Breakout Sessions (11:00-11:30)

Your StoryBrand Questions Answered: Q&A with Donald Miller

Presented by Donald Miller, Keynote Speaker & Clark Buckner

Ayers 4th Floor Conference Center

Join a live Q&A with Donald Miller, where he answers your most pressing questions about applying the StoryBrand framework to clarify your message and connect with your audience. This session offers practical insights, real-world examples, and direct guidance to help you sharpen your brand story and communicate with confidence.

From Classroom to C-Suite: Real World Leadership Lessons

Presented by Matt Jernigan, CEO of Ascend Federal Credit Union

Frist Lecture Hall

Explore practical leadership lessons that bridge theory and practice in this session led by Matt Jernigan, CEO of Ascend Federal Credit Union. Drawing from real-world executive experience, this talk offers actionable insights on decision-making, leading teams, and navigating leadership challenges beyond the classroom.

Power Moves & Real Connection: An Interactive Networking Experience

Presented by Jill Robinson, Assistant Dean of the Massey College of Business

Rogers Center Boardroom (4th Floor)

Build confidence and authenticity in your networking approach during this interactive session led by Jill Robinson, Assistant Dean of the Massey College of Business. Participants will practice practical strategies for making strong first impressions, fostering genuine connections, and turning conversations into lasting professional relationships.

Your Personal Brand Starts with Hello: An Interactive Workshop

Presented by Terri Hudson, Ardent Health Services

BMRC 100

Learn how everyday interactions shape your professional reputation in this interactive workshop led by Terri Hudson of Ardent Health Services. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, participants will develop practical strategies to communicate confidence, authenticity, and clarity from the very first hello.

Breakout Sessions (1:15-2:00)

AI & The Future of Work: How to Become Irreplaceable

Presented by Damian Seltzer, Center for Global Citizenship

BMRC 104

Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers—and what you can do now to stay relevant—in this forward-looking session led by Damian Seltzer of the Center for Global Citizenship. Participants will gain practical strategies for building uniquely human skills, adapting to rapid change, and positioning themselves as indispensable in an AI-driven workplace.

The Power of Professional Presence

Presented by Laura Witt, Parallon

BMRC 414

Discover how executive presence influences credibility, confidence, and career advancement in this session led by Laura Witt of Parallon. Participants will learn practical techniques to strengthen communication, body language, and personal impact in professional settings.

Intentional Networking: Moving from the Network You Have

to the Network You Need

Presented by Ed Magee

BMRC 210

In today’s dynamic professional landscape, the right network can be the key to unlocking new opportunities. This interactive session, led by Ed Magee, will equip participants with actionable strategies and tools for building intentional and impactful connections. Attendees will learn how to assess their current network, develop a personalized networking toolkit, and apply best practices for effective engagement and follow-up. By the end of the session, participants will be empowered to transform their networking approach, aligning their connections with their career aspirations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understand the difference between networking and community building

2. Learn to create a personal networking toolkit using tools like LinkedIn and networking trackers.

3. Develop strategies for maintaining and expanding a purposeful professional network.

Personal Finance for College Students

Presented by Tosha Price, Ascend Federal Credit Union

BMRC 109

Participants will learn how to obtain and use credit wisely, create a positive credit history and score, develop a budget and track spending.

Communication Skills to Power Your Career

Presented by Ashley Ledrick and Erin Taylor, CAT Financial

BMRC 203

Strengthen the communication skills that fuel professional growth in this practical session presented by CAT Financial. Participants will learn how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose to build credibility, collaborate effectively, and advance their careers.

Who You Are is How You Lead: Unleashing Authentic Influence

Presented by Dean Randy Bradley

BMRC 103

Explore how self-awareness and authenticity shape effective leadership in this reflective session led by Massey College of Business Dean Randy Bradley. Participants will uncover how their values, strengths, and personal experiences influence their leadership style—and how leading from who they truly are can inspire trust and meaningful impact.

Entreprenuerial Mindset

Presented by Dr. Mark Schenkel, Cone Center for Entrepreneurship

BMRC 204

Developing an entrepreneurial mindset is more than learning the steps to start a business. In fact, it has little to do with that. This session will explore the set of attitudes/skills that help you have an entrepreneurial mindset. Let’s explore why employers want you to think like an entrepreneur, and identify can you can do to enhance covered traits such as making the most of opportunities, framing failure in the right context, and boosting your creativity and resilience in the face of challenges.

Breakout Sessions (2:15-3:00)

Ted Lasso Leadership Lessons

Presented by Brian Lowenthal, Mindset 4 Success

BMRC 103

In this session we will explore leadership through the lens of Ted Lasso. Guided by seasoned leadership advisor Brian Lowenthal, participants will learn how Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, uses John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success to demonstrate inspiring themes of optimism, teamwork, character, and resilience. This workshop will enable you to develop and use these same practices in your life. Drawing from decades of experience advising global organizations, from Starbucks to JP Morgan Chase, Brian will share practical tools and insights to help you lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart.

Global Skills That Matter: Understanding Your Cultural Intelligence

Presented by Dr. Alexey Semenov

BMRC 203

In an increasingly interconnected world, cultural intelligence is a must-have skill for future leaders and professionals. This engaging and interactive session will help you uncover what cultural intelligence is, why it is essential, and how it can set you apart in your career. Whether you are preparing to work with multicultural teams, studying abroad, or navigating a globalized job market, this workshop will equip you with practical tools to understand and adapt to different cultures. Join us to learn how developing Cultural Intelligence can boost your career success and make you a standout candidate in any industry!

Key Takeaways:

1. Understand Cultural Intelligence: Learn what Cultural Intelligence is and why it is a critical skill for future leaders and global professionals.

2. Enhance Adaptability: Discover strategies to navigate and succeed in multicultural teams and workplaces.

3. Boost Career Readiness: Gain insights into how Cultural Intelligence can make you a more attractive and effective candidate in the global job market.

This session will leave you inspired and empowered to develop the global skills that truly matter for your future!

Building Your Moral Muscle Through Ethical Intelligence

Presented by Thor Wasbotten, Kennedy Center for Business Ethics

BMRC 204

Leadership is the practice of leading others as individuals or in team or organizational settings--it is an outwardly endeavor. Ethical Intelligence looks within and comprises moral character, responsibility, reasoning, and compassion—all areas that help a leader cultivate their own ability to lead well. Let's explore how through self-reflection, integrity, and intentionality, we become better leaders when we better understand ourselves.

Personal Finance for College Students

Presented by Tosha Price, Ascend Federal Credit Union

BMRC 109

Participants will learn how to obtain and use credit wisely, create a positive credit history and score, develop a budget and track spending.

Will AI Take My Job (That I Don't Even Have Yet)?

Presented by Glean

BMRC 104

Is AI poised to steal your future? Or will it supercharge your next career move? In this presentation, you’ll uncover which roles are most at risk of being automated away, and how to stay ahead of obsolescence in a world where human ingenuity remains a premium. Come discover how AI will either be your greatest ally – or it will replace you.

Beyond the Punchline: Humor as a Business Skill

Presented by Dr. Cate Loes

BMRC 100

Discover how humor can be your secret weapon in the business world – no comedy experience required. Learn practical, low-risk ways to incorporate appropriate levity into your daily work interactions, from crafting engaging emails to building rapport with colleagues. This session will show you how a well-timed smile or self-deprecating comment can break tension, build connections, and make you more memorable in professional settings. You will leave with simple techniques to bring authentic lightness to your workplace interactions.