Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s CEO Roundtable, a signature YEA! Chicago event centered on leadership, confidence, and career growth. We are grateful to the incredible leaders who made the evening so impactful, including moderator Anne Rockey and panelists Mary Lee Schneider , Kari McGlinnen , and Beka Kohmescher . Powerful takeaways from the conversation included the importance of setting high expectations while continuing to advocate for yourself early and often. The panelists spoke to the value of building strong teams by surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and choosing work that feels aligned with your passions and natural strengths. Creativity was also highlighted as an essential leadership skill, showing up through problem solving, innovation, and forward-thinking decision making. Attendees were encouraged to approach balance as a long game, to say yes to their highest priorities, embrace that no is a complete sentence, and stay curious by connecting with others on a human level. Above all, the conversation reinforced that failure is part of success, and that grit, perseverance, and the ability to pivot are essential qualities of great leaders. Thank you again to our generous sponsors, Heidrick & Struggles and Continua Interiors , for making this signature event possible.

This October, our community came together not once-but twice—to sip, shop, and style for a cause!