Resilient by Design
The Second-Stage Growth Imperative
2026 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Leadership Institute
Tuesday, Feb 24
Built to Bend: Opening Fireside Chat
An evening focused on the "living system" approach to growth. Kathy facilitates a discussion on navigating 30 years of business evolution and the mindset shift required for long-term resilience.
Wednesday, Feb 25
Plated Breakfast
Tahitian Ballroom. Recognition of the Planning Committee and statewide sponsors.
Fight or Flight: When Flight is Not an Option
Surviving digital industry shifts and the grit required to reinvent a business with unique value through multiple market crashes.
Resiliency: Focus. Fortify. Forward Progress.
A practical perspective on leading through adversity and strengthening organizational foundations during rapid growth.
The Intentional Entrepreneur Panel
Expert insights on building resilient teams, business valuations, and the road to a premium acquisition.
Bend, Don’t Break: Scaling a Creative Brand
Balancing national growth with artistic integrity while successfully scaling a creative passion into a household name.
Distinguished Alumni Award & Session
We are pleased to be presenting our 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Finalists during the Leadership Institute. Following the presentation, Simona Faroni, our 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winner, will share her powerful journey of moving from Italy to the U.S. with just a gelato machine and a dream. She will discuss the resilience required to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and scale a brand to national retail prominence.
Customizing Your Afternoon
The final sessions of the day offer specialized tracks. Please review the options below and prepare to join the sessions that best align with your current business goals.
Breakout Round 1 (2:00 PM)
Mission Meets Momentum
Aligning "why" with business strategy to attract talent and maintain clarity during scaling.
Experience is Expensive
Utilizing military-grade methodologies to transform performance and avoid costly repeat mistakes.
Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook
A practical roadmap for leveraging AI for sustainable growth, efficiency, and long-term success.
Breakout Round 2 (2:50 PM)
Navigating Government Contracting
A strategic roadmap for federal and state procurement, featuring a “Bid vs. No-Bid” framework and insights on securing capital.
The Power of Unlearning
Improve your Adaptability Quotient (AQ) by shedding outdated assumptions and identifying "success traps" that hinder innovation.
What to Do with an Unsolicited Offer
Gain leverage before the first serious conversation. Learn a framework to decide when to engage and what not to share.
Scalable People Strategy
Prevent breakpoints as you scale from 25 to 250 employees. Build systems to stabilize your workforce and improve retention.
Closing Session
From Purpose to Powerhouse
Purpose-driven leadership centered on human dignity to create a resilient cultural foundation.
Wednesday: An Evening of Inspiration with Networking and Dinner
- Disembark at the CityWalk Dock: The water taxi drops you off at the central dock, located across from NBC Sports Grill & Brew.
- Head Left (Northwest): After exiting the boat, walk up the ramp and turn left toward the area near Islands of Adventure.
- Pass Margaritaville: You will walk toward Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.
- Arrive at Antojitos: The restaurant is right next to Margaritaville and across from Bigfire. Look for the vibrant, multi-colored building.
