Speaker Profiles
Dr. Elizabeth Fleming, PsyD
Business Psychologist with Ascend Talent Strategies, Inc.
Dr. Fleming is a business psychologist with Ascend Talent Strategies, Inc. Elizabeth has worked with small and large businesses for over ten years to transform their organization by delivering a wide range of solutions tailored to her client's unique needs. Elizabeth integrates her intense interest and academic background in the psychology of people when leveraging evidenced-based approaches in talent and leadership assessment, succession planning, HR transformation, learning and development, and executive coaching. Having worked internally on action-oriented Human Capital and Talent Development teams, Elizabeth has successfully launched multiple leadership development and early-career programs. She brings strong expertise in instructional design. She has leveraged a solid knowledge base in effective change management to facilitate the process and adoption of a large company merger. She has also collaborated on developing standard operating processes to create more efficiency, productivity, and cost savings.
Elizabeth has a B.A.S. in Psychology from the University of Minnesota – Duluth and completed her M.A. and doctorate in psychology (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. She is a member of the Minnesota Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association, and the Society for Industrial Organizational Psychology. She is married with two children, a dog, and several fish. Elizabeth's hobbies include reading, volunteering with several non-profit agencies, and advancing the science of Psychology in the workplace.
“Business Alignment” - Virtual Leadership Lunch – July 20th, 2023, with Dr. Elizabeth Fleming, PsyD of Ascend Talent Strategies, Inc for 1.0 Business Acumen (Strategic & Business Management).
Jeff Lee, PST
Partner and Principal Consultant of aglityIRL
Jeff Lee is a Partner at agilityIRL, focusing on coaching at the team and leadership levels and training individuals and organizations.
He has his PMP® and spent ten years managing traditional software development programs for various Fortune 500 clients. In 2011, he pivoted to Agile development as a Scrum Master and Program Manager in Agile environments. He has worked with Agile teams in a variety of industries and environments. Now as an Agile coach and trainer, Jeff helps organizations embrace Agile philosophy better and create cultures people want to work in.
For 20 years, Jeff lived in the intersection between self-managing teams and well-intentioned managers who wanted to control them. As a green project manager, Jeff sought to provide the control the managers desired. As an Agile coach, he changed his focus to dysfunctional management behaviors, helping managers to become leaders of self-managing teams. In that time he has worked in industries as diverse as eCommerce and medical devices, in domains ranging from software development to marketing.
"Navigating Gray Space" - Virtual Leadership Lunch – March 16th 2023 with Jeff Lee, Partner of agilityIRL for 1.0 Power Skills PDU.
Sinikka Waugh
President & Founder of Your Clear Next Step
Sinikka Waugh is the President & Founder of Your Clear Next Step and spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, She is known for consistently helping people improve their emotional intelligence and find innovative ways to solve problems and get things done at work. Putting her 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management to good use, Sinikka has provided compassionate leadership in transformation initiatives and helped over 46,000 people have better workdays since 2008.
Her clients value how her results-driven professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, “try this now” approach and her relentless passion for helping others achieve even better. Her class participants describe her as energetic and engaging (even over Zoom!).
Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI). Sinikka and her husband Spencer live in Indianola, Iowa with their daughters.
The team at Your Clear Next Step lives the company’s core values of being intentionally reliably useful, approaching problems with creativity and the art of the possible, being positive people-people, and demonstrating humility alongside confidence as they deliver training and coaching to their clients in central Iowa and around the world.
"Empowering Changemakers" - Virtual Leadership Lunch – September 21st, 2023 with Sinikka Waugh for 1.0 Power Skills PDU.
Tom Sauer CISM, CISSP, MBA
IT Director - Infrastructure Services CSI
Tom Sauer has 38 years of experience in the IT industry. For the past seven years, he has worked at Cardiovascular Systems Inc. (CSI). He is an IT Director of Infrastructure Services with responsibilities for IT Infrastructure, Compliance, IT Service Management, and Cybersecurity.
Tom previously worked at Target, where he provided oversight for the delivery of multiple domestic SAP implementations. He also led various functions within the Project Management Office, both for the U.S. and Canada.
Before Target, Tom led global IT teams in the delivery of various technology solutions at Medtronic. Prior to Medtronic, Tom served in various IT leadership positions at General Electric in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Tom holds an MBA from Indiana University and a Bachelors of Science in Management Information Systems and Operations Management from the University of Arizona. He completed his Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) in August of 2022 and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) in June of 2021.
Tom lives in Minnesota with his wife, Beth. He enjoys many outdoor activities and is an avid photographer.
"Building a Cybersecurity Program - A Journey" - PLS Virtual Leadership Lunch – November 17th 2022 – Tom Sauer, CISSP, CISM for 1 Strategy PDU.
Dr. John Pournoor
CEO Government Analytica
Dr. John Pournoor is the CEO and founder of Government Analytica, a government and regulatory affairs consultancy that uses analytics to demonstrate the public value of government proposals, serving clients in companies, associations, non-profit and NGO’s.
He focuses on technology, healthcare, infrastructure, urbanization, mobility, safety, and security markets and industries. Occasionally, he also takes on projects focused on civic and societal policy changes. He has over 30 years of Government Marketing and Government Affairs experience with thousands of projects in the US, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
He has worked for Intel, Chevron, Dupont, Boeing, and 3M. At 3M he led new technology development, new market expansion, and ultimately government marketing and government affairs for 3M’s international operations. With active on-the-ground engagement, he built the 3M international government marketing and government affairs team covering over 40 countries in nearly two decades. He has the research, advocacy, and analytics expertise and the political and cultural literacy required.
Government Analytica offers political analysis (city, state, national and international), industry or market assessments, regulatory assessments, advanced advocacy-campaign playbooks, and data analytics. These tools can be applied to identify program or portfolio risks. They can also identify opportunities for acceleration, incentives, and sales. Analytics can be incorporated into client proposals to enrich them and highlight their public value or ROI to policymakers.
John earned his degrees in engineering (BS, MS/Ph.D.) from the University of California, Berkeley, University of Washington,
Seattle, and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. He has served on numerous boards and has been
appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to the Minnesota District Export Council. John tirelessly advocates for non-profits and multilateral organizations and volunteers for community-based organizations. He lives with his wife in Minneapolis where they enjoy film, music, and theater. He is an avid cook. His 2 million miles of international travel and his weakness for good food and good company have blessed him with many lasting friendships in these 40+ countries worldwide.
"Geopolitical Megatrends & the Project World" - Virtual Leadership Lunch – January 19th, 2023 - Dr. John Pournoor for 1 Strategy PDU.
Theodore M. Clark
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of H.B. Fuller
Theodore Clark has served since 2019. He previously held the role of Senior Vice President, Royal Adhesives, from 2017-2019. Ted knows how important it is to deliver a reliable product while catering to significant macro trends. He thrives at leading the development of lightweight, sustainable products that solve problems for businesses and consumers and reduce environmental impact on the planet.
Before joining H.B. Fuller, Ted led Royal Adhesives and Sealants, Inc. as President and Chief Executive Officer from 2003-2017, which H.B. Fuller acquired in 2017. He has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Burke Industries, Inc. from 1999-2002, various leadership roles at PRC-DeSoto International, formerly Courtaulds Aerospace, Inc., from 1989- 1999, including President and Chief and Executive Officer, held various management roles at Products Research & Chemical Corporation (PRC) from 1982-1989, and in sales at Semco from 1978-1982. Ted is the author of a newly released book, Shipping Clerk to CEO www.shippingclerktoceo.com.
Ted currently serves on the Board of Boulder Scientific Company and is on the Foundation Board of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in La Canada, California.
“Project Leadership in Times of Transformation” PLS Virtual Leadership Lunch – May 19th 2022 – Ted Clark, COO of HB Fuller for 1 Strategy PDU.
Dr. Brandon Olson Graduate Program Director at The College of St. Scholastica
Dr. Brandon Olson holds a Ph.D. in Information Technology specializing in Project Management and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He is a Professor & the Director of the Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics and Master of Science in Project Management programs at The College of St. Scholastica. In his role at St. Scholastica, he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in Data Analytics, Computer Information Systems, IT Leadership, and Project Management. Dr. Olson has several published works and presents on data analytics, project management, portfolio management, and knowledge management. In addition to his scholarship and work at the college, he serves as a consultant in data analytics, project management, and project governance.
"Improved Metrics for Success" - PLS Virtual Leadership Lunch – July 2022_– Dr. Brandon Olson from The College of St. Scholastica for 1.0 Strategic PDU.
Carolien Moors M. Psych. and M.Ed. and Founder of HardTalk Biz Coaching
Carolien Moors provides executive coaching, team sessions, change management consultation, conflict mediation, keynotes, and webinars. Carolien applies psychology and business insights to challenges faced by leaders, teams, and individuals in a variety of industries and nonprofits including manufacturing, food, health care, steel, energy, education, and hospitality. She has worked as an organizational coach, speaker, and trainer for companies in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and the United States for 27 years.
She has three master's degrees in clinical psychology, industrial psychology, and education. In her instruction, she keeps things simple and applicable and focuses on collaboration, leadership, communication, and change management
She lives and works out of two locations; Minnesota and Singapore. Every year she donates her expertise to a selected non-profit and she has always volunteered hands-on as a Guardian ad Litem, a volunteer police officer, a camp leader for people with disabilities, a hospice companion, and other meaningful causes. Carolien loves to cook, entertain, read, hike, travel, enjoy live jazz and other performing arts, ride her Yamaha FZ8, and, above all, she prioritizes time with her family of five.
“Trust and Credibility – How to strengthen it and how to restore it” PLS Virtual Leadership Lunch – March 17th 2022 – Carolien Moors, Founder HardTalk for 1.0 Leadership PDU.
Julie Soderlund Leadership Coach, Speaker, Content Creator, President of EMERGE CCS
Ms. Julie Soderlund is an International Federation Coach (ACC) and brings a wealth of practical and advanced experience to help create and sustain successful project and program management outcomes for PMOs and executives. She is passionate about helping people discover their talent and confidence to guide them on the path of success and fulfillment.
She is the creator of the People Not Process framework, helps leaders create lasting results that benefit their organization and their teams. This Positive Intelligence component is the science and practice of developing mastery over your mind to reduce stress and improve performance.
"Get Your Head in the Game! Dominating Strategy through Mental Fitness"- PLS Virtual Leadership Lunch – January 20, 2022 - 0.5 Leadership & 0.5 Strategic PDU / CE.
Dave St. Peter President & CEO of the Minnesota Twins
Dave St. Peter was named the fourth president in Minnesota Twins history on November 26, 2002. Dave also assumed the Chief Executive Officer title on December 21, 2016, and continues to oversee the team's day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and interaction with Major League Baseball.
Dave played a central role in the approval, design, construction, and opening of Target Field, named the 2011 Sports Facility of the Year by the Sports Business Journal (SBJ).
Big Picture Thinking:
Dave has played leadership roles in:
- Securing the 2021 NHL Winter Classic for Target Field
- Construction of a new player-development Academy in the Dominican Republic
- Hosting the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game; earning Dave finalist honors from SBJ for Event of the Year
- Expansion of the CenturyLink Sports Complex in Fort Myers, FL & named by Ballpark Digest the 2015 Major Ballpark Renovation of the Year
- Forging the team's partnership with Hennepin County on the design and programming of Minnesota's award-winning intermodal transit hub - Target Field Station
At age 53, Dave is in his 31st year with the Twins. He joined the organization as an intern in 1990. Over his first decade, the franchise held various positions, including Pro Shop Manager, Communications Manager, Vice President of Corporate Communications, and Senior Vice President of Business Affairs.
Organizational Leadership:
As the club president, the Twins established a new single-season franchise attendance record in 2010 by attracting more than 3.2 million fans to Target Field. ESPN recognized the team as having the best stadium experience in all professional sports.
Dave's leadership has been integral in the team's growing corporate partnership base such as:
- Development of the "Magic Moments" customer service initiative
- "Go, Twins, Go Green" environmental stewardship platform
- Expansion of the Treasure Island Baseball Network
- Aggressive community outreach
- Enhanced alumni involvement -- including the creation of the Twins Hall of Fame.
He has been part of a leadership team helping the franchise advance to postseason play nine times since 2002.
Community & Culture:
- During Dave's leadership tenure, the Twins have twice been named "Organization of the Year" by Baseball America (2002 and 04). In 2006, he was the Minneapolis Star Tribune's "Sports Person of the Year" and recognized by the Twins organization.
- The franchise received the Atlanta Sports Council's Horizon Award (2002) as the Professional Sports Organization of the Year, while the Twins Community Fund was a 2000 recipient of the Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce's Quality of Life Award and a 2006 recipient of a Project Evergreen Award.
- The State of Minnesota named the Twins organization a Yellow Ribbon Company in 2014. The Twins have been honored seven times by the Star Tribune as one of Minnesota's "Top 100" workplaces.
- In 2011, the Twins were the recipient of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's "Living the Dream" Award. Since 2012, the Twins have been a Yellow Ribbon Company to recognize their support for veterans and active-duty soldiers.
- In 2016, the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce presented the Twins with an "Honored Company" Award to recognize outstanding community service.
- In 2019, the U.S. Green Building Council selected the Twins as a recipient of the Greenbuild Leadership Award, recognizing excellence in creating healthier, more sustainable buildings and communities.
- The Twins organization was also a finalist for the Sports Business Journal's "Team of the Year."
"Leadership in Changing Times" - Virtual Leadership Lunch - Thursday, January 21, 2021: 1 Leadership PDU
Iain Fraser
Author, Speaker, Trainer, and Non-Executive Director,
Jacobite Consulting Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand
Mr. Iain Fraser is the author of business books that drive value throughout every organization, globally recognized for his expertise, experience, and insights on establishing PMOs for business success, additionally keen insights in structuring portfolios, programs, and project management principles. He sits on many for-profit and advisory boards, featured on live radio, video, and podcasts, and sought out comments from print media outlets. He speaks and presents worldwide regarding his business leadership insights.
Throughout this period Iain has regularly presented on various topics at conferences around the world. His passion and expertise means he regularly presents papers of which many have been published in leading business media. In addition, he acts as chair and MC and facilitates workshops on the portfolio, the program of work, project management, and EPMO-related topics to businesses, governments and at various conferences and seminars around the world.
Iain has recently retired as CEO of Project Plus Ltd, a management services organization he built and took global before selling. He is the author of the top-selling book 'The Business of Portfolio Management - Boosting Organizational Value' and co-author of the recently released 'The Business of People - Leadership for the Changing World'.
Dr. Julie Sullivan President of the University of St. Thomas
Dr. Julie H. Sullivan is the 15th president of the University of St. Thomas. Serving since July 2013, she is the first layperson and first female president of this almost 135-year-old Catholic university. St. Thomas is the largest private university in Minnesota, with 10,000 students and 2,000 employees. With campuses in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Rome, St. Thomas is a comprehensive university, grounded in the liberal arts and Catholic intellectual tradition and encompassing eight schools and colleges, including schools/colleges of business, engineering, education, and law. The Dougherty Family College's newest college is reducing the college education and prosperity gaps in Minnesota by providing an alternate pathway to a bachelor's degree for the first generation and socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
Sullivan served as executive vice president and provost at the University of San Diego (2005-2013) after an extensive academic and administrative career as a professor of business and accounting at the University of California-San Diego (2003-2005) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1987-2003).
Sullivan is an innovative academic leader with a purpose. She is known for her commitments to eliminating economic, education, and health disparities and promoting intercultural understanding. She is a champion for social innovation and has been a leader in the global Ashoka Changemaker movement.
Sullivan shares her education, financial, leadership, and strategy expertise with public companies and non-profit organizations. She's a board member of TCF Financial Corp., Catholic Charities, Minnesota Business Partnership, Loyola University Chicago, and Greater MSP.
Sullivan's prior board service includes 14 years of cumulative experience as a director of three other public companies: PICO Holdings, Applied Micro, and United PanAm Financial Corporation. She also has served on additional non-profit boards, including Greater Twin Cities United Way, Project Concern International, and The Old Globe Theatre.
A native of Florida, Sullivan has three degrees from the University of Florida, a bachelor's degree in accounting, a master's degree in taxation, and a Ph.D. in business. She is a (non-practicing) certified public accountant.
"Living with the C-Suite - Do's and Don'ts" - Virtual Leadership Lunch Panel - Thursday, July 15, 2021 - 1 Leadership PDU.
Susie Steinhagen President of Project Consulting Group
Susie Steinhagen is the president of Project Consulting Group (PCG), a leading provider of Management Consulting Services and Project Resources. PCG is an organization full of High Competence, High Character, and Low Ego professionals who genuinely love getting up every day to deliver outcomes for our clients.
Susie served in various executive roles at Ameriprise Financial. In her most recent role, she served as Head of Global Business Planning and Execution, where she led strategic and annual business planning, governance of the global business, and execution of the global project agenda for Columbia Threadneedle Investments, the Asset Management segment of Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP). In addition, she had oversight for the Operational Risk Management function for North America. As an Officer of Ameriprise Financial, Susie served as a management team member of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, reporting to the Asset Management CEO.
Before joining Ameriprise, Susie was an Associate Partner at Project Consulting Group serving financial services clients. She was also the Owner and CEO of a retail and manufacturing business. She began her career as a Consultant for Accenture, where she served Financial Services clients throughout North America. Susie graduated from College of St. Benedict (St. Joseph, Minnesota) with Honors and a B.A. in Management. She holds a Project Management Professional (inactive) certification. Susie loves giving back to the community around her. She serves on the Board of Directors for Bluebirds and Blooms (a non-profit bringing joy to those living with memory loss and/or long term illness through the gift of recycled flowers), the Advisory Board of The Disruptive Element (a for-profit organization focused on igniting individual and team potential), and various leadership roles at St. John Lutheran Church.
Susie and her husband Andy have two sons, live in Norwood, Minnesota, and are active in the Agriculture and Dairy industries.
"Living with the C-Suite - Do's and Don'ts" - Virtual Leadership Lunch Panel - Thursday, July 15, 2021 - 1 Leadership PDU.
Loren Klassen SVP & Chief Information Officer of Western National Insurance Group
Loren Klassen, SVP & CIO of Western National Insurance Group, has over 25 years of Technology and Technology leadership experience, including former senior leadership roles at Toppan Merrill, Merrill Corp, 3M, and Regis Corporation.
As a flexible, proven product, technology, and digital transformation leader, he has demonstrated success in setting strategy, building strong technology teams. His skills in establishing scalable platforms and solutions that deliver client success have played out in industries, including manufacturing, transportation, financial services, healthcare communications, and insurance.
"Living with the C-Suite - Do's and Don'ts" - Virtual Leadership Lunch Panel - Thursday, July 15, 2021 - 1 Leadership PDU.
Joe Montler Chief Customer Officer of Surescripts
Joe Montler believes that success in the healthcare industry comes down to helping clinicians and pharmacists provide better care to their patients. His healthcare journey started at Shared Medical Systems (now Cerner).
Shared Medical Systems marked his entry into sales, followed by management and leadership roles with Delta Health Systems, Misys, NDCHealth, and McKesson. In 2018, Joe joined Surescripts as Chief Customer Officer, where he works to leverage his expertise in sales, strategic marketing, and business development to deliver a premier experience for customers and partners.
He is a master's-level summa cum laude graduate of Penn State.
"Living with the C-Suite - Do's and Don'ts" - Virtual Leadership Lunch Panel - Thursday, July 15, 2021 - 1 Leadership PDU.
Nancy Lyons CEO of Clockwork
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.
Her first book was Interactive Project Management: Pixels, People, and Process, a human-centered approach to producing digital products. Her current book, Work Like a Boss: A kick-in-the-pants Guide to Finding (and Using) your Power at Work, is the little book everyone needs to remember the actions, attitudes and attributes that will make work better for individuals and everyone around them.
Nancy is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including:
- 100 People to Know from Twin Cities Business
- 101 most influential people in the world of work, management, and career from Ladder magazine
- Most Admired CEO from Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
- Business Owner of the Year from the National Association for Women Business Owners.
- Panelist at the inaugural White House Summit for Working Families in Washington, DC
- Featured on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt in the "Best Place to Work in America."
"Creating a Human-Centered Culture" - Virtual Leadership Lunch - Thursday, May 20, 2021 - 1 Leadership PDU.
Bradley Nelson Principal Architect with Optum Technology
Bradley Nelson is a three-time finalist for UnitedHealth Group's Chief Information Officer's (CIO) companywide innovation challenge & has launched separate innovation challenges for Optum's Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He is the founder of the data visualization innovation challenge & an internal marketplace helping employees expand their skills.
His passion for Agile Funding has driven him to be the most prolific instructor of Agile Funding at UnitedHealth Group (UHG). The joy is seeing how successful Agile Funding has become in determining the next steps for projects that traditionally fail.
Before Optum/UHG, he was a contractor supporting the United States Army Reserve, United States Military Academy, and the United States Army. For fun enjoys the great outdoors, running Jeep trails, and perfecting his Muay Thai martial arts skills.
"Agile Problem Solving" - Virtual Leadership Lunch - Thursday, March 18, 2021 - 1 Strategic PDU.
