Our Speakers

Andrew Pudewa

Bio: Andrew Pudewa is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Presenting around the world, he addresses issues relating to teaching, writing, thinking, and spelling with clarity, insight, practical experience, and humor. His seminars for parents, students, and teachers have helped transform many a reluctant writer and have equipped educators with powerful tools to dramatically improve students’ skills. Although he is a graduate of the Talent Education Institute in Japan (Suzuki Method) and holds a Certificate of Child Brain Development, his best endorsement is from a young Alaskan boy who called him “the funny man with the wonderful words.” He and his beautiful, heroic wife, Robin, homeschooled their seven children and are now proud grandparents of nineteen, making their home in Northeastern Oklahoma’s picturesque Green Country.

Vikrant Batra (Vic)

Bio: Former Global CMO, HP Inc. 20+ years leading marketing transformations across CPG, technology, advertising, and finance. Built and led organizations spanning thousands of people and billions in spend. Leader in driving marketing AI transformation and co-founder of Maximon, where they are changing the rules, bringing a unique perspective to the fast-changing landscape of marketing. Renowned for his ability to craft narratives that connect deeply with audiences, Vic has combined AI with creative storytelling to unlock unprecedented levels of creativity, customer engagement, efficiency, and cost savings at a global scale. 

Julien Godbarge

Bio: Former Global CMO, HP Inc. 20+ years leading marketing transformations across CPG, technology, advertising, and finance. Built and led organizations spanning thousands of people and billions in spend. Leader in driving marketing AI transformation and co-founder of Maximon, where they are changing the rules, bringing a unique perspective to the fast-changing landscape of marketing. Renowned for his ability to craft narratives that connect deeply with audiences, Vic has combined AI with creative storytelling to unlock unprecedented levels of creativity, customer engagement, efficiency, and cost savings at a global scale. 

Heidie Nesset

Bio: Heidie Nesset is Vice President of Implementation at yes. every kid. foundation., where she transforms education policy into user-friendly solutions for families nationwide. With over a decade of executive experience across more than ten states, she specializes in leading cross-functional teams, streamlining regulatory compliance, and launching large-scale education programs.

Ethan Demme

Bio: Ethan Demme is CEO of Demme Learning, an outdoor adventurer, and an advocate for families and lifelong learning. A former elected Township Supervisor, he serves as a strategic advisor to CiviLink and sits on the board of directors for the Parental Rights Foundation.

Chad Johnson

Bio: Chad Johnson is a Managing Partner in Cherry Tree & Associates’ investment banking practice. Chad has a long and successful track record advising owners and entrepreneurs in the sale of their businesses, and advising numerous public and private companies in the acquisition of complementary businesses. Chad’s previous experience includes building and selling a successful software firm, managing corporate M&A, and working in a venture capital firm. He received his BA and MBA from the University of Minnesota.