Leadership Lunch Club

01/12/2026

The biggest gap in AI adoption isn’t technical — it’s psychological.

Teams stall when leaders feel pressure to “get it right” instead of giving themselves permission to learn. Fear of mistakes often costs more than mistakes themselves.

Studies from Deloitte show that organizations that frame AI adoption with curiosity — not anxiety — see higher engagement, faster learning, and better outcomes.

At our upcoming February 5th Leadership Lunch Club event, we’ll focus on how leaders can guide adoption without fear, helping teams move forward with confidence instead of hesitation.

If you’ve been wondering where AI fits in your business — this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

You only have a few days left to save your seat: https://leadershiplunchclub.com/eventbrite-event/ai-without-the-overwhelm-outsized-results-for-small-business/

01/10/2026

Northern Michigan thrives when leaders come together. That’s why we’re excited to kick off year 14 of Leadership Lunch Club—where ideas spark, connections grow, and leadership takes center stage.

A big thank-you to Priority Health for supporting this series and helping us strengthen our community!

Learn more about them:

Prioritizing you with award-winning customer service and affordable health plans for individuals, families, employer groups and Medicare and Medicaid members.

01/09/2026

Our featured book of the February 5th event, The AI-Driven Leader, argues that modern leaders can regain clarity and focus by using AI as a strategic partner rather than just a productivity tool. Geoff Woods explains how AI can cut through information overload, challenge assumptions, and help leaders make faster, smarter decisions that keep them ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape.

The book offers a simple, practical framework for bringing AI into everyday leadership. Through examples and ready-to-use prompts, Woods shows how leaders can reduce operational noise, prioritize what truly matters, elevate team performance, and shift from constant reactive work to intentional, high-impact leadership.

Learn more + register for our upcoming event: https://leadershiplunchclub.com/eventbrite-event/ai-without-the-overwhelm-outsized-results-for-small-business/

01/08/2026

Most small businesses don’t fail at AI because the technology is too complex — they fail because they try to do too much, too fast.

Research from McKinsey shows that the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t tools or cost — it’s uncertainty about where to start. Leaders get stuck choosing platforms, chasing trends, or waiting until they “understand it all.”

The reality? You don’t need to be an AI expert to get real value. You need a simple framework: start small, test safely, and build confidence through use — not theory.

At our upcoming Leadership Lunch Club event, we’ll explore how small businesses can cut through the noise and move forward with clarity — without overwhelm or risky bets.

🔗 Learn more + register: https://leadershiplunchclub.com/eventbrite-event/ai-without-the-overwhelm-outsized-results-for-small-business/

01/07/2026

Rehmann's AI consulting services are designed to help businesses confidently navigate the ever-evolving AI landscape. Their team offers tailored solutions, including strategic AI roadmapping, IT governance, GenAI prompt engineering, workflow automation, and data analytics. By focusing on innovation, compliance, and efficiency, Rehmann empowers organizations to harness AI's transformative potential while aligning with long-term business goals.

Whether you're looking to enhance productivity, improve decision-making, or gain a competitive edge, Rehmann provides the expertise to make it happen.

Learn more at:

Rehmann’s AI consulting services are tailored to help businesses harness the power of AI for greater efficiency and productivity.

01/06/2026

Register Now for Our February 5th Event: AI Without the Overwhelm: Outsized Results for Small Business

Small businesses no longer need big teams or budgets to compete. The right AI tools are leveling the playing field, allowing leaders to produce sophisticated content in minutes, not weeks. In this presentation, you'll watch live as AI compresses hours into minutes—reinventing a website, creating viral social marketing videos, and generating compelling content on the spot—while showing how to sanity-check outputs, decide what’s “good enough,” and turn ideas into clear next steps your team can actually execute. You’ll leave with a low-risk starting playbook and genuine excitement about what’s now possible for your business through the help of AI.

Register now while seats last: https://leadershiplunchclub.com/eventbrite-event/ai-without-the-overwhelm-outsized-results-for-small-business/

01/05/2026

Meet Rob Patterson, co-founder of Traverse City–based AI company CIRQA and a leader in making advanced technology practical for real business decisions.

With nearly two decades driving innovation at SiriusXM, Rob brings a rare blend of big-tech experience and grounded, real-world insight. At oue next event, he’ll explore how leaders can use AI with confidence—asking better questions, making smarter decisions, and avoiding costly mistakes along the way.

Learn more about Rob and register: https://leadershiplunchclub.com/eventbrite-event/ai-without-the-overwhelm-outsized-results-for-small-business/

01/02/2026

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now for our 2026 series!

How would turning a week's worth of work into minutes impact your ability to achieve those stretch goals you've set for 2026?

AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be powerful. Tickets are now on sale for AI Without the Overwhelm: Outsized Results for Small Business, featuring Rob Patterson, Co-Founder of Traverse City–based AI company CIRQA. This session is designed for leaders who want practical, low-risk ways to use AI to save time, make better decisions, and move their business forward—without needing a tech background or a massive budget.

If you’ve been curious about AI but unsure where to start (or worried about doing it wrong), this event will give you a clear, confident path forward.

Register now and start building AI confidence the smart way: https://leadershiplunchclub.com/eventbrite-event/ai-without-the-overwhelm-outsized-results-for-small-business/

12/23/2025

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
-Winston Churchill

As we enter the holiday season, we find ourselves reflecting on some of the things that really matter to us — time spent with those who mean the most to us and the opportunity to give to and serve people and our community in ways that can make a meaningful impact.

Here are a few simple ways to carry the spirit of giving beyond the holidays:

- Give of your time to mentor, advise or support someone, especially someone going through a challenging time. Reach out and set something up now or for the new year.

- Express gratitude and recognition to those who have made a meaningful impact on your life or work.

- Share a financial gift or other resource to support a non-profit, a local start-up entrepreneur, or someone you know in need.

- Give the gift of quality time to listen, to see and show others we care.

(Did you know that more than 6 in 10 U.S. adults reported feeling lonely or disconnected while half or more adults said they felt isolated (54%), left out (50%) or lacking companionship (50%)? -2025 Harris Poll)

True leadership is grounded in generosity and service to others. Every act of giving strengthens relationships, inspires growth, and builds a thriving community.

From all of us at Leadership Lunch Club, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful moments with those who matter most.

Thank you for being part of our community—we look forward to serving you in the year ahead!

12/20/2025

🎉 Have you heard the news? Our 2026 Leadership Lunch Club series, “Beyond the Map: Thriving Amid Uncertainty,” has officially been announced!

From mastering AI without the overwhelm to building resilience in life and leadership, this 3-part series is designed to equip you with the tools and insights to thrive in unpredictable times.

📅 Tickets go on sale January 1, 2026!

Want to be the first to hear updates? Join our mailing list and stay in the loop: https://leadershiplunchclub.com/

11/27/2025

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we wanted to pause and express our deepest gratitude for you and our incredible community for supporting us over the last 13 years.

It’s your commitment, your questions, and your participation that make our mission—to inspire and equip leaders—possible. We are truly thankful for the energy and insight you bring to every event.

We also want to send a heartfelt thank you to all our generous sponsors. Your investment in our community is an investment in stronger, more resilient local leadership. You enable the critical conversations and connections that keep our region thriving.

We wish you and your family a restful, joyful holiday filled with good food, good company, and time to reflect.

11/26/2025

As the holidays approach, we’re grateful for partners like Benjamin Twiggs - The Original Cherry Store, who specialize in helping businesses create meaningful, Michigan-made gifts for clients and employees—all with turnkey service and unforgettable cherry favorites.

For the past five years, owner Leisa Eckerle has generously gifted each of our Leadership Lunch Club attendees with a delicious cherry treat. Her kindness and commitment to supporting local leadership have truly enriched our events.

If your organization is still finalizing holiday gifts—or planning client appreciation for the year ahead—Benjamin Twiggs offers a seamless solution:

✅ Thoughtfully curated Michigan gift boxes
✅ Personalized or branded gift notes
✅ Hassle-free nationwide direct shipping
✅ Flexible options for any budget
✅ A special 10% discount on corporate orders

Leisa would be delighted to share sample gift ideas, pricing, and custom options to help you find the perfect fit. We greatly appreciate Benjamin Twiggs's support and encourage our community to shop local this holiday season!

Learn More:

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