Mainstage Presenters
Meet the speakers taking the mainstage
Because I said I would
We live in a society that often does not respect the importance of a promise. It is too easy to say “I’ll get to it” or “tomorrow.” In many ways we have become numb to disappointment and broken commitments. This expectation starts to fade into our character as individuals. Alex Sheen believes that every individual has the strength to become a person of their word. As the Founder of an international social movement, Alex shares his insights and actionable ways to become better at fulfilling commitments. He inspires others to become more accountable to their promises through compelling and real-life examples from the because I said I would Alex convincingly illustrates how integrity and keeping your promises are forever interwoven. He discusses how holding ourselves and each other accountable truly changes humanity for the better.
Alex Sheen is the Founder of because I said I would, a social movement and nonprofit dedicated to bettering humanity through promises made and kept. Sparked by the loss of his father, Alex and his organization send “promise cards” to anyone anywhere in the world at no cost. Alex is someone who truly honors commitment. He once walked over 240 miles across the entire state of Ohio in 10 days to fulfill a promise. In just two years, because I said I would has sent over 9.81 million promise cards to over 153 different countries. The promises written on these cards have made headlines around the world. His charitable projects and awareness campaigns have been featured on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, CNN, The Today Show, NPR, The Los Angeles Times and many other programs.”
Navigating The Unknown: Leadership Lessons from Van Life
In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving work environment, leadership isn’t just about driving outcomes—it’s about guiding people through uncertainty, change, and growth. In this session, based on lessons from their book This Was All an Accident, Kat Kibben will show you how the freeing and challenging experience of van life offers profound insights into leadership at every level.
From navigating unplanned detours to finding balance in chaos, this session delves into real-world, actionable leadership principles that go beyond “doing” and instead focus on “being”—being present, adaptable, and empathetic as a teammate and people leader. Whether you’re in the early stages of your career or a seasoned executive, the insights shared will challenge you to think differently about leadership, resilience, and how you lead with authenticity and compassion. Plus, you’ll laugh every step of the way.
Join Kat on this journey into the unknown, where leadership is about more than just strategy—it’s about human connection and leading with heart.
From Scratch to Splendid: A Recipe for Resilience
Jeni Britton Bauer is the Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, an artisan ice cream company celebrated for its imaginative flavors, unwavering dedication to quality, and a deep-rooted commitment to community values. Since its founding, Jeni’s has stood out not just as a business, but as a movement—redefining what ice cream can be and how a brand can connect meaningfully with its customers. Jeni’s passion for combining art, science, and storytelling has transformed frozen desserts into a vehicle for creativity and joy. Her visionary leadership has not only set new standards in the food industry but also cultivated a loyal following and national recognition. As a James Beard Award-winning entrepreneur, she has built an iconic and enduring brand that brings people together around bold ideas and exceptional taste.
Jeni’s inspiring journey—from her modest beginnings at a farmers market to leading one of the most beloved ice cream brands in the country—is a powerful testament to grit, imagination, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her path has been shaped by both challenges and triumphs, revealing how resilience and purpose can fuel sustainable success. In her keynote, Jeni will share hard-earned insights on navigating setbacks, staying true to your values, and turning adversity into opportunity. She’ll dive into what it really takes to lead through uncertainty, cultivate innovation within teams, and build a culture where bold thinking thrives. Attendees will walk away with a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with authenticity and build something meaningful from the ground up. This interactive session will spark thoughtful dialogue, inspire creative thinking, and leave you energized to lead, innovate, and grow—both personally and professionally.