In Person

ELE Meetup: Potluck Brunch | Chicago

Past EventIn Person
Sat est. 2 hours
(UTC)

Meet ELE Contributing Members and get involved
Saturday, July 12 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (or later, if the wine flows!)
Location: At Dirk's Koi Pond | North Park, Chicago

Join Dirk Tussing and ELE Contributing Members for an intimate brunch 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

We are hosting two relaxed summer brunches with smaller groups from the ELE community. Join us by Dirk's Koi Pond for good conversation, fresh ideas, and easy networking. 🕰️ Choose the date that works for you:
  • Saturday, July 12 at 11:00 AM (Register on this page)
  • Saturday, August 16 at 11:00 AM (CLICK HERE to register)
It's potluck style. Bring a dish to share and a drink that pairs well. 🏃‍♂️ Seats are limited—only 12 per brunch! RSVP now to help us plan.

Think: Casual, Thoughtful, and Fun. 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. 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 12 guests for this trust-building experience. 🚗 Street parking is free and readily available.
1/7

About Dirk Tussing

View

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.

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

About Matt Sernaker

View

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.

Tanya Hinton
Sr Executive Search LeaderDSS Global Inc.
DSS Global Inc.

About Tanya Hinton

View

Executive Talent Acquisition specialist in identifying niche talent in the U.S. and globally for Fortune 100 companies in financial services, insurance, CPG, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit and government.

Diana Anderson
Senior Leader, Learning & Development, Change and Improvement Initiatives (OD)Chicagoland Talent Leaders
Chicagoland Talent Leaders

About Diana Anderson

View

Dynamic, innovative, high-performing leader with extensive experience delivering value for customers, employees, and leaders. Strong track record developing and implementing learning and leadership development solutions and experiences. Engaging, influential and masterful collaborator known for building strong relationships. Pragmatic, impact-focused, strategic aligning with business needs now and for the future. Awarded INSPIRE Award 2023 for inspiring teams and driving action. Effective at solving problems, curious, always learning and sharing insights. During ten years at Walgreens Learning & Development, contributed across talent and leadership development spectrum, including consulting and assessment, design, development and delivery, culture transformation and change leadership, and learning delivery and operation. Most recently, led training delivery operations and organizational development initiatives at Comcast influencing leadership teams and teammates in change and improvement initiatives.

Roberto Seif
Founder / Chief Transformationist @ Horizon2, LLCGlobal Talent Leaders
Global Talent Leaders

About Roberto Seif

View

Helping high-achievers in their 40s reinvent their careers—without burning it all down | 9-time pivoter | Strategy + structure for what’s next

Nicole DeFalco
Co-Founder @ Bridge to the BoardroomUpsurge Advisors
Upsurge Advisors

About Nicole DeFalco

View

About Deepa Kartha

View

I am the founder and CEO of Journyz and Founding partner of Culturerox. Journyz is an all-in-one platform for CXOs to create business solutions that engage all stakeholders. My mission is to help leaders and teams achieve their goals faster and easier, by combining business processes, people motivators, process accelerators, and communication amplifiers. I believe in creating value through innovation, collaboration, and gamification, and bringing diverse perspectives and experiences.

14 views
ShareCopy