As
Bold Fusion celebrates its ninth year in new location with a rock star keynoter, Julie Bernzott is also experiencing something new—a sense of calm.
Bernzott manages the Cincinnati Chamber's HYPE Programs, which produces the gathering geared toward young professionals around the region.
"We're super excited about having Adam Grant here," she says of the 31-year-old Wharton Business School professor whose latest book,
Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success, aligns with work being done locally by groups like
The Awesome Foundation and
dunnhumbyUSA.
"[Grant]'s premise is that you can increase your own success by helping others be successful," Bernzott says. "He proposes that nice guys really do finish first and he has the research to back it up."
She says that what sets Bold Fusion apart is its focus on mixing things up, and this year, that includes a new site, Horeshoe Casino. "There aren't a lot of spaces that accommodate an event of our size."
With an expected sell-out crowd of 500-plus, Bold Fusion includes dedicated time for networking. And while the event is produced primarily for young professionals (post-college to 40), Bernzott says it has age-defying appeal.
"I think Adam Grant's message is universal," she says. "It's something any age can appreciate."
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