CIBC 2025 Breakout Sessions & Speakers
“Going Beyond Your Gut: How to Leverage Insights Instead of Instincts to Scale Your Company with Confidence”
Courtney De Ronde | CEO of Forge Financial
The road to scaling an organization is often littered with chaos, confusion, and uncertainty. As a leader, you and your team face the challenge of making critical decisions without accurate information and clear insights, stifling your ability to grow and achieve long-term success.
Going Beyond Your Gut introduces you to the Simple ScaleUp SystemTM, a proven framework that empowers leaders to scale their organizations by harnessing the power of business intelligence. This system provides visibility into four key business areas, so you can forecast outcomes and adjust strategies based on reliable information and valuable insights.
In Going Beyond Your Gut, Courtney De Ronde draws from her vast experience as a successful CEO, consultant, and CPA to introduce a more effective way to make decisions by uncovering the invaluable connection between finance and scalable growth.
Imagine every leader in your organization acting with unwavering confidence as they gain clarity, make smarter decisions, and drive organizational growth.
3 Key Takeaway:
- Business intelligence is a continuous process. Achieving business success and growth is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Business leaders need to establish systems that provide reliable information and insights, which lead to better decision-making. This process involves collecting data, gaining visibility into it, predicting outcomes, and being flexible when circumstances change. The emphasis is on using data-driven intelligence to make informed decisions, rather than relying solely on gut instincts.
- Ego and fear can hinder growth. They can be obstacles to personal and business growth. Ego can make individuals hesitant to access information or admit when they don’t know something, while fear can prevent them from making predictions and being held accountable. Overcoming these barriers is essential to embracing a learning culture and fostering progress.
- Remember to keep seeking guidance and build on your existing knowledge. It’s important to seek help, learn from others who have been there before, and build on existing knowledge. Having a map or a guide improves the journey when venturing into new territories, and personal growth is often the first step toward business growth.
COURTNEY DE RONDE is the CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting and the creator of the Simple ScaleUp System™. She helps business and nonprofit leaders use a proven system to take charge of their personal and organizational development so they can fulfill their purpose and lead their organizations to do the same.
With 20+ years as a CPA and 15 years as a business leader, Courtney has firsthand experience running, scaling, advising, and serving small businesses. Today, she shares that knowledge as a speaker and consultant with her team at Forge. Recognized for her expertise in business intelligence, leadership, corporate finance, and productivity, Courtney presents at conferences and events nationwide.
When she’s not helping companies grow, she enjoys time with her husband and three children on their latest family road trip or at home in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Enabling Change and Empowering Changemakers”
Sinikka Waugh | President & CEO of Your Clear Next Step
There are few forces more disruptive in the workplace than change, yet change is both constant and everywhere. Our ability as leaders within organizations to anticipate, navigate, and communicate through change can impact each individual around us as well as the organization as a whole. Equipped with just a handful of key concepts, Changemakers can enable change in an organization in a way that protects business interests, empowers people, and simplifies the journey from where we are today to where we want to be. Join us in this engaging session to learn three simple shifts you can make, to lead and empower those around you to help transform your organization to even better than it is today.
Changemakers are the individuals who put the good of the organization first – who think strategically about getting the right work done in the right way. Changemakers make authentic human connection – they demonstrate exceptional emotional intelligence, resilience, and influence within their organizations. And changemakers consistently treat change as a process, not an event – they know Rome was not built in a day, and they bring people along through the journey of change in a way that protects business interests and manages human emotions. Many of us are good at one of these skills, some are good at two; it’s rare to find people who are good at all three…but all three are required to make change stick.
Join Business Leader Sinikka Waugh as she offers actionable tips you can apply right now to elevate your thinking, your planning, and your communication to improve the way you and those around you respond to any of the myriad changes coming your way this year.
3 Key Takeaways:
• Gain tools to help you improve your influence and your outcomes
• Encounter a simple, easy-to-apply model for talking about one of the most disruptive forces at work
• Enable you to identify and empower Changemakers around you
Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, “try this now” approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).
“Your 5 Year Plan: Planning Your Freedom, Flexibility and the Future of Your Business”
Christy Jones | Owner of Clarity Business Coaching
This presentation walks business owners through a proven 5-year roadmap to achieve freedom and flexibility in their companies—whether they want to step back, scale up, or sell. Through Christy’s personal journey and real-life business strategies, attendees learn how to transition from day-to-day operations to long-term vision planning, strengthen financials, build self-sustaining systems, and maximize business value for a successful exit. It’s a practical, motivational, and transparent guide for any business owner ready to reclaim their time and design a business that works for them.
3 Key Takeaways:
-
Freedom Requires Intentional Planning
Building a business that doesn’t rely on you daily starts with shifting your mindset, setting clear goals, and knowing your financials. Year 1 is all about getting your foundation in place so you can lead instead of manage. -
Systems and Delegation Are Game-Changers
From SOPs to smart hiring and training, years 2 and 3 focus on creating repeatable processes and empowering a capable team—so you can confidently hand off responsibilities and scale your operations. -
Your Exit Strategy Should Start Now
Whether you’re thinking 5 months or 5 years ahead, understanding your ideal exit path and positioning your business as an asset is critical. Clean financials, strong leadership, and growth potential are essential for maximizing value.
About Christy Jones
Christy was born and raised in Des Moines, growing up in her family owned auto body shop, R Jones Collision Repair. Like many of you, Christy’s life journey has been full of twists and turns.
After a quick year of teaching right after college and a year and a half stay in Charlotte, NC, Christy’s journey brought her back home to Iowa in 2001 when she was asked to help run the family business. Over time she grew to be the sole estimator and the frontline face of the business. And in 2015 she became the first and only women owned body shop owner in the Des Moines area. Christy’s journey wasn’t done yet. After buying another body shop in 2020, she then sold both shops in 2021 to Caliber Collision, effectively retiring at the young age of 44.
In 2022, Christy emerged from full retirement to become a certified business coach. She works will large and small business owners providing them the focus and accountability needed to navigate the murky waters of business ownership.
Christy values contributing to her community, and she actively demonstrates this commitment by dedicating her time to volunteer in several community organizations, such as the Urbandale Chamber and the SBA’s free coaching program, SCORE. Through her volunteer work at the Chamber and with SCORE, Christy stays connected to the heartbeat of the community. It is her goal to make her client’s businesses stronger, therefore strengthening the community as a whole.
“Am I Doing this Right? Foundations for a Successful Career and a Fulfilling Life”
Jeffrey Kappen | Tony Thelen | Matthew Mitchell
Based on their best-selling book, Am I Doing This Right?, authors Tony Thelen, Matthew Mitchell, and Jeff Kappen will lead an interactive workshop focused on leadership and personal development. Their work provides a powerful combination of personal testimonies, leading business practices, and the wisdom of hundreds of leaders across a wide range of industries. Based on these shared experiences, the session will lead attendees to examine four central questions we all face during our careers including: Who am I? Where do I want to go? How will I get there? What can I learn along the way? Participants will leave with insights and tools for themselves as well as their team members.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Enhanced Self-Awareness: Participants will reflect on their leadership strengths and blind spots, developing strategies to align their actions with their values and goals for more effective decision-making.
- Adaptive Leadership Skills: Attendees will explore techniques to navigate complex challenges, foster resilience, and lead with confidence in dynamic and uncertain environments.
- Improved Mentoring: Particularly for those who work with young professionals, attendees will gain tools to foster open dialogue, build trust, and empower their teams, ensuring alignment and collaboration in achieving organizational success.
About The 3 Authors
Tony D. Thelen is a lifelong learner whose career has spanned roles in manufacturing, sales, marketing, technology, strategy, and finance. Tony is a lifetime member of Trout Unlimited and currently writes from his home in West Okoboji, Iowa. He most recently served as the Chief Product Officer of John Deere Financial where his role involves leading an agile transformation with over 65 agile teams in India, Brazil, Luxembourg, and the US. He began his career as a chemical engineer, then went into factory supervision roles, moved on to sales, customer support, and marketing roles, followed by four years leading the company’s precision ag organization. For the last eight years he has had various leadership roles in finance. Over the last five years he has coached more than 100 people helping them navigate their career including beginning, middle, to senior level positions. He has been certified as a NeuroLeadership Coach and is a member of the International Federation of Coaches and the Institute of Coaching.
Dr. Matthew C. Mitchell aspires to be a servant, leader and constant pilgrim in this journey of life. As a business professor at Drake University and Founding Partner at Bâton Global, he enjoys serving individuals and organizations all over the world. Matthew earned degrees in Physics, Math and an MBA from Rollins College. He received his PhD in International Business from the University of South Carolina – the world’s leading program in international business. He serves as a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce and is a recipient of numerous research and teaching awards including the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion Award and the Madelyn M. Levitt Teacher of the Year Award. Matthew regularly writes about executive leadership, strategy, purpose and organizational culture and consults/speaks on these topics. He has traveled, lived, and worked in more than 80 countries, but now lives in Des Moines, with his wife and three children.
Dr. Jeffrey A. Kappen is a founding partner of Bâton Global, a research-driven advisory firm working in the areas of strategy and leadership. This includes serving as an advisor and consultant to private and public sector organizations supporting them with the development and execution of their global strategies, leadership development programs, and market analysis. Concurrent to his leadership role at Bâton Global, Jeffrey is also Associate Professor of Management and International Business at Drake University. In addition to teaching in the areas of leadership, management, and global studies, he maintains an active research agenda on the formation of transnational partnerships, the influence of culture and religion on business, and linguistic diversity in organizations. He has participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship in Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa. Jeffrey holds a BA with honors in International Relations, French, and Russian from Beloit College, an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, and a PhD in Management and Organization Studies from the University of Massachusetts.
The Seven Things Your Business Should Be Doing To Move Forward With AI
Beth Ziesenis | Author | Speaker | Nerd
Presented By 
Professionals have embraced AI in the workplace, but many companies are not ready for it. Join Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend, for an overview of the challenges of AI in your business and how to put your company and employees on the right path to increased productivity and decreased stress.
-
Why you need an AI policy (and what goes into one)
-
How AI can replace tasks (not jobs)
-
What goes into an “AI Day”
-
How to protect your company’s data
-
When to talk about the AI ethics
About Beth Z
Beth Ziesenis: Author. Speaker. Nerd.
Since her first Motorola RAZR flip phone, Beth has made a verb out of the word “nerd.” She’s here to help you filter through thousands of apps, gadgets, widgets and doodads to find the perfect free and bargain technology tools for work and home. Although the only real trophy she ever won was for making perfect French fries at McDonald’s in high school, Beth Z has been featured on Best Speaker lists by several organizations who write best speaker lists. She has written a whole shelf of books on apps and has spoken to more than 100 thousand audience members just like you. And if you’re puzzling over why she goes by “Beth Z”… it’s because she only finds about three people a year who can pronounce her last name.
The Small Business Track, Presented by The Greater Des Moines Partnership
Top Digital Marketing Trends for 2025
Sarah Snider & Lindsey Moore | Presented By The Greater Des Moines Partnership
The digital marketing landscape is evolving rapidly, and keeping up with the latest trends is essential for small businesses looking to stay ahead of the competition. In this session, we’ll explore the game-changing role of AI in marketing—its advantages, challenges, and ethical considerations. We’ll also dive into key updates from major platforms like Google and Meta and their impact on your marketing strategy. Plus, we’ll discuss why video content remains a powerhouse for engagement and how you can leverage it effectively.
About Sarah & Lindsey
Sarah Snider has held various roles over her 17 years at Strategic America and is currently a Business Development Manager, specializing in digital services. Passionate about helping small business owners navigate the ever-evolving world of websites, SEO, and digital marketing, she brings both hands-on experience and a strong educational foundation. Sarah holds a Digital Marketing Certification from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, along with multiple Google and HubSpot certifications, ensuring she stays at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.
Lindsey Moore, a Strategic America team member for 19 years, is a director of client strategy and service. Lindsey uses strong analytical skills to oversee strategic direction and agency resources for some of the agency’s largest clients including Lennox Industries, Right at Home, and Stryker. She is oftentimes described as someone who can create order from chaos and her vast experience and collaborative energy drives results and helps to push everyone forward. A “learner” at heart, she has earned several certifications from nationally recognized organizations including Dale Carnegie, American Management Association, Google, and the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As).
“Finance Transformation: Best Practices for Small & Medium-Sized Businesses” | Presented By The Greater Des Moines Partnership
In today’s fast-paced business environment, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) must embrace financial transformation to stay competitive. This panel style presentation will explore key best practices to modernize financial operations, enhance efficiency and drive profitability. This breakout will be presented by Carey Stover, Jade Vuong, Zach Gates, and Matt Vertin with UHY.
Zach Gates – Managing Director, Client Accounting Services
Zach Gates leads the UHY Iowa office’s Client Accounting Services (CAS) practice. He also leads various engagements within Iowa’s transaction services practice, including due diligence/quality of earnings analysis and capitalizations. Zach focuses on startups and high growth businesses from a CFO role by being their trusted advisor, assisting with capitalization and financing transactions, developing financial models, and providing timely and accurate financial information to foster decision making and the achievement of strategic plans and goals. Zach serves clients in numerous industries, including startups, technology, real estate, and manufacturing. Prior to leading the Iowa CAS team, Zach spent seven years in the audit department, providing audit and assurance services to clients in various industries, including real estate and construction, manufacturing, technology, and employee benefit plans. Zach Gates is a licensed CPA in Iowa.
Carey Stover – Senior Manager, Client Accounting Services
Carey Stover is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of expertise in accounting, finance, technology, project management, business operations, and consulting. As a Senior Manager in UHY’s Client Accounting Services (CAS) Practice, Carey is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that align with her clients’ corporate objectives, leveraging her deep financial acumen and strategic insight to drive impactful results. Carey’s comprehensive skill set spans financial reporting, strategic planning, project management, and business operations, paired with valuable experience in sales, marketing, and information technology. Her broad knowledge base allows her to implement tailored, high-performance strategies that deliver sustainable value to her clients. Carey is a licensed CPA in Iowa.
Jade Vuong – Senior Manager, Transaction Services
Jade Vuong is an experienced leader who advises and works with clients across multiple business sectors. She creates financial models and evaluates current and historical financial data in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP). Jade employs financial models to develop solutions and provide financial strategies as part of capitalization efforts and operations. For clients, Jade focuses on helping businesses and serves as their trusted advisor by providing timely and accurate financial information to foster business decisions and strategies. She also specializes in facilitating mergers and acquisitions transactions, due diligence, succession planning, capital formation, and business valuations models. Jade is a licensed CPA in Iowa.
Matt Vertin – Manager, Transaction Services
Matt Vertin is a Manager in the Transaction Services department at UHY, where he supports clients through various stages of mergers and acquisitions by providing valuable financial advisory services. Matt assists with financial due diligence, helping to analyze financial data, assess risks, and identify potential opportunities in complex transactions. His role includes supporting financial reporting, assisting with regulatory compliance, and helping clients make informed decisions throughout the transaction process. Matt has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Iowa and is a licensed CPA in Iowa.
Emcee For The Day @ The Central Iowa Business Conference
Tyler Kamerman | Many Hands CDO & Founder of Pursue Your Passion Podcast
As the CDO of Many Hands, a faith-based international non-profit with a local focus through their Many Hands Thrift Markets, Tyler’s job is to tell the story of Many Hands to gain and retain partnerships with local businesses, organizations, churches and individuals.
The name of the podcast he hosts is “Pursue Your Passion,” and that’s exactly the journey he is on and the one he wants to help you navigate as well.
Whether it’s through his speaking & training, his podcasts or his coaching, Tyler helps fun, successful people to “Be more intentional about Pursuing their Passion,” and map out a path to do more of what they were put on the planet to do.
Tyler is consistently spinning more plates than he should be in Clive, IA with his wife and their two children. The Kamerman’s have a passion-filled household and are very active in their church and community!
Hear What People Are Saying About CIBC
