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2025

Leading with Heart:
Transformational Strategies for Modern Business.

People want it. Companies need it. Compassion is the path to lasting business success.

  • 1 Day
  • Business Workshop
  • Experienced Speakers
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2023

Business Conference

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  • 4 Days
  • Business Workshop
  • Experience Speakers
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When is event ?

13 Nov 2024

How to join?

Register Now

When is event?

November 14, 2025,
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Eastern Time

How to join?

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INTRODUCTION

Humanize Your Workplace: ICIC Conference 2025

In the business of work, sometimes it’s easy to forget that we are all people with human needs. Chief among those needs is the desire to be seen as a person. 

Infuse Compassion Into Companies (ICIC) is a movement to bring more humanity into the workplace, starting with leaders.

You can join the movement on November 14, 2025, when we hold the first ICIC virtual conference. You’ll hear from and talk with experts on a variety of topics focused on improving human connections in the workplace with an emphasis on getting results.

Join the movement and learn how infusing compassion into your company can reduce turnover, increase productivity, and build stronger teams. Register for the ICIC conference today. 

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SPEAKERS

Calling All Speakers: Share Your Voice at ICIC 2025

Are you a leader, educator, consultant, or professional with a powerful message that can help transform today’s workplace?
We invite you to apply to speak at the 2025 ICIC Conference, happening on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

This year’s theme, “Leading with Heart: Transformational Strategies for Modern Business,” explores how empathy, compassion, and authentic leadership can drive meaningful impact in the workplace. We are seeking speakers who can share real-world insights, practical strategies, and inspiring stories that align with this vision.

APPLY TO SPEAK
When is event ?

13 Nov 2024

How to join?

Register Now

Secure Your Spot Today!

Time is ticking – register now to ensure your place at this transformative event and take advantage of our early registration discount!

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SPONSORS 2025

Empowering Change Together

We’re grateful to our sponsors for their support in helping us create a more compassionate and impactful workplace.

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Interested in sponsoring ICIC 2025?

CLICK HERE!
EVENT SPEAKERS

Our event speakers

Join our panel of experts and learn skills to infuse compassion into companies.

Amy Quesenberry

How You Show Up Matters!

Dr. Elia Gourgouris

America's Happiness Doctor

Nancy Gunter

CEO of Gunter Training

Tim Cormier

Founder of Cormier Executive Optimization

Stephen Davis

Learning and Development Leader

Jennifer Pestikas

Chief Experience Officer of a Chicagoland financial institution

Randall McNeely

Kindness Amplifier
robinjportrait-Amy_Quesenberry-4967-SM

Amy Quesenberry

How You Show Up Matters!
MichelleChoate-min

Michelle Choate

Emotional Intelligence First Aid: Self Leadership
LawrenceHenderson-min

Lawrence Hendersen

Compassion as the Cornerstone of HOT Leadership
Mark Carpenter Cutout-min

Mark Carpenter

Lead Like a Person
Screenshot

Carrie-Lynn Hotson

Infusing Compassion Into Conflict Resolution
ShiggsB Photo-min

Shelia Higgs Burkhalter

Meet the Moment!

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Leading with Compassion for a Thriving Workplace

ICIC is a movement to improve business performance through increased compassion in the workplace.

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Tiny Frog Technologies

TinyFrog Technologies is a San Diego Based Web Design and Development company and was founded in 2003. The company prides itself on long-term relationships with its large client base, quality work, and a strong commitment to respect and compassion for its team and clients.

Bellus Academy

Bellus Academy is a leading beauty and wellness institution that inspires students to greatness. With strong industry connections and experienced instructors, graduates are empowered to pursue their passions and succeed. Our values are to lead in innovation, inspire future beauty professionals, and ignite their careers. 

Thrive in 25

The Thrive in ’25 Women’s Leadership Conference, co-hosted by Brave Women at Work and CLIMB Conferences, isn’t your traditional conference experience. When you attend Thrive in ’25, you will receive real-world leadership training and resources to light the fire of motivation within you to take action after leaving.

The benefits of attending the Thrive Conference include: high quality leadership content, networking opportunities with other professional women just like you, access to women’s leadership companies, and ongoing support and accountability. Join us and THRIVE!

Michelle Choate

MLChoate Inc. a bespoke organization and leadership development firm, building in individuals and teams the capacity to create healthy workplaces led with authenticity and purpose.  Through custom emotional intelligence coaching and culture consulting we compassionately strengthen people’s self-leadership, resilience, and influence in a complex and changing work world.

Student Affairs at Winthrop University

The Division of Student Affairs at Winthrop University is dedicated to creating an inclusive campus community where all students can thrive. Through purposeful programs, intentional learning opportunities, and nurturing relationships, we deliver a student-centered experience that supports personal growth, fosters engagement, and empowers students to succeed at Winthrop and beyond.

Amy Quesenberry

Amy Quesenberry is on a mission to help make our world a more compassionate place!

She is a bestselling author, creator of the Start with Compassion® framework, motivational speaker, organizational development coach, co-host of the Infuse Compassion Podcast, and co-creator of the Infuse Compassion into Companies Conference.

For over 20 years, Amy has advised leaders and organizations on Human Capital, Talent Management, and Organizational Development. She has dedicated her career to guiding companies in using compassion to help leaders and employees achieve both career performance and life fulfillment.

As a speaker, author, and coach, Amy brings these decades of insight to businesses and audiences everywhere. Her innovative approach encourages compassionate actions that improve self-reflection, connection, and overall well-being.

With a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, Amy empowers audiences and the clients she coaches to transform their lives and environments through compassion.

Session Description

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Dr. Elia Gourgouris

Dr. Elia Gourgouris also known as America’s Happiness Doctor, is the author of the #1 best-selling Amazon book, 7 Paths to Lasting Happiness  which has been translated in 5 languages. He co-authored the highly acclaimed book 7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis: A Practical Guide to Emotionally Dealing with Pandemics and Other Disasters. The first half of his career he built a thriving private practice as a Clinical Psychologist (all word of mouth) before moving on to become an Executive Coach working with C-Suite leaders and an international speaker. His message is featured in respected publications and media around the world. 

 With his Positive Psychology background and through his books, Keynotes, podcast interviews (350 worldwide and counting) and Executive Coaching he has helped hundreds of thousands of people both in their careers and in their relationships to achieve happiness and success in their personal and professional lives. As an inspirational speaker, he frequently presents at international conferences focusing on Happiness, Corporate Wellness & Mental Health. He’s the host of a new TV show called The Happy Hour w/ Dr. Elia on the Mental Health Television Network https://mhtn.org/  Finally he’s producing a documentary feature film called For Such A time As This on the impact of kindness worldwide! He splits his time between the US and Greece/Europe.

 

Session Description

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Nancy Gunter

A competitive triathlete, two knee replacements, preachers kid, fun – all of these words describe Nancy Gunter. Dynamic, engaging, knowledgeable, passionate – those are words that describe Nancy as a coach, speaker and trainer. She engages with the audience in a humorous, yet informative way, giving the opportunity for people to open up, broaden their perspective and learn.

Nancy is an International Speaker, Executive Coach & HR Consultant. She has spoken for various companies and conferences including SHRM National Conference, ASSP National Conference, HUD, Anheuser Busch, Oklahoma State University, OKHR State Conference, YMCAs from coast to coast and many others.

Nancy is the CEO of Gunter Training and specializes in Generational Consulting, HR Consulting, and Executive & Team Coaching. She has a Master’s Degree with an emphasis in Generational Studies and is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, a Positive Intelligence Coach and a Speaker/Trainer for companies like HUD, Anheuser-Busch, Oklahoma State University and many more. Nancy enjoys sharing what she has learned after spending 35 years with the YMCA working from coast to coast.

Nancy is an International Speaker and presents on many topics related to leadership and self-development. She specializes in speaking on Generational Dynamics, Positive Intelligence, and Temperaments – Why People Do What They Do.

Due to her love for adventure and activity, Nancy has traveled extensively reaching five continents and speaking on three of them. Nancy also enjoys all types of sports and continues to participate in sprint, Olympic and Half Ironman triathlons.

Session Description

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Tim Cormier

Tim Cormier is the Chief Learning Officer and founder of Cormier Executive Optimization, bringing more than 25 years of expertise in strategic planning, leadership innovation, and talent development across multiple Fortune 100 organizations.

He has designed and implemented transformative learning and development programs that equip executives with the skills to lead confidently in an ever-evolving business landscape—empowering professionals to think, act, and lead with executive precision.

Tim’s approach is grounded in strategic planning and design thinking, enabling individuals to achieve measurable career success while driving meaningful organizational impact.

His mission is clear: to develop leaders into transformational change agents who foster organizational excellence and long-term impact. He firmly believes that one individual has the power to spark the organizational and cultural change needed to create lasting results.

Session Description

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Stephen Davis

Stephen Davis is an experienced Learning and Development leader with a proven track record of building impactful, performance-driven training strategies across large, complex organizations.

As Vice President of Talent Development at ArchKey Solutions, he leads initiatives that support leadership development, talent growth, and cultural transformation at scale. With over 20 years of experience, Stephen specializes in designing practical, business-aligned learning solutions that meet people where they are—on the job, in the field, or in the boardroom.

Known for his strategic mindset and people-first approach, Stephen helps organizations cultivate strong leaders, foster engagement, and align development with real business outcomes. His expertise spans leadership pipelines, workforce enablement, and scalable program design for both technical and professional audiences.

Stephen is passionate about bringing humanity back into the workplace. He believes learning isn’t just about skills—it’s about connection, purpose, and equipping people to thrive in the face of change.

Session Description

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Stephen Davis

Jennifer Pestikas is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She currently serves as the Chief Experience Officer of a Chicagoland financial institution, where she applies her deep expertise in leadership, strategy, and customer experience. Jen understands the critical skills needed to make significant career advancements—including mindset, negotiation, professional presence, interviewing, and advocating for what you want.

In addition to her corporate role, Jen is the founder of Brave Women at Work, where she offers career and leadership coaching for women. Through this platform, she helps clients identify their strengths, clarify their goals, uncover barriers, and take bold, brave action toward advancing their careers.

Jen holds a Bachelor’s degree in French and Spanish from Indiana University and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. She is also a Certified Professional Coach and an Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Master Practitioner, certified through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC).

Her thought leadership extends beyond coaching:

  • She is the host of the Brave Women at Work Podcast, available on all major platforms.

  • She is the author of Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Letting Go (E-Book and hardcover).

  • She has also co-authored three books: Brave Women at Work: Stories of Resilience, Lessons in Confidence, and Lessons in Leadership, available wherever books are sold.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Jen loves spending time with her husband and two daughters, reading, watching movies, and traveling with her family.

You can connect with Jen at bravewomenatwork.com, on LinkedIn, or by tuning into her Brave Women at Work podcast.

Session Description

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Mark Carpenter

Mark Carpenter is a speaker, author, and serial storyteller. He’s on a mission to increase the humanity in corporate leadership – to get people to lead like people rather than positions.

In addition to inspiring people from the stage, Mark teaches leaders how to connect more powerfully to team members and enjoy the benefits of increased retention, greater productivity, and higher engagement. He is the author of the best-selling book “Lead Like A Person, Not Like A Position” and the co-author of the best-selling book “Master Storytelling: How to Turn Your Experiences Into Stories that Teach, Lead, and Inspire.” Leveraging 20 years work in corporate communication, 10 years as an adjunct professor, and 18 years facilitating training, Mark couples a lively, engaging style with purposeful, impactful learning.

When he’s not speaking, training, coaching, or creating new content, Mark is likely in the mountains near his home in Utah, playing the piano, bragging about his grandchildren, or writing children’s books.

Learn more at www.LeadLikeAPerson.com

Session Description

Leaders don’t wake up in the morning thinking, “Today, I’m going to be a jerk to the people I lead.” Yet when times get tough, sometimes they draw on their authority to get work done. When leaders use phrases like, “Do it because I said so,” or “I’m the boss,” they start leading more like a position than a person. These behaviors cost organizations in poor productivity, high turnover, and low engagement. 

Knowing the costs, why do leaders lean on their position authority? In this session, we’ll discuss how we create position leaders rather than people leaders and what we can do to develop new leaders who lead more like a person. We’ll discuss three skills that are especially important for new leaders to develop to help them be more effective people leaders.

Find out how you can help your organization get the benefits of stronger teams by creating leaders who lead like a person.

Carrie-Lynn Hotson

Carrie-Lynn Hotson is an HR Specialist (CHRL), Author, and College Professor. She initially worked for 25 years within a Policing environment mentoring and supporting officers and leaders in a very challenging and changing career. She broadened her expertise to include Human Resources and now has extensive experience in HR strategic planning, change management, employee engagement, facilitation, coaching, and mediation. She is a published author of Knowing Who You Lead, a book designed to help leaders uncover the issues impacting their organizational success. She now works with leaders and teams to help them understand why issues occur and discover how to leverage their greatest asset… their employees… to embrace change and Inspire Organizational Growth.

Session Description

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Carrie-Lynn Hotson

Carrie-Lynn Hotson is an HR Specialist (CHRL), Author, and College Professor. She initially worked for 25 years within a Policing environment mentoring and supporting officers and leaders in a very challenging and changing career. She broadened her expertise to include Human Resources and now has extensive experience in HR strategic planning, change management, employee engagement, facilitation, coaching, and mediation. She is a published author of Knowing Who You Lead, a book designed to help leaders uncover the issues impacting their organizational success. She now works with leaders and teams to help them understand why issues occur and discover how to leverage their greatest asset… their employees… to embrace change and Inspire Organizational Growth.

Michelle Choate

Michelle Choate MA CTC CEC is a facilitator, keynote speaker, leadership coach, executive team coach, and organization development consultant with 25 years of experience in organizational culture, individual, and leadership development.

Michelle helps people master their self-leadership, effectively taking back their power and maximizing their influence in complex, volatile work environments.  Emotional Intelligence is the foundation of Michelle’s approach, to increase self-compassion, self-awareness, and impact.

Healthcare, nonprofits, technology, government, and higher education clients seek out Michelle to conceptualize solutions that build on strengths and develop skills that reflect individual and team purpose. She facilitates a collaborative process that enables individuals and teams to lead themselves and others with increased focus, clarity, and confidence.

Michelle is a certified Executive and Transitions Coach with a Masters, Organizational Communication and Conflict Management, and a post-graduate certification in conflict management, including ADR and negotiation practices.

Website: www.michellechoate.com

Leadership Team and Individual Coaching for Emotional Intelligence

Keynote Speaker

Organization and Leadership Development Consultant

Strategic Planning and Team Facilitation

Michelle Choate

Michelle Choate MA CTC CEC is a facilitator, keynote speaker, leadership coach, executive team coach, and organization development consultant with 25 years of experience in organizational culture, individual, and leadership development.

Michelle helps people master their self-leadership, effectively taking back their power and maximizing their influence in complex, volatile work environments.  Emotional Intelligence is the foundation of Michelle’s approach, to increase self-compassion, self-awareness, and impact.

Healthcare, nonprofits, technology, government, and higher education clients seek out Michelle to conceptualize solutions that build on strengths and develop skills that reflect individual and team purpose. She facilitates a collaborative process that enables individuals and teams to lead themselves and others with increased focus, clarity, and confidence.

Michelle is a certified Executive and Transitions Coach with a Masters, Organizational Communication and Conflict Management, and a post-graduate certification in conflict management, including ADR and negotiation practices.

Website: www.michellechoate.com

Leadership Team and Individual Coaching for Emotional Intelligence

Keynote Speaker

Organization and Leadership Development Consultant

Strategic Planning and Team Facilitation

Session Description

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Shelia Higgs Burkhalter

Shelia Higgs Burkhalter, known as “Shiggs,” is a dynamic speaker, two-time Amazon bestselling author, and in demand certified Executive & Leadership Transitions Coach with three decades of experience in higher education. 

As the CEO of ShiggsB Coaching, LLC, Shiggs excels in guiding leaders through transformative transitions, advocating for heart-centered, people-focused leadership that aligns with core values. Her thought-provoking presentations empower individuals to embrace their strength and authenticity. 

Recognized as a 2023 NASPA Pillar of the Profession, she has made significant contributions to student affairs and higher education. Her work with NASPA, including her involvement in career pipelines and support for diverse communities, reflects her deep commitment to fostering inclusive and thriving environments. 

Shiggs holds advanced degrees in business and student affairs, and her published works continue to inspire leaders to live and lead with purpose. Join her mission to reshape leadership and empower the next generation.

Vice President for Student Affairs
CEO/Owner, ShiggsB Coaching, LLC

Shelia Higgs Burkhalter

Shelia Higgs Burkhalter, known as “Shiggs,” is a dynamic speaker, two-time Amazon bestselling author, and in demand certified Executive & Leadership Transitions Coach with three decades of experience in higher education. 

As the CEO of ShiggsB Coaching, LLC, Shiggs excels in guiding leaders through transformative transitions, advocating for heart-centered, people-focused leadership that aligns with core values. Her thought-provoking presentations empower individuals to embrace their strength and authenticity. 

Recognized as a 2023 NASPA Pillar of the Profession, she has made significant contributions to student affairs and higher education. Her work with NASPA, including her involvement in career pipelines and support for diverse communities, reflects her deep commitment to fostering inclusive and thriving environments. 

Shiggs holds advanced degrees in business and student affairs, and her published works continue to inspire leaders to live and lead with purpose. Join her mission to reshape leadership and empower the next generation.

Vice President for Student Affairs
CEO/Owner, ShiggsB Coaching, LLC

Session Description

This keynote session will inspire leaders to recognize and respond to the critical moments that define their leadership journey. Participants will explore how to identify when they are called to act, embrace those moments with courage, and build bridges to create meaningful change. The session will focus on the importance of empathy, conviction, and accountability in leadership. 

Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to address challenges with actionable strategies that align with their values. The ultimate takeaway is a commitment to leading with passion and making a lasting impact.

Tiny Frog Technologies

TinyFrog Technologies is a San Diego Based Web Design and Development company and was founded in 2003. The company prides itself on long-term relationships with its large client base, quality work, and a strong commitment to respect and compassion for its team and clients. 

Lawrence Hendersen

Lawrence Henderson is a dynamic Leadership and Organizational Development Coach with over two decades of expertise, dedicated to transforming professionals into extraordinary leaders. Known for his “Actions over ideas always win” mantra, he challenges and empowers his clients to excel. A TEDx Youngtown speaker, Lawrence is passionate about personal and professional growth, continuously practicing what he preaches. Outside the office, he’s an avid motorcyclist, cruising on his 2007 Harley Davidson Fatboy. Together with his wife Gepre and their beloved dog Chili, he lives a life full of adventure and meaningful connections.

Session Description

Compassion as the Cornerstone of H.O.T. Leadership

Explore how integrating compassion with H.O.T. leadership—being Humble, Open, and Transparent—enhances workplace culture and drives successful outcomes.

Objectives:

  • Understand the impact of culture on business and how compassion strengthens this influence.
  • Learn to navigate the challenges of sustaining an inclusive culture.
  • Master the H.O.T. framework to lead with humility, openness, and transparency.

Outcomes:

  • Develop strategies to foster a compassionate, inclusive, and transparent workplace.
  • Gain practical tools to implement compassionate leadership practices effectively.

Take-Away:

  • Equip yourself with the knowledge to transform your leadership approach and inspire a culture of compassion, driving both personal and organizational success.

Website: https://www.bossconsultingllc.net