Friends in Business EXPO Sessions

Each of us has a unique communication style shaped by our personality, values, experiences, and needs. There’s no right or wrong way to communicate, just different approaches that influence how we give and receive information. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the “how” and “why” behind their communication patterns—and others’. By understanding these differences, we unlock the tools to reduce miscommunication, build empathy, strengthen trust, and express ourselves more clearly. Whether navigating team dynamics or personal relationships, learning to communicate with clarity can transform how you relate to others and how others experience you.

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, how do we innovate without losing what makes us human? This session, led by the queer-owned agency Olive AI Creative, explores how entrepreneurs and creatives can confidently use AI to scale their business, streamline content, and spark new ideas—while staying rooted in authenticity and values. From ChatGPT to Canva AI, you'll see how modern tools can enhance your brand, not erase it. Through real-world examples, interactive demos, and an honest conversation about ethics, identity, and creativity, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, prompt templates, and a curated AI toolkit to help you take your first (or next) step. Whether you’re curious about AI or already experimenting, this session offers a fresh, human-centered take on tech-powered growth.

Without question, LGBTQ+ leaders and entrepreneurs are facing one of the most socially perilous times we've seen in the modern era. The question for any of us is: 'How do we navigate this era of polarization while being mindful, exercising dexterity, and ensuring our individual and collective survival?' To that end, one of the key skills that LGBTQ+ leaders can hone and develop is strategic thinking. Strategic thinking is a hallmark of our history: it has allowed us to organize since the days of Stonewall; it has helped us build allegiances within our community, and it has created the safe spaces for us to explore our identity. Today's challenges, however, new adaptive, queer-minded thinking. Using historic inspiration and practical tools, this session will provide constructive space for LGBTQ+ leaders and entrepreneurs to revisit those historical lessons and apply the age-old wisdom to today's social opportunities and dilemmas.