Featured Speakers

Learning from the best.

At Foundations, we believe in learning from the best. Every month, our peer groups hear from leaders, advisors, and operators with hard-won perspective worth borrowing.

Past Speakers

Jeff Blackman headshot

Jeff Blackman

Speaker, Author of “Peak Your Profits”

Jeff taught us the art of asking better questions—the kind that lower fear, build trust, and unlock opportunity. His “Dynamic Dozen” of open-ended prompts is already being put to use by our members.

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Lee Blackstone

CEO & Founder, Blackstone+Cullen

Lee showed us how AI can be put to practical use, sharing transformation strategies drawn from intimate executive sessions and major conferences.

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Leo Bottary

Author, Speaker, Founder of Peernovation

Leo shared why peer groups work and what separates an average group from a transformative one. He highlighted trust, shared commitment, and diverse experiences as the core drivers of better decisions and stronger leadership.

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Gary Bren

Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Turner Technology

Gary helped bring clarity to technology decisions, showing us how to align IT with business goals and modernize outdated systems.

Jacquelyn Jordon Core, JD, PhD headshot

Jacquelyn Jordon Core, JD, PhD

Managing Partner of Jordon Voytek

Jacquelyn brought a sharp legal perspective on acquisitions, walking us through deal structures, letters of intent, and what kills a deal. A must-hear for anyone preparing for a business transition.

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Brandon Denmon

Executive Coach, Peak Executive Solutions

Brandon helped us slow down and think through our biggest business decisions. His frameworks for clarity and values-based leadership led to some of our most meaningful group discussions yet.

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Josh Huseman

Vice President, Business Owner Advisory Service, FNBO

Addressing the emotional side of selling a business, Josh reminds owners that identity doesn’t disappear when the company changes hands. Knowing who you are outside of your business is the key to navigating any major transition with confidence.

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Alex McFarland

National Speaker & Cultural Commentator

Alex spoke on the importance of meaningful work and emerging job opportunities, especially for the next generation. His perspective helped us look forward with hope and responsibility.

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Byron McFarland

Leadership Consultant & Talent Strategist

Byron challenged us to build a “moat” around our best talent—not with money, but with clear growth paths and real value. He emphasized the importance of career gates and measurable development.

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Doug Pedersen

Founder, HR Systems

Doug taught us how fractional HR services, supported by qualified consultants and practical experience, can provide proactive solutions and effective tools for managing a workforce.

Dr. Karalee Picard, ACC headshot

Dr. Karalee Picard, ACC

Founder, Insight Leadership Consulting

Karalee taught us to reach our highest potential through authentic leadership, evidence-based decision-making strategies, and a relentless focus on learning about ourselves and how to lead others.

Akenaton Pierre headshot

Akenaton Pierre

Legal Strategist, Coach, Spiritual Leader, Creative

Akenaton helps entrepreneurs, creators, nonprofits, and organizations protect assets, structure deals, manage risk, resolve conflicts, and align legal strategy with long-term, purpose-driven growth.

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Karl Schaphorst

President & Owner, Sandler

Karl taught us how to take our sales to the next level, bringing tools and techniques to the table that are easy to understand and implement.

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Ali Schwanke

VP of Marketing, Knightscope

Ali taught us how to elevate content marketing to grow awareness, influence, and leads. Her invitation to collaborate reflects her passion for innovative marketing solutions.

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David Slobotski

EOS Implementor

David brought us back to the fundamentals and why simple systems outperform complicated ones. He unpacked how clarity, consistency, and accountability free leaders to work on the business instead of drowning in it.

Jenna Smith headshot

Jenna Smith

Transformation Consultant, ThinkFree

Jenna reminded us that disruption is inevitable—and that leaders must either be the disruptor or risk being left behind. Her energy and candor were contagious (and yes, we had a little too much fun that day).

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Tawnya Starr

CEO & Founder, The Starr Group

Tawnya presented Culture Index as a tool for understanding people’s inherent behavioral traits, communication preferences, motivations, decision-making styles, and workplace needs.

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Matt Tompkins

President & Owner, Two Brothers Creative

Matt taught us how CEOs can manage marketing efforts and introduced Entrepreneur Addict, which integrates systems thinking, perception leadership, and containment principles to address how leaders operate under sustained pressure in business, decision-making, and growth.

Request a VIP Seat

Our upcoming events are exclusive, and invitations are offered after an initial conversation. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether our peer group is a good fit for you and your business.

To take the next step, set up a time to meet for coffee or over Zoom. I look forward to sharing this opportunity with you and seeing you thrive personally and professionally.

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