are achievable when you put Service above Self --- as we do in the Marines.

Join Robin, a Naval Academy Graduate, Veteran Marine Corps Officer of Parris Island, and retired Chief of the FBI Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program for this interactive Elective. Together, we will unlock the Soft-Skills of USMC Boot Camp that were forged in a Crucible of Hard Truths.

Topics Covered: 
- The Dichotomy of Self vs Others 
- What the Marine Corps teaches us about Inclusion and a diverse workforce
- What it means to put Mission First, People Always

Retired FBI Special Agent & Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program

Lessons Learned from Marine Corps Boot Camp, Parris Island

Service Above Self

Dr. Brian H. Williams is an Air Force veteran, trauma surgeon, and nationally recognized expert in gun violence prevention, health equity, health policy, and racial justice. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, he earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida, did his surgery residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and trauma/critical fellowship at Grady Memorial Hospital. Dr. Williams is a former professor of surgery who has served on the faculty at UT Southwestern and the University of Chicago. 

On July 7, 2016, Dr. Williams led the Parkland Hospital team that treated seven ambushed Dallas police officers. His impassioned response to the tragedy thrust him into the national spotlight, sparking his political advocacy. He was subsequently appointed Chair of the Dallas Citizens Police Review Board, and served as Special Advisor for Health Equity for Dallas County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Williams served as Robert Wood Johnson Foundation health policy fellow at the National Academy of Medicine where he worked with congressional leaders to help craft the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022–the most significant gun safety legislation in a generation. One year later, he launched his campaign to become the first trauma surgeon elected to Congress. Leading gun safety organizations Brady PAC and GIFFORDS endorsed Dr. Williams, and he received the inaugural GIFFORDS Champion Award in recognition of his career working to end the epidemic of gun violence. His first campaign ad, "Relentless," was featured on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Deadline White House, and The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.

Dr. Williams lives in East Dallas with his wife and daughter where he continues to advocate for safe and healthy communities free of gun violence and systemic inequity. When not caring for patients, he maintains an active schedule as an author, speaker, lecturer, opinion writer, and commentator for national news outlets such as CNN and MSNBC. His bestselling memoir, "The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence," and How We Heal, is available anywhere books are sold.

On July 7, 2016, a sniper ambushed 14 police officers at a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Dallas. Seven officers were rushed to Parkland Hospital for lifesaving treatment, where Dr. Brian H. Williams was on duty. Despite the best efforts of Dr. Williams and his team could not save three of the officers. The tragedy spurred him to seek solutions to violence and promote healing beyond the walls of the hospital.

"Transformational Leadership: Lessons From The Bodies Keep Coming" is an inspiring lecture by Dr. Brian H. Williams, who brings a wealth of experience as a trauma surgeon, Air Force veteran, former congressional candidate, and bestselling author of The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches From A Black Trauma Surgeon On Racism, Violence, And How We Heal. Dr. Williams offers a unique perspective on leadership, drawing from his time in the military, the intense world of trauma surgery, and his foray into politics.

This lecture is perfect for leaders looking to enhance their leadership style and cultivate a more engaged and productive team. Dr. Williams will explore the core principles of transformational leadership, providing real-world examples and practical insights. You'll leave equipped with the tools to foster success within your organization. By attending, you'll feel empowered to reach their full potential and contribute to a collective vision, enabling you to transform yourself and the world around you.

Trauma Surgeon, Author and former US Air Force Officer 

Lessons From 'The Bodies Keep Coming'

Transformational Leadership 

Nay is the Head of Strategic Planning and North America Retail Strategy at Manulife Wealth and Asset Management.  He leveraged the tenacity he developed growing up as a first-generation immigrant and the values instilled in him in the US military to build a successful career. 

Though he didn't learn to speak English until his teen years, Nay worked with nuclear missiles, managed a defense satellite launch, and integrated operations for John Hanock Vitality (the most innovative life insurance product in decades). Nay holds a Master of Business Administration from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is certified in Business Analytics. 

Experience Summary

Twelve Years in Financial Services
Business and Corporate Strategy
Internal Management Consulting
Business Transformation
Project and Program Management
M&A and Post-Merger Integration
Six years in the US Air Force
Managed DMSP-19 Satellite Launch Integrations
Nuclear Missile Crew Commander
ICBM Instructor

We all have shortcomings and disadvantages. Learn how one refugee’s determination allowed him to overcome the odds. Though he didn’t speak English until his teenage years, he led US Military’s nuclear operations and managed US Air Force satellite launch integrations.

Later in life, he decided to pivot away from the military career. Again, he faced challenges associated with starting over and having no corporate experience. His determination allowed him to land gainful employment. The values he developed while he served in the military helped him excel regularly and secure a senior leadership role well ahead of his peers.

Business professionals and leaders at all levels could benefit from this Elective. You will learn both challenges faced by first-generation immigrants as well as those leaving the service to join the civilian workforce. Further, you will better understand what drives your veteran and immigrant colleagues. You may also see job candidates with military experience in a new light. And lastly, you may also find ways to turn your disadvantages to fuel your success!

Note: This could be an Elective focused on the immigration experience/lens, first generation Asian American experience for AAPI month, or focused on the military experience depending on the audience and goals of the team/company.

US Air Force Veteran, First Generation Immigrant, + Strategy + Business Expert

How a refugee from Burma led US nuclear operations and became a strategy executive

Disadvantage as Fuel for Success

In this course, Paralympic gold medalist Dan Cnossen tells two stories where he was pushed to the limit of what he thought he could endure. The first story comes from one episode in the infamous Hell Week training to become a Navy SEAL. How do you persevere through an onslaught of self-doubt? The second story involves his combat injury, the subsequent amputation of both legs, and some of the lessons learned going through this difficult episode. The purpose of this class is to provide the audience with methods for approaching demanding situations in life that push us to our breaking point. 

Principles of mental toughness and perseverance

Resilience

Veterans Day is November 11 

Joze Piranian’s journey began in Lebanon, where he spent more than 25 years reluctant to speak because of his stutter. Over time, Joze not only overcame his fear of public speaking but also became the subject of a movie, Words Left Unspoken, which premiered in New York City and Los Angeles.

Joze has shared his story through five TEDx talks and performed stand-up comedy across three continents, connecting with audiences in four languages. He has worked with organizations such as Google, Meta, BlackRock, and Netflix, using humor and personal experience to explore themes of inclusion and resilience.

Joze earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Psychology from McGill University and a Master’s in International Business from Queen’s University. His book, Stop Holding Back, was published with HarperCollins in January 2026.

Courage Through Challenge is an inspiring, interactive session
that helps participants move past hesitation in the moments that
matter most at work. Drawing on his lived experience as a
lifelong stutterer and global keynote speaker, Joze Piranian
introduces the idea of the “inner stutter” as the internal
hesitation that can keep us from speaking up, giving honest
feedback, asking for help or raising concerns early. He shares a
simple three-step framework for noticing where you hold back,
naming the self-limiting beliefs underneath and taking small
actions that reduce fear’s control over your behavior.

Through personal storytelling, live polls, case studies, guided
exercises and real-world workplace examples, participants will
explore the personal and team-level costs of holding back, from
missed ideas to delayed concerns and weaker trust. They will
practice “micro moments of bravery,” learn mental wellness
strategies that make courage sustainable and create a
personalized Fear to Action Map they can use right away, helping
everyday acts of courage become more frequent, more
intentional and more aligned with how they want to show up at
work.

Internal Stutter Speaker

An Interactive Workshop to Overcome Fear and Build Everyday Courage

Courage through Challenge

Tony Lee is a designer, dad, and unintentional advocate for accessibility in creative work. He is currently a designer at Google, where he decided on a whim to share a humble deck about his life as a CODA (“child of deaf adults”) in the hopes of sharing a perspective his team didn’t necessarily have. A few years later, Tony found himself both working on and being the subject of a major Google campaign that launched at the 2021 Academy Awards, telling the story of how he and his family stayed connected with the help of Google’s accessible technology. The universe truly works in mysterious ways.

Prior to Google, Tony was an art director at MoMA and designer at Pentagram and SYPartners, and taught part-time at Parsons. In 2016, he was named one of Print Magazine’s New Visual Artists: 15 Under 30. He currently lives in Seattle with his wife Stephanie, their two small kids, and an endless appreciation for good bubble tea.

At the 2021 Oscars, Google premiered a commercial telling the story of how my family and I stayed connected during a pandemic, through the lens of my life as a CODA, or “child of deaf adults.” It was, and still is, incredibly surreal. 

This Elective will share the journey and learnings about accessibility and personal identity that led to a global Google campaign — sharing baseline knowledge about the deaf community, talking about the small and actionable things anyone can do to make their work more accessible, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of articulating a story about an Asian-American family, and what it was like behind-the-scenes to work on a major brand campaign ... about yourself.

Designer + Accessibility Advocate

Why accessibility in creative work matters

Child of Deaf Adults: A Story

Thomas Smith is the first person in documented medical history to be paralyzed three times and recover. After his third accident, he co-founded The Thomas E.  Smith Foundation and began his journey on creating the change that he wanted to see. Over the last 15 years, Thomas has been a disruptor in industries that have been very reluctant to change. 
In 2013, he founded the Look-Up Line, ice hockey's first warning track and partnered with former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh to launch his invention. To date, the Look-Up Line has been installed in hundreds of rinks in both the United States and in Canada. 
In 2014, he created The Thomas E. Smith Foundation Reality Ride Challenge, a 2,100+ cycling event from Boston, MA to Miami Florida. Leaving Boston on March 25, 2015 and arriving in Miami on May 1, 2015, he became the first person with paralysis to cycle the eastern seaboard without the use of a wheelchair. As a result, he raised $100,000 for medical research supporting individuals with paralysis. 
In 2017, Thomas decided to challenge himself with doing something Doctors said would be impossible after he was paralyzed; complete the Boston Marathon without the use of a wheelchair. On April 16, 2018, Thomas became the first person to be paralyzed multiple times to complete the Boston Marathon without the use of a wheelchair. Since then, he's completed seven Bostons and including the 129th on April 21, 2025. 
In 2021, he created Marathon Motivations, an Emmy nominated TV show that airs annually on NESN, (New England Sports Network) to inspire people to achieve their most ambitious personal and professional goals. 
To date, his foundation has donated over $2,200,000 to individuals with paralysis. However, his biggest endeavor is yet to come as he sets out to reform the care continuum in healthcare for individuals with disabilities. To do so, he and the Thomas E. Smith Foundation partnered with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis to develop the first of its kind healthcare portal for individuals, families, and caretakers living with paralysis.   

After suffering three separate paralyzing injuries in less than 18 months, Thomas was in uncharted waters as no person has ever sustained paralysis three times. He had to decide either to fight or flight through his challenges and after several misgivings, he committed to fight to gain his life back. In doing so, he has turned his hardships into opportunities and has inspired millions of people around the world. In this course, he shares his story of overcoming adversity when the odds are incalculable. The intent of this course is to provide the tools needed for one to overcome life’s most difficult challenges and help individuals take their adversities and turn them into opportunities. Thomas structures this session with breakout group discussions, storytelling, and q/a segments with the goal of having each participant realize that no challenge is too big to overcome.

Accessibility Advocate

Navigating life’s most difficult challenges.

Overcoming Adversity

Graham Hulbert is a Enginerd, Naturalist, Maker, and a Poet. He has made a career for himself leading large scale strategic transformations within a corporate environment. More recently his curious mind, passion for continuous improvement and experience in the field of change management have been aimed towards making the corporate environment more neuroinclusive. 

Graham was diagnosed with dylsexia at age 7, and wisked off to boarding school at age 9. What young Graham didnt know what that he was more than dyslexic. He was wonderful, autistic and had ADHD! The privilage of his education, combined with often feeling alone, misunderstood and broken (as young Graham learned to interperet his undiagnosed autism), has turned Graham into a compassionate/passionate advocate for Neuroinclusion. 

Whilst growing up Graham often turned to nature for a sense of belonging, his love of the natural world is still strong today and you will often see it pop up in the imagery and analogies he uses in his training. You can hear an example of this by following his youtube link to a video featured by the Biomimcry Institute.

In Portland Oregon, where Graham calls home, he fullfills his drive for multiple 'special interests' by serving on the board for a local community science non-profit, and by volunteering for the forest service as a predator tracker, plus a trail steward with the Pacific Crest Trail Association, leading teams into the cascade mountains to restore and maintain the Pacific Crest Trail and its many access routes. When he isn't in the mountains he can be found engaged with a client in his consulting work, or there is also his workshop where he spends time restoring classic cars, fabricating furniture, and/or crafting leather goods for his small Etsy shop.. oh boy where does it end?

Have you ever found yourself frustratingly typing “per my last email” in an office or family communication? Visual information processing isn’t everybody’s forte, a quick call could make a world of difference, or how about sending a video or voice message? We have the technology!!

In this class on Neurodiversity, Graham Hulbert will guide learners to reframe their definition of intelligence. Learners will develop a deeper understanding of neurodiversity, and dive into the development of our unique and wonderful brains through facts and personal stories. Learners will discover the strengths and challenges of being neurodivergent in the workplace, and how a neurodivergent brain works differently. Graham will propose a way to understand how a ‘difference in wiring’ can result in the vast diversity of thinking and feeling on the spectrum of neurodiversity.

This class will enable people not only to be better coworkers, managers, and leaders, but also better friends, parents, and community members. Learners will leave this Elective with the skills and understanding that will enable them to empathetically connect with, and bring out the best in, their inevitably neurodiverse teams and communities.

Enginerd, Naturalist, Maker + Poet

Explore the unique beauty of the human mind

Introduction to Neurodiversity

Abi Adamson, Founder of The Culture Partnership and creator of the SERN™ Framework, is recognised as one of the UK's Top Workplace Culture Experts (Favikon, #6) and a Thought Leader on LinkedIn by The New York Times. In 2025, Abi delivered her first TEDx talk, "Who Owns Culture?", and is the author of "Culture Blooming: Nurturing Workplaces Where People Grow" (Berrett-Koehler, 2026).

Having partnered with hundreds of organizations globally, including Spotify, Sony Music, and Match Group, Abi equips leaders with practical tools to navigate the challenging conversations that drive real cultural change.

Leaders love working with Abi for her rare combination of candor and warmth. She delivers uncomfortable truths with humour and humanity, making even the toughest conversations feel possible. Her lived experience as a Black woman navigating corporate spaces gives her insights that no textbook can teach, and her easy-going approach means people actually look forward to doing the hard work of culture change. The result? Workplaces that shift from cultures where people survive to cultures where people genuinely thrive.

This session explores hearing disability as an often invisible workplace reality affecting 1 in 6 people globally. It dispels common misconceptions about deafness and hearing loss while providing practical strategies for genuine inclusion. Participants will learn about different hearing disabilities, assistive technologies, and how workplace systems create unnecessary barriers. Through lived experience and interactive scenarios, the session reveals how accessible practices like captions and visual cues improve communication and productivity for everyone. You'll leave equipped with concrete tools to transform your workplace from one where some struggle to hear into one where everyone can truly be heard.

Global Diversity + Inclusion Leader

The hidden reality of hearing disability at work & how to stop losing talent

Deafness and Hearing Loss Burnout

In this course, Lieutenant Commander (retired) Navy SEAL Dan Cnossen shares his story of how he acquired a physical disability while in military service. He will discuss some of the challenges that he initially faced and continues to face in navigating often inaccessible or difficult physical environments. In addition, we will discuss how to create a welcoming, inclusive workplace environment for all; how to build a culture that welcomes diversity; tips on how you can interact with persons who have disabilities; how persons with disabilities can bring innovation to your workforce; and how to improve your physical and digital accessibility. 

How to Improve Accessibility and Workplace Culture for Persons with Disabilities

Improving Workplace Accessibility

Chang Liu is an Inclusive Design and DEI leader with 15+ years of experience helping organizations build more equitable products, cultures, and teams.
She has held key roles at Google and Meta, where she led strategies that shaped both organizational culture and product direction. Currently, she serves as Senior Program Director at an ed tech company, where she continues to bring an equity lens to how technology is built and experienced.
Chang also teaches Inclusive Design and Product Equity at the University of Washington, where her work centers on responsible innovation, accessibility, and building with — not just for — the people most often left out of the design process.
Beyond her professional work, she serves on nonprofit boards including Lighthouse for the Blind, putting her commitment to accessibility and inclusion into practice in the community.
She believes that when we design with the most vulnerable in mind, we create better experiences for everyone.

We interact with disability every day – whether we realize it or not. And yet most of us have never been taught to see the barriers hiding in plain sight: in the spaces we design, the tools we choose, the systems we build, and the cultures we create.  

This session reframes disability not as a health condition or design edge case, but as a core part of the human diversity that shapes how people move through the world. Using a four-pillar framework for access – physical & environmental, digital & informational, social & interpersonal, and systemic & structural – we will explore where barriers are created, who is responsible for removing them, and what that actually looks like in practice. 

Expect honest conversation, real examples, and moments of reflection – along with concrete actions you can take immediately, regardless of your role. 

Inclusive Product Advocate

A human centered look at disability and how we can create access for all 

Make Accessibility Everyday 

Mark Sones is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace, combining his 15 years of experience in the technology industry with a deep understanding of neurodivergent perspectives. As a Product Manager and Product Leader, Mark honed his skills in navigating complex systems, leading diverse teams, and delivering solutions that balance user needs with business goals.

His journey of personal reflection since mid-2023 has led him to align his professional expertise with his passion for neurodiversity education. Mark's commitment to integrity, curiosity, and personal growth drives his mission to create more inclusive work environments.

With his analytical mind and empathetic approach, Mark excels at translating complex concepts into actionable insights for organizations. His background in product management equips him with the business acumen to demonstrate the tangible benefits of neurodiversity in the workplace.

Mark's teaching style is characterized by his ability to blend real-world examples with theoretical frameworks, making his training sessions both engaging and practical. His love for storytelling, honed through his appreciation of science fiction and fantasy, allows him to create memorable learning experiences.

As an instructor, Mark is dedicated to helping employers understand, value, and leverage neurodiversity, ultimately fostering more innovative and inclusive corporate cultures.

Join us for a dynamic 60-minute class designed to empower autistic professionals and their allies with practical strategies for thriving in today’s workplace. Drawing from lived experience and the latest research, this session offers an honest, systems-level look at the challenges and opportunities faced by autistic employees—from navigating social expectations to building resilience against burnout.

What You’ll Learn:
* A brief overview of autism in society and at work, including personal stories that highlight both strengths and challenges.
* A “survival guide” for reducing burnout, setting boundaries, and advocating for your needs—whether that means requesting written instructions, using sensory aids, or negotiating flexible work arrangements.
* The art of personal advocacy: how to communicate what you need, navigate disclosure, and align your goals with those of your manager or organization.
* Building group advocacy and allyship: working with Employee Resource Groups, recruiting allies, and driving organizational change for broader neuroinclusion.
* Actionable tips for fostering healthy workplace relationships and leveraging your unique strengths.

The session concludes with an open Q&A, inviting participants to share experiences and ask questions in a supportive environment. Whether you’re an autistic professional, a manager, or an ally, you’ll leave with tools to create a more inclusive, productive, and human-centered workplace.


Neurodiversity Advocate

Going from surviving to thriving: succeeding at work as an autistic individual

Autistic at Work

Bradley Schurman is an expert on demographic change and how it disrupts social, cultural, political, and economic norms across the United States and around the world. His deep understanding of population shifts, coupled with his grasp of emerging trends, makes him an authoritative voice in the future of us.

He's the author of THE SUPER AGE: DECODING OUR DEMOGRAPHIC DESTINY and the founder and CEO of the strategic foresight and inclusive design firm, The Super Age, where he helps organizations navigate disruptive demographic change and the new demographic reality. He's written for Newsweek and been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USAToday. He's appeared on NBC's TODAY Show, CBS News Primetime with John Dickerson, and regularly appears as a guest on podcasts, radio, and television shows worldwide.

Schurman spent his first two decades working for LeadingAge, a community of nonprofit aging services providers and other mission-driven organizations serving older adults, where he worked on assisted living and continuing care public policy, and AARP, America's leading organization for people aged fifty and older, where he led thought leadership in Asia and Europe and developed relationships with entities like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the World Economic Forum.

He holds undergraduate and master's degrees from The American University in Washington, D.C.

Over 61 million Americans and 1 billion people worldwide have some form of disability. This hinders their ability to participate as workers and consumers in the economy. Schurman shares his organization's approach to creating inclusive spaces that consider the wide range of disabilities, from neurodiversity to acquired disabilities, that come with a long life. His approach can extend working lives and improve the customer experience in the built environment.

Authoritative voice on the future of humans 

Building a Better Tomorrow Today

Inclusive Design + Future of Place

With an award-winning wildlife photojournalism background, and over ten years as a Speaker and Workshop Instructor, I deliver hybrid workshops focused on Disability Awareness Training, Neurodiversity Support, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). My mission is to foster inclusive work environments and empower teams by creating meaningful learning experiences tailored to organizational needs. My work emphasizes actionable strategies that promote belonging and innovation. By leveraging my expertise in neurodiversity and AI, I help organizations unlock untapped potential within their teams, fostering resilience and collaboration in workplaces across industries.

I've had the privilege of delivering high-impact workshops for industry leaders like Amazon Robotics, Canon, and CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

The results are measurable:
🔹 Inspired the creation of the first neurodivergent employee resource group at CareFirst. 
🔹 Developed ethical AI solutions that reduced administrative time by 80%. 
🔹 Trained over 5,000 employees across 16 industries to build more inclusive, high-performing teams.

As a Deafblind and neurodivergent expert, I bring a unique, human-centric perspective to the future of work.

Ready to build a more innovative and resilient workplace? Book an Electives session with me and let's get to work!

Unlock the power of assistive technology and AI to reclaim your time, reduce overwhelm, and create more inclusive workflows. In this interactive 60-minute session, you’ll learn how to diagnose your biggest productivity leaks, choose the right tools for the job, and apply proven frameworks to turn ideas into results.

Through personal stories, live demos, and hands-on reflection, you’ll explore:
1. How to identify and fix your “execution gap” using assistive tech as a bridge, not a crutch.
2. Practical ways to integrate AI tools like Copilot, Gemini, and Google AI Mode for planning, brainstorming, and research—without falling into tool overload.
3. Inclusive design habits and accessibility quick wins that benefit everyone, from captions to color contrast.

You’ll leave with actionable strategies, a repeatable framework for better AI prompts (CALM), and a 14-day plan to put what you’ve learned into practice. Whether you’re neurodivergent, managing a hybrid team, or simply looking to work smarter, this session will help you personalize your tech stack and thrive in the digital age.

Wildlife Photographer + Neurodiversity Advocate

Boost Productivity, Build Inclusion: Practical Tools and Strategies to Work Smarter

AI and Assistive Technology

Dec. 3 is Int'l Persons with Disabilities Day

Darlene is an expert at the intersection of lifestyle, wellness, and wellbeing.  With a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and certifications in  personal trainer, wellness coach, nutrition coach, yoga instructor, sleep coach, and meditation teacher.  Her workshops have impacted thousands through corporate partners including Blackrock, Reddit, Spotify, Capital One, Oscar, Raymond James, and more.

Darlene has spoken at some of the world's biggest fitness and positive psychology conferences and contributed to some of the most impactful certifications in wellness.  Now she helps individuals and groups build lifestyles of sustained wellbeing.  In 2021 Darlene was named America's Favorite Trainer by BurnAlong.com and she hosts the Better Than Fine podcast on the NASM Podcasting Network.  

**Savoring the Holidays**

The holiday season often brings a whirlwind of parties, gifts, and indulgence, but it can also stir up obligations, challenging emotions, and concerns for loved ones. If the "most wonderful time of the year" feels more overwhelming than joyful, this 50-minute virtual workshop offers a fresh perspective. Participants will explore ways to shift holiday stress into a season filled with peace, love, connection, and gratitude.

In "Savoring the Holidays," attendees will discover how to use personal storytelling to reframe their holiday experiences. They'll learn techniques for savoring positive moments while giving less power to the difficult ones. The workshop also emphasizes the importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries during holiday interactions. Through engaging discussions and reflective exercises, participants will gain practical tools to redefine their holiday narrative, fostering a more fulfilling and balanced festive season.

Join this workshop to equip yourself with strategies that help transform holiday stress into opportunities for deeper connection and appreciation.

Lifestyle + Wellbeing Expert 

Finding connection at the most wonderful time of the year

Savoring the Holidays

Dan Chan bills himself as “The Millionaires’ Mentalist.” Business Insider called him the magician to billionaires.’ He’s been featured in the Hustle, BuzzFeed, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC x2, and Business Insider x5 and during COVID elevated his show with a pivot to Zoom. He’s performed an estimated 7,000 live shows and 530 virtual shows. His pivot to performing over Zoom now allows him to wake up at 5 a.m. to perform shows for clients in Dubai and South Africa from the comfort of his home.  He’s performed for companies from A-Z: Airbnb, Amazon, and Apple to Zillow, Zynga, and the Zuckerberg Chan Initiative; Google alone has hired him over 65 times, and most recently, he performed for Elon Musk!

Magic of the Mind is an interactive, fast-paced virtual show interweaving suggestion, influence, and mind control. Using a combination of misdirection, theatrical trickery, and keen observation, Dan creates the illusion of telepathy and mind reading. Dan can reveal your innermost thoughts and other secrets no one else could know, like the name you are considering for your unborn child or your birthday. He will even perform a signature effect that reveals a prediction not only on your cell phone but on every phone in the audience. Dan’s goal is to provide a sophisticated and thought-provoking show that captivates even the most skeptical audience. Magic of the Mind includes Dan’s signature finale, “The Ultimate Prediction, “where an envelope hung in plain view or a time-stamped email sent before the start of the show details every decision that happened throughout the session.

Magician + known as the "Millionare's Mentalist"

A virtual magic and mindreading show, perfect for team building events

 Magic of the Mind

Kat McDowell is an award winning, chart topping singer songwriter who creates ocean pop music in a blend of Japanese and English. 2020 meant a lot of changes and pivoting for many people and that has been especially true for musicians.  All of Kat's tours were tragically cancelled, but Kat’s long time passion for Origami opened doors she could have never imagined.

Kat released her song “1000 Paper Cranes” as a tribute to her Japanese grandmother just as the pandemic hit and it sparked the idea to start zoom Origami workshops for her supporters as a way to connect and bring some comfort and therapy. The family friendly live music / origami zoom workshops have been a hit and have been picked up by corporate social events, colleges, summer camps and schools all over the US.

Does your team need an activity that will give your mind and eyes a rest from staring at screens all day?

Learn to fold 3-5 Origami figures with your team in a one hour interactive elective with Kat as she uses an overhead Camera to walk everybody through at YOUR pace, step by step. (This can also be done as a 30 minute or 45 minute workshop).

Origami paper can be easily made using copy paper if participants do not have origami paper handy.

Singer Songwriter + Origami Expert

Connect with yourself and others through art

Origami

Wine expert, educator, and entrepreneur Tanisha Townsend has cultivated an international community of wine enthusiasts through an unyielding enthusiasm for oenology. As Chief Wine Officer of her own lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass, Tanisha leads wine appreciation classes and hosts virtual wine tours in Paris and the regions beyond.

Tanisha offers an enriching curriculum that gives students unique, multisensory experiences unrivaled in the field. Her mission is to empower individuals with an advanced knowledge of wine & spirits in order to build confidence in their tastes and make choices as a better informed consumer. To meet that end, Tanisha ensures that each student completes a course equipped with valuable information, while also holding fond and long-lasting memories of their experience.

Tanisha has further expanded the reach of Girl Meets Glass to include training programs designed for wine & spirits retailers, bartenders, and other professionals in the hospitality industry. Both Tanisha and Girl Meets Glass programs have been featured at high-profile events such as AFROPUNK, and are routinely featured in a variety of media including lifestyle, travel, and food & beverage publications such as Meiningers Wine Business International, The Coveteur, Financial Times, Paris Wine Cup, Black & Abroad and The New Paris Podcast.

Let's take a walk through a fun and engaging history of wine, providing stories and insights into each of the world's most beautiful wine regions! We'll explore the most important grape varieties and their basic characteristics from the places famous for making them. We will teach you the techniques that wine professionals use to distinguish these varieties from one another and help to identify the wines you prefer. 

By the end, you will feel well-armed when going to a wine shop or any restaurant and confidently choose a bottle of wine that you will enjoy. 

Wine Expert and Educator

Building Skill and Confidence by your Palate

Wine Around the World

Alejandro Jimenez has woven his life into poetry that transcends borders, earning him a distinct spot among contemporary Mexican culture-shapers as featured in TIME Magazine. From Colima, Mexico to global recognition, Alejandro's narrative and craft are showcased in a PBS series documentary, "American Masters: In The Making," spotlighting upcoming cultural figures. His prowess with words brought him to the cusp of global acclaim, securing second place at the 2023 World Poetry Slam Championships.

Alejandro's upcoming work promises to delve into the nuances of identity and experience. His first poetry collection, "There Will Be Days, Brown Boy," eagerly awaited by readers, is soon to be released by MouthFeel Press.

His deep-rooted connection to his heritage, combined with his wide-reaching impact on the arts, anchors his professional journey. Alejandro's formal credentials in literature and his acclaimed contributions to the poetic world make him a memorable presence in the realm of literary arts.

Poetry As The Means We Need, means our words, our stories; and the way we tell those stories, can lead to transformational change - collective and/or individually. It can also lead to a sense of power, a sense of belonging, and being enough, and that who we are, where we come from are not things that should confine us but rather can propel us forward. That is the intent of this class: to explore, examine, and elevate the power of our story through poetry.

In this Electives class, internationally recognized spoken-word poet, Alejandro, will share his personal immigration story to the United States through compelling poetry-storytelling filled with humor, power, and resilience. Participants will not merely be listeners but will also engage in writing their own story through carefully guided poetry prompts and exercises led by Alejandro. Participants will walk out with a “new” sense of their own story and the power of their own journey.

Mexican National Poetry Slam Champion

Storytelling As Power

Poetry As The Means We Need

Cliff Goldmacher is a GRAMMY-recognized, #1 hit songwriter, music producer and author. His book, "The Reason For The Rhymes: Mastering The Seven Essential Skills of Innovation by Learning to Write Songs," encapsulates the principles of his corporate workshops where Cliff helps business teams develop their creative confidence and enhance their innovative skill sets by teaching them to write songs.

After graduating from Stanford with a degree in political science, Cliff, instead of heading to law school, chose to pursue a career in music. Fast forward thirty years and Cliff has written well over a thousand songs including chart toppers recorded by GRAMMY-winning and platinum-selling artists in genres ranging from Americana, country, pop, blues, jazz and classical crossover. Cliff has also given multiple TEDx presentations on songwriting. Cliff’s clients include Deloitte, Bank of America, IDEO and Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management.

This is a 90-minute workshop using songwriting to improve innovation skills, enhance creativity and problem-solve. Participants are guided through the process of writing the lyrics to a song based on a specific objective. At the workshop’s high point, Cliff composes the music to the completed lyric on the spot which, without exception, makes the workshop and its subject matter unforgettable.

By breaking down the process of songwriting into easily understood and manageable pieces, Cliff shows his workshop participants how to employ storytelling and emotion-rich language in service of a profound exploration of their chosen issue or objective.

In order to think differently and explore new ideas, it’s critical for high performing teams to develop their creativity and diversify their problem-solving and innovative approaches. Songwriting provides a unique and powerful new way to think about complicated issues and achieve improved solutions.

GRAMMY-recognized, #1 hit songwriter, music producer + author

Mastering The Seven Essential Skills of Innovation by Learning to Write Songs

Improved Innovation via Songwriting

Chef Bruno was born and raised in the eastern French town of Besançon. At the age of sixteen, he entered an apprenticeship to become a Chef. Two years later Bruno graduated first of his region and after fulfilling his military obligations in the French Navy, he worked in Burgundy and London (Trader’s Vic’s) before returning to France to work at the world-famous Paul Bocuse Restaurant in Lyon, as a pastry chef.

After an externship at Gaston Lenôtre Patisserie in Paris, Chef Bruno did a summer season with Alain Ducasse on the French Riviera before heading to Orlando, Florida where he spend the next 23 years as a chef at acclaimed French restaurants such as Paul Bocuse's in Epcot Center, Le Coq Au Vin, Le Provence, opened his own bakery & café, Bruno’s Gourmet Kitchen, which he ran for 9 years before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Bruno was hired to teach culinary and pastry at the International Culinary Center in Campbell, a cooking school for professionals. This taught him how to rethink his craft and how to make it accessible to novices. He now works as a private Chef for a high income family in Atherton CA, teaches classes at various locations and caters small dinners and parties.

Chef Bruno won a total of 12 medals in American Culinary Federation sanctioned cooking competitions: 3 gold, 7 silver, 2 bronze. When he is not working, Chef Bruno enjoys gardening, playing guitar, tennis, or the famed French card game “ tarot".

Do you ever find yourself 'in over your head' in the kitchen? Do you easily get overwhelmed if you need to do more than one thing at once? Are you wasting money on gadgets that don't work? Are you cutting with dull knives? 

In this Elective, you will learn how to de-clutter your kitchen, set up for cooking properly, establish a routine that you will always use, and use correct techniques when cutting, heating, cleaning, and mixing. You will not only learn simple everyday strategies, but also eye opening tips that are interesting and enlightening! 

Award Winning French Chef + Culinary Teacher

Streamline the way you cook 

Efficiency in the kitchen

Sophia Koehler-Berkley (she/her) is a former educator & slam poetry coach turned Master Facilitator & Educational Consultant. She curates the conditions for Zoom-Rooms to be 'a whole vibe,' while remaining psychologically safe, to create inclusive & authentic engagement for all team members and their diverse backgrounds.

As a consultant, Sophia is passionate about positively impacting workplace communities and their internal cultures to become more inclusive & supportive for all. She brings her warmth, vibrant energy, and skill of creating high-levels of engagement to every room where she facilitates.

Sophia is a proud New York City transplant who is also Midwest Certified “Indiana-Nice.” She meditates (every-damn-day), drinks her whiskey neat (always), and is humbled by how her stubbornness is no match for that of her toddler son (most days).

Go beyond surface-level team building in this interactive, deeply engaging Elective.  Choose a team building experience that will create authentic connections between your team members and offer a warm, inviting environment where they can deepen co-working relationships, on their terms. 

Have your teams undergone a lot of recent changes? Perhaps you have been impacted by layoffs, or you are onboarding several new team members; and everyone needs a reset, recharge moment. Maybe your teams work in hybrid or remote environments and you are struggling to find meaningful team building opportunities.

In this Elective your teams will: be provided a psychologically safe space to share things big or small, have meaningful conversations that allow them to meet one another at the human level, experience team-building activities that are SELF-directed, and lean into the experience so deeply, they forget they are in a zoom-room, whether or not, they choose to turn their camera on.

Educational Consultant, and Social-Emotional Skills Expert

Inclusive & Authentic Team Building

Courageous Connections

Dani Klein Modisett is the comedian and author of the book L.A. Magazine picked as one of 7 must read books, “Take My Spouse, Please.” (Shambhala Press, 2015). Her first book, “Afterbirth…stories you won’t read in Parents magazine,” (St. Martin’s Press, 2009), was based on a live show she created by the same name. Dani taught Stand-Up at UCLA for 10 years and privately for 10 more. She has coached keynote speakers, business leaders, and Congressional candidates to use more humor in their interactions. Her writing has appeared in AARP, NY Times, LA Times, Parents Magazine and many websites. In 2018, after her mother became depressed facing Alzheimer's, Modisett had the idea to hire a comedian to work one-on-one with her to make her laugh. It worked and changed the quality of her end of life care. Modisett launched Laughter On Call (www.laughteroncall.com) to bring shared laughter to those who need it most. Since COVID, LOC has taken their programs virtually, now running workshops globally for Fortune 500 companies and healthcare staffs in need of comic relief and connection. She has teaches comedian's tools for creating connection and bringing vulnerability and humanity to the workplace at business schools including HBS, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, Duke and UCLA. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and sons. Modisett is a graduate of Dartmouth College. She was recently added to Forbes 50 over 50 list!

Have you always wanted to do stand-up but never had the courage or the time…or the courage to try? Have you ever experienced the specific adrenaline rush of making a table full of people laugh at a point of view you had that you assumed everyone else did too? Have people told you throughout your life you’re funny and you thought, well...maybe, but so what? In a world where inclusion and connection are a top priority for companies, helping people laugh together has never been more valuable. 

This class is a unique opportunity to study with a seasoned professional comedian who spent 10 years teaching stand up at UCLA. Being able to bring comic relief to stressful moments, to lend perspective to a seemingly hopeless situation and to deliver the magic of shared laughter to people is, in fact, a business super-power.

In this session, Modisett distills her 12-week course down to the essentials to give you plenty of opportunity to share your funniest jokes and stories and leave with a visceral understanding of where and when it is appropriate to deliver them. You will be exposed to comedian’s tools like escalation, the rule of three’s and misdirection to keep people wanting more – of you, your authenticity, and whatever you are selling.

Comedian, Author, and Founder

Stand-Up Workshop for people serious about showing vulnerability & a sense of humor!

YOU… only funnier.  

Matt is the Head Coach for the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. He began working with the team in 2006, and has coached it through four Olympics, where in 2018, Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall won a gold medal. The team hadn't won a medal at the Olympics since 1976. The team picked up another two medals at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, when Jessie captured a bronze and a silver. 

While coaching cross country ski racers is about maximizing fitness, Matt attributes his team's focus on positive group dynamics as a key to its success. This method can be applied to any person and team in any line of work. If you're looking for new ways to strengthen your team, check out his classes. Matt is a graduate of Middlebury College, where he competed as a racer himself, and currently lives in East Burke, Vermont. 

The Winter and Summer Olympics hit America's mainstream media just once every four years. In a flash, they disappear from sight. It is in this out-of-sight world, when nobody is watching, where the winning teams are built and the champions are made.

In this motivating Elective about the power of a connected team, Matt discusses leadership methods on the U.S. Olympic Ski Team, and shares practices that are sure to stimiluate ideas for growth within the business world. The success of anything, he argues, relies on humans connecting. If you're looking to take your business and team to the next level, you'll need to look at yourself, first. Matt teaches simple concepts used by athletes and coaches on his teams as they strive to become a connected team. 

Gold Medal Winning Olympic US Cross Country Ski Coach

Lifting Physical and Emotional Limits through Positive Team Culture 

The Connected Team

Joyful Team Connections

As a former professional rugby player, Marc understands the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) with regards to both individual performance and building team culture, but more recently, Marc has come to realize just how essential EQ education and practice is when it comes to playing and succeeding at the game of life.

When a career ending injury forced him into retirement from top level sport, he was faced with the challenge of transitioning into the next phase without suffering the repercussions that so many athletes succumb to. This is when Marc's self development and EQ education journey really began.  After two decades of playing elite level sport, commentating, and extensive study in Leadership Mastery, Marc now educates and inspires people to better know themselves and achieve excellence in all aspects of life. 

Are you already preparing to make next year your "best year ever"? Are you subscribing to the 2027 version of "new year, new you" by setting new year's resolutions? Did you also know studies show that around 91% of us won't achieve them? This means that you will fall short of your goals, and your transformational mindset will likely fade quickly... unless you have the right game plan. 

In this Electives class, you will tap into the mindset and methodology of a professional athlete for effective goal setting, while being provided the framework to ensure continued success, in living your life with intention and balance.

The framework could also be applied to teams within the workplace to achieve performance goals.

Former Professional Rugby Player

The Goal Setting Game Plan That Sticks

Setting Up a Winning 2027

In 2018, I made Olympic history at the Winter Games, becoming the first African and Black woman to compete in Olympic skeleton. When I discovered that no African woman had ever competed in the Olympic skeleton, I saw an opportunity to take action.

I'm currently training for the next Winter Olympic Games and I also inspire audiences around the world. I've appeared in leading media outlets such as CNN, NBC, ESPN, USA Today, Essence, Forbes, and Sports Illustrated and the New York Times has hailed me as “a role model for Africa and beyond.”

Audiences have described my live experiences as being “captivating” and “highly actionable” with a "contagious energy and passion.” And now, I'm bringing my transformational tips directly to you with this online class through Electives!

Personal growth, business evolution and executing big ideas takes laser-sharp focus and tenacity. In this interactive virtual experience, barrier-breaking Olympian Simidele Adeagbo shares her best practices on building a 100-day road map to success. Through this interactive experience, Simidele leads a discussion with your team centered around five transformative leadership principles (Focus, Imagination, Risk-Taking, Start Now, Trust Your Instincts) to help you move toward new or improved goals and imagine limitless possibilities. Your team will leave the experience with practical guidance, inspiring personal stories and actionable takeaways to achieve big outcomes, accelerate your impact and jumpstart your next 100 days and beyond!

First Nigerian Winter Olympian. Advocate and Speaker. 

How to Achieve Big Outcomes through Personal Reinvention

Accelerate Your Impact

Sharon is the founder of Control Chaos and author of Super-Productive: 120 Strategies to Do More and Stress Less.

She helps clients improve their productivity, performance, and well-being through corporate training, executive, and group coaching. Her work focuses on empowering individuals to make small changes that have a big positive impact on their work performance and quality of life.

Sharon is an Assistant Instructor at the University of Pennsylvania and has guest lectured for many years at Columbia University’s Executive MBA program. She is a certified professional coach and holds the PCC (Professional Certified Coach) designation from the International Coach Federation. 

One of Sharon's top strengths is "love of learning." She is a Fearless Organization certified practitioner, a Trust at Work certified practitioner, and a Designing Your Life coach. She has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)  designation and a certificate from the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation in Leadership and Negotiation.

She received her bachelor’s degree in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in real estate finance from New York University, and a master’s degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Sharon raised her 4 kids in Northern NJ and now lives with her husband, Neil in South FL. She is an avid swimmer, loves reading fiction, and has recently discovered a love of snorkeling.

 In "Crushing Your Goals," participants will learn practical strategies for setting and reaching meaningful objectives, both personally and professionally. The course explores a variety of approaches, including building goal hierarchies, applying design thinking, and using established frameworks like SMART goals and the WOOP model. Attendees will also practice the skill of re-goaling—adapting plans when circumstances change.

This session is interactive and activity-based. Everyone will need post-it notes or blank index cards and a workspace such as a wall, large table, or open floor area. Through guided exercises, participants will break down larger ambitions into manageable steps, align daily actions to big-picture priorities, and create systems for revisiting and refining goals regularly. The course also covers ways to foster accountability within any framework, such as OKRs, for teams or individuals.

By the end, participants can expect to walk away with tools to create actionable goals, remain adaptable in the face of change, and support ongoing progress in any area they choose to focus on.

Lecturer at Columbia + University of Pennsylvania

A Systematic Approach to Great Achievement

Crushing Your Goals

In this course, Paralympic gold medalist Dan Cnossen shares some of the methods he uses to deliberately set goals to achieve personal success over the long run. Using an action plan as a template, the class will identify ways to subdivide aspects of job performance, each of which can be analyzed in terms of relative strengths and weaknesses, in order to set short, middle and long-term goals for the individual and the team. An important tool for both leaders and individuals looking to orient and structure performance, the purpose of this class is to highlight the inherent tension between long-term goals and the demands of the moment, recognizing the importance of being able to fluidly navigate between the two extremes. 

A structured approach to achieving your dreams

Goal Setting

A wife, mother, speaker, facilitator, business owner, and real estate investor.

Amanda brings an energetic approach to providing an upbeat, comprehensive service to corporate and consumer clients. Her expertise includes time management and sales training.

She founded and ran a digital platform from 2015-2021 called She Did It Her Way. The She Did It Her Way podcast grossed over 3 million downloads from across the globe.

She has been recognized by Forbes, Huffington Post, and Entrepreneur.com.

Clients she has worked with include; JP Morgan, Weight Watchers, att, HP Inc, Pimco, Google for Startups, Google, Bank Tech Ventures, IBM, KUMC, and Cisco.

There are so many goal setting resources out there that teach you the same thing over and over... set 10 different goals for each different category, check in on progress each week or month and voila, you've achieved your goal. Right?

Not quite. This class is completely different than other goal setting approaches.

Here is why... first you're not going to set multiple goals, you're going to set ONE. 

Second, Amanda is going to teach you a 7 step process on how to *actually* achieve that one extraordinary goal. Amanda's unique delivery style and contagious energy will lead you through a wealth of learnings, fun and emotions that will make you laugh, think and be engaged.

So are you ready?

Time Management + Sales Expert

The Steps to Actually Achieve Any Goal

Extraordinary Goals

Every self-help coach will tell you that goal setting is important for well-being and success.  

But do you or your team ever feel like you don’t know what goals to set? 
Like you’re not sure how, what, or  why to even try striving for something? 
You see others around you setting goals and reaching for them, and you want in on that? 
Or maybe you can feel that your own goal setting has gone flat the last few years.  

The "Setting Goals and Intentions" Elective focuses on a more holistic view of goal and intention setting.  Intention setting can be a powerful complementary practice that provides those who feel stuck a useful tool, and those with goals to attach more deeply to internal motivation.

Striving for aligned and integrated accomplishment

Setting Goals and Intentions

Cindy is known for racing around the world with her husband, Ernie, and taking first place on Season 19 of CBS’s “The Amazing Race.” Their journey through 9 countries and the experience of competing in high-pressure environments shaped her perspective on teamwork, resilience, and finding belonging in any setting.

At Google, Cindy works with digital media sellers, supporting them as they build confidence and overcome challenges. She draws on over a decade leading high-revenue growth sales teams and 11 years in corporate roles with large organizations. Her contributions have been recognized with industry awards, including AdWeek’s Media Plan of the Year.

Cindy holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern and a BS from the University of Cincinnati, where she graduated at the top of her class. At home in Chicagoland, she and her husband enjoy exploring new cultures with their three young sons.

In "Goal Setting Strategies for Winning," participants will learn how to define clear, achievable career goals and set objectives using a practical goal-setting framework inspired by the OKR method. Facilitator Cindy draws on her experience winning the Amazing Race, offering concrete examples of how she and her partner planned, adapted, and persevered through each stage of the competition. The class will examine how strategic planning and flexibility play a central role in reaching personal and professional milestones.

Cindy will guide the group through exercises designed to help participants identify their own goals and map out actionable objectives. Through stories from her time on the race, Cindy illustrates how careful preparation and a willingness to adjust strategies made a difference in high-pressure moments. Attendees will leave with a structured approach to goal setting and insights into cultivating adaptability—two skills that support progress in any career path. This class provides a direct, practical toolkit for anyone looking to clarify their aims and take concrete steps toward achieving them.


Winner of the Amazing Race, and Googler

Achieving Goals from winning the Amazing Race to achieving an Amazing Career

Goal Setting Strategies for Winning

In today’s fast-paced world, having a clear personal vision can help individuals stay focused, motivated, and fulfilled in both their personal and professional lives. This interactive workshop will guide participants through a structured process to identify their core values, visualize their ideal future, and craft a personal vision statement.

Managers will also gain insights into supporting their teams in aligning work with personal values, fostering engagement and motivation. Through reflection, guided visualization, and collaborative discussions, participants will leave with practical tools to enhance personal growth and workplace meaning.

Finding Meaning in Work and Life

Creating a Personal Vision

Kyle Shaffer is a dynamic educator who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to leadership development. He is passionate about supporting leaders to create an empowering and inclusive culture so that all stakeholders are engaged and working toward their mission and vision. By focusing on the intersection of adaptive and emotional leadership skills with technical ones, leaders will develop tangible strategies to enhance the effectiveness and inclusiveness of their teams. 

Kyle leads workshops, leadership development cohorts, and individual coaching clients with numerous organizations and companies across the country. Previously, he served as the Vice President of Schools for KIPP St. Louis Public Schools, where he coached and managed the principals of six schools and 3,000 students, as well as provided leadership training for aspiring leaders across the district.  Prior to that, Kyle worked alongside community members in Redwood City, California to found a PreK-8th grade school for over 700 families in the North Fair Oaks community, which was one of the highest performing schools for low income students in the Bay Area. Kyle received his Masters of Education in Leadership through National Louis University.  Outside of work, Kyle spends his time with his wife, two daughters, and one-year old son, is an avid reader, loves music, and enjoys anything active and sports related.

Everyone knows goal setting matters. We set goals in our personal lives, our classrooms, and our teams. But let’s be honest—goal setting is often broken. We write goals that sound good, but don’t guide action. We set them and forget them. Or we try to hold people accountable to goals that were never truly theirs to begin with. Instead of driving clarity and motivation, goal setting can sometimes lead to frustration and disengagement.

In this class, we’ll unpack the true purpose of goal setting and what it takes to do it well. Together, we’ll examine common pitfalls and explore a framework for designing goals that actually drive ownership, clarity, and momentum. You’ll learn how to launch goal-setting processes that align your team’s focus, build investment, and create a clear path to follow-up and reflection.

This Elective is designed for anyone who leads others and wants to make goal setting more meaningful and effective. It’s a dynamic and interactive session blending research-based content, discussion, and practice. You’ll leave ready to guide your team through a process that not only sets goals—but sustains them.

Educator, Leader, and Connector 

How to Do It Effectively with Those You Lead

Joanna Lohman is a force of nature in the world of women’s soccer and a subject-matter expert on impact leadership and performance. A 16-year professional athlete and one of only 270 women in history to have worn the coveted U.S. Women’s National Team jersey, Joanna has racked up 9 USWNT caps and led the U-21 USWNT to multiple international trophies as team captain. At Penn State, she made 101 appearances with 41 goals, garnered Big Ten Player of the Year honors, became a Herman Trophy finalist, and earned the distinction of Four-Time Academic All-American. Her professional club career saw her become the first player in Washington Spirit history to have her jersey retired, capturing fans’ hearts across 52 appearances and 6 goals.

Yet Joanna’s triumphs extend well beyond the pitch. Revered for her staunch advocacy of equal pay based on performance, she embodies the values of courage, fairness, and resilience—showing the world that true leadership demands both passion and principle. She now brings her hard-won insights to boardrooms, keynote stages, and classrooms alike, serving on the Yale School of Management’s Experience Leaders Initiative Advisory Board and empowering individuals to push boundaries, amplify their impact, build cohesive teams, and deliver elite results under pressure. From championing authenticity in sports to forging high-impact strategies for corporate team performance, Joanna Lohman exemplifies what it means to be a game-changer in every sense of the word.


In this interactive class, Joanna Lohman uses lessons from 16 years on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and her run on *The Amazing Race* to explore how people adapt when plans fail, cut through noise, and connect with the right people under pressure.

Rather than just hearing stories from the field, participants work through the same skills behind them. They look at what to do when a plan falls apart, using real examples from their own work. They practice identifying the one priority that matters most and letting go of the rest when time is short. They also map the kinds of partnerships that help teams move faster, with one person leading on instinct and another on strategy.

By the end of the class, participants leave with a practical reset for setbacks, a method for simplifying fast-moving decisions, and a clearer sense of who to rely on when the stakes are high.

US Women Soccer Athlete

How Elite Performers Adapt, Subtract, and Connect to Win

The Amazing (Human) Race

Start the Year with a Plan

Kris Derek Hechevarria is a Cuban American teaching artist who was born and raised in Miami Florida.  He moved to Chicago to volunteer with Pritzker College Prep through AmeriCorps’ Project YES.  This experience led Hechevarria to receive his MA in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.  In 2013 Hechevarria was invited to be the founding art teacher for Wolcott College Prep, an independent high school for college bound students with learning disabilities.  There he developed a conceptual art curriculum that promoted critical thinking and material exploration. Hechevarria has developed programming for The Chicago Architecture Biennale, The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art: Chicago, National Museum of Mexican Art, National Veterans Art Museum, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, CAPE, Arquetopia and the Smart Museum.  He is currently a lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.


Visual Thinking & Critical Thinking is a hands-on class exploring how looking closely and thinking clearly go hand in hand. Using Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) — a discussion-based method built around open-ended observation of images and art — participants learn to slow down, notice details, form evidence-based interpretations, and stay open to multiple perspectives. These are the same habits of mind that underlie strong critical thinking: making a claim, backing it up with evidence, and revising your view as new information comes in.

Artist and Educator

VTS and Critical Thinking

Visual Thinking Strategies 

We are all tired of AI slop – it doesn't resonate. And yet most of us are producing it every day without realizing it.

This session isn't for developers or power users. It's for anyone who uses AI at work and wants to do it more thoughtfully. We'll name what AI slop actually is and why it's so easy to produce. We'll explore the dual nature of AI – its ability to elevate our work or flatten it, depending on how we use it. And we'll examine what it takes to move from passive AI user to intentional collaborator: someone who knows where AI adds value through speed, scale, and pattern recognition, and where human judgment, context, empathy, and taste must take the lead.

Participants will leave with a practical framework for deciding the right role for AI in their work and clearer criteria for what can be handed off versus what should remain deeply human. Because the real advantage in this era is not teaching machines to think like us. It is knowing when not to.

Expect honest conversation, real examples, and a framework you can put to use immediately – no technical background required.

Know when to leverage AI, and when to lead with human capabilities 

Beyond the Slop: AI With Intention

Irma has carved a niche in digital marketing by helping global companies navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape. Her journey is marked by a commitment to simplifying digital marketing strategies, making them accessible and actionable for businesses and marketing teams.

With a rich background in crafting and executing digital marketing strategies, Irma collaborates with prominent global agencies to develop tailored marketing approaches. She is dedicated to enhancing the skills of marketing teams through quality training, ensuring they are well-equipped for the challenges of the AI-driven market.

Her passion lies in empowering businesses with the necessary tools and strategies to thrive in digital marketing. Irma holds advanced credentials in digital marketing, underscoring her extensive experience and expertise in the field.

AI-generated work can be polished, persuasive and professionally presented while still containing unsupported claims, incorrect assumptions, outdated information, missing context or flawed logic.

As employees use AI for increasingly important work, they need more than prompting skills. They need a practical method for deciding when an AI output is reliable enough to use, when it needs further investigation and when it should be rejected entirely.

In this interactive class, participants learn how to match the level of verification to the risk and potential impact of the task. They will apply source, evidence, logic, calculation, completeness, bias and context checks to realistic AI-generated work.

Participants will examine a professional-looking AI output containing several subtle problems. They will identify what is wrong, determine the potential consequences and decide what evidence or human expertise is required before the work can be approved.

They leave with a reusable Human-in-the-Loop Verification Checklist that can be applied to reports, research, analysis, recommendations, communications and other AI-supported work.

Platform, licensing and audience fit: This is a tool-agnostic class and applies to ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Gemini and other generative AI platforms. No specific enterprise licence is required. Participants can work from a provided AI-generated example, although access to an organisation-approved AI tool is useful for additional practice. The class is designed primarily for intermediate and advanced AI users, managers, analysts, knowledge workers and employees in finance, HR, legal, compliance, marketing, operations and professional services. It can be adapted for earlier-stage groups by introducing a simplified verification framework. No confidential organisational data is required.

Marketing and Business Leader

Verify, challenge and approve AI-generated work with confidence

AI Quality Control

Prapti Jha is a strategist and researcher at the Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health. In her current role, she leverages behavioral design to catalyze human-centered and systemic solutions to advance the health and well-being of people at the grassroots level. She specializes in driving interdisciplinary teams to develop experiences and strategic solutions backed by research and accelerated by design methods and tools.

Prapti has nine years of experience in working with organizations across multiple industries. Her experience includes working as an Innovation Catalyst at Ford Motor Company, where she helped multidisciplinary teams across departments to re-imagine the mobility space. She also worked as a Senior Design Strategist at Cisco Systems, where she focused on humanizing and democratizing the cybersecurity space.

Prapti has co-founded an initiative We Speak Innovation, through which she has spoken to people globally in multiple industries about design-led innovation. She believes that at the heart of it all is the focus on people - our behavior, motivations, and all the little quirks that make us human. 

Today's leaders shouldn't be choosing between human judgment and AI capabilities; rather, they should be learning to combine both effectively. This session is designed for leaders who want to harness AI without sacrificing the trust, transparency, and human alignment that drive great decisions.

You’ll discover that AI’s greatest value isn’t in making decisions for you, but in helping you and your team make better decisions together. Through real-world scenarios and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn to use AI as a thinking amplifier to surface assumptions, explore alternatives, stress-test decisions, and uncover perspectives you may not have considered.

We’ll explore practical frameworks for maintaining decision transparency, knowing when to bring AI into the decision-making process, and recognizing when human judgment should guide the conversation. You’ll practice “decision archaeology,” a method for learning from your AI-augmented choices and continuously improving your approach.

Whether you’re leading strategic planning sessions, navigating complex business decisions, or fostering innovation within your organization, this session provides the tools to evolve your decision-making practice for the AI era while keeping human wisdom at its core.

Class fit:

+ Tools & access: This session is tool-agnostic and can be delivered using the AI platform your organization already uses, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or other enterprise-approved tools. No specific enterprise license is required.

+ Audience fit: Best suited for managers, leaders, and professionals involved in strategic or complex decision-making. Participants should have some basic familiarity with generative AI, but advanced AI experience is not required. The session can flex across different levels of AI fluency, with the focus on combining AI capabilities with human judgment rather than mastering a specific tool.

Black History Month

Black History in America

Lessons from Black Trailblazers

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From Struggle to Strength

Letters from My Lineage

Black Voices in Contemporary Art

Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap

Love Letters from James Baldwin

Understanding Race-Based Stress

Being Black in White Spaces

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