Author
The Hero Effect – Creating a Culture of Heroes at Every Level
Wednesday, October 23 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
If you could grow your business simply by marketing to your existing customers and raking in more referrals, making money would be a cakewalk. But to generate new revenue, you have to win over the customers and prospects you’re not getting, but could be. Now, more than ever, it’s important to reach new prospects in different ways to grow your business.
You know how important it is to form a connection with your customers and prospects in order to close the sale. But how do you form a connection with someone who is completely different from you? Whether it’s gender, age, lifestage, background, or even communication preferences, you need to be able to break through barriers to connect in a meaningful way, build trust and differentiate yourself from your competition.
People spend money on what they care about. Show your customers and prospects how you fit into what they need and what they value, and they’ll show you the money. By recognizing people’s differences and tailoring your message and marketing efforts to reflect their values, you‘ll get the business.
This session will show how marketing to people’s values is the way to greater sales profits and customer loyalty.
This engaging and interactive session will show you how to create a deep, values-based connection between you and your clients and prospects.
Meet Kevin Brown
For nearly twenty years our next speaker helped build a little-known family business into the #1 brand in their industry, with annual revenues reaching TWO BILLION dollars… that’s Billion with a “B”. Along the way he has learned a thing or two about overcoming adversity, dealing with change, and creating a culture that drives organizational excellence and customer loyalty.
He is the creator and best-selling author of The Hero Effect®. His second book, Unleashing Your Hero, was recently released by HarperCollins Leadership. And he’s here today to share some ideas about how YOU can be your best when it matters the most.
Director of Analytics at Bundy Group
Senior Director at New Lines Institute
The Impact of Geopolitics on Your Business
Wednesday, October 23 | 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
The world of geopolitics is constantly changing, often with significant ramifications. As we transition to a multipolar world, there are shifting global alliances and multiple hot spots around the world, some of which have the potential to turn into full-out war. Not to mention sanctions, trade embargoes and many other disruptive forces at work. All of this impacts your business – sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly. There are financial, operational, strategic, and social implications that business leaders and key decision makers must be aware of to successfully navigate the evolving geopolitical environment.
In this session, you’ll hear from two experts (who happen to be brothers) – one on geopolitics and one on business strategy – whose insights and advice will be paramount as you seek to understand the world around you and plan for your organizational future.
First, Eugene Chausovsky, the Senior Director at New Lines Institute, a Washington D.C.-based think tank, will delve into the latest geopolitical developments around the globe. He’ll provide a fascinating and objective perspective on the motivations, driving factors, and consequences of recent events, putting them into context relative to the broader world and helping you understand why the governments of countries act the way they do.
Next, Alex Chausovsky, the Director of Analytics at Bundy Group, a Charlotte-based investment bank, will deliver an insightful analysis of how these events will impact the macroeconomic landscape and how they could affect the outlook for your business. He’ll explain the potential impact on supply chains, input prices, and transportation and logistics dynamics, among others. Most importantly, he’ll offer practical and actionable advice for business leaders based on today’s geopolitical forces.
Attendees will walk away from the session with the following insights:
- Time-sensitive and forward-looking coverage of geopolitical events of concern such as the Russia-Ukraine war, conflict in the Middle East, tension between China and Taiwan, etc.
- Concrete advice on related business implications such as supply chain disruptions and logistical challenges, market access, trade barrier & expansion analysis, and resource availability.
- Risk management and flexible scenario planning strategies to help you make informed decisions in an uncertain world.
Meet Alex Chausovsky
Alex is a highly experienced market researcher and analyst with more than twenty years of knowledge centered on key topics such as economics, business cycle analysis, and industry-specific trends. His expertise includes automation, industrial technology, business services, and manufacturing. He currently serves as the Director of Analytics and Consulting for the Bundy Group, an industry-focused investment bank that specializes in representing business owners and management teams in business sales, acquisitions, and capital raises.
Prior to joining Bundy Group, Alex delivered more than one thousand presentations, webinars, and workshops to small businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies in an array of industries, becoming a trusted resource for data and insights for enterprise organizations. His topics of discussion range from economic and labor market insights, effective talent strategy, and leveraging data for improved decision-making. Alex was a senior economist at ITR Economics for six years while also serving as their Director of Speaking Services.
Alex has a BBA in International Business from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA with a focus on statistical analysis from Texas State University. He is a native of Ukraine, having immigrated to the U.S. in 1990 at the age of ten. He currently lives in Bedford, NH with his wife and their two children.
Meet Eugene Chausovsky
Eugene Chausovsky is the Senior Director for Analytical Development and Training at the New Lines Institute, where he oversees the institute’s publication and content production process, manages institutional training efforts, and guides the development of analytical products.
He previously served as Senior Eurasia Analyst at the geopolitical intelligence firm Stratfor for more than 10 years. His analytical work has focused on political, economic and security issues pertaining to Russia, Eurasia, and China, as well as global connectivity issues related to energy and climate change.
Eugene has contributed articles to a wide range of outlets including Foreign Policy, The National Interest, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Al Jazeera and has given interviews to global media outlets such as BBC, CNBC, Bloomberg, Politico, and CNN. He’s delivered numerous presentations at international conferences and served as a guest lecturer at universities in the United States and abroad. He has also organized crisis simulations and delivered client briefings to numerous international organizations and businesses, including Fortune 500 companies.
He holds a Master of International Public Policy degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Texas at Austin.
International Award-Winning Speaker
GET IT: Creativity & Innovation
Wednesday, October 23 | 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
It’s time to THINK DIFFERENTLY! Does your company have the right skills to take on tomorrow? Do your people possess the behaviors necessary to create a culture that fosters innovation and generates long-term growth? What’s the secret to getting your next great idea?
In this provocative and eye-opening presentation, AmyK shares how to generate more creative ideas and how to take these ideas to market… fast! Invite AmyK to deliver this highly interactive and engaging program and take a refreshing plunge into the boundless waters of Big Thinking.
You will leave with:
- How to Overcome Barriers & Obstacles to Act on New Opportunities
- How to Position Teams to Turn Disruption & Change into Competitive Advantages
- A Tried, Tested and Proven Creativity & Innovation Model
- Exercises for Each of the 5 Stages in the Model from Ideation to Going-to-Market
- Greater Insight & Understanding on How Culture Influences Creativity & Innovation
- The 9 Must-Have Elements for Driving & Sustaining an Innovative Culture
- The Requisite Questions Leaders Must Ask to Propel Innovative Thinking
- How to Cultivate the Mindset of an Innovative Leader
Meet AmyK
AmyK Hutchens is all about personal & professional growth – one conversation at a time. Hutchens is an international award-winning speaker, the Amazon #1 bestselling author of the books, GET IT: Five Steps to the Sex, Salary and Success You Want and The Secrets Leaders Keep as well as the founder of the global community shegetsit.com. AmyK has over twenty years’ experience training & consulting with clients such as The Home Depot, Starbucks Canada, Comerica Bank, Expedia, Lockheed Martin, Securian Financial, Walmart, and hundreds more. AmyK travels the globe sharing with executives, influencers and go-getters to confidently & competently navigate their toughest conversations without saying something they regret, giving their power away or damaging their relationships. AmyK received her M.S. from Johns Hopkins University, and has been seen, heard or read on Bloomberg, NBC, ABC, USA Today, Entrepreneur, and U.S. News & World Report. She resides in San Diego, California.
President, Leadership at ALL Levels
Who Knows YOU? Power Networking
Wednesday, October 23 | 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
“Another networking event,” “I am tired, do I have to go?” “It’s raining and cold.” It’s always easy, not to go. However, with shoulders back, energy and a positive attitude, networking is a crucial element of your personal and business development plan.
This presentation explores the importance and benefits of networking as a critical and impactful business skill. Regardless of your job title, you are always networking and introducing people to your professional and personal brand through your daily interactions.
Networking is personal. Networking is energizing! Networking is strategic! Networking also involves research, communication and follow- up with a focus on connection. You will learn how to create a style that works best for you in addition to how to attend your next networking event with clear objectives. From “what to say next” to honing your listening skills, you will learn how to create or enhance your personal and professional blueprint for success.
Meet Gail Olafsin
Gail Lowney Alofsin is a national keynote speaker, workshop leader, author, adjunct professor, career coach, radio show host and business development executive. Her career spans over three decades – Business Development, Sales, Marketing, Concert Production and Operations - leading teams of 6 to over 100.
Passionate about non-profits, Gail serves on the board of directors of the Newport Hospital, Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Center, Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, National Speakers Association New England and the University of Rhode Island Women’s Leadership Council. She has been a medical assistant volunteer for the Haitian Health Foundation in Haiti since she was 19 years old. A graduate of Tufts University, she has been on the Tufts University Reunion Committee for several decades (just don’t ask her how many!)
Gail’s book, Your Someday is NOW – What are you Waiting For?, now in its second printing, has raised over $50,000 for non-profit organizations. Visit gailalofsin.com or gailspeaks.com for more information.
President and Founder, Growth Team Strategies
How Well Prepared Is Your Company for Succession?
Wednesday, October 23 | 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Abstract TBD.
Meet Doug Howard
Doug Howard, President and Founder of Growth Team Strategies, is a leading authority on small business strategy specializing in business growth, improving processes, increasing profitability and succession planning.
For more than 30 years, Doug has worked with hundreds of small business owners across the US and Canada to help them overcome challenges and develop strategies for achieving their dreams. He does this through training, webinars, writing, facilitated meetings and one-on-one consulting.
He is known for his entertaining yet informative approach to business ideas and strategies. He likes to bring complex business concepts into clarity with real life stories and recognizable examples.
Doug is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business.
Economist, ITR Economics
Staying Ahead of the Curve in 2025-2026
Thursday, October 24 | 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
2024 has included a tapestry of conflicting economic trends, with some industries enjoying ongoing growth and others in overt recession. Manufacturing and much of the industrial portion of the economy experienced a mild recession, but that decline will soon give way to rise and additional opportunities in 2025 and 2026 for well-prepared businesses. The services sector of the economy slowed in its rate of rise in 2024 and is expected to increase its rate of rise in 2025 and into 2026. Join us for our outlook for key industries over the next two years. We will discuss consumer spending, inflation, interest rates, the labor market, and key leading indicators. Our examination will extend to global markets and their impact on the domestic landscape. This presentation will provide information on necessary tactics and strategies that will prepare you for an upswing in the business cycle post 2024. Knowledge gained from the presentation, in conjunction with ITR Economics’ time-tested analytical tools, will provide you the means to maximize profit in the years ahead.
Meet Lauren Saidel-Baker
Lauren Saidel-Baker, CFA, is a speaker and economist at ITR Economics. She provides consulting services for small businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies across a spectrum of industries.
Since joining ITR Economics, Lauren has brought enthusiasm and in-depth insight to our analysis of various industry trends. Her expertise captivates audiences, and her experience in the financial industry supports her extensive knowledge of the applicability of ITR Economics’ programs.
Lauren graduated with honors from Wellesley College, double majoring in economics and religion. She has also earned her MBA at Boston University Questrom School of Business. In addition, she has been featured on Reuters’ Market Insight, Bloomberg and BNN Bloomberg, and the Financial Sense Newshour podcast, among many other media publications.