Executive Presence: The Human Edge in the AI Era

Join an evening of meaningful connection, learning and conversation, featuring networking, a dynamic keynote and three interactive breakout sessions. Explore the new rules of credibility and how executive presence is shaped when others experience you through technology‑mediated and virtual interactions. 

Breakout Groups

• The New Rules of Credibility: How presence is formed when people experience you through new forms of technology.
• “Human Advantage” Traits: Judgment, empathy, decisiveness and narrative clarity.
• Practical Executive Presence Behaviors: Voice, framing, structure and stakeholder confidence.

Agenda

5:30 p.m. Introduction
5:45 p.m. Keynote
6:15 p.m. Breakout Groups (15 minutes each)
7:00 p.m. Networking
7:30 p.m. Event concludes

Our Speakers for the Evening

Keynote & Breakout Session Leader

Christopher Carter
President
National Speakers Association, Illinois

Christopher Carter is a communication keynote speaker and body language expert who helps leaders build trust, credibility and executive presence in high-stakes environments. With more than 35 years of experience on stages around the world, he brings a unique perspective shaped by his background as a professional mentalist, where understanding human behavior is essential. Today, Christopher works with organizations to strengthen connection, influence and clarity in an increasingly fast, technology-driven workplace. His engaging programs combine practical insight with real-world application, giving audiences tools they can use immediately to communicate with greater confidence and impact.

Christopher’s LinkedIn

Breakout Session Leader

Cliff Kennedy
Communications Success Coach
Kennedy Speech Communications

Cliff Kennedy has been creating audience-connecting experiences for more than 30 years. He began his career as a creative director, writer and producer of high stakes, high-impact corporate meetings and events. In 2013, he transitioned to providing public speaking and communication coaching to executives, rising leaders and subject matter experts.

Cliff is very proud of his work with a broad range of industry-leading organizations, including AbbVie, Acura, Amazon, Canon USA, ExxonMobil, Gartner, McDonald’s, Microsoft, United Airlines, Walmart, Winnebago Industries and Zoom Video Communications. Cliff has also been the lead speaker coach for TEDxPaloAlto since 2017.

Cliff’s LinkedIn

Breakout Session Leader

Cheryl Grace
CEO
Powerful Penny

Cheryl Grace is the CEO of Powerful Penny LLC, a leadership development and executive coaching firm focused on helping professionals navigate complex workplace dynamics, accelerate their leadership impact and live balanced lives at work, in love and at home. 

With a background as a corporate executive advising Fortune 500 companies, Cheryl has led high-visibility initiatives, provided strategic counsel to senior leaders and driven work that has influenced millions in business outcomes. Cheryl has coached leaders across industries, from emerging talent to the C-suite, and is known for delivering practical, results-driven strategies that move people from overlooked to influential.

Cheryl’s LinkedIn