EXPERT SPEAKERS & STORE PANEL FOR THE WHITE DRESS SOCIETY RETREAT: TAMPA BAY

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy is an icon in the hospitality industry as she started her career with the Gaslight Clubs in Chicago during the 80’s. A business leader that celebrates women and has launched many careers, Cindy is not only a mentor but a role model for women in business. Cindy founded Master Connection Associates (MCA) an international training and development company specializing in sales, leadership and service excellence over 25 years ago.
Under her leadership, MCA has gone from strength to strength improving productivity and performance in businesses that span a multitude of industries. True to her core, she has maintained her values, principles, grit for business and zest for life.
As a business owner and inspiration to women of all generations, Cindy continues to inspire, motivate and guide women to reach their full potential.
There are times in history, where a strong female presence has made tremendous strides and set women on an exciting and empowering trajectory. Cindy is that woman in her time, no nonsense, ever energizing and a woman who can relate to all women. As an example of her dedication to family and work, Cindy took her daughter with her on the road one week a month until she graduated from high school. Her daughter Jessica graduated from Texas A+M and joined Cindy’s firm as a leader in new business development. Cindy’s book “Living with No Balance and Loving It” highlights her vision of having it all while staying true to yourself. Her new book “My Secret to Stamina” is in the final stages of editing and should be out soon. Cindy has been recognized by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), formally the American Society of Training and Development as one of the most powerful, innovative and passionate speakers in the industry. She has been branded the “Radical Mentor” by thousands of executives around the world for her straight forward, no nonsense approach to leadership. She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Training Magazine, Successful Meetings, and broadcast live on the BBC. Cindy spans the globe speaking to vast audiences that range from line employees to top executives. She has also shared the stage with global leaders such as former New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani. Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recognized Cindy as one of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing. The Award is given for the most innovation, vision and achievement in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry.

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Kaleigh Wiese | Branding Educator

Kaleigh Wiese is an endless creator, visual branding educator, entrepreneur, and public speaker. She has worked her entire career helping creatives find their visual voice. She found Méldeen in 2008, a luxury branding and paper goods company focused on designing unique touch-points throughout the wedding experience. LABEL by Méldeen launched in 2018 with resources and services to help event pros and creative find their brand voice and visually share their companies uniqueness. Through her work in the industry, she has been featured in The Huffington Post, Enterpreneur.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, shared trends at Wedding MBA, WIPA, niche creative workshops and traveled the country offering tips for growing your business with WeddingPro (formerly The Knot & Wedding Wire) for the last 4 years. Additionally, she has been selected as a WeddingPro Educator to continue to give insight and walk alongside event pros across the US. When she’s not on the go, you can find her with a book in hand, boating on Lake Travis with her husband, Michael, and their two rescue pups, Charlie and Jack, hunting for the best tacos and margaritas in her hometown of Austin, and plotting her next adventure.

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny | Radical Mentor