Connections and Inspiration at the EY Strategic Growth Forum®

The EY Strategic Growth Forum® in Palm Springs in November 2023 was one of the highlights of my year: It’s a gathering of the best minds in business, and the speakers gave amazing insights as to how we can all make business more inclusive and how we can use our companies to make the world a better place. There was a big focus on AI and how we can use AI as a tool to help us (humans) achieve our goals and help people and the planet at the same time. 

 

The Forum is all about networking, and I did my share and met some awesome people. Investor, business leader, and Founder of KIND Snacks, Daniel Lubetzy, was one of the speakers, and I got to spend some time with him and meet Bob Nardelli, former Chrysler CEO. I also had breakfast with my hero and former head of Starbucks, Howard Behar.

 

Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners offered the perfect opportunity for some great conversations. A special shout out to Ginger Aydogdu, Don Weobong Julia Regan, Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, and so many others I met and spent time with. South Carolina had some powerful representation – Dr. Sohail Masood (Founder of KabaFusion and Jane Zhang of Star EV, who waved the SC flag high. Well done – you made us all proud!)

I was impressed by some of the younger CEOs and leaders that I met – they are successful, focused, and truly committed to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive – Tim Hwang, it was great to meet you!

 

My friend Chevy Arnold organizes the event every year, and each year it gets better and better – that’s why the EY Strategic Growth Forum® is known as the Emmys of the business world. A special shout out to Jessica Donnan for being the host with the most and taking great care of all the details! 

 

And the best thing about the Strategic Growth Forum®?

We get to do it again next year!

 

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