Speaker Series
be inspired by wisdom
wise words
In an ever-changing world, it’s important to stay up-to-date, informed, and inspired.
We are honored to host industry leaders who share their experiences and insights on a diverse range of topics, including creativity, design, globalization, faith, and technology. Each session features a 1-hour presentation with a Q&A segment, offering you the chance to engage directly with the speaker.
Join us at AMDG for our free Speaker Series events and learn from the best in our community!
upcoming speakers
We’re currently planning upcoming speaker series events. Check back soon for details!
past speakers
Story as Strategy: Leveraging the Power of Words to Strengthen Trust & Unlock Imagination
Ashlee Eiland, Head of School
Living Stones Academy
A good strategy requires passionate leadership, compelling vision, clarity of direction, and actionable next steps. But what happens when your strategy seems to stall or become stale? Enter: the power of your people. During this session, Ashlee Eiland will reawaken you to the power of words through story — and how the stories represented among you just might be the key to your strategy’s new life.
Cultivating a Flourishing City for All
Justin Beene, Visionary and Founder
Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation
Grand Rapids has been named one of the best places to live, retire, invest, and raise children. We are often named as one of the most philanthropic communities in the country. Yet, despite our many efforts, large portions of our residents have not benefited from the economic vitality of the region. Why is it that our best efforts seem to be failing? Is there hope for a new path forward? Through this presentation you will gain historical context and learn about some exciting opportunities to join a collaborative in reimagining our city to create a culture where it’s normal for everyone to Thrive and Prosper.
Windows and Mirrors: How Education Creates Opportunity to See the Brilliance in All
Ashanti Bryant, Senior Program Officer
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Windows are stories about seeing others, while mirrors are stories about seeing ourselves. At the beginning of the school year (across our state and around the country), Ashanti Bryant will open his own “picture book” chronicling his personal learning journey. He will also share how education remains a transformational tool for experiencing the true possibility and potential of all children in all communities.
Creating a Leadership Framework
Nathan Leaman, Managing Director
Frontline Training Solutions
It is estimated that the market for Leadership Development is anywhere between $60 billion and $400 billion. For decades, Leadership Development has been an essential element of any solid learning and development strategy. Organizations know they need to focus on Leadership Development. They know leaders sit in a unique position to attract, engage, develop, and retain others.
The Challenges of Leading Diverse Teams
Faye Richardson-Green
Consultant and Visiting Professor
Today’s work environment is full of challenges for today’s leadership including uncertainty with post-COVID business models; attracting adequate talent to support customer demands as well as navigating increasingly divisive social-political community dialogues around business diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
Fully Charged Leadership
Matt Davidson, Superintendent
Timothy Christian Schools
There’s an energy crisis in America that isn’t getting enough attention – the diminishing energy from today’s leaders. The demands on leadership today are significant. Some leaders are winning with record achievements but losing passion along the way. Some are experiencing growth and success, but their energy levels are declining.
A Remarkable Moment
Charles Burke, President & CEO
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Charles Burke, recently appointed President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, previously served as President and CEO of The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms, a waterfront cultural campus that curates experiences focusing on arts, culture, film, patriotism, community connectivity, and leadership.
Get Gritty in Addressing Social Media in Our Schools and with Our Kids
Lance Davids, Head of School
Illiana Christian High School
Lance Davids is Illiana Christian High School’s Head of School. He has been serving Illiana since 1999 both as a teacher and an administrator. Lance received his BA from Trinity Christian College with a major in History and minors in Education.