Unconventional Business Network

KC City Connect: Danan Hughes
2023-02-16 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Olathe Conference Center, 10401 S Ridgeview Rd, Olathe, KS, 66061, United States
Danan Hughes is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League. Hughes is a football analyst and commentates the weekly Missouri Valley Football Conference Game of the Week.
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Des Moines City Connect: Auntie Anne Beiler
2023-02-09 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines, 205 S. 64th Street, West Des Moines, IA, 50266, United States
Auntie Anne Beiler is best known as the founder of Auntie Anne’s®, the world’s largest pretzel franchise. But before rising to success, Anne went through years of defeat, despair, and depression that kept her stuck in a place of darkness. It was through her pain, however, that she discovered a new purpose.
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Matt Syverson & Jonathan Harrison
2022-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Zoom Event
Matt SyversonMatt Syverson: As Managing Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor at Sound Stewardship, Matt truly enjoys guiding his clients through meaningful financial decisions. He has served in wealth management since 2000 and launched Sound Stewardship in 2004. As a business owner and fee-only financial planner, he enjoys the privilege of helping his clients uncover God’s will for their lives and aligns their resources to fund it.
Jonathan HarrisonJonathan Harrison: Jonathan is a Partner and Wealth Advisor at Sound Stewardship since 2015. Combined with several years as a Giving Advisor with National Christian Foundation Heartland, he has the ability to bring insight, flexibility and freedom to each client’s unique situation. He helps high net worth individuals with their philanthropy, which entails both interesting family dynamics and complex situations surrounding their giving.
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Bolderness Conference | UBW
2022-11-04 17:30 - 2022-11-05 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Lenexa Conference Center, 8741 Ryckert St,, 8741 Ryckert St,, KS, 66219, United States
Get ready for an exciting power-packed weekend full of faith, fun, and targeted business strategies to help you boldly live out your plan and purpose. Now is your time to step out and follow the inner whisper of the Holy Spirit telling you, “There is more!”
Register for the first annual UB Women’s Bolderness Conference! This women-only event is on November 4th and 5th, with doors opening Friday evening at 5:30 pm and running through Saturday until 3:00 pm. In this two-conferences-in-one approach to the weekend, you will be immersed in worship, spiritual nourishment, and informative business wisdom.
Friday night, you will get to pause and bask in worship with the band Chasing Grace, followed by speakers sharing insightful and enriching messages on the MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT designed to renew and refresh your spirit.
Saturday morning, come back with your business hats on, ready to grow and strengthen your professional skills and learn how to incorporate God into your everyday tasks. You will hear from savvy, driven women who love Jesus and strive to honor Him as they pursue their God-given dreams. You will enjoy a weekend surrounded by women with similar hearts and minds, create new connections and friendships, and leave empowered to embrace your own Bolderness journey.
Dinner will be served on Friday, and refreshments and lunch on Saturday. All guests will receive a swag bag upon arrival.
Register HERE

Cayla Craft | Webinar
2022-11-03 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | This is a Virtual Zoom Event
Cayla grew a 7-figure health and wellness company in her twenties and now runs a successful 7-figure coaching practice under the Mommy Millionaire brand.
Cayla’s three beautiful kids and supportive husband have all seen a dramatic positive change in her family’s energy throughout this process. They’re all thankful that she took the leap and chased her dreams relentlessly.
Her ultimate goal is to help one million moms become millionaires using the same principles she used to become a millionaire, too. She doesn’t just aim to inspire others but aims to give concrete tips and tactics that can help lead those she works with to success.
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Tommy Bowden | Football Coach & Sportscaster
2022-10-27 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines, 205 S. 64th Street, West Des Moines, IA, 50266, United States
Download Flyer HereHead football coach at Tulane and Clemson Universities | Conference USA Coach of the Year | two-time ACC Coach of the Year | Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coach of the Year | ESPN and FOX sportscaster| Author of Winning Character: A Game Plan for Success
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For Tommy Bowden and his late father, legendary college football coach Bobby Bowden, one might say linking football with Christianity was a family endeavor. But what does a former renowned college football coach have in common with you, a Christian businessperson? A winning strategy. Whether you’re playing field is in in the football arena or boardroom, It’s all in the C.A.R.D.S. – commitment, accountability, responsibility, discipline and sacrifice. Hear Tommy Bowden challenging each one of us to be businesspeople of character and integrity.
More About TommyTommy Bowden is an unabashed evangelical Christian who openly confesses that he used his Christianity as a recruiting tool during his long and successful career coaching college football. His father, Bobby Bowden, the former Florida State football coach, helped create chaplaincies at schools across the South. One might say linking football with Christianity was a family endeavor.
From an outstanding student-athlete at West Virginia University, to the two-time ACC Coach of the Year at Clemson University, to widely sought-after motivational speaker, Tommy Bowden has dedicated his life to making a difference in others’ lives.
After spending several years as an assistant football coach at Florida State, Duke, Alabama, Kentucky, and Auburn Universities, Tommy Bowden became the head coach at Tulane University in 1997. In just his second season with Tulane, he led his team to an undefeated season, a Conference USA Championship and a win in the Liberty Bowl. Tommy was also named Conference USA Coach of the year.
In 1999, Tommy took the head coaching position at Clemson University. In that first season, the Tigers set or tied 41 school records, including 26 on offense. He was named Conference Coach of the Year in 1998, and ACC Coach of the year in both 1999 and 2003.
In 2006, Tommy received the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coach of the Year Award.
Since retiring from Clemson in 2008, Tommy has become one of the nation’s most sought-after motivational speakers. He has appeared as an expert college football analyst on ESPN television and radio, as well as, co-hosted two football television shows, one with FOX Sports and one with the ACC Football Network.
Tommy speaks frequently about leadership and recruiting outstanding teams.
Married to his high school sweetheart, Linda, for more than 40 years, Tommy and Linda have two children and four grandsons. He is a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ.

Randy Linville | Webinar
2022-10-06 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Zoom Event
Randy Linville is a former farm kid, trader, corporate head, and nonprofit andcommunity champion of every size team and dream. As CEO of Scoular, he diversifiedand steadied the agriculture supply chain company into US and international markets.As founding chair of the Commodity Markets Council, Randy united industry rivals tocompete in the world market. After his career, he helped form and sell one of the firstprivate equity–backed consolidators taking agribusiness to world markets. Randy hasserved on nonprofit boards such as The FarmHouse Foundation, Global Scholars, theHalftime Institute, and the World Soy Foundation. His current role is managing directorof ClearSight Ventures. Randy is a husband, father, traveler, and collector of insights.Plan of Action is his first book.
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Alex Kendrick | Renowned Christian Film Producer
2022-09-22 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS, 66211, United States
A Luncheon event
Register HERE for $49 in person individual luncheon ticket or $450 table of 10.
Register HERE for $29 live stream per person ticket.

American Film Director | Actor | Author
Overcomer • War Room • Courageous • Fireproof • Facing the Giants • Flywheel
Alex Kendrick has dedicated his life to following Jesus Christ and making His truth and love known among the nations. After serving in church ministry for 20 years, he now writes, speaks, and produces Christian films with his brothers, Stephen and Shannon. Alex directed the movies OVERCOMER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF, FACING THE GIANTS, and FLYWHEEL and co-wrote the NY Times bestselling books: The Love Dare, The Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. He has been interviewed by FOX and FRIENDS, CNN, ABC World News Tonight, and serves on the boards of the Fatherhood CoMission and the Christian Film foundation. He and his wife, Christina, live in Albany, Georgia with their six children and are active members at Sherwood Church.

Kadi Cole | Webinar
2022-09-01 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Zoom Event
Kadi Cole has spent the last twenty-five years serving in local church ministry as an Executive Director at one of America’s largest and fastest growing multi-site churches, a Director at Leadership Network, and a founding member of the Women’s Executive Pastor Network.
Kadi authored Sticky Note Leadership, her bestselling book, Developing Female Leaders, and her newest book, Find Your Leadership Voice in 90 Days. She speaks at leadership conferences around the world.
​Kadi​ holds a ​master’s ​degree in Human Resource Development and is passionate about helping organizations and businesses thrive​. Kadi is helping​ move the needle forward on diversity, and equipping faith-based leaders to fulfill their calling through her business, organization, and church consulting, LifePlans, and leadership coaching.
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Jeff Jerina | Network Connects
2022-08-04 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Zoom Event
As an author, speaker, evangelist, entrepreneur, and host of the Men Unplugged podcast, Jeff Jerina, has a passion for helping men and women ignite their faith and succeed in life. Featured on Moody Radio, Christianity Today, Point of View radio, talk shows, and podcasts Jeff has spoken on a variety of topics, including His personal journey from severe depression to salvation, How to Remove Distractions and Hear God, What do you When Your Purpose Does Not Equal Profit, The 3 Essential Qualities of Christian Leadership, How to Start, Sell, and Scale a Faith Driven Business, The 5 Must-Haves for a Kingdom Minded Business, The 5 E’s of Communication, How to Embrace Your Brokenness, and How to share your Faith Without Fear, and more.
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Mocktails Happy Hour | UBW
2022-07-28 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | UBN Offices, 10550 Barkley Street Suite 116, Overland Park, Kansas, 66212
A no-agenda FREE networking event for women only!
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Brig Sorber | President of Two Men and a Truck
2022-07-21 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines, 205 S. 64th Street, West Des Moines, IA, 50266, United States
Download FlyerRegister for Livestream!Register for In Person EventBrig Sorber is part of the founding family of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®/INTERNATIONAL, LLC., based in Lansing, Mich. and is one of the original “two men” along with his younger brother, Jon Sorber. As of August 2021, the company was sold to ServiceMaster Brands. The pair started the business in the early 1980s to earn spending money. They used a 1966 pickup truck and placed an ad in a local shopping guide. It included a stick figure logo designed by their mother, Mary Ellen Sheets, which remains the international corporate logo for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK/INTERNATIONAL, LLC.
In September 1996, the Sorbers sold their franchise to come home to Lansing so Brig could help restructure the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK system. Brig then served as a field consultant and was also in charge of franchise development. He eventually worked his way up to President and CEO, holding these positions for several years while rebuilding the infrastructure of the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK system.
He is a frequent speaker for Connecting Business Men to Christ, a ministry to the marketplace. Brig has also been a guest instructor for the institute for Biblical Business and Entrepreneurship as well as a speaker at The Busch School of Business at the Catholic University of America. Brig is a current member of the Board of Visitors of the Cameron School of Business at the University of St. Thomas. He was an active member of the Detroit Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization for six years. He was a board member for the St. Vincent Catholic Charities, Volunteers of America, and Business Leaders for Michigan, a non-profit, executive organization geared toward making Michigan a “top ten” state for job and economic growth. He is also a founding member of the Lansing Chapter Legatus organization. He was awarded the 2008 Alumni Award by the Okemos Education Foundation. Brig is a graduate of Northern Michigan University, where he earned the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Ray Jarrett | Network Connects
2022-07-07 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Zoom Event
Ray Jarrett is the Executive Director of Unite KC, a business owner, and an author.
In his role as Executive Director, Ray is responsible for spreading the vision of racial healing, justice, and reconciliation through education, conversation, and creating opportunities for the city to participate in Unite KC’s domain-based structure and do “One Good Thing.”
Ray is responsible for creating a leadership culture and facilitating, collaborating, and strengthening internal communications with staff throughout the organization and within Kansas City. In this position, Ray promotes a positive, multicultural work environment that supports consistency and develops policies, procedures, budgets, and controls.
Ray’s company, Impact Leadership Resources, focuses on freeing each business owner and leader’s time which allows them to focus on developing the vision of their respective companies. The company’s values are donating information, building relationships, altruistic networking, hands-on mentorship, and generosity. Impact Leadership Resource’s business model aligns with its goals of uniting the business community and helping its clients increase the resources that flow into the city and community.

Ray is also a writer and has authored nine books. His latest book, Believe Again, Rise Above, is a collection of inspirational stories from real-life people who decided to make a difference in their lives. They were all able to achieve transformational success after encountering hardship and tragedy.
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Lacey Ellis | Network Connect
2022-06-02 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Zoom Event
Lacey Ellis is a natural innovator with over 15-years of experience as an Art Director and Designer in the field of advertising. She's the co-founder of 3 Mile Per Hour Creative alongside her husband, Nathan Ellis. They are on a mission to intentionally slow the pace of life so they can serve God, family, and clients better. She's also the founder of 2 software products, Loom Gift Notes, and LittleHoots because Lacey believes technology can create meaningful connections and strengthen relationships. LittleHoots is a mobile app that helps parents and families capture pint-sized perspective. Loom Gift Notes is a WordPress plugin making it easy for e-commerce customers to highly personalize gift orders with custom greeting cards.
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Rick Stephens | Founder of Horizon Hobby Inc.
2022-05-05 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Zoom Event
Rick Stephens is the founder of Horizon Hobby Inc., a hobby distribution business that over the course of 28 years became a world leader in the design, development and distribution of hobby products, including radio control airplanes, helicopters, cars, and model railroad equipment. Horizon grew to exceed $300 million in revenues with over 700 people and facilities in Illinois, California, London, Hamburg, and Shanghai. In 2006, Horizon became 100 percent employee-owned and in 2014, sold to private equity on behalf of the employees.
Today Rick serves on several boards including the University of Illinois Research Park, Carle Center for Philanthropy, Stephens Family YMCA, Pinnacle Forum, and Lead Like Jesus. He is author of In Plane Sight, Making Faith the Bedrock of Your Career, speaker, and mentor to young leaders in business. He and Jeanene have been married 49 years and love to spend time with their children and eight grandchildren, as well as use their resources to help others be all they can be.
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Jordan Raynor | Top Faith + Work Authority
2022-04-28 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center, 6100 College Blvd.,, Overland Park, 66211, Andorra
A Summit 2022 Dinner Event
Purchase a 2-day Summit Pass or Individual Event tickets.
Purchase Summit 2022 2-Day Pass Tickets HEREPurchase Individual In-Person Tickets and Tables HERE
About Jordan Raynor
Jordan Raynor is a serial entrepreneur and author who has the honor of working to help Christians connect the gospel to their work. In November 2017, he wrote and published Called to Create: A Biblical Invitation to Create, Innovate, and Risk, which became an instant national bestseller. Since then, Jordan and his team have helped more than 3,000,000 Christians do their most exceptional work for the glory of God and the good of others. Most recently, he has published Master of One: Find and Focus on the Work You Were Created to Do.
In addition to his work as an author and speaker, Jordan has had the privilege of serving as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup that has built the world’s largest library of 360° experiences of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. From October 2016—March 2019, Jordan served as CEO of that company.
Jordan has been starting and leading entrepreneurial endeavors his entire career. Prior to leading Threshold 360, he was the co-founder of Citizinvestor, which at the time was the world’s largest crowdfunding platform for government projects. In 2011, his first company (a digital agency for political campaigns) was acquired by the mega-interactive agency, Engage.
Throughout Jordan’s career, he has been invited to speak on faith, work, and entrepreneurship at such places as Harvard University, SXSW, and TEDx. He’s twice been selected as a Google Fellow and had the honor of serving in the White House under President George W. Bush.
Jordan lives in Tampa, Florida, where his family has been for nearly seven generations. He’s married to Kara, and is the proud “dada” of Ellison, Kate, and Emery. His family attends the Church at Odessa.

Miriam Erickson Brown | When God Calls You to Lead
2022-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | St. Andrews Golf Club, 11099 W 135th Street, Overland Park, KS, 66221, United States
Networking 6:00pm to 6:30pm
$35 per in-person ticket | $250 per table of 8
Download the event flyer.
Purchase In-Person Tickets and Tables HERE
About Miriam Erickson Brown
When God calls you to lead, will you obey no matter the circumstances? Hear this inspiring message from a businesswoman leading in a male-dominated industry. One may assume that being a part of a family business affords you an automatic title or position of authority and leadership, but that is not always the case. Miriam Erickson Brown has worked her way up the corporate ladder from taking phone orders to CEO, using her God-given talents and business acumen to lead in an industry that is often under critical scrutiny. Come hear Miriam share how leadership in any setting is God’s role, and learn what “ridiculously high standards” means to her.
Miriam Erickson Brown has spent over three decades working in the family business, Anderson Erickson Dairy (AE Dairy). Her first job at AE was working on Saturdays during high school taking store orders over the phone. Miriam graduated from Wheaton College, in Wheaton Illinois, and after a brief stint in an entry level position at a publishing house in the suburbs of Chicago, she joined AE as a marketing specialist. For the next few decades, she worked on and held various marketing, sales, distribution and management positions until she was named President and CEO in 2006. Miriam became Chair and CEO of AE Dairy in 2019.
Miriam is committed to giving back to her community and has been active on many local boards including: Keep Iowa Beautiful, Youth Homes of Mid America and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. More recently, she was honored with the Leadership Legacy Award from the Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).
Miriam was raised in a Christian home, and at an early age affirmed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. It is this faith that sustained her through a cancer diagnosis as a young adult and in her leadership role of the family dairy business. She and her husband, Gary, live in Urbandale, Iowa with their golden retrievers, Audrey and Sunny, who keep them warm during cold Iowa winters!

Network Connect: Caleb & Abby Howard
2022-04-07 12:00 - 12:30 UTC | Virtual Zoom Event
Register HERE
Abby and Caleb Howard are a married entrepreneurial couple based out of Kansas City, MO. Both Abby and Caleb graduated from the University of Missouri with degrees in Business Marketing and Management. During Abby’s senior year of college, she launched Bolt Boutique, an ecommerce women’s clothing boutique. As Bolt has grown, Abby has used the platform to glorify God and be generous with His resources. Bolt donates monthly to Hope For Justice, an organization that fights to end human trafficking, and partners with two overseas missionaries. Caleb quit his job in data analytics consulting to team up with Abby full time, and grow Bolt to the next level. Together, with Abby’s passion for fashion, Caleb’s data mindset, and their love for the Lord, their goal is to continue to Honor God and point others back to Him through their work.

Frank Kelly | Living and Working with Purpose and Power
2022-03-03 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Zoom Event
REGISTER HERE
About Frank Kelly
Frank Kelly III serves as CEO of Kelly & Associates Insurance Group, Kelly & Associates Financial Services (Kelly Benefits Payroll) and Kelly Integral Solutions – collectively known as Kelly Benefits. As a group insurance administrator, broker and consultant specializing in health care, Kelly & Associates Insurance group has been recognized as the largest employee benefits administrator in Maryland and one of the largest in the mid-Atlantic region.
Frank is involved in many community and civic activities including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at both the national and local levels. Since 2018, he and his wife, Gayle, have served as co-chairs for Helping Up Mission’s $61 million Inspiring Hope campaign to build a new Center for Women & Children in East Baltimore.
Frank’s interest in lacrosse continued after college and he played several seasons of professional box lacrosse for the Baltimore Thunder of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League and many years with the Maryland Lacrosse Club.
Frank and Gayle live in Lutherville, Maryland, and have four grown children.

Nicole Unice | Expert on Tough Conversations
2022-02-24 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines, 205 S. 64th Street, West Des Moines, IA, 50266, United States
$49 per in-person ticket | $450 per table of 10 | $29 per live stream ticket
Download the event flyer.
Purchase In-Person Tickets and Tables HEREPurchase Livestream Tickets HERE
About Nicole Unice
Nicole Unice is an author, international speaker, podcast host and leadership coach who is passionate about facilitating environments of safety and vulnerability so that individuals and communities can courageously identify obstacles keeping them from maximum potential.
In her books, videos, and “Let’s Be Real” podcasts, Nicole makes transformation attainable and accessible to people in all stages of life. As a coach, Nicole brings clarity and courage for individuals and teams as they pursue a preferred future. Nicole brings both wit and wisdom to the speaker’s platform, with an honest and vulnerable approach that appeals to both faith and leadership environments.
Nicole Unice is also a Bible teacher who has a passion for bringing God’s Word to life in a personal and relevant way. Her training as a counselor informs her work, as she emphasizes the importance of facing our own reality and embracing the transforming power of God’s grace.
Invitations to speak have taken Nicole around the world, and her books come to life through her popular video curriculum series found on RightNow Media. Nicole is a teaching elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and serves in various capacities helping lead churches and organizations into greater health.
Her latest book, The Miracle Moment: How Tough Conversations Can Actually Transform Your Most Important Relationships invites readers into the practical steps to creating miracle moments within all their relationships and includes a bible study and video series featured on Right Now Media.
Nicole works internationally but lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and three children. She graduated from the College of William and Mary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Find out more about Nicole Unice by visiting her website at nicoleunice.com.

Dr. Caroline Leaf | Expert on Mental Health
2022-02-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center, 6100 College Blvd.,, Overland Park, 66211, Andorra
$49 per in-person ticket | $450 per table of 10 | $29 per live stream ticket
Download the event flyer.
Purchase In-Person Tickets and Tables HEREPurchase Livestream Tickets HERE
About Caroline Leaf
“The most powerful weapon against the toxic effects of stress is our mind. When we learn to harness the power of our thinking, we can deal with and overcome whatever life throws our way,” says Dr. Caroline Leaf, a world-renowned cognitive neuroscientist, bestselling author, and meatal health and mind expert.
Since the early 1980s, Dr. Leaf has researched the mind-brain connection, the nature of mental health, and the formation of memory. She was one of the first in her field to study how the brain can change. Her passion is to help people see how the power of the mind can change the brain and how the link between science and spirituality can help them control their thoughts and emotions, learn how to think and learn, and find their sense of purpose in life.
Dr. Leaf has written several bestsellers, including Switch on Your Brain, Think and Eat Yourself Smart, The Perfect You, and Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess. Her books, journal articles, videos, podcasts and TV episodes have reached millions globally.
She teaches at academic, medical and neuroscience conferences as well as churches around the world. Dr. Leaf and her husband, Mac, live with their four children in Dallas and Los Angeles.

Sean Kouplen | Creating a Purpose Driven Organization
2022-02-03 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Zoom Event
Sean Kouplen
Virtual Network Connect
Register Here

How can you create a faith-based organization without making your employees feel uncomfortable or forced? Join Rick Boxx, founder and CEO of Unconventional Business Network, as he interviews Sean about bringing a Biblical perspective to the marketplace. Sean has authored two books, The Abundance Mentality and The Priority Promise. He also has served as the past Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development for the state of Oklahoma.
About Sean Kouplen
Sean Kouplen is the CEO of Regent Bank and former Secretary of Commerce & Workforce Development for the state of Oklahoma. He believes purpose is critical to being an effective leader.
Sean has authored two books: The Abundance Mentality and The Priority Promise, both available on Amazon. He also is the podcast host of a weekly program, The Purpose Driven CEO (purposedriven.ceo).
Sean encourages audiences with his account of how he has integrated faith and love into his leadership style and the remarkable results his organization has experienced. He also shares leadership and personal development tips.
Married to Angela for 23 years, Sean and Angela have three children.

Dr. Tim Elmore | Founder and President of Growing Leaders, Generational Expert, Leadership Coach
2021-10-21 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center, 6100 College Blvd.,, Overland Park, 66211, Andorra
$49 per in-person ticket | $450 per table of 10 | $29 per live stream ticket

Click HERE to register for in-person tickets and tables of 10
Click HERE to register for live stream tickets
Click HERE for a printable flyer on this event

““A New Kind of Diversity: Making the Different Generations on Your Team Your Competitive Advantage””
Want to ensure that you are leaving a legacy of change? Invest in the lives of young adults and encourage the adults who guide them, says generational expect Dr. Tim Elmore. Leadership guru and collaborator Dr. John Maxwell says, “No one teaches leadership better than Tim Elmore.” Join us for an inspiring City Connect.

About Dr. Elmore
Dr. Tim Elmore is the founder and president of Growing Leaders, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization created to develop emerging leaders. Since founding Growing Leaders in 2003, Elmore has spoken to more than 300,000 students, faculty and staff on hundreds of campuses across the country, including the University of Oklahoma, Stanford University, Duke University, Rutgers University, the University of South Carolina, and Louisiana State University. Elmore has also provided leadership training and resources for multiple athletic programs, including the University of Texas football team, the University of Miami football team, the University of Alabama athletic department, and the Kansas City Royals baseball club. In addition, a number of government offices in Washington, D.C. have used Mr. Elmore’s curriculum.
From the classroom to the boardroom, Elmore is a dynamic communicator who uses principles, images and stories to strengthen leaders. He has taught leadership to Click-fil-A, Inc., The Home Depot, HomeBanc, and GoldKist, Inc., among others. He has also taught courses on leadership and mentoring at nine universities and graduate schools across the U.S. Committed to developing young leaders on every continent of the world, Elmore also has shared his insights in more than forty countries – including India, Russia, China and Australia.
Elmore has written more than 25 books, including the best-selling Habitudes: Images that Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes, Life Giving Mentors, and Nurturing the Leader Within Your Child. His newest book, Generation iY: Out Last Chance to Save Their Future, was released in August 2010. In addition, he has appeared on the ABC Family Channel. Elmore has worked alongside internationally recognized leadership expert Dr. John Maxwell for the past 25 years. According to Maxwell, “No one teaches leadership better than Tim Elmore.”
Elmore lives in Atlanta with his wife, Pam, and his two children, Bethany and Jonathan.

Dr. Mark Whitacre | Corp. Business Exec., FBI Whistleblower, Portrayed by Matt Damon in "The Informant"
2021-09-23 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Embassy Suites Des Moines Downtown, 101 E. Locust St., Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
Doors open at 11 a.m. for networking and program begins at 11:30 a.m.
$49 per in-person ticket | $450 per table of 10 | $29 per live stream ticket
Click HERE to register for in-person tickets and tables
Click HERE to register for live stream tickets
Click HERE for a printable flyer on this event

When Good Leaders Lose Their Way
“The story about Mark Whitacre’s redemption and second chance is one of the most inspirational stories of our time,” says Douglas Burris, retired Chief of U.S. Federal Probation in the Eastern District of Missouri. That’s because Dr. Mark Whitacre, the highest-level executive to turn whistleblower in U.S. history, let his addiction to greed and power lead to his self-destruction in the early 1990s. Through Mark’s brokenness, federal imprisonment, and jailhouse conversion, God turned his defeat into triumph.
Mark’s story is about redemption and second chances, and about a family surviving against all odds.

About the Speaker
Mark Whitacre is an Ivy League Ph.D. and the highest-ranked executive of any Fortune 500 company to become a whistleblower in US history. He is responsible for uncovering the ADM price-fixing scandal in the early 1990’s. Mark wore a wire for the FBI every day for three years. His wife Ginger forced him to turn himself into the FBI, which then started the ADM price-fixing case. Then, in a bizarre twist, Whitacre was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for embezzling $9.5 million from ADM at the same time he was assisting the federal price-fixing investigation.
Today, Mark is Executive Director at Coca-Cola Consolidated. His undercover work with the FBI during the ADM scandal was the inspiration for the major motion picture, “The Informant,” starring Matt Damon as Mark Whitacre, and the 2010 Discovery Channel Documentary, “UNDERCOVER“. Drawing from his unique history and Christian faith, Mark provides one-of-a-kind insight into corporate ethics, corporate greed, and the warning signs of a flawed corporate leadership.
After completing B.S. and M.S. degrees at Ohio State University, Mark then earned his PhD. degree at Cornell University in Biochemistry. Mark then worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies including Ralston Purina, Degussa (Evonik), and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM). Mark was hired at ADM, a $70 billion company, when he was 32, and as the president of the BioProducts Division from its launch, was the youngest Divisional President in the history of the company. In just six years, their fermentation complex became one of the largest in the world. At age 35, he became a Corporate Vice President of ADM and was the leading candidate to become the next company president.
Today, the FBI publicly refer to Mark Whitacre as a national hero. As Douglas Burris, Chief of U.S. Federal Probation in the Eastern District of Missouri has stated publicly, “The story about Mark Whitacre’s redemption and second chance is one of the most inspirational stories of our time.” Since his jail-house conversion and prison release in 2006, Mark has been a sought-after speaker for the Christian Community.
Married to his wife for more than 41 years, Mark and Ginger have three adult children.

Jo Saxton | Author, Sought-after Speaker, Podcast Host and Leadership Coach
2021-08-19 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Louis – Chesterfield, 16625 Swingley Ridge Rd, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, United States
Jo Saxton

$49 per in-person ticket | $450 per table of 10 | $29 per live stream ticket
Download the event flyer.
Purchase In-Person Tickets and Tables HEREPurchase Livestream Tickets HERE
About Jo Saxton
Author, sought-after speaker, podcast host and leadership coach, Jo Saxton has dedicated her career to growing leadership teams around the world and empowering others—especially women—to find their purpose in their personal lives and in leadership.
Born in London to parents who immigrated from Nigeria, Jo credits her family’s unrelenting work ethic and the grace of God for the bold, tenacious approach she takes to sharing her wisdom on identity, influence, and living an authentic life. She is characterized by her effervescent honesty and warm approachability, leaving audiences with practical next steps in areas that are usually a bit ambiguous.
Jo has authored several books, including More Than Enchanting, which explores the subject of women in leadership. Her podcasts are heard regularly on Right Now Media.
Before leaving the United Kingdom in 2004, Jo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical studies from the University of Sheffield and served as college pastor at St. Thomas Church, Sheffield, England.
In addition to writing and speaking, Jo coaches women around the world through Jo Saxton Coaching — an online group coaching program helping women grow their leadership skills.
Jo loves running, good music, reading, and laughing loudly with family and friends over a great meal. Jo, Chris and their two daughters live in Minneapolis.
Jo will be speaking at UBN’s St. Louis City Connect on Thursday, August 19th, from 11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. CST at the Doubletree Hotel in Chesterfield. UBN will simulcast the event, beginning at noon CST, for those who can not attend the in-person gathering.
For more information about Jo Saxton, visit www.josaxton.com.

Ambassador Terry E. Branstad | U.S. Ambassador to China (2017-2020), Longest Serving Governor in U.S. History - Iowa
2021-07-22 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Embassy Suites Des Moines Downtown, 101 E. Locust St., Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
In-person Tickets $49 | Tables $450
For in-person tickets and tables register HERE | Download the event flyer.
Terry Branstad DM FlyerA Legacy of Faithful Service
“Tough times never last, but tough people do,” says Ambassador Terry Branstad. The Ambassador should know. Nominated by President-elect Donald J. Trump to serve in China during one of the most challenging periods in recent U.S. – China history, and before that, earning the distinction of being the longest-serving governor in U.S. history, which included a time when Iowa weathered some of that state’s worst economic turmoil, Ambassador Branstad has built a legacy of faithful service by leading during difficult circumstances. He has done so through faith, hard work and integrity.
Unconventional Business Network and Faith at Work Iowa are honored to have Ambassador Branstad share his unconventional faith + work story. Whether you are a native Iowan or reside anywhere else in the world, Ambassador Branstad will inspire you with his stories of navigating through challenging situations with Godly patience and wisdom.
About This Speaker
Born and raised on a northcentral Iowa farm, Ambassador Terry Branstad learned early the values of honesty, hard work and the importance of public service.
Ambassador Branstad was elected three times to the Iowa House of Representatives, as Iowa’s lieutenant governor in 1978, and as Iowa’s youngest governor in 1983. As the state’s chief executive and longest serving governor (1983-2017, nonconsecutive) then Governor Branstad weathered some of Iowa’s worst economic turmoil during the farm crisis of the 1980s, while helping lead the state’s resurgence of a booming economy in the 1990s.
On December 7, 2016, Governor Branstad announced that he had accepted the nomination from President-Elect Donald Trump to serve as Ambassador of the United States to the People’s Republic of China.
Ambassador Branstad served as U.S. Ambassador to China during one of the most challenging periods in U.S.-China history since the two countries re-established diplomatic relations in 1979. Two of his greatest achievements were the signing of the historic Phase One Trade Agreement between the U.S. and China in January of 2020, and successfully lobbying the Chinese government to stem the flow of fentanyl into America.
Ambassador Branstad has received recognition from many U.S. presidents. Prior to serving as U.S. Ambassador after President Trump’s nomination, Branstad also served as the Co-Chair of the Council of Governors appointed by President Barack Obama, as Commissioner and Chairman respectively of the White House Fellows Program and Commission for Excellence in Special Education appointed by George W. Bush, and as Trustee of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation appointed by Ronald Regan.
Ambassador Branstad earned a B.A. from the University of Iowa and a J.D. from Drake University Law School.
He, and his wife, Chris, have been married since 1972 and have three children and eight grandchildren.

Tommy Bowden | Renowned College Football Coach, ESPN and FOX Sports Host, Sought-after Speaker
2021-07-15 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS, 66211, United States
$49 per in-person ticket | $450 per table of 10 | $29 per live stream ticket

Download the event flyer
Click HERE to Register for In-person Tickets and TablesClick HERE to Register for Live Stream Tickets
“A Game Plan for Success is in the C.A.R.D.S.”
What does a former renowned college football coach have in common with you, a Christian businessperson? A winning strategy. Whether your playing field is in in the football arena or boardroom, It’s all in the C.A.R.D.S. – commitment, accountability, responsibility, discipline and sacrifice. Hear Tommy Bowden challenge each one of us to be businesspeople of character and integrity.
About Mr. Bowden
Tommy Bowden is an unabashed evangelical Christian who openly confesses that he used his Christianity as a recruiting tool during his long and successful career coaching college football. His father, Bobby Bowden, the former Florida State football coach, helped create chaplaincies at schools across the South. One might say linking football with Christianity was a family endeavor.
From an outstanding student-athlete at West Virginia University, to the two-time ACC Coach of the Year at Clemson University, to widely sought-after motivational speaker, Tommy Bowden has dedicated his life to making a difference in others’ lives.
After spending several years as an assistant football coach at Florida State, Duke, Alabama, Kentucky, and Auburn Universities, Tommy Bowden became the head coach at Tulane University in 1997. In just his second season with Tulane, he led his team to an undefeated season, a Conference USA Championship and a win in the Liberty Bowl. Tommy was also named Conference USA Coach of the year.
In 1999, Tommy took the head coaching position at Clemson University. In that first season, the Tigers set or tied 41 school records, including 26 on offense. He was named Conference Coach of the Year in 1998, and ACC Coach of the year in both 1999 and 2003.
In 2006, Tommy received the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coach of the Year Award.
Since retiring from Clemson in 2008, Tommy has become one of the nation’s most sought-after motivational speakers. He has appeared as an expert college football analyst on ESPN television and radio, as well as, co-hosted two football television shows, one with FOX Sports and one with the ACC Football Network.
Tommy is the author of the book “Winning Character” and speaks frequently about leadership and recruiting outstanding teams.
Married to his high school sweetheart, Linda, for more than 40 years, Tommy and Linda have two children and four grandsons.

Rev. Johnnie Moore | Author, Businessman and Founder of KAIROS Co.
2021-05-20 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Louis – Chesterfield, 16625 Swingley Ridge Rd, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, United States
Rev. Johnnie Moore

$49 per in-person ticket | $450 per Table of 10 | $29 per live stream ticket

In-person Tickets & Tables Register Here
Live Stream Tickets Register Here Download the event flyer.

“Maximizing Your Impact as a Christian In the Marketplace”
What can every businessperson have in common with the Apostle Paul? Paul was a businessman—he made tents—yet he was also a spiritual leader. Come hear Reverend Johnnie Moore, one of the top 10 influential religious leaders in the country, talk practically about the connection between faith and work.
Rev. Moore is founder of The KAIROS Company, one of America’s leading boutique public relations and communications consulting company, the youngest recipient of the “medal of valor” for his efforts in rescuing Christians from ISIS in 2015, and a seven-times author. Johnnie will both challenge and inspire as he reveals his unconventional business story.

About Rev. Moore
Rev. Johnnie Moore, 37, has been called one of America’s most influential evangelical leaders and is especially known for his multi-faith work at the intersection of faith and foreign policy. He is the author of seven books including Defying ISIS: Preserving Christianity in the Place of Its Birth and (along with Rabbi Abraham Cooper) The Next Jihad: Stop the Christian Genocide in Africa.

Moore is also a businessperson who founded one of America’s leading, boutique public relations and communications consultancies, The KAIROS Company. He has worked with every major print, digital and broadcast outlet in North America and has extensive experience in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Moore has worked in higher education (senior vice president of communications for Liberty University), the entertainment industry (Chief of staff for mega-producer Mark Burnett), and politics (commissioner for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom appointed by the President of the United States). As a clergy member, Moore is the youngest ever recipient of the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s prestigious “medal of valor” for his efforts rescuing Christians from ISIS in 2015.

Reverend Moore will speak at UBN’s St. Louis City Connect on Thursday, May 20th, from 11:00 a.m. until 1 p.m. CST, at the Doubletree Hotel in Chesterfield. UBN will simulcast his talk, beginning at noon CST, for those unable to attend the event in person. Capacity is limited depending upon COVID guidelines.

Peter Demos | Lawyer & President of Demos' Brands and Restaurants
2021-04-22 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS, 66211, United States
Peter Demos

$49 per in-person ticket | $270 per table of 6 | $29 per live stream ticket
Register Here
Download the Flyer

Peter Demos found his faith after becoming a successful business owner and leader, and it changed his perspective on success and purpose. Come hear the tangible ways Peter lives out his faith in the marketplace, and what God asks of him in the process. It’s definitely a narrow playing field with both victories and defeats. You will leave inspired by Peter’s transparency, tangible examples, and his fervent devotion to Christ through all circumstances. Or, as Peter would say, “Christ is my managing director”
Peter is a sought-after speaker and author. His 2019 book, Afraid to Trust: One Man’s Journey to the Love of God, is available on Amazon. Find out more about Peter and his Christ-centered approach to business by visiting www.demosfamilykitchen.com or www.afraidtotrust.com.

More About Mr. Demos
Peter Demos is the President and Attorney for Demos’ Brands of Restaurants which includes Demos’ Restaurant and PDK Southern Kitchen and Pantry. While his restaurant career is extensive and decades in the making, Peter entered into his journey of faith later in life. But once begun, he has lived it boldly. A visit to Demos’ website reflects this boldness.
At Demos’, we’ve always known that our purpose is larger than providing delicious food. We strive to daily live out our purpose through how we serve and care. ​Our purpose is to:

Glorify God in all we do by serving others
Serve and care for our customers
Glorify God in all we do by loving our team
Grow profitably

Highly accomplished as a leader in the hospitality industry, Peter is recognized by both secular and Christian organizations. The Nashville Business Journal acknowledged Peter in their list of top 40 under 40. Other achievements include: Leadership Rutherford Pinnacle Award 2010, Restaurateur of the Year award 2014, Christian Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award 2015, C12 Business Award 2015 and 2018, Living Sent Ministries Kingdom Award 2016.
Not surprisingly, Peter is a sought-after speaker who addresses God’s desire for us to “boldly live out your faith in every aspect of our life, including our work”. We are delighted to have him share his “Unconventional Business” story with our Kansas City audience. You will not want to miss the opportunity to hear from Peter or the opportunity to visit with him during the Networking (11:00 to 11:30). He will be showcasing his newly released book (2019), Afraid to Trust, One Man’s Journey to the Love of God.
Mr. Demos currently sits on the NFIB Leadership Council, and C12 National Member Advisory Board. He is also the past chair on the board the Board of Directors for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and past president for the Tennessee Hospitality Association.
He and his wife and two children reside in the Nashville area.

Danita Bye | Executive Leadership Coach and Author of "Millennials Matter"
2021-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Zoom Event
Danita Bye
Virtual City Connect | Des Moines
Including live Q&A with Ms. Bye
Register Here
UBN and Faith@Work Iowa, along with our Iowa sponsors are thrilled to host this complimentary virtual event.

How do we lead a generation that seems to have a different set of priorities and perceptions? Psalm 145 tells us to commend God’s works one generation to another, but how? This is especially important in today’s tumultuous times. Join millennial expert Danita Bye as she speaks about three critical mindsets that will change the trajectory of your millennial’s life and strengthen your positive leadership legacy.
About Ms. Bye
DANITA BYE, M.A., is a speaker ad executive leadership coach. She has been a contributing author to the Forbes Coaches Council, sales coach for Harvard Business School MBA students, and a TEDx speaker on Millennial leadership.
Her latest book, Millennials Matter: Proven Strategies for Building Your Next-Gen Leader, is recognized as one of the best how-to books on motivate and manage Millennial leaders. She has been published in Forbes, Huffington Post, and CEO World.
In 2020, she keynoted for an Economic Summit in India, “5 Bold Predictions for a Post-Covid World.” She builds on that theme in her writing and speaking. Danita has a master’s degree in transformational leadership from Bethel Seminary.
The mother of three millennials and grandmother to five, Danita lives in The Triple T Ranch country in North Dakota. For more information on Danita visit her web site at www.danitabye.com.
