GET
INSPIRED
IN…

Escape to the place where leadership lives large

Welcome to Leadertown. Where leading with integrity is contagious and you are the spark. During this one-day conference, you’ll discover how integrity shapes character, guides decisions, and helps you lead with steadiness in a changing world. You’ll hear from inspiring speakers, learn how to put your values into practice, and do it all surrounded by people who are eager to connect and grow.

Integrity is more than honesty or doing the right thing. It’s the foundation that holds everything together. During your visit to Leadertown, each keynote and breakout will challenge you to lead with consistency, purpose, and conviction—even in unfamiliar situations. So take notes. Ask questions. And don’t be afraid to have a conversation with the person next to you. Do that and you won’t just leave inspired, you’ll leave grounded in who you are and how you lead.

Put on by the University of Jamestown and the Unruh School of Character in Leadership, this one-day conference is the premier event for leadership education and inspiration rooted in Christian virtues.

When
September 17, 2026
Where
Harold Newman Arena
6000 College Ln, Jamestown, ND 58405

WHY IT’S WORTH THE ROAD TRIP

1 full dayof speakers+ workshops
Networking + education +fellowship
Inspiration rooted in Christian virtues

The leaders you’ll see live

Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman

Founder, Owner, & CEO

Inside-Out Learning, Inc.

Dr. Polly Peterson

President

University of Jamestown

Dr. Henry Cloud

Leadership Expert, Clinical Psychologist, and NYT Bestselling Author

Granger Smith

NYT Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Christian Minister

Dr. Ellen Beattie

Assistant Professor/Methodologist

University of Arizona, Global Campus

Karli Moch

Speaker, Leadership & Performance Coach, Author

The Dream Project

Chris Hoke

Chief Informational Officer

University of Jamestown

Dr. Elizabeth Hunt

Executive Director of the Unruh School of Character in Leadership

University of Jamestown

Dr. Jorge Salcedo

Co-Founder of the Student Leadership Center

Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM)

Dr. Astrid Garza

Professor

Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM)

Pastor David Pothier

Senior Pastor

La Chapelle

Dr. Paul Olson

Executive Vice President

University of Jamestown

Dr. Seth Stone

Director of the Doctor of Leadership

University of Jamestown

Your day out on the town

Agenda

time icon09/17/2026 08:00 am to
09:00 am

Character Virtues Prayer Walk

Location: Campus (Start at Newman Arena)


time icon09/17/2026 08:00 am to
09:30 am

Registration & Networking

Location: Newman Arena Lobby


time icon09/17/2026 09:30 am to
09:35 am

Welcome

Location: Newman Arena Main Stage

time icon09/17/2026 09:30 am to
10:00 am

Opening Remarks

Location: Newman Arena Main Stage

time icon09/17/2026 10:00 am to
10:50 am

Keynote: Granger Smith

speaker headshot

Granger Smith
NYT Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Christian Minister

Location: Newman Arena Main Stage

time icon09/17/2026 11:00 am to
11:45 am

Chapel Service: Advancing Your Calling in an Age of Uncertainty

speaker headshot

Pastor David Pothier
Senior Pastor La Chapelle

The future has never felt more uncertain. Rapid technological change, cultural shifts, economic instability, and endless possibilities can leave us questioning our direction and hesitating to move forward. Yet history shows that meaningful leaders are not those who wait for certainty—they are those who move forward with courage.

In this session, David Pothier will challenge attendees to embrace their calling with confidence, make courageous decisions in the face of uncertainty, and develop the resilience to lead even when the path ahead is unclear. Through practical insights and compelling stories, participants will discover that courage grows when we choose to pursue what matters most, even when the road ahead is uncertain.

Whether you are discerning your future career, leadership journey, or life's purpose, this talk will inspire you to move forward with conviction, courage, and hope.

time icon09/17/2026 12:00 pm to
01:30 pm

Lunch & Networking

time icon09/17/2026 01:30 pm to
02:20 pm

Workshop Sessions 1

time icon09/17/2026 02:30 pm to
03:20 pm

Workshop Sessions 2

time icon09/17/2026 03:20 pm to
04:00 pm

Break

time icon09/17/2026 04:00 pm to
05:30 pm

Keynote: Dr. Henry Cloud

speaker headshot

Dr. Henry Cloud
Leadership Expert, Clinical Psychologist, and NYT Bestselling Author

Location: Newman Arena Main Stage

time icon09/17/2026 01:30 pm to
02:20 pm

Made for a Mission

speaker headshot

Karli Moch
Speaker, Leadership & Performance Coach, Author The Dream Project

Karli Moch never planned to be a speaker, but when a life-threatening illness forced her to pause everything, this message became the foundation she rebuilt her life on. Now, as a speaker and performance coach working with Division I athletes, she is on a mission to help others live with that same clarity and purpose. 

In a world marked by pressure, comparison, and uncertainty, this message matters now more than ever. Made for a Mission reminds each person they are created on purpose, for a purpose and that how they show up each day has the power to impact the lives around them. 

Through powerful storytelling, Karli reveals the unseen struggles we all carry. Drawing from her own journey with chronic illness, she empowers attendees to own their story and live with greater compassion, purpose, and service. 

Attendees will walk away with: 

• Confidence to show up as their authentic selves 

• A new lens for seeing others with empathy and understanding 

• A shift from self-focus to service 

Because when you live on a mission, the way you show up doesn’t just change your life, it changes others too. 

time icon09/17/2026 01:30 pm to
02:20 pm

Leading with Authenticity: Creating and Living Your Authentic Brand

speaker headshot

Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman
Founder, Owner, & CEO Inside-Out Learning, Inc.

In this session, Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman will walk you through an exercise to craft your Authentic Brand Statement by answering 5 questions. This is one of the core components of elevating your authentic presence as outlined in her WSJ and USA Today best-selling, Axiom Gold medal award-winning book, The Authenticity Code™.    

In this session, you will: 

• Develop Your Authentic Brand Statement: Craft a statement that truly represents who you are and who you are becoming as a professional or leader. 

• Personal Commitment: Embrace your Authentic Brand Statement, learn how to live and practice it daily and prepare to experience higher levels of fulfillment and satisfaction. 

• Visualize Your Future Self: Receive an AI prompt to create a personalized future-self avatar that reflects you fully living your Authentic Brand. 

This presentation is a powerful combination of personal reflection and collaborative learning in a supportive environment. 

time icon09/17/2026 01:30 pm to
02:20 pm

Integrity in Inquiry: Character, Trust, and the Pursuit of Truth

speaker headshot

Dr. Ellen Beattie
Assistant Professor/Methodologist University of Arizona, Global Campus

Research integrity is about far more than avoiding plagiarism or following ethical guidelines. It is about the character we demonstrate when no one is watching. Every day, researchers, clinicians, educators, business leaders, and students make decisions that shape the quality of evidence others rely upon. But what happens when deadlines, expectations, personal bias, or emerging technologies like artificial intelligence make the right choice more difficult? 

This interactive session invites participants to explore research integrity through the lens of leadership and character. Through engaging scenarios, thought-provoking discussion, and real-world ethical dilemmas, we will examine how courage, wisdom, humility, and integrity influence the pursuit of truth and the trust others place in our work. Whether you are conducting research, leading a team, caring for patients, or making organizational decisions, you will leave with practical strategies for strengthening ethical decision-making and a renewed appreciation for the vital role integrity plays in building trust, advancing knowledge, and leading with purpose. 

time icon09/17/2026 01:30 pm to
02:20 pm

Mission Integrity – Panel Discussion

speaker headshot

Dr. Polly Peterson
President University of Jamestown

time icon09/17/2026 01:30 pm to
02:20 pm

Facing Failure

speaker headshot

Dr. Paul Olson
Executive Vice President University of Jamestown

Facing Failure is an interactive session that addresses a topic that many leaders prefer to avoid discussing: failure. The session will include a conversation about addressing failure with integrity and how leaders can maintain a healthy sense of identity while dealing with failure both internally and with others. The session will also include an extended visualization exercise designed to help leaders prepare for failure, which counter intuitively, can help free them to make the kinds of decisions for their organizations that lead to success.

time icon09/17/2026 01:30 pm to
02:20 pm

Character Before Capability: Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

speaker headshot

Chris Hoke
Chief Informational Officer University of Jamestown

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we learn, work, create, and lead. As AI makes it easier to accomplish tasks once requiring significant time and expertise, the most important leadership question is no longer "What can AI do?" but "Who are we becoming because of it?" 

This session explores why integrity remains the defining quality of effective leadership in an AI-driven world. Drawing on principles from AI leadership, ethics, and the University of Jamestown's Character in Leadership initiative, we'll examine how AI challenges us to balance innovation with wisdom, efficiency with accountability, and capability with character. Participants will consider practical questions surrounding transparency, human oversight, stewardship, and ethical decision-making while discovering how leaders can harness AI to enhance—rather than diminish—critical thinking, creativity, and human dignity. 

Technology will continue to evolve, but character remains timeless. Whether you are a student, educator, business professional, or community leader, you'll leave with a framework for using AI responsibly and leading with integrity in an age where the greatest competitive advantage is not artificial intelligence, but authentic character. 

time icon09/17/2026 01:30 pm to
02:20 pm

From Fallacy to Formation: Rethinking and Operationalizing Integrity

speaker headshot

Dr. Seth Stone
Director of the Doctor of Leadership University of Jamestown

Most leaders believe they can recognize integrity when they see it. They’re often wrong. Our judgments are shaped by bias, culture, and competing definitions—often without our awareness. This session challenges conventional thinking through historical exploration, real-time reflection, and a story, helping participants understand the social and behavioral foundations of integrity and translate it into something practical: a shared definition supported by systems, behaviors, and decisions that hold under pressure. 

time icon09/17/2026 01:30 pm to
02:20 pm

Emotional Intelligence: A Foundation for Leading with Integrity

speaker headshot

Dr. Jorge Salcedo
Co-Founder of the Student Leadership Center Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM)

speaker headshot

Dr. Astrid Garza
Professor Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM)

Leadership research has long emphasized the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that enable leaders to achieve positive organizational outcomes (Northouse, 2022). Yet a persistent gap remains between leadership theory and the development of leaders who consistently inspire trust by acting with integrity. Emotional Intelligence (EI) helps bridge this gap by developing the emotional competencies that foster personal congruence, self-restraint, credibility, and authentic leadership. 

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and regulate one's own emotions while accurately perceiving and responding to the emotions of others. These competencies enable leaders to make thoughtful decisions under pressure, navigate interpersonal challenges effectively, and build relationships grounded in trust and respect. 

In this interactive session, participants will examine the connection between emotional intelligence and leadership development, with particular attention to the role of self-awareness and self-management in leading with integrity. The session will introduce practical, evidence-informed strategies that have been implemented with executives and graduate students at the Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of EI and leave with adaptable tools to strengthen strategies that promote emotional intelligence and integrity among those who are leaders. Such strategies can be adapted for use in participants' own workplace, classrooms, leadership programs, or organizations. 

time icon09/17/2026 02:30 pm to
03:20 pm

Made for a Mission

speaker headshot

Karli Moch
Speaker, Leadership & Performance Coach, Author The Dream Project

Karli Moch never planned to be a speaker, but when a life-threatening illness forced her to pause everything, this message became the foundation she rebuilt her life on. Now, as a speaker and performance coach working with Division I athletes, she is on a mission to help others live with that same clarity and purpose. 

In a world marked by pressure, comparison, and uncertainty, this message matters now more than ever. Made for a Mission reminds each person they are created on purpose, for a purpose and that how they show up each day has the power to impact the lives around them. 

Through powerful storytelling, Karli reveals the unseen struggles we all carry. Drawing from her own journey with chronic illness, she empowers attendees to own their story and live with greater compassion, purpose, and service. 

Attendees will walk away with: 

• Confidence to show up as their authentic selves 

• A new lens for seeing others with empathy and understanding 

• A shift from self-focus to service 

Because when you live on a mission, the way you show up doesn’t just change your life, it changes others too. 

time icon09/17/2026 02:30 pm to
03:20 pm

Integrity in Inquiry: Character, Trust, and the Pursuit of Truth

speaker headshot

Dr. Ellen Beattie
Assistant Professor/Methodologist University of Arizona, Global Campus

Research integrity is about far more than avoiding plagiarism or following ethical guidelines. It is about the character we demonstrate when no one is watching. Every day, researchers, clinicians, educators, business leaders, and students make decisions that shape the quality of evidence others rely upon. But what happens when deadlines, expectations, personal bias, or emerging technologies like artificial intelligence make the right choice more difficult? 

This interactive session invites participants to explore research integrity through the lens of leadership and character. Through engaging scenarios, thought-provoking discussion, and real-world ethical dilemmas, we will examine how courage, wisdom, humility, and integrity influence the pursuit of truth and the trust others place in our work. Whether you are conducting research, leading a team, caring for patients, or making organizational decisions, you will leave with practical strategies for strengthening ethical decision-making and a renewed appreciation for the vital role integrity plays in building trust, advancing knowledge, and leading with purpose. 

time icon09/17/2026 02:30 pm to
03:20 pm

Mission Integrity – Panel Discussion

speaker headshot

Dr. Polly Peterson
President University of Jamestown

time icon09/17/2026 02:30 pm to
03:20 pm

Facing Failure

speaker headshot

Dr. Paul Olson
Executive Vice President University of Jamestown

Facing Failure is an interactive session that addresses a topic that many leaders prefer to avoid discussing: failure. The session will include a conversation about addressing failure with integrity and how leaders can maintain a healthy sense of identity while dealing with failure both internally and with others. The session will also include an extended visualization exercise designed to help leaders prepare for failure, which counter intuitively, can help free them to make the kinds of decisions for their organizations that lead to success.

time icon09/17/2026 02:30 pm to
03:20 pm

Character Before Capability: Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

speaker headshot

Chris Hoke
Chief Informational Officer University of Jamestown

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we learn, work, create, and lead. As AI makes it easier to accomplish tasks once requiring significant time and expertise, the most important leadership question is no longer "What can AI do?" but "Who are we becoming because of it?" 

This session explores why integrity remains the defining quality of effective leadership in an AI-driven world. Drawing on principles from AI leadership, ethics, and the University of Jamestown's Character in Leadership initiative, we'll examine how AI challenges us to balance innovation with wisdom, efficiency with accountability, and capability with character. Participants will consider practical questions surrounding transparency, human oversight, stewardship, and ethical decision-making while discovering how leaders can harness AI to enhance—rather than diminish—critical thinking, creativity, and human dignity. 

Technology will continue to evolve, but character remains timeless. Whether you are a student, educator, business professional, or community leader, you'll leave with a framework for using AI responsibly and leading with integrity in an age where the greatest competitive advantage is not artificial intelligence, but authentic character. 

time icon09/17/2026 02:30 pm to
03:20 pm

From Fallacy to Formation: Rethinking and Operationalizing Integrity

speaker headshot

Dr. Seth Stone
Director of the Doctor of Leadership University of Jamestown

Most leaders believe they can recognize integrity when they see it. They’re often wrong. Our judgments are shaped by bias, culture, and competing definitions—often without our awareness. This session challenges conventional thinking through historical exploration, real-time reflection, and a story, helping participants understand the social and behavioral foundations of integrity and translate it into something practical: a shared definition supported by systems, behaviors, and decisions that hold under pressure. 

time icon09/17/2026 02:30 pm to
03:20 pm

Emotional Intelligence: A Foundation for Leading with Integrity

speaker headshot

Dr. Jorge Salcedo
Co-Founder of the Student Leadership Center Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM)

speaker headshot

Dr. Astrid Garza
Professor Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM)

Leadership research has long emphasized the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that enable leaders to achieve positive organizational outcomes (Northouse, 2022). Yet a persistent gap remains between leadership theory and the development of leaders who consistently inspire trust by acting with integrity. Emotional Intelligence (EI) helps bridge this gap by developing the emotional competencies that foster personal congruence, self-restraint, credibility, and authentic leadership. 

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and regulate one's own emotions while accurately perceiving and responding to the emotions of others. These competencies enable leaders to make thoughtful decisions under pressure, navigate interpersonal challenges effectively, and build relationships grounded in trust and respect. 

In this interactive session, participants will examine the connection between emotional intelligence and leadership development, with particular attention to the role of self-awareness and self-management in leading with integrity. The session will introduce practical, evidence-informed strategies that have been implemented with executives and graduate students at the Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of EI and leave with adaptable tools to strengthen strategies that promote emotional intelligence and integrity among those who are leaders. Such strategies can be adapted for use in participants' own workplace, classrooms, leadership programs, or organizations. 

time icon09/17/2026 10:00 am to
10:50 am

Keynote: Granger Smith

speaker headshot

Granger Smith
NYT Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Christian Minister

Location: Newman Arena Main Stage

time icon09/17/2026 04:00 pm to
05:30 pm

Keynote: Dr. Henry Cloud

speaker headshot

Dr. Henry Cloud
Leadership Expert, Clinical Psychologist, and NYT Bestselling Author

Location: Newman Arena Main Stage

Sponsors

Mayor of Leadertown

The Townsquare

LeaderTownhall

Backyard Bash

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

We offer a range of sponsorship levels to suit your goals, each with unique benefits and opportunities for brand exposure. Join us in shaping the next generation of leaders by sponsoring Leadertown. Email brett.moser@uj.edu for more information or call 701-252-3467 ext. 5638

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Secure your spot early and save! Leadertown 2026 offers tiered pricing based on when you register:

  • Early Bird (May 1 – July 23): $49 General Admission
  • Standard (July 24 – September 16): $79 General Admission

Yes! If you have a group of more than 10 individuals, please contact us for special pricing and to learn more.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in keynotes, workshop discussions and panels that are critical for shaping. Featuring inspiring and through provoking keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and high-impact networking opportunities, Leadertown provides the opportunity to engage, learn and transform.

Speakers and panelists are from a diverse range of sectors including social media, education, business, faith and philanthropy.

Conference Objectives

At Leadertown, our conference is designed to empower you with essential leadership skills rooted in character development.

Here’s what you can expect to gain:

  • Understand the Essence of Character: Discover how character forms the foundation of effective leadership, enabling you to lead with courage and integrity.
  • Practical Skills for Personal Growth: Leave with actionable strategies that support your personal character development, helping you to apply your virtues in everyday situations.
  • Meaningful Connections: Engage with fellow attendees to build lasting relationships, fostering a network of support and collaboration among like-minded individuals.
  • Engagement Through Service: Participate in diverse experiences that challenge you to engage your heart, head, and hands, reinforcing the importance of service in leadership.
  • Insight into the UJ Way: Gain a deeper understanding of the values and principles that define the University of Jamestown's approach to leadership.
  • Reflect on Character's Impact: Take time to reflect on how character influences your life and leadership style, ensuring you leave with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

The Leadertown conference is designed for a diverse audience interested in enhancing their leadership skills through character development. Here are the key groups who would benefit from attending:

Aspiring Leaders:

Individuals looking to step into leadership roles or enhance their leadership capabilities will find valuable insights and practical strategies to develop their character and influence.

Current Leaders and Managers:

Those already in leadership positions can gain fresh perspectives on character-driven leadership, learn from inspiring speakers, and refine their approach to leading teams effectively.

Business Owners and Entrepreneurs:

Entrepreneurs seeking to cultivate a strong organizational culture and lead with integrity will benefit from the conference's focus on character as a foundation for successful leadership.

HR Professionals:

Human resources personnel can learn about fostering leadership qualities within their organizations, which can enhance employee engagement and retention.

Educators and Trainers:

Educators who focus on leadership development in their curricula can gain insights into character-building practices that they can incorporate into their teaching.

Students and Young Professionals:

Those at the beginning of their careers or in academic settings can learn essential leadership skills and network with experienced professionals, setting the stage for future growth.

Anyone Interested in Personal Development:

Individuals passionate about personal growth and self-improvement will find the conference a great opportunity to explore how character influences leadership and personal success.

We understand the day is long, but every hour is packed with value designed to help you lead better and connect stronger. From a morning walk and coffee to afternoon reflections, the full day gives you the chance to soak in all the ideas, stories, and connections that make Leadertown special.

You’ll hear from inspiring speakers, dive into hands-on sessions, and meet folks who share your passion for leading with heart and purpose. Plus, with plenty of breaks and good food, you’ll have time to recharge and or spend time networking.

Think of it as a day-long journey where every stop helps you grow, connect, and leave ready to lead your community stronger than ever.

  • Gain comprehensive insights from a variety of sessions that build on each other, ensuring you don’t miss key information or networking opportunities.
  • Connect deeply with peers and industry leaders during breaks, meals, and dedicated networking times, which often lead to meaningful collaborations and partnerships.
  • Benefit from a balanced agenda that includes keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and Q&A sessions, keeping you engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Enjoy a well-paced day with breaks and refreshments to keep your energy up, making the long day productive and enjoyable.
  • Make the most of your investment by fully immersing yourself in the content and community, which can lead to actionable takeaways and professional growth.

For inquiries about getting involved, email leadertown@uj.edu