2025 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Leadership Institute Agenda

 Breakfast and Program Kick-off

Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Universal Royal Pacific Hotel, Orlando, FL

Breakfast 8:00 am; Program Kick-off 9:0o AM

 

Begin your Leadership Institute experience with a delicious breakfast and an inspiring program kick-off. Connect with fellow high-growth CEOs and prepare to unlock your company’s full potential.

February 26, 2025, Morning Sessions

9:30 am – 11:30 am

Gwen Griggs, ADVOS legal, Class of 2019

Heroic Leadership

Leadership is not an act; it is a way of life—a life-long journey. In the hectic,

pressured life of an entrepreneur, developing as a leader can be the key to a balanced and fulfilling life. Combining the ideas of heroic leadership and mindfulness, being present at the moment can help strengthen your resolve, compassion, and influence by first understanding and developing yourself.

The session will address tools, applications, best practices, and readings that will help participants continue their lifelong development as leaders.

 

Ryan Boylston, 2TON, A Creative Agency, Class of 2022

A World Without Bosses

World Without Bosses” delves into the profound influence of words, titles, organizational structures, and hierarchies on corporate culture. This talk examines the origins of these corporate norms, their persistence, and, crucially, the imperative for their transformation. Drawing from his extensive experience in cultivating a unique culture at 2TON and his direct interactions with pioneering CEOs, Ryan illuminates the innovative approaches to redefining company frameworks for the future. Attendees will gain insights into the potential of challenging conventional paradigms. At its core, “A World Without Bosses” offers a comprehensive reimagining of leadership in the modern workplace.

Julie Negrete-Anderson, JNA Advisors, Class of 2019

Leading Your Team to Its Greatest Potential

uliet Negrete Anderson, Founder of OnPay Solutions and current Board Member and Angel Investor, will share her insights on leading teams to their greatest potential. Drawing from her experience at OnPay Solutions, she will discuss the importance of a shared mission statement and how addressing the “Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni – absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results – proved crucial for their success. By transforming these dysfunctions into a pyramid of positive team characteristics, OnPay Solutions fostered a high-performing culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction, high retention rates, and significant individual growth. This strong team dynamic was ultimately recognized by a strategic partner during the company’s acquisition, who valued the team’s cohesion and ease of integration.

February 26, 2024, Luncheon Session & Networking

11:30 AM Session; 12:30 PM Networking Lunch

David Hartmann, CEO, TheSilver Logic, Class of 2020

Future is Now- AI and More

The future is no longer a distant horizon; it’s unfolding before us. Join us for a captivating exploration of the technologies that are revolutionizing our world today. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI), covering its key concepts, current applications (from healthcare and finance to entertainment and beyond), and the challenges and opportunities it presents. We’ll discuss the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI development and delve into the broader societal implications of these transformative technologies. By the end of this session, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our future and be better equipped to navigate the exciting and complex landscape of AI.

February 26, 2025, Afternoon Sessions

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Marnie Forestieri, Young Innovators Academy, Class of 2023 and Class of 2017 (Amazing Explorers Academy)

The Maker Mindset

Marnie Forestieri, an entrepreneur, TEDX Speaker, Author, and founder of Young Innovators Academy, will share best practices for leaders to cultivate an environment where employees feel empowered to explore their passions, experiment with new ideas, and unleash their creativity. By leading by example, encouraging curiosity and experimentation, providing necessary resources and support, creating a safe space for failure, and recognizing and rewarding innovation, leaders can unlock their team’s full potential. This fosters a culture of adaptability and innovative thinking, crucial for navigating the complexities of today’s rapidly evolving world. Forestieri, a dedicated advocate for preparing the next generation for an ever-changing world, brings invaluable insights from her work at Young Innovators Academy. Her talk will equip leaders with the tools and knowledge to create a workplace where employees are inspired to think outside the box, embrace challenges, and drive groundbreaking results.

Mario G. Ceste, Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Technologies Group Inc., Class of 2016

Future Back: Reimagining Your Company’s Next Chapter

You’ve built a successful company, but complacency can lead to stagnation. While incremental changes might seem safe, they lack a clear destination. Creating a vision is crucial, but bridging the gap between your current state and that vision can feel daunting. This session will guide you on how to implement change effectively, ensuring each step moves you closer to your desired future. We’ll explore practical strategies and share real-world case studies to help you implement these changes immediately. You’ll learn how to navigate the challenges of transformation and build a roadmap for sustainable growth.

Ron Ben-Zeev, President/CEO, World Housing Solution Inc, Class of 2018

Failure is not a 4 letter word

Success hinges on collaboration, not solitary brilliance. Yet, many CEOs struggle to ask for help when they need it most. Pride, fear of vulnerability – these emotions can hinder us from seeking guidance. But the reality is, every challenge you face, someone else has likely overcome. This session will explore the critical role of building the right support system. We’ll delve into strategies for identifying and cultivating relationships with mentors, advisors, and peer groups. Learn to overcome the barriers to seeking help and unlock the power of collaborative leadership.

Keynote Speaker, SaLisa Berrien, Class of 2021

3:30 PM

SaLisa L. Berrien, Founder and CEO of COI Energy, has over twenty-five years of experience in energy technology. From working at electric utilities to smart grid, cleantech, SaaS and big data analytics companies, SaLisa is paving new pathways in the climate technology space. In her early career, she sold the first electric vehicle (G-Van) and one of the largest geothermal heat pump systems in the NE region of the United States. She later went on to help EnerNOC move to #1 Demand Response company in the industry by growing its customer base globally through her unique ability to develop sustainable multinational accounts. She developed and patented the first AI for energy optimization (AI4EO) driven excess energy exchange platform for businesses to improve energy performance, reduce carbon emissions and provide equitable access to clean energy for all.

SaLisa is also the Founder and Board Chair of STRIVE Inc. A 501c3 charitable organization founded in 1995 that focuses on STEM leadership development training for students in 8th through 12th grades. In 2013, she established the COI Ladder Institute to focus on delivering leadership and empowerment services to women and BIPOC founders. Annually, COI Ladder Institute hosts an Unleashing Your Power Retreat on Martha’s Vineyard.

Since 1996, SaLisa has provided over 50 scholarships to high school and college students. In 2004, she established the Karl H. Lewis Engineering Impact Alumni Endowment at the University of Pittsburgh for students of African descent enrolled in Engineering.

SaLisa holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, an Executive MBA from Saint Joseph’s University, and she is completing a Corporate Innovation Certificate at Stanford University Graduate School of Business. She’s been a guest speaker at various conferences and events including SXSW, IEEE – Tampa Bay, Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum, American Society for Engineering Education, and Morgan Stanley’s Sustainable Futures Summit to name a few. In 2019, she was appointed to the Board of Trustees at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2022, SaLisa became a Mentor for W.E. Cornell at Cornell University to help STEM PhDs and postdocs commercialize their innovations.

She believes if you do the right thing for your customers, they will remember you for that. She practices the Platinum Rule, “Do unto your customer as they would have you to do unto them.” One of SaLisa’s core values is philanthropy. Her mission in life is to positively impact the space she occupies by leaving it better than she found it.

Aloha: An Evening of Inspiration with Networking and Dinner

Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, networking, and delicious cuisine. This exclusive event, designed specifically for CEOs attending the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Leadership Institute, offers a relaxed and elegant setting to:

Connect with fellow visionary leaders: Forge meaningful relationships with other high-growth CEOs from across the state.

Unwind and recharge: Enjoy a delightful dinner and conversation in a captivating ambiance. Gain fresh perspectives: Be inspired by the unique experiences and insights of your peers. Celebrate your achievements: Acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of Florida’s most promising companies.

Optional add-on event for February 27, 2025 at 9am for attendees.

Bourne to Lead: Special Viewing of Bourne Stuntacular Show

Celebrate Florida’s Rising Stars at the 14th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards Gala!

This event takes place at Hard Rock Live, Universal CityWalk, Orlando, FL.  Tickets for the event can be purchased when you register for the Leadership Institute.

Florida’s dynamic business landscape is thriving, thanks to a wave of innovative companies making their mark on the state. The 14th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards ceremony will spotlight the exceptional businesses driving this growth. Join us for an electrifying evening at Hard Rock Live! in Orlando as we gather to recognize the 50 companies selected for their outstanding achievements. This prestigious award honors second-stage businesses demonstrating high performance, innovative strategies, and a significant impact on Florida’s economy. Prepare to be inspired as we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and economic vitality that these companies bring to our state.