What does it take to become the kind of leader who makes a lasting difference? This thought-provoking presentation dives into the critical distinctions that separate mediocre leadership from extraordinary leadership. Drawing on inspiring stories of ingenuity and perseverance, like Gus Petzel’s cross-country journey in a self-built car and Hubert Cecil Booth’s invention of the modern vacuum cleaner, this session explores the mindset, behaviors, and decisions that define effective leaders. Discover an engaging breakdown of five powerful leadership principles, each anchored by a memorable “C” word: clarity, control, courage, creativity, and commitment. These principles will empower attendees to think beyond the obvious and lead with confidence, innovation, and purpose.

Through vivid examples from history, industry, and innovation, this presentation will help you challenge your assumptions, embrace imperfection, and focus on what truly matters in leadership. Whether you’re leading a team, managing a project, or inspiring change in your organization, you will be equipped with actionable insights to lead effectively even in the face of uncertainty. Find how to turn “impossible” into “achievable” and walk away ready to make decisions that accelerate progress, motivate others, and create meaningful impact.

Speaker: Dr. Joe Perez, Senior Systems Specialist / Chief Technology Officer, NC Dept of Health and Human Services / CogniMind