Ten years ago, the Southwest Michigan First team had a unique idea: What if we shook up the landscape of leadership in Southwest Michigan by creating a day filled with amazing speakers and experiences right here in Southwest Michigan? Entire teams could enjoy the day together rather than sending one or two team members off to a conference somewhere else only to report back a fraction of what they learned.
Just over 350 showed up for the very first Catalyst University back on January 20, 2011. That year, everyone left talking about their “Why”—why they wake up and do what they do every day. Twice as many came the next year. And, now over ten years later, the rest is history!
Over the years, Catalyst University has introduced Southwest Michigan to many thought leaders and trailblazers. Leaders like Jon Acuff, Patrick Lencioni, Bob Goff, Dr. Tererai Trent and more have come as headliners but left as friends. Others like Simon Sinek, Liz Forkin Bohannon, Carlos Whittaker and Amena Brown have ignited a spirit of change and empowered leaders to take their personal, corporate and community destiny to new heights.
This year, Catalyst University will be no different. Our team is thoughtfully crafting and curating a diverse speaker lineup—with you in mind—that will push you to think, question your routine, and make you laugh (and cry). While you wait for the current year’s lineup to be announced, here are just a few familiar faces who have graced our real and virtual stages before.
How to Get Your Ticket
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