WBEC NY DMV

Lunch With the Experts: Drive Growth with the Power of SEO & SEM
2025-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Lunch with the Experts: Drive Growth with the Power of SEO & SEM

Tuesday, March 11th 2025
12pm to 1pm EST | Virtual Session
Want to drive more traffic, leads, and sales for your business? Understanding the power of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and SEM (Search Engine Marketing) is key to staying ahead in today’s digital landscape.
Join us for this insightful webinar, where we’ll break down how these two powerful strategies work together to increase your online visibility, attract high-intent customers, and boost your bottom line. You’ll learn:
The differences between SEO & SEM—and why you need both
How to optimize your website for long-term organic success
Effective paid search tactics to maximize your ROI
Actionable steps to enhance your digital marketing strategy today
Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business’s online presence to the next level.

Kayla Lloyd is the Marketing Manager at BBG&G Integrated Marketing and has been with the company since 2017.
Formed in 1997, BBG&G is a full-service integrated marketing and digital firm serving a broad range of industries including healthcare, tourism, banking, B2B, B2C, and education. They position companies as industry leaders to help them achieve business goals, scale, and accelerate growth. BBG&G is a Certified WBE (women-owned business entity), DBE (disadvantaged business entity), and WOSB (women-owned small business).
With over a decade of experience, Kayla’s superpower is finding the best way to communicate any message to any audience. She spent the early years of her career helping emerging technology startups develop strategies and create thoughtful, results-driven campaigns. She learned to translate the needs of business owners and founders to her team, and she has honed this skill at BBG&G. Kayla believes that we should never stop learning or growing, and she uses this motto to help her clients achieve their goals – and even exceed them.
Kayla holds her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication from Manhattan College. Kayla is an active speaker for the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA), regularly providing marketing insights to state-wide destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Her client work has received numerous industry awards, including the Summit Marketing Effectiveness Awards, the MarCom Awards, the Hermes Creative Awards, and the AVA Digital Awards.
Kayla lives in Walden, NY with her loving husband, two wonderful children, and their cherished fur babies. She is a coffee connoisseur who enjoys binge-watching shows especially on a cozy, rainy fall day.
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Lunch with the Experts: Access to Funding for Health and Biotech Founders
2025-03-18 12:00 - 13:00
Lunch with the Experts: Access to Funding for Health and Biotech Founders
Tuesday, March 18th 2025
12:00pm–1:00pm ET
Join us to discover key funding sources in the health and biotech sectors. This session will provide insights into assessing grant and investor readiness, identifying the right funding opportunities, and applying strategies to boost competitiveness. It will also highlight resources to improve access to funding.

Idong Essiet-Gibson, PhD, Principal Owner of The Idyeas Group
Dr. Idong Essiet-Gibson, Founding Principal of The Idyeas Group, brings over 26 years of experience in healthcare and military service. She has led multimillion-dollar programs for BARDA (predecessor), CDC, and NIH, using her expertise in procurement, project management, and partnerships to scale health innovations. A certified PMP® and advocate for digital health solutions, Dr. Essiet-Gibson holds a PhD in Public Health, an MPH in International Health Policy, and an MS in Technology Management. Dr. Idong Essiet-Gibson, serves on the Greater Colesville Citizens Association Board and is a member of the Maryland Ready Reserve Corps.

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Lunch with the Experts: Harnessing AI for Business Growth with Deborah Garry
2025-05-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Lunch with the Experts

Tuesday May 13th, 2025
12:00pm–1:00pm ET
Unleash the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline your business. This program will explore how generative AI helps create content like marketing materials, while predictive AI forecasts trends and drives data-informed decisions. Together, these tools can revolutionize how businesses operate and achieve success.
During this program, you will learn to:
Transform your Marketing and Beyond
Discover how AI elevates branding, optimization, and conversions using innovative tools like ChatGPT 4, Jasper, Fireflies AI, and Adobe AI. Learn through real-world examples how these solutions streamline workflows, inspire creativity, and deliver tangible results.
AI’s applications aren’t limited to marketing—it enhances sales through personalized outreach, improves operations by automating tasks, and supports HR with data-driven hiring and training strategies.
Maximize AI Effectively
Master skills in crafting precise prompts, leveraging high-quality data, and following proven best practices. Align AI with your business goals, protect intellectual property, and strike the right balance between AI and human expertise for optimal outcomes.
Build an AI Strategy
The program also guides participants in developing a comprehensive AI policy, covering ethical responsibilities, data privacy, and integrating human oversight for long-term, responsible AI adoption.
By the end of the program, you’ll have practical tools and strategies to implement AI confidently and responsibly, fostering creativity, inclusivity, and business success. Join us to take the next step in transforming your organization with AI’s limitless potential.

Deborah Garry
This program will be presented by Deborah Garry, founder and CEO of BBG&G Integrated Marketing, an award-winning agency specializing in branding, digital strategy, and storytelling. For over 27 years, Deborah has positioned clients as industry leaders, driving growth through innovative, data-driven marketing solutions. With a Certified Account Planner and Marketing Automation Specialist designation, Deborah combines technical expertise with creative vision to deliver significant business results. Recognized for her leadership and achievements, Deborah is a past recipient of the Hudson Valley Women in Business award, The Enterprising Women of the Year award, and an honoree of the 2024 100 Women to Know in America. Her proven success and passion for marketing innovation make her the perfect guide for helping businesses integrate AI and achieve sustainable growth.

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Lunch With the Experts: Meet NYPA: Empowering Opportunities for New Yorkers
2025-05-20 12:00 - 13:00
Tuesday, May 20th, 2025
12pm to 1pm EST | Virtual Session

Join the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the NYS Canal Corporation on Tuesday, April 22nd at 12:00 p.m. for “Empowering Opportunities for New Yorkers.” Hosted by WBEC Metro NY, this entry into the Lunch With the Experts series will provide:
• Insight into upcoming procurement opportunities
• Coaching on how to engage with NYPA and Canals procurement professionals
• Information on clean energy renewable generation projects that will help maintain an adequate and reliable supply of electricity for the State
• Support for New York State’s renewable energy goals, including what Woman Business Enterprises (WBEs) need to know to be procurement-ready Attendees will also:
• Acquire information about new clean energy initiatives through NYPA’s Supplier Diversity Program
• Learn from experts about specific business issues relevant to WBEs
• Navigate the procurement process• Network with other WBEs Register now for this informational webinar designed to provide you with the information and access your business needs to unlock opportunities.
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is America’s largest state power organization, with a mission to lead the transition to a carbon-free, economically vibrant New York State through customer partnerships with other state and local entities, innovative energy solutions, and responsible supply of affordable, clean, and reliable electricity. As part of our organization, NYPA operates, maintains, and promotes the NYS Canal system through its subsidiary, NYS Canal Corporation. New York’s Canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the canal waterways link the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes, and Lake Champlain. Following much of the original towpaths, the Canal system also includes the 365-mile Canalway Trail, which runs from Albany to Buffalo and from Albany to Whitehall and is all part of the 750-mile Empire State Trail—the nation’s longest multi-use recreational trail network.
Visit nypa.gov for more information.

Gina Jackson, Supplier Diversity Program Administrator, LinkedIn

Kylie Murphy, Category Manager (Renewables), LinkedIn
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Lunch With the Experts: Developing Your Capabilities Statement
2025-05-27 12:00 - 13:00
Tuesday, May 27th 2025
12pm to 1pm EST | Virtual Session

Join WBEC Metro NY, Baseline Group, and Northwell Health for a hands-on session on crafting a stellar capabilities statement that speaks for your unique business strengths. Join Darcy Flanders, Founder and Chief Brand Strategist of Baseline Group, and Dawn Wells, Assistant Vice President, Supply Chain at Northwell Health, for a workshop on how to design a capabilities statement that leaves a lasting impression on clients and collaborators. Through this Lunch With the Experts, participants will gain the skills to develop a compelling digital bio that showcases your leadership and accomplishments.

Darcy Flanders, Founder / Chief Brand Strategist of Baseline Group
As founder and chief brand strategist of BaselineGroupNY, Darcy is the visionary.
Her strength lies in the ability to interpret clients’ goals and translate then into visually impactful and targeted printed and digital solutions. Her passion for design is contagious and her emphasis on teamwork leads to great collaborative solutions. Drawing on 35+ years of expertise, you can count on Darcy to lead an information-oriented, responsive and time-sensitive creative process that considers the big picture and instinctively understands the importance of the smallest detail and the strictest schedule. Darcy has envisioned and managed corporate branding initiatives for clients such as: Galliard Capital Management, Citi Alternative Investments, Citi Private Bank, HSBC Private Bank and Rutgers Business School, Wrigley, and PSEG LI. Darcy is also passionate about helping her fellow MWBEs develop brands, websites and marketing materials and has worked with: JURISolutions Legal (JSL), McKissack & McKissack, Mrs. Paper, Savoca Enterprises, Winston Strategic Partners, Pina Solutions, Lob Planning and A,& S Rebar – to name a few. Her work has received numerous awards from the Financial Communications Society, Society of Technical Communication, the Association of the Graphic Arts, Graphic Design USA, Step Inside Design and most recently Best of 2020 Manhattan for Branding and Digital Design.

Dawn Wells, Assistant Vice President, Supply Chain at Northwell Health
Dawn Wells is supply chain professional with a public health heart. She currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Supply Chain at Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare provider, serving NYC, Long Island, and Westchester. In this role she leads supply chain operations for the Health Systems’ Ambulatory Care Network comprised of more than 830 physician practices and outpatient facilities. In addition to these responsibilities, Dawn takes an active role in championing and facilitating programs that impact all levels of the organization. She has been a consistent champion of diversity; representing supply chain as a member of the diversity and health equity council and corporate social responsibility committee. In 2019, she chartered the health systems supplier diversity council that is charged with creating a cross functional action plan, ensuring that there is a system wide commitment to maintaining the diversity of the Health System’s suppliers, putting in place standardized processes for measuring goals and success, and partnering with external agencies to educate and deliver information to diverse suppliers within the communities served. Dawn joined Northwell Health in 2003 as a member of the project implementation team that established framework for integrating finance, supply chain, and human resources under a shared-services umbrella. Over the years she has defined and redefined her position and responsibilities in response to the organization’s rapid growth. Dawn currently serves on the board of the NYNJ Minority Supplier Development Council. She holds a B.S. in Business and a Masters of Public Health from Adelphi University.
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Lunch With the Experts: Sealing the Deal, Practical Essentials for Landing a Contract
2025-06-10 12:00 - 13:00
Tuesday, June 10th 2025
12pm to 1pm EST | Virtual Session

Join WBEC Metro NY, Baseline Group, and Northwell Health for a Lunch with the Experts session focused on the practical steps to securing contracts. We’ll cover crucial pre-contract preparations: completing your W9, maintaining good credit, and securing the right insurance – all critical factors clients prioritize. Network, share best practices, and leave with a clear action plan to boost your success.

Darcy Flanders, Founder / Chief Brand Strategist of Baseline Group
As founder and chief brand strategist of BaselineGroupNY, Darcy is the visionary.
Her strength lies in the ability to interpret clients’ goals and translate then into visually impactful and targeted printed and digital solutions. Her passion for design is contagious and her emphasis on teamwork leads to great collaborative solutions. Drawing on 35+ years of expertise, you can count on Darcy to lead an information-oriented, responsive and time-sensitive creative process that considers the big picture and instinctively understands the importance of the smallest detail and the strictest schedule. Darcy has envisioned and managed corporate branding initiatives for clients such as: Galliard Capital Management, Citi Alternative Investments, Citi Private Bank, HSBC Private Bank and Rutgers Business School, Wrigley, and PSEG LI. Darcy is also passionate about helping her fellow MWBEs develop brands, websites and marketing materials and has worked with: JURISolutions Legal (JSL), McKissack & McKissack, Mrs. Paper, Savoca Enterprises, Winston Strategic Partners, Pina Solutions, Lob Planning and A,& S Rebar – to name a few. Her work has received numerous awards from the Financial Communications Society, Society of Technical Communication, the Association of the Graphic Arts, Graphic Design USA, Step Inside Design and most recently Best of 2020 Manhattan for Branding and Digital Design.

Dawn Wells, Assistant Vice President, Supply Chain at Northwell Health
Dawn Wells is supply chain professional with a public health heart. She currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Supply Chain at Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare provider, serving NYC, Long Island, and Westchester. In this role she leads supply chain operations for the Health Systems’ Ambulatory Care Network comprised of more than 830 physician practices and outpatient facilities. In addition to these responsibilities, Dawn takes an active role in championing and facilitating programs that impact all levels of the organization. She has been a consistent champion of diversity; representing supply chain as a member of the diversity and health equity council and corporate social responsibility committee. In 2019, she chartered the health systems supplier diversity council that is charged with creating a cross functional action plan, ensuring that there is a system wide commitment to maintaining the diversity of the Health System’s suppliers, putting in place standardized processes for measuring goals and success, and partnering with external agencies to educate and deliver information to diverse suppliers within the communities served. Dawn joined Northwell Health in 2003 as a member of the project implementation team that established framework for integrating finance, supply chain, and human resources under a shared-services umbrella. Over the years she has defined and redefined her position and responsibilities in response to the organization’s rapid growth. Dawn currently serves on the board of the NYNJ Minority Supplier Development Council. She holds a B.S. in Business and a Masters of Public Health from Adelphi University.
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Doing Business with MGM National Harbor
2025-06-17 12:00 - 13:00
Corporate Connection
Doing Business with MGM National Harbor

Tuesday June 17, 2025
12:00pm – 1:00pm ET
Discover how to take your business to new heights by partnering with MGM National Harbor. Join this informative session featuring MGM National Harbor representatives as they share expert guidance on navigating procurement processes, leveraging local and diversity-focused initiatives, and seizing key opportunities for collaboration. This presentation is designed to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully establish partnerships with MGM National Harbor.
Topics to Be Covered:

Meet the MGM National Harbor Procurement Team
Overview of the Business Diversity Program
Insights into the Business Diversity Mentorship Program
Focus on Maryland and Prince George’s County Initiatives
Vendor Onboarding Process
MLGCA Gaming Licensing Requirements
Best Practices for Success
Supplier Database Utilization
Current Procurement Opportunities

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with procurement experts, gain actionable insights, and learn how to align your business with MGM National Harbor’s supplier requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or exploring new ventures, this session will provide valuable resources to help you grow and thrive.
Take the next step toward a successful partnership with MGM National Harbor!
Featured Speakers
Tobias Thornwell, CPSM, C.P.M.
Tobias Thornwell serves as the Regional Global Director of Business Diversity for MGM Resorts International. With over 21 years of expertise in purchasing and supply chain management, Tobias is recognized for his innovative strategies promoting diverse and local business partnerships. A recipient of the 2023 WBEC Greater DMV Outstanding Women’s Business Advocate Award, he has held leadership roles such as Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager at MGM National Harbor. Tobias holds a degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland and holds a Certified Purchasing Manager certification (C.P.M.), and a Certified Professional in Supply Management certification (CPSM) from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
Deborah Robinson
Mrs. Robinson is the Procurement Manager at MGM National Harbor, overseeing sourcing, purchasing, contracts, and procurement strategies for the $1.4 billion resort and casino. With a focus on supplier diversity, she ensures MGM National Harbor exceeds its diverse supplier spending goals by working with certified businesses in Maryland and Prince George’s County. Bringing over 30 years of purchasing and supply chain management experience in the food service industry, her background includes senior roles at Sunrise Senior Living, Hudson News, and Giant Food. Mrs. Robinson holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from George Mason University.
LaVonia Smith-Carter
Lavonia Smith-Carter is a Strategic Sourcing Partner at MGM National Harbor, where she plays a key role in driving supplier diversity and creating impactful sourcing strategies. With a passion for building strong vendor relationships and promoting equitable business practices, LaVonia is dedicated to ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth within the hospitality and entertainment industry.

REGISTER NOW!

Lunch With the Experts
2025-07-08 12:00 - 13:00
Lunch with the Experts
Tuesday, July 8th 2025
12pm to 1pm EST | Virtual Session

Looking to gain valuable insights into how corporations collaborate with women entrepreneurs? Take a break from your busy schedule and join us for the Lunch with Experts (LWE) program! This twice-a-month session is designed specifically for Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) to pause their everyday business responsibilities and focus on growth.
During engaging, one-hour interactive presentations led by corporate members and industry experts, participants will explore strategies for success, sharpen their business skills, and stay ahead in their industries. These sessions also provide an excellent opportunity to expand your network—connecting not only with corporate professionals but with fellow WBEs.
Make sure to mark your calendar and save the date!
More details to come soon.
Don’t miss this empowering opportunity to learn, grow, and connect.

Lunch with the Experts: The CEO Mindset- Shifting from Solopreneur to Business Leader
2025-07-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Lunch with the Experts

Tuesday, July 15th, 2025
12:00pm–1:00pm ET
Are you ready to step into your full potential as a business leader and leave behind the overwhelm of doing it all alone? The CEO Mindset is a transformational program designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to scale their businesses, achieve sustainable growth, and unlock long-term success by evolving from a solopreneur into a true strategic leader.
This program focuses on five pivotal mindset and leadership shifts that are essential for building a scalable, resilient, and thriving business:

From Operator to Visionary – Define a compelling long-term vision and core values that will become the foundation for every decision you make. Step away from the day-to-day grind and become the driver of your business’s future.
From Task-Doer to Strategic Leader – Master the art of delegation, empower your team, and focus on leading with intention so your energy is directed toward growth—not just upkeep.
From Hustle to Scalable Systems – Establish streamlined processes, automate repetitive tasks, and build operational efficiency that supports consistent growth, even when you’re not in the room.
From Income-Focused to Profit-Focused – Shift your focus from short-term revenue to a financial strategy that emphasizes profitability, sustainability, and long-lasting success.
From Lone Wolf to Leadership Culture – Learn how to attract, build, and nurture a high-performing team that shares your vision and drives the business forward alongside you.

This program is more than just skill-building; it’s a mindset shift that empowers you to transition from simply running your business to leading it. Through expert guidance, actionable strategies, and collaborative learning opportunities, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to foster a scalable, inclusive, and thriving business ecosystem.
Join The CEO Mindset and transform how you approach leadership, growth, and success in your entrepreneurial journey. It’s time to trade hustle for strategy, isolation for collaboration, and short-term wins for sustainable growth.
Your growth starts here. Are you ready to lead?

Dr. Jennifer Jones Bryant is a renowned leadership development expert, executive coach, and accomplished author dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations. She is the Executive Founder of Reaching From Within and Empowerment Journey LLC, as well as President and CEO of Step Into Leadership Greatness Foundation Inc. (501(c)(3)). With over 30 years of experience, including a distinguished 31-year federal government career rising to Executive Director and senior leadership roles at a Fortune 100 company, Dr. Bryant is celebrated for driving organizational growth, championing employee engagement, and fostering transformational leadership. She is a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and holds multiple advanced degrees and certifications.
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Lunch With the Experts: MGM Empire City Corporate Connection
2025-08-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
MGM Empire City Casino Corporate Connection
Tuesday, August 12th 2025
12pm to 1pm EST | Virtual Session

Presenters:

Tobias Thornwell is the Director of Global Business Impact at MGM Resorts International. He leads supplier inclusion strategies across regional properties, ensuring alignment with corporate and local diversity goals. With over 12 years in procurement and supply chain management, Tobias is a recognized advocate for business diversity and was honored with WBEC Greater DMV’s Outstanding Women’s Business Advocate Award in 2023.

Mohamed Hafizur is the Purchasing Manager at Empire City Casino, MGM Yonkers, where he oversees procurement, vendor sourcing, and supplier diversity. With over 40 years in hospitality and 23 years in purchasing, he brings deep industry expertise. He holds degrees in Accounting and Economics and a C.P.D. certification from Cornell University.

Join us for an engaging Corporate Connections session focused on supplier diversity and procurement. Learn about MGM’s Global Business Impact Program, vendor onboarding, procurement opportunities, and their supplier database. This session is designed to empower WBEs with insights and connections to navigate corporate sourcing processes.
REGISTER HERE
Don’t miss this empowering opportunity to learn, grow, and connect.

Lunch With the Experts: Own your Story, Own the Room with Farah Bala
2025-09-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Lunch with the Experts
Tuesday, September 30 2025
12pm to 1pm EST | Virtual
As women business leaders, your story is your differentiator—it’s what sets you apart in a crowded marketplace and gives your business its heartbeat. In this session, we’ll explore how to present yourself with executive presence, sharpen your communication, and build authentic connections through storytelling rooted in your WHY. You’ll learn how to craft and deliver your story in a way that resonates with corporates, investors, and partners.
Together, we’ll tap into techniques to help you think on your feet, respond with confidence, and stay connected to your authentic voice in any high-stakes moment. Most importantly, we’ll explore what it means to step up as a leader: shifting from solopreneur to entrepreneur, owning your growth, and boldly sharing your story as the foundation of your leadership and business success.
Register now!

Farah Bala is a Leadership EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Oppression) Executive Coach, Consultant and Speaker. Through her certified minority, woman-owned agency FARSIGHT. Farah’s mission is to support organizations and leaders redefine the concept of leadership by making EDIA a core leadership competency. Her clients include executives in the C-suite, creatives and entrepreneurs, and organizations across wide-ranging sectors and industries. She is also a faculty coach at multiple learning & development institutions.
She is a recipient of the Diversity Award by the World Zoroastrian Organization, recognized for her work in raising awareness towards gender, culture, racial equity and inclusion globally. Farah has been featured in Forbes and is a contributing member to the Forbes Coaches Council. She is co-creator of Wonder Women, an invite-only executive women-of-color leadership development community under FARSIGHT

Lunch With the Experts: Filling the Funnel and Sealing the Deal
2025-11-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Tuesday, November 4th 2025
12pm to 1pm EST | Virtual
Join us for a workshop to learn how to channel marketing technologies and emotional intelligence to drive sales.
The workshop emphasizes the synergy between technology and human-centric strategies in both marketing and sales, making it relevant for businesses looking to resolve the pain of getting high quality leads and closing the deals for growth in 2025.
Register now!

Suchi Gupta is a passionate digital marketer with 14+ years of experience in building and growing brands. Over the years, she’s built a multi-disciplinary skill set that includes the new-age digital marketing strategies involving AI, MarTech and advanced user analytics for online activation, and lead generation.
I founded Pure Design Solution (PDS) in 2010. PDS is an integrated, purpose-driven digital marketing agency. Our team has been focused on working as an outsourced marketing partner, diving deep and bringing user-behavior intelligence into our campaigns, and creating award-winning work that has kept us gomg. As a long standing WBE, I’ve been involved with multiple RPO’s and hosted webinars, virtual table topics and was a WBENC thriving Coach in 2023-24. I’ve been a recipient of the Done Deals Award.

Tiffany Koettel is a powerhouse Sandler Trainer who transforms the way sales professionals think, communicate, and win. Known for her bold, practical style, Tiffany helps teams break free from outdated tactics and adopt a modern, consultative approach rooted in asking better questions, listening with intent, and solving real business problems.
She doesn’t just train on technique—she helps sales teams shift their mindset, embrace change, and lead with confidence in an AI-driven world. Tiffany is especially passionate about helping growth-focused companies and individuals harness both technology and emotional intelligence to stand out in crowded markets. Her sessions challenge old assumptions, spark “aha” moments, and leave people not just inspired—but equipped to perform at the next level.
