Your Next BIG
2-day SCHEDULE
JOIN Us June 19th & 20th
Ohio Dominican University
1191 Sunbury Rd. Columbus, OH43219
Stay tuned for updates…
We have 2 days packed full of 25+ speakers and ongoing panels.
JOIN US JUNE 19th & 20th at the Ohio Dominican University
1191 Sunbury Rd. Columbus, oh 43219 (GRIFFIN STUDENT CENTER)
Day 1 – Thursday, June 19th #Juneteenth
7:30am – 8:30am
Main Hall
Registration, Coffee, Danishes and Vibes by DJ Dayna Sol!
8:30am – 8:50am
Main Hall
Opening Statements, My 1st 30 days Scaling my 1st company
By Hannah Gleason, Host & Founder, Your Next BIG
I'm so excited for this event! I'll share with you how I began 10 years ago, as a bootstrapping machine to move along to the successful growth & scaling I've done to make it to 10 years this year, and several companies under my belt. This event is truly a gift from me! I want to inspire you, network and create a space for you to get creative & collaborate...to create Your Next BIG (insert dream) Entrepreneur Success!
9:00am – 9:50am
MAIN HALL
By Will Burrus, Visionary Technology Executive and Entrepreneur, Expeed Software
As AI and emerging technologies rapidly reshape industries, traditional skillsets are no longer enough. In this keynote, Will Burrus explores how the entrepreneurial mindset—rooted in adaptability, ownership, and creative resilience—is becoming the new competitive edge. He unpacks how disintermediation is transforming work itself, and why thinking like an entrepreneur is essential for thriving in a future where mindset matters more than mastery.
9:00am – 9:50am
INNOVATION ROOM - PANEL
By Cyrys Richardson, Event Coordinator, Film Producer, Screen Writer, Community Leader, 12 Stones Production
Sean Anthony, CEO, Sean Anthony School of Performing Arts
This panel discussion brings together successful creative entrepreneurs who have mastered the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability. Our diverse panelists will share their journeys of transforming passion projects into profitable ventures, exploring practical strategies for monetizing creative work without compromising vision. Attendees will gain insights into building sustainable business models in the creative economy, accessing funding opportunities specific to artists, developing multiple revenue streams, and effectively marketing unique creative offerings. Whether you're a visual artist, performer, designer, or content creator, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on navigating the intersection of creativity and commerce in today's marketplace.
10:00am – 10:50am
MAIN HALL
The Fire Within: How Purpose Became the Catalyst for Everything
By Jennifer Bleen, President, Peer to Peer, LLC (Matrix Intelligence, Legacy Rescue, Learn Practice Pass)
What drives a leader when the titles fade and the accolades fall short? For Jennifer Bleen, it was the realization that something vital was missing: purpose—not as a concept, but as a calling. In this emotionally resonant keynote, you’ll journey through the vulnerable, behind-the-scenes story of finding a Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP), and the seismic ripple it created through life and business. More than inspiration, this session offers a framework for finding your fire—and channeling it into a scalable business vision. If you've ever felt the quiet nudge that there’s more for you, this talk is your signal to listen. Unleasher of Human Creativity. Exponential Growth Enabler. Profitability Optimizer.
10:00am – 10:50am
INSPIRATION ROOM
Brain-Friendly Business: From Chaos to Clarity Sustainable Systems & Energy Mastery for ADHD Entrepreneurs
By Christine Kotik, PCC, NBC-HWC
ADHD Coach | Speaker | Advocate for Human Potential, CK ADHD Coaching & Consulting LLC
Ever feel like running your business is a never-ending game of whack-a-mole—juggling ideas, fighting distractions, and ending each day more exhausted than when you started? If you have an ADHD brain, you’re not alone… and you’re not broken. In this down-to-earth, interactive session, ADHD coach and business strategist Christine Kotik shares what actually works for entrepreneurs who think differently. Forget the one-size-fits-all productivity hacks that never seem to stick. Instead, you’ll get real talk about why those tips miss the mark for ADHD minds, and discover smarter, kinder strategies that play to your strengths. Christine will show you how to build systems that make focus, follow-through, and flow feel possible (even on tough days). You’ll learn how to work with your natural energy, not just your calendar, so you can keep burnout at bay and your business moving forward. You’ll leave with practical tools to organize your day, prioritize what matters, and finally capture those big ideas before they slip away. Most importantly, you’ll walk out knowing your brain isn’t the problem.. it’s your secret weapon! Let’s build a business that lets it shine.
11:00am – 11:50am
MAIN HALL
Leading While Building: The Mindset, Mistakes, and Moves That Matter Most
By Christopher Thompson, Leadership Coach, Culture Catalyst, Keynote Speaker, People Developer, Change Facilitator, CORE Inclusive Consulting LLC
Whether you're scaling a side hustle or driving change from within, this session delivers practical insights on how to lead while building. Coach Chris shares real-world lessons on mindset, common missteps, and the strategic moves that turn small starts into big impact. Perfect for micropreneurs and intrapreneurs ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
11:00am – 11:50am
INSPIRATION ROOM
Branding After the Exit
By, Tia Whittney, Ramey Marketing, LLC, Chief Digital Communications Strategist
Maintaining Public Trust: Branding post-exit helps preserve credibility and public trust. By communicating achievements, learnings, and values clearly, stakeholders continue to view the organization as reliable and transparent. Legacy and Continuity: A strong post-exit brand reinforces the legacy of the work completed and sets the tone for future collaborations or endeavors. It ensures that key accomplishments are not forgotten but are celebrated and associated with the organization. Stakeholder Engagement: Even after the official closure, keeping stakeholders engaged through branding—via reports, social media, or thought leadership—can lead to renewed partnerships and referrals. Positioning for the Future: Branding after an exit positions the organization or team members for future roles, contracts, or projects. It demonstrates professionalism, reflection, and readiness for the next phase. Managing Perception: The post-exit period is often when narratives are formed. Taking charge of the story through strategic branding avoids misinformation and presents a controlled, positive image.
12:00am – 1:00pm
MAIN HALL
LUNCH, Relax & Network + DJ Dayna Sol remix music!
There are plenty of beautiful areas outside the venue to sit or walk around the beautiful campus, + tables inside. There is also pool tables & shuffleboard 
Roasted Vegetable Wrap, Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap, and Club Sandwiches. Assorted Cookies, Fresh Fruit Salad, Tossed Salads with your choice of dressings, and we have to have Potato Chips!
1:00pm – 1:50pm
MAIN HALL - Panel
Everything Starts Small Before It Becomes BIG – Bootstrapping
Moderator, Hannah Gleason, Entrepreneur | Your Next BIG | Imprescient | It’s Just Launch! | ArtNewCo.
Lynn Buchinsky, Serial Entrepreneur | Manager, Westen Ideation Lab | Community Leader
Eric Wagner, Serial Entrepreneur | Founder & CEO, Ubihere
This panel highlights the gritty and rewarding path of building businesses from the ground up through bootstrapping. Founders will share how they started with limited funds, the trade-offs they made to sustain momentum, and how they turned early setbacks into stepping stones. They’ll open up about real challenges—loneliness, burnout, lack of credibility, scaling without capital, and navigating uncertainty. Beyond their own stories, panelists will also reflect on common hurdles faced by the early-stage entrepreneurs they’ve mentored: confusion over pricing, undervaluing time, fear of selling, and struggling to build a team on a tight budget. The session will offer raw, tactical insights and encouragement for anyone starting small.
1:00pm – 1:50pm
Innovation Room - Part 1
How to Team With AI: Getting Greater Value from the AIs You Use
By, MJ Lindeman, PhD. CEO, Team with AI
Your competitors are mostly using AI to answer questions, write emails, and summarize reports. You're about to leave them in the dust. Those are Level 1 and 2 mindsets for interacting with AI. Being stuck in Level 1 and 2 limits thinking about generative AI to treating them as intelligent assistants. Meanwhile, the companies that will dominate the next decade are beginning to use Levels 3 and 4, with the AI as collaborator or partner. You can jump to Level 5, using AI as a catalyst for breakthrough thinking that creates competitive advantages no one else can replicate. I'll show you how I transformed my relationship with AI from assistant to mutual mentoring. We're talking about the difference between asking AI to analyze your market and having AI help you see market patterns that reshape your entire business model. Different types of problems—from straightforward market analysis to those complex, interconnected challenges that don't have clear solutions—require completely different AI interaction strategies. QuestionCraft™ is one of those strategies. When you nail mutual mentoring, you don't just work faster. You start seeing opportunities and solutions that weren't visible before. Your strategic thinking gets sharper. Your innovation process accelerates. Your competitive positioning becomes clearer. Whether you're launching new products, reinventing operations, or navigating industry disruption, you'll know you can turn AI into your secret weapon for thinking that your competition can't match.
2:00pm – 2:50pm
GROWTH ROOM - Part 2, TECHNICAL WORKSHOP
Seeing Around Corners – Using AI to Identify Hidden Risks
By, MJ Lindeman, PhD. CEO, Team with AI
There is an old saying about software, "Garbage in, garbage out." This applies even more to AI systems because they use probabilities rather than definitions to interpret the words used in a prompt. In this hands-on technical workshop, participants will master the RCF-TCF framework(Role, Context, Frame, Task, Constraints, Final Check) for communicating complex situations toAI systems. The example exercise during the workshop is drafting the prompt to an AI for a comprehensive risk analysis. The goal for the AI is to identify different types of risks, including hidden risks and second-order consequences. Using a paper template, attendees apply the systematic process we discuss to a real situation in their personal or work environments. Each attendee will leave with (1) the outline prompt they started for their specific situation, and (2) the evaluation criteria for assessing AI responses. This session is perfect for early-stage founders, entrepreneurs considering change, and corporate innovators.
2:00pm – 2:50pm
MAIN HALL - pANEL
From Lab to Market: Scaling Healthcare Tech Against All Odds
By: Jeff Spitzner, PhD. CEO & Founder Panomatrix
Mo Abouelsoud, CEO/Founder, U: The Mind Company
Sam Khozin, MD, Managing Partner, MoodyKhozin – Expert Healthcare Strategists
Brent Toto, CEO, Pavaka Wound Care, LLC
How do you build and scale a healthcare technology company when regulations are complex, costs are astronomical, and clinical validation takes years? Navigate the journey from research to real-world healthcare solutions. What you'll learn: Funding strategies when your runway needs to be longer than most startups Regulatory navigation without losing your sanity or your savings Clinical validation on a budget (yes, it's possible!) Partnership strategies that can accelerate your path to market Scaling decisions - when to bootstrap vs. when you NEED big capital Real talk about failures, pivots, and what they wish they'd known.
3:00pm – 3:50pm
MAIN HALL
Legacy in Motion: Multicultural Marketing, Building Iconic Brands, and Attracting A-List Clients
By, C. Sunny Martin, President & CEO, C. Sunny Martin & Associates and Mahogany Magazine
What does it take to build the largest minority-owned publishing firm in America, work with over 60 Fortune 500 brands, and be honored by four U.S. Presidents? Vision. Grit. Cultural intelligence. And a relentless commitment to excellence. In this dynamic and inspiring session, C. Sunny Martin shares the remarkable journey of growing a multimillion-dollar publishing empire that operated coast-to-coast in 27 major cities—producing 64 upscale publications that highlighted the achievements of diverse leaders across industries. Learn how a deep understanding of multicultural marketing not only fueled creative content and community engagement, but also opened doors to partnerships with major brands like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Lexus, AT&T, and Nationwide. With decades of experience at the intersection of culture and commerce, [Speaker Name] now mentors and coaches entrepreneurs and small business owners to master the art of elite marketing and sales strategies—particularly those that speak authentically to diverse audiences. Attendees will walk away with: Proven strategies to attract A-list clients through purpose-driven, culturally aware branding Lessons in building a business that resonates across communities and commands national attention A call to action to live boldly, build legacy, and elevate your brand through inclusive, impactful storytelling Whether you're a marketer, founder, or changemaker, this session will inspire you to lead with authenticity, connect with culture, and scale with vision.
3:00pm – 3:50pm
INSPIRATION ROOM
Confidence Trap
By, Mary McCarthy, Co-Founder and President/CEO, Women’s Small Business Accelerator, Inc.
Mary McCarthy, Founder/President & CEO, has 20+ years of experience as an entrepreneur and sixteen years as the owner and founder of YMT Consultants, Inc., a business consulting and development firm that helps existing businesses grow past the million-dollar revenue mark. McCarthy has extensive experience helping business owners develop ideas, coordinate funding plans, increase revenue, and create jobs. McCarthy co-founded the Women’s Small Business Accelerator in 2012 training and mentoring over 2,000 women business owners from concept through seven figures through training, mentoring, and connections. In 2002, she co-founded Accelerating Angels an angel fund investing in high-growth, female led businesses. McCarthy is on the Minority Finance Business Advisory Board (appointed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine), is a founding member of the Ohio Women’s Coalition, an Ohio state-wide advocacy group, and sits on the National Association of Women Business Owners Columbus chapter advisory board.
3:00pm – 3:50pm
COLLABORATION ROOM
Why Every Business Needs a Scalable Omnichannel Ecommerce Strategy: From Micropreneurs to Established Enterprises
By, JuliAnn Crafton, Entrepreneur & CEO JCC, Unlimited
In today’s digital economy, an ecommerce arm is essential for businesses of all sizes to stay competitive, reach new customers, and drive growth. This talk will show why every business—from micropreneurs to traditional retailers and service providers—needs an online presence and how to build a scalable omnichannel ecommerce strategy that delivers results. Attendees will learn a step-by-step framework to launch and grow an ecommerce arm, tailored to their business type, using affordable tools and platforms like Shopify, Instagram, and Amazon. Through real-world examples, practical tips, and insights into 2025’s ecommerce trends (e.g., social commerce, AI personalization), this session will equip entrepreneurs with the “how-to” they need to succeed in a crowded market.
4:00pm – 5:00pm
MAIN HALL
LIVE JAZZ BAND, Appetizers & Cocktails #JUNETEENTH
By, WILLIAM BRADY & The Special Order Band
Introducing William Brady (a friend of mine!) & The Special Order Band! They believe live music is the universal relief for all. Live music provides entertainment that brings people and communities together while stimulating mental health and emotional well-being. The mission of the band is to broaden the reach of music lovers & create a positive vibe to grow each others businesses! Mr. Brady plays a large role in our community, also providing awareness & support to the mental health missions we have here locally. He and his band members truly are inspirations!usinesses!
Day 2 – Friday, June 20th #TGIF
7:30am – 8:30am
Main Hall
Registration, Coffee, Danishes and Vibes by DJ Dayna Sol!
8:30am – 8:50am
Main Hall
Opening Statements, What can you achieve in your next 30 days from today?
By Hannah Gleason, Host & Founder, Your Next BIG
I'm so excited for this event! I'll share with you how I began 10 years ago, as a bootstrapping machine to move along to the successful growth & scaling I've done to make it to 10 years this year, and several companies under my belt. This event is truly a gift from me! I want to inspire you, network and create a space for you to get creative & collaborate...to create Your Next BIG (insert dream) Entrepreneur Success!
9:00am – 10:00am
MAIN HALL - KEYNOTE
Discovering Your Sociopsychonomic Filter: How Entrepreneurs Can Know Themselves and Their Target Audience Much Better
By, Lawrence Funderburke, Former Player in the NBA, Author, Founder, President, and Certified Financial Planner, Funderburke Institute of Financial Empowerment (F-I-F-E) and Lawrence Funderburke Youth Organization
Are there distinct differences in how social classes think, act, and behave financially? What about within a given social class — generational, situational, and functional subsets — how do we respond when dealing with fortuitous blessings or economic hardships? Your entrepreneurship journey is likely a reflection of or in stark contrast to your socioeconomic narrative in childhood (aka your monetary script). “Take control of your own financial future!” “Be sure to get a safe and secure job with a guaranteed pension.” But how does your Sociopsychonomic filter impact the daily interactions you have with potential clients or current customers? Whether you’re a penny-pinching or capital-spending business owner, your habits are an extension of or a steep departure from those formative years discussing (or being disgusted by people with a lot of) money. In this riveting presentation, participants will learn ... *How Sociopsychonomics can help you connect behavioral finance theories with proven neuroscience concepts in a tactical and practical manner to improve your engagement efforts with clients across the economic spectrum. *Why Sociopsychonomics can help you build rapport with customers, enhance trust with community partners, and expand untapped business opportunities. *What social class hangups are holding you back from achieving financial freedom, business stability, and legacy wealth as seasoned (or newbie) entrepreneurs.
About Lawrence Funderburke, MBA and CFP
Lawrence Funderburke (aka Mr. Fundy) is perhaps best known for his exploits on the basketball court. After the NBA, his life’s purpose became much more richer and clearer as a bridge-building specialist.
A prolific writer and thought leader, Lawrence has written several books, including Sociopsychonomics, Momentum Power Play, and The Stewardship Playbook. He is well-versed in addressing the issues that confront today’s entrepreneurs, and can make a heart-to-heart connection with any demographic.
Lawrence and his wife Monya operate the Funderburke Institute of Financial Empowerment (F-I-F-E) and their non-profit arm, the Lawrence Funderburke Youth Organization (LFYO). They have two young adult children. Please visit www.MrFundy.com for more details.
10:10am – 10:50am
GROWTH ROOM
The Aligned Business Blueprint: How to Build and Scale Based on Your Energy Type
By, Melissa Chavis, Melissa Chavis LLC, Owner
What if your business could feel easier—not because you're doing less, but because you're doing it in alignment with how you're uniquely designed to lead, build, and grow? In this eye-opening session, intuitive coach and former HR leader Melissa Chavis will walk you through how Human Design can transform not just how you set up your business—but how you scale it sustainably. You'll learn the energetic role each Human Design type plays in business, how to spot misalignment before it leads to burnout, and how to build systems, offers, and even teams that match your natural flow.Whether you’re a solopreneur or ready to grow a team, this session will help you stop forcing someone else’s blueprint—and start building from your own. With over 19 years of experience in HR, leadership, and team dynamics. After spending nearly two decades navigating conflict resolution and organizational growth from the inside, she now helps women entrepreneurs create businesses that feel aligned, sustainable, and uniquely their own.
10:10am – 10:50am
MAIN HALL
By, Bill Balderaz, CEO, Futurety
Natasha Pongonis, CEO, Envisify Global Intelligence
In an era defined by constant change, one thing remains true: the better we understand our audience, the better we communicate, connect, and create impact. This session explores how organizations can build a deep, actionable understanding of their audiences by combining demographic, psychographic, lifestyle and cultural data with the power of AI. Bill Balderaz, a 25-year veteran of digital strategy and data-driven innovation, will share methods for identifying the who—from age and income to geography and household makeup—while also exploring the tools and frameworks that make this work faster, more accessible, and more precise than ever. But surface-level data isn’t enough. To influence behavior and drive meaningful engagement, we need to understand the why. That’s where Natasha Pongonis comes in. A founder and leader in AI-driven cultural insights, Natasha will demonstrate how emerging technologies like large language models and machine learning are helping marketers and communicators uncover the values, emotions, and cultural dynamics that shape audience decisions. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies for: Segmenting audiences using reliable demographic and lifestyle signals Applying psychographic insights to improve messaging and engagement Using AI to accelerate the research process and reveal deeper audience motivations Whether you’re in marketing, strategy, or innovation, this session will equip you with the tools to stop guessing and start understanding—at the speed today demands.
10:10am – 10:50am
COLLABORATION ROOM
By, John Hambrick, Work-Based Learning Coordinator | ESC of Central Ohio
Jason Melton, Director, Global/Worldwide Partner, Strategy & Programs | Genesys
In today’s rapidly evolving economy, the next wave of entrepreneurial breakthroughs will be born at the intersection of education and industry. This panel brings together thought leaders from academia, tech, workforce development, and startup ecosystems to explore how collaboration between institutions and industries can unlock innovation, close talent gaps, and create pathways for the next generation of founders. We’ll dive into: 🔍 Real-world learning: How experiential programs, incubators, and industry partnerships in schools are equipping students to solve real problems. 🛠️ Workforce-readiness vs. founder-readiness: Are we preparing students to get jobs—or build companies? 🤝 Cross-sector collaboration: What companies, colleges, and startup hubs can do today to better align innovation pipelines. 🚀 Success stories: Entrepreneurs who emerged from nontraditional educational paths and programs that made a difference. Whether you're an educator, employer, or entrepreneur, this panel will spark ideas and actions to build a more connected, innovative ecosystem—one where ideas don’t just live in classrooms or boardrooms but launch into the real world.
11:00am – 12:00pm
MAIN HALL - KEYNOTE
The Mentoring Playbook for Entrepreneurial Success: How to Take Your Newfound or Seasoned Business to the Next Level
By, Lawrence Funderburke, Former Player in the NBA, Author, Founder, President, and Certified Financial Planner, Funderburke Institute of Financial Empowerment (F-I-F-E) and Lawrence Funderburke Youth Organization
In this fast-paced presentation, Lawrence Funderburke (aka Mr. Fundy) will provide participants with the game plan for personal and professional development. Using the five positions on the basketball court as the backdrop, attendees will learn sports concepts with crossover applications in the world of business. Multifaceted terms include KYP, scouting report, boxing out (without getting boxed in), squaring up, spacing the floor, rebounding from missed opportunities, and knocking down the “pitch” shot, among other considerations. An upgraded mindset can lead to a lucrative skillset, which is what differentiates entrepreneurs who are “crushing it” from those who are on the verge of “crashing out.” In this breakout session, participants will identify … • What is holding you back from taking your business to the next level. • How to incorporate continuous improvement into every aspect of your entrepreneurial journey. • Where you most likely excel “upstairs” in your cerebral lobe profile. • Who you hope (and expect) to become in your life and legacy pursuits. • Why finding and funding your mission-centered purpose is so meaningfully important.
About Lawrence Funderburke, MBA and CFP
Lawrence Funderburke (aka Mr. Fundy) is perhaps best known for his exploits on the basketball court. After the NBA, his life’s purpose became much more richer and clearer as a bridge-building specialist.
A prolific writer and thought leader, Lawrence has written several books, including Sociopsychonomics, Momentum Power Play, and The Stewardship Playbook. He is well-versed in addressing the issues that confront today’s entrepreneurs, and can make a heart-to-heart connection with any demographic.
Lawrence and his wife Monya operate the Funderburke Institute of Financial Empowerment (F-I-F-E) and their non-profit arm, the Lawrence Funderburke Youth Organization (LFYO). They have two young adult children. Please visit www.MrFundy.com for more details.
12:00am – 1:00pm
MAIN HALL
LUNCH, Relax & Network + DJ Dayna Sol remix music!
There are plenty of beautiful areas outside the venue to sit or walk around the campus, as well as tables inside. There is also pool tables & shuffleboard
Grilled Adobo Chicken, Ancho Chili Beef & Carnitas, Cilantro Lime Rice, Black Beans & Refritos, Fajita Style Vegetables Medley, Traditional Salsa, Roasted Corn Salsa & Spicy Salsa, Shredded Cheese & Sour Cream, Mixed Greens & Flour Tortillas. Tossed salad with logs of veggies, with your choice of dressing. Their famous S'mores Bars for dessert!
1:00pm – 1:50pm
MAIN HALL
Breaking Barriers: Stories of a Female Combat Veteran
By, Yyvette McKenzie, Founder & CEO, Integrated Business Firm
As one of the first documented female Army combat veterans in Iraq. My story is a vivid example of resilience and leadership in the face of adversity. Historically, women in the military were limited to non-combat roles. However, the Iraq War challenged these norms as operational needs led to embedding women into combat units. Female soldiers, like those featured in 'Band of Sisters' by Kirsten Holmstedt, faced unique challenges, from skepticism about their abilities to navigating physical and mental demands. My journey also exemplifies these struggles, and the resilience required to thrive. I will provide experiences, and discuss how women are transforming roles in combat, overcoming systemic biases, and inspiring change within the military and beyond.
Bio: Merry Korn
After founding Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., a for-profit social enterprise and growing it to over 1,300 employees located in over 30 states, I’ve embarked on an exciting new chapter. I’m now leveraging my extensive experience at the forefront of combining social entrepreneurship and government contracting innovation to produce nationally recognized original content.
My new focus is creating valuable content in the form of speaking engagements, facilitating workshops and books for business owners and professionals who have faced career setbacks or feel stuck in their professional journey. Having pioneered successful approaches in the social enterprise and government contracting space, I’m passionate about sharing strategies that can help others overcome challenges and discover new pathways to success.
Through my content, I offer practical insights, actionable advice, and inspiring perspectives drawn from years of building and leading a mission-driven organization. Whether you’re recovering from a professional setback or seeking to break through plateaus in your career, I’m committed to providing the guidance and motivation to help you move forward with confidence and purpose.
Bio: Susan Walton
As a Managing Director at Lazear Capital Partners, Susan focuses primarily on negotiating and executing ESOP transactions on behalf of selling shareholders. Susan works closely with selling shareholders to articulate the key arguments for value, structure the sale transaction and secure financing.
Susan has structured transactions for businesses in a variety of industries, including healthcare, financial services, technology, manufacturing, food service, construction, and transportation. Prior to joining Lazear Capital, Susan spent 15 years in commercial banking at Bank of America and National City Bank. https://www.lazearcapital.com/people_detail/susan-walton/
Bio: Renée Tyack
Renee brings a unique perspective, one of a lender, a former business owner, and an angel investor. As a lender, she reviewed financials and structured facilities matching the needs of the borrowers with the appetites of the lenders. As a former business owner, she led the family business to a successful exit in 2019. As an angel investor, she invests impactfully, committed to leaving the world better than she found it.
Renee joined United Capital Funding in January 2019, with the acquisition of her family’s boutique receivable financing firm (Capital Plus – est in 1992) in Columbus, Ohio. For 27 years, Capital-Plus, Inc. proudly served more than 1500 businesses, funded over $1 billion in capital to emerging B2B companies nationwide, and retained valuable client relationships for multiple decades. Renée successfully transitioned Capital Plus to become a division of United Capital Funding Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust.
Renee is honored to continue her career with UCF, expanding into government contract finance, asset-based lending, and equipment finance. Renée also serves as Managing Director at Golden Seeds, an investment firm focused on early-stage women led businesses. In addition, Mrs. Tyack serves on the Board of Directors of The Association for Corporate Growth Columbus Chapter.
Renée is a founding member of The Matriots, a political action committee supporting women candidates in Ohio. Additional active membership organizations include The Women Presidents’ Organization and The Secured Finance Network.
Renée holds a bachelor’s degree from Denison University, including a year of study at The Sorbonne, Paris IV and Sciences Po. Renée has been featured in the 2009 Premiere Edition of The Women’s Book, Columbus CEO, The Columbus Dispatch, Business First, ForbesBook Radio, and a guest on B2B Radio with Mr. Biz.
1:00pm – 1:50pm
INNOVATION ROOM
Future Ready: Shaping Retail and Leadership in the Age of AI and Imagination
By, Nick Davis, Founder & CEO, ShopSight
Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur
In a world of accelerating change, the future belongs to those who can anticipate, adapt, and lead with vision. Drawing from his Amazon #1 bestseller Future Ready and the groundbreaking work of his latest venture, ShopSight, Nick explores how the convergence of strategy, sustainability, innovation, and technology is redefining what it means to lead—and shop—in the 21st century. This keynote reveals how empowering communities, leveraging AI, and designing for impact can transform both organizations and industries. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to build future-capable teams, reimagine customer engagement, and create meaningful, sustainable value in a hyper-connected world.
Bio: Merry Korn
After founding Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., a for-profit social enterprise and growing it to over 1,300 employees located in over 30 states, I’ve embarked on an exciting new chapter. I’m now leveraging my extensive experience at the forefront of combining social entrepreneurship and government contracting innovation to produce nationally recognized original content.
My new focus is creating valuable content in the form of speaking engagements, facilitating workshops and books for business owners and professionals who have faced career setbacks or feel stuck in their professional journey. Having pioneered successful approaches in the social enterprise and government contracting space, I’m passionate about sharing strategies that can help others overcome challenges and discover new pathways to success.
Through my content, I offer practical insights, actionable advice, and inspiring perspectives drawn from years of building and leading a mission-driven organization. Whether you’re recovering from a professional setback or seeking to break through plateaus in your career, I’m committed to providing the guidance and motivation to help you move forward with confidence and purpose.
Bio: Susan Walton
As a Managing Director at Lazear Capital Partners, Susan focuses primarily on negotiating and executing ESOP transactions on behalf of selling shareholders. Susan works closely with selling shareholders to articulate the key arguments for value, structure the sale transaction and secure financing.
Susan has structured transactions for businesses in a variety of industries, including healthcare, financial services, technology, manufacturing, food service, construction, and transportation. Prior to joining Lazear Capital, Susan spent 15 years in commercial banking at Bank of America and National City Bank. https://www.lazearcapital.com/people_detail/susan-walton/
Bio: Renée Tyack
Renee brings a unique perspective, one of a lender, a former business owner, and an angel investor. As a lender, she reviewed financials and structured facilities matching the needs of the borrowers with the appetites of the lenders. As a former business owner, she led the family business to a successful exit in 2019. As an angel investor, she invests impactfully, committed to leaving the world better than she found it.
Renee joined United Capital Funding in January 2019, with the acquisition of her family’s boutique receivable financing firm (Capital Plus – est in 1992) in Columbus, Ohio. For 27 years, Capital-Plus, Inc. proudly served more than 1500 businesses, funded over $1 billion in capital to emerging B2B companies nationwide, and retained valuable client relationships for multiple decades. Renée successfully transitioned Capital Plus to become a division of United Capital Funding Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust.
Renee is honored to continue her career with UCF, expanding into government contract finance, asset-based lending, and equipment finance. Renée also serves as Managing Director at Golden Seeds, an investment firm focused on early-stage women led businesses. In addition, Mrs. Tyack serves on the Board of Directors of The Association for Corporate Growth Columbus Chapter.
Renée is a founding member of The Matriots, a political action committee supporting women candidates in Ohio. Additional active membership organizations include The Women Presidents’ Organization and The Secured Finance Network.
Renée holds a bachelor’s degree from Denison University, including a year of study at The Sorbonne, Paris IV and Sciences Po. Renée has been featured in the 2009 Premiere Edition of The Women’s Book, Columbus CEO, The Columbus Dispatch, Business First, ForbesBook Radio, and a guest on B2B Radio with Mr. Biz.
1:00pm – 1:50pm
COLLABORATION ROOM
The Strategic Impact of the Right Accounting Partner
By, Ann Martin, Partner/COO, Book + Street
A thought-provoking panel discussion featuring industry leaders exploring how selecting the appropriate accounting firm creates a foundation for business success at every stage of growth. Our experts will share insights on how the right accounting partner delivers more than compliance and numbers—they provide strategic guidance that drives profitability, ensures regulatory alignment, and builds financial resilience. Learn how this critical business relationship impacts everything from early-stage funding to operational efficiency, tax optimization, and eventual exit strategies.
Bio: Merry Korn
After founding Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., a for-profit social enterprise and growing it to over 1,300 employees located in over 30 states, I’ve embarked on an exciting new chapter. I’m now leveraging my extensive experience at the forefront of combining social entrepreneurship and government contracting innovation to produce nationally recognized original content.
My new focus is creating valuable content in the form of speaking engagements, facilitating workshops and books for business owners and professionals who have faced career setbacks or feel stuck in their professional journey. Having pioneered successful approaches in the social enterprise and government contracting space, I’m passionate about sharing strategies that can help others overcome challenges and discover new pathways to success.
Through my content, I offer practical insights, actionable advice, and inspiring perspectives drawn from years of building and leading a mission-driven organization. Whether you’re recovering from a professional setback or seeking to break through plateaus in your career, I’m committed to providing the guidance and motivation to help you move forward with confidence and purpose.
Bio: Susan Walton
As a Managing Director at Lazear Capital Partners, Susan focuses primarily on negotiating and executing ESOP transactions on behalf of selling shareholders. Susan works closely with selling shareholders to articulate the key arguments for value, structure the sale transaction and secure financing.
Susan has structured transactions for businesses in a variety of industries, including healthcare, financial services, technology, manufacturing, food service, construction, and transportation. Prior to joining Lazear Capital, Susan spent 15 years in commercial banking at Bank of America and National City Bank. https://www.lazearcapital.com/people_detail/susan-walton/
Bio: Renée Tyack
Renee brings a unique perspective, one of a lender, a former business owner, and an angel investor. As a lender, she reviewed financials and structured facilities matching the needs of the borrowers with the appetites of the lenders. As a former business owner, she led the family business to a successful exit in 2019. As an angel investor, she invests impactfully, committed to leaving the world better than she found it.
Renee joined United Capital Funding in January 2019, with the acquisition of her family’s boutique receivable financing firm (Capital Plus – est in 1992) in Columbus, Ohio. For 27 years, Capital-Plus, Inc. proudly served more than 1500 businesses, funded over $1 billion in capital to emerging B2B companies nationwide, and retained valuable client relationships for multiple decades. Renée successfully transitioned Capital Plus to become a division of United Capital Funding Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust.
Renee is honored to continue her career with UCF, expanding into government contract finance, asset-based lending, and equipment finance. Renée also serves as Managing Director at Golden Seeds, an investment firm focused on early-stage women led businesses. In addition, Mrs. Tyack serves on the Board of Directors of The Association for Corporate Growth Columbus Chapter.
Renée is a founding member of The Matriots, a political action committee supporting women candidates in Ohio. Additional active membership organizations include The Women Presidents’ Organization and The Secured Finance Network.
Renée holds a bachelor’s degree from Denison University, including a year of study at The Sorbonne, Paris IV and Sciences Po. Renée has been featured in the 2009 Premiere Edition of The Women’s Book, Columbus CEO, The Columbus Dispatch, Business First, ForbesBook Radio, and a guest on B2B Radio with Mr. Biz.
2:00pm – 2:50pm
MAIN HALL - PANEL
Solo to Team: Smart Staffing Strategies for Growing Ventures
Panel Moderator, Janis Mitchell, Founder & CEO Prescise Resource, Inc.
Jeff Shuman, Aware (Acquired by Mimecast), CEO
This dynamic panel discussion brings together specialists from across the talent acquisition spectrum to explore the interconnected roles of headhunting, staffing, recruiting, and retention in building successful teams. Our diverse panelists will unpack the critical distinctions between these functions: headhunters who strategically target high-value candidates for specialized positions, staffing professionals who efficiently fill immediate needs, recruiters who build talent pipelines aligned with company culture, and retention specialists who ensure valuable team members remain engaged and committed. Attendees will gain insights into how these functions can work in harmony—or create friction when misaligned—throughout the employee lifecycle. The conversation will provide a comprehensive blueprint for growing ventures, revealing when to leverage each approach based on business stage, budget constraints, and growth objectives. Whether you're transitioning from solopreneur to team leader or looking to optimize your existing talent strategy, this discussion offers practical frameworks for creating a holistic talent ecosystem that drives sustainable business growth while avoiding costly hiring mistakes.
2:00pm – 2:50pm
INSPIRATION ROOM
Breaking Free of Fear to Move Forward with Growing Your Business
By, Merry Korn, MSW
CEO | MPK Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
Are you an entrepreneur whose ambitions remain trapped behind walls of uncertainty? In this transformative workshop, we confront the paralyzing fear that prevents business owners from reaching their full potential. Whether you're hesitating to launch your startup or reluctant to scale your existing business, fear often serves as the invisible barrier between you and success. Through inspiring quotes that speak to entrepreneurial resilience, interactive exercises that challenge limiting beliefs, and guided self-reflection, participants embark on a journey to redefine their relationship with fear. Rather than viewing fear as an obstacle, they'll learn to recognize it as a natural signpost on the path to growth. Together, we'll craft personalized courage-building strategies that translate your business visions into actionable plans. By the session's end participants will: • Leave equipped with a renewed mindset that replaces doubt with confidence • Learn practical techniques to transform fear into fuel for progress • Access innate reservoirs of entrepreneurial courage • Develop a concrete step-by-step roadmap to navigate challenges while pursuing most ambitious business goals.
3:00pm – 3:50pm
MAIN HALL
The Belonging Revolution
By, Ankit Shah, CEO & Executive VP, Inclusive Employee Consulting | Manager, Culture & Engagement & Corporate Affairs, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
This workshop explores how creating a culture of belonging across different generations in the workplace directly impacts your bottom line. Our discussion will examine practical strategies for bridging generational gaps between Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z employees, revealing how their diverse perspectives can drive innovation and productivity. Participants will discover evidence-based approaches to foster inclusive environments where all employees feel valued, resulting in higher retention rates, increased engagement, and ultimately, greater profitability. Learn how forward-thinking organizations are transforming multigenerational differences from potential friction points into powerful competitive advantages.
Ankit has more than ten years of experience in culture & engagement, talent management, career management field within higher education, healthcare, and K-12 settings. He had the privilege of assisting underserved as well as underrepresented populations in his entire
professional journey, specifically in the lens of P-20. Now, due to his diverse educational and professional journey, he can use all his experiences to work with the multi-generational professionals to assist with their diverse talent management, culture, and engagement needs across organizations and industries. Ankit currently serves as the Vice President for the Central Ohio Belonging Consortium and leads their overall membership and programming efforts for the organization. He also serves on the Workforce Development Committee at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
Ankit holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from University of Toledo and a MEd in Higher Education Administration with specialization in Student Affairs from North Carolina State University. He graduated with his second master’s degree, MA in Workforce Development & Education with specialization in Adult Education & Human Resources Development from The
Ohio State University.
4:00pm – 5:00pm
MAIN HALL - BUSINESS SHOWCASES
PITCH TANK!
We have four exciting companies pitching their latest “Next BIG”…we’ll update this weekend!
We have a mix of new founders looking to launch and scale. Tech startups, bootstrapping and looking to launch & gain traction for growth, and Side-Hustle Entrepreneurs looking to transform their passion product into a profitable business!
Lawrence Funderburke Your Next BIG
Will Burrus Your Next BIG
Jeff Schumann Your Next BIG (1)
Chris Thompson_ Your Next BIG
C. Sunny Martin Next BIG
Janis Mitchell, Prescise Resource, Your Next BIG
Ankit Shah Your Next BIG (1)
TIA WHITTNEY_ MVP Studio Your Next BIG
ANN MARTIN_ Your Next BIG (1)
YYVETTE MCKENZIE_ Your Next BIG
NICK DAVIS_Your Next BIG
Bill and Natasha_ Panel
Melissa Chavis_Your Next BIG
JuliAnn Crafton_Your Next BIG
Christine Kotik _Your Next BIG
Mary McCarthy, YMT Consultants, Your Next BIG
Charan Your Next BIG (1)
Ian Alexander Your Next BIG
Teddy Williams Your Next BIG (1)
DJ Danya Sol Your Next BIG
