Power of People Summit
Wednesday, September 30
Principles of Equipment Leasing and Finance Workshop
The Principles Workshop will begin on Wednesday, September 30, at 1:00 PM and run alongside the Power of People Summit.
The Principles Workshop will begin on Wednesday, September 30, at 1:00 PM and run alongside the Power of People Summit.
Check-In / Registration for Principles Workshop
Opening session for Principles Workshop
Hosted dinner for Principles Workshop
(Workshop attendees only)
(Workshop attendees only)
Thursday, October 1
Optional Fun Walk
Join fellow attendees for an optional fun walk to connect, explore and experience the history and energy of Music City.
Join fellow attendees for an optional fun walk to connect, explore and experience the history and energy of Music City.
Principles of Equipment Leasing and Finance Workshop: Morning Session
Registration Open
Joint Lunch & Opening Keynote: The Future IS Human - the Power of Connection & Leadership
“The Future is HUMAN - the power of Connection & Leadership”
Each of us has more power than we realize, and how we use it matters.
“What happens because you are here?” Not because of your title, position or decisions you make - but because YOU are here. Who is more confident because of you? Who feels heard because you took time to listen - who is willing to take a risk because you believed in them.
This is the power of Connection & Leadership - What happens to other people because of you!
This is the power of PEOPLE.
Kim Davis
Senior Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs at the National Hockey League, and as the President of the NHL Foundation.
“The Future is HUMAN - the power of Connection & Leadership”
Each of us has more power than we realize, and how we use it matters.
“What happens because you are here?” Not because of your title, position or decisions you make - but because YOU are here. Who is more confident because of you? Who feels heard because you took time to listen - who is willing to take a risk because you believed in them.
This is the power of Connection & Leadership - What happens to other people because of you!
This is the power of PEOPLE.
Kim Davis
Senior Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs at the National Hockey League, and as the President of the NHL Foundation.
Break
Concurrent Sessions
The workforce isn't simply getting younger. The available talent pool is changing across generations, race, gender and sexual orientation, while expectations about authority, trust, career, flexibility, technology and the role of work itself are shifting just as dramatically.
Most leaders recognize that the workforce has changed. The harder question is what to do differently because of it.
This interactive session moves beyond explaining workforce trends to explore how leadership needs to evolve to engage, develop and get the best from the workforce we actually have. Participants will examine their own assumptions about leadership and leave with practical approaches they can begin using immediately to build stronger connection, greater ownership and better performance.
Attendee takeaways:
- Understand the forces reshaping today's workforce—and why this is about much more than generational differences.
- Examine which long-standing leadership assumptions and practices may no longer produce the same results.
- Identify practical ways to adapt leadership practices to strengthen engagement, development, ownership and performance.
Strategist, Executive Advisor and long-time talent executive in the equipment finance industry
Leadership is not defined by a title; it is shaped by authenticity, relationships, and the ability to inspire others across differences. In this engaging and reflective session, participants will explore what it means to lead with authenticity while fostering inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives and experiences across generations. Drawing from real-world experiences in higher education and organizational settings, this session examines how leaders can build trust, navigate generational differences and create cultures where individuals feel seen, valued and empowered to contribute. Participants will reflect on their own leadership identity, identify practices that strengthen inclusive leadership and develop strategies for effectively leading multigenerational teams in today's evolving workplace. Whether you are an emering or experienced leader, you will leave with practical tools to communicate across generations, cultivate psychological safety, embrace authenticty as a leadership strength and create enviorments where people of all backgrounds can thrive.
Workplace Culture Strategist
This interactive workshop helps leaders strengthen trust, accountability, and team performance by learning to balance empathy with honest, direct communication. Inspired by the principles of Radical Candor by Kim Scott, as well as some of The Authenticity Key by Hilary Bilbrey, participants will explore practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations, delivering meaningful feedback, and creating a culture where people feel both supported and challenged. Attendees leave with actionable tools and language they can immediately apply to build stronger relationships and achieve better results.
Author & Leadership Expert
Principles of Equipment Leasing and Finance Workshop: Afternoon session
Concurrent Sessions
What beliefs and behaviors do you possess as a leader, and are they conducive to your success?
Today's most effective leaders are no longer defined by how well they direct people, but by how well they develop them. As workplaces evolve and employee expectations shift, executives must adopt the mindset and methods of great coaches - first with themselves and then their teams. This session will explore:
- The business case for intentional mindset development
- Command culture vs. coaching culture: how decisions get made, feedback flows, mistakes are treated, meetings run, and performance is measuredthe importance of coaching culture in the age of AI
- Why coaching culture is the human edge in the age of AI
- An inventory of your own leadership beliefs within a framework of effective leadership
- Company benefits that actually benefit bottom line and employee moral
Directing produces workers, developing produces leaders. Which will your company cultivate?
Founder & Executive Coach
Join industry leaders for an engaging and interactive roundtable discussion designed to foster meaningful conversations, share experiences, and provide practical insights for personal and professional growth. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, discuss industry trends, and learn directly from experienced leaders who have navigated challenges and opportunities throughout their careers. This session encourages open dialogue, networking, and the exchange of ideas to help emerging professionals build their leadership skills and expand their industry knowledge.
Panelists :
- David Normandin, President & CEO,Wintrust Specialty Finance
- Nick Fong, CLFP CMO & CTO, AP Equipment Financing
- Carolyn Amberg ,Senior Director, Innovative Payment Solutions, HP Inc.
- Kinna Pattani, Associate Director, Alfa Financial Software Inc
Moderator
Vanessa Roberts, CLFP, Customer Success Operations & Program Manager, Solifi
Mentorship isn't a destination—it's a continuous process that evolves throughout a career. Early on, we seek guidance and perspective; later, we find ourselves in positions to offer the same to others. This discussion will explore how mentorship can help individuals navigate transitions, build confidence, develop new skills, and expand their impact. From emerging professionals to industry veterans, everyone has something to learn and something to teach.
Panelists:
- Billy Bagnell, Business Development Officer, SVP, LEAF
- Keara Piekanski, MBA and CLFP, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
- Donna Yanuzzi, Executive Vice President, Equipment Finance Officer, 1st Equipment Finance
- Maggie Holly, CLFP, Credit & Operations Manager, SVP, Hanmi Bank
Moderator:
Sarah Michael, SVP, Marketing & Digital, First American Commercial Bancorp, Inc
Concurrent Sessions
This session will be informative and encourage open dialogue in a safe space. The session will cover the effects of microaggressions, bias, psychological safety, and code switching on our mental and physical health. The ways we can minimize the impact, how allies can be supportive, and how to create safe spaces that encourage wellness.
President & CEO, Eastern Funding LLC
Culture is not owned by HR, senior leadership or a single function. It is created through thousands of everyday moments: how people communicate, make decisions, include others, handle tension and follow through on commitments.
This session is designed to help participants understand that culture is shaped less by formal ownership and more by the daily experiences people have at work. Drawing from workplace experience, employee engagement and culture listening efforts, the session should move participants from abstract conversation to practical behaviors they can influence immediately.
Panelists:
- James Cress, Strategic Advisor, Executive Coach and Leadership Speaker
- Jordan Reeve, Workplace Experience Manager, Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
- Sylvi Evans, Operations Manager, Documentation – U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
An engaging presentation designed to help professionals build meaningful connections that strengthen trust, expand opportunities, and drive results. Participants will explore practical strategies for communicating their value, deepening relationships, delivering with excellence, and creating memorable customer and partner experiences that generate loyalty, referrals, and sustainable business growth.
Author & Personal Growth Strategist
Break
Joint Networking Reception & Line Dancing
Connect with peers, build new relationships and continue the conversation at our networking reception. It’s a great opportunity to unwind, exchange ideas and expand your industry network. And since we are in Nashville, take advantage and learn a few line dancing moves before hitting Broadway! Beginner friendly line dancing lessons will be offered at 6:00pm.
Connect with peers, build new relationships and continue the conversation at our networking reception. It’s a great opportunity to unwind, exchange ideas and expand your industry network. And since we are in Nashville, take advantage and learn a few line dancing moves before hitting Broadway! Beginner friendly line dancing lessons will be offered at 6:00pm.
Dine-Around Nashville
Don’t miss the dine-arounds! Join fellow attendees for dinner at special restaurants throughout Nashville and enjoy a relaxed opportunity to connect with industry peers while experiencing the local flavor of Music City.
All Summit and Principles Workshop attendees may participate.
Don’t miss the dine-arounds! Join fellow attendees for dinner at special restaurants throughout Nashville and enjoy a relaxed opportunity to connect with industry peers while experiencing the local flavor of Music City.
All Summit and Principles Workshop attendees may participate.
Friday, October 2
ELFA Community Service Project & Breakfast
Join us in supporting Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee by writing handwritten thank-you and encouragement notes to educators who help students build financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurial skills.. Junior Achievement is the nation's largest organization dedicated to preparing young people for success by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances, explore careers, and pursue entrepreneurship. Through hands-on learning experiences, JA empowers students to build confidence, develop workforce-ready skills, and achieve greater economic opportunity. This meaningful service project is a way to recognize the educators making a difference while giving back to the Nashville community.
Join us in supporting Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee by writing handwritten thank-you and encouragement notes to educators who help students build financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurial skills.. Junior Achievement is the nation's largest organization dedicated to preparing young people for success by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances, explore careers, and pursue entrepreneurship. Through hands-on learning experiences, JA empowers students to build confidence, develop workforce-ready skills, and achieve greater economic opportunity. This meaningful service project is a way to recognize the educators making a difference while giving back to the Nashville community.
Principles of Equipment Leasing and Finance Workshop: Morning session
General Session: Economic Update
Chief Economist, ELFA
Concurrent Sessions
Panelists:
- Tanisha Gordon-Flowers , Sr. Manager, Strategic Alliances, Cisco Systems Inc.
- Jordan Reeve, Workplace Experience Manager, Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
- Sam Fairhurst, VP of Implementation, Alfa
Moderator:
Jim Wall, Director of Sales - Healthcare & Fitness, PEAC Solutions
Interested in how new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be leveraged in your day-to-day work, and how you can help your organization leverage the power of quality data and generative AI to create operational efficiencies and tackle growth targets? Join this session to explore real-world use cases across the life of a deal from sales to credit and origination, customer service to portfolio management, and corporate support functions. You’ll also walk away with individual productivity tips on prompting the AI tools for the best outcomes as you level-up your personal AI acumen.
Nick Young, Director of Data and AI, CAT Financial
Dean Richards, Senior Manager of Data Operations and AI Enablement, CAT Financial
What if the key to stronger client loyalty, more referrals, and greater business growth wasn't working harder, but becoming more intentional with the moments that matter? In this highly interactive and entertaining session, you'll laugh, reflect, and challenge the way you think about building relationships with clients, prospects, referral sources, employees, and recruits. Through practical strategies and memorable stories, you'll discover how small, intentional actions create meaningful connections that people remember long after the meeting ends. You'll leave with a fresh perspective and immediately applicable ideas to deepen relationships, increase cross-selling and referral opportunities, and create experiences that keep people coming back, not because they have to, but because they want to.
Strategic Business Advisor
Joint Lunch & Keynote: AI in Action
AI Specialist & Founder of Tenexity
This isn't a lecture about what AI might do someday, it's a hands-on session where you'll actually use it. Whether you've been experimenting with AI daily or haven't touched it yet, this workshop meets you where you are. You'll work directly with AI tools using real (non-proprietary) scenarios, see how it can simplify the work you're already doing—research, analysis, presentations, communication—and walk away knowing exactly how to put it to use when you get back to your desk. The final portion of the session will go deeper for those ready to explore more advanced capabilities and integration concepts - buckle up! Bring your laptop or phone, an open mind, and a willingness to be surprised by what's possible.
This isn't a lecture about what AI might do someday, it's a hands-on session where you'll actually use it. Whether you've been experimenting with AI daily or haven't touched it yet, this workshop meets you where you are. You'll work directly with AI tools using real (non-proprietary) scenarios, see how it can simplify the work you're already doing—research, analysis, presentations, communication—and walk away knowing exactly how to put it to use when you get back to your desk. The final portion of the session will go deeper for those ready to explore more advanced capabilities and integration concepts - buckle up! Bring your laptop or phone, an open mind, and a willingness to be surprised by what's possible.
Closing Remarks
Principles of Equipment Leasing and Finance Workshop Closing
2026 Power of People Summit Sponsors
2026 Annual Sponsor:
Contact Steve Wafalosky at [email protected] or 440-247-1060 to learn more about available opportunities and find the right sponsorship for your company.