David Salyers was one of the original two marketing executives at Chick-fil-A. He spent 37 years in the Chick-fil-A Marketing Department and most recently served as a Vice President. Having worked at Chick-fil-A for most of his career, he saw the principles of servant leadership and compassion play out in the growth of more than 2,300 Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country. David is now using his expertise and passion to spark the growth of individuals, teams, and organizations. He serves as a board member for numerous organizations and has helped launch several startups and nonprofits. Notably, David is a Founding Partner of Roam, a shared workspace that is on a mission to Make Work Matter.

Maril MacDonald is the CEO and Founder of Gagen MacDonald. For 27 years, she and her firm have been counseling major corporations on leading transformation, culture, and employee engagement. She’s a frequent speaker on these topics and is host of the podcast Let Go & Lead, which covers leadership during complex times.

Maril was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute for Public Relations. She’s also received the Hall of Fame and Distinguished Service Awards for the Page Society, which is dedicated to advancing the policy-making position of Chief Communication Officers. Her Board experience includes APCO Worldwide, American University and Women’s Presidents Organization.

Commander Rorke Denver has run every phase of training for the U.S. Navy SEALs and led special-forces missions in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and other international hot spots. Rorke was an assault team leader for over 200 combat missions and awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valorous action in combat.  

Denver is the founder of Ever Onward, a fresh, new brand designed to use Navy SEAL principles to call leaders to take action, to suffer, and to be bold so they can perform at their highest levels. He is a highly-sought after speaker to companies and organizations and provides numerous innovative products and services to help teams and individuals live and perform at higher levels.

Nawal Fakhoury is a culture-obsessed leader with 15 years of experience transforming employee experience at some of the world’s most influential companies — from NBCUniversal, to LinkedIn, and now HubSpot. As Head of Culture Experience & Inclusion at HubSpot, she leads global programs and experiences that bring culture to life across the employee journey, spark deep connection in a hybrid world, and make belonging a lived experience — not a buzzword.

Dr. Lori Bradley is a distinguished executive leader and sought-after coach to C-Suite executives, with a proven track record of driving organizational success through innovative human capital strategies. As the former head of talent for industry giants like Chewy, Amazon, United Airlines, and PVH, Dr. Bradley has consistently demonstrated her ability to shape and execute global talent initiatives that propel companies to new heights. With a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, she brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical expertise to her work. Her passion lies in challenging leaders to step outside their comfort zones and achieve unprecedented levels of success.

Meet THE MENTORS

Brad Montague

Author and Founder, Montague Workshop

Brad Montague is a New York Times best selling author of books for kids and former kids. He is creator of the web series Kid President, The Circles All Around Us, and, most recently, The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Brad lives in Tennessee with his wife and kids. He can currently be seen as the host of the television special The Kindness Project on The Magnolia Network and Discovery Plus.

MaryCay Durrant

Co-Founder & Transformation Guide,
Imaginal Cell

MaryCay Durrant illuminates what seems impossible:  vibrant work NOW. She helps leaders reorient to unlock potential.As co-founder of The Imaginal Cell, MaryCay masterfully reveals how yesterday’s playbooks and patterns are insufficient for what is needed to grow today. Her refreshing, proven tools grounded in business experience, neuroscience and nature, illuminate how uncertain, uncomfortable places are the richest soil for the growth we seek. MaryCay has guided hundreds of companies, nonprofits, and teams to sustainable change, alive with cooperation, adaptability, and resilient growth. Increase your “Return on Energy” (ROE) without depleting your people – the vibrant now of work is here.

Meet THE MENTORS

Brad Montague is a New York Times best selling author of books for kids and former kids. He is creator of the web series Kid President, The Circles All Around Us, and, most recently, The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Brad lives in Tennessee with his wife and kids. He can currently be seen as the host of the television special The Kindness Project on The Magnolia Network and Discovery Plus.

MaryCay Durrant illuminates a vibrant future for work—by rekindling our “true nature.”

MaryCay co-founded The Imaginal Cell to offer a fresh approach; one that is already within us. Her blend of living systems models, business acumen, and deep partnership reminds leaders we are built for change and optimistic action. Our businesses and people thrive when we cultivate cultures that mirror these cooperative, practical, and resilient living systems.

MaryCay has led 100s of companies to transform burnout into vitality, compliance into commitment, and unlock their highest Return on Energy – ROI without depleting their people.

David Hanley has spent 11 years at Morgan & Morgan, rising from an entry-level role to Senior Director of Service Delivery. His leadership has helped transform client service operations, ensuring that those seeking justice receive the care and support they deserve.