Dr. Stephanie Beard is an executive leader, author, speaker, and transformational leadership strategist who helps women align their thinking, leadership, and actions to create sustainable success. With more than 15 years of experience in enterprise technology, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, sales, customer success, and organizational leadership, she brings a distinctive blend of corporate expertise and human-centered development to every stage. Her work integrates neuroscience, emotional intelligence, faith, executive coaching, and business strategy to help leaders strengthen self-awareness, navigate change, communicate with influence, and lead with authenticity. Dr. Beard holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice, with a focus on NeuroLeadership and Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. She is also an ICF-certified executive coach and the founder of The Thinker Partner, LLC, where she equips entrepreneurs, executives, and emerging leaders to move beyond limiting narratives, make courageous decisions, and create transformation from the inside out. Her message is clear: when thinking becomes aligned, leadership becomes more intentional, and transformation becomes possible.

Jackie Martínez Marushka is a creative entrepreneur, public relations expert, and founder of Marushka Media, a boutique PR and branding agency she launched in 2016. With more than 33 years of experience in storytelling, public relations, brand building, and business growth, Jackie has built a career helping artists, entrepreneurs, organizations, and brands tell their stories and grow their visibility.

Before founding Marushka Media, Jackie served as General Manager of Shore Fire Media’s Nashville office and previously led a division of Sony Music Entertainment as one of the company’s youngest Vice Presidents and its first divisional VP of Public Relations. Her career includes working with more than 40 recording artists across five record labels, along with experience in film, publishing, distribution, and corporate communications.

A passionate mentor and community advocate, Jackie serves on several Nashville boards and founded the Hispanic Entertainment Alliance, creating opportunities and connections for Hispanic and Latin American creatives and entrepreneurs.

Jackie brings more than three decades of real-world experience, creative insight, and storytelling expertise to conversations about building brands, growing businesses, and making an impact.

Nancy VanReece is a Nashville leader, strategist, entrepreneur, and community advocate known for connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. She serves as President and CEO of Nashville Vibe and is the founder of Carpe Diem Management, bringing extensive experience in strategy, brand advocacy, business development, and community leadership.

A former Nashville Metro Councilmember, Nancy served from 2015–2023, including as Chair of the Convention, Entertainment and Tourism Committee. During her time in public service, she championed affordable and workforce housing, community development, the arts, and initiatives supporting Nashville’s continued growth. She also served on the advisory council to the Nashville Sports Authority and advocated for professional women’s sports in Nashville.

Nancy’s career spans music, business, public affairs, nonprofit leadership, social media, and community engagement, with leadership experience at organizations including LDG Development, BMI, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, and the Nashville Symphony.

An accomplished artist and recipient of the Nashville Arts Coalition’s Stein Award for Public Leadership in the Arts, Nancy brings a unique perspective on leadership, community, and creating meaningful change. She believes progress happens when people are willing to step forward, build relationships, and turn ideas into action.

Florida native Amber Anderson followed her love of country music to Nashville over 12 years ago. She brings experience on the business end of both the sports and music industries through her marketing and organizational work that ranges from time with the NBA’s Orlando Magic, The Grand Ole Opry, and SMACKSongs. She is currently one of the co-hosts of Amazon Music’s flagship global country music podcast, Country Heat Weekly. In addition to the podcast, she and her co-host Kelly Sutton serve as hosts for some of the largest events in the genre such as the 3 day Stagecoach livestream on Prime Video, the ACM Awards Red Carpet and CMA Fest. When she’s not co-hosting and listening to all of her country music favorites, you will find her taking in any sporting event, thrifting and running her clothing resale business, or needlepointing & crafting!