Join the Learning & Development Professionals of Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Chapter of the Association of Career Professionals (ACP) for the first of two great workshops in October.
Thinking of starting your own business? Maybe you’re contemplating starting your own consulting gig or toying with the idea of living life as a contractor. Whether you’re wondering what it would be like to run your own business or have already started down that path, join us for a fun, engaging, and truthful discussion on what it takes to be your own boss. Our panel will include individuals who are currently making it on their own as well as financial and marketing experts who can help make the journey a little easier.
No matter what your dream, fulfilling it takes hard work and dedication. Let us help get you a little closer to achieving it!
That’s why we’re going to ask a panel of local experts who started and built successful businesses to offer you advice and answer your questions. Between our panelists there's over 100 years of small business knowledge and experience.
Judy West - CEO & Founder - English That Works Inc.
Judy West created English That Works, Inc. in 1997 to address the corporate communication skill needs of professionals with international backgrounds. She designs and delivers training and customized coaching that increase the visibility, credibility, and effectiveness of high-potential performers in major global pharmaceutical and financial services companies. She is a frequent invited presenter for professional affinity groups and is a former co-leader of ATD's Trainers Edge SIG.
Liz Nover - ID Specialist & Contractor to the Stars
Liz Nover is a lifelong educator who made the transition to workplace learning. This was a subtle career shift in her opinion, but it was difficult to convince prospective employers that she had the skills and mindset they required. Starting from a return to school, involvement in professional associations, and a graduate student internship at age 51, she assumed progressively more responsible contract roles in Instructional Design, and has gradually built her credibility in the field. Liz will share the highlights of her path, and the challenges and joys (yes, there are some!) of consulting.
John Shimp - Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director - RidgePoint Financial
John J. Shimp, CFP®, CRPC®, APMA®, CDFA™, CLTC, CFS is a Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Partner of RidgePoint Financial Partners™, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. He began his career over 16 years ago as an employee advisor, promoted to district manager and since 2007 an independent franchisee of Ameriprise. His business was built organically and he now helps lead a branded team of ten financial advisors and eight support staff. They collectively manage and/or advise nearly $1B of client assets. He is Life Member of the National Eagle Scout Association, active volunteer for various organizations, St. Joseph St. Robert School Advisory Board (Current Chairman), Boy Scouts of America, Cub Pack 318 Committee Chair, and spent over 21 years on the board of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia (Former Vice Chair). A Philadelphia native and proud alum of St. Joseph’s University, Shimp now resides in Bucks County with his wife, Carolyn, and two children, Connor and Kelsey.
Ed Hunter - CEO - Life in Progress Coaching
Ed is an experienced Executive and Career coach. He works with clients privately and confidentially to reach their most important goals in areas such as: Career change & career growth; Job search, including resumes, interviewing, networking, recruiters, etc.; Beginning a new role or job challenge; Building leadership skills; Improving self-awareness; Navigating stress, including difficult work relationships; Managing work/life balance; He believes in coaching and training the whole person. In each session, he is am fully present and deeply intuitive, but is also grounded in the real world. He believes you can accomplish your dreams... if you are willing to pay the realistic price it takes to get there.
Dale Power - Marketing & Social Media Strategist
Dale works best with business owners who provide excellent products or services to their clients and who find their markets getting very competitive OR who who want to grow and realize they need to widen their presence in their marketplace.They want to build solid marketing programs. They are collaborative, smart, driven, love to achieve success, learners, and .....have a sense of humor. She works with them starting on brand and plan then execution so they can BE FIRST.
Lesley Katz - CEO - Leveraging Financial Knowledge
Lesley F Katz, CPA, is the founder and owner of Leveraging Financial Knowledge, LLC. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics at Ursinus College, before earning her Post Baccalaureate degree in Accounting from ASU West, and Certificate in Financial Planning from Temple University. With over 20 years of experience in industry and public practice, Lesley is driven to empower others to take control of their own lives with Financial-LifeSkills™. Lesley supports the community through participation in the Penn Suburban Chamber of Commerce, PEO - a women’s philanthropic educational organization, and performing with three community orchestra’s in the area as a violinist.
