Free Business Topics in Chicago
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3: Browse for a topic, Click the orange request button, Fill out the contact form.
Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.
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Beyond the Bot: Leveraging AI for Nonprofit Impact
Cathy Yen, Founder and CEO, The Nonprofit Planner Company
AI is transforming industries across the globe and nonprofits are no exception. Learn how Cathy and her team integrated AI into a medium-sized nonprofit to build efficiencies while staying mission-focused. We'll cover issues of organizational culture, use cases, data privacy and policies, staff training, and success measurement.
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It’s All About You. Or Is It? Leadership for Diverse Times
Cathy Yen, Founder and CEO, The Nonprofit Planner Company
Identifying your leadership style is fun - but what does that mean for the people you lead? And what about their styles? In this engaging, interactive presentation, Cathy walks you through the pro’s and con’s of viewing leadership as an individual profile versus a holistic team assessment. A timely conversation for organizations confronting the challenges of managing teams comprising different generations, work configurations, viewpoints and goals. MORE >
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Career Compass: Liberating Corporate Superheroes, No Cape Required
Rosie Zilinskas, Founder & CEO, No Woman Left Behind
Every organization has high-potential employees—corporate superheroes waiting for an opportunity to rise to leadership. Yet, many remain unnoticed and unengaged, leaving companies struggling with turnover and leadership gaps. In Career Compass – Liberating Corporate Superheroes, No Cape Required, Rosie Zilinskas introduces companies to the key strategies necessary to identify, engage, and develop their future leaders. MORE >
In this keynote, Rosie will guide your team through the foundational principles that organizations can adopt to create a culture of growth, retention, and leadership development. Learn how to set clear career paths, nurture a growth mindset, and foster a structured environment where employees are empowered to step into leadership roles—without needing a cape.This is for:
~Corporate executives seeking to reduce turnover by creating clear pathways to leadership.
~HR and talent development teams looking for actionable strategies to foster employee engagement and career growth.
~Leaders aiming to build a sustainable leadership pipeline and retain high-potential employees.Learning Outcomes for Attendees:
~Understand the power of Custom Career Roadmaps: Learn how to provide employees with actionable career plans that align with company goals and secure long-term retention.
~Create a growth-driven culture: Discover how promoting a growth mindset can lead to higher employee engagement, innovation, and leadership readiness.
~Boost leadership pipeline development: Gain insights on building a strong leadership pipeline through tailored succession planning strategies.
~Address disengagement and turnover: Identify the warning signs of disengagement and explore effective ways to keep top talent motivated and invested in your organization.
~Inspire internal leadership: Understand the steps to cultivate internal leaders by providing clear growth opportunities and removing obstacles to advancement. -
Mastering Modern Resumes: Winning Strategies and Trends for Job Optimization
Rosie Zilinskas, Founder & CEO, No Woman Left Behind
In today’s fast-paced job market, your resume is often the key to landing your next big opportunity. However, many professionals struggle to create resumes that truly showcase their value. In Mastering Modern Resumes, Rosie Zilinskas presents the essential strategies to craft a resume that not only passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) but also catches the attention of hiring managers. MORE >
In this presentation, Rosie will guide your audience through the critical components of a modern resume, how to tailor it to specific roles, and how to ensure it reflects the most current trends in job search strategies. Attendees will learn practical tips on organizing their experience, leveraging key achievements, and positioning themselves for success in today’s competitive marketplace.This is for:
~Professionals looking to advance in their careers with a standout resume.
~Job seekers eager to learn the latest resume techniques and trends.
~Anyone preparing to transition roles and improve their resume for better visibility.Learning Outcomes for Attendees:
~Create an ATS-friendly resume: Learn how to optimize your resume to pass automated tracking systems while highlighting your strongest accomplishments.
~Tailor your resume for specific roles: Gain insight into customizing your resume to align with the skills and experience recruiters are looking for.
~Stay relevant in a digital job market: Understand how to incorporate the latest trends and technologies to keep your resume fresh and impactful.
~Showcase measurable achievements: Learn how to present your experience in a way that stands out and demonstrates clear value to employers. -
The Power of the Pivot: Reinventing Success After Setbacks
Amanda Wittenborn, Owner, Amanda Creation Inc.
In this compelling talk, Amanda Wittenborn reveals how she turned multiple business failures into opportunities for reinvention and growth. After losing her business twice — first from being banned on Etsy, and then from the collapse of her party supplies business during COVID - Amanda’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and adaptability. MORE >
She shares how she turned each setback into a stepping stone, rebuilding her business with even greater success each time. Learn how to embrace change, pivot with purpose, and build a business that not only survives but thrives, no matter what challenges come your way. -
Unlocking Your Superpower: The Secrets of a 7-Figure Entrepreneur
Amanda Wittenborn, Owner, Amanda Creation Inc.
Step into a transformative workshop led by 7-figure entrepreneur Amanda Wittenborn, designed to help you uncover the hidden strengths that make you and your business truly exceptional. Through a series of interactive exercises, you’ll gain deep insights into why your customers choose you over the competition and discover the unique superpowers you bring to the table. MORE >
This immersive experience isn’t just about learning—it’s about shifting your mindset and recognizing the thousands of little things you do every day that add up to greatness. By the end of the day, you’ll leave feeling uplifted, successful, and ready to take your business to new heights, armed with the confidence and clarity that comes from understanding just how amazing you truly are. -
Unified Leadership Mindset: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Margaret van Steenderen, Academic Success Coach, SLGM LLC
The "Unified Leadership Mindset: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities" talk introduces a new way of thinking about leadership. This mindset focuses on long-term success, ethical decision-making, and continuous improvement. You'll learn how to plan for the future, take care of your team's well-being, use resources wisely, and make fair decisions that benefit everyone. MORE >
This talk also covers how to think and act like a leader. You’ll explore self-reflection, setting clear goals, and building strong relationships with your team. Additionally, you'll discover the importance of a growth mindset, which is all about embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and constantly improving. By combining these ideas, you'll develop a leadership mindset that helps you lead effectively and make a positive impact on your team and organization. -
Border Patrol: Keeping Your Sanity with Clear Boundaries
Marie Genevieve Pawlak, CEO, Prime Alchemy a division of Planning101 Group
Ever felt like you're walking a tightrope between what's expected, what's communicated, and where the lines are drawn? You're not alone! Dive into an exhilarating journey with us as we unravel the art of juggling expectations, mastering the craft of crystal-clear communication, and drawing boundaries that everyone respects (and maybe even appreciates!). MORE >
We’re here to share game-changing strategies and insights in a world where the only constant is change, and the lines often seem more like squiggles. Join us for a session that promises not just lightbulb moments but fireworks! Expect to laugh, nod in agreement, and maybe even facepalm as we explore the often comical, sometimes challenging, but always crucial world of expectations, communication, and boundaries. -
Murder by Meeting: Reviving the Workplace One Meeting at a Time
Marie Genevieve Pawlak, CEO, Prime Alchemy a division of Planning101 Group
Life is too short to be killed by meetings! Whether virtual or in-person, meetings should be an opportunity to connect, learn, encourage, and get things done. So, how do you make your meetings better for everyone? MORE >
In this fun and engaging talk, we'll dive into the seven ways people unknowingly sabotage meetings and, more importantly, how to stop them. You will laugh, cry, and maybe even admit that you’ve been guilty of a few meeting crimes yourself. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!Join us to discover:
The seven deadly meeting sins that drain energy and productivity.
Practical tips to transform your meetings into productive, engaging sessions.
Techniques to foster better communication and collaboration, whether virtual or in-person.
Real-life examples of meeting makeovers that have led to remarkable results.By the end of this session, you'll walk away with a clear action plan to make your next meeting not just good but great. Say goodbye to boring, ineffective meetings and hello to a more vibrant, productive workplace!
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The Alchemy of Motivation: Elevating Workplace Performance
Marie Genevieve Pawlak, CEO, Prime Alchemy a division of Planning101 Group
Are you ready to transform your workplace and inspire your team to achieve peak performance? Join us for a fun and enlightening session on "The Alchemy of Motivation," where we'll dive deep into the science of what truly drives us to do our best work. Discover the secrets behind creating a motivating culture, practical strategies for leaders, and how to foster a sense of purpose and autonomy in your team. MORE >
In this engaging and interactive talk, you'll learn:The latest research on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and why it matters.
How to build a workplace culture that motivates and inspires.
Real-world examples of successful motivation strategies from top companies.
Techniques to sustain long-term motivation and track engagement.Through storytelling and hands-on exercises, you'll leave with actionable insights and tools to elevate your team's performance and create a fulfilling work environment. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to turn motivation into your team's superpower!