Free Business Topics in Chicago

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  • Emotional Intelligence for Leadership Success

    Ron Martin, Principal, Founder, Executive Coach, Ocean Park Strategic Advisors

    In today's dynamic and fast-paced business environment, effective leadership is not just about making strategic decisions or achieving bottom-line results—it's also about understanding and effectively managing the emotions of oneself and others. As a seasoned speaker and expert in emotional intelligence for leadership success, I provide invaluable insights and practical strategies to help leaders excel in their roles. MORE >

    The role of organizational culture cannot be understated when it comes to shaping leaders' emotional intelligence skills. By fostering a culture that prioritizes empathy, self-awareness, and psychological safety, organizations can empower leaders to develop stronger emotional intelligence competencies. This includes the ability to understand and regulate their own emotions, as well as effectively navigate the emotions of others.

    By leveraging my expertise in emotional intelligence, interpersonal communications, and culture change, I work with organizations to cultivate environments that support the growth and development of emotionally intelligent leaders. Through tailored interventions and practical guidance, I help leaders enhance their ability to lead with authenticity, empathy, and resilience.

    Ultimately, fostering a culture of emotional intelligence not only benefits individual leaders but also has far-reaching implications for organizational success. Leaders who possess strong emotional intelligence skills are better equipped to inspire trust and collaboration, navigate change and adversity, and foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

    In essence, my approach to emotional intelligence for leadership success is rooted in empowering leaders to harness the power of emotions to drive positive outcomes and foster a culture of excellence. By equipping leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to lead with authenticity and empathy, I help organizations build stronger, more effective leadership teams and achieve sustainable success.

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  • Business Improvement Einstein’s Way – How Einstein’s Three Rules of Work Can Help a Business Succeed

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

    Albert Einstein once said, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." Einstein believed you have to think about things differently and three rules, inspired by his work, provide us with the means do so. No one knows what will happen in the future. But, following these rules can get your business ready for whatever does. Attendees will come away with practical ways to use Einstein’s three rules of work to: MORE >

    - Fix performance barriers
    - Discover opportunities amidst difficulty
    - Make two truths of human behavior your ally
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  • You Make the Difference

    Dr. Jeff Van Meter, The Human Leader

    You don't have the team you thought you did? Neither did I for many years until I finally discovered the secret to forming the team I always dreamed of. I'll tell you what you need to do for you to get your dream team too.

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  • Optimizing Your Job Search with AI

    Rosie Zilinskas, Keynote Speaker, Certified High-Performance Coach, No Woman Left Behind

    AI can speed up your job search when you know how to use it strategically. This session goes beyond the resume and covers how to use free AI tools across every stage of the job search process, from applications to networking to interview preparation. You will learn prompts that save time while keeping your unique voice, and how to build a system that creates momentum without burning you out. MORE >

    What attendees will walk away with:
    ~ How to strengthen a LinkedIn profile, headline, and job descriptions with AI-generated improvements
    ~ How to write authentic outreach and networking messages that start real conversations
    ~ How to use AI to research companies, identify roles, and explore new career paths
    ~ How to build a Story Vault of accomplishments using the Problem-Action-Solution format
    ~ A simple weekly checklist and workflow to stay consistent and organized throughout the search
    ~ Ready-to-use ChatGPT prompts for every step

    Ideal for:
    ~ Active job seekers who want to work smarter, not harder
    ~ Professionals navigating a career transition or unexpected layoff
    ~ Anyone overwhelmed by the volume and complexity of a modern job search
    ~ People curious about AI who want a practical, hands-on introduction
    ~ Libraries, workforce development programs, community organizations, and professional associations

    Presented by Rosie Zilinskas, a Certified High Performance Coach, keynote speaker, and former Executive Vice President with over 30 years of corporate leadership experience.

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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Culture Is First an Execution System, then Values Statement

    Jon Schickedanz, Managing Partner, The Alliance Strategic Group

    Most leadership teams treat culture as something to articulate rather than something to build. This session breaks down why that distinction matters and what changes when an organization starts treating culture as infrastructure for decision-making instead of a poster on the wall. Attendees leave with a practical framework for locating where their teams actually stall, whether that is unclear priorities, misaligned incentives, or decisions that get made twice because the first one never stuck. The focus is operational, not aspirational: specific, testable changes leaders can make to how their teams decide and act. MORE >

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  • Stop Chasing Talent Away -The Ultimate K.P.I. to Be a Talent Magnet

    Dennis Mellen, Owner, Full Throttle Leadership

    Break free of the old leadership model and become a visionary servant leader. Inspire your team to perform at a level they never dreamed possible with the ultimate KPI (key performance indicator).

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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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