Rebecca Heiss specializes in unpacking the paradoxes of the way people think to help them overcome their evolutionary limitations. As founder and CEO of the leadership awareness mobile app icueity, Heiss is among the founding faculty members to develop a startup school to nurture entrepreneurial minds and approach learning through impact. Her research is considered transformative by the National Science Foundation.

Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized innovation strategist and bestselling author. Combining creativity, business and technology, Kanungo spent 12 years at Deloitte working closely with leaders to help them better plan for the opportunities associated with disruptive innovation. Today, he is a partner with Queen & Rook, where he advises premier organizations and executives on disruptive trends and invests in early-stage ventures. Drawing on his extensive experience with artificial intelligence, cloud technologies and behavioral economics, he provides audiences with an optimistic road map for embracing unexpected approaches to innovation to remain competitive and relevant.

Joshua Ketchie, CPA, CFP, leverages his expertise and virtual capabilities to deliver comprehensive financial solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs, ensuring their financial well-being in an ever-evolving world. As a financial advisor who understands the importance of balancing professional excellence with family life, Ketchie excels in the digital arena while bringing a touch of personal flair to his practice.

Stephanie Toyoko Nagami is head of marketing and distribution for The Pacific Bridge Companies and president of Pacific Bridge Insurance Services Inc. As a former event planner, Nagami enjoys building relationships and helping advisors and their clients prepare for some of the most important milestones of their lives.

Danny O’Connell, MBA, is the CEO of Next Level Insurance Agency LLC in Dallas, Texas, USA, and an expert in employee benefits. He has nearly a decade of experience volunteering for Top of the Table, serving as Divisional Vice President of the Top of the Table Annual Meeting in 2023 and most recently as the 2024 Top of the Table Global Council Member and Advisory Board Chair.

Ryan J. Pinney, LACP,  has been recognized for using innovative technologies to drive insurance sales, streamline the application process and speed up underwriting. Pinney has been featured in various financial publications and has also received several professional honors, including being named one of “4 Under 40” in NAIFA’s Advisor Today and as one of the “24 Most Creative People in Insurance” by LifeHealthPro. He has served in many roles for MDRT, including as Divisional Vice President for Top of the Table in 2022.

David Podell started Business Benefits Consultants when he identified a niche space that was filled with complexity and a need for systems in the larger deductible tax strategy space. His firm is commissioned by tax professionals and financial advisors to provide an outsourced solution that allows them to establish and manage these plans for their clients. Podell is a sought-after specialist in the defined benefit and cash balance arena, has been featured in Forbes and is an acclaimed speaker on multiple podcasts.

Kevin Reidinger has been in the financial services profession for six years. He focuses on providing financial protection, planning and investing to clients by helping them make smart decisions to secure their financial futures. Reidinger believes in continuous self-improvement and enjoys learning more from his peers on topics such as estate planning, fee-based financial planning and solutions to complex protection .

Ford Saeks is president and CEO of Prime Concepts Group Inc., an integrated marketing services firm. As a speaker, author and business growth innovator, Saeks specializes in helping businesses attract loyal and repeat customers, monetize social media, ignite innovation, and increase sales and profits. His efforts have helped companies generate more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide.