Free Business Topics in Chicago

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  Is the Culture of Your Business by Choice or Chance? – Culture matters and leaving it to chance invites trouble.

  Mark James, Founder & President, Performance Advisors Group, Inc.

  A culture by chance is the welcome mat which invites variation into a business, hurting performance and results. On the other hand, a culture guided by choice helps prevent variation that hurt results. Get insights on how to make sure your organization’s culture enhances your value proposition and the customer experience instead of eroding them. Including a close look at the specific actions and behavior leaders must contribute to create the right culture. MORE >

  Attendee Takeaways
  -What defines company culture
  -Why culture matters
  -Which culture archetype describes your organization’s culture?
  -Key culture influencers
  -Actions to achieve culture by choice
  -Signs of an ideal culture

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  Innovating Earned PR in an Evolving Media Environment

  Jennifer Fortney, Founder, Cascade Communications

  While the media world continues to shift and change, companies of all sizes are still hungry for the valuable earned media mentions and features that bring an unparalleled credibility. So, what are they to do? Jennifer shares that today, PR is much more than just earned media. It's more than the newspaper story on a plaque on the wall. MORE >

  It's search, reviews, how you use a story to gain even more traction and create content campaigns around it and best utilize the psychology of marketing and story telling to boost sales and donations.

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  The Hidden Value Driver: How Business Credit Builds Company Worth

  Mark Knaack, Business Development Director, Guardian Chamber

  Most business owners think of credit only as a way to borrow money, but the truth is, strong business credit is a hidden driver of company value. When banks, investors, and even potential buyers look at your business, they’re not just reviewing your financial statements — they’re evaluating your ability to access and manage capital without leaning on personal guarantees. MORE >

  A business with established credit is seen as more fundable, less risky, and ultimately more valuable. At Guardian Chamber, we show owners how building credit isn’t just about getting loans — it’s about creating leverage, increasing valuation, and giving you more control over your company’s growth and future.

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  Successful Supply Chain Strategies for Today’s Uncertain Times

  Lauren Pittelli, Principal, Baker Logistics Consulting Services Inc.

  Drawing on thirty year's experience shipping internationally, Lauren will discuss current supply chain challenges and provide strategies to navigate today's uncertain and competitive marketplace. Plan for success by increasing your company's flexibility while driving down transportation costs and risk. MORE >

  In this session, Lauren will cover specific strategies to capitalize on today's market opportunities by:

  - Reducing supply chain risk
  - Increasing efficiency and cost effectiveness
  - Incorporating new tools

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  US – China Trade War

  Bill Liu, President, NaviAsia Advisors

  US President Donald Trump has complained about China's trading practices since before he took office in 2016. The US launched an investigation into Chinese trade policies in 2017. It imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese products last year, and Beijing retaliated in kind. MORE >

  The trade war between the two largest economies shows no sign of easing. What's next? Who will blink first? This presentation will guide you through the trade war and lead you to rethink the future of US-China relationship.

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  AI for Business Leaders: What Executives Need to Know Now

  Jennifer Witter, Founder and CEO, Witter Enterprise Solutions, LLC

  Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how organizations operate, make decisions, and compete. This presentation provides business leaders and executives with a practical understanding of AI. What it is, how it works, and where it is already creating value in business functions such as finance, operations, marketing, and strategy. Participants will learn how AI can enhance data analysis, improve forecasting, increase operational efficiency, and support better decision-making. MORE >

  The session also addresses common misconceptions, risks, and ethical considerations, helping leaders understand how to responsibly adopt AI tools while maintaining human judgment and strategic oversight. This talk is designed for leaders who want a clear, practical perspective on how AI is shaping the future of business.

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  Connecting People and Purpose: Rethinking Employee Engagement

  Anthony Bolden and Charles Cammack, Co-founders, BridgeWork LLC

  What if employee engagement isn’t about perks or productivity but about authentic investment? In this interactive session, we walk through the BridgeWork Framework to explore how people-centered workplaces are built when employees feel seen, supported, and connected to purpose. Participants will reflect on what they carry into the workplace, both personally and professionally, and how that shapes their contributions. Together, we’ll examine what it means to invest in work at a shallow or deep level and offer practical tools for building cultures where people thrive. Whether you’re leading a team or just finding your footing, this talk offers a fresh path forward that connects who we are with how we work. MORE >

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  What is the difference between a CFO and a Bookkeeper?

  Barrett Willich, CFO, Bear & Kenmore LLC

  Are you not getting the financial insights you feel you need to run your business efficiently? It could be because you are working with a bookkeeper, controller, or accountant, and not a CFO. A CFO looks at the business implications of financial decisions and makes recommendations on how to become more profitable. Bookkeepers, controllers, and accountants help keep the accounting correct, but rarely dig deeper into business implications. In this presentation, we will walk you through the key differences so you can determine who you need on your team. MORE >

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  Building Collective Success: Empathy. Storytelling. & Change.

  Leilani Garrett, Principal Storyteller / Founder, Be More Human

  In a time when workplace connection is at an all-time low and culture-building feels more buzzword than blueprint, Leilani offers something different: a keynote that makes people feel—and think. Her signature talk, Building Collective Success: Empathy. Storytelling. & Change, challenges audiences to rethink the way we define leadership, performance, and culture. MORE >

  Through personal narrative, pop culture references, humor, and hard data, Leilani shows how story-driven empathy isn't just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a business imperative. Expect aha moments, audience participation, and a masterclass in communication that sticks long after the standing ovation.

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  Success Blueprint: Strategies to Increase Sales, Be More Productive, Dominate Your Industry

  Scott Hansen, CEO, Scott Hansen Consulting

  Entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to GET THE EDGE in their business. You will walk away looking at yourself and business in an entirely new light. High Performance Coach, Scott Hansen, shares key strategies to help any business owner get to the next level in their business. MORE >

  In this riveting 60 minute presentation, Scott will leave you with key strategies on how to Increase Sales, Become More Productive, and Dominate Your Industry and Stand Out from the Competition.

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