Conference Schedule: Thursday, April 3, 2025​

It goes without saying that if you plan on running a business, you must also plan on being profitable. Put another way, as Jason Fried of Rework says, “a business without a path to profit is not a business, it’s a hobby.”

• But what if the traditional ways of being profitable aren’t working?
• Must one retool, rebuild, and reimage all the operation?
• What then?

The good news is, there is another way.

And while this new pathway requires an investment, it’s not of the dollars and cents kind. Rather, it is of humankind. And if we are to evaluate the corresponding ROI, you’ll be pleased to know that it can’t be beat.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify Profit Leaks: Attendees will learn how to pinpoint areas where their business might be bleeding profit.
2. Three New Methods: Attendees will be introduced to three innovative strategies for boosting business profitability.
3. Personal Life Tools: Attendees will gain tools to help apply these profitability strategies to their own personal lives.

The bottom line is this, the approach that will be shared encourages a holistic and human-centered approach to profitability, potentially leading to more sustainable and fulfilling business success.

 Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Mental Health Speaker and Trainer
David Woods Bartley

David Woods Bartley is a globally recognized mental health advocate who has delivered over 800 presentations across four continents. A two-time TEDx speaker and Steinberg Institute Mental Health Champion, David shares his journey from mental “hellness” to mental wellness, inspiring diverse audiences to transform their approach to mental health. His mission is to bring conversations about mental health into the open, offering hope and practical strategies for individuals and organizations.

www.davidwoodsbartley.com

We will explore recent court decisions regarding terminations of at will employees, and the do’s and don’ts of disciplinary documentation. We will also illustrate best practices when it comes to utilizing progressive discipline to avoid liability: when to discipline, how to discipline, and how to document the discipline. In addition, we will examine the importance of consistency in avoiding legal liability for wrongful termination

 Learning Objectives:

1. Learn current state of the law and new developments in the law of terminating at will employees
2. Develop checklists to determine whether discipline or termination may be warranted or may lead employer into legal liability
3. Learn best practices for disciplinary documentation

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Attorney / Shareholder
Nyemaster Goode, PC

Thomas M. Cunningham is the Chair of the Labor & Employment Law Department at Nyemaster, Goode, P. C. in Des Moines, Iowa.   Tom’s experience and skill has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Benchmark Litigation, Iowa Super Lawyers, Great Plains Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA Leading Lawyers for Business, all in the area of Labor & Employment Law and related litigation.  He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Iowa. He is admitted to practice in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska.  His practice consists of representing private and public sector management clients in all areas of labor and employment law, with an emphasis on trials in federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including discrimination and civil rights cases, and FMLA, ADA, wage/hour, OSHA, and affirmative action matters. In addition, Tom represents employers in the traditional labor law arena, having advised employers in union avoidance tactics and organizational campaigns and defended employers from unfair labor practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board

www.nyemaster.com

In this engaging session, discover how our comprehensive 10-week Leadership and Management Development Program can transform your organization’s leaders into dynamic, high-performing individuals who inspire excellence and drive results. This program is designed to empower leaders with the tools and skills needed to navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and align their leadership practices with organizational goals. Join us to explore the program’s key components and learn how we can tailor it to meet the unique needs of your company. 

 Learning Objectives:

1. Provide an overview of the 10-week leadership development program, highlighting its structure, core topics, and the measurable benefits for participants and organizations.
2. Showcase how the program can be tailored to align with the specific needs, values, and goals of your company to maximize impact and relevance.
3. Inspire attendees to envision how this program could elevate their organization’s leadership capabilities and encourage follow-up consultations to implement the program.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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President
Growth & Joy

Dr. Daniel Zinnel is a facilitator, speaker, and learner. Authenticity, intentionality, humility, compassion, and joy are his leadership values. In 2020, he launched Growth and Joy, LLC to help individuals, businesses, and organizations develop proactive, practical, and purposeful leaders. He has trained and spoken to over twenty thousand individuals on a variety of topics including leadership, power and privilege, LGBTQ inclusion, and building your personal brand. Daniel was previously on faculty as an adjunct at Des Moines University and Iowa Central Community College. He developed One Iowa’s LGBTQ Leadership Institute, was part of a team that created the 4Equity Tool, and has previously served on the curriculum committee of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. Daniel has over 10 years of nonprofit administration and leadership including currently serving as the CEO of Proteus, Inc. and previously as the Executive Director of One Iowa. He serves as Chair of the Iowa Primary Care Association, Chair of the John Stoddard Cancer Center, serves on the board of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines and Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, and is on a variety of other community boards and advisory councils.

growthandjoy.com

Coaching is all the rage. Everyone is becoming a coach. At work, you and your managers are being asked to coach your team to be their best. What is coaching? How do we know if we’re making an impact? What skills do we need to have? If you are asking yourself these questions, join this session on Why Coaching Works. During this discussion, you will learn a framework for being a results-oriented coach, learn powers of coaching to help you make an impact, and learn the cornerstones of coaching success for yourself and your organization. 

 Learning Objectives:

1. Understand what coaching is and the characteristics of an influential coaching relationship.
2. Learn 8 powers of coaching that will help you and your team be impactful coaches.
3. Learn the cornerstones for achieving long lasting results from coaching.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Executive Development Facilitator
AddingZEROS Executive Development

Monte Wyatt is a relatable realist who believes organizations and people can be intentional in how they lead, influence and manage their lives and businesses.

His purpose is to create workforce re-engagement that will end the lack of emotional connection with employers and organizations.

As CEO of AddingZEROS Executive Development, he enables organizations to retain and grow their workforce.  Monte brings over 30 years of remarkable leadership, business and personal development experience to executives and business owners to create emotional connections with their organizations and teams.

Monte’s drive is to increase the understanding and use of leadership behaviors. He accomplishes this through facilitating Strategic Thinking Execution Planning with executive teams. His process focuses on organizational and personal development with discipline.

Monte strives to bring clarity to how executives lead and manage their organizations. He does this through:

Awareness: Helping you see things that you cannot see in yourself and your organization.

Education: Bringing proven strategies in leadership and management, influencing up and down, hiring and training your team, strategic thinking and execution planning, communication adapting, business
and personal development.
Implementation: Assisting you in thinking through and putting the education into practice into your daily activities.

Discipline: Holding you accountable to your goals and the actions you commit to.

He gained his work ethic growing up on a family farm in Iowa. Monte’s work focus has gone from sowing corn to sowing seeds of success globally leading, managing and training teams.

Monte is proud to have been recognized as a Wall Street Journal and USA Best-Seller for his book “Pulling Profits Out of a Hat”, recognized in the 2022 Success 125 by Success Magazine, and as a Global Guru in Organizational Culture for 2023 and 2024. And he can wrestle a pig. They both get dirty. And they both like it.

www.addzerosnow.com

Our work culture tends to value quick and immediate certainty. The pressure to “agree and move on” can stifle collaboration and undermine trust. So how do we nurture a culture that allows for disagreement while still making progress toward our organizational goals?

Together, will explore the power of a culture of disagreement and the power of listening for differences. Guided by years of facilitating and leading, Gilmara Vila Nova – Mitchell will share practical ways to promote greater engagement and interaction on your teams.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the benefits of a culture of disagreement
2. Discover ways, we can promote more engagement and interaction on our teams
3. Identify one strategy related to navigating disagreement to try immediately at work

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Leadership Consultant
Sarah Noll Wilson, Inc.

Gilmara is a Senior Leadership & Development Executive with expertise in executive coaching. Gilmara has 25 years of experience designing and facilitating comprehensive leadership programs and 360-degree assessments, and integrating intercultural development principles to enhance leadership effectiveness across diverse teams in both public and private sectors. Gilmara’s work empowers teams to reach their full potential and align with organizational goals to deliver impactful results.

Born in Brazil, Gilmara’s interest in Leadership Development and DEI began when she immigrated to the United States. Her personal experiences as an immigrant, and a woman of color greatly impacted my perspective on inclusive leadership. Gilmara approaches her work with heart, honesty, and thoughtful inquiry, helping people create relationships and organizations that are inclusive, expansive, and deeply connected.

Gilmara holds a Bachelor of Multicultural Education from FUMEC University (Brazil) and a MSE in School Counseling from Drake University and has completed her doctoral studies (dissertation still in progress) in Organizational Development with a focus on trust in the workplace. Gilmara lives in Iowa with her family and is a proud mama of two incredible, strong, and fierce daughters.

sarahnollwilson.com

This presentation will focus on the importance of oral health by exploring common oral diseases and their relationship to overall health. Oral health and general health are inextricably linked.  For example, diabetics who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar which leads to more health complications and increased healthcare costs for employers.  We will focus on key points that Human Resource decision makers should consider when they compare dental insurance options for their employees.  Those with dental insurance are twice as likely to see a dentist in a year, compared to non-insured.  Lastly, common oral health self-help / home hygiene questions will be addressed.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Why is oral health important and how does it relate to overall health?
2. Dental networks, discounts and savings.
3. Dental prevention and trends in the dental industry.

 Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Chief Dental Officer
Delta Dental of Iowa

Dr. Jeffrey Chaffin is the Chief Dental Officer for Delta Dental of Iowa. Dr. Chaffin spent the first 21 years of his career in dentistry serving in the United States Army. He practiced dentistry at various Army bases around the world, worked in policy development with the U.S. Army Surgeon General and managed the TRICARE dental program for the Department of Defense. Dr. Chaffin also served as the President of the American Board of Dental Public Health, the President of the American Association of Public Health Dentistry and was the Dental Director for the Wisconsin Department of Public Health. All of these roles had one common theme – a focus on improving the oral health of the public.

Dr. Chaffin joined Delta Dental of Iowa in 2014. He serves as the Dental Director for Delta Dental’s Commercial and Medicaid business. He is passionate about developing public-private partnerships that help improve the health and smiles of all populations. He has been instrumental in the success of Delta Dental’s expansion of Medicaid coverage in Iowa. He enjoys family time, playing golf and traveling. For more information about his educational background, visit www.deltadentalia.com.

Jerk-like behavior in the workplace is on the rise. Just type “bad boss” or “toxic work environment” into Google and see what happens. Add our amplified focus on sexual harassment and hostile work environments–and you’ve got the perfect storm.

In this interactive session attendees will:

• Discover how jerks impact work
• Recognize the risks of ignoring jerks at work
• Understand our role in addressing jerks at work and obtain the tools necessary for addressing jerks operating both
• inside and outside of our department or organizations.
• Learn to build and align your business culture with your organizational strategy of No Jerks at Work (Harassment).
• Realize how each of us can be jerks

Jerk-like behavior hurts us personally and organizationally. And while we may never get rid of ALL the jerks at work– each of us has the power to not be one of them.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discover how jerks impact work and risks of ignoring jerk behavior
2. Understand our role in addressing jerks at work and obtain the tools necessary for addressing jerks operating both inside and outside of our department or organizations.
3. Learn to build and align your business culture with your organizational strategy of No Jerks at Work (Harassment).

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Solutions Advisor
BecomeMore Group

Jenn Peterson is a Solutions Advisor with the BecomeMore Group focusing on helping companies with their most valued resource – their people. She has over twenty-five years of experience in design, project management, leadership and sales roles that focused on aligning solutions to the needs of her clients. She leverages her experience and passion for working with organizations and individuals to level-up and be the best they can be through hiring top talent, aligning strategy, and building dream teams. She is a skilled facilitator and connects with people through shared experiences and stories – helping them along their own journey to becoming more.

Maggie Hanson and Katelynn McCollough successfully defended their client—a third party vendor responsible for sample collections—in precedent-setting litigation, Hampe v. Charles Gabus Motors. The remaining parties in Hampe are awaiting a decision from the Iowa Supreme Court, a decision that is set to further clarify Iowa’s complex private sector drug testing law. The case concerns a number of violations, including random selection, use of alternates, handling of samples during the collection process, and supervisor training. Maggie and Katelynn will discuss the possible outcomes of this case and how it may affect the drug testing landscape for employers and third parties across Iowa.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Confirm present requirements of Iowa’s drug testing laws
2. Review and discuss possible changes based on issues in Hampe case
3. Provide potential action plans for employers to utilize in drafting, revising, and implementing their drug testing policies

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Attorney
Dentons

Maggie focuses on employment litigation, employment practices liability insurance defense, and providing day-to-day and strategic advice to employers. Maggie’s ability to navigate both the business and litigation aspects of employment law makes her an asset to her clients.

www.dentons.com/en/maggie-hanson

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Attorney – Shareholder
Dentons

Katelynn is a litigator defending Iowa businesses on labor and employment and commercial litigation issues.

www.dentons.com/en/katelynn-mccollough

During this session we’ll review recent updates to Form I-9 and address many areas including common mistakes made completing Form I-9.  Additionally, we’ll cover corrective procedures if a self-audit shows you’re missing a Form I-9.   We’ll also discuss the step-by-step process of remote examination of documents. Next, we’ll review the Form I-9’s companion, E-Verify, and explain how to handle a mismatch case along with ‘good-to-know’ best practices.  We’ll wrap up the session with an exciting preview of E-Verify+.

Learning Objectives:

1. Accurately complete Form I-9 and lead Form I-9 self-audits
2. Enroll in E-Verify and develop comprehensive employment verification program
3. Fluidly resolve E-Verify case mismatches (tentative nonconfirmations)

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Management and Program Analyst
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services/ E-Verify

Dinora Pereda Garcia is an Engagement Analyst for the Verification Division at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security.

As a subject matter expert on Form I-9 and E-Verify, Ms. Pereda Garcia has conducted presentations to local, regional and national audiences that included corporate legal counsel, immigration attorneys, workforce development, human resources and payroll professionals.

Dinora joined the Verification Division in 2019 as a Customer Support Analyst and then moved to Account Compliance in 2021. Leveraging analytical skills and project management expertise, Dinora integrated traditional E-Verify compliance requirements with conceptual procedures that broadened deficiency resolution options with stakeholders.

Ms. Pereda Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Westwood College.

www.e-verify.gov/

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Management and Program Analyst
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services/ E-Verify

Keira C Brown is a Management and Program Analyst (MPA) for USCIS Nebraska Verification Operations Center. In her role as an MPA, Keira is a subject matter expert on educating the public on E-Verify, SAVE and the Form I-9. Keira volunteered to be trained as a Status Verification Officer where she processed SAVE cases to help reduce the backlog. Keira has an extensive immigration background from work performed as an Asylum Officer at the Newark Asylum Office where she adjudicated Affirmative and APSO asylum cases. In 2021, Keira volunteered to deploy with the DHS Volunteer Force (DVF) at the Southwest Border (SWB) to assist with the thousands of unaccompanied minors coming to the border. During deployment, she collaborated with Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) working in various facilities in PA, AZ, and TX. In the 10 months she was deployed, she served in multiple leadership roles including an Executive Team Assistant, Crew Lead, Virtual Case Manager, Sector Lead, and Deputy Field Manager. She also served as the Deputy Field Manager for the DVF Operations Allies Welcome (OAW) teams in NJ, VA, IN, WI, and NM. In May 2023, in response to Title 42 ending, Keira joined the Credible Fear Detail where she returned to her Asylum Officer role to process Credible Fear claims at the SWB. Additionally, Keira completed a 120 day detail in April 2024 as a portfolio communications advisor in Strategic Communications, where she prepared, coordinated and implemented communications plans and products for Verification programs.

www.e-verify.gov

The world is changing fast and organizations must evolve so they don’t become obsolete. But how do you create meaningful change and not just change for change’s sake? Learn how to identify the transformation your organization needs and how to get clarity on what it will take to accomplish it. Research shows that the majority of employees are ambivalent toward transformation initiatives, learn techniques to bring the organization along and leverage stakeholders to gain critical momentum.  

Learning Objectives:

1. How to identify the transformation your organization needs
2. How to clearly define the scope, outcomes, and measurements for the transformation
3. How to leverage relationships to gain momentum and create sustainable change

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Founder & Owner
Asplund Leadership Consulting

Jennifer spent over two decades at multiple Fortune 200 companies, including AT&T and RTX as one of the top 1% of leaders. During that time, she developed a love for leading people and driving transformational change. She understands the power leaders have not only transform organizations but also to transform the lives of the people they lead. She founded Asplund Leadership Consulting to help other executives lead confidently through transformation and unlock their team’s potential. As a leadership coach, she has the privilege to walk alongside leaders who are amid transformation. She works to ensure they believe in their ability to accomplish transformational outcomes while becoming better leaders along the way.

Jennifer is a diverse leader with experience driving transformational change to achieve exceptional results. She builds relationships and strategically collaborates with clients utilizing a broad perspective built in part from leading large teams in sales, customer care, and operations as well as driving several large-scale transformation initiatives. She has a passion for empowering employees to serve customers well and thrives on finding new solutions to address complex business opportunities.
Prior to founding Asplund Leadership Consulting she was Vice President of Operational Excellence at RTX. There she Led the operational excellence transformation of Enterprise Services to be a best-in-class, customer centric service provider for RTX across Digital, Finance, HR, and Real Estate services. Her team provided frameworks, data-driven insights, and exceptional customer experiences to form connectivity across domains to enable high quality results and increased adoption of services. She joined RTX after a long career at AT&T where she held over 15 different positions with increasing responsibility. At her departure she was VP of Mobility Customer Care where her team of 12k+ people solved customer issues and provided solutions to AT&T’s Mobility customer base. In addition to that role, she held leadership positions in corporate strategy, transformation, network planning and operations, and sales.

Jennifer resides in Des Moines, IA with her husband, their son Brooks and daughter Emerson and their dog. Outside of work, she is active in the community and enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with my family.

Today’s workforce struggles with a critical skill: Thinking.

We’ve all experienced it. Lots of opinions, with little basis for those opinions. Dumb questions — and yes people can and do ask dumb questions. Knee-jerk reactions based on the current emotional climate. A “I found it on Google™ so it must be true” frame of reference. And a propensity to hear something and immediately take action.

We might be consumers of someone else’s thinking (AI) but many of us are not using the grey matter between our ears. And that puts you and your organization at a competitive disadvantage.

So, whether YOU’RE the one not thinking, or YOUR TEAM isn’t optimizing their cognitive potential – at this workshop you’ll interact with the author of THINK.

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize how weak thinking is impacting organizations
2. Learn how organizational and leadership behaviors impact employee reasoning skills
3. Discover tools and techniques to overcome your poor thinking habit(s) to achieve peak mental performance

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Founder & CEO
BecomeMore Group

Tammy K. Rogers is a Master Facilitator, Storyteller and Author. She’s been instrumental in eleven business start-ups. She’s held Vice President titles in both Human Resources and Operations – and has had the opportunity to lead more than 200 employees in remote offices from Boston to Los Angeles and Minneapolis to Atlanta. Tammy has written five books, designed and developed more than 50 internationally distributed training programs, and worked with best-selling authors like James Autry and Bob Nelson.

Today, Tammy is best known for helping leaders experience “Aha” moments in order to develop new ways of thinking, new attitudes and new behaviors that transfer to the real world. And throughout Tammy’s 30+ year career, she has partnered with hundreds of companies – both large and small – to help them improve results through the building of people, processes and procedures.

https://www.becomemoregp.com

When communicating change at your organization, and specifically as it relates to aspects of the Total Rewards program, it is essential to focus on the employee experience.  You need a well-mapped strategy, focused on digital-design thinking and aligned with your tools that employees know best, in order to drive the most optimal experience. Doug Fields is a communications expert focused on Total Rewards and the employee experience, who will help you better understand the best thinking on connecting with your employees to drive a compelling experience.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Creating an effective communication strategy
2. Optimizing your digital tools
3. Reaching your employees in a way that delivers the most compelling experience for the most people

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Senior Communications Consultant
Mercer

Doug Fields is a Senior Principal in the Cincinnati office of Mercer. He has more than 25 years of communication experience and is responsible for strategy development and the implementation of large, complex organizational change and rewards communication campaigns.

Doug has worked on a broad range of communication projects involving organizational change, health and welfare benefits, health management and wellness, retirement program change, compensation and performance management, and HR branding, with a focus on the use of digital communications. He is also one of change engagement leaders for our client’s Workday implementations. Recent clients have included leading companies in the health care, financial, retail, and manufacturing sectors.

Doug is a member of Mercer’s Health Care and Insurance verticals, which focus on innovative solutions to support our many clients in those industries. He has won numerous awards for his communication programs, including a Gold Quill Award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and a Pension and Investments’ Eddy Award. Doug received a B.A. in English Literature and Government from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky.

Labor shortages are affecting industries across the board, presenting significant challenges for organizations. In this session, we’ll delve into strategies for enhancing employee benefits to attract and retain top talent while increasing employee engagement. We’ll also discuss key marketplace trends, compliance updates, merit adjustments, the evolving hybrid work environment, and innovative employee benefit solutions. Additionally, we’ll share best practices for employee engagement and communication, drawing insights from our latest 2025 employer survey.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how to design competitive employee benefits that attract and retain talent in the face of labor shortages and an evolving workforce demographic.
2. Gain insights into current trends, compliance updates, and effective strategies for managing employee benefits in a hybrid work environment.
3. Learn innovative approaches to employee engagement and communication that resonate with younger employees and support a strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP).

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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SVP
Holmes Murphy

Dr. Boychenko Stone serves as the Senior Vice President of Employee Benefits at Holmes Murphy & Associates, where she joined in 2006. A Ukraine native, fluent in three languages, she excels in implementing diverse employer-sponsored benefit programs. An active speaker on health care topics, Dr. Stone is also an adjunct professor at Drake University, teaching employee benefits to graduate students. Dr. Stone has a strong passion for lifelong learning and constantly explores cutting-edge solutions for her clients. Dr. Stone is a recognized leader, having received accolades such as the 2020 Emerging Woman of Influence, Business Record’s Forty under 40, Community Vision Award and others.

www.holmesmurphy.com

This presentation will summarize the IOCR’s investigative process in employment cases starting when a Complaint is filed, through jurisdictional review, preliminary case review, mediation, investigation, conciliation, and prosecution. The presentation will highlight tips for practitioners representing Complainants and Respondents before the Office, from the perspective of IOCR staff members. This presentation aims to assist practitioners in presenting the most effective responses to IOCR inquiries at every step of the administrative process.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the process and timeline for IOCR Complaints.
2. Educate practitioners on effective and ineffective advocacy before the IOCR.
3. Define the IOCR’s role at each point in the investigative process.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Senior Civil Rights Attorney
Iowa Office of Civil Rights

Jacob Bennington is a Senior Civil Rights Attorney for the Iowa Office of Civil Rights, focused on issues of employment, education, public accommodations, and credit. They have worked for the IOCR since 2021. In addition to their investigatory work, Jacob serves as Administrative Rulemaking Coordinator, Legislative Liaison, co-leads the IOCR’s intern program, and coordinates the training of new Civil Rights Specialists. Jacob graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2021. Jacob grew up in the Midwest and they have been an Iowa resident since 2014.

icrc.iowa.gov

In today’s dynamic work environment, the power of effective teams lies in the unique blend of individual superpowers, personalities, and styles. This transformative workshop, led by Elite Coach Lynsey Mulder, equips you with the essential tools to foster a coaching culture that drives success, whether you lead a large team or are an individual contributor. Through compelling real-life stories and practical insights, you will learn how to harness your leadership DNA to optimize team dynamics. Participants will leave inspired, empowered, and equipped with innovative tools to unlock the full potential of their own superpowers and those around them.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Cultivate a Coaching Culture: Equip participants with actionable tools and knowledge to foster a coaching culture that nurtures growth and development.
2. Boost Leadership Confidence: Develop unshakable confidence in recognizing and amplifying superpowers within your team to drive success.
3. Growth Zone shift: Discover the #1 strategy to transition from the comfort zone to

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Elite Coach, Keynote Speaker and Sparklife Connoisseur
Mulder Consulting, LLC

For the past 25+ years, Lynsey has partnered with clients to take their teams to new levels of success, and skyrocket their personal performance.

She has worked with everyone from big Fortune 100 companies to individual smart, successful professionals to identify their superpowers, align their values, get clarity on their destination, and develop a clear, step-by-step path forward.

Through coaching, training and speaking, Lynsey challenges leaders how to think differently to create high performing teams and drive a coaching culture.

Over the years, I’ve held many roles & worn many hats…

I’ve been a leader (C-suite executive, entrepreneur, and speaker) and I’ve been a nurturer (wife, mom to 4 high energy boys, and an elite coach) – so I completely understand how difficult it is to find balance and direction amid the chaos of day-to-day life all while leading a high performing team!

Lynsey brings energy, real-life experiences, stories, and strategies to her events, while inspiring participants to think differently and take action!

www.lynseymulder.com

Despite decades of documented recruiting and retention trends, trying to predict what is going to happen in 2025 boils down to philosopher Laozi’s famous quote: “Those who have knowledge don’t predict. Those who predict don’t have knowledge.”  Employers will likely continue to struggle to attract and retain talented employees in 2025. Although employee quits have trended down in 2024, our research shows that 38% of employees are likely to leave their jobs in the next year.  To maintain a talent advantage, we will cover five attraction and retention trends for employers to watch as they prepare their strategies for the coming year.  No organization is going to retain 100% of its employees, nor should this be the goal.  No organization is going to find the perfect fit for every open role, but the goal should be to meet candidate expectations.  We will discuss what good performance looks like for your organization and the degree to which you can sustainably improve from where you sit today.    

  Learning Objectives:

1. Understand key elements of what employees are looking for in this employment climate
2. Walk away with new ideas about what drives candidate interest to a new role
3. Walk away with new ideas about what drives employee retention

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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CEO
Percipio Workforce Solutions

Jim Roy is a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience specializing in workforce recruitment and retention strategies. With a passion for cultivating thriving workplaces, Jim has dedicated his career to helping organizations build and maintain high-performing teams.

Throughout his career, Jim has held various leadership roles in staffing and talent acquisition across diverse industries, honing his expertise in identifying top talent and implementing innovative retention initiatives. His keen understanding of the intricacies of human capital management has enabled him to navigate the complexities of today’s dynamic labor market successfully.

Recognized for his insightful perspectives and practical solutions, Jim is a sought-after public speaker on topics related to employee retention. Whether addressing large audiences or conducting intimate workshops, he brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to his engaging presentations. Jim’s speaking engagements are characterized by their actionable insights and inspiring narratives, leaving audiences empowered to enhance retention within their own organizations.

In addition to his speaking engagements, Jim serves as Chief Executive Officer of Percipio Workforce Solutions, a workforce recruiting and staffing organization. He is also actively involved in consulting projects, collaborating with organizations to develop customized retention strategies tailored to their unique needs. He is committed to fostering environments where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute their best work.

Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire where he laid the foundation for his career in workforce development. He continues to stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in the field, ensuring that his expertise remains at the forefront of industry innovation. He learns a great deal from his three Gen Z daughters who keep him abreast of changing views on recruiting and retention!

Whether advising Fortune 500 companies or startups, Jim Roy is dedicated to helping organizations build cultures of retention excellence that drive sustainable success.

percipioworkforcesolutions.com

Join me for an engaging and insightful session on “Leading and Motivating Through Goal Setting.” This session is designed for leaders and managers who are looking to enhance their team’s performance and motivation using effective goal-setting strategies. We will explore practical tools and techniques for setting and achieving goals. Discuss how to enhance leadership skills to motivate and support your team and provide a deeper understanding of how goal setting can drive team success. This session promises to be interactive, with opportunities for discussion, Q&A, and tools to implement goal setting strategies immediately. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your leadership skills and inspire your team to reach new heights!

 Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding of goal setting including research-based practices.
2. Setting SMART goals with your team members.
3. Exploring how to motivate and supporting your team members.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Assistant Professor of Management
Buena Vista University

Dr. Liz Kluver is a distinguished educator and expert in Business Management, holding a PhD from Capella University. With a robust teaching career spanning 20 years, Dr. Kluver has dedicated the last six years to shaping future business leaders at Buena Vista University. She brings valuable experience in HR consulting to her academic endeavors, allowing her to provide real-world insights in the classroom. Dr. Kluver is passionate about leadership development, striving to inspire and cultivate the next generation of leaders through innovative teaching methods and a commitment to student success.

LEGACY LEADERSHIP

Coaching best practices to help your employees navigate increasing complexity  

Presentation Description:      

Employees and leaders are navigating increasing expectations, pressure, and complexity in their personal and professional lives, and many are never “off the clock.”  Even the most resilient and experienced people are caught in the “ceiling of complexity”—working harder won’t reconcile ever greater   business demands with competing needs and priorities.  Leaders today are seeking best practices for maximizing results while helping their employees meet their goals.  This session provides tools and a fresh approach on developing staff potential and results while aligning diverse objectives—ultimately improving the work environment and quality of life for all.           

Key take-aways:    

1. 7 C’s of coaching to develop potential and maximize goals—personally and professionally
2. Integrating diverse needs, interests, and priorities
3. Confronting difficult situations with clarity, respect, and results
4. Eliminating the frustration of waste and rework with standard operating procedures
5. Accelerating a culture and legacy of accountability and leadership

 Learning Objectives:

1. Coaching tools to develop potential and maximize goals
2. Confronting difficult situations with clarity, respect, and results
3. Accelerating a culture and legacy of accountability and leadership

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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President
FocusFirst, LLC.

Lori’s is known for exceptional business leadership, management, coaching and consulting.  A three-time entrepreneur, she’s held executive positions in sales, service, and operations in Fortune 500 corporations.  In 2002 she launched FocusFirst, Inc. to bring right-sized solutions to organizations and individuals that are typically accessible only to large firms.  A recognized leader of entrepreneurship and leadership, Lori understands how to drive sustainable results incorporating vision, people and processes.

Always seeking best practices, Lori’s uncommon approach and expertise enables clients to achieve sustainable growth through practical, low cost solutions that work.  An unwavering commitment to the success of each client is evident through Lori’s unique leadership coaching, consulting, communication, and contagious positive attitude.

www.focusfirstinc.com

In this engaging and practical session, Leisa and Clarence will walk you through a proven process to calmly and effectively handle Q & A like a pro, no matter how tough the question. Reminding the audience that a presentation is any time you open your mouth, the audience will be reminded of basic presentation skills while walking through that difficult position in the front of the room when all eyes are on you.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Fielding Tough Questions
2. Physical Presence
3. Effectively managing Q & A

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Partner
Fox Growth Strategies

As an accomplished business development executive, I am poised to make a significant impact through my well-connected and innovative approach. With a knack for building communities and fostering long-term relationships, I thrive as a connector.

Throughout my career, I have consistently leveraged my extensive network to forge strategic alliances and drive collaborative initiatives. By staying at the forefront of industry trends, I bring innovative solutions to the table, empowering organizations to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

In my role as an association executive for over a decade, I am committed to building vibrant communities that foster growth and provide valuable resources. By creating platforms for networking and knowledge-sharing, I facilitate meaningful connections and empower professionals to excel in their respective fields.

I firmly believe that long-term relationships are the foundation of success. By nurturing partnerships and cultivating a sense of belonging, I create environments where collaboration and collective achievements thrive. Together, we can harness the power of collaboration to drive positive change and elevate our clients’ confidence and professionalism throughout their careers.

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Partner
Fox Growth Strategies

Deeply connected lifelong coach and business leader who thrives in complex, dynamic environments. His uncanny ability to recognize others’ talents and strengths equips him to connect the right people to reach goals never imagined. With more than 40 years of sales, business development, and executive leadership experience, his experience is unmatched.

 

We are excited at the opportunity to present on top legal considerations for 2025 as well as benefit trends and how the intersection of the two are best managed. This should be really interesting given the new president, AI, and healthcare cost innovations. Thank you!

 Learning Objectives:

1. Understand Emerging Legal & HR Trends: Gain insights into the latest legal developments affecting employers, including changes in labor laws and other human resources considerations.
2. Identify Common Legal Pitfalls: Learn to recognize and avoid common legal mistakes that can lead to costly litigation and damage to your company’s reputation.
3. Implement Best Practices for Compliance: Discover practical Human Resources strategies and best practices to ensure your organization remains compliant with current laws and regulations, minimizing legal risks.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Vice President
Cottingham & Butler

Julie previously held the role of Vice President and Head of Human Resources at Cottingham & Butler for seven years before joining the Employee Benefits division. In her role, Julie was responsible for driving the strategic vision for Human Resources and lead the function through double digit headcount growth and navigated challenges through COVID-19.  Julie has served as a member of the Executive Team, Benefits & Retirement Committee, and lead the Human Resources functions of Training, Organizational Design, Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting and Employee Relations.

Julie graduated from University of Northern Iowa. She spent time living in Boston developing her recruiting and HR generalist skills before moving back to Iowa in 2005. She spent over 10 years in Des Moines and has experience working in HR consulting and held roles in corporate procurement as well as HR Leadership in the financial services industry. She now resides in Dubuque, IA with her husband and three children.

www.cottinghambutler.com

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Assistant Vice President
Cottingham & Butler

Chris is an Assistant Vice President in the Employee Benefits Consulting Practice at Cottingham & Butler. Prior to moving into this role in the Fall of 2021, Chris served as Cottingham & Butler’s first general counsel from 2014 – 2021, where he oversaw all legal matters for the company of 1,000+ employees operating in 49 states. Before joining Cottingham & Butler, Chris practiced law in both Chicago, IL and Dubuque, IA focusing his practice primarily on business litigation matters and advising clients on labor, employment and general business matters including dozens of acquisitions and divestitures. Chris holds Life and Health insurance licenses in multiple states and maintains his Iowa and Illinois Bar Licenses.

Education:

• Loras College – Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: 2004
• University of Illinois Chicago School of Law – Juris Doctor: 2010, cum laude

Resilience is the key to navigating life’s toughest challenges, and it’s especially vital for those in human resources roles. This session will explore how to build and sustain resilience in the face of adversity. Participants will gain practical strategies to manage stress, maintain emotional strength, and practice self-care. Through expert insights and shared experiences, this session will provide the tools needed to foster inner strength, adapt to challenges, and thrive during difficult times. Join us to unlock the power of resilience and transform how you approach life’s obstacles. During his talk, Milan will guide participants on an inspiring journey of self-discovery, sharing his experiences of overcoming three chronic diseases by tapping into his intrinsic motivations. He will explore the critical differences between extrinsic and intrinsic motivations, introduce the concept of the Platinum Rule, and offer insights on how to be inspired based on your deepest motivations and focus.

 Learning Objectives:

1. How to build resiliency at work and in life.
2. How to manage stress and adapt to challenges.
3. Understanding intrinsic motivations and how to recognize their own motivators.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Motivational Speaker
Milan Motivates

Milan is a Professional Speaker who holds several certifications with Stanford University School of Medicine in Psychology and Human Behaviors for High Performance. Milan is the founder of Milan Motivates, a professional development and motivational speaking company that guides organizations in their journey to improve employee engagement and assist individuals in their journey to find joy, energy, passion, peace, and purpose in their work. Milan runs DisruptHR Madison & Milwaukee. He is a Dad, cyclist, coach, Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, and Storm Chaser.

www.milanmotivates.com

This training session equips employers with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify potential substance use disorders in employees, distinguish between casual substance use and a serious issue, and how to approach the topic with sensitivity and professionalism. Employers will learn how to have a constructive conversation with an employee about a potential substance use problem, as well as how to guide them toward the appropriate resources for treatment and support. This session aims to foster a supportive work environment where employees can receive the help they need while maintaining a healthy, productive workplace.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify signs of substance use disorder in employees – Understand the behavioral, physical, and psychological indicators of substance use issues in the workplace.
2. Distinguish between casual substance use and a substance use disorder – Learn how to differentiate between an employee who may be casually using substances and one who is experiencing a substance use disorder and identify when someone might benefit from resources.
3. Approach and support employees with substance use issues – Gain practical strategies for initiating sensitive, non-judgmental conversations with employees about potential substance use concerns, discuss resources, and provide guidance on how to connect them with support and other services.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Director of Clinical Services and Outreach
UI ARC

Kelsey Montross is a seasoned healthcare administrator with extensive experience in academic healthcare systems, particularly in the areas of clinical operations, business affairs, and substance use recovery. Currently serving as the Clinical Operations Manager for the Addiction and Recovery Collaborative at the University of Iowa, Kelsey oversees a broad range of clinical functions, including the Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) clinic, walk-in clinics, and hospital consult services. She plays a key role in collaborating with state stakeholders such as hospitals, prisons, and the Attorney General’s office to improve addiction recovery efforts across the state.

Kelsey has a proven track record of developing and implementing innovative clinical programs aimed at improving patient care and access to services. Notable achievements include the launch of a crisis stabilization unit, psychiatric intensive care unit, and new outpatient services such as a no-show clinic and a walk-in MAT clinic. Her expertise extends to fiscal and operational management, having overseen a $40 million professional budget at the University of Iowa, and she has played an integral role in securing funds from initiatives such as the opioid settlement fund.

A strong advocate for workforce development, Kelsey has hired, trained, and mentored numerous staff members throughout her career, ensuring teams are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive success. Her leadership extends to stakeholder engagement, policy creation, and accreditation processes, having led efforts for Joint Commission accreditation and the creation of rural psychiatry residency programs.

Kelsey holds a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor’s in Interdepartmental Studies, Business Track. She is committed to advancing healthcare services through strategic planning, fiscal management, and a patient-centered approach to care.

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University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative Director
University of Iowa

Dr. Alison Lynch is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. She is Program Director for the UI Addiction Medicine Fellowship, Director of the University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC), and she sees patients in the UI ARC MAT Clinic and MAT Mobile, where she provides care to people with opioid and other substance use disorders. She directs several grant-funded projects, including the UI ARC Bridge Projects which provides treatment, recovery support services, and resources to individuals with opioid or stimulant use disorder who are re-entering the community following a period of incarceration. She serves as Medical Director at Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC), a community-based substance use disorder treatment program based in Cedar Rapids, IA, and she is President-Elect of the Iowa Medical Society. Dr. Lynch is passionate about improving care for individuals who use substances.

Companies that cultivate high-trust environments consistently outperform their competitors by significant margins. Yet, many organizations underestimate, misunderstand, or entirely overlook employee trust as a leading indicator for business performance. Join Michael for an exciting journey where trust takes center stage! Live audience participation and hands-on experiments provide a visceral experience of trust like never before. Get ready to question what you know and discover the true essence of trust, opening a world of new possibilities. Trust isn’t just a game changer; it’s the whole game. Unlock the secrets of trust through captivating stories and research. Learn from the ultimate trust role models—dogs—to gain powerful insights that will transform your view on trust and give your business an unbeatable edge.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Findings from a long-term study of 100 well-known companies on the impact of employee trust on business performance.
2. The profound impact of trust as a first line of defense in the war for talent.
3. The single most important step to build a foundation of trust in any organization and the severe consequences of neglecting it.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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HR Innovation Fellow
UKG

Michael Puck is a business innovator and visionary keynote speaker; he enables companies to turn people-centric problems into competitive advantages. His diverse international background, 25 years of hands-on HR leadership experience, and passion for people fuel his role as the HR Innovation Fellow with the Human Insights Group at UKG.

Puck graduated from the German Air Force Academy. During his time in the military, he earned a degree in business and a postgraduate degree in economics from VWA in Essen, Germany. Additionally, Puck is a Senior Certified Professional with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP), a published author, 2x TEDx Speaker, and the President of a global animal-focused nonprofit that aims to save 1 million dogs by 2030.

www.ukg.com

Join us for an engaging workshop where we delve into the vital topic of hiring and retaining Veterans in the civilian workforce. Led by Matt Doty, who made his own successful transition from active-duty military service to civilian employment, this session will address crucial aspects such as understanding what a Veteran truly is, dispelling stereotypes, and exploring the myriad reasons why hiring Veterans can benefit your organization.

Key Discussion Points:

• Defining Veterans: Gain insights into the diverse experiences and skills that Veterans bring to the table, while challenging misconceptions to better understand their unique strengths.
• The Business Case: Explore why hiring Veterans is not just a social responsibility but also a strategic advantage for any organization.
• Tips for Success: Learn strategies for fostering a successful transition for Veterans in the civilian workforce, along with avenues for collaboration and support that can enhance the overall experience for both Veterans and employers.
• A Service-Minded Culture: Define key takeaways instilled from military service that can be applied to your
• organization, regardless of industry and team makeup. Matt will share his personal journey, highlighting the key factors that contributed to his successful transition. His story will serve as inspiration and provide actionable takeaways for businesses aiming to create an inclusive environment for Veterans.

Matt will share his personal journey, highlighting the key factors that contributed to his successful transition. His story will serve as inspiration and provide actionable takeaways for businesses aiming to create an inclusive environment for Veterans.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Working with Veterans: Understand how to effectively collaborate with Veterans in a professional setting.
2. Cultural Integration: Explore the positive impact Veterans can have on organizational culture across various industries.
3. Contributions to the Organization: Identify the unique skills and perspectives that Veterans bring to enhance organizational dynamics.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Owner
PTL Consulting, LLC

Matt is Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer of Weaton Companies in Fairfield, Iowa. Matt joined the organization at the beginning of 2020 following the completion of a military career in the Iowa National Guard where he held several senior leadership positions including Command Sergeant Major and First Sergeant assignments.

Matt has a Master of Business Administration degree (Strategic Leadership) from TUI University, a Bachelor of Business degree (Management and Finance) from Western Illinois University, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeant’s Major Academy.  He is married to Teneal Doty, and has 3 children (Maddox, Maren and Macie).  Outside of work he enjoys the opportunity to serve others through associations and charitable organizations.

He currently serves as a member of the Central Lee Community School District School Board, as the Vice Chair of the Leadership Iowa Board of Governors, and a commissioner of the Lee County Iowa Veterans Commission.

Matt is the owner of PTL Consulting, LLC where he speaks about his leadership experiences and advocates for the hiring of Veterans.

The most successful, innovative organizations thrive, because their employees eagerly contribute to their mission and goals, but a culture of high motivation and engagement doesn’t happen by accident – it must be built. In the midst of rising complacency, disengagement, and inconsistent performance, leaders need to not just encourage input an engagement, but also avoid unintentionally stifling, creativity, and innovation.

But too often, leaders either aren’t sure how to inspire idea – sharing or inadvertently placed team members in high – pressure, problem – solving situations without support, leading to a fear of mistakes and undermining their psychological safety.

 Learning Objectives:

 Through interactive exercises, real – life stories, proven strategies, Lisa provides tools to help leaders, refine their presence, amplified, motivation, and foster psychological safety.

1. Recognize Unintentional Barriers – Spot behaviors that may unintentionally suppress team, creativity, and risk – taking, even when intentions are positive
2. Demonstrate Practical Culture – Changing Methods – Understand the transformational power of motivation – focus actions, offering leaders actionable insights for culture change through real Dash world, “living in the lab” case studies.
3. Teach Motivation – Driven Strategies – Celebrate their current impact in adopt collaborative strategies to cultivate a motivated, resilient team, even in challenging dynamics, using simple, actionable steps
4. Foster Psychological Safety – Create safe, environments or team members can brainstorm, experiment, and learn from mistakes, fostering a growth – oriented and innovative team culture.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Author, Coach, Entrepreneur, and Leadership Keynote Speaker

As a healthcare operational leader overseeing a multimillion-dollar budget, Lisa Even learned firsthand that great leaders don’t wait for great culture to “happen.” They foster and build it. As a keynote speaker, she’s on a mission to help leaders happen to their teams—not the other way around.

Her keynotes go beyond inspiration—because let’s face it, inspiration alone doesn’t transform teams or the environments where they work. Instead, they deliver practical tools that empower leaders to roll up their sleeves, try new techniques, build resilience, and grow their skills in real time.

Through a blend of actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and research-backed insights, Lisa helps leaders evaluate their styles, analyze their teams, foster genuine connection, and drive meaningful engagement. The result? A workplace culture with a Good Ripple Effect that transforms teams and organizations.

With 15 years learning, refining, and sharing the “ripple effect” of leadership, she brings invaluable insights and strategies on topics such as:

•  Leadership
• Workplace/Team culture
• Engagement
• Wellbeing / Mindset/Happiness
• Emotional Intelligence
• Team Performance

Two main federal laws cover work-leave: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In addition, most employers offer some type of leave–sick, vacation, or paid time off. For employees with health issues, it can often be difficult for employers to correctly choose which leave applies in which circumstance. The purpose of this seminar is to address these sometimes difficult situations to give employers information on handling these types of leave requests.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Reviewing ADA v. FMLA leave issues.
2. Learning when to use paid leave along with federal leave.
3. Reviewing when disability insurance is added to the mix.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Shareholder
Brick Gentry PC

Matt Brick is a shareholder of Brick Gentry P.C. He specializes in labor and employment matters, as well as the representation of municipalities. Matt represents clients in state and federal court, arbitration and mediation, as well as administrative agencies.

As part of his focus, Matt advises employers on employee discipline procedures and assists with drafting, reviewing, and revising general employment policies, contracts, and affirmative action programs. Matt also works with employers on union-related matters, such as unfair labor practice charges and negotiating collective-bargaining agreements.

Prior to joining the firm, Matt worked for Vinson & Elkins, LLP in Dallas, Texas, defending and advising clients in a wide range of labor and employment issues. Matt has extensive civil litigation experience defending employees, employers, and public entities on matters such as wrongful termination, discrimination disputes, wage and hour cases, and a variety of other statutory and common-law claims.

http://www.brickgentrylaw.com

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Shareholder
Brick Gentry PC

Erin Clanton is a shareholder of Brick Gentry P.C. The majority of Erin’s practice is focused on the representation of municipalities. She also handles a wide variety of employment matters; performs general real estate work, including title examination and loan closing services; and assists creditors in their relations with debtors, both in and outside the bankruptcy realm. Erin also serves as the City Attorney for Nevada, Iowa, and provides assistance to a number of other Iowa public entities. Erin graduated from the University of Iowa in 2002 with degrees in English and Finance. In 2005, she graduated from Creighton University Law School and joined Brick Gentry as an associate. Erin became a shareholder of Brick Gentry in 2009.

http://www.brickgentrylaw.com

Troy experienced that which no father or husband should have to live through after a truck ran a stop sign crashing into the family minivan hospitalizing his three-year-old son, taking the lives of his five-year-old son and five-month-old daughter, and leaving their mother in a coma with a traumatic brain injury. Come along as Troy take the audience on an amazing journey of perseverance from tragedy and adversity to hope and healing. Mixing humor in a conversational style, Troy manages to make a deeply personal and unimaginable tragedy relatable to the audience delivering tears and laughter, as well as hope and healing. In Foster Resilience: Leading Through Tragedy Troy takes the audience through the real life leadership examples he experienced, and lessons he learned that fostered the resilience necessary to not only survive but thrive through unimaginable tragedy.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Provide enhanced and improved employee experience during traumatic times to better facilitate resilience and a return to work.
2. Understand and appreciate leadership behaviors that foster employee resilience.
3. Recognize and value the unique impact workplace leadership has on employees going through traumatic experiences.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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President
Carson & Claire Forever Foundation

Troy DeJoode is President of the Carson & Claire Forever Foundation. He speaks frequently on resilience, confidence in crisis, perseverance, family experiences during trauma, the miracle of organ donation, grief, and the importance of living in the moment.

Troy experienced that which no father or husband should have to live through after a truck ran a stop sign crashing into the family minivan hospitalizing his three-year-old son, taking the lives of his five-year-old son and five-month-old daughter, and leaving their mother in a coma with a traumatic brain injury. Come along as Troy take the audience on an amazing journey of perseverance from tragedy and adversity to hope and healing. Mixing humor in a conversational style, Troy manages to make a deeply personal and unimaginable tragedy relatable to the audience delivering tears and laughter, as well as hope and healing. Troy lives in Nevada, Iowa with his wife, Michelle and kids, Chase, Bretton, Dylan and Ashlynn, as well as their five dogs; Kota, Briggs, Daisy, Coal, and Sunny. He is Executive Director of the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, and a recovering lawyer.

www.carsonclaire.org

People who are neurodivergent bring unique skills, creativity, and perspective to the workplace, and when leveraged well, they can be incredibly valuable. Conditions like ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia are associated with strengths like problem-solving, attention to detail, and innovation.   But what happens when a leader does not recognize, and therefore is not able to, harness those strengths? A leader is the linchpin to creating the environment where people who are neurodivergent can thrive; however, a shocking number of people in the neurodiverse community are getting fired or quitting.   The call for authentic leadership, vulnerability, and the “should” and “coulds” of leaders are becoming a detriment to those with cognitive differences. Join us for a light-hearted, inspirational and motivating session as we redesign what leadership development can be in the spirit of universal design, to launch neurodiversity into the regard we know it to be. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Implement a Shift in Perspective: Understand the dissonance happening between authentic leadership and the neurodiverse community and apply the concept of perspective shifts to enhance strategic influence
2. Cultivate Strategic Leadership Qualities: Identify and develop leadership characteristics and skills leaders need in order to leverage the unique capabilities of people who are neurodivergent irrespective of their role within the organization.
3. Activate Innovative Competencies: Learn out of the box competencies to adopt an empathetic approach towards their colleagues, consumers, and themselves.

 Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Founder,Coach, Consultant
MAGNIFY Innovation and Leadership

Gina Brown, founder of MAGNIFY Innovation and Leadership, is a devotee and specialist of leadership, innovation and neurodiversity, with a record of success in delivering innovative business solutions. Throughout her career she has experienced the impact of leaders on innovation, engagement, and the overall employee experience. She has a passion for reframing leadership at its core and  helping companies and leaders reevaluate their leadership value. She created her company, MAGNIFY Innovation & Leadership, to focus on serving people who want to increase their capabilities in innovation, leadership, understanding & leveraging neurodiversity, and overall engagement.

Gina earned her undergraduate degrees in psychology and art from Wartburg College and her M.S. in Leadership Development from Drake University. The greatest classroom of all has been the 25+ years of experience and people she has met along the way. She is a certified coach and a certified Narrative Big 5 Professional. She lives in Ankeny, Iowa with her husband, three boys, and fluffy puppy named Mabel.

www.magnifyinnovationgroup.com

We are living in a chaotic world of change. Today’s world is changing at an ever-quickening pace. Join this engaging session to explore the art and science of achieving lasting change, equipping you with strategies to tackle transitions with resilience. Discover practical tools to not only adapt to change but to lead it. Understand the tricky emotional dynamics that change creates and how to navigate them.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate the impact of lasting change on organizational dynamics
2. Understand what causes resistance to change, and strategies to overcome resistance
3. Develop a plan to examine change and implement it at your organization

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Chief Learning Officer
LEAdeRNship Institute

Molly is a speaker, author and trainer of leaders. She believes that by intentionally intertwining the ongoing journeys of learning and leadership we can create better leaders and – Better Leaders = Better Lives.

Molly has over 19 years of business and speaking experience. Molly holds an MBA from the University of Iowa and a CPTD from the Association of Talent Development. She is  the author of the  “52 Powerful Reflection Questions” book series.

https://www.leadernship.com/

There is a benefit squeeze taking place and once that is understood and appreciated, it opens the door to many opportunities to enhance the effectiveness and appreciation of your benefits package. The accomplishment of this is achieved by benefit innovation and education.  The result is increased loyalty and productivity.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the impact of the benefit squeeze and the need for restoration
2. See how the employer can be a hero for hard-to-insure employees on a cost-neutral basis
3. Discover what employers are doing to retain their hard-to-replace employees and protect the company

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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President
Panorama Benefits Company

Mitch Johnk, MBA, CLU, ChFC, RICP, is a seasoned professional with deep roots in Iowa, where he was born, raised, and educated. He earned his BA from Simpson College and later pursued an MBA at Drake University, laying the foundation for a career spanning over 37 years in the benefit business.

His journey began as a college agent with Northwestern Mutual in 1984, shaping his understanding of the industry. Transitioning to the Principal in 1986, Mitch held diverse roles in marketing and product development, notably focusing on Executive and Business owner benefits in the Business Markets division. Joining the Des Moines Agency of the Principal in 1992, he co-established Total Financial Solutions with partner Jeff Dvorak in 2004.

In 2019, Mitch undertook formal training in Deferred Compensation, earning a Nonqualified Plan Advisor certificate from the National Association of Plan Advisors. This milestone marked a turning point, propelling him in October 2023 to divest a major portion of his individual practice to exclusively concentrate on the business market, cofounding Panorama Benefit Company with longtime assistant Ellen Betzer.

Outside his professional endeavors, Mitch finds joy in living at Lake Panorama in Panora, Iowa, alongside his wife, Kim. They share their lives with three grown children and two grandchildren. His leisure pursuits include golfing, boating, strumming Bruce Springsteen tunes on his guitar, indulging in movies, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

www.panoramabenefits.com

It feels like DEI training has let us down. Billions of dollars are spent on diversity training and yet we are left with three things. You have to be careful not to step on toes. You have to speak carefully so you don’t offend anyone. And if you are a white person, you have to sidestep what they say is an inherently racist culture. “Twenty-four questions” isn’t traditional DEI training, with a primary focus on what not to do. DEI expert Liz Nead pulls back from performative solutions to get to the bottom of what we really want to know. How can we include people, how can we learn from each other, what are the rules of the post “woke DEI culture?” In her talk, 24 Questions she covers,

• Why we can’t say certain things.
• Why are certain symbols such a big deal.
• Why it’s okay for others to make light of their diversity but you can’t say it.
• Why we can’t move beyond our differences.

Her presentation opens the door to the hard, yet simple questions, pulls back the curtain on rules for interaction we really want to know and creates the foundation for DEI rules that work for you in your personal and professional life.

 Learning Objectives:

1. Learning inclusive language without making interaction uncomfortable.
2. The functional DEI-friendly behavior list.
3. How to create functional DEI rules that will protect you in the workplace.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

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Owner-Nead Inspiration, Speaker
Nead Inspiration

Liz Nead is an adventure speaker, traveling the world and taking on challenges to find lessons of leadership, communication diversity and inclusion. A diversity speaker and researcher for over a decade, she specializes in common language and daily communication around race and cultural differences in the workplace. Liz uses a direct, humorous and vivid style from the stage to create opportunities for communication around differences Liz has also served as an executive coach and consultant for DEI challenges for companies like Paypal, News Corp, National Guard and YWCA.

Liz is a television host and author, writing several Amazon best sellers, most recently “The 1440 Principle.” She also won a regional Emmy for her television show, “Life Dare.” Liz balances her passionate work with a thriving family of seven, and husband of 20 years, a retired army major.