Dr. Katie Keller Wood is someone who deeply understands the challenges we face when our work holds deep meaning—because when our work matters, “balance” often feels impossible. And for those of us doing high-impact work—whether in education, social work, healthcare, or entrepreneurship—the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue is even higher.

Katie has lived this reality, and she’s on a mission to help us shift the conversation from chasing “work-life balance” to cultivating true alignment. She believes that when our lives are aligned, we create space for authentic thriving—for ourselves, and for the people we serve.

Katie grew up in the world of education, where discovering Montessori philosophy transformed her perspective—not only about teaching, but about life. Today, she directs the CMStep training program, working with hundreds of Montessori teachers across the U.S. and abroad, while also teaching at institutions like the University of Virginia, Xavier University, and the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and coach, known as “a breath of fresh air” for the way she captivates audiences and makes human-centered development come alive at every stage of life.

In her forthcoming book: Alignment, Katie challenges the myth of balance and shows us why alignment is the key to resilience, impact, and a more equitable and thriving world.

More Info: Dr. Katie Keller Wood.

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Lily’s Story: My Trust Manifesto

Carrie Williams is a highly experienced executive and leadership coach, Master Certified Coach (MCC), and Advanced Certified Team Coach (ACTC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). With over 15 years of coaching, consulting, and facilitation experience, she holds an evidence-based coaching certificate from Fielding Graduate University and an MA in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. Carrie has worked with leaders and emerging talent at top companies like Activision, TikTok, EY, Disney, Amazon, and Microsoft, as well as numerous bar associations and legal conferences.

Her unique background as a former casting director gives her a distinct approach to coaching, where she helps professionals unlock their potential, navigate complex dynamics, thrive in high-pressure environments, and create ‘All In’ Mindsets. Carrie’s expertise spans executive coaching, transition management, and leadership development, focusing on building powerful professional presences and personal brands while aligning values for increased engagement and impact.

As the Amazon bestselling author of “Eyes on the Prize: A Kick-ass Guide to Setting and Achieving G.R.E.A.T. Goals” and former president of ICFLA, where she led the chapter to win the prestigious Chapter of Distinction award in 2022, Carrie’s evidence-based, customizable approach empowers her clients to reduce stress, increase emotional intelligence, leverage strengths, and create lasting legacies they’re proud of. Her ‘All In’ coaching framework is centered on the three tiers of fulfillment: professional success, personal growth, and overall well-being.

More Info: RainShadowCoaching.com

Book: Eyes on the Prize

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Lily’s Story: My Trust Manifesto

Matt Ley is a dynamic speaker, consultant, and coach who champions the concept of Fulfillment ROI—the powerful idea that when the value created exceeds the energy invested, we unlock fulfillment and sustainable success. Whether he’s working with executives, teams, or entire organizations, Matt helps reduce energy drains and elevate value-driven results.

He’s also the creator of The Triple A of Change: Attitudes, Activities, and Accountability—a proven framework that ensures every learning moment delivers a tangible return. Matt shows up with the mindset that your time, talent, and energy are treasures—and he’s here to help you multiply them.

From captaining a national championship Ultimate team, to leading churches, responding to global crises, and managing corporate operations, Matt’s journey is anything but ordinary. He’s taught at DePaul, authored Manage Your Gaps, and delivered over 200 talks—but what sets him apart is his passion for empowering people with real tools for real change.

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Book: Manage Your Gaps

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Lily’s Story: My Trust Manifesto

Vera Cherepanova is the Executive Director of Boards of the Future, a global non-profit advocating for increased representation of ethics and compliance professionals on corporate boards. She is also the founding partner of Studio Etica, a boutique consultancy advising companies worldwide on corporate ethics and compliance programs. Vera serves on the Advisory Council at Ground Truth Intelligence, a global due diligence platform, and the Steering Committee of ComplianceNet, an interdisciplinary network focused on compliance research. She is the author of Corporate Compliance Program, the first book on compliance in Russian, widely used as a textbook in Russian-speaking countries, as well as a contributor to The Transnationalization of Anti-Corruption Law and other guides on business ethics, compliance, and risk management.

A prolific writer and speaker, Vera is a columnist at Corporate Compliance Insights and has been featured in publications like the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and Law360. She has delivered keynotes, panels, and workshops at leading organizations and events, including The World Bank, OECD, and the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics. Her work has earned her recognition as a thought leader in the fields of ethics, compliance, and corporate governance.

Executive Director: Boards of the Future

Contact Vera: [email protected] 

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Lily’s Story: My Trust Manifesto