Wisdom of Courageous Leadership
At-A-Glance
University Club, Portland OR
Thursday, June 4, 2026
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm PST
Explore why Worth, Wealth, and Wellness matter more than ever in how we live, work, and lead. This gathering brings their connection, Wisdom, into focus, offering a fresh perspective on what truly drives the decisions we make every day.
Through practical insight from cross-disciplinary experts and intentional networking among leaders across professions, attendees will explore the forces shaping performance, communication, and leadership across industries.
Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized experience.
Wisdom of Courageous Leadership: Worth, Wealth and Wellness
Experience a live, applied exploration of courageous leadership through the lenses of Worth, Wealth, and Wellness. Hear practical insights from cross-disciplinary experts and explore how these forces shape decision-making, performance, and the way we lead under pressure.
Worth, Wealth and Wellness
Engage with leaders across professions through thoughtful conversation, shared perspective, and new insights that extend beyond the evening.
What would shift if the way you lead, decide, and live was anchored not just in strategy, but in a deeper understanding of what truly drives you?
This live experience is for those navigating the complexity of modern work and life and wanting a more intentional way forward. Through the lenses of Worth, Wealth, and Wellness, we’ll explore the forces influencing and impacting how we show up, relate, communicate, and lead across professions and industries.
Whether you’re leading an organization, contributing within a team, or rethinking your next chapter, the evening offers space for reflection, perspective, and honest conversation about what sustains effective leadership over time.
Throughout the evening, Courageous Being experts from across disciplines will bring practical wisdom through real-world examples, applied insight, and actionable tools. You’ll also hear a generational perspective on leadership and communication, including how emerging voices, especially Gen Z, are influencing the future of work and workplace culture.
Together, we’ll create space for thoughtful dialogue, meaningful connection, and a moment to honor the people whose wisdom continues to shape our lives and leadership.
You’ll leave with grounded perspective, practical insight, and ideas you can immediately carry into your work, relationships, and everyday decisions.
Confirming and Reserving Your Space
Reserve Your Spot Now: Spaces Are Limited
Offered as a complimentary experience, with gratitude to our Sponsors, this gathering reflects the depth, care, and intention behind the work. Please reserve your place and plan to attend in full.
The Event Program
Tentative Hour-by-Hour Overview
Thursday, June 4
4:30pm - 5:00pm: Arrivals + Networking
- Guest arrivals and informal connection.
5:00pm - 5:10pm: Welcome + Opening
- Why we are here. Introduction to Courageous Being and the Cross-Discipline Expert initiative.
5:10pm - 5:15pm: Ring the Bells
- A moment of honoring the leaders, mentors, and wisdom that continue to guide us.
5:15pm - 6:00pm: Applied Wisdom Sessions
- Focused insights on Worth, Wealth, and Wellness, with practical tools and real-world perspectives attendees can apply immediately.
- Jessica Taylor, Ph.D. – Worth
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Carolyn Marsh, CFA – Wealth
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JR Kuo – Wellness
(~10 minutes per speaker)
6:00pm - 6:15pm: Generational Perspective
- A quick conversation on intergenerational leadership, communication, and the growing influence of Gen Z in shaping the future of work.
- Liam Polonijo – Gen Z
6:15pm - 6:30pm: Audience Q&A
- Open conversation, shared reflection, and audience questions.
6:30pm - 6:45pm: Closing + Raffle
- Key takeaways, gifts, and community connection.
6:45pm - 7:00pm: Networking
- Connection continues.
About Your Speakers
Dr. Ivi — Ivana Polonijo
Applied Anthropologist + Founder of Courageous Being
Dr. Ivi is an applied psychological anthropologist with nearly 20 years of experience in financial services, guiding professionals through pressure and complexity. Her work centers on inner transitions and the understanding that how we operate internally shapes every external outcome. As Founder of Courageous Being, she partners with leaders, teams, and organizations to align performance with well-being. Drawing on her experience across the retirement industry, she translates insight into practical tools that support focus, fulfillment, and sustainable results.
Dr. Jessica Taylor
Strategic Executive Advisor
Dr. Jessica Taylor is a strategic executive advisor with 20+ years of experience guiding organizations through crisis, transformation, and institutional complexity. Having served as Chief of Staff, Executive Director, CEO, Chancellor, and President, she is known for helping leaders navigate high-stakes decisions, organizational conflict, and systemic change with courage and precision. Her academic work in psychology and leadership focuses on organizational behavior and executive decision-making. Dr. Taylor made history as the first Black woman president within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and is recognized for identifying patterns others miss to help organizations grow without losing their humanity.
Carolyn Marsh, CFA
Financial Writer + Board Director
Carolyn pairs a sharp financial lens with the art of creative communication, helping Courageous Being translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives. Building on a foundation in risk management and investment strategy, she now leads her own firm, partnering with banks, investment firms, and consulting organizations to elevate their thought leadership. A seasoned writer and board director, Carolyn draws on a global perspective shaped by work and study across the U.S., Europe and New Zealand delivering meaningful insight that lands with kind precision.
JR Kuo
Mental Health Specialist + Speaker
JR is a mental health advocate and specialist, national speaker, and trainer dedicated to normalizing conversations around mental health and fostering cultures of belonging. For over 15 years, he has spoken at more than 50 universities and numerous organizations nationwide. An immigrant and proud lifetime learner, his own journey with depression fuels his mission to prevent suicide and champion inclusion. JR is the founder of Coffee With JR, and also works as a writer, actor, and theater director. His projects promote his core belief that everyone holds infinite space within, inviting us to express our truest selves and create lives of ease and freedom.
Liam Polonijo
Generation Z Consultant
Liam is an avid practitioner of inner work, grounded in daily practices such as Inner Bonding, transcendental meditation, and a disciplined approach to well-being. Through this commitment, he has strengthened his leadership, communication, organization, and ability to navigate personal and professional transitions with clarity and intention. As Generation Z Consultant to Courageous Being, Liam brings a fresh and grounded perspective to the Center’s work, contributing insight across its services. He studies Psychology and Business at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this event for?
This experience is designed for leaders, professionals, and anyone interested in how we live, work, and make decisions. All are welcome.
Do I need to be in a leadership role to attend?
No. While many attendees are leaders, the content is relevant to anyone navigating work, life, and personal growth.
Is there a cost to attend?
No. This is a complimentary event. Registration is required, and space is limited.
Is this event industry-specific?
No. Attendees come from a range of professions, with a notable presence from business and financial services.
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What can I expect from the evening?
A structured yet conversational experience featuring short expert insights, practical takeaways, and connection.
Will there be time to connect with others?
Absolutely! There is dedicated time before and after the program for networking and conversation.
What is the dress code?
Business casual. We invite you to come as you are, while feeling comfortable and confident.
Where is the event located?
At the University Club in downtown Portland. Parking garages and street parking are available nearby.
What if I register and can’t attend?
Please let us know so we can offer your spot to someone else.
Confirming and Reserving Your Space
Reserve Your Spot Now: Spaces Are Limited
Offered as a complimentary experience, owing to our Sponsors, this gathering reflects the depth, care, and intention behind the work. Please reserve your place and plan to attend in full.
Thank you to our sponsors
This gathering is made possible through the support of partners who value applied wisdom in action. Our sponsors are organizations and leaders who recognize that how we lead, decide, and relate matters. They are committed to supporting conversations that bring greater clarity, alignment, and impact across professions.
Confirming and Reserving Your Space
Reserve Your Spot Now: Spaces Are Limited
Offered as a complimentary experience, owing to our Sponsors, this gathering reflects the depth, care, and intention behind the work. Please reserve your place and plan to attend in full.