Breakthrough Session Block #3
Time For All Panels
Choose from six engaging panel & expert discussions…
David Ponraj, Dell Gines, Elle Withall, Brandon Martinez
Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Hollingsworth A
About this session
Founders need clear next steps. Ecosystem builders need programs that reliably produce results. This session brings both sides together. Dell Gines (International Economic Development Council) shares field-tested principles of entrepreneur-led economic development, moderated by David Ponraj (Economic Impact Catalyst), with BBIF Florida adding capital-readiness and capacity insights.
We’ll map the founder journey from idea to scale and show how ESOs can translate that journey into services that work — using leading measures (activation, mentor touchpoints, capital-readiness milestones) and lagging measures (revenue growth, quality jobs, capital deployed).
Panelists include:
Moderator: David Ponraj – Economic Impact Catalyst (EIC)
Dell Gines – International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Elle Withall – Bartow Economic Development Council
Brandon Martinez – Suncoast Credit Union
Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Lake Hollingsworth B
About this session
In any organization — public or private — exceptional service isn’t optional. It’s the standard that defines how we show up, build trust, and create results. But what happens when “the customer is always right” starts to wear down your team or compromise your values?
This candid and collaborative panel brings together voices from both the public and private sectors — including local government leaders and experienced business owners — to explore what true customer-first service looks like in the real world. From the front lines to the executive level, you’ll hear practical strategies for creating a culture of service that elevates the customer experience without sacrificing your team’s morale or mission.
Expect honest stories, actionable insights, and a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with empathy, consistency, and purpose — even when the situation is challenging.
Service is the expectation. This session will show you how to lead it well.
Panelists include:
Brian West – Community Relations Manager, Publix Super Markets
Moderator: Tony Johnson – Ignite Your Service Training & Consulting
Chris McArthur – Owner, Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro
Brian Rewis – Director, City of Lakeland Community & Economic Development
Joe Tedder – Polk County Tax Collector
Leadercast Lakeland – Leadership Lakeland Alumni
Ashley Loute & Landon Schneider, Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association, Class 41
More Than a Job: How Purpose Transforms the Way We Work
Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Lake Parker C
About this session
It’s easy to get stuck in routines that feel disconnected from meaning. But what if Purpose isn’t just about what you do — but who it’s for?
Hosted by the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association (LLAA), this interactive session will shift your focus from “What’s my purpose?” to “How does my work serve others?” Using a short video from leadership expert Andy Stanley as a jumping-off point, local LLAA leaders will guide hands-on exercises and peer discussions that connect purpose to practice.
You’ll learn a simple “means-to-an-end” framework, map one task or role to the people it impacts, and design a 7-day experiment to bring purpose to life in your day-to-day.
Adam Whelchel
FL Business Sales
The Exit Advantage: What Your Future Buyer Wishes You’d Fix Now
 Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Sikes F
About this session
Most business owners don’t start out thinking about how they’ll exit — but the decisions you make today can dramatically impact what your business is worth tomorrow. Whether you plan to sell, scale back, or pass it on someday, understanding what drives business value now is key to protecting the legacy you’ve worked so hard to build.
In this practical and eye-opening session, you’ll explore the essential (and often overlooked) factors that make a business attractive to future buyers — from recurring revenue and team independence to risk reduction and growth potential.
You’ll walk away with a clear framework you can begin applying immediately to increase value, reduce owner dependence, and create options for your future — even if selling isn’t on your radar yet.
Ideal for business owners and founders, this session will help you build not just a profitable company, but one that’s sellable, scalable, and sustainable.
Lori Long
Lori Long Consulting
The Power of EQ: Thriving in a High-Stakes Workplace
Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Sikes I
About this session
No matter your role — whether in government, corporate, nonprofit, or small business — the ability to navigate relationships, manage stress, and make sound decisions under pressure is essential to success. In fast-paced, high-stakes environments, technical skills alone aren’t enough. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the hidden driver behind effective leadership, meaningful collaboration, and long-term growth.
This interactive session explores the five core components of EQ and how to apply them in real-world situations — from leading teams and managing conflict to communicating with clarity and building trust across all levels of an organization.
Whether you’re leading people, managing projects, or advancing your career, you’ll gain practical tools to increase your self-awareness, improve your interpersonal effectiveness, and level up your leadership presence in any workplace.
Carly Grennor
Put Me in Coach
Work Worth Doing: Finding Meaning and Motivation in Your Role
Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Lake Parker D
About this session
Feeling fulfilled at work doesn’t always mean completely changing what you’re doing. Sometimes a new perspective can take you further than you ever imagined. In this session, we’ll explore how to rediscover meaning and motivation by aligning your current role with what truly drives you.
We’ll unpack the secret to getting more from yourself and your team and dive into how purpose and performance intersect. You’ll gain insights into a time-tested leadership framework built on character, competence, and consistency, and learn how these values can bring depth and clarity to your everyday work.
Whether you’re in corporate management, public service, or leading a small business, this conversation will help you reframe your role, reignite your purpose, and find deeper satisfaction without changing careers.