🗓️ October 28th 2026
8 AM - 3 PM
📍Alan B. Levan NSU Center of Innovation
3100 Ray Ferrero Jr Blvd, 5th Floor, Ft
Lauderdale, FL 33314
Meet Your LIVE2LEAD Host
ANA SASMIRESAN
Ana Sasmiresan is the Founder and Chief Leadership Officer of Transformation Through Conversations, a Pompano Beach–based leadership development company empowering individuals and organizations to elevate how they lead. A two-time South Florida Business & Wealth Apogee Award Honoree (2023 & 2025), Ana is committed to making a difference in her community. She brings over two decades of leadership experience and she blends proven frameworks with her signature conversational approach to inspire transformation and growth.
Maxwell Leadership Executive Program Leader
Certified 𝗕❒X Experience Facilitator
Leadership DISC Consultant
Working Genius
Generations Leadership
Business Leaders Track
Speakers
SAM GHANEM
CMO, Founder, TEDx Speaker
TRANSFORMATIONAL EMCEE
Sam Ghanem is a founder, branding expert, executive strategist, thought leader, TEDx speaker, and stand‑up comedian with 25 years in printing, branding, marketing, and messaging. Her TEDx Talk, “It’s Contagious | The Way You Treat Yourself Spreads,” explores congruence, brand embodiment, and the human cost of living out of alignment. Sam helps high performers bridge the gap between external success and internal fulfillment, drawing on her MIBA and BBA degrees and experience with brands like Lockheed Martin, Danaher, IBM, Carrier, and Thermo Fisher. She’s graced 100+ stages as a keynote speaker, comedian, and emcee, and leads SG INK and IASG from her base in South Florida.
RODDY GALBRAITH
Speaking Faculty, Maxwell Leadership. Host, The Speaker’s Edge Podcast
Roddy Galbraith is an International Speaker, Trainer and Coach with a true passion for helping people make an impact in the world by finding their voice, crafting their message and developing a bullet proof delivery with unshakeable self-confidence.
Over the last 17 years, he has worked with well over 10,000 people individually on their presentations, keynotes and signature stories, and worked with tens of thousands more in groups, both small and very large. He started his career in the financial sector in the City of London, but after 15 plus years of building and developing large teams, he realized his true passion was helping people become better communicators.
He proudly serves as a founding faculty member of communication with the Maxwell Leadership organization and over the last 12 years he has co-created the Maxwell Method of Speaking with John Maxwell, renowned leadership expert and New York Times best-selling author. He has also developed several other core communication training programs with thought leaders such as Les Brown, Bob Proctor and others.
Roddy has spoken around the world to large audiences, both in person and virtually, and has shared the stage with many great speakers including John Maxwell, Seth Godin, Nick Vujicic, Les Brown, Bob Proctor, Wayne Dyer, Michael Beckwith, Robert Cialdini, Bonnie St John, Bruce Lipton and others. Although originally from England, Roddy now lives in Florida with his wife and their four children.
TARA LORDI
CEO, Weedoo Boats Vice Chairwoman, GrowFL
Tara Lordi is the CEO of Weedoo Greenboat, Inc., a Florida-based manufacturer of specialized workboats that help municipalities, contractors, and environmental agencies keep waterways clean, safe, and navigable in 14 countries around the world.
A woman leading in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Tara has built Weedoo into a recognized name in environmental manufacturing — earning the SFMA Manufacturer of the Year Award in 2025 and the Florida Sterling Silver Award in 2026, with prior recognition as a GrowFL “Florida Companies to Watch” honoree. She also serves as Vice Chairwoman of GrowFL, championing the growth of second-stage companies across the state.
Known for hands-on leadership and a builder’s mindset, Tara speaks candidly on purpose-driven manufacturing, leading high-performing teams, and creating opportunity for women in industry. Her message blends executive perspective with real shop-floor experience — practical, energizing, and grounded in the belief that great leadership shows up in how we serve our people, our customers, and the world around us.
JEFF HENDERSON
Executive Director, Leadership Innovation & Strategy, Chick-fil-A
Named by Forbes Magazine as one of 20 speakers you shouldn’t miss, Jeff has become a trusted voice for businesses and non - profit organizations.
His best -selling book, Know What You’re FOR , launched a movement in non - profits around the world and has become a focal point for many businesses to grow both their purpose and profit.
His latest book, What To Do Next , helps leaders figure out their best, next step when facing uncertainty in their life and career. Jeff currently serves as Executive Director of Leadership Innovation and Strategy for Chick - fil- A. He has also worked for well - known organizations such as the Atlanta Braves, Callaway Gardens, and North Point Ministries, one of the largest churches in America.
While there, Jeff was the lead pastor for three churches over 17 years and helped launch North Point Online, one of the largest online ministries in the world. He has also served Maxwell Leadership as one of their Thought Leaders, an organization foun ded by Dr. John C. Maxwell.
Jeff and his wife Wendy have been married 2 9 years and have a daughter, Jesse and a son,Cole.
CEO Panel Discussion
Change Is Personal First
ABBY LINDENBERG
Founder and CEO Capital Analysts, Conexio
PANEL MODERATOR
Abby Lindenberg is a founder-led CEO and national business strategist who built caa, a media and intelligence platform now spanning 18 U.S. regions. Through the Invest: reports, leadership summits, and executive forums, she has convened thousands of CEOs, investors, and public-sector leaders, and moderated conversations with governors, mayors, and top executives shaping regional economies across the country.
ANDY SCHNUERER
President, Slate Solutions
Andy Schnuerer is a seasoned operations executive with over three decades of leadership in manufacturing and operations management. With deep roots in the aerospace industry, Andy spent 23 years overseeing the production of flight-critical engine components, building his career on a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, Lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma quality systems.
Andy is a professional Engineer, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and completed an Executive MBA program. Throughout his career, he has consistently driven operational excellence, through helping others build successful careers and foster a culture of change and continuous improvement.
Since joining Slate Solutions in 2023 as VP of Operations and being named President in 2025, Andy has implemented Lean and Six Sigma methodologies that reduced lead times, increased throughput, and improved quality — key factors in building the Operational culture required for Slate Solutions to be recognized as Manufacturer of the Year in South Florida in 2024 and awarded Best of the Best Manufacturers in South Florida in 2026.
MATT SATTLER
CEO & Co-Founder, Detect
Matt Sattler is the CEO and Co-founder of Detect, a Miami-based company whose AI-powered solutions help utilities identify electrical grid defects before they cause costly power failures. Prior to founding Detect, he built and scaled a data & AI business for HSBC across five countries.
In 2021, Sattler left HSBC to join his mentor at Pilot Wave Holdings, a private equity firm that acquires traditional businesses and increases their value through technology. As a partner at Pilot Wave, he helped acquire a powerline construction company in Nova Scotia—a venture that sparked the idea for Detect. Today, Sattler combines his multinational AI experience and entrepreneurial vision to bring cutting-edge technology to the utility sector, improving grid performance, reducing maintenance costs, and preventing failures.
KENNETH JONES
CEO of HCA Florida Northwest Hospital
Kenneth Jones, MHA MBA is chief executive officer at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital in Margate, Florida. Jones currently serves as an HCA Healthcare Hope Fund board member since 2024. In January 2026, Kenneth was nominated and confirmed as a Board of Trustee member for Florida A and M University. Previously, he served as president of AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston and has nearly 20 years of experience as a leader in hospital administration and clinical operations.
Prior to his role at AMITA Health, Jones held positions as chief executive officer at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, chief executive officer at The Orthopedic Hospital of Lutheran Health Network in Fort Wayne, and chief executive officer at Heekin Orthopedic Specialists in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jones earned a bachelor of science degree in biology at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, as well as master of healthcare administration and master of business administration degrees from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Emerging Speakers
MIYELMI ABRAHAM
Coach Partner Transformation Through Conversations
Miyelmi Abraham is a leadership strategist and executive coach with 20+ years of experience helping senior leaders and organizations translate vision into impact. A former Fortune 500 leader, she brings firsthand experience partnering with executive teams and navigating complex, high-growth environments globally. She works closely with C-suite executives and high-potential leaders to strengthen executive presence, decision-making, and influence during moments of transition and growth. Through her work at MIT Professional Education and her coaching practice, she helps leaders elevate performance by leading with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Her work bridges business strategy and human leadership to drive sustainable impact. She speaks English and Spanish with elementary proficiency in Portuguese.
ROBERT DECLERCQ
Solution Design and Regional Communications Director DHL
Rob DeClercq serves as Solution Design and Regional Communications Director at DHL, where he brings expertise in supply chain strategy, communications, and operational excellence. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University and an MBA from the University of West Georgia. Beyond his professional career, Rob is an Ironman triathlete, a Level 2 Certified USAT Triathlon Coach, Volunteer District President for Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and proud husband and father of three.
Youth Leadership Track
The Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow
Speakers
ALEXANDRA SILVA LABARR
Speaker, Author CEO & Founder - Xandra Marketing and PR, TPN Community
Alexandra Silva Labarr is an international keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and community builder. She is the founder and CEO of Xandra Marketing & PR and the founder of TPN Community, a women-led networking community built on the belief that everyone belongs in the room.
Alexandra is the author of three books: The Power of Networking, Show Up Scared, and Show Up Scared: Teen Edition. Through her work, she encourages people of all ages to find their voice, build meaningful connections, and take action even when they’re scared.
EFRAIM A. SILVA
Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach
Efraim believes the most important thing a leader can do is make the people around them better. That conviction carried him from Venezuela to Palm Beach Atlantic University, through six years on church staff, and into a Chick-fil-A franchisee role he earned by first working the counter. His purpose — We exist to change lives by creating unforgettable memories for every Team Member and every Guest — drives everything he does. Off the clock, he and his wife Stephanie are raising two beautiful daughters and investing time and resources into their community. He’ll be the first to say it’s all part of something larger.
CYNTHIA BOWLES
Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A Hialeah Westland
Born in Hialeah, Florida to Cuban parents, Cynthia Bowles grew up immersed in her family’s restaurant business, learning the value of service and hard work from her father. After earning her degree in Management and International Business from Florida International University, she built a career with Best Buddies, ultimately serving as National Director of Housing. Inspired by her brother Chris, who has Down syndrome, Cynthia founded Dream Team Group Home, expanding to two facilities supporting individuals with disabilities. In 2018, she became the first woman in Miami selected as a Chick‑fil‑A Operator, opening Hialeah’s first location. Today, she leads a team of over 100, fostering growth, excellence, and hospitality alongside her husband, Jose. Cynthia’s purpose is clear—develop people, serve her community, and create a workplace where everyone thrives.
DARREN BENNET
EMCEE
Associate Chaplain at Broward Sherrif's Office
Founder of Pain to Purpose
Darren Bennett is living proof that even the deepest pain can uncover the greatest purpose. After losing both parents and all three siblings including his closest brother tragically in the line of duty Darren found himself consumed by grief, betrayal, and the emotional toll of serving as a local pastor. At his lowest, he faced suicidal intentions and the fear that his story was over.
But instead, Darren chose to heal.
Through counseling, community, and courage, he transformed his trauma into a mission: “to help motivate individuals who have experienced trauma of any kind to be resilient and choose to fall forward!”
Today, Darren is a nationally recognized resilience speaker, author of 3 amazon bestselling books , associate chaplain at one of the nation’s largest first responder agencies, lead chaplain on a national scale for the America Jail Association and founder of Pain to Purpose, inspiring students, first responders, and leaders to overcome adversity and step boldly into the life they’re meant for.
Sharing passionately and authentically from his lived experience, Darren’s message is simple but life-changing: You can turn your pain into purpose by choosing to fall forward.
ROLANDO JIUSTINIANO JR.
Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A Fort Lauderdale
Alexandra Silva Labarr is an international keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and community builder. She is the founder and CEO of Xandra Marketing & PR and the founder of TPN Community, a women-led networking community built on the belief that everyone belongs in the room.
Alexandra is the author of three books: The Power of Networking, Show Up Scared, and Show Up Scared: Teen Edition. Through her work, she encourages people of all ages to find their voice, build meaningful connections, and take action even when they’re scared.
JEFF HENDERSON
Executive Director, Leadership Innovation & Strategy, Chick-fil-A
Named by Forbes Magazine as one of 20 speakers you shouldn’t miss, Jeff has become a trusted voice for businesses and non - profit organizations.
His best -selling book, Know What You’re FOR , launched a movement in non - profits around the world and has become a focal point for many businesses to grow both their purpose and profit.
His latest book, What To Do Next , helps leaders figure out their best, next step when facing uncertainty in their life and career. Jeff currently serves as Executive Director of Leadership Innovation and Strategy for Chick - fil- A. He has also worked for well - known organizations such as the Atlanta Braves, Callaway Gardens, and North Point Ministries, one of the largest churches in America.
While there, Jeff was the lead pastor for three churches over 17 years and helped launch North Point Online, one of the largest online ministries in the world. He has also served Maxwell Leadership as one of their Thought Leaders, an organization foun ded by Dr. John C. Maxwell.
Jeff and his wife Wendy have been married 2 9 years and have a daughter, Jesse and a son,Cole.
Entrepreneurial Mentorship Experience Panel
JAAP DONATH, Ph.D.
Assistant Executive Director, Programs | Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation
PANEL MODERATOR
Jaap Donath, Ph.D., is the Assistant Executive Director of Programs at the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation, where he leads the Founder’s Journey programs—Ideate, Incubate, Accelerate—and the Veterans Programs. With more than 30 years of economic development experience, including 25 years at the Miami‑Dade Beacon Council, Jaap has been a key contributor to South Florida’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem since the late 1990s.
He has served as a speaker, pitch‑competition judge, and ecosystem‑building expert at national conferences, and has taught as an Adjunct Professor at multiple universities across South Florida. A native of the Netherlands, Jaap holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in International Business and International Relations from the University of Miami and is fluent in English, Dutch, and German.
VINCE GIORDANO
President, Road Marking & Waterblasting
Vince Giordano is the Group President of Road Marking & Waterblasting for Federal Signal Corporation, where he leads a portfolio of businesses focused on infrastructure, industrial services, and transportation markets. He is passionate about developing leaders, building strong teams, and helping people reach their full potential. Throughout his career, Vince has championed continuous learning, resilience, and personal growth.
A Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he believes many of life's greatest lessons come from perseverance and discipline. Vince is honored to return to Live2Lead as a youth mentor and invest in the next generation of leaders.
JONATHAN TAYLOR
Head, Youth Impact Center
Jonathan “JT” Taylor is a youth development leader, wrestling coach, author, and speaker based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As Director and Head Coach of the Youth Impact Center (YIC), he helps young people build resilience, character, and leadership through faith, education, and athletics.
A four-time Florida high school state wrestling champion at Cardinal Gibbons High School, Taylor went on to compete at the NCAA Division I level. He brings that experience to his work as Director of the Youth Impact Center. He is a Certified Youth Sports Administrator and a USA Wrestling Silver Certified Coach. In 2024, USA Wrestling recognized him as its Men’s Freestyle Youth Development Council Person of the Year.
Under Taylor’s leadership, YIC has grown into a Fort Lauderdale hub for wrestling, tutoring, and youth leadership development. Its programs support young people on the mat, in the classroom, and in their communities. Taylor also serves as President on the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association board assisting the organization with growth and strategic planning.
Through coaching, writing, speaking, and consulting, Taylor continues to advance a clear mission: empower young people, help them build a strong foundation, and prepare them to lead with purpose.
HANNAH HERBST
Chief Executive Officer, Golden Hour Medical, Inc.
Hannah Herbst is a Forbes 30 Under 30 inventor and the Founder and CEO of Golden Hour Medical, a medical device company dedicated to reimagining patient care following traumatic injury. She and her team developed and commercialized AutoTQ®, an automatic tourniquet designed to empower immediate action in bleeding emergencies.
Hannah was previously named America's Top Young Scientist by 3M and Discovery Education, presented her research at the White House to former President Obama, and received top honors at the International Science and Engineering Fair. A former NCAA Division I athlete, she holds a B.S. from Florida Atlantic University and a certificate in Business and Innovation from Stanford University.
EFRAIM A. SILVA
Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach
Efraim believes the most important thing a leader can do is make the people around them better. That conviction carried him from Venezuela to Palm Beach Atlantic University, through six years on church staff, and into a Chick-fil-A franchisee role he earned by first working the counter. His purpose — We exist to change lives by creating unforgettable memories for every Team Member and every Guest — drives everything he does. Off the clock, he and his wife Stephanie are raising two beautiful daughters and investing time and resources into their community. He’ll be the first to say it’s all part of something larger.
Conference Sponsors
Presented by
At Transformation Through Conversations, our vision is to raise the leadership level in the world by expanding leadership capacity, sharpening strategic vision, building high-performance teams, and driving sustainable growth. We grow your leaders; they grow your business!
Platinum Sponsor
The Levan Center supports the Founder’s Journey from birth of an idea through successful exit or global expansion providing programs, events, and wraparound services to entrepreneurs and early-stage startups.
Silver Sponsor
HOG Technologies is the global leader in pavement maintenance solutions; designing, supplying and supporting equipment for safer roads and runways all around the world.
Bronze Sponsor
The Rick Case Automotive Group has proudly served its customers since 1962.
Celebrating over 60 years of treating our customers like our best friends.
Official Media Partner
caa reports business news and connects the dots with a unique approach that uncovers the business insights you need right now.
Official Chamber Partner
The Chamber's mission is to serve & expand our business community by working together with business professionals in our region, providing opportunities, information services and advocacy.
Food & Youth Programming Partners
Our corporate purpose is to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.
Youth Programming Partner
TPN Youth is an extension of TPN Community — the same chapter network, business owners, and mission of giving back, now reaching the next generation.
Business Programming Partner
From this realization, SG INK transformed into a full-service agency offering a combination of branding, marketing, and print solutions, helping businesses at every stage.
Vendor Table Partner
At Atlas Clinics, we want to help you flourish by unlocking your true health potential through upper cervical chiropractic care and advanced recovery technology modalities.
Friend of LIVE2LEAD
We collaborate with South Florida businesses and organizations on improving their core financial strategies for long-term growth and sustainability.
Friend of LIVE2LEAD
The Broward Partnership is committed to reducing homelessness by promoting independence and self-worth through advocacy, housing and comprehensive services.
Sponsor
Quality Importers Trading Co., Inc. is a B2B Product innovator, importer, distributor and representative to a multi-network of manufacturers across the world, specializing in the areas of wooden-ware, plastic injection molding, metal stamping and product packaging.
LIVE2LEAD License Partner
Everyone Can Learn to Lead Well. And No One Should Do It Alone. Whether your goal is to better yourself or make waves that change the world, there are many ways to feel the call to lead. We are here to help you answer it, and we know without a doubt you can get there.
Venue Sponsor
The Kleberg County Economic Development and Emergency Operations Center is the 2025 Live2Lead Kingsville venue sponsor, welcoming you to one of the newest event facilies in the city.
Sponsor
Committed to delivering the best quality service to our customers. They clean DRIVEWAYS, SIDEWALKS, PARKING LOTS, FENCING,SIDINGS, PATIOS, GUTTERS, ROOFS, VEHICLES & MORE
Sponsor
The Kingsville Chamber of Commerce has but one goal – to help each of our members succeed. Investing in your success means investing in the growth and economic development of Kingsville, making it an even better place to live and work.
EVENT PASSES
Single or Group
BUY A TABLE
8 Seats
PANEL SPONSOR
8 VIP Seats
GOLD SPONSOR
12 VIP Seats
SILVER SPONSOR
8 VIP Seats
BRONZE SPONSOR
4 VIP Seats
FRIEND OF LIVE2LEAD
1 VIP Seat
SPONSOR A STUDENT
68 Available
BOOTH VENDOR
2 Seats
LIVE2LEAD FT. LAUDERDALE sponsorship package
Live2Lead John Maxwell Intro
Ana Sasmiresan onset with her Mentor, John C. Maxwell.
Live2Lead 2025 Video
LIVE2LEAD Pompano Beach 2025 and 2024
A look back at prior years of LIVE2LEAD and an invitation to join us at LIVE2LEAD Ft Lauderdale on Wednesday, October 28th, 2026.
Live2Lead 2024 Video
LIVE2LEAD Pompano Beach 2024 was an event filled with meaningful messages from local and global leaders, and it was the beginning of a partnership with Global Youth Initiative.
welcome to LIVE2LEAD 2024
LIVE2LEAD Pompano Beach 2024 was a second annual event, and it has grown in size and impact. I am grateful for all the speakers: Alexandra Silva LaBarr, Dodie Keith-Lazowick, Bob Chapman, Evan Piper, Matthew Rocco, Veronica Querales, Larry Canipe, Alex Lazowick, Susana Campanella, Alicia Boateng, Chris Andreoni, Holly B. Hunt, Jean MacIntyre and Sherry Henry. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our partners and sponsors!
LIVE2LEAD 2023 video
LIVE2LEAD Pompano Beach 2023 was an incredible debut for this leadership conference in my own city. Hear from our two local keynote speakers.
welcome to LIVE2LEAD 2023
2023 was my first LIVE2LEAD event; it was an honor to partner with the Pompano Beach community!
I appreciate my Partners and Sponsors without whom this event would not have been possible:
Greater Pompano Beach Chamber, City of Pompano Beach, Soprema, KEITH, Atlas Clinic and Baresco.
previous seasons' reviews
" The topics and the speakers for each one were engaging and provided outstanding insight into each different topic addressed. Each of them inspired me to look and reach further within to find how I could best apply the messages and nuggets of wisdom in my life and impact those around me. "
" Jam packed sessions with topics that are both relevant and inspiring. Super in tune with a critical section of today's workforce and issues that plague companies and people today."
"That was a beautiful experience! This event offers countless opportunities to learn, not only for professional growth but also for personal development. By embracing the lessons from others' experiences, I gain both cognitive and emotional insights. These lessons shape how we interact with the world, reminding us of our purpose and the responsibilities we carry — to ourselves, our families, and our communities. "
" Very inspirational event with high energy; we used the event as a team building exercise. We brought leaders of multiple levels so on our return trip to the office, we had numerous breakout sessions of discussion. "
" The whole day was inspiring. I found myself being mesmerized by the theme of the event which I characterize as "Care about People". I would have loved to have had other leaders from the HabCenter there to be moved by Ana and the other speakers."
"2023 Live2Lead was inviting, exciting, interesting, and a day well spent! Do it again and again!"
"This is my first time at a LIVE2LEAD event. I really appreciated Marcus' presentation about finding the passion and the things you really love in our daily lives and in our work. I'm thinking about my team and what each of them might love and what brings them joy. I'm really kind of excited to go think about it a little more and go talk to people about those red threads, as he calls them." Dodie Keith-Lazowick, Chairman KEITH
"This is a first-time event in Pompano Beach. We had a tremendous group. We've listened to fabulous speakers. I am excited that they will do it again next year. People come back. We are so excited to have LIVE2LEAD in the Pompano Beach community." Jean McIntyre, Director of Economic Development, City of Pompano Beach
"THE HEART RULE has awakened a level of reality about my leadership behaviors that I never through of before. It was not just inspirational, but actionable. I will evaluate my approach with everyone through this rule going forward. WOW" - Feedback about Ana Sasmiresan's keynote
"Refreshing sessions. New ideas that make you reconsider your approach and understanding of leadership and priorities. I will utilize some of these strategies in my business approach going forward."
"This event was truly inspiring and meaningful to me and my role at my organization. The speakers both in Atlanta and locally were touching and inspiring!"