News & Updates

Advance Session: “Teams & Managing Up”

Earlier this month, our Advance program participants convened for a session entitled Teams and Managing Up. Beth Smits, Vice President of Customer Success for Intuit’s Consumer Group, kicked off the program by sharing her insights and “Advocate, Assist, and Act” strategy for managing up and around to deliver great outcomes. Former LEAD Board member Garry O. Ridge (16), CEO of WD-40 Company, teamed up with his colleague, President of the Americas Patricia Q. Olsem, to share insights about their company’s culture of inclusiveness and building successful teams based on trust and respect. One of the key takeaways from the talk with WD-40 was their belief that there are no mistakes, only learning moments. That shift in thinking is just part of what makes their company culture so unique. Life and Career Coach Quinn Paglierani of Crestcom SoCal presented on the importance of having effective crucial conversations. Class participants learned about the 3x3x3 Method for productive conversations with direct reports and the Dialogue Method for fielding conflict effectively. Participants got to put what they learned into immediate practice by testing out the conversation skills on each other in mock tough conversations. And retired U.S. District Judge Irma E. Gonzalez shared her wisdom about the art of negotiation from many years on the bench and in private mediation practice. Many thanks to WD-40 Company for hosting the session at their headquarters!

Advance Session: “Leading Teams”

On July 11, our 2019 Advance program participants convened for a session dedicated to exploring the roles we play on teams and leading teams. Alessandra Lezama (19) of RGHP Holdings LLC made a presentation which included “Ten Tips to Help You Be the Best You.” She emphasized the importance of owning your vision and doing the “mental gymnastics” required to make your goals a reality. LEAD Board member Dr. Steven Jones of JONES & Associates Consulting and Dr. Shanna Teel of Dr. Shanna Teel & Company led a discussion on “Executive Success: Men and Women Working Together.” The conversation covered a range of inclusivity and bias topics.  The cohort continued work on their strengths with Erin Passons of Passons Consulting who spoke on “Building a Strong Team,” and helped the group determine how to leverage team strengths for the best outcomes and productivity. And LEAD Board member Laura Georgantos (19) of SDG&E gave an inspiring talk about “Living Bravely with Confidence and Courage.” Many thanks to Alessandra for hosting the Advance cohort at The University Club!

Execs Connect with Elizabeth Valenzuela Banker

Open exclusively to members of Execs Connect, this bi-monthly networking event connects San Diego’s top business executives, elected officials, and military leaders. Execs Connect focuses on building lasting relationships through quality networking and access to thought-provoking speakers.


Featured Speaker

Elizabeth Valenzuela Banker
CEO, Shore Solutions

Liz joined the US Navy when she was 18 and served five years aboard the destroyer USS Howard (DDG83), earning a Navy Achievement Medal. After leaving the Navy, she worked in government sales, sales management, and operations before coming to Shore Solutions in 2012, where she became its VP of Operations.  Three years later, prior ownership believed the company was unsuccessful and could not agree on a way forward.  As they decided to part ways, Liz had the opportunity to purchase the company and became the sole owner and CEO just a few months after her 29th birthday.  As CEO, she executed a complete turnaround of Shore, leading the company to its first-ever profitability, and transforming the company’s vision, values and morale.  Shore’s sales doubled in three years closing out 2018 with 16 million in revenue. Liz and Shore have also received over 25 awards and recognitions over the past 3 years from organizations like the US Small Business Administration, San Diego Magazine, San Diego Business Journal and Inc. Magazine. When she is not working, she spends the rest of her time with her shipmate and now husband, Robert Banker and their two wonderful children, Ava who is 3 and Bobby who is 1.

In this program, Elizabeth will share insight on living a life of courage, compassion, and authenticity.


Event Details

Date: February 3, 2020

Location:
The University Club atop Symphony Towers
750 B Street, 34th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
Click for map/directions

Parking Information:
Metered parking or pay lots are recommended. Unfortunately, we cannot validate parking.

Attire:
Attire is business professional.

Event Cost:
This event is exclusive to Execs Connect members. For more information on joining Execs Connect, please contact Sherman Stocker, Corporate Relations Manager (info below).

Contact Details:
Sherman Stocker
Phone: 619-544-1354
Email: sstocker@sdchamber.org

Virtual: Execs Connect with Lance Allred

Open exclusively to members of Execs Connect, this bi-monthly networking event connects San Diego’s top business executives, elected officials, and military leaders. Execs Connect focuses on building lasting relationships through quality networking and access to thought-provoking speakers.

We are excited to announce that we’re taking this month’s Execs Connect virtual! Lance will be speaking about grit and resiliency in the midst of challenge, and will be addressing questions from the audience. The first 10 people to register will also receive a signed copy of his new book, The New Alpha Male.


Featured Speaker

Lance Allred
First Deaf Player in NBA History
TEDx Star

Born with 80% hearing loss within a polygamist commune before he escaped at age 13, Lance Allred is the first deaf player in NBA History when he played with the Cleveland Cavaliers. A best-selling author and TEDx star of “What is Your Polygamy?” Lance speaks on Leadership, Perseverance and Grit, as well as Body Language and Communication in Team Building settings.

Lance has been a leadership consultant for the FBI, Costco, Coldwell Banker and many other groups and corporations. His new book, with Sounds True Publishers, The New Alpha Male, was released March 10, 2020.

Watch a preview of Lance’s TEDx here.


Event Details

Date: April 8, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.

Location:
On your screen! Be sure to register below for full details!

Event Cost:
This event is exclusive to Execs Connect members. For more information on joining Execs Connect, please contact Sherman Stocker, Corporate Relations Manager (info below).

Contact Details:
Sherman Stocker
Phone: 619-544-1354
Email: sstocker@sdchamber.org

REGISTER

Execs Connect with Steph Johnson

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Did you register but haven’t received Zoom login details? Contact us at ktran@sdchamber.org.

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Open exclusively to members of Execs Connect, this bi-monthly networking event connects San Diego’s top business executives, elected officials, and military leaders. Execs Connect focuses on building lasting relationships through quality networking and access to thought-provoking speakers.

We are excited to announce that we’re taking this month’s Execs Connect virtual! Join us to hear from Steph Johnson, Executive and Creative Director for Voices of Our City Choir.


Featured Speaker


Steph Johnson
Executive Director, Creative Director
Voices of Our City Choir

In 2016, Johnson started a choir for people experiencing homelessness with Nina Deering. Today, the Voices of Our City Choir has swelled to 225 members and helped over 60 of its members get off the street and into housing. Johnson became a spokesperson and the choir became a symbol of what a grassroots effort can accomplish. Johnson and members of her staff sit on local homeless committees and boards, and advise the city council and the mayor’s office on issues.

In addition to advocacy, Voices of Our City is an inspirational musical ensemble that has garnered plenty of headlines. The choir has been the focus of a documentary that aired nationally on PBS stations. The group has performed with the San Diego Symphony and opened a benefit concert at the historic Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on a bill that featured Jason Mraz and founding members of the Doors. Most recently the choir auditioned for Season 15 of America’s Got Talent.

Steph Johnson turned the choir into a nonprofit and serves as both Executive Director and Creative Director.


Event Details

Date: November 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

Location:
On your screen! Be sure to register below for full details!

Event Cost:
This event is exclusive to Execs Connect members. For more information on joining Execs Connect, please contact Sherman Stocker, Corporate Relations Manager at 619-544-1354 or sstocker@sdchamber.org.


 

REGISTER

Execs Connect with Warren Smith and Landon Donovan

Open exclusively to members of Execs Connect, this bi-monthly networking event connects San Diego’s top business executives, elected officials, and military leaders. Execs Connect focuses on building lasting relationships through quality networking and access to thought-provoking speakers.

Join us for our virtual Execs Connect with San Diego Loyal’s Co-Founder & President Warren Smith and Landon Donovan, Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations.


Featured Speakers

Warren Smith

Co-founder and President

San Diego Loyal Soccer Club

Warren Smith is the co-founder and President of San Diego Loyal. Warren led the planning, start up, and operations for SRFC, the most successful USL Championship club in USL history.  SRFC set multiple league records in attendance and club revenues, and SRFC entered the playoffs every year under his leadership, winning the 2014 USL Pro Championship.  In May 2017, Warren led the transition and sale of SRFC’s assets to an investor group that actively is undertaking to elevate the club to MLS.



Landon Donovan

Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations

San Diego Loyal Soccer Club

Regarded as one of the greatest U.S. soccer players in history, Landon Donovan brings his extensive knowledge of the game to San Diego Loyal’s technical staff.

During his 19-year professional career, Donovan’s accomplishments span both his time domestically and internationally. In total, he played for five professional teams covering three leagues: Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bayern Munich (Bundesliga); Everton (Premier League); San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy (Major League Soccer). He played in six MLS Cups, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and two MLS Supporters’ Shields. Individually, he was named to an MLS record 14-consecutive MLS All-Star games from 2001-2014, was honored with the Landon Donovan MVP Award in 2009 and won the Golden Boot in 2008, as well as being one of just two players to be named MLS Cup MVP twice. He continues to lead in MLS record books with assists (136), playoff goals (25) and co-leads MLS in playoff assists (14). He is second to Chris Wondolowski with most regular-season goals at 145.
In addition to his professional career, Donovan’s contributions to the U.S. Men’s National Team continues to dominate the record books. He leads the U.S. men in goals (57), assists (58), second in appearances (157) and is the only American player to surpass both 50 goals and 50 assists in his career. He was the fastest American to earn 100 caps and played for the U.S. in three FIFA World Cups. His individual awards include the only American to win the Golden Ball Award, FIFA’s Best Young Player of the World Cup in 2002, the CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP in 2013, the Gold Cup Best XI four times and U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year a record four times.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO LOYAL SOCCER CLUB

Launched on June 19, 2019, San Diego Loyal is heading into their second season in the USL Championship, a USSF-sanctioned Division II league and one of the most competitive pro soccer leagues in the world. The Club finished the inaugural season in 2020 with a 6-5-5 record. The Club plays at Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego. San Diego Loyal is built on four core values  – Commitment, Camaraderie, Connection, Competition. San Diego Loyal plays for America’s Finest City and is led by some of the best in sport. The Club is led by Chairman Andrew Vassiliadis, who is the youngest principal owner in USL Championship. It was founded and led on the business-side by experienced soccer executive Warren Smith, a co-founder and former president of Sacramento Republic FC. Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Landon Donovan, one of the most decorated soccer players in the U.S., leads the technical side as both EVP and First Team Manager.


Event Details

Date: February 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

Location:
On your screen! Be sure to register below for full details!

Event Cost:
This event is exclusive to Execs Connect members. For more information on joining Execs Connect, please contact Sherman Stocker, Corporate Relations Manager at 619-544-1354 or sstocker@sdchamber.org.