SGF speakers on stage

Strategic Growth Forum® 2025 Speakers

Palm Springs, California, November 12–15, 2025


Featured speakers


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Solonia Allen
CEO and Founder, ALMNDMLK

Solonia is the 17-year-old CEO and Founder of ALMNDMLK, a vibrant vegan bakery brand known for its colorful mini cakes that bring creativity and flavor to the plant-based dessert world. Her love for baking began at a young age, when she would stand on a kitchen stool by her mom, measuring ingredients. When her family adopted a vegan lifestyle, Solonia was determined to prove that plant-based desserts can be indulgent. Today, ALMNDMLK has a loyal following at Los Angeles farmers markets. Solonia envisions brick-and-mortar ALMNDMLK locations and plans additional ventures that excite the palate while supporting the community and protecting the planet.


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Sekou Andrews
Founder and CEO, SekouWorld, Inc.

Sekou is an award-winning entrepreneur, a Grammy-nominated spoken word artist and the creator of “poetic voice,” a new speaking category that combines inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry.

Sekou can be found giving a keynote at a Fortune 500 company, inspiring thousands at a concert or performing for Barack Obama in Oprah’s backyard. He has dedicated his career to pioneering a mainstream industry for spoken word. He has also built a seven-figure company on poetry, had his work featured on major TV networks, and garnered awards in advertising, theater, business, poetry and music, including a Grammy nomination for “Best Spoken Word Album.”


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Christopher Barnett
Founder and Chairman, ABA Centers

Christopher Barnett is a serial entrepreneur intent on disrupting the status quo. With more than 20 years of experience creating, growing and selling companies, Christopher is actively involved in the companies he’s founded and currently serves as Chairman of ABA Centers, Chairman of CurativeAI, CEO of ICBD Holdings, Chairman of Exact Billing Solutions, and President of The Christopher M. Barnett Family Foundation. Christopher is set on making an impact beyond the US, and his newest corporate venture, CurativeAI, will revolutionize hospital systems around the world, heralding stronger patient outcomes and, most importantly, saving more lives. In recognition of his entrepreneurial success, he was named the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 National Overall Award winner for his work with ABA Centers.


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Juan Bendana
Leadership expert, Entrepreneur and Best-selling Author of Confident By Choice

Juan Bendana is a keynote speaker, best-selling author, entrepreneur and the confidence coach to Olympians, Grammy Award-winning artists, actors, CEOs and Fortune 100 leaders. For over a decade, he’s built custom leadership programs for brands that help their people lead with confidence. Juan authored Confident by Choice, which has been translated into more than four languages. Based on his research of over 250,000 leaders at institutions such as Oxford, Penn State and the University of Toronto, his science-backed framework helps leaders activate the confidence mindset. Juan combines high energy, humor and practical tools to help individuals build unwavering confidence.


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Wayne Brady
Emmy-Winning Actor, Producer, Musician

Emmy Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Wayne Brady is an actor, producer, singer, dancer, songwriter and television personality. His aspirations have always gone beyond solely starring in various entertainment projects, and under his Makin’ It Up Productions banner, he’s set out to create new content that showcases innovation and inclusivity in fun and powerful ways. A five-time Emmy winner (the first to win Daytime and Primetime awards in two consecutive years), Wayne has an impressive TV resume, including Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Masked Singer, Dancing with the Stars, Black Lighting, The Good Fight and American Gigolo.


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Bobbi Brown
Makeup Artist, Author and Founder of Jones Road Beauty

Bobbi Brown is a beauty industry titan, makeup artist, best-selling author, speaker and serial entrepreneur. As a professional makeup artist, she launched Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, which was acquired by The Estée Lauder Companies in 1995. After serving as its Chief Creative Officer for over 20 years, she returned to her entrepreneurial roots and opened a photo and video production studio, 18 Label; designed a 31-room boutique hotel in Montclair, New Jersey, called The George; and launched her own multichannel media platform. In 2020, she returned to the beauty industry, launching Jones Road, a collection of clean beauty products. Bobbi’s 10th book published in September 2025 — Still Bobbi, which has become a worldwide bestseller.


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Greg Daco
EY-Parthenon Chief Economist

Greg is Chief Economist at EY-Parthenon, Ernst & Young LLP, where he leads thematic research on the global economy, central bank policy and fiscal policy. He conducts frequent briefings for CEOs, corporate boards, trade associations and policymakers. Greg’s approach to macroeconomics makes him a frequent contributor to leading business publications worldwide.



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Abby Dunkin
USA Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball athlete

Abby is a 2016 Rio Paralympic Gold Medalist for Team USA in wheelchair basketball. She has competed in multiple international competitions and made a significant impact in the sport. In addition to her athletic achievements, Abby has nearly four years of experience in EY Financial Services Organization Risk Consulting, primarily in the banking and capital markets sector, where she brings the athlete mindset to the corporate world, leveraging resilience, teamwork and strategic thinking to drive impactful results. Passionate about fostering the Paralympic movement, Abby also coaches youth wheelchair basketball, empowering the next generation of athletes.


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Matt Emerzian
Founder and CEO, Every Monday Matters, 4x Best-Selling Author

Matt is the bestselling author of four books and a highly sought-after keynote speaker. Matt is also the founder and CEO of Every Monday Matters (EMM), a non-profit organization. The EMM K-12 Education Program serves over 3 million students; the EMM Employee Engagement and Culture Program is changing the cultures of companies; and the EMM Senior Living Program is bringing dignity and purpose to seniors. After achieving success at a music marketing company, Matt woke up on a Monday with a massive panic attack that turned into chronic anxiety and depression. This led him to develop The Mattering Mindset —  a methodology that has transformed countless lives.


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Rana Foroohar
Global Economic Analyst, CNN

Rana Foroohar is a global business columnist and associate editor at the Financial Times and a global economic analyst at CNN. Sought after for her astute analysis, Foroohar speaks to the changes occurring in business, politics, economics and foreign affairs. Her weekly column is a real-time commentary on emerging markets, the effects of globalization, and the disruption of big tech. She also pens the FT’s Swamp Notes alongside Ed Luce, discussing the intersection of money and power in US politics. 

Foroohar is the author of three critically acclaimed books. Her first book, Makers and Takers: The Rise of Finance and the Fall of American Business, about why capital markets no longer support business, was shortlisted for the Financial Times McKinsey Book of the Year award. Her second book, Don’t Be Evil: The Case Against Big Tech, was the Porchlight Business Book of the Year. Her latest book, Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World, on the fall of globalization, was named one of the best books of the year by Kirkus. To accompany the book, she produced a three-part film series documenting her travels across the US to explore how a new era of deglobalization will affect farming, manufacturing and innovation.  

In 2019, Foroohar was awarded a SABEW (Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing) award for her tech and policy coverage at the Financial Times. Before joining the FT and CNN, Foroohar spent six years at Time magazine as an assistant managing editor and economic columnist. She also worked at Newsweek for 13 years as an economic and foreign affairs editor and a foreign correspondent covering Europe and the Middle East. During that time, she was awarded the German Marshall Fund’s Peter Weitz Prize for transatlantic reporting. She has also received awards and fellowships from institutions such as the Newswomen’s Club of New York, the Johns Hopkins School of International Affairs and the East West Center. She is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and sits on the advisory board of the Open Markets Institute.


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Lee Henderson
EY Strategic Growth Forum Executive Sponsor

Lee is an Assurance Partner with 29 years of experience working with entrepreneurial private companies and large, multinational public companies. He has led the EY Private teams serving family enterprises, venture capital and private equity-backed companies, privately held businesses, and pre-IPO and public companies. 

He is the executive sponsor of the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network, a business accelerator program for Black and Hispanic/Latino CEOs and founders. Lee also oversees EY’s Entrepreneurs Accelerated offerings.

Lee previously served as EY US-Central Region Growth Markets Leader and Entrepreneur Of The Year® Midwest Program Director. He also has spent time at Ernst & Young LLP in London as the coordinating partner for a Fortune 500 technology company and served as the COO of EY’s UK and Ireland Assurance services.

Lee is a board member of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and Big Shoulders Fund and is a self-proclaimed “sports fanatic.”

He holds a BS in Accounting from California State University, Hayward.


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Shawn Kanungo
Innovation strategist and best-selling author

As a globally recognized innovation strategist and best-selling author, Shawn Kanungo is known for his insights on innovation and generative AI. With over two decades of experience, he has guided Fortune 500 companies through complex transformations, including a 12-year tenure at a Big Four firm. His high-energy keynotes offer audiences optimistic roadmaps for embracing innovative approaches to remain competitive. Shawn made history as the first innovation expert to have a streaming special on Apple TV and Prime Video. His best-selling book, The Bold Ones, empowers organizations to embrace bold innovation in an era of unprecedented change.


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Rebecca Kent
GSVP, Global Transformation, Warner Bros. Discovery

Rebecca is a seasoned executive in the media and entertainment industry, specializing in strategy, transformation and M&A across the US, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Currently, Rebecca leads the Separation Office at Warner Bros. Discovery, where she oversees a complex organizational program. Previously, she directed WBD’s Generative AI Transformation program, driving innovation and thought leadership. Rebecca’s career includes leadership of integrations, commercial negotiations and transformation initiatives for major media organizations. She has held senior roles in Sydney, Singapore, London, and most recently Los Angeles. Before joining the media and entertainment industry, Rebecca was a consultant at McKinsey & Company.


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Keshia Kirtz
USA Olympic Track and Field athlete

Keshia is a 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist in the USA Women’s 1600m relay. Originally from Travis Air Force Base, California, and the daughter of first-generation Jamaican parents, she now serves as a manager in the EY US Business Consulting practice, focusing on the healthcare industry. With a background in public health and social work, Keshia leads strategic engagements that support meaningful transformation and improved outcomes. Her leadership blends high performance with thoughtful execution. Outside of work, she’s married to her high school sweetheart and is a proud mom to Isaiah (9) and Hannah (7), who inspire her to lead with heart and purpose.


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Joice Maduaka
Great Britain Olympic Track and Field athlete

Joice is a distinguished British track and field athlete and two-time Olympian, renowned for her sprinting achievements, including 22 medals at the British Athletics Championships. A leader in talent strategy and program development, she has successfully transitioned from elite sports to the corporate world. Currently, Joice leads the EY Athlete Program, focusing on diverse talent integration and leadership coaching. Recognized for her impactful programs and commitment to inclusion, she leverages data-driven insights to enhance organizational culture. Outside of work, Joice enjoys gardening and continuing to inspire others in athletics and beyond.


Kim Malek headshot
Kim Malek
Founder and CEO, Salt & Straw

Kim didn’t just set out to make ice cream — she set out to make people feel something. What began as a single pushcart in Portland has become Salt & Straw, a nationally beloved brand that has reimagined the ice cream category — transforming neighborhood scoop shops into cultural landmarks and setting a new standard for immersive culinary experiences. Kim leads with heart, blending creativity, purpose and community to spark joy from coast to coast. A former leader at Starbucks, Yahoo and Adidas, she champions hunger relief, food waste reduction and equity, proving that business can be both wildly successful and deeply good.


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Ben McKean
Founder and CEO, Hungryroot

Ben is the founder and CEO of Hungryroot, the personalized food and wellness service that makes healthy eating easy and sustainable. Before Hungryroot, Ben was a vice president and general manager at Groupon, overseeing its food and beverage business. Ben came to Groupon through the acquisition of Savored, which he founded in 2009. Savored was the nation’s leading provider of yield management technology to the restaurant industry. Prior to Savored, Ben worked in Merrill Lynch’s technology investment banking group. Ben is a graduate of Georgetown University and currently lives in North Carolina with his wife and kids.


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Neil Mehta
Partner and Global Head of New Markets, Apollo

Neil is Partner and Global Head of New Markets at Apollo, where he is responsible for driving growth into markets that have historically had limited exposure to private assets, including traditional asset management, defined contribution and tax-advantaged strategies. Neil is a member of Apollo’s Leadership Team. Prior to joining in 2008, Neil was a member of the Financial Institutions Group at Goldman Sachs. He serves on the boards of Daphne, Vega and Sofinnova Partners, and he previously served on the board of directors of Athene, AmeriHome Mortgage and Newfi.


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Antoine Mindjimba
Former French professional ice hockey player

Antoine is a former professional international ice hockey player who played for 22 years, including with the Montreal Canadiens and representing the French National and Olympic teams. He is now a partner  in the People Advisory Services practice in Toronto, with over 18 years of consulting experience. Specializing in high-performance culture, culture change, transformative leadership and change management, Antoine serves as EY Canada’s National High-Performance Culture Service Offering Lead and Global DE&I Markets Network Leader. Antoine enjoys reading, hiking and spending time with his wife Carole and their three children.


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Minsoo Pak
EY Americas Innovation Realized Leader

Minsoo Pak leverages his strategic consulting and business innovation skills to help clients achieve their goals. With over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, he challenges conventional thinking and creates innovative solutions to complex challenges. A Certified Futurist through The Futurist Institute, Minsoo has a proven track record of sharing potential future scenarios with some of the world’s leading brands. His experience includes strategic consulting, marketing and design creativity, and business innovation. Minsoo is passionate about empowering organizations to think more systemically, embrace change and drive growth in a rapidly evolving world.


Hector Perez headshot
Hector Perez
CEO and Founder, Quantum FBI, LLC

Hector is the CEO and Founder of Quantum FBI, LLC, a strategic finance and business intelligence advisory firm focused on driving change through improved processes, technology and analytics. He has 25 years of experience helping entities improve their operating performance and efficiency through business insights. In 2024, he was selected as a member of the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network cohort.

He previously was Senior Director and Head of Group Financial Planning and Analysis at Nuveen, formerly TIAA Asset Management, and a Client Service Partner at Tatum, a private equity focused consulting firm.

Hector began his career at PwC with roles in Assurance, Transaction Services and the Office of the CFO. He is a CPA (inactive) in the State of New York.


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Amy Purdy
Three-time Paralympic Medalist and Cofounder of Adaptive Action Sports

Amy Purdy has overcome a near death-experience to accomplish some extraordinary things. A passionate snowboarder, she pursued her dreams despite significant obstacles and became a three-time Paralympic medalist, making her one of the most decorated adaptive snowboarders in Team USA’s history.   

She cofounded Adaptive Action Sports, serving athletes and veterans with disabilities, and has partnered with both the World Health Organization and the International Olympic Committee to promote health, diversity, equity and inclusion through sport. Amy is a New York Times best-selling author published in 10 languages, has toured with Oprah Winfrey, was featured in a Super Bowl commercial and was a headline speaker at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.


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Rich “Raz” Razgaitis
Co-Founder and CEO, FloWater

Rich “Raz” Razgaitis, co-founder and CEO of FloWater, is leading a national movement to restore trust in tap water and end single-use plastic bottles. Recognized as Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Award winner for the Mountain West, Raz has built and scaled companies across CPG, hardware and tech, driving big growth and multiple exits. A sought-after media voice and keynote speaker at forums including TEDx, Sun Valley and Climate Week, he is also the author of a children’s book, Clean Water is Awesome. No, Really! Based in Denver, Raz champions a better future while sharing outdoor adventures with his grown daughters, Royce and Zoe.


Flo Rida headshot
Flo Rida
Rapper, Singer, Songwriter and Composer

Flo Rida is one of today’s most vibrant and recognizable superstars, an international and history-making hip-hop icon. Since releasing the RIAA seven-time platinum certified hit “Low (feat. T-Pain),” which spent 70 consecutive weeks in the Billboard Hot 100, the Miami-based rapper has unleashed a string of record-breaking, multiplatinum certified singles, including “Right Round (feat. Ke$ha),” “In the Ayer (feat. will.i.am),” “Club Can’t Handle Me (feat. David Guetta),” “Good Feeling,” “Wild Ones (feat. Sia),” “Whistle,” “My House” and “I Cry.” Flo Rida has sold over 100 million singles worldwide. 

Born Tramar Dillard in Miami Gardens, Florida, Flo Rida is more than just an international recording artist. He is a philanthropist and founder of the Big Dreams for Kids Foundation, a nonprofit committed to instilling honesty, loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship, along with creating a commitment to young athletes, serving over 10,000 kids through the Florida Youth Football League (FYFL), the Strong Arm Elite Track Club, Future Leaders, and the FYFL Cheerleaders.    

Flo Rida is also a keen businessman. He has served as a brand ambassador for Celsius Energy Drinks, Seagram’s Gin, Jetsetter Nutritional Dietary Supplement and Flo Fit. He is an owner in The Licking restaurant franchise and owns the club Studio 183. As the CEO of International Music Group, Flo Rida has ushered the careers of Natalie LaRose, Baby Soulja and 6lack.


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Avis Yates Rivers
CEO and Founder, Technology Concepts Group International, LLC

Avis is a pioneering entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in the information technology industry. She is the CEO and Founder of Technology Concepts Group International, LLC (TCGi), which specializes in innovative IT, cybersecurity and supply chain solutions.

Her latest venture, the TCGi Foundation, aims to bridge the diversity gap in technology by supporting young Black women pursuing careers in STEM. The foundation provides scholarships, mentoring and advocacy to ensure they achieve their educational and professional goals.

Avis has been honored as a White House Champion of Change in STEM. She was an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 finalist in New Jersey and part of the Entrepreneurs Access Network 2021 cohort.


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Sara Ross
Chief Vitality Officer, BrainAmped, Keynote Speaker and Author of Dear Work: Something Has to Change

To address pressing workplace challenges, organizations such as Microsoft, PepsiCo, Wells Fargo, the American Medical Association and the U.S. Navy turn to leadership and workplace expert Sara Ross and her LeadFULL framework — a vitality-powering, human-centered approach to leadership excellence. Grounded in research but geared for real life, Sara works at the intersection of organizational culture, emotional intelligence and energy management. Her pioneering multiyear study on workplace vitality formed the foundation of her best-selling book, Dear Work: Something Has to Change. Known for her trademark energy and status quo-challenging style, Sara embodies her title of Chief Vitality Officer.


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Billy Shipley
SVP Finance, CFO, Daikin Comfort Technologies North America (DNA)

Billy has served as the SVP Finance, CFO at DNA since April 2020. He has held various finance leadership positions within the organization since 2004, encompassing all operational aspects of the business from manufacturing to logistics to sales. Soon after the Daikin acquisition, he was placed in charge of Corporate Planning.

Billy served in the U.S. Navy and held finance positions in several oil and gas equipment manufacturing companies.


Martha Stewart
Emmy Award-Winning TV Host and Founder, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

Martha Stewart is the founder of the first multichannel lifestyle company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia; an entrepreneur; an Emmy Award-winning TV show host; and author, having just published her 101st book. Reaching more than 100 million devoted fans on a monthly basis through her magazines, shows, books and home products, sold on Martha.com and at multiple retail and online outlets, Martha is the go-to source for the homemaker. She and her talented staff provide trusted, timely and useful information on all aspects of everyday living: cooking, entertaining, gardening, home renovating, collecting, organizing, crafting, healthy living, holidays, weddings and pet care, both in print and on social media.


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Julie Linn Teigland
EY Global Vice Chair – Alliances & Ecosystems

Julie is EY Global Vice Chair – Alliances & Ecosystems and a member of the EY Global Executive. Julie leads the growth of the global EY organization's strategic alliances business globally, enabling EY teams to deliver superior business value for clients through collaboration, co-creation and innovation.

With three decades of experience in professional services, she is responsible for expanding existing EY ecosystems and developing new collaborations, including teaming with the world’s leading and emerging technology and services players. Julie was previously EY EMEIA Area Managing Partner and has also served as Senior Advisory Partner for key EY global accounts; Regional Managing Partner for Germany, Switzerland and Austria; and Managing Partner for EMEIA Markets.

Julie is the Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union and serves on several boards across Europe and the USShe was named one of Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women International.


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Claire Tomkins
CEO and Founder, Future Family

Claire Tomkins CEO and Founder Future Family "Claire is a veteran FinTech executive and Founder of Future Family, the largest fertility financing platform in the US. Future Family has raised over $600M for the fertility asset class, and Claire was recently recognized by TIME Magazine for Best Invention of 2025 for her pioneering work building the first nationwide IVF insurance product.

Claire has been recognized by Inc Magazine’s list of Top 100 Female Founders, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Next Gen, and as one of San Francisco Business Time’s 40 Under 40. She is a member of the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ Class of 2023.


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Vince Vaughn
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter

Vince Vaughn is one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors, producers and screenwriters. Vaughn made his onscreen debut in David Anspaugh’s inspiring sports tale Rudy, going on to establish himself as one of cinema’s foremost leading men. In a career that has spanned film and TV, grit and warmth, Vaughn is best known for defining modern comedy. 

In 2003, Old School hit theaters, introducing Vaughn as a comedic force and altering box office trajectories for decades to follow. The next years saw Vaughn appear in highly-celebrated roles, many also written and produced by Vaughn, from Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, to Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Wedding Crashers, The Break-Up, Fred Claus, Four Christmases, Couples Retreat, and Starsky and Hutch

The 2010s saw Vaughn collaborate with a series of dynamic directors in visceral roles, including neo-noir Brawl in Cell Block 99 and Dragged Across Concrete both from S. Craig Zahler. In 2016, Vaughn starred in WWII drama Hacksaw Ridge. The film was nominated for six Academy® Awards and three Golden Globes.

In 2025, Vaughn led Netflix’s hit film Nonnas, directed by Stephen Chbosky. The film was a streaming smash, reaching Global Number 1. It was nominated for Outstanding TV Movie at the 77th Emmy Awards. 

Vaughn’s most recent work, indie drama Easy’s Waltz, premiered at TIFF to critical acclaim. The film marks a reunion between Vaughn and director Nic Pizzolato, who previously helmed Vaughn’s season of True Detective. Vaughn is also slated to lead Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, BenDavid Grabinski’s buddy comedy, starring James Marsden, while simultaneously reteaming with S. Craig Zahler for ‘50s New York gangster thriller The Bookie & the Bruiser with Theo James. 

Vaughn currently stars in and executive produces the Apple Original black comedy Bad Monkey, one of Apple’s most successful and well-reviewed shows to date. He will return as Detective Yancy in 2026. Vaughn’s Wild West Picture Show Productions (WWSP) has developed celebrated work across features, nonfiction, sports and comedy. In 2025, WWSP produced Broke, the contemporary Western starring Wyatt Russell and Dennis Quaid. 

In 2019, Vaughn was honored with the third highest award bestowed by the U.S. Army to a civilian, the Meritorious Public Service Medal.


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Scott Whitten
Chief Partner Officer, Americas, SAP

As Chief Partner Officer for the Americas at SAP, Scott leads the strategy and execution of SAP’s partner ecosystem across North and Latin America. He is focused on driving growth by scaling indirect business, accelerating cloud adoption and expanding midmarket reach through a partner-first, go-to-market approach. He works with a diverse network to deliver innovation and scalable customer impact across the region.

Scott joined SAP following a 23-year career at Microsoft, where he held global and regional leadership roles. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from North Dakota State University and completed executive education at the Wharton School.

Moderators


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Sherry Deutschmann
CEO and Founder, BrainTrust

Sherry is a serial entrepreneur, author and passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs. She is the CEO and Founder of BrainTrust, a peer advisory for women business owners, ensuring they have an equal opportunity to build financial independence, wealth and influence.

She also founded LetterLogic, Inc., a company sold to private equity in 2016.

Sherry was awarded the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ award in 2009; has been featured in The New York Times, Inc. and Entrepreneur; and was named a White House Champion of Change by President Barack Obama.

Her book, Lunch With Lucy: Maximize Profits by Investing in Your People, has received national awards.


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Traci Gusher
EY Americas AI and Data Leader

Traci is EY Americas AI and Data Leader and an experienced executive with deep experience in leading programs focused on artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and emerging technologies. She is responsible for leading data and analytics teams in the Americas across Consulting, focused on building innovative approaches and platforms to enable digital transformation journeys.



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Mark Jeffries
Forum Emcee

Author, keynote speaker and former Merrill Lynch stockbroker, Mark Jeffries has become a trusted advisor and communications consultant to some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations, agencies and partnerships. He has rapidly become the go-to person for facilitating, moderating and hosting multinational events for organizations around the world. In addition to running countless industry panels and chatting with more than 150 C-suite executives on stage, Mark has interviewed many luminaries from the realms of politics, business, entertainment and sports, including Sir Richard Branson, President Joe Biden, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Serena Williams, Kevin Bacon and many more.


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Ivan Lehon
EY Americas Private Equity Markets Leader

Ivan is the Global Client Service Partner for key EY Private Equity clients including Apollo Global Management and Cerberus Capital Management.  Ivan is also the Global Head of PE Credit and continues to execute on deals.  He has been a partner in the firm’s EY Strategy and Transactions practice, focusing on restructuring and turnaround as well as forensic investigations and disputes. Ivan is a New York state Certified Public Accountant, a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder and has an MBA in Finance.


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Deborah Norville
Two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist

Deborah Norville is a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, best known for her 30-year tenure anchoring Inside Edition. Under her leadership, Inside Edition became the nation’s top-rated syndicated newsmagazine. When she departed the program earlier this year, Norville was the longest-running anchor in American television. She now hosts The Perfect Line.

Norville has been inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and has received the Broadcasters Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She is a director of the Broadcasters Foundation of America and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Women Corporate Directors, and the New York Women’s Forum.


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Janet Truncale
EY Global Chair and CEO

Janet is the EY Global Chair and CEO, leading approximately 400,000 people across over 150 countries and territories with over US$53.2 billion in revenues. A trusted advisor to Fortune 500 CEOs and boards, she was previously EY Vice Chair and Regional Managing Partner of the EY Americas Financial Services Organization (FSO).

She has held various FSO leadership roles since joining Ernst & Young LLP as an intern, including as Initial Public Offering Leader and Banking and Capital Markets Assurance Leader. A strong advocate for the global, dynamic talent base, she chairs and sponsors initiatives to strengthen the EY organization.

Janet is Board Chair for Women’s World Banking, is on the boards of UNICEF USA and the New York Jobs CEO Council, and is a member of the World Economic Forum International Business Council, The Business Council and Business Roundtable.

She holds a BSE from The Wharton School and an MBA from Columbia University.


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Kristin Valente
EY Americas Chief Client Officer

Kristin is a visionary leader with a proven track record of building high-performing teams and leading large-scale transformations that unlock significant value and innovation. As EY Americas Chief Client Officer, she and her teams leverage cross-sector insights to create a powerful multiplier effect for companies looking to drive their next wave of growth, modernize business functions and protect what matters most to their business. Kristin champions the idea that different perspectives lead to better, more powerful outcomes that unlock exponential value for stakeholders. Kristin is a licensed CPA with more than 30 years of experience.

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