CEO, author, and speaker, Nancy Lyons has been at the forefront of the work culture conversation for more than twenty years. “People-first as a business strategy” is the guiding principle that fuels the unique, award-winning culture at Clockwork.

Nancy has led employees and clients through thousands of business, team, and work culture challenges. As a digital veteran, she has witnessed the dramatic change technology brought to both businesses and people, and yet also sees people and companies struggling to figure out how to adapt.

She speaks and writes about the crucial role work culture plays in delivering meaningful and effective results. Work culture — our feelings, behaviors, and interactions — is core to how we work. It’s a primary determinant of personal and professional success. Nancy has watched people go from being a victim of work to being the agent of work with simple shifts.

Barb Paton is a Thoughtfulness Curator. She helps others collect and show their thoughts. Her app, Thoughtful Pinch helps others provide a small, inexpensive, thoughtful gift to those who need it most. Barb will share with us where the idea came from and how she is creating a movement of thoughtfulness within the community.

Known for his inventive work and trademark lavish flower creations, David Beahm has designed countless weddings for society, high profile and discerning clients, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, as well as a host of celebrity and Fortune 500 corporate events.

On the heels of a successful pop-up, Gavin Kaysen’s French bistro inspired bakery and café Bellecour is planting its flag in the North Loop with the Cooks of Crocus Hill team. The new Bellecour Bakery at Cooks will be open daily serving freshly brewed coffee and espresso drinks along with a new rotating selection of viennoiserie, patisserie, salads, sandwiches, soups and more, for dining on the sidewalk or quick take-away.

Debbie Geller is an event and wedding planner with 30 years experience designing and orchestrating logistically complex events both in the Los Angeles area and worldwide. From coordinating intimate weddings to corporate celebrations for 10,000 guests, Debbie’s innovative concepts, hands-on approach and attention to detail have earned her a client list that is unrivaled. Recent destinations include Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Budapest.

Across categories, from advertising to weddings, Liz’s creative signature is easily spotted in her mastery of light, pitch-perfect styling and a knack for bringing out the natural beauty of her subjects. She is inspired by what is real, finding art in the truth of life's iconic moments.

As chef-owner of one of the world’s finest couture cake studios, Ron Ben Israel and his accomplished team have made specialty cakes that have been hand-delivered to destinations throughout the continental U.S. and abroad. Ron started his confectionery adventures after a 15-year career as a professional modern dancer. Upon retiring from performing with companies spanning three continents, he incorporated his art training, military background and ballet regime into the discipline of pastry arts. Ron’s cakes were discovered by Martha Stewart while on display in the windows of Mikimoto on Fifth Avenue, an encounter that propelled him to a prominent position in the print media and TV. In 1999 he established his flagship design studio and bakery in Manhattan. Along the way he became the only guest master pastry chef-instructor at the International Culinary Center in New York City, has been awarded prestigious gold medals for his confectionery achievements, and influenced countless aspiring cake designers.

Christine believes that now is the time to keep creativity alive. Her new Dream with Us campaign seeks to share some of the “stories behind the stories” her company, Red Bliss, tells. Her hope is that these vignettes inspire you to start and to keep dreaming about life’s milestones and the celebrations yet to come.

Recently named City Pages "Best Stand-up Comedian, Miss Shannan Paul is a Comedian, Speaker, Radio and Television Host, and Social Instigator. She is also a regular contributor on TV talk shows speaking on diversity and pop culture. She has hosted numerous corporate and charity events and is an active board member for the Pacer Center, an organization that expands opportunities for children and young adults with disabilities, the Autism Society of Minnesota, and Spero Academy.