2026 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

less talking at, more talking with

Join us for a unique, curated experience designed to inspire and empower leaders in every industry. Our Elevate the Conversation Leadership Summit 2026 will be a powerful exploration of resilience, clarity and conviction in leadership. This isn't your typical conference with back to back keynotes. It is a conversation- designed for dialogue, connection and meaningful exchange.

SPEAKERS

Mr. James Kirchdorfer, Jr. (Jimmy) is the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of ISCO Industries, Inc.

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Mr. James Kirchdorfer, Jr. (Jimmy) is the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of ISCO Industries, Inc. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as president for 10 years (2000–2010) and general manager from 1995–2000. Jimmy began his career at ISCO in the early 90s, working summers during college. In 1993, he became one of the first sales representatives for ISCO to live outside of Louisville. With humble beginnings in the family hardware store, ISCO has grown into a global leader in HDPE piping products. Jimmy currently serves on numerous boards and has received multiple leadership honors throughout his career. He resides in Louisville with his wife and family.

Jay Bilas is one of the most respected and influential voices in sports, with a remarkable background that spans sports, media, and the law.

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Jay Bilas is one of the most respected and influential voices in sports, with a remarkable background that spans sports, media, and the law. He is an Emmy nominated ESPN analyst and a New York Times best-selling author of Toughness: Developing True Strength on and Off the Court. The book reveals the secrets of mental and physical toughness through personal stories and interviews with inspiring leaders.

Jay played basketball at Duke University under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, helping the team reach the 1986 NCAA Championship Game. He was drafted by the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and went on to play professionally abroad in Italy and Spain. Jay then returned to Duke as an assistant coach, winning two national championships. He later joined ESPN as a college basketball analyst and expert commentator and hosts ESPN’s popular road show, College Game Day.

Jay graduated from Duke University School of Law and is a practicing attorney at Moore & Van Allen. He serves on the Board of Advisors of the John R. Wooden Award, the National Board of Coaches, and Duke University Children’s Hospital. Jay resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Patrick Lencioni is founder and president of The Table Group, a firm dedicated to improving teamwork, clarity, and employee engagement.

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Patrick Lencioni is founder and president of The Table Group, a firm dedicated to providing organizations with ideas, products, and services that improve teamwork, clarity, and employee engagement.

Lencioni’s passion for organizations and the people who work in them is reflected in his writing, speaking, and executive consulting. He is the author of twelve best-selling books with over seven million copies sold. After more than twenty years in print, his classic book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, remains a fixture on national best-seller lists.

His most recent book, The Six Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations and Your Team, was released in September 2022 and was designed to help people find joy and energy in their work. He is also the host of the popular business podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni.

Mary Katherine Wathen is a nationally recognized business consultant, speaker, and coach with 20+ years of experience helping leaders scale with purpose and performance.

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Mary Katherine Wathen is a nationally recognized business consultant, speaker, and coach with over 20 years of experience helping leaders and teams scale with purpose and performance. A former Fortune 50 professional turned entrepreneur, she is known for her no-excuses, high-impact approach to business and leadership. She holds certifications in The Working Genius along with multiple professional coaching certifications.

MK is the author of the 2025 best-selling book Made for More, a bold and practical guide for working moms who want to lead with clarity at work and at home—without burning out or playing small.

A proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, she earned her degree summa cum laude in Corporate Communications and Political Science, served as Student Body President, and was named UK Homecoming Queen. She also competed in Division I cross country for the Wildcats and has completed multiple marathons—clear evidence that her drive and discipline are not theoretical concepts.

Today, Mary Katherine lives in Kentucky with her husband Will and their seven children, where she somehow still finds time to run and build businesses.

MODERATED BY

J.P. Blevins attended the University of Kentucky, playing on the basketball team from 1998-2002, and graduated magna cum laude in 2002. In 2010, JP became a seed round investor in “Live Oak Bank” and “NCino,” both of which became publicly traded unicorns on Nasdaq. He climbed the ranks at Live Oak Bank, eventually being named Chief Revenue Officer in 2017. Currently he is a partner at Vine Street Private Wealth + Family Office, and also dedicates time to philanthropic pursuits that stir his heart. JP has been instrumental in bringing Lifewise Academy to Kentucky and is currently active in growing its reach across the commonwealth. JP resides in Lexington with his wife Grace and three children.

WORDS FROM ATTENDEES

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Location

The Carrick House

312 North Limestone, Lexington, KY 4058

Free on-site parking available

ON THE AGENDA

07

Networking Social Hour

01

registration & networking

02

Morning Fireside Chat with Jay Bilas

03

Morning Fireside Chat with Jimmy Kirchdorfer

04

Lunch

05

Afternoon Conversation with Leaders

06

Afternoon Conversation with Alumni Speakers

GET YOUR TICKETS

FAQ

Can I pay by check?

Yes, please email contact@westofperfection.com for details 

What’s included?

Breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour and snacks provided throughout the day

What is the attire?

Business / Business casual

Who is this event for?

C-suite leaders, entrepreneurs, small business owners, leaders

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