Fort Myers: What Great Leaders Know That Others Don’t
When great leaders come together to share their experiences, everyone benefits. This special program brings together some of Southwest Florida’s most respected leaders to talk openly about what they’ve learned, what has shaped their success, and what they believe truly matters in leadership today.
Whether you lead a business, a team, a nonprofit—or simply want to grow—this is a conversation that matters.
🌟 Why This Conversation Matters
Great leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about how we think, decide, and lead others through change. In today’s fast-moving world, the difference between good and great leadership often comes down to perspective, experience, and a willingness to keep learning.
💡 Why You Should Attend
- Hear real-world insights from respected local leaders
- Gain ideas you can apply immediately
- Connect with others who value growth and leadership
- Leave inspired and better equipped to lead
🎯 What You Will Learn
- What sets great leaders apart
- How to make confident decisions in uncertain times
- The power of communication and emotional intelligence
- Lessons from both success and failure
Sponsors
Panelists:
• Jim Larkin, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
Jim Larkin has served as General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops since 1999, bringing decades of leadership and hospitality expertise to the Southwest Florida community. Deeply committed to the region, Jim actively supports numerous local organizations. He is a Past Chairman of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Lee County Hotel Association, and has served on the boards of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (Lee Chapter) and the Lee County Sports Organizing Committee. Jim is also a proud member of the Above Board Chamber of Florida.
• Dr Dawn Belamarich, President & CEO, Collaboratory
Dawn, leading a data-informed, community-driven foundation focused on addressing Southwest Florida’s most, pressing social challenges by 2040. A nationally respected executive and mental health clinician, she brings deep expertise in social services, behavioral health, and organizational transformation across nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Prior to Collaboratory, she held executive leadership roles at Recovery Centers of America, advancing clinical quality and operations. Dawn holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and Leadership and serves on regional and national boards.
• Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, Owner/CEO, Stilwell Enterprises & Restaurant Group
Sandra Stilwell Youngquist is CEO and owner of Stilwell Enterprises & Restaurant Group, owning 7 restaurants, Inns, and three Shopping Centers based out of Captiva Island, Ft Myers and Boca Grande. And recently opened one at RSW Airport. She has been self Employed since she was 17 years old. She is the author of Resilient Spirit, a book on entrepreneurship, which is sold through Amazon. She helped Organize and is vice Chairman of the Board and chairs their loan committee of Gulf Coast Business Bank in Ft. Myers and Naples, Board of Trustees of Florida Gulf Coast University. Hope Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, Chapters Healthcare., the world’s largest not for profit Hospice Healthcare Company, The Horizon Foundation and chairman of their Edison Awards committee. Junior Achievement of SWFL, Lee Health Foundation and is Chairman of Development. Gulfshore Life Magazine, The Captiva Community Panel Advisory Board of FGCU Resort and Hospitality School -School of Business, FSW Daveler School of Entrepreneurship. Gulfshore Life Magazine, The Captiva Community Pane, Advisory Board of FGCU Resort and Hospitality School -School of Business, FSW Daveler School of Entrepreneurship. She is trustee and past President of SWFL Children’s Charities (SWFL Wine Fest).
• Scott Fischer, Founder, Scott Fischer Enterprises
Scott Fischer’s career began with a passion for motorcycles and a job at a dealership as a teenager. That passion turned into a lifelong journey of entrepreneurship, leadership, and community involvement. Over the past 40+ years, he has built and led multiple businesses across the country while developing leaders within his organizations. Scott is known for blending business with philanthropy, believing that companies should not only succeed in the marketplace but also make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. His philosophy is rooted in purpose, people, and long-term vision
Moderator:
• Tim Cartwright, Partner & Co-Founder, Fifth Avenue Family Office
Timothy Cartwright specializes in closely held businesses and alternative assets. He leverages extensive transactional experience to guide exit strategies and succession planning. Tim has deep expertise in private equity, venture capital, and early-stage investing, and is founder of the Tamiami Family of Angel Funds — Southwest Florida’s first member-managed angel funds. He completed a 12-year term on Florida Gulf Coast University’s Foundation Board, serving as Chair, and was instrumental in launching what became the DK School of Entrepreneurship, where he taught as Adjunct Professor. For eight consecutive years, Florida Trend named him among Florida’s 500 Most Influential Business Leaders.
After submitting you registration, click here to go to the Cart. If you can’t register, please call Jeanne at (239)-910-7426.
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.