Danielle Burmeister

Vice President of Marketing Communications

Homesteaders Life Company

Courtnery Gould-Miller

Chief Growth Officer

Homesteaders Life Company

Every decision you make as a leader shapes your organization’s future—but making the case for those decisions can be just as critical as making them. Whether you’re investing in new technology, upgrading facilities, expanding your team, or strengthening your culture, one question always follows: How will this pay off?

This session, led by Courtney Gould Miller, Chief Growth Officer of Homesteaders Life Company, breaks down how to confidently answer that question. You’ll learn how to move beyond gut instinct and build a clear, compelling narrative that connects today’s investments to tomorrow’s outcomes. Even in situations where returns aren’t immediately measurable, you’ll gain practical ways to articulate value, reduce uncertainty, and inspire confidence among stakeholders.

Designed for leaders at any level, this session provides a straightforward approach to evaluating opportunities, aligning investments with strategic goals, and communicating impact in a way that resonates with boards, investors, and internal decision-makers alike. You’ll also explore how emerging tools—like AI—can streamline your process and elevate how you present your ideas.

Key takeaways include:

Build a Clear, Convincing Business Case: Learn how to structure and communicate a strong business case that aligns with organizational priorities and speaks directly to the concerns of leadership, boards, or investors.

Reframe Costs as Strategic Investments: Shift the conversation from expense to opportunity by identifying and articulating both tangible and intangible returns—helping others see the long-term value behind your decisions.

Demonstrate ROI with Confidence: Explore practical methods for measuring success, even when outcomes are not immediately quantifiable, and learn how to track progress over time.

Leverage AI and Tools for Smarter Presentations: Discover simple, efficient ways to use AI and other resources to analyze data, strengthen your narrative, and deliver polished, persuasive presentations.

Whether you’re advocating for a major initiative or refining how you evaluate everyday decisions, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to demonstrate the real impact of investing in the future.

Laurie Covington

Chief Strategy Officer

Homesteaders Life Company

In a business world that often rewards the loudest voice in the room, introverts can feel overlooked or underestimated. Yet many of the most thoughtful, strategic, and impactful contributions come from those who prefer reflection over rapid response. This session is designed to help introverts harness their natural strengths and show up with greater confidence and clarity—without trying to become someone they’re not.

Attendees will learn practical, actionable strategies for speaking up in meetings, sharing ideas with influence, and building meaningful professional relationships in ways that feel authentic rather than draining. The session also addresses the internal barriers many introverts face, including overthinking and self-doubt, and provides tools to shift from hesitation to intentional presence.

At the same time, this session offers valuable insights for extroverts and leaders. Creating inclusive environments isn’t just about inviting participation—it’s about designing spaces where different communication styles are recognized and valued. Participants will gain perspective on how to better engage quieter team members and unlock the full potential of diverse voices.

Key takeaways include:

A Practical Playbook for Speaking Up: Learn simple, repeatable techniques to contribute effectively in meetings and conversations, including how to prepare, time your input, and communicate with confidence.

Strategic Networking That Feels Natural: Discover approaches to networking that prioritize depth over volume, helping you build genuine connections without the pressure of traditional “small talk” tactics.

Reframing Self-Doubt into Preparation and Presence: Shift your mindset from self-criticism to self-awareness by turning internal dialogue into a tool for thoughtful preparation and grounded confidence.

Bonus for Extroverts and Leaders – Drawing Out Introverts: Gain actionable tips for creating space in conversations, asking better questions, and fostering environments where quieter voices feel encouraged—and safe—to contribute.

Whether you identify as an introvert, work alongside one, or lead a team with diverse personalities, this session will help you rethink how participation, presence, and influence show up in today’s workplace.

Leili McMurrough

Program Director, President

Worsham College of Mortuary Science

Women in funeral service are often essential. They are the ones families trust and the ones who make everything work. But being essential is not the same as being influential. This session is about closing that gap.

“From Essential to Influential” explores how women can step more confidently into the business side of funeral service by understanding how decisions are made and recognizing the impact they already have on outcomes.

The session will examine a common dynamic in funeral service:

• Women are often developed in care and communication

• They are not always included in financial or strategic conversations

• This limits influence, advancement, and leadership opportunities

Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how funeral homes operate while also building confidence to engage in those conversations.

Topics will include:

• Recognizing where influence is limited and how to shift that

• Connecting daily responsibilities to broader business outcomes

• Using communication and trust-building as leadership tools

• Understanding key financial and operational concepts in a clear way

• Defining success beyond traditional expectations

This session focuses on building real confidence through understanding, not intimidation. It reinforces that women already have the foundation needed to lead, but need access, language, and support to step fully into that role.

Quinn Haisley-Wheeler

Director of Funeral Service Operations/Pet Services

Haisley Funeral & Cremation Service

In today’s evolving funeral profession, successful firms are those willing to recognize changing consumer needs and adapt their services accordingly. This presentation explores how identifying unmet needs within your community can lead to meaningful business growth while still honoring the core values of funeral service.

Using real-world examples from our own family-owned funeral home on Florida’s Treasure Coast, this session will highlight two key areas of expansion: launching an online cremation brand and developing a dedicated pet cremation service. Both ventures were created in response to clear shifts in consumer behavior and gaps within our local marketplace. By evaluating trends, listening carefully to families, and thinking creatively about how existing resources could be leveraged, we were able to expand our reach, serve new audiences, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of our business.

Attendees will learn how to identify similar opportunities within their own communities by analyzing demographic trends, consumer expectations, and operational capabilities already present within their firms. The session will also explore how strategic expansion can complement traditional funeral services rather than compete with them.

In addition to discussing the opportunities, we will also share practical insights into implementation — including branding, operational considerations, community education, and the importance of maintaining trust while introducing new services.

Participants will leave with ideas and strategies to help them think differently about growth, uncover overlooked opportunities within their existing operations, and position their funeral homes for continued success in a changing marketplace.

3 Key Takeaways:

Learn how to identify untapped opportunities within your own community by recognizing changing consumer needs, demographic trends, and gaps in local service offerings.

Understand how to successfully expand services beyond traditional funeral offerings, including strategies for launching complementary businesses such as online cremation services and pet cremation.

Gain practical insights on implementing new business ventures while maintaining trust, strengthening community relationships, and improving long-term profitability for your funeral home.

Wanda Sizemore

On-Boarding Specialist

Envision Strategic Partners

Your professional brand is more than a title or role—it’s the lasting impression you leave on others and the values you consistently demonstrate through your work. In this session, you’ll explore how to intentionally build a professional identity that reflects who you are, what you stand for, and the impact you want to make.

Through a personal and practical lens, this presentation shares the journey of building a career grounded in professionalism, determination, and authenticity. From early career beginnings to becoming a leader in the preneed profession, you’ll gain insight into how qualities like being courteous, engaging, and adaptable contribute to long-term success. You’ll also explore how traits such as tenacity and being “fierce” can be powerful strengths when framed with purpose and positivity.

This session emphasizes the importance of continuous learning to stay relevant, as well as the role of consistency in reinforcing your personal and company message. You’ll learn how to align your individual brand with your organization’s values while still standing out as a leader—especially as a role model for others, including women in the profession.

Beyond highlighting what to do, this session also provides a candid look at what not to do. By sharing real-world mistakes and lessons learned, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of common pitfalls and how to avoid them. The goal is not perfection, but progress—knowing when to stay determined and when to adapt.

You’ll also explore how your professional brand extends beyond personal success. Whether it’s supporting your family, mentoring associates, or contributing to your company’s mission, your brand has the power to influence and inspire others. This session challenges you to think intentionally about who you want to become—and equips you with the mindset and tools to get there.

Ultimately, attendees will leave with a clearer sense of purpose, a stronger understanding of how to shape their professional identity, and the confidence to pursue their goals with resilience and authenticity.