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Balaiji Ramadoss | CEO - Edgility

Dr. Balaji Ramadas, a USF alum and healthcare technology entrepreneur, discusses his journey from identifying gaps in healthcare technology to founding and scaling Agility, which he later sells. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and solving real problems, validating their significance, and executing solutions quickly. Ramadas highlights the need for performative leadership over performative actions and the significance of mental resilience and team cultivation. He also touches on the role of AI in future ventures, focusing on creating mechanisms to free knowledge and enhance decision-making in enterprises.

Christine Turner | CEO - Chappell Roberts

Christine Turner, CEO of Chapel Roberts, discusses her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of bravery, creativity, and inclusivity in leadership. She highlights the agency's culture of exploration and teamwork, supported by tools like DISC profiles and pulse surveys. Turner stresses the balance between performance and well- being, especially post-COVID, and the importance of hiring for culture fit. She also shares her commitment to continuous learning and community involvement, advising young leaders to prioritize cultural fit and build supportive networks. Chapel Roberts' inclusive team culture and strategic approach to client campaigns were also highlighted.

Dr. Carlos Garcia

Dr. Carlos Garcia, a clinical psychologist, author, consultant, and military veteran, discusses entrepreneurial leadership. Dr. Garcia emphasizes the importance of self- reflection, authenticity, and emotional intelligence in leadership. He highlights the need for leaders to embrace vulnerability and resilience, drawing from his experiences in the military and fire department. Dr. Garcia also discusses the significance of understanding one's own behavior and the impact of upbringing on leadership traits. He advises aspiring leaders to stay curious, maintain self-awareness through practices like meditation, and focus on the journey rather than just the destination.

Michael Stephens | CEO - Tampa International Airport

Michael Stevens, CEO of Tampa International Airport, discusses his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of innovation and service excellence. He highlights the airport's dynamic changes, including biometric screening, eVTOL integration, and the $1.5 billion Airside D expansion with 16 gates and advanced biometric facilities. Stevens stresses the need for visionary thinking, structured experimentation, and leveraging team expertise. He advocates for a culture of innovation, fostered through leadership development and risk-taking. Stevens underscores the continuous nature of innovation, using Blockbuster’s decline as an example, and encourages staying curious and informed to drive future success.

Robbie Graham | Founder - Revelations Café

Robbie Graham, co-founder and CEO of Revelations Cafe, shares his journey of transforming his wife’s vision into a reality. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear “why” in leadership, as advocated by Simon Sinek. Graham highlights the significance of authenticity, love, and service in creating an inclusive and transformative space. He discusses the challenges of managing diverse perspectives and the importance of building a team that shares the cafe’s mission. Graham also stresses the role of reflection, forgiveness, and listening in leadership. He advises future leaders to align their passions with their purpose and to prioritize service and authenticity.

Dr. Judy Genshaft | Former President of USF

Dr. Judy Genshaft, former president of the University of South Florida, discusses her leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of hard work, kindness, and making a difference. She highlights her family's meat business background and her educational path in counseling psychology. Genshaft stresses the significance of mentorship, strategic planning, and integrity in leadership. She notes USF's transformation, increasing graduation rates from 38% to over 70%, and the importance of outcome measures. Genshaft advises future leaders to work hard, be kind, and always help others, emphasizing the value of learning, earning, and returning.