Discover the Power of Networking and Relationships

Learn the secrets of networking and how to use it to grow your business or your career. Success depends on your ability to leverage your network. Meet five leaders in Southern California who used networking to build and grow their businesses. Find out how they became successful.

Moderator:

John LaBonty | President | LaBonty Consulting
John LaBonty has held a number of senior executive positions over his career. He has worked for a number of Fortune 500 companies such as Procter & Gamble, Tambrands, Citigroup, and Smashbox (Estee Lauder). Additionally, he has founded a number of businesses, including his most recent, UrbanGames and Instant Job Match. John speaks frequently throughout southern California on networking and his personal experience in landing a great job through networking.

Panelists:

Tim Tyrell-Smith | Marketing Coach | Tim’s Strategy
Tim Tyrell-Smith is a marketing, social networking and business coach focusing on small/mid-size businesses, non-profits and individuals. A veteran executive in consumer marketing, Tim started his career with Nestle USA and has since worked in product management on premium brands including Nestle Quik, Tree Top Apple Juice, Mauna Loa Macadamias and Meguiar’s Car Wax. He was most recently Vice President of Marketing for a private equity owned food company in Southern California. Tim is also a popular blogger, author and brand marketer. He has been a regular contributor to U.S. News and World Report, was featured in USA Today and is the author of two career books (“30 Ideas” and “HeadStrong”). Tim’s Strategy began in September 2008 as a way to give back to the community that supported Tim during his 2007 job search. Tim’s blog “Tim’s Strategy: Ideas for Job Search, Career and Life” has more than 4,500 subscribers and is read in 126 countries.

John Davies | VP, Senior Analyst | GreenBiz Group
John heads up research efforts for GreenBiz Group and leads the GreenBiz Executive Network, a member-based, peer-to-peer learning forum for sustainability professionals. John is an experienced entrepreneur and innovator who has applied his business and management skills to launching start-ups as well as improving the operations of existing businesses. John is a frequent keynote speaker at international events, is well-known for his supply chain and sustainability expertise and is the author of numerous articles in business, industry, and educational publications. He is also the author of The $100,000+ Career: The New Approach to Networking for Executive Job Change.

Christi Haley Stover | President | Platinum Resource Group
Christi Haley Stover is the president and founder of Platinum Resource Group, a consulting and interim staffing company, focusing onIT, Accounting,Finance and Human Capital. Christi has an extensive background in consulting services, both in sales and recruiting. Prior to consulting services, Christi held leadership positions at Disney, Toshiba, Nestle and FedEx. Her roles have spanned across information technology, accounting and finance, as well as business operations.

Jack Bicer | CEO | Septium
Jack is the founder of Septium, a custom Web and Mobile App Development company and a Microsoft Partner. Prior to Septium, Jack held several CTO roles since 1996. A 30+ year custom software industry veteran, Jack is an industry expert on custom mobile applications, SaaS/web software, and Online Payment processing. Known as the “Father of Uninstall”, he invented the uninstall concept and wrote the first uninstaller. He is also credited with inventing the “Automated Software Updates”. Jack is the founder and chairman of TechBiz Connection and holds a BSc in Communications Engineering from University of Kent, an MSc in Computer Science from George Washington University and attended the Pepperdine MBA program.

Jeff Black | Managing Principal Consultant | McDermott & Bull
Jeff Black is a Managing Principal Consultant with McDermott & Bull Executive Search. As the longest tenured consultant with the firm, Jeff’s practice focuses primarily in Manufacturing/Technology, Healthcare/Life sciences, and the Building Industry. Jeff joined McDermott & Bull after a 23-year career with Hughes Aircraft Company where he served as Vice President and General Manager of divisions over $100M in revenue, and this background offers a client’s perspective for his role as a search consultant. Jeff has a BA in Business and an MBA from CSU Fullerton. As a part of building a strong community and business network, Jeff is active in the Forum for Corporate Directors and is proud to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Orange County and on advisory councils at Vanguard University.