Double Header - Listening Unlocked & FUNdamentals with The UP Guys
Schedule
Tue Mar 17 2026 at 08:30 am to 11:30 am
UTC-05:00Location
Metropolis Resort and Conference Center | Eau Claire, WI
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Session Description:Listening Unlocked: Elevating Your Leadership as a C-Suite Team
Ideal For: Senior teams experiencing communication breakdowns, disconnects with staff, or culture stagnation
Outcome: Learn advanced listening techniques to strengthen trust, collaboration, and alignment inside and outside the c-suite.
Why it works: Listening is a game-changing skill—when CEOs and execs model deep, attuned listening, it cascades through the organization, boosting connection and clarity across teams.
Speaker:
Brent Hafele, M.A., PCC
Trusted CEO Coach | Dynamic Keynote Speaker | Culture Catalyst
Brent has served in the number one or number two leadership role across multiple businesses and nonprofit organizations at the local, national, and international levels. As a consultant and coach, he has partnered with hundreds of CEOs and senior leaders throughout North America. Through this work, he understands both the privilege and the pressure of leadership, the energy and the isolation, and the profound impact it can have on both organizations and families. He has seen it firsthand, and he has lived it.
Brent believes the modern workplace can too easily strip leaders of their humanity through unrealistic expectations and constant demands. Left unchecked, it can challenge core values, strain relationships, and leave leaders depleted. What drives him is walking alongside leaders and their teams as they navigate change and step into their next season with clarity and strength.
Brent’s work is grounded in presence and partnership. He listens deeply, asks thoughtful questions, helps leaders think strategically, and creates space for encouragement and
Session Description:
The UP Guys share fun mindset training for wellness, mental health, growth, and more – reinforcing proven principles through humor, variety arts, music, and interactive activities. It is evidence-based edutainment, described as "TED Talks meets America’s Got Talent!"
Participants learn powerful mindsets, foundations, and life skills, applying them with experiential learning.
Mindsets – Positive, Present, Purposeful, Playful
Foundations – Values, Relationships, Purpose, Fun (?!)
Life Skills – Improvise, Adapt, Overcome, Win
Program Background
Developed with Dr. Kate Ansuini, professor and researcher at Buffalo State University.
Inspired by studies reviewed by Arthur Brooks, academic at Harvard Business School.
Applies to educational, government, healthcare, business, and motivational goals.
Speaker:
Nels Ross, MEd PHD VA GF
Nels Ross is a professional speaker, facilitator, and co-founder of The UP Guys, where he helps organizations reconnect with purpose, perspective, and a healthy sense of humor. He holds a Master’s degree in Education, along with informal but well-earned “degrees” in Positive Humor Development, Variety Arts, and General Foolishness.
His background includes training in theater, circus arts, and juggling, skills that pair nicely with his most demanding credential to date: raising five kids. Nels brings high energy, relatability, and practical insight to every audience, blending humor with meaningful takeaways that actually stick.
He uses his first and middle names to confuse creditors and crazy relatives, a strategy that may or may not be covered in his sessions.
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Where is it happening?
Metropolis Resort and Conference Center, 5150 Fairview Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701-9444, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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