Courage & Change! A Lifelong Learners of Tampa Bay Event – September 2026
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� WHERE CURIOSITY MEETS COMMUNITY
Joins us for a night designed to lift your spirits, spark your curiosity, and recharge your mindset. September's theme — Courage & Change— will feature three dynamic speakers who will help you rethink what strength, courage, and being a catalyst for change can look like in 2026.
This isn’t a lecture. It’s an experience.
Expect educational talks, engaging discussion, community connection, and an atmosphere full of energy, inspiration, and possibility.
SPEAKER SPOTLIGHTS
DR BRITTANY CASTONGUAY
Talk Title: The Stories that Shape Us, Not Define Us
Talk Description: Every one of us carries a story. Some chapters are filled with joy and accomplishment. Others hold disappointment, failure, loss, or uncertainty. While we cannot change what has happened, we can choose the meaning we give those experiences. Our stories shape us, but they never define what comes next.
In this inspiring TED-style talk, Dr. C explores how the narratives we tell ourselves influence our confidence, relationships, and leadership. Through personal storytelling and thought-provoking reflection, she challenges audiences to see their past not as a limitation but as a foundation for growth. Authenticity is not about having a perfect story. It is about having the courage to own every chapter and use it to connect with others.
Attendees will leave with a renewed perspective on their own life experiences and a deeper understanding that vulnerability is a source of strength, not weakness. They will discover how embracing their full story creates resilience, builds meaningful connections, and empowers them to lead with confidence, purpose, and authenticity. Because while our stories shape who we are today, they never have the final word on who we can become.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Brittany Castonguay "Dr. C" is a Tampa Bay native, an Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and leadership strategist who equips leaders with practical tools to embrace authenticity, empathy, and accountability. With a down-to-earth and charismatic style, Dr. C is helping leaders manifest their potential and transform organizations from the inside out. Outside of the office, you can find Dr. C with a cup of coffee, spending time with her family, and planning her next trip. She graduated high school six months pregnant and driven not to let a teenage pregnancy define her. At 22 years old, she had two young children and a master's degree. Fast forward, Dr. C joined the military in 2016 as a Human Resources Officer and a mother to three young children. After experiencing additional challenges, divorce, and a sudden onset of autoimmune disorders, Dr. C pursued her Doctorate of Philosophy in Global Leadership and Change. As of 2025, she is happily remarried, has a miracle baby, a blended family of six and is using her life experiences and expertise to help others unlock their full potential by embracing their true, authentic selves.
KEVIN CLAVIER
Talk Title: Stop Running From your Calling
Talk Description: We all feel the tug toward something more and most of us have gotten good at ignoring it. This talk is about the wake-up call that ended years of running, the three steps that turned pain into purpose, and the one action to take this week before “one day” becomes “too late"
Speaker Bio: Kevin Clavier is a High-Performance and Confidence Coach who helps high-achievers rebuild their energy, clarity, and confidence so they can perform at their best in business and life.
After years of success in the fitness industry, Kevin realized that physical transformation means little without emotional mastery and mental alignment. He began studying psychology, neuroscience, and peak performance, developing his signature Reset Framework, a 3-step process to Rewire, Release, and Rise into your next level of growth.
Through his coaching programs, retreats, and podcast Next Chapter with Kevin Clavier, he’s helped entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and leaders around the world overcome burnout, self-doubt, and stress. Unlocking a renewed sense of purpose, presence, and power.
Kevin’s message is simple but powerful:
“You don’t need more motivation, you need a reset.”
He blends science-backed strategies with real-world tools to help audiences let go of limiting beliefs, rebuild their energy, and rise into the confident, fulfilled, high-performing version of themselves they were always meant to be.
THERESA M WARD
Talk Title: Starting the Wave: How Ordinary People Create Extraordinary Momentum
Talk Description: Every meaningful change begins the same way: one person chooses to go first. Yet too often, we underestimate the power of persistence, believe we need formal authority to have influence, or give up before momentum has a chance to build. Through the metaphor of "The Wave", Theresa M. Ward reveals how ordinary people create extraordinary momentum—one relationship, one conversation, and one courageous action at a time. Leave with renewed confidence in the small, everyday behaviors that create giant ripples of change.
Speaker Bio: Theresa M. Ward is an internationally renowned speaker, facilitator, and business coach. She's trained over 6,000 professionals across more than 70 organizations on skills like self-awareness, persuasive communication, and conflict resolution. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Theresa's professional journey can be described as a "wild ride" - one that includes working third shift at Denny's, leading training for a global fintech organization, and working alongside Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World. These experiences all contribute to her philosophy on structured teamwork and soulful leadership. As a certified yoga instructor in addition to her coaching credentials, Theresa brings a grounded, human-centered approach to every session. Her TEDx Talk on embracing mistakes was selected as a 2026 Editor's Pick, and her work has been featured at leadership summits, industry conferences, and university guest lectures worldwide. When she’s not on stage, you can find Theresa fly fishing with her husband in the North Georgia Mountains, or curled up on the couch with a good book and her senior dogs by her side.
� WHAT TO EXPECT
* A welcoming, high-energy environment
* 2 short-form talks + 1 keynote
* Live Q&A with all speakers
* A closing panel discussion
* And a community of curious, growth-oriented people who love learning
Doors open at 6:30 PM so you can grab concessions, mingle, and settle in. Talks run from 7–9 PM. To get a sense of the energy and vibe of our event, check out the below videos:
VENUE DIRECTIONS
The Dance Factory is a stylish venue nestled into Westshore Plaza - Tampa's longest-running mall. There is free, ground floor / covered parking below the AMC Theater location. Enter at ground level.
Here is a video and a visual to help you navigate to the best parking spot for Lifelong Learners!
[https://images.humanitix.com/i/Wie6s8MuT3ibdje8OxP9@original]
Joins us for a night designed to lift your spirits, spark your curiosity, and recharge your mindset. September's theme — Courage & Change— will feature three dynamic speakers who will help you rethink what strength, courage, and being a catalyst for change can look like in 2026.
This isn’t a lecture. It’s an experience.
Expect educational talks, engaging discussion, community connection, and an atmosphere full of energy, inspiration, and possibility.
SPEAKER SPOTLIGHTS
DR BRITTANY CASTONGUAY
Talk Title: The Stories that Shape Us, Not Define Us
Talk Description: Every one of us carries a story. Some chapters are filled with joy and accomplishment. Others hold disappointment, failure, loss, or uncertainty. While we cannot change what has happened, we can choose the meaning we give those experiences. Our stories shape us, but they never define what comes next.
In this inspiring TED-style talk, Dr. C explores how the narratives we tell ourselves influence our confidence, relationships, and leadership. Through personal storytelling and thought-provoking reflection, she challenges audiences to see their past not as a limitation but as a foundation for growth. Authenticity is not about having a perfect story. It is about having the courage to own every chapter and use it to connect with others.
Attendees will leave with a renewed perspective on their own life experiences and a deeper understanding that vulnerability is a source of strength, not weakness. They will discover how embracing their full story creates resilience, builds meaningful connections, and empowers them to lead with confidence, purpose, and authenticity. Because while our stories shape who we are today, they never have the final word on who we can become.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Brittany Castonguay "Dr. C" is a Tampa Bay native, an Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and leadership strategist who equips leaders with practical tools to embrace authenticity, empathy, and accountability. With a down-to-earth and charismatic style, Dr. C is helping leaders manifest their potential and transform organizations from the inside out. Outside of the office, you can find Dr. C with a cup of coffee, spending time with her family, and planning her next trip. She graduated high school six months pregnant and driven not to let a teenage pregnancy define her. At 22 years old, she had two young children and a master's degree. Fast forward, Dr. C joined the military in 2016 as a Human Resources Officer and a mother to three young children. After experiencing additional challenges, divorce, and a sudden onset of autoimmune disorders, Dr. C pursued her Doctorate of Philosophy in Global Leadership and Change. As of 2025, she is happily remarried, has a miracle baby, a blended family of six and is using her life experiences and expertise to help others unlock their full potential by embracing their true, authentic selves.
KEVIN CLAVIER
Talk Title: Stop Running From your Calling
Talk Description: We all feel the tug toward something more and most of us have gotten good at ignoring it. This talk is about the wake-up call that ended years of running, the three steps that turned pain into purpose, and the one action to take this week before “one day” becomes “too late"
Speaker Bio: Kevin Clavier is a High-Performance and Confidence Coach who helps high-achievers rebuild their energy, clarity, and confidence so they can perform at their best in business and life.
After years of success in the fitness industry, Kevin realized that physical transformation means little without emotional mastery and mental alignment. He began studying psychology, neuroscience, and peak performance, developing his signature Reset Framework, a 3-step process to Rewire, Release, and Rise into your next level of growth.
Through his coaching programs, retreats, and podcast Next Chapter with Kevin Clavier, he’s helped entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and leaders around the world overcome burnout, self-doubt, and stress. Unlocking a renewed sense of purpose, presence, and power.
Kevin’s message is simple but powerful:
“You don’t need more motivation, you need a reset.”
He blends science-backed strategies with real-world tools to help audiences let go of limiting beliefs, rebuild their energy, and rise into the confident, fulfilled, high-performing version of themselves they were always meant to be.
THERESA M WARD
Talk Title: Starting the Wave: How Ordinary People Create Extraordinary Momentum
Talk Description: Every meaningful change begins the same way: one person chooses to go first. Yet too often, we underestimate the power of persistence, believe we need formal authority to have influence, or give up before momentum has a chance to build. Through the metaphor of "The Wave", Theresa M. Ward reveals how ordinary people create extraordinary momentum—one relationship, one conversation, and one courageous action at a time. Leave with renewed confidence in the small, everyday behaviors that create giant ripples of change.
Speaker Bio: Theresa M. Ward is an internationally renowned speaker, facilitator, and business coach. She's trained over 6,000 professionals across more than 70 organizations on skills like self-awareness, persuasive communication, and conflict resolution. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Theresa's professional journey can be described as a "wild ride" - one that includes working third shift at Denny's, leading training for a global fintech organization, and working alongside Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World. These experiences all contribute to her philosophy on structured teamwork and soulful leadership. As a certified yoga instructor in addition to her coaching credentials, Theresa brings a grounded, human-centered approach to every session. Her TEDx Talk on embracing mistakes was selected as a 2026 Editor's Pick, and her work has been featured at leadership summits, industry conferences, and university guest lectures worldwide. When she’s not on stage, you can find Theresa fly fishing with her husband in the North Georgia Mountains, or curled up on the couch with a good book and her senior dogs by her side.
� WHAT TO EXPECT
* A welcoming, high-energy environment
* 2 short-form talks + 1 keynote
* Live Q&A with all speakers
* A closing panel discussion
* And a community of curious, growth-oriented people who love learning
Doors open at 6:30 PM so you can grab concessions, mingle, and settle in. Talks run from 7–9 PM. To get a sense of the energy and vibe of our event, check out the below videos:
VENUE DIRECTIONS
The Dance Factory is a stylish venue nestled into Westshore Plaza - Tampa's longest-running mall. There is free, ground floor / covered parking below the AMC Theater location. Enter at ground level.
Here is a video and a visual to help you navigate to the best parking spot for Lifelong Learners!
[https://images.humanitix.com/i/Wie6s8MuT3ibdje8OxP9@original]
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Where is it happening?
334 Westshore Plaza space a 10, Tampa, FL 33609, USA, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherMind Map Renovations
