Denver Chapter Event
Inside the Pages | Lives Lost and Leadership Found, Lessons from Special Somebodies
Wednesday, September 23rd
05:00 - 06:15 PM MDT / 07:00 - 08:15 PM EDT
How has a special somebody shaped the leader you've become?
That question sits at the heart of the book, Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons from Special Somebodies.
This 75-minute panel discussion explores how the people we've lost or learned from continue to influence the way we live and lead. Whether your special somebody was a mentor, family member, friend, or colleague, their impact becomes a source of inspiration and guidance.
Moderated by Steve Fitzgerald, you'll hear from lead author Ian Ziskin as well as essay contributors Liz Andora and Sophia Kristjansson who discuss how loss shaped how they lead in both business and life. It's an honest, heartfelt look at the connection between loss, learning, and the leaders we become.
If you're interested in leadership, personal growth, or the power of storytelling, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Early Registration Bonus: The first 25 registrants will receive a complimentary copy of Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons from Special Somebodies—a thoughtful collection of leadership lessons and insights to continue the conversation beyond the event.
Complimentary for C-Sweet members. Non-member ticket - $25.
Meet the Panelists
Ian Ziskin
President of EXec EXcel Group LLC and Author of Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons from Special Somebodies
Ian Ziskin has 40+ years of experience as a business leader, board advisor and member, coach, consultant, CHRO, entrepreneur, teacher, speaker, and author. His clients and corporate work span more than 25 industries and include Fortune 1000, entrepreneurial, publicly traded, and privately held businesses. Ian is recognized as a trusted advisor to CEOs, C-level executives, operating and HR leaders, and board members.
He is Co-Founder of the Consortium for Change and the CHREATE Project and an Adjunct Professor in the Binghamton University School of Management MBA program. His global business leadership experience includes 28 years in CHRO and other senior leadership roles with Northrop Grumman, Qwest Communications, and TRW.
Ian has served on numerous Boards of Directors and Advisory Boards and has held Executive in Residence appointments at Binghamton University, Cornell University, and USC. His current pro bono work includes teaching and coaching CHROs at the National Academy of Human Resources and leading the HR HeRoes Academy.
Ian has written or co-edited four books, is a contributing author to several leadership publications, has written dozens of articles, blogs, and book chapters, and is a frequent podcast guest.
Liz Andora
Chief People Officer, DHI Group
Liz Andora is Chief People Officer at DHI Group, Inc. and Founder & Principal of Andora Consulting Solutions LLC. A seasoned human capital executive, she brings extensive leadership experience across private equity, venture-backed, and public companies, helping organizations build people strategies that accelerate growth, innovation, and long-term business success.
Throughout her career, Liz has partnered with startups, midsize organizations, and Fortune 500 companies across the technology, software, consumer products, and financial services sectors. She specializes in designing high-impact talent strategies, strengthening leadership capabilities, and aligning organizational priorities with business objectives. Her expertise spans IPO readiness and execution, mergers and acquisitions, executive succession, talent management, total rewards, and organizational transformation.
Known as a trusted strategic advisor and executive coach, Liz works closely with senior leaders to navigate growth, scale teams, and cultivate high-performing cultures. She is passionate about empowering leaders to lead authentically, elevate their effectiveness, and create meaningful impact within their organizations.
Anna-Sophia Kristjansson
CEO & Founder, Lexicon Lens | Business Strategist
Anna-Sophia Kristjansson is a business strategist and founder of Lexicon Lens, with 25 years of experience guiding organizations in connecting strategy to execution. She advises executive teams on aligning business goals with practical action, driving planning, collaboration, and long-term performance. With expertise spanning neuroscience, business strategy, organizational development, and cross-functional leadership, Anna-Sophia brings clarity and grounded insight to complex challenges. She teaches graduate-level courses in strategic leadership and organizational transformation at the University of Denver, connecting academic insight with real-world application.
Meet the Moderator
Steve Fitzgerald
Chief Executive Officer, Firestorm Group Ltd
Steve Fitzgerald is the Chief Executive Officer of FireStorm Group Ltd., an eclectic collection of enterprises spanning human capital consulting, art, and real estate. He coaches C-suite executives (with a special program for Chief Human Resources Officers who are new to their roles) and consults on talent management, with a focus on developing critical talent, executive succession, creativity, culture and change, M&A integration, and human capital strategy. He thrives on solving complex people challenges.
Steve's executive career spans more than 30 years, during which he held the top HR and talent leadership positions at organizations including Bridgewater Associates, Visteon, Vail Resorts, and Fairlane Credit. He also held executive roles at Silicon Valley companies such as Sun Microsystems and Avaya, spending more than a dozen years of his career in the technology sector.
Steve credits his early years at Ford Motor Company, after graduating from Michigan State University, as foundational in shaping his approach to the systematic development of talent within a century-old enterprise.
***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***
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