FIRESIDE CHAT: LEADERSHIP, RISK, AND REILIENCE

Join us for an insightful and inspiring fireside chat with legendary basketball coach Jim Boeheim led by Dr. Mike Haynie, as they discuss leadership lessons learned over more than four decades of coaching. Coach Boeheim’s career is defined by his ability to build and lead championship teams, manage risk under pressure, and help individuals achieve greatness through teamwork and perseverance.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this session will provide actionable advice on building trust, taking calculated risks, handling adversity, and staying focused on your goals. Coach Boeheim’s experiences both on and off the court offer timeless wisdom for leaders in any field.

This session is designed for entrepreneurs looking to gain an edge in leadership and decision-making—whether on the battlefield, the court, or in business.

Jim Boeheim ‘66

Special Assistant to the Director of Athletics, Syracuse University

Hall of Fame member Jim Boeheim had a remarkable run as head coach at his alma mater, Syracuse University. Boeheim guided the Orange to winning records in 46 of 47 campaigns and pushed Syracuse into the postseason in all but five of his seasons. Syracuse made 35 trips into the NCAA Tournament, including Final Four appearances in 1987, 1996, 2003, 2013, and 2016. The Orange won the national championship in 2003. Boeheim retired from coaching after the 2023 season but continues to work for the University.

Boeheim was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. He was honored the following offseason, receiving the John R. Wooden “Legends of Coaching” Award in April. Boeheim and Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun were the 2006 “Spirit of Jimmy V” honorees at the annual V Foundation Gala.

Boeheim enrolled at Syracuse in 1962 and was a walk-on with the basketball team. By Boeheim’s senior season, he was a team captain along with the legendary Dave Bing. The Orange were 22-6 overall that year and earned the program’s second-ever NCAA Tournament berth. In 1969 he turned to a career in coaching and was hired as a graduate assistant at SU by head coach Roy Danforth. In 1976, he was named head coach at his alma mater.

A four-time BIG EAST Coach of the Year, Boeheim has been honored as NABC District II Coach of the Year 10 times and USBWA District II Coach of the Year on four occasions. During the 2000 Final Four, he was presented with the Claire Bee Award in recognition of his contributions to the sport. In the fall of 2000, he received Syracuse University’s Arents Award, the school’s highest alumni honor. On February 24, 2002, the University named the Carrier Dome court “Jim Boeheim Court.” Boeheim joined a select group of coaches working the sidelines of a court named after them.

A long-time participant in the USA Basketball program, Boeheim was named 2001 USA Basketball National Coach of the Year. He has served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic teams that won gold medals in 2008, 2012 and 2016, and the World Cup in 2010 and 2014.

A champion of many charitable causes, Boeheim and his wife started the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation with the goal of enriching the lives of kids in need within the Central New York Community, as well as providing support for eliminating cancer through research and advocacy. Among the Boeheim Foundation initiatives have been the “Basket Ball,” an annual black-tie event; Courts 4 Kids, which funded the refurbishment and built basketball courts in the area; The Hoops For Hope Dinner benefitting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse; and, the Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon which raised funds for the Make A Wish Foundation.

In the spring of 2016, Boeheim was presented with the Circle of Honor Award by the American Cancer. He received the 2019 Court of Honor Award from the NABC Foundation. Jim and his wife, Juli, are parents of Jimmy, and twins Jack and Jamie. Jim also has a daughter, Elizabeth.

Moderator: Dr. Mike Haynie

Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and the Founder and Executive Director of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University

PANEL: MOBILIZE AI IN BUSINESS

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries, businesses have a unique opportunity to harness its potential to scale, optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and create better customer experiences. This discussion will dive deep into how AI is being integrated into large-scale operations, the lessons learned from these experiences, and the emerging trends that business leaders must be aware of. We’ll explore practical insights on how businesses of all sizes can leverage AI, proactively respond to changes in the market, and overcome the challenges of adoption.

Erik Brocklebank

Managing Director, Global Technology Strategy, J.P. Morgan Innovation &  Partnerships

As part of the Global Technology Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships team since 2012, Erik is focused on developing IT strategy and facilitating strategic and emerging technology relationships.

Prior to joining JPMC, Erik worked in various capacities at UBS including leading the CTO Commercial Strategy, Innovation and Business Development Team, and leading teams in IT Risk Management and the Chief Development Office.

Prior to UBS, Erik worked at J.P. Morgan in an internal strategic technology consulting group, focused on strategy, architecture and program management. Erik led initiatives across the Investment and Private Banks, including one of the largest Information and Risk Management projects. Erik started his career as a financial services technology consultant at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, working on global analytical, customer management and ERP solutions. Erik received an M.S.C. from the University of Oxford and B.S. in Physics from the University of Lancaster, England.

Joe Kane

Managing Director, Global Technology Strategy, J.P. Morgan Innovation & Partnerships

As part of the Global Technology Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships team, Joe Kane is focused on developing technology strategy and facilitating strategic and emerging technology relationships. Areas where he is currently focused include information management, big data, analytics and AI.

Joe has deep expertise in helping financial institutions rethink the way that they manage data and a wealth of technology related experience built over seventeen years in the industry. He was the founder and COO of Boxcar Software, a leading information management platform purchased by Documentum in the early 2000’s. Following EMC’s acquisition of Documentum, Joe worked in a variety of roles across EMC’s Information Intelligence Group and Data & Analytics Division with a focus on Greenplum.

Joe holds an M.B.A from Georgetown University and a B.A. from Loyola University.

Moderator: John Berry

CEO, Berry Law

John S. Berry, fights for veterans in the courtroom and beyond. After receiving his commission as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, John completed Airborne School and Ranger School. In 1999, while assigned to the First Cavalry Division, he deployed to Bosnia for Operation Joint Forge as a platoon leader. John also served as a Company Commander in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. John finished his military career as a Battalion Commander in the National Guard and retired as a lieutenant colonel. He has since been inducted into the Nebraska National Guard Regional Training Institute Hall of Fame.

John graduated from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia (B.A. 1997) and Creighton University School of Law, cum laude (2003). He is also a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College at Mercer Law School in Macon, Georgia (2004) and the famed Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College at Thunderhead Ranch (2018). John maintains an AV Preeminent designation from Martindale Hubbell, a SuperLawyers designation, and has been recognized as one of the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers for over 10 years. John has presented and lectured in the areas of jury trial skills, criminal defense, veterans’ disability appeals, and military leadership. Berry Law has served over 10,000 Veterans nationwide recovering over $300 million in backpay awards for veterans. The Firm has also been awarded the HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Pro Patria Award.

John was inducted into the 209th Regional Training institute Hall of Fame. Under his leadership , Berry Law has received many national awards for its success in both the business community and the veteran community. These awards include the ESGR pro patria award, Dept of Labor Platinum Medallion, INC 5000 list of fastest growing companies in the United States for seven consecutive years, and the Law Firm 500 list for six years. Showing their community spirit, John recently served as the honorary commander of the 50 Mile March in 2023, John and other veterans and supporters marched 50 miles from Lincoln to Omaha raising nearly $300,000 for Nebraska Veterans. That same year John was selected as Grand Marshall for the Lincoln Veterans Parade. John recently partnered with the Jet Foundation to provide scholarships for military Veterans with Heisman Trophy Winner Johnny Rodgers. We invite you to tune into the Veteran-Led podcast, where John delves into the advantages military Veterans have in civilian business life.

UNLOCKING THE VALUE OF CEOCIRCLE: INSIGHTS AND TIPS FROM ALUMNI

Join a dynamic group of CEOcircle program alumni as they share their experiences from their time in the program and offer valuable tips for making the most of your cohort journey. This session will feature alumni from three different cohorts, some of whom have volunteered to continue supporting the program as facilitators.

Expect an open, candid discussion where alumni will reflect on key takeaways, challenges they faced, and how they leveraged the program to accelerate their growth as leaders. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, learn from others’ experiences, and gain practical advice on how to get the most out of your own CEOcircle journey.

Rudy Cazares

CEO, Cazar Logistics LLC

Rudy Cazares is a serial entrepreneur, business coach, and Marine veteran who has built six thriving companies since January 2020: Cazar Logistics LLC, Joint Ops Logistics Inc, Movement to Contact Inc, Blackhearts Consulting LLC (an EOS® Franchise), Swift Hub Sellers LLC, and Fleetpro Mobile Maintenance LLC.

His sharp business acumen, combined with strategic partnerships with Amazon Logistics and FedEx Ground during the pandemic, fueled rapid growth. His first two companies now employ over 100 people, manage a fleet of 70+ vehicles, and generate multi-million-dollar revenues annually. He has partnered with Amazon, NYC Department of Veteran Services, Hello Fresh and The Campaign Against hunger to deliver meals to Service Members & Veterans at key sites throughout NYC. To date, they have delivered over 30K meals since July 2023. Through Blackhearts Consulting, Rudy empowers small business owners to implement EOS®, helping them sharpen their vision, drive traction, and build stronger leadership teams.

Born to immigrant parents from Puebla, Mexico, in Queens, NY, Rudy’s journey reflects hard work and resilience. While attending CUNY Baruch College, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves and, after 9/11, volunteered at Ground Zero. He later served three tours in Iraq as a Marine officer, holding key leadership roles, including Platoon Commander and military advisor. His service earned him multiple honors, including the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.

After 15 years of service, he was honorably discharged as a Major in 2019.

Rudy’s leadership extended into the corporate world, where he excelled for a Fortune 500 company and at a private firm from 2012 to 2019. He now leverages these skills to lead and scale his own businesses, positioning them for long-term success.

Ronnette Meyers

President & CEO, JLAN Solutions

Ronnette Meyers, President and CEO of JLAN Solutions, is a visionary leader shaping her industry and community. Following an extensive career at the Federal Aviation Administration, she played a pivotal role in establishing a woman-owned government contracting firm, where she served as Senior Vice President for Corporate Services. Her efforts helped grow the company into an award-winning business with over $34 million in annual revenue.

In 2010, Ronnette founded her own firm, JLAN Solutions, LLC., transforming it into a leading provider of professional services to Federal, state, and local governments. Her leadership, stellar reputation for integrity and quality, and community service have earned her numerous accolades, including the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council’s 2024 Top 100 MBEs, Women Presidents Organization’s 2024 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact, 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, 2023 Comcast Rise Award Recipient, 2020 DC Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Champion, Washington Business Journal’s 2020 Minority Business Leader Award, and the honor to testify before the U.S. Senate.

Ronnette exemplifies leadership and service.

Yolanda Clarke

CEO, Power River Industries

Getting things done and driving results through collaboration, partnership, and relationships is what she is all about. With an enthusiastic and genuinely friendly attitude, Yolanda radiates a sincere passion for delivering value and benefits to her customers.

Serving as Chief Executive Officer of Powder River Industries (PRI), Yolanda is responsible for all aspects of the firm. She founded the company in 2016. Powder River provides IT consulting serves as a prime contractor for United States Government agencies.

Prior to leading Powder River’s growth success, Yolanda worked as an enterprise portfolio manager for Lockheed Martin supporting a defense agency. She managed up to 53 projects at once with operations occurring simultaneously around the world at up to 83 different locations at one time. The scope of her projects was engineering, installation, test, and acceptance. Her projects ranged from large-scale computing, infrastructure services, information assurance, transport, gateways, wireless, and satellite communications.

Throughout extensive tactical and strategic participation in industry, Yolanda continued to serve her country as a citizen soldier. She served in several interesting capacities, most recently in support of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. Prior to her time on the Joint Staff, she led her soldiers in aggressive combat situations during the height of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. These experiences continue to contribute greatly to Yolanda’s views on teamwork while proving her leadership skills translate to the most challenging and diverse situations.

Yolanda is a Wyoming native. She has an undergraduate degree in computer science from the University of Maryland University College and a Master of Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. She resides on orders with her active-duty Marine Corps spouse and family in Virginia.

Moderator: Dr. Jude Black

Founder, Appalachian Counseling Center

Dr. Jude Black is a distinguished mental health expert, founder of the Appalachian Counseling Center, and the award-winning E-Therapy Cafe. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Jude specializes in trauma, women’s perinatal issues, and innovative therapeutic practices, including EMDR and mindfulness. As a dedicated advocate for military families and veterans, she has made significant contributions to mental health awareness within the military community, earning recognition as a 2024 Remarkable Woman in West Virginia. Dr. Jude is passionate about empowering individuals to reclaim their strength and live authentically. Her insights and expertise will bring valuable perspectives to the IVMF Bunker Labs CEO Circle panel.

CALL SIGN HUDDLE FORMAT (90 MINUTES)

Important: This format is specific to Call Sign huddles, which focus on peer problem-solving. For cohort-wide Topic Dives and Industry Connects, your Call Sign will have brief check-ins before and after the main presentation or networking activity.

1. Welcome (2 Min)

Assign roles:

• • Timekeeper (sets phone alarms for transitions)
  • Facilitator (guides discussion
  • Notetaker (captures key points in chat)

2. Check-ins (25 Min) Tag-team style, 3 min each:

• Personal best
• Business best
• Cohort shout out
• Last month’s commitment status
• Recent learning
• “If I’m honest…”
• “What I need today”

3. Critical Questions Exercise (40 Min) Submit Questions (5 min)

• Enter prepared questions in chat
• Group selects 2 questions

For Each Question (15 min):

• Present situation/question (2 min)
• Clarifying questions only (2 min)
• Group brainstorm – presenter turns around to listen (8 min)
• Presenter reaction and commitments (3 min)

4. Wrap-Up (12 Min)

• Next month’s commitments
• Rate meeting quality (1-10)
• Rate individual participation (1-10)
• Preview next session

Time Management: The Timekeeper will:

• Set alarms for each transition
• Give 1-minute warnings
• Signal transitions to keep Critical Questions Exercise on track

Note: Your facilitator will help maintain this structure, but the Timekeeper role (rotating among members) ensures we maximize our peer learning time together.