ELE Event | In Person

ELE Strategic Advisory Board Dinner

Wed est. 3 hours
(UTC)

Coming up soon:
🤝 VIRTUAL DISCUSSION | Measuring Skills Development: How Talent Data Validates Business Impact (15-AUG-2025)
đź’ˇAI PRACTICAL LABS | Learn together through monthly hands-on applications of AI in L&D
đź•’ Join our Weekly Office Hours! Explore the Benefits of the ELE Community! 

In Person

ELE Strategic Advisory Board Dinner

Past EventIn Person
Wed est. 3 hours
(UTC)

ELE Strategic Advisory Board Dinner
Wednesday, July 2 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (or later, if the wine flows!)
Location: At Dirk's Koi Pond | North Park, Chicago

Join Dirk Tussing and fellow members of ELE’s Strategic Advisory Board for an intimate evening where insight meets reflection and connection drives momentum. This is where we trade PowerPoint for people-first dialogue, and co-create what comes next for talent development.

Real conversations. Trusted peers.
This isn’t a panel or a presentation—it’s an invitation

Whether you're refreshing your leadership pipeline, piloting AI agents, or exploring new capability frameworks—this dinner is a place to think aloud with others who get it.

ELE Strategic Advisory Board

What to Expect:

  • 🍷 Light wine tasting and informal mingling starting at 5:30 PM
    🍽️ Dinner service around 6:30 PM
    đź’¬ 3 curated conversation cards to guide us (before, during, and after the meal)
    🌙 Outdoor setting by the koi pond—come as you are, stay as long as you'd like

ELE Strategic Advisory Board


Dinner Theme: Burn, Bloom & Breakthrough

This isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey. We’ll move through three reflective prompts to explore what we’re releasing, what’s taking root, and what big shifts we’re chasing. Expect honest, peer-to-peer connection around ideas that matter—personally and professionally.

Small group chats, zero pressure, and real talk encouraged.

ELE Strategic Advisory Board

Dress Code: Zen by the Koi Waterfall
Effortless. Expressive. Grounded.

Come dressed in soft fabrics and relaxed silhouettes—floral prints and organic colors welcome. Think garden elegance meets mindful presence.

✔️ Yes to: breezy linens, flowy dresses, nature-inspired colors and patterns
❌ No to: suits, ties, or anything that says “conference room”

🪷 Dress like you’re about to have your most important conversation of the summer—with someone who really sees you.

Additional Details
🌟 Space is limited to nine guests for this trust-building experience.
đźš— Street parking is free and readily available.

1/9
Charisse Kosova
Global Director, Learning & DevelopmentTMS
TMS

About Charisse Kosova

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Charisse Kosova is a demonstrated leader in global talent development with over 20 years of experience spanning Fortune 500+ companies, non-profits, and professional services. As Director of Learning & Development at Branch Financial, she built a comprehensive L&D organization from the ground up. Previous roles include Director of DEI L&D at McDonald’s, where she developed a global DEI learning strategy, and Global Head of Training & Development at Shure, where she led L&D initiatives across 32 countries. At IOR Global Services she was Director of Global Talent Development, building intercultural learning initiatives for international corporations. She holds a Master of Adult Education from National Louis University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, along with numerous certifications in leadership and intercultural communication. She lived in Ethiopia as a child, and has lived and worked in Morocco in the US Peace Corps, Japan, and the UK.

Teri Hart
VP, Head of Learning and DevelopmentZurich North America
Zurich North America

About Teri Hart

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Teri is head of Learning & Development for Zurich North America. Teri has over 25 years’ experience in the Learning and Development space having served in learning leadership roles at Discover, McKinsey, and GE Healthcare. Teri has an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern and an MSEd in Instructional Technology from Indiana University.

About Dirk Tussing

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Executive Learning Exchange (ELE) accelerates growth through immersive, peer-driven experiences that elevate your brand, sharpen your strategic edge, and connect you with the talent leaders shaping the future of work. My specialty? Helping talent leaders grow faster—through candid conversations, transformative learning experiences, and access to the right people at the right time.

Jane Shlaes
Leadership Coach (PCC)Mindell Leadership
Mindell Leadership

About Jane Shlaes

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I leverage my talents in leadership coaching, facilitation, learning strategy, team, employee and leadership development, presentation skills, and change management to help leaders, teams, and organizations elevate their performance and impact.

Yolanda Mangram
Learning Strategy and Development LeaderELE Group, LLC
ELE Group, LLC

About Yolanda Mangram

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I drive value by designing, selecting, implementing and managing learning and performance services and solutions through and extended network fo global outsourced operations.

Matt Sernaker
Senior Business Development DirectorLake Forest Center for Leadership
Lake Forest Center for Leadership

About Matt Sernaker

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Matt has an extensive Corporate Learning background which includes 20 years in the Hospitality/Meetings and Events industries. Throughout his career, he has partnered with clients and teams nationwide while acting as Chief Operating Officer, EVP Marketing/Learning and Development, VP of Sales Development, and Executive Producer. Matt joined Lake Forest Center for Leadership in early 2023 and continues to partner with clients across various industries to craft unique Leadership and Talent Development opportunities.

Brian Gold
VP of Global L&DAcrisure
Acrisure

About Brian Gold

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I am naturally curious, love to learn and self aware enough to know that I don't know it all. I am passionate about coaching and empowering. I am fulfilled by leveraging my professional experience to support non-profits and serve on a few boards . I have a strong interest in small business owners, and entrepreneurship.

Alaska Fu
Experience DesignerELE Group, LLC
ELE Group, LLC

About Alaska Fu

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Focused on creating impactful design with functionality that suits everyday life. Creating unique emotive experiences in digital design that makes you feel what you are looking at.

Susan Heatherly
C-Level Executive CoachELE Group, LLC
ELE Group, LLC

About Susan Heatherly

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