Leading With Empathy, Creativity,
and Tech-Driven Performance
Ojai Valley Inn, CA
September 29 – October 1
Use code EARLY to take advantage of our early access discount rate of $2,750, which includes all programming, meals and activities.
Sponsored By
In a time of rapid technological advancement, leaders must go beyond reacting or adapting to changes—they must innovate and stay ahead of the curve. Hear from experts in AI, decentralized platforms, mental health, immersive tech, and the future of work as they explore how human-centered innovation and well-being are shaping the next era of leadership across sectors and functions. Connect, learn, and strengthen your leadership mindset to lead with purpose—and vision.
Have questions? Get in touch with our team for more information.
Located 3 miles outside the Los Padres National Forest, Ojai is nestled in a valley between the Topatopa and Sulphur Mountains. The iconic Ojai Valley Inn is a luxury, Spanish hacienda-style resort on 220-oak studded acres. The resort features an abundance of offerings, including an award-winning spa, championship golf course, and The Farmhouse, a 50,000 square-foot epicurean event center. Having received numerous distinctions, the resort is one of the most revered retreat destinations in the U.S. Visitors will discover a majestic, hidden gem and create memorable moments at the Ojai Valley Inn.
At our Innovation Institutes, leaders from a cross-section of industries and job functions come together in an intimate retreat setting to engage with critical topics like the future of work, ethical AI, and the various applications of new technologies. Why? Because innovation isn’t just for CTOs or product teams.
Be positioned at the forefront of future-of-work and future-of-leadership conversations.
Engage directly with a curated community of C-suite level executives, founders, and changemakers.
Demonstrate commitment to inclusive innovation, tech ethics, and human performance.
Amplify thought leadership and connect your brand with influential decision-makers across sectors.
The registration fee is $2,995 and includes event registration, seminars/ sessions, meals, and all activities. Resort accommodations are available at a group discounted rate, and while flights and ground transportation are not included, our team is available to assist as needed.
Book your discounted room at Ojai Valley Inn here.
Once you complete your registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email along with your payment receipt. Leading up to the event, we’ll send additional emails to help you plan your trip and make the most of your experience. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at institute@yardstickmanagement.com
If you’d like to arrive before September 29th or extend your stay, please contact the resort directly at (855) 697-8780 to inquire about availability and room rates.
Located 70 miles North of Los Angeles and 12 miles off the ocean lies the world renowned Ojai Valley. Los Angeles International Airport, Santa Barbara and Burbank are easily accessed and offer a short transfer to the Inn. The resort does not offer free shuttle service; however, transportation services can be arranged through the resort’s Experience Planners, or through car rental options. Ojai Valley Inn is located at 905 Country Club Road, Ojai, CA 93023.
Resort Amenities
Registrants will receive a notification of cancellation via the institute@yardstickmanagement.com email with instructions on how to proceed. In the event a registered attendee is unable to attend, please contact us directly at the email address above. Please note that refunds will not be issued upon a registration purchase.
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Mike PilliodPresident & CTO – Central Tension Mike has an impressive background in launching and scaling up glass technologies for businesses including Apple and Tesla. He is the founder and president of Central Tension, which specializes in glass and materials engineering, product design and manufacturing development. Mike worked at Apple from 2008 – 2013 in which glass on phones went from a new technology introduction to ubiquitous in the consumer electronic field. After Apple, Mike continued to ride his glass wave at Tesla from 2013 to 2022 and as the Director of Tesla Glass built a technology team and led the manufacturing technology introductions across all product lines. Mike started his career at GE’s Global Research Center and holds a Bachelors of Science in Ceramic Engineering from Alfred University. Mike lives in Marina del Rey in Los Angeles, CA with his family and is a proud father of 3 beautiful children. |
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Martha Krawczyk De SedasSVP Client Success and Client Communications Martha Krawczyk De Sedas is an award-winning sales and marketing leader with over 30 years of progressive experience in various areas of senior management and business development for FIS Global, American Express, TradeStation (fintech), Visa, and Sony. She brings entrepreneurial vision and drive and unwavering dedication to the brand, organization, and people while delivering remarkable business growth, innovative product development, operational efficiencies, and brand equity. Currently, she is the SVP, Head of Client Success at FIS Global (Fidelity National Information Services), a Fortune 50 corporation and the world’s largest global provider dedicated to financial technology solutions. Her team is responsible for ensuring long-term client satisfaction, retention, and growth. Previously, she was the SVP, Head of Client Enablement and Capabilities, Global Client Onboarding and Professional Services at FIS Global. She was leading a large diverse and talented team in areas that transform FIS client experience and help them succeed in their business. Martha was responsible for the transformation of key areas such as: Onboarding and Project Implementations, Wealth and Retirement Professional Services, Client Communications, Learning Solutions, Capabilities, Program Management, and Insights & Analytics. Before FIS, Martha navigated roles as VP & GM, Global Commercial Services—U.S. Small Business Segment B2B Sales and VP, Global Commercial Services, Global Field Enablement—Small, Mid-sized, and Large Businesses for American Express. Throughout her tenure, Martha led a cross border team to deliver a record year in all business metrics; established a new operating model for acquisition, mission, and vision; led teams through compliance-focused culture transformation; led the Strategy Center of Excellence of Amex; improved sales performance globally; and was instrumental to business continuity and employee engagement through the COVID-19 pandemic. While with Amex, Martha earned recognition as an inspirational leader across various company forums and initiatives, including the Master Class Leadership Program, Women’s Ambition Project on International Women’s Day, and Hispanic Women Leaders. Prior, with TradeStation Group, Martha served as Global Head, VP of Marketing. Here she rebranded and repositioned a fully digital marketing team as trusted advisors to other business units, designed and led global long-term marketing strategies, established key external partnerships, and achieved significant budget efficiencies. Previously, Martha led a progressive tenure in a variety of Marketing leadership roles with Visa. As Head of Marketing, Brazil, she developed and implemented a new user-centric digital strategy; boosted partnerships with Google, Twitter, Facebook, and others; and developed and launched a CRM program to enhance digital analytics and data capabilities. As VP, Regional and Local Marketing—Latin America and Caribbean, Martha sold more than one million cards in Mexico and Brazil in one-year, increased customer sales, and delivered increased consumption per card. Her preceding roles with Visa included VP, Global Marketing—Visa IPO Project, Head of Marketing Strategies & Planning, and VP, Latin America & Caribbean. Earlier in her career, Martha was Senior Marketing Communications Manager—Latin America for Sony Corporation. Martha holds an Executive MBA from the University of Miami and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua (USMA) in Panama City. She completed the Visa Leadership Team training at the Aspen Institute and the Marketing Leadership Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Martha also earned Chef de Cuisine credentials through the Culinary School of Chef Nicolau Rosa in Brazil. A thought leader in her space, Martha has been recognized with dozens awards throughout her career, including 12 ADDY Awards, five Silver Lions at Cannes, and several Silver Effie Awards. She was also featured in the book Stories of Corporate Success in Brazil published in 2016.
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