networking – WIN Nevada

May 11, 2026

Are You Willing to be Good Enough Now?

Here’s what most leaders have in common: they’re waiting. Waiting until they have more experience, a bigger network, a fully staffed team, an approved budget, or the perfect timing.

Waiting until they feel confident enough to have that difficult conversation or bold enough to step fully into the leader they know they could be. And while they wait, talented employees disengage, team potential stays locked away, that inclusive culture never materializes, opportunities pass by, and the gap between the leader they are and the leader they could be just keeps getting wider.

Here’s the hard truth. That perfect moment you’re waiting for it’s never coming. So the real question is are you willing to be good enough NOW?

What “Good Enough Now” Really Means

“Good Enough Now” means refusing to let perfectionism paralyze you. It means leading authentically with the strengths you have today, not the ones you think you need tomorrow. It means building high-performing teams by starting exactly where you are, with exactly who you have, using exactly what’s available to you right now.

Because your team isn’t waiting for you to be perfect. They’re waiting for you to be present.

They need you to show up authentically, communicate clearly, create connections, tackle the tough conversations everyone’s been avoiding, and build the kind of culture where people feel challenged AND supported at the same time. And you can do all of that today.

Join Us for a Keynote That Will Change How You Lead

On Friday, May 29, Jess Pettitt will tackle the tough topics everyone else tiptoes around, creates space for authentic conversation, and challenges you to close the gap between who you are right now and who you’re capable of becoming.

What You’ll Walk Away Knowing:

How to leverage your personal strengths to inspire trust, engagement, and accountability within your team (yes, the strengths you have right now, not the ones you wish you had)
Strategies that strengthen communication, connection, and teamwork starting immediately, not six months from now
Steps to build a more inclusive culture where people feel both challenged and supported
Tools to overcome self-doubt and perfectionism so you can finally step into the leader you know you’re capable of being
A roadmap for turning insights into action that produces lasting improvement for your team and organization

Join us on Friday, May 29, 2026 for Good Enough Now with Jess Pettitt and discover what becomes possible when you stop waiting and start leading from exactly where you are.

Doors open at 7:30 AM for breakfast and networking with other Northern Nevada. Register Now for Good Enough Now with Jess Pettitt

April 7, 2026

The trade insights every Nevada business leader needs right now

When was the last time you scrolled through the news without seeing a headline about tariffs, trade disputes, or global economic shake-ups? The answer is probably “never.”

Global trade is moving fast, policies are shifting faster, and if you’re trying to run a business in the middle of all this chaos, you might be wondering “What does any of this actually mean for me?”

Why Global Trade Matters to Every Business Leader in Northern Nevada

You don’t need to be importing container ships from China or exporting Nevada products overseas to be affected by international trade policy.

It’s a domino effect: tariffs hit supply chains, supply chains drive up costs, costs force pricing changes, and pricing changes impact your customers and your revenue. Before you know it, a policy decision made thousands of miles away is showing up in your quarterly budget, your hiring plans, and your strategic planning sessions.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

International trade isn’t a simple story with clear heroes and villains. It’s complex, nuanced, and constantly evolving. Some policies protect local industries. Others make products more expensive for consumers. Some trade agreements open new opportunities. Others generate unforeseen consequences.

This Friday, April 17, learn from someone who has dedicated three decades to studying the forces that shape global commerce, and how those forces impact real people and real businesses: Elliott Parker, Professor of Economics at the University of Nevada, Reno.

In International Trade: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Elliott brings both academic rigor and practical insight to a topic that often feels overwhelming:

What’s really happening with tariffs right now and why they’re dominating the news cycle
How global trade shifts impact Nevada specifically, from our industries to our workforce
The short-term and long-term economic implications of today’s trade policies
What business leaders should be watching as the global economy continues to evolve
Practical insights you can actually use to navigate uncertainty and plan strategically

Understanding the fundamentals, recognizing the trends, and knowing how to interpret the headlines gives you a competitive edge. It helps you anticipate changes, adjust your strategy, and make smarter decisions for your business.

This event is perfect for:

Business owners navigating supply chain challenges and pricing pressures.
Executives trying to plan strategically in an uncertain economic climate.
Entrepreneurs looking to understand how global trends create local opportunities.
Team leaders who need to communicate complex economic changes to their staff.
Professional service providers whose clients are asking tough questions about the economy.
Anyone in a leadership position who wants to be better informed about the forces shaping our business landscape.

Arrive at 7:30 AM for breakfast and networking. Connect with other Northern Nevada professionals who are asking the same questions you are, share perspectives and build relationships that extend beyond the event.

August 16, 2025August 16, 2025

Why Storytelling is a Must-Have Skill for Today’s Leaders

blonde woman on stage speaking on microphone

In today’s fast-paced business environment, leaders often face challenges in connecting with their teams, inspiring action, and driving change. While technical expertise and strategic thinking remain crucial, there’s one skill that consistently separates exceptional leaders from the rest: the ability to tell compelling stories.

The Science Behind Stories

Human brains are hardwired for narrative. When we hear a story, our brains don’t just process information. They experience it. Neuroscience research shows that stories activate multiple areas of the brain, including regions responsible for sensory experiences and emotions. This neurological response makes stories up to 22 times more memorable than facts alone.

For leaders in Northern Nevada’s competitive business landscape, this is a powerful tool for influence and engagement.

Why Modern Leaders Need Storytelling More Than Ever

1. Breaking Through Information Overload

Today’s workforce is bombarded with emails, reports, presentations, and data. A well-crafted narrative creates an emotional connection that helps your message stick.

2. Building Trust and Authenticity

When you share your journey, including failures and lessons learned, you build trust with your team in ways that mission statements and corporate speak simply cannot achieve.

3. Inspiring Action

Data tells us what happened; stories tell us why it matters. When you want to motivate your team to embrace change, pursue a vision, or overcome challenges, a compelling narrative provides the emotional fuel that drives action.

4. Simplifying Complex Ideas

Whether you’re explaining a new business strategy or introducing innovative technology, stories provide context and meaning. They transform abstract concepts into relatable experiences that everyone can understand and remember.

Storytelling in the Digital Age

With remote work and digital communication becoming standard, storytelling has become even more critical. Video calls and virtual meetings can feel impersonal, but a well-told story bridges that gap and creates connection despite physical distance.

Social media and content marketing have also elevated the importance of narrative in business. Leaders who can craft compelling stories about their organizations, vision, and values gain significant competitive advantages in attracting talent, customers, and partners.

Developing Your Storytelling Skills

Like any leadership skill, storytelling improves with practice and intention. Start by identifying stories from your own experience that illustrate key leadership principles. Practice telling them in different formats. Pay attention to your audience’s response.

Remember, the best leadership stories aren’t always about triumph. Some of the most powerful narratives come from moments of failure, uncertainty, or learning. These stories humanize leaders and create deeper connections with their audiences.

The ROI of Storytelling

Organizations with leaders who excel at storytelling see measurable results:

20% higher employee engagement scores
15% improvement in customer satisfaction
25% faster adoption of new initiatives
Significantly improved brand perception and market positioning

For business professionals in Northern Nevada, these numbers represent real competitive advantages in attracting talent, retaining customers, and driving growth.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Through Story?

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to master this essential skill with renowned storytelling expert Nick Westergaard at our August event:

🎤 Leading with Story: Using Story to Connect & Inspire
📅 Friday, August 22, 2025
🎯 Featuring Nick Westergaard

Nick will share proven frameworks, real-world examples, and actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

[Register Now for WIN Speaker Series August Event]