April 25, 2024 | Kansas CityApril 25, 2024 | Kansas City

Olathe Conference Center

Our annual Summit conference equips business leaders with connections, resources and tools to become difference makers in their workplaces. One of the biggest difference makers in scripture was Nehemiah. Below are six attributes that made Nehemiah a difference maker, which are still discussed today – thousands of years later.

Clarity of Calling

God has a plan and purpose for each of us including our vocation. Learn from Rick about pursuing and embracing your calling and receiving the clarity necessary to maximize your impact in your vocation. Rick’s practical examples and stories will help you leverage your calling to become a difference maker.

Fervent Prayer

How does prayer fit into the life of a busy business executive? Does prayer really change anything? During this fireside chat with Barry Rowan we will discuss the prayer life of a leader. He recently took the unconventional step of doing a month-long silent retreat, and sees God’s will embedded in every moment of every day…even in the board room. We know you will enjoy this engaging conversation to kick off our conference.

Courageous Faith

Mark Miller, as the former VP of Chick-fil-a’s High Impact Leadership department has had over 40 years of experience of working with and developing courageous leaders. Mark has studied and written many books on leadership. He will share his vast experience on uncommon greatness that comes from courageous leadership and faith.

God Fueled Excellence

Why are believers in Christ called to be 10 times better in the workplace? For the past 20 years, Natalie Born has led multiple organizations in sales, strategy, and innovation working in over 18 countries internationally. Drawing upon insights from the life of Daniel and stories from her own career, Natalie demonstrates that when you live with “God-fueled” excellence, you can move from worldly success to godly significance.

Persistent Perseverance

Steve Russell has been a difference maker who has learned the importance of perseverance. From an Army Commander involved in capturing Sadam Hussein to his time as a US Congressman, a rifle manufacturer, and the CEO of an international ministry, Steve shares lessons to learn about perseverance and the impact it can have on your business life.

Creative Generosity

As an attorney and co-founder of the Impact Foundation, Aimee Minnich has helped business leaders in leveraging their generosity to advance the Kingdom in very creative ways. Learn from Aimee on how you can make a difference through creative generosity.

We have carefully selected six difference makers who offer expert insight, experience and guidance on each attribute so you can become the difference maker in your workforce.

April 25, 2024 | Kansas CityApril 25, 2024 | Kansas City

Olathe Conference Center

Our annual Summit conference equips business leaders with connections, resources and tools to become difference makers in their workplaces. One of the biggest difference makers in scripture was Nehemiah. Below are six attributes that made Nehemiah a difference maker, which are still discussed today – thousands of years later.

Clarity of Calling

Fervent Prayer

Courageous Faith

God Fueled Excellence

Persistent Perseverance

Creative Generosity

We have carefully selected six difference makers who offer expert insight, experience and guidance on each attribute so you can become the difference maker in your workforce.

Clarity of Calling

Speaker: Rick Boxx

Rick Boxx

Rick Boxx, Founder and CEO of Unconventional Business Network, leads with a vision for integrating faith and work. Since 2001, his nonprofit has empowered 400,000+ business leaders. Rick’s daily Integrity Moments broadcast reaches 2 million leaders and is featured on 200 radio stations. Author of seven books, including Unconventional Business, Rick, a former CPA, banker and entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience. Based in Overland Park, KS, he and his vibrant wife Kathy have three children and four grandchildren nearby. Rick Boxx epitomizes the Clarity of Calling, embodying the transformative nature of integrating his faith and his vocation.

Fervent Prayer

Speaker: Barry Rowan

Barry Rowan

Barry Rowan, a Harvard Business School graduate and accomplished leader in the technology and communication sector, brings a wealth of experience to Christian small business leaders. Instrumental in building and transforming eight businesses, including a $10 billion sale, Barry’s C-Suite roles at Gogo, Vonage and others showcase his expertise. A devoted Christian, he serves on non-profit boards like InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, embodying his belief in giving back. A “corporate mystic” with a commitment to contemplative prayer, Barry authored the Spiritual Art of Business. He and his wife Linda, married for over forty-two years, are dedicated to service, mentoring and breaking the poverty cycle through World Vision and local initiatives.

Courageous Faith

Speaker: Mark Miller

Speaker: Mark Miller

Mark Miller, with over forty years at Chick-fil-A, began as an hourly team member and became the sixteenth corporate employee. His diverse roles span Corporate Communications, Quality & Customer Satisfaction, Restaurant Operations and Leadership Development. Over the last two decades, he’s dedicated himself to serving leaders globally, contributing to not-for-profit organizations. A prolific author of eight books, Mark’s impactful teachings have transcended borders, with over a million books in print in 25+ languages. His most recent book, Uncommon Greatness, draws from a rich career, emphasizing practical applications of timeless principles for business leaders.

God Fueled Excellence

Speaker: Natalie Born

Natalie Born

Natalie Born, Principal Consultant at Arch + Tower, delivers powerful insights on God Fueled Excellence to Christian small business leaders. As a keynote speaker and host of the globally recognized podcast, Innovation Meets Leadership, she inspires audiences in over 80 countries. Natalie’s expertise, with two approved US patents and 20+ years leading global product development and innovation teams, is reflected in her recently authored book, Set It On Fire: The Art of Innovation. Having worked with industry giants like CareerBuilder and IHG, Natalie’s talk draws from her rich experience, emphasizing the divine essence in achieving excellence. Married to Aaron, she’s a devoted mother of two girls.

Persistent Perseverance

Speaker: Steve Russell

Steve Russell

Steve Russell, a multifaceted leader, draws from unparalleled experiences to inspire on “Persistent Perseverance.” A combat infantryman and acclaimed author of We Got Him! detailing Saddam Hussein’s capture, Steve is celebrated for his achievements in business, public service and mission work. Decorated for valor, he founded Two Rivers Arms, a rifle manufacturing business whose Iraqi rifles were featured in Clint Eastwood’s film American Sniper. Steve also served as an Oklahoma State Senator and US Congressman. Steve, a US Army veteran, holds degrees in Public Speaking and History. Currently President and CEO of JAARS, he embodies unwavering perseverance, emphasizing leadership fundamentals and leaving a lasting legacy. Married with five children, Steve’s impact spans industries and disciplines and epitomizes a Difference Maker.

Creative Generosity

Speaker: Aimee Minnich

Aimee Minnich

Aimee Minnich, Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer at Impact Foundation, brings expertise in Creative Generosity to business and ministry leaders globally. Formerly President and General Counsel at the National Christian Foundation, Heartland, she pioneered the Missional Investing Program, enabling donor-advised funds to impact social enterprises. A Juris Doctor with honors, Aimee is a recovering attorney and published author, known for The Profitable Charity. Residing in Kansas City with her husband and three energetic kids, Aimee actively serves on local nonprofit boards, contributing to the city’s improvement. Her dynamic leadership and commitment to creative generosity make her a standout voice in the Christian business community.

Emcee

Ben Price

Ben Price

Ben Price, Australia’s Best Impersonator and renowned comedian, is emcee for our Difference Makers themed Summit. With spot-on impersonations of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Donald Trump and more, Ben has captivated global audiences since his appearance on Australia’s Got Talent in 2011. Featured on TV shows worldwide, including The Today Show and Good Morning Washington, Ben’s talent extends to over 200 character voices, accompanied by precise mannerisms and costumes. A sought-after performer for corporate events, his clean and adaptable material ensures laughter and inspiration for audiences, making him a standout emcee for our event.