renonetworking – WIN Nevada

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.

November 14, 2025

What Do You Do When You Win and Lose at Once?

We’ve all had those moments when everything we’ve worked for suddenly changes, and we ask ourselves, “What now?” That question can be overwhelming, but it’s also where transformation begins.

This December, the WIN lecture series features someone who knows that question all too well: Olympic champion Connor Fields.

From Rise to Change

Connor Fields is an Olympic gold medalist that became a world champion, a pioneer of BMX in the United States, and was at the peak of his career.

During 2021, Connor suffered a horrific crash that forced him to confront questions far deeper than medals and podium finishes: How do you rebuild yourself when everything you’ve worked for vanishes in an instant? What happens next when your entire identity has been tied to something you can no longer do in the same way?

Why Connor’s Story Matters for Your Business Journey

The key is that resilience isn’t just an athletic quality. It’s a powerful strength in business, essential for leadership.

Through his experience, Connor has developed insights that are directly applicable to the business world:

How to set clear and achievable goals that guide everyday decisions.
How to maintain perspective when life presents unexpected challenges, whether market fluctuations, organizational changes, or personal setbacks.
How to face failure with confidence and clarity, rather than fear and paralysis.

And, perhaps most importantly, he shows how to reframe setbacks and stay focused, even after experiencing both resounding success and crushing disappointment.

For professionals in Northern Nevada, this conversation comes at the perfect time. We are all navigating constant change, and Connor’s reflections on resilience and reinvention offer a framework not only for surviving change but for using it as an engine for growth.

On December 5, join us for a morning that will shift how you think about challenges.

Register Now for the December WIN Speaker Series 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]

June 16, 2025June 16, 2025

Busy but Ambitious? Here’s How to Get the Most Out of Your WIN Membership

Being a WIN member means more than attending events. It’s a front-row seat to growth, inspiration, and lasting connections. WIN brings together professionals across Northern Nevada who are building, leading, and transforming our community.

Our monthly Speaker Series isn’t just about listening to a talk. It’s a unique gathering where high-level learning meets genuine connection. Each breakfast event features national and local experts and draws an engaged community of professionals and business leaders who are showing up for growth. So, are you ready to dive into how you can get the most from your WIN membership, even if you’re running at a thousand miles per hour?

Show Up Consistently
Each event you attend deepens your relationships and expands your influence. Your presence builds trust and keeps you top of mind in the local business scene.

Invite a Plus-One
Bringing a client or colleague turns a great experience into a valuable opportunity to build rapport and showcase your network in action.

Ask. Listen. Engage.
The most insightful conversations can happen during Q&As, at your table, or even while grabbing coffee. Be intentional with your presence.

Leverage the Tools
Many speakers share resources or action steps you can implement right away. Download them, apply them, and share with your team.

Network Beyond the Name Tag
The hallway chat or breakfast table conversation might just lead to your next partnership, client, or collaboration.

Being a part of WIN isn’t about checking a box once a month. It’s an investment in yourself, your relationships, and your business growth.

We know you’re busy. That’s why WIN offers flexible membership options that give you consistent access without a heavy lift.

Annual Membership (GOLD Member)

$399 for 12 months
Includes admission to 10 WIN Speaker Series events

Half-Year Membership

$249 for 6 months
Includes admission to all WIN events within your membership period

Guest passes are available to everyone for $55 per event. But as a WIN member, you’ll also enjoy perks that make your experience even smoother and more impactful:

Express check-in at events
Reserved members-only tables so you’re never scrambling for a seat
Access to the exclusive SWAG table to showcase your company materials
Monthly member spotlight opportunities

Your next connection, client, or career breakthrough could be one breakfast away. Join WIN today and start building a network that works for you.