Tina VanSteenbergen
I learned too late in my life that women need women. To be successful in the workplace. To feel understood. To help us believe in ourselves. To feel less alone in the world. Women need women. Women deserve strong communities full of empathy, kindness, and empowerment at work, at home, and literally everywhere in their lives. That’s where I come in.
I help women tear down the walls built between us. My speaking style gives women permission to open up, have honest conversations, and connect. With a combination of authenticity, storytelling, and humor, I’ve been able to help hundreds of thousands of women build relationships with one another, believe in themselves, and take up space at companies, campuses, and organizations around North America.
My work sets my soul on fire. So does a good nap. An excellent pour of bourbon. A beautiful snow. A peaceful and reflective sunset flight. An episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. A perfectly green avocado. The skyline of New York City. A warm and cheesy mac n’ cheese. A well-written West Wing quote. My husband, my son, and a Minnesotan accent, of course.
Avi Olitzky
Avi Olitzky is the president and principal consultant of Olitzky Consulting Group. Over the course of his professional career, Avi has served as senior rabbi to one of the largest congregations in North America, successfully launched and grown innovative information technology and content-driven production companies and organizations, and was a founding board chair and board member for numerous non-profits. He is a master facilitator, design-thinker and strategic planner, innovator, speaker, and retreat organizer. In addition, he has served as an advisor and strategic consultant to multiple membership organizations and non-profits, camps and youth organizations, synagogues and churches, for-profit executives, and general companies. He was appointed to and served on city Human Rights Commissions as well as hospital IRBs for Human Subjects Research. Avi’s expertise in engagement, organizational planning, and outreach is regularly called upon, especially as co-author of New Membership & Financial Alternatives for the American Synagogue – From Traditional Dues to Fair Share to Gifts from the Heart (Jewish Lights). Avi is also a co-founder of SpirituWell, and serves as its Chief People & Spiritual Officer.
Steve Fredlund
Steve Fredlund is a multi-passionate visionary who has had profound impact as an award-winning actuary, humanitarian, coach, consultant, author, speaker, podcaster, entrepreneur and leader of African safaris.
For ten years, Steve’s journey included two parallel paths: a good life that became increasingly unfulfilling and humanitarian trips to Africa that ended on safari. Steve’s research into happiness and his safari experiences blended into something remarkable. He discovered the “Big 5” factors that impact both, becoming the foundation of “The Safari Way”, a movement to increase the happiness and success of people around the world.
Steve is a two-time TEDx speaker, fellow of the Society of Actuaries and holds an MBA. When not working, he can be found on the disc golf course, playing a poker tournament or suffering through another season as a Minnesota sports fan.
Erik Westrum
Erik Westrum is a former professional hockey player, motivational speaker, leadership coach, and author of Becoming Elite: What It Takes To Transform Your Life Using the 4 Proven Pillars of Performance. He has had a passion to help others since he was a young child and this has not changed as he continues to fulfill his purpose in life—to be a Servant Leader.
When Erik retired from playing professional hockey for 12 years, he went back to the Carlson School of Management to get his MBA to gain more knowledge and expertise to help leaders and companies grow exponentially. After consulting on numerous projects and coaching hundreds of people over the past 20+ years, Erik established the principles and processes through Becoming Elite and what it takes to transform your life using four proven pillars of performance. He continues to share his message and passion for people from all walks of life as he remains committed to leading people in making a shift in Becoming Elite.
Paul Allen
Looking for a unique and interesting keynote with memorable stories and great lessons that everyone can apply to their work and personal lives? Paul Allen is your guy.
21 Years with the Minnesota Vikings. 25 Years on KFAN Radio. 28 Years at Canterbury Park. Paul Allen has long established himself as a Minnesota icon in the broadcasting world. His Vikings calls are unique and memorable, his KFAN radio show is highly rated, and he has called more than 30,000 horse races all over the country including his almost 30 years at Canterbury Park. (which is what brought him to Minnesota in 1995!).
Paul accomplished all this while never going to college, and being broke 25 years ago. He is witty, energetic, quirky, and sharp, with vast life experiences and impactful stories that he shares with attendees.
His lessons include:
– Life at the Top Wins from the Bottom
– Fortifying your bench
– Following your gift of discernment
– Authenticity
Paul can add fun aspects to his programs including doing touchdown calls using your organization’s staff or VIP names, adding interactive aspects, etc. He will work with you to create the best program for your event. He’s also a great emcee.
Michelle Young
As an educator, television personality, speaker, and activist, Michelle Young inspires many. Her persona exudes charisma and positivity, and her message is strong and passionate.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bradley University in 2015, Michelle began her career. As a 5th-grade teacher, she delivered engaging educational content and also spread her message of self-love and acceptance to the young minds she was molding.
Prior to teaching, Michelle’s success was measured in the classroom and on the court. She showed her prowess in balancing the demands of her studies while making a name for herself as a Division I basketball player.
In 2021, Michelle charmed audiences of The Bachelor and became a nationwide sensation reaching the runner-up spot during season 25. She returned to captivate viewers as the star of season 18 of The Bachelorette.
Each of these endeavors have built the foundation for her influence as a brand ambassador, nonprofit supporter, and public speaker. Michelle is linked with companies like Lancôme and Coca Cola and also advocates for nonprofits such as The Fashion Foundation and Be The Match. Michelle strives to use her expertise in the field of education and her love of health, wellness, and fashion to reach a wide variety of audiences, helping them realize their full potential.
Through empathy and experience, Michelle speaks on mental health, overcoming anxiety, identity, and practicing self-love. She is also a passionate advocate for children and youth, striving to be a positive influence.
Through her triumphs and struggles, Michelle has the knowledge and experience combined with the positivity and strength to empower others through the message she is eager to share.
Invite me to create an engaging and relatable experience with your audience! I am available for keynote speaking engagements, guest appearances, hosting, and more.
Steve Patterson
Steve Patterson is a veteran entertainment television and radio show host, whose energy and quick wit keeps audiences engaged from beginning to end! His ability to read a room and go off the cuff, combined with his skill to smoothly execute a show flow sets him apart as a truly unique talent.
Patterson hosts the long-running afternoon TV show Twin Cities Live, in addition to co-hosting the Donna and Steve radio show on MyTalk 107.1FM. He’s gained national recognition for his numerous appearances on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, where his subzero weather reports have gone viral. Before coming to the Twin Cities, Steve spent 4 years working for Hubbard Broadcasting in Los Angeles, California and Albuquerque, New Mexico for the company’s entertainment cable news network REELZ. During his time there, Steve served as a correspondent and anchor for the network’s daily entertainment news program, interviewing many of the biggest stars in Hollywood along the way.
Steve enjoys writing in the third person. He doesn’t think anyone actually reads an entire bio. So if you haven’t given up on this just yet, kudos! You done good, kid.
Joan Steffend
Joan used to be an actress, who studied at Warner Brothers. She used to be a national Emmy-winning news reporter and anchor at KARE-11(NBC) in the Twin Cities for almost two decades. She tried her hand as a television host of “Decorating Cents” on HGTV for ten years – hosting many “Dream Home” specials, and rating record setting “Christmas at the White House” specials. She was a guest on “Entertainment Tonight”, “The Today Show”, “The Oprah Show” and “Live, with Regis and Kelly.”
Today Joan speaks for organizations across the United States. She has a gift for lifting people up. She connects people to their own magnificence and to one another. A sense of community is only one of the many reasons to invite Joan to speak for your organization. One of her favorite topics is: reclaiming your most brilliant self…and using it to change the world for the better.
Joan is also encouraging others with her two books ( “…and she sparkled” and “peace in, peace out” ). Her non-profit, “peace begins with me” is her latest effort to ask the world (that’s you, by the way) to be a little kinder to itself.
When she heard that the Dalai Lama had said that the Western woman will save the world, Joan thought, “Let’s get started.”
Amy S. Tolbert
Amy S. Tolbert, Ph.D., CSP develops multicultural organizations and individuals by bringing you cutting-edge topics, such as, multicultural and diversity initiatives, leadership competency development, managing to style, and creating breakthrough teams. She is principal of ECCO (Energizing Cultural Change in Organizations) International, which specializes in increasing individuals’ productivity and organizations’ profitability through virtual and facilitated learning.
She is well authored with 4 books, many articles, validated assessment tools, asynchronous course offerings, active blogs and author of a video based global communications training to develop intercultural communication skills called Open Mind, Open World. Her offerings include actionable tools, processes and practice – a paradigm shifter with her stories and examples.
She earned her Certified Speaking Professional designation with the National Speakers Association. The CSP is the speaking profession’s international measure of speaking experience and skill. Fewer than 10 percent of the speakers who belong to the International Federation for Professional Speakers hold this professional designation. She was awarded the Mark LeBlanc Award for excellence in the speaking industry and was inducted into the MN Speakers Hall of Fame. Dr. Tolbert earned her doctorate in Human Resource Development, focusing on international/cross-cultural and diversity education/training, from the University of Minnesota. As an esteemed part of the Carlson Executive Faculty, Carlson Executive Education Center, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Dr. Tolbert earned her doctorate in Human Resource Development, focusing on international/cross-cultural and diversity education/training, from the University of Minnesota. She continues to support her alma mater by serving as adjunct faculty for several annual programs at Carlson Executive Education.
Cindra Kamphoff
Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D., CMPC, is an award-winning keynote speaker and executive coach for leaders, professional athletes, executives and championship teams. Her clients range from Verizon Wireless, Target, and Walmart to the Minnesota Vikings. She has provided mental training for the Minnesota Vikings for 4 years, working one-on-one with the players.
She is the author of an Amazon bestseller, Beyond Grit: Ten Powerful Practices to Gain the High Performance Edge and the corresponding workbook. Her work has appeared in New York Times, Forbes, The Huffington Post, and USA Today.
She is the founder of the High Performance Mindset podcast which has over 1 million downloads and ranked in the top 100 podcasts where she interviews thought leaders about mindset. Her work has appeared in New York Times, Forbes, The Huffington Post, and USA Today. As a result of Cindra’s speaking and training, people tend to say they have more energy, more control of their inner dialogue and ultimately, perform at a higher level more consistently.