October 16, 2025
Live2Lead Lincoln is October 16, 2025. Learn more about our simulcast & live speakers that we get to learn from this year.
John C. Maxwell
John C. Maxwell is widely recognized as the world’s foremost leadership expert, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, and an inspiring speaker. With over 100 books to his name and more than 25 million copies sold in 50 languages, his works—including High Road Leadership, Bringing People Together In A World That Divides, and Intentional Living, Choosing a Life That Matters—have become essential reading for leaders across the globe.
As the founder of Maxwell Leadership, EQUIP, and the John Maxwell Foundation, he has trained millions of leaders in every country worldwide. Maxwell's dynamic presentations have influenced audiences from Fortune 500 companies to global institutions like the United Nations, consistently delivering actionable insights that empower individuals and organizations to lead with purpose.
As the "legs to his Legacy," John, through Maxwell Leadership, has trained and equipped nearly 60,000 Certified Coaches, Trainers, and Speakers around the world.
Valorie Burton
Valorie Burton is a renowned life strategist, international speaker, and the CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute. With a dynamic message rooted in applied positive psychology - the science of what happens when things go right - Valorie helps individuals and organizations build resilience, navigate transitions, and lead with purpose.
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As a pioneer in the coaching space, her institute has served clients in all 50 U.S. states and 20 countries across six continents, offering evidence-based coaching, certification programs, and leadership development training. Valorie’s engaging, research-backed approach equips audiences to thrive in work and life by helping them become more hopeful, productive, and resilient.
Tiffani Bova
Tiffani Bova is a two-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author, renowned keynote speaker, and one of the world’s leading voices on growth, innovation, and customer experience. A former Global Growth & Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce and Distinguished Analyst at Gartner, Tiffani has advised some of the biggest brands on sales transformation and market expansion. She has delivered over 1,000 keynotes across six continents, captivating audiences with actionable insights.
Recognized by Thinkers50 and Forbes, her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and more. As host of the top-rated podcast What’s Next!, Tiffani continues to shape the way organizations think about growth—from the inside out.
*Our VIP Lunch Speaker
Jesse Cole
Jesse Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and the owner of the world-famous Savannah Bananas—known for turning traditional baseball into an unforgettable show. Sporting his signature yellow tuxedo, Jesse created Banana Ball, a fast-paced, wildly entertaining twist on the game that has sold out every show and drawn a 3+ million ticket waitlist.
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With over 20 million followers and coverage on ESPN+, The Today Show, and HBO, the Bananas have become a global sensation. Jesse is a best-selling author (Fans First, Find Your Yellow Tux) and a sought-after speaker known for his bold creativity and passion for putting fans first. Above all, he’s a fan of his family and legendary promoters like Walt Disney and PT Barnum.
Live Local Speakers
​Meet Kiersten Hill, the driving force behind Firespring's nonprofit solutions and an inspiration to organizations nationwide. A Nebraska native and a proud alum of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kierten's roots run deep in her community. Recognized as a trailblazer in her field, we're excited to welcome her to the Live2Lead Lincoln stage.
With more than 25 years of leadership experience, Liz Ring Carlson is known for guiding organizations through change, coaching employees and leaders, and building community partnerships. A VP at Ameritas and deeply engaged in civic and nonprofit leadership, we can hardly wait to welcome her to the Live2Lead Lincoln stage.
Leadership In Lincoln Panel
Regina Sullivan is a passionate advocate for youth mental health and the Founder and Executive Director of Marvilee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping young people with mental health resources and life skills training. With deep experience in community outreach and empowerment, Regina continues to build inclusive spaces and stronger communities where youth and families can thrive.
Lincoln Zehr is the President and CEO of the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA), where he leads advocacy efforts for business-friendly policies across Lincoln and Lancaster County. With a diverse background in accounting, finance, and executive leadership, Lincoln brings decades of experience guiding companies through growth, acquisitions, and transformation. A committed lifelong learner, he is passionate about equipping leaders with tools to thrive in business and beyond.
Tiffani Childress is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries and a dedicated advocate for literacy and community advancement. With a background in business and psychology and more than a decade in the technology sector, Tiffani brings a unique blend of strategic leadership and heart for service to the nonprofit world. Her passion for education and equity shines through her work. Above all, she is inspired by her two children and the belief that every individual deserves access to the power of reading.
L2L Lincoln Hosts
Dr. Susan Meyerle
Dr. Susan Meyerle is a seasoned therapist, speaker, and leadership coach with nearly 30 years of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations create meaningful, lasting change. As a trusted counselor and the founder of Life Resources and Heartprints, in Lincoln, Nebraska, she’s known for her compassionate, practical, and refreshingly humorous approach.
Susan blends insight, storytelling, and challenge to help people step outside their comfort zones and see new possibilities. As a highly sought-after speaker and co-host of Live2Lead Lincoln, she brings wisdom, clarity, and heart to every room she enters. Whether in a one-on-one session or on stage, Susan empowers others to grow with intention and lead with authenticity.
Chris Hanesn
Coach Chris is a leadership coach, speaker, and founder of Impact 168, a coaching and growth company built on the belief that how we use our 168 hours each week determines the impact we make. Known for his energetic, practical, and deeply intentional style, Chris works with youth, families, and organizations to help individuals grow with purpose, lead with confidence, and take ownership of their next steps.
A coach at heart and communicator by design, he is passionate about making leadership approachable, personal, and transformative. As co-host of Live2Lead Lincoln, Chris brings a vision for equipping everyday leaders with world-class tools that create real change—one intentional hour at a time.
Additional L2L Lincoln Speakers
Mark Cole
Mark Cole serves as the CEO of Maxwell Leadership, carrying forward the legacy of leadership expert Dr. John C. Maxwell. With more than 25 years of experience developing leaders and building high-performing teams, Mark has a proven track record of cultivating growth in both non-profit and for-profit sectors.
As a seasoned communicator and transformational leader, Mark is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. His hands-on leadership and global perspective have helped extend Maxwell Leadership’s influence to more than 160 countries. Through his work, Mark continues to be a catalyst for intentional growth, cultural transformation, and values-based leadership around the world.
Anthony Trucks
Anthony Trucks is a former NFL athlete, American Ninja Warrior competitor, author, and Identity Shift Coach who has defied the odds at every turn. After entering foster care at age three, Anthony rose from a turbulent childhood to earn a full-ride scholarship to the University of Oregon and play in the NFL. When injury ended his football career, he faced another turning point—and discovered that true transformation begins within.
Now, as the founder of the “Dark Work” movement, Anthony helps individuals and organizations shift their identity to unlock their full potential. Through powerful storytelling and proven strategies, he empowers people to Make Shift Happen and create lasting success from the inside out.
Craig Groeschel
Craig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, an innovative multi-site church and creators of the free YouVersion Family of Bible Apps. He’s a New York Times bestselling author and has written 20 books.
Through the top-ranking Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, he prompts innovative thinking in leaders at every level within a diverse spectrum of organizations. Under his leadership, Life.Church is also a three-time recipient of the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, which is based on employee-submitted data and recognizes the most engaged workplace cultures in the world.
Live2Lead Lincoln is proudly presented by Heartprints 4 You and Impact 168. Please reach out to either organization for more information on how we can add value to you, your team, your community. We look forward to seeing you at Live2Lead. Speakers both Simulcast & Live, and schedule of the event are subject to change without notice.
