2023 Speakers

Founder & Managing Partner, The People Side

Candyce Penteado

Candyce has spent her career standing in front of full classrooms, and behind closed doors, coaching leaders at some of the biggest companies in the world. Whether you are talking with her one-on-one, or attending a workshop she is leading, she keeps you engaged and entertained.

Her wholehearted approach to navigating both work and life has inspired thousands of people to lead their life on purpose too. Candyce is the founder and Managing Partner of The People Side, a leadership development and executive coaching practice in Minneapolis, MN and is the co-author of the book Finding Your Z.  When she is not traveling for fun and work, she lives in Minnesota with her husband and their two teenage daughters.

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LinkedIn TopVoice, Responsible AI

Elizabeth M. Adams

Elizabeth M. Adams is a Responsible AI influencer recognized as one of Forbes "15 AI Ethics Leaders Showing The World The Way Of The Future."  For over two decades, she has studied the science of business and technology influences on society while leading large-scale technology initiatives for Fortune 500 companies and various government organizations. As a scholar-practitioner and a Fractional Chief AI Culture Officer (CAICO), Elizabeth has developed her expertise working with technical and non-technical leaders, creating alliances with leaders that translate theory into results.

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Health Care Leader, Advocate Aurora Health

Erin Werde

Erin has served as President of The Instinctive Advantage since 2012. As a Kolbe-Certified Consultant, she has introduced thousands of individuals to Kolbe Wisdom™. Erin continues to be inspired each day by the philosophy of “living within your instincts” — doing work that is consistent with your “natural way” of getting things done.

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RSP Lead Voice, Founder & CEO - Decided Heart

Hilary Bilbrey

Coach, mentor, leader, and curator, Hilary has been working with talent in various shapes and forms for the past 20+ years. From founding a podcast, hitting stages as a speaker, author, and coach to many - her depth and breadth of experience positions her to help you do the R.E.A.L. work. You’ll do it together and it will exceed the expectations you have – and the ones you don’t even know you have yet. That is how scary good she is.

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Founder & Sales Leader

Lisa Smith

Meet Lisa J. Smith, Founder and CEO of SMITH co. She is the premiere sales coach for Female Executives and Business owners. She believes true transformation occurs in your career or business when you shift your mindset about sales. She works every day through coaching, consulting, and training to create radical change.

She launched SMITH co. June 2020 as a “COVIDpreneur.” Despite the turbulent economic landscape, she reached six figures in her first year. Having spent 30 years selling B2B services in every economic environment imaginable, Lisa has gained a multitude of diverse experiences acting as a Director and C-suite executive to running her own business as an entrepreneur. She profoundly understands her client’s challenges because she’s been there herself and can provide the perspective and tools to unlock your potential and achieve exceptional results.

Project Manager, CSM, CSOP

Marliana Love

Marlaina Love is the Founder and CEO of Pipe Dream Ventures - a web3 venture studio and consulting firm dedicated to helping startups transform innovative concepts into fundable, viable businesses, bridging the gap between vision and reality.

As a seasoned entrepreneur with over seven years of corporate leadership experience, Marlaina has developed a reputation for her strategic leadership in steering high-profile, global, cross-functional software teams with aplomb.

Combining her multifaceted skills with her visionary leadership, Marlaina Love stands at the vanguard of the digital revolution, marking her indelible presence in the web3, blockchain, and XR ecosystem.

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eBusiness Strategy, Lipton

Natalie Gillquist

Passionate and strategic brand builder with a focus on results and equity impact. Recognized for thought leadership, ability to turn insights into action, and for delivering strong results.

Exemplary record providing vision, leadership, and executional excellence of marketing campaigns, new item launch plans, and innovative and shopper centric shelf presentations across numerous CPG categories and retail customers. Effective in leveraging and leading collaboration across multiple functions, developing strong and productive customer and agency relationships, and creating solutions and process improvements that deliver joint value.

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Owner, Founder, The NewMpls, North Market

Chaz Sandifer

Chaz Sandifer has been involved in health and wellness for the past 10years. Certified Group Fitness instructor and a Certified Master Trainer of CDC Diabetes Prevention Program. She started teaching free classes in parks to build a clientele and coaches over 200 women who are pre-diabetic and overweight.

Ready to take her fitness and wellness to another level she joined forces in 2015 and co-found Noir Elite Fitness. She was able to take her holistic approach to others in the community through health and wellness. Providing donation base classes throughout the community she was able to teach others how to break generational cycles and show that fitness is fun, nutrition is king and wellness is the key to a healthy future.

In 2017 she was given an opportunity to run the Camden Farmers Market for a neighborhood association. The market focuses on community, nutrition and wellness all wrapped up in one entity. She now operates and owns the market on her own and is looking forward to growing the market to a higher level. The market collaborates with local businesses and organizations in the community to do an annual Backpack Drive for kids going back to school. 2019 at the 3rd Drive they were able to provide 650 backpacks to students.
With numerous fitness classes, meal prep classes, diabetes prevention program and a Farmers market in tact she was able to step out and take her journey onward. Being humble and grateful for this adventure she now has found “theNEWmpls”.

Strategic Planning Sr Consultant, The Prouty Project

Adrienne Jordan

Adrienne Jordan is an expert leader with over 20 years of experience in strategy, planning and process improvement across a variety of sectors including corporate, sports, education, foundation, non-profit and political arenas. Currently, Jordan is a Senior Consultant for The Prouty Project where she creatively stretches leaders to achieve bigger goals, bolder strategies, and better collaboration through the unique Prouty Way of strategic planning focused on igniting, elevating and creating the extraordinary.

In previous roles, Jordan served as the Director of Project and Risk Management for the MN Super Bowl Host Committee for two years, Chief of Staff for the Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools for five years, and spent more than 12 years with General Mills, including with their Sales Division and Foundation / Community Action Team.

Driving positive impact in the community is important, and Jordan dedicates her free time to supporting causes that are special to her and her family. Jordan currently serves as a Board Director on governing boards for Lundstrum Performing Arts, Hennepin Healthcare Foundation, Her Next Play and WithAll. Jordan formerly served on boards or committees for AchieveMpls, Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, Girls Taking Action, Guthrie Theater, Phillips Eye Institute and WomenVenture.

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Founder, Catalyst for Conversations

Shelby Wagner

I am a coach, storyteller and creative, trained to listen for stories of asset and possibility. I am an expert at seeing the hidden potential in each person, and enjoy finding unique ways to help folks tap into their innate talents and inner wisdom.

I work with folks who are interested in exploring their values, definition of success and identity beyond what has been defined by the status quo. The tools I design help you gain clarity about who you truly are on the inside; helping you confidently answer the question, where am I headed next?

I'm currently working on publishing a visual journal to help folks explore their identity in a fun and approachable way. Due to this focus I am not accepting 1:1 clients at this time. Stay tuned for the anticipated journal launch date and more ways to collaborate this year! www.catalystforconversation.com

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Fractional CMO, Catapult North

Colleen Kranz

Colleen Kranz is a dynamic and innovative strategic marketing and growth leader with over 18 years of experience helping to elevate B2B technology brands. Having honed her skills in a variety of roles from startups to $300M+ corporations, she is known for her keen ability to navigate growth challenges and drive exceptional results, regardless of the budget size.

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In 2021, after an introspective journey propelled by the pandemic, Colleen made the bold decision to pivot away from her executive role in corporate marketing. Channeling her deep expertise and passion, she now helps solopreneurs, startups, and SMBs to build audience and grow through purpose-driven content, coaching, and consulting.

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As the founder of Catapult North, she offers a myriad of services, including one-on-one coaching, marketing advisory services, and acting as a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). In her unique role as a Fractional CMO, Colleen provides high-level marketing leadership tailored to the specific needs of businesses, helping to bring their visions to life while maximizing ROI.

Health Business Leader, Mercer

Gulsah Mattson

Gulsah Mattson is Business Leader for Mercer Health & Benefits. She has over 17 years of health care and group benefits experience, both in consulting and at an insurance carrier. Gulsah’s passion is make clients’ HR businesses better by offering thoughtful leadership and strategies.

She is dedicated to collaborating with HR leaders to optimize benefit offerings and drive cost containment strategies, passionate about enhancing well-being while delivering measurable results for organizations. Gulsah is also engaged in various organizations to bring awareness to DEI, supporting all women, but
particularly being a voice of immigrant women, helping underserved and disadvantaged communities to strive and thrive to make a difference.
She describes herself besides her leadership role at Mercer as a single working mom, immigrant from Turkey and Millennial.

Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, AvidEdge

Juliet Fox

Juliet's impeccable track record of 30 years of global experience in technology and a decade of successfully recruiting top talent have earned her the trust of many as a partner, mentor, and advisor. Her impassion for technology and commitment to building agile and responsive organizations make her an essential asset to both clients and technology leaders alike.

She holds a Master's in Human and Organizational Systems and has made meaningful contributions to her community as a county commissioner. In addition, she co-founded and actively volunteers for several non-profit organizations, including SisTech, aimed to support women and promote diversity in the technology landscape.

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Co-Founder Wile, Founder, Pitchwell

Julie Kucinski

Innovation + strategy. My work is dangerously effective, culturally attuned and deeply value-packed. Co-conspirator to entrepreneurs, founders, outliers and changemakers. Positioning, innovation, brand story & market opportunity are sweet spots. Let's find strategies and stories that build businesses & contribute value to the world. Recovering creative director.

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President, The Latitude Group

Hillary Spreizer

Hillary Spreizer is the President of the Latitude Group, a Minnesota-based IT recruiting company. She grew up in the industry and this company. In 2020, she took the leap and purchased Latitude from her mentor and the company’s founder. She is an owner, operator, and recruiter at heart. Hillary’s driving focus lies in enabling the success of Latitude’s clients, the candidates, and her internal team.

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Owner & Founder, Fierce Decorum Business Management

Tiffany Hoeft

Tiffany Hoeft is an Operations Consultant, Fractional COO, founder and owner of Fierce Decorum Business Management Agency, and mom of four. She’s spent the last 20-plus years working behind the scenes in businesses as a trusted leopard-loving side-kick. She helps high-level design agency owners identify, strategize, and implement solid business systems so they focus on their zone of genius while their business runs in the background. She loves implementing strategies that help CEOs work smarter and more intentionally and help them focus on creating a business that allows them to live the life they desire. Tiffany lives in Medina, MN, with her husband, Steve, 4 kiddos (Abigail, 15, Gavin, 13, Vivian, 9, and Grant, 7), and their Doberman, Rock

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Dir, Global HR & EEO Policy, Programs & Audit

Boston Scientific

Ebony Travis Tichenor

With more than 25 years of hands-on experience, Ebony’s background includes leading diversity programs and initiatives for workforce development that drive diverse talent acquisition, retention, inclusion, and awareness. She serves as a trusted advisor, mentor, and consultant to many of the employees at Boston Scientific to improve their leadership capability, team effectiveness, business performance, and accomplishing their personal goals. She currently works as Director, Global HR & EEO Policy Programs and Audit. where she provides thought leadership and strategic  direction for their global H.R. & Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policies.

She designs and implements training programs related to HR/EEO issues such as discrimination and harassment prevention, including global training programs. She is passionate about elevating and ensuring that diversity, inclusion, and equity are a priority throughout the organization. Equipped with a variety of skills, she loves making a difference - for it’s about the people. She wholeheartedly believes that people are what matters most in creating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Ebony is also a social brand and fitness Influencer. Loving and living life to the fullest everyday.

RSP Lead Voice, Consultant, Area VP

Gallagher

Erin Hargrove

Be honest. Create dialogue. Build relationships. Erin’s experience crosses several industries from Employee Benefits to Student Loans to Public Sector Communications. She has been recognized as an expert on Social Media as it applies to both personal branding and sales. Erin also has a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelors in Communications/Public Relations.

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RSP Advisor, Mktg Strategist & Founder - Vogel

Heather Boschke

Heather Boschke is the owner of Vogel Venture, a strategic marketing business with a mission to help organizations drive growth and engagement by leveraging marketing fundamentals while creating momentum through storytelling backed by data.

After spending over 20 years in corporate marketing, Heather learned how to connect consumers to organizations on the B2B and B2C side and across many different industries. She most recently worked for a small organization of 20 employees, where she realized the impact of partnering directly with owners and CEOs to quickly help businesses benefit from the power of marketing... which has fueled her motivation to make marketing easy for small businesses who don’t know where to start.

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Health Care Leader, Advocate Aurora Health

Jennifer Atkins

Jennifer Atkins joined Advocate Health in August 2021 and leads the strategic direction for its comprehensive payer program including managing payer relationships and negotiating contracts while advancing value-based programs. Prior to joining Advocate Health, Jennifer served as Vice President Network Solutions for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association where she was accountable for national network solutions, including high performance networks. Previously, she was regional vice president of provider solutions at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wisconsin where she had

state-wide accountability for provider contracting, network development and strategy. Prior to her time on the payer side, Jennifer served in various leadership roles in managed care contracting and operations for Mercy Health in Ohio and Kentucky.

She serves on the board of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless in addition to being President of the Board for Hope House, a nonprofit shelter and community service provider in Milwaukee. Jennifer holds an MBA from the University of Toledo and a BA in history and English from Bowling Green State University and resides in Chicago with her husband, Tim.

Health Care Leader, Advocate Aurora Health

Julie Koepsell

Julie has spent over 25 years at agencies and consultancies leading teams and partnering with clients to solve their biggest challenges. Her passion is transformation, driving positive internal change and helping clients elevate their digital experience, in the spirit of delivering results and making an impact. She is currently Chief Client Officer at CourtAvenue, an agency that helps the most ambitious companies accelerate their digital transformation. 

She believes the only way to be your best self is to be your whole self and thrives at the intersection of humanity and work. She loves to help others do the same and aspires to help women and girls find their inner badass and bring their authentic, amazing selves to the workplace and the world.

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VP HR, Post

Michelle Newman

Michelle Newman is an HR Executive and certified executive coach with a 25 year track record of leading life changing conversations. Through her work as the VP of HR at Post Consumer Brands, she has developed deep expertise in helping people navigate career decisions and accomplish their personal and professional goals.

She is on her personal path to Z by helping other people change their lives one letter at a time. Michelle lives on a lake in Minnesota with her husband and three daughters, and is the co-author of the book Finding Your Z.

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Workplace Mental Health Warrior

Natasha Bowman

Natasha Bowman is an accomplished speaker, author, and expert consultant with nearly 20 years of experience in transforming workplace cultures. She has been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice for Workplace Mental Health, a Top 30 Global Guru for Management, and Top 200 Voices in Leadership. Natasha has worked with a diverse range of clients, including Google, Forbes, Hearst Magazines, and Microsoft, among others. She is the founder and CEO of the Natasha Bowman Consulting Group, formerly known as Performance ReNEW, and a labor and employment law attorney.

Natasha is a sought-after keynote speaker for conferences worldwide and has authored three best-selling books. She is also the co-founder of The Bowman Foundation for Workplace Equity and Mental Wellness. Natasha's expertise is frequently quoted in national publications such as Forbes, Business Insider, and The Wall Street Journal. Natasha is committed to creating positive and engaging workplaces where every employee is truly dignified and valued for their contribution.

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Real Estate Broker & Founder IDEAL Properties

Kelli Johanson

Kelli Johanson – Founder, Owner and Operator of Fleetham Advantage, Inc. parent company to dba IDEAL Properties and dba IDEAL Maintenance. An Iowa native, Kelli comes from a long line of entrepreneurs who made their names farming the fields of north central Iowa. Her work ethic is farm-girl strong, as she learned from the best while witnessing her parents and grandparents labor the land. The desire to build, create and grow something is as much a part of her DNA as is her eye color. 

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Kelli’s love for numbers, coupled with her evolving passion for real estate inevitably merged when, approximately 20 years ago, she invested in her very first rental property. It’s been an IDEAL investment for her, and she’s since added a few more to her nest. Fast-forward a few years – with the experience she gained from having successfully bought, managed and sold several investment properties, Kelli found it only natural to obtain her real estate license and open for business. Since then, she has assisted hundreds of clients who have benefited from The IDEAL Approach. Kelli’s interests, passions, knowledge and experience have all blended to create a company that provides her clients with a service that mirrors her own personal experience in rental property investment management. Between her keen knowledge and vast experience, you’d be hard-pressed to find another company as well-suited to meet your rental needs.

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Kristen Brown Presents, Founder 

Kristen Brown

Kristen Brown is a virtual and live keynote speaker, energy mastery expert, leadership consultant, emcee, and bestselling author. Before starting her own company, Kristen spent 15 years in corporate leadership roles driving results for Fortune 500 companies across industries. This experience along with her Master's-level education and expertise in research give Kristen deep insight into how current trends will impact a company's future success and its ability to lead and live with power.

Plus as a multi-certified holistic wellness expert and widowed mom with A LOT of self-help experience Kristen can energize a team in multiple dimensions. Kristen was named one of the top 20 trailblazers in the meetings industry by Meetings Today magazine and has won several awards for her work as a bestselling author and speaker.

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Partner & Director of Recruiting, Scouts Talent

Susan Duerre Haugen

I’ve worked in the world of finance and accounting—in a wide range of roles—for over 25 years.  After a corporate career, I became a respected consultant and I now draw on that experience to work with other consultants - identifying talent and encouraging their strengths. I’ve become an ambassador for the gig economy, and I’m passionate about helping skilled accounting and finance professionals take control of their careers.  I have always been a natural connector, understanding what a client needs, identifying a consultant with that talent, and engaging them toward a common goal. I am actively engaged in local Minnesota art and culture and currently serve as the Treasurer of the Board of the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center. I am working hard to raise two curious and empathetic kids and try to see as much live music as I can.

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President & Founder, Foster Modern PR, LLC

Kirstie Foster

Kirstie Foster is an experienced communications consultant known for driving business growth at the intersection of brand and reputation. She has more than 25 years of experience in communications with executive roles at Fortune 500 companies and industry-leading brands.

As president and founder of Foster Modern PR, Kirstie helps companies create meaningful communication strategies to drive business growth through leadership engagement, brand trust, and social purpose. She works with companies of all sizes to engage employees, customers, consumers and society with leading-edge communications strategies though a variety of services.

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VP Wealth Advisor, Wayzata Bay Private Wealth

Stacy Kupsky

It is a deep-seeded belief that every person should live in financial freedom. Advocating for your financial well-being, I hold you accountable to strengthen your habits, align your net worth towards your vision. As a wealth advisor, I focus on getting to know you, creating your custom investment plan and outlining wealth management strategies that are tailored to what you want to accomplish. My well-defined process helps bring clarity and confidence around financial decision making and enforces stronger financial lives. People that work with me are typically less than 10 years out from retirement, high performing executives with complex compensation, business owners preparing for a transition, or families navigating inheritances.

Talent Collector, Global HR Leader

Erin Green

Results-oriented Human Resources leader with diverse experiences in: Change Leadership, Organizational Design, Performance Management, Training & Development, Employee Relations and Total Rewards

Industries: Industrial & OEM Product Marketing, Aerospace, Engineering and Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, Financial & Banking, Corporate Functions

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Co-Founder & Chief Client Officer, AvidEdge

Heather Lam

Heather is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience driving high-impact results in a range of industries including oil and gas, advertising, nutritional/wellness, pharmaceutical, and performance improvement. Her unique ability to drive collective, sustained breakthrough behavior change and execution of strategic initiatives has made her an invaluable coach and mentor to senior leaders domestically and internationally. Heather has a strong background in business development, consulting, marketing, public speaking, training, mentoring, and coaching and previously held leadership roles with a Fortune 500 healthcare corporation.

Beyond her successful business ventures, Heather volunteers her time with UpTurnships as an interview coach. Formerly, she served three years as a volunteer mentor with Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge. Spanning four decades, Heather’s side-hustle is as a contract on-camera spokesperson and commercial actress, with numerous appearances in regional and national print campaigns, television commercials, and industrial training videos.

Founder & President, Leadhership1, LLC

Susan Davis-Ali

Dr. Susan Davis-Ali is an industry expert on the retention and advancement of women. She is the founder and President of Leadhership1® a company devoted to helping professional women achieve greater Success & Sanity in their lives.  Susan is the author of the book, “How to Become Successful Without Becoming a Man” and she wrote a weekly career advice column for USA Today for several years.  She has also served as the Vice President of Organizational Transformation for AnitaB.org, the premier non-profit supporting women in tech.  Susan is a sought-after conference speaker on a variety of topics related to the business value of gender diversity and the advancement of women. She received her PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan and considers herself a huge data nerd.  She is a proud Cincinnati native, an enthusiastic football mom, and a life-long dog lover.  Susan and her husband live in St. Paul, MN.

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Founder & CEO, Ready. Set. Pivot. 

Wendy Wiesman

When you join RSP, you're signing yourself up to sit at a different table. The caliber of woman here is extraordinary, their convictions unique. It's not just that they speak their mind, it's the fact that challenging the who, what, when and why is innate to their being - often getting them into the good kind of trouble that got them to the head of the class to begin with.

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RSP experiences are designed to include small steps that drive action 

toward making positive career and life change. Our approach helps you discover what's next more quickly, while keeping you in control.

Join an RSP experience and already you'll be on your way to realizing

positive change. Enjoy added connection to overachievers like you too and resources that deliver added tips and ideas for growth.