Every leader has a story. The beliefs we hold about ourselves, others, and what's possible shape every decision we make and every result we create. Join Culture Partners for the Surrender to Lead virtual forum, a two-hour leadership experience designed to help you uncover the stories driving your leadership and learn how intentional shifts in mindset can create lasting impact.

The forum features Kelli Valade, CEO of Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) and former CEO of Denny's, who will share lessons from her leadership journey and explore the beliefs, stories, and choices that have shaped her success. Building on those insights, Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer of Culture Partners and USA Today bestselling author of Surrender to Lead, will lead an interactive workshop introducing the SHIFT Model through guided reflection, discussion, and practical application.

You'll leave with
  • A deeper understanding of how your beliefs shape your leadership and influence results
  • Practical strategies for leading with greater intention, confidence, and authenticity
  • Actionable tools from the SHIFT Model to strengthen accountability, alignment, and performance

Details About the Webinar

Thursday, August 13, 2026 · 2:00 p.m. EDT (GMT -4:00)
Cost: Free
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Can't join the live session? Register and we'll send you a recording to view on demand at your convenience.

About the Speakers

1783635637-1db2b2529a0cb92a Kelli Valade
CEO, Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF)

Kelli Valade is a transformational leader with a track record of leading mature, iconic brands in identifying and leveraging untapped potential to drive strategies for future growth. Kelli currently serves as the CEO of Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF), the leading organization advancing leaders across the foodservice industry. Prior to joining WFF, she served as CEO of Denny’s. Previously, Kelli spent over 22 years at Brinker International, including serving as brand president and COO for Chili's Grill & Bar.

Kelli earned her bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University and an MBA from Syracuse University. She currently resides in Spartanburg, SC and Dallas, TX. She and her husband, Don, have two adult children, both of whom are in college in Massachusetts.

1783635677-0ee63fb1c476c8dd Jessica Kriegel
Chief Strategy Officer

Dr. Jessica Kriegel is driven by data and defined by results. She transforms corporate culture for success. As seen on CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, NBC, FOX Business, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and more, Jessica is a household name for all workplace, labor, leadership, women in the workplace, and job markets. Her renowned “Results Equation” was acquired by Culture Partners in 2021, where she is currently Chief Strategy Officer.

As a member of the executive team at Culture Partners, Jessica leads groundbreaking research, strategy, and innovation alongside institutions like Stanford University.

1727899331-e11d1975b9884697 Katy Amaya
Senior Culture Strategist, Culture Partners

With almost 20 years of experience in operations leadership at Brinker International, Katy brings a unique perspective to her role as Senior Culture Strategist at Culture Partners. During her tenure, Katy partnered closely with Culture Partners, experiencing firsthand the transformative power of their approach. Inspired by the impact on the company's performance and culture, she joined Culture Partners two years ago to help other organizations achieve similar success.

At Culture Partners, Katy now works with organizations worldwide across various industries, like restaurants, healthcare, credit unions, construction and agriculture, state agencies, and more. Katy’s passion lies in aligning teams, driving results, and creating lasting cultural change.

Katy is originally from Seattle, WA, but now lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband and 2 boys.

Contact Info

Culture Partners
1-800-504-6070
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