Join us for our signature event at Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery!
410 Vineyard Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566 | Saturday, February 24, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Learn, be inspired, and enjoy great food and wine.

Save the date! More info to come …

Our 2023 Symposium Presenters

John Kriesel, Author and Motivational Speaker

In 2006 John Kriesel was nearly killed by a 200-pound roadside bomb in Iraq while serving in the Army National Guard. He endured dozens of surgeries and a painful recovery. Although he lost both legs and suffered major injuries, it was the loss of his two comrades that hurt most.

John was told he would likely be wheelchair bound the rest of his life, but through determination and the power of positive thinking, he walked out of the hospital after nine months. He went on to serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives and co-authored a book Still Standing: The Story of SSG John Kriesel. He now acts as Director of Veteran Services in Anoka County, is a frequent guest on a local radio station in Minnesota and travels the country spreading his motivational message. John’s story, sense of humor, and positive outlook will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on any challenge that comes along.

Ryan Leak, Author, Executive Coach and Motivational Speaker

In times of challenge and great uncertainty it’s easy to feel paralyzed by fear, but what if you could stand in the face of fear and know that these are the exact moments in life where you can rise to be your best self? Rooted in the idea of chasing failure and not being afraid of stretching further, speaker Ryan Leak has motivated Fortune 500 companies, professional sports franchises, and organizations across the country. Using humorous wisdom and a poignant narrative, he inspires his audience members to recognize the value in chasing failure to become the best versions of themselves. Ryan is the author of two books: Bestselling Chasing Failure and his newest release, Leveling Up. Prepare to be entertained and touched by Ryan’s compelling program and find out why his audiences rave about him.

Jeffrey Rosensweig, International Business and Finance Professor

Dr. Rosensweig is the Director of the John Robson Program for Business, Public Policy, and Government at Goizueta Business School of Emory University. Previously, he served as the Associate Dean for Corporate Relations. An international business and finance professor, he is a frequent keynote speaker on topics related to global and U.S. economic and financial trends and forecasts. Yale, MIT and Oxford educated, Dr. Rosensweig has written three books, including the critically acclaimed Winning the Global Game: A Strategy for Linking People and Profits. Dr. Rosensweig will provide insight into our ever-shifting economy and the impacts it will have as we navigate the 2023 financial landscape.

Sara Lomelin, CEO of Philanthropy Together

Sara Lomelin is a connector of people and ideas, a relationship builder, and a firm believer that everyone can be a philanthropist. A self-proclaimed philanthropy disruptor, Sara has traveled the world speaking about the power of collective giving at high-profile conferences and events, including TED 2022 where she delivered her talk, “Your Invitation to Disrupt Philanthropy.” As founding CEO of Philanthropy Together, Sara is growing a movement of people-powered philanthropy to resource grassroots nonprofits, shift power dynamics and promote widespread philanthropy.

Neither Summit Financial Group nor Securian Financial is affiliated with John Kriesel, Ryan Leak, Jeffrey Rosensweig or Sara Lomelin. TR# 5348934 DOFU 12/2022

2023 Summit Symposium Photos Coming Soon!

Thank you to our 2023 sponsors!