Meet The Thought Leaders

From Broadway to the boardroom, and from reputation leadership to culture-building, this year’s thought leaders bring real stories and practical insights. Keynotes and breakouts tie directly to our theme, Choose Courage, with ways to lead when things feel uncertain and speak up when it would be easier to stay quiet. The sessions bring that mindset to life in high-pressure moments and day-to-day leadership. Most importantly, you’ll leave with clear ideas you can put into practice right away.

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MOVE THE SLIDERS FROM RIGHT TO LEFT TO READ EACH THOUGHT LEADER’S BIO

Morning Keynote

Morning Keynote

Candace Doby, keynote speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership SummitCandace Doby, keynote speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership Summit

Candace Doby

Candace Doby

• LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIST
• KEYNOTE SPEAKER • AUTHOR • COACH •

Morning Keynote

Afternoon Keynote

Hayley Podschun, keynote speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership SummitHayley Podschun, keynote speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership Summit

Hayley Podschun

Hayley Podschun

 • KEYNOTE SPEAKER • BROADWAY PERFORMER
• EVENT/TV HOST •

Event Emcee

Event Emcee

Rae Daniel, Emcee at the 2026 Midwest Leadership SummitRae Daniel, Emcee at the 2026 Midwest Leadership Summit

Rae Daniel

Rae Daniel

MORNING ANCHOR/MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
KSHB 41 News

Breakout Speaker

Breakout Speaker

Haley Grayless, Breakout Speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership SummitHaley Grayless, Breakout Speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership Summit

Haley Grayless

Haley Grayless

FOUNDER & CEO
Växa Collective

Breakout Speaker

Breakout Speaker

Christina Hager, Breakout Speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership SummitChristina Hager, Breakout Speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership Summit

Christina Hager

Christina Hager

FRACTIONAL CMO
Crux KC

Breakout Speaker

Breakout Speaker

Rashel Hughley, Breakout Speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership SummitRashel Hughley, Breakout Speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership Summit

Rashel Hughley

Rashel Hughley

OWNER & LEADERSHIP COACH
10:Ninety Inc.

Breakout Speaker

Breakout Speaker

Merideth Rose, Breakout Speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership SummitMerideth Rose, Breakout Speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership Summit

Merideth Rose

Merideth Rose

PRESIDENT & CEO
Cornerstones of Care

Breakout Speaker

Breakout Speaker

Janine Smiley, Breakout Speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership SummitJanine Smiley, Breakout Speaker at the 2026 Midwest Leadership Summit

Janine Smiley

Janine Smiley

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS
Crux KC

Contact and Quick Links

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