Friends in Business EXPO Sessions
Understanding Communication Styles
Breakout Session 1 | 11:20 am - 12:20 pm
Speakers
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Rikketta Franklin
Summary
Each of us has a unique communication style shaped by our personality, values, experiences, and needs. There’s no right or wrong way to communicate, just different approaches that influence how we give and receive information.
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the “how” and “why” behind their communication patterns—and others’. By understanding these differences, we unlock the tools to reduce miscommunication, build empathy, strengthen trust, and express ourselves more clearly. Whether navigating team dynamics or personal relationships, learning to communicate with clarity can transform how you relate to others and how others experience you.
Building & Utilizing Credit to Gain Access to Capital
Breakout Session 1 | 11:20 am - 12:20 pm
Speakers
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Nate Turner - Financial Advisor II
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Matthew Humphrey - De Novo Financial Center Manager
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Shaine Laine - Financial Advisor
Summary
Unlock the keys to financial growth in this informative session led by experts from Fifth Third Bank. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, understanding how to build, strengthen, and strategically use your credit is essential to accessing the capital you need to grow.
This session will cover:
The fundamentals of personal and business credit
Strategies to establish and improve credit profiles
How lenders assess creditworthiness
The types of capital available and how to qualify
Tips for preparing your business to secure funding
Join us for practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable steps to position yourself and your business for financial success.
Headshot Sign Up
Headshots Session I | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Summary
Come get a free headshot by Pose It Up CLT! Please register to save your spot.
Creative Strategy Meets AI: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Without Losing Your Soul
Breakout Session 2 | 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Speakers
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Liz Schob
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Jason Lewis
Summary
In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, how do we innovate without losing what makes us human? This session, led by the queer-owned agency Olive AI Creative, explores how entrepreneurs and creatives can confidently use AI to scale their business, streamline content, and spark new ideas—while staying rooted in authenticity and values. From ChatGPT to Canva AI, you'll see how modern tools can enhance your brand, not erase it.
Through real-world examples, interactive demos, and an honest conversation about ethics, identity, and creativity, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, prompt templates, and a curated AI toolkit to help you take your first (or next) step. Whether you’re curious about AI or already experimenting, this session offers a fresh, human-centered take on tech-powered growth.
Strategic Wisdom for the Queer Minded
Breakout Session 2 | 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Speakers
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Joel Brown
Summary
Without question, LGBTQ+ leaders and entrepreneurs are facing one of the most socially perilous times we've seen in the modern era. The question for any of us is: 'How do we navigate this era of polarization while being mindful, exercising dexterity, and ensuring our individual and collective survival?' To that end, one of the key skills that LGBTQ+ leaders can hone and develop is strategic thinking. Strategic thinking is a hallmark of our history: it has allowed us to organize since the days of Stonewall; it has helped us build allegiances within our community, and it has created the safe spaces for us to explore our identity. Today's challenges, however, new adaptive, queer-minded thinking. Using historic inspiration and practical tools, this session will provide constructive space for LGBTQ+ leaders and entrepreneurs to revisit those historical lessons and apply the age-old wisdom to today's social opportunities and dilemmas.
More Than Likes: Branding & Business Performance
Breakout Session 3 | 1:40 pm - 2:40 pm
Speakers
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Montana Payne
Summary
Your brand isn’t just what people see — it’s how your business runs. In this dynamic session led by executive strategist Montana Payne, you’ll learn how internal bottlenecks are quietly sabotaging your marketing, customer experience, and growth. Discover how to align your operations with your brand strategy, streamline your systems, and build a brand that performs as good as it looks. Walk away with real tools, fresh perspective, and the confidence to turn chaos into clarity.
Bonus: All attendees will receive free access to a custom-built GPT tool designed to help you identify and eliminate your biggest business bottlenecks.
Overcoming self-defined limits: A conversation on navigating career changes, networking, and imposter’s syndrome.
Breakout Session 3 | 1:40 pm - 2:40 pm
Speakers
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Ally Financial
Summary
Please join Ally Financial for an interactive panel with real talk about career paths and pivots, navigating change and timing it right, intentionality in networking, as well as imposter syndrome. Our panelists will talk through their experiences and provide their expertise on how they’ve navigated these various career hurdles, with time for Q&A after.
Headshot Sign Ups | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Headshot Sign Up 2
Breaking Barriers: Foundations & Resources to Empower Financial Wellness for LGBTQ+ Individuals and Beyond
Breakout Session 4 | 2:50 pm - 3:50 pm
Speakers
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Seth Carden - Financial Advisor
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Matthew McDonough - Financial Advisor
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Nicole Guernsey - Financial Advisor
Summary
Economic empowerment begins with access to knowledge, tools, and community-specific resources. This breakout session is designed to support the financial well-being of historically marginalized groups. Join us to explore key financial foundations—from budgeting and credit-building to investing and strategic planning—with a culturally aware and equity-driven lens. The session will highlight educational foundations, accessible resources, and community-based initiatives. Attendees will leave with actionable steps and tools to build lasting financial security and generational wealth. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or seeking to deepen your financial resilience, this session offers practical, inclusive, and empowering guidance.
Rooted & Ready: Aligning Purpose with Professional Growth
Breakout Session 4 | 2:50 pm - 3:50 pm
Speakers
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Elaya Walker
Summary
In a fast-moving business world, it’s easy to chase opportunities without pausing to ask, “Does
this align with who I am?” This session explores how rootedness in identity, values, and vision
can create sustainable success — whether you're building a business, navigating a career shift,
or expanding your network. Participants will walk away with tools to clarify their internal
compass and strategies to align outward action with inward intention
Smart Spending, Stunning Events: Unlocking Innovative Planning on a Budget!
Breakout Session 5 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Speakers
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Travis Barnes - Chief Curator
Summary
Tired of boring budget-conscious events? Learn how to create unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank! This workshop reveals the secret sauce to planning innovative, engaging events that wow your guest, all while staying within your budget. We'll explore creative solutions, clever sourcing, and inspiring ideas to transform your next event from ordinary to extraordinary. Geet ready to unleash your inner event planner and master the art of smart spending for stunning results!
After Hours Mixer
After Hours Mixer | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Summary
Join Us after the EXPO for drinks, light hors d'oeuvres and chance to unwind and beat the afternoon traffic!
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