In a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, the most effective leaders are those who amplify uniquely human qualities—empathy, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection. This session will explore how strengthening these human-centered skills empowers leaders to inspire teams, build trust, and drive lasting impact in the AI era.

Instructors: Ousmane Kabre, Alex Theis, Jon Lokhorst

Ousmane Kabre, CPA
Ousmane Kabre is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and global change-maker recognized as one of the leading voices in reimagining access to education and youth leadership across Africa.

He is the Founder and CEO of Leading Change Africa and Yam Education, Inc., two mission-driven organizations transforming education and leadership development on a global scale. As CEO of Leading Change Africa, Ousmane has led the organization to surpass its 2030 goal five years early—impacting over 1,500 young Africans through scholarships, leadership training, and mentorship programs. The organization now aims to reach one million youth by 2050 through its innovative leadership pipeline model, designed to turn young people into agents of change in their communities.

Through Yam Education, Ousmane is bridging the education gap by partnering with accredited U.S. community colleges to offer associate degrees, diplomas, and certifications to students in Africa and underserved regions globally. His vision is transforming how international students access affordable, quality education, with a special focus on health care, business, and technology pathways.

Ousmane holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). In recognition of his impactful work, he was featured in the Wisconsin School of Business’s “8 to Watch Under 40” list, highlighting alumni making significant contributions in their industries.

A sought-after speaker on grit, resilience, leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation, Ousmane is a member of the National Speakers Association. His compelling personal story—from growing up in Burkina Faso to building global education ventures—has inspired audiences across the U.S., Africa, and beyond.

Alex Theis
Alex Theis helps people and organizations create a foundation for lasting improvement and success. With over 25 years of experience as an executive and leader, his seminars, workshops, and courses inspire people to break through barriers for both personal and professional growth.

His background includes working in the legal compliance field, leading large customer service teams, building dynamic sales and marketing departments, improving the overall customer experience, and increasing customer and client retention.

Alex’s innovative sales and marketing campaigns have created over $100 million in incremental revenue for his clients. His employee retention initiatives have reduced attrition dramatically and increased engagement and productivity measurably.

Alex uses his experience to teach proven strategies and simple, effective approaches that your organization can implement right away. He focuses on the core power skills needed to help your team stay competitive and engaged, including mindset and mental fitness, leadership, time management, stress management, creative problem solving, and stimulating imaginative sales and customer retention ideas.

Alex’s consultant business focuses on improving sales, culture, and retention. His podcast, Limitless, has been downloaded over six million times. He is also the author of four Amazon best-selling books, including Hiking the Timberline Trail: The Story of An Epic American Backpacking Trip. He is an avid backpacker and military dad.

Jon Lokhorst, CPA
Jon Lokhorst, CSP, CPA, PCC, is a leadership coach, corporate trainer, keynote speaker, and the author of Mission-Critical Leadership: How Smart Managers Lead Well in All Directions. He works with organizations to develop leaders everyone wants to follow, build teams no one wants to leave, and deliver exceptional results.

Jon’s background is well-suited to provide leadership training for CPAs and finance leaders, designed and facilitated by a CPA/finance leader. He is a frequent speaker for association events and has designed and/or facilitated several leadership academy programs. He’s also a regular contributor to association publications and blogs, including his Leadership Matters column for the Illinois CPA Society magazine, Insight.

Before launching Your Best Leadership LLC, Jon enjoyed a 30-plus-year career as a CPA, CFO, and organizational leader. He has a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and is recognized by the International Coach Federation as a Professional Certified Coach. He has also served as adjunct faculty in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University.

Jon is a member of the National Speakers Association and is a past President of the Minnesota chapter. He has earned the Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®) designation, a distinction held by less than 20 percent of NSA members. On a personal note, Jon loves grandparenting and being “Papa” to his four adorable littles, as he calls them.