You give everything to your business and your team. All eyes are on you to set the tone, give direction and lead your practice to success. But where do you look for inspiration? How do you recharge your batteries? When do you give yourself permission to relax, find calm and nurture your spark?
Attend This One-of-a-kind Leadership Retreat to:
Treat yourself to two and a half days of motivating guidance from electrifying speakers from within and outside of medical aesthetics.
Engage in curated breakout experiences to center yourself and immerse yourself in the solidarity of your high vibe sisterhood.
Leave re-energized and prepared to build on your success to reach the next peak in your medical aesthetic journey.
Be inspired by bold, magnetic leaders whose innovations are shaping the industry.
Foster community with kindred spirits who know what it means to hustle as hard as you do.
Develop ideas to find and follow your purpose, renew your energy and make your mark on the future of aesthetics.
For the first time we're inviting all of the powerful, creative, visionary women that are building this industry every single day to come together in the lap of luxury, revel in collective success and chase the next horizon.
As 2023 hurries to its close, join us November 1 - 3 in Miami to make your new year beautiful.
What You Will Learn
Why Attend
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Be Inspired
Gain insights from women who live lives of innovation. Hear from luminaries including Sara Blakely, founder and executive chairwoman of SPANX and youngest self-made female billionaire according to Forbes; and the InjectorBunny herself, Erika Barry.
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Treat Yourself
The first step to redefining your why is to leave behind your everyday stress and step into an environment of peace and camaraderie. Feel the sand between your toes before cruising the Atlantic and sharing a toast with your community under the stars.
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Approach Your Life with Calm
Sound, body and breath all hold secrets to facing everyday stressors with a calm heart and a clear mind. Practice calm with us and take these skills with you back to your daily life to maintain stillness in a hectic world.
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Signature Group Experiences
Take time to indulge your sense of fun with one of our curated group experiences. Craft your practice's custom fragrance, apply your artistry to making the perfect cocktail or sit back and just Be as waves lap the shore.
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Distinguished Women in Medical Aesthetics
An Industry Led by Women
Medical aesthetics is one of the fastest growing industries in the country, and from the board rooms of the biggest brands to the treatment rooms of the smallest, single-chair practices, ladies are leading the way.
WALC was developed from a sincere desire to feed the souls and minds of the women, like you, who power the medical aesthetics industry.
Distinguished Women in Medical Aesthetics 2023
AmSpa is spotlighting 30 women who displayed their own mix of leadership, service and excellence in 2023. Hear several of them speak about their experiences at WALC, and get to know several more over the course of the conference.
This LEED-certified, carbon-neutral South Beach sanctuary is set along a pristine, 600-foot stretch of white sand beaches. Home to 7 different restaurants, serving a variety of locally sourced cuisines, the 1 Hotel South Beach has something for everyone. Guests may choose to relax on the beach, the spa, one of the four pools on property, or utilize the on-site gym and its fitness classes. 1 Hotel South Beach is located just 12 miles from the Miami International Airport and steps away from the Miami Beach City Center and surrounding restaurants and nightlife. Parking is valet only and $30 per vehicle up to 3 hours or $55 per vehicle (plus tax) 3 hours or longer. Guests are permitted unlimited in & out privileges. Check-in is 4:00pm and check-out is 11am.
The room block is now closed. If you need to book a room, please contact Maren Finn at maren@americanmedspa.org.
$0 Resort Fee (Reduced from $49/night if booked inside the AmSpa Block)
Resort Fee Includes:
One Umbrella & Two Pool or Beach Chaises Per Room
Unlimited Local Calls
High Speed WiFi in Guestroom
Complimentary Bicycles
Access to Anatomy Gym and Classes
Car Drop Off Service on Request (based on availability and inside a 3-mile radius of the hotel)
$12 Per Person Portage Room Attendant Fee (Mandatory One-time Fee)
Baggage Handling
$6 Room Attendant Fee (Mandatory Daily Fee)
Housekeeping
14% Tax
Hotel will require a deposit equal to the rate and tax for one (1) night for each reservation. Deposit is refundable if hotel receives notice of cancellation at least five (5) days prior to scheduled arrival.
Decompress, leave behind your "doing self" and let your "being self" take over. Check off the first item on your "rediscover my why" to-do list: kick off your shoes and feel sand beneath your feet at the 1 Hotel Beach Club. Brush
off the tethers of your daily life and leave behind the stress of
travel amidst the soft lights and swaying palms.
Sponsored by Allergan
8:00 PM
~
10:00 PM
Starlight Champagne Cruise
This is your time to break the ice, let your hair down and open up. Sip on bubbles and immerse yourself in the community of sisterhood and the reflective spark of the moment. Bathe in the twinkling starlight, connect with infinity and draw inspiration from the sparkling universe.
Sponsored by RepeatMD
Day 2
- Thursday, November 2nd
7:30 AM
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8:30 AM
Movement is Medicine
Oceanside Yoga: Salute the sun and celebrate the start of a new day with a revitalizing yoga session. Clear your mind and steady your spirit. Carry your newfound calm through the next two days and learn a practice to bring tranquility to your everyday.
Opening Session: A Chat with Sara Blakely, Founder and Executive Chairwoman of SPANX
Sara Blakely revolutionized the undergarment industry with just $5,000 and a “lucky” red backpack and turned it into a global brand known for inventing smarter, more comfortable solutions. Blakely was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the world and was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine as the youngest self-made female billionaire. Blakely has invested millions of dollars to elevate women and, in 2013, she signed the Giving Pledge, promising to donate half her wealth to philanthropy.
Listen in to this chat with Carrie Strom, Senior VP, Abbvie and President, Global Allergan Aesthetics.
MC: Cathy Christensen, COO and President, American Med Spa Association.
Panel: Tackling Medical Aesthetic Management Issues and Leading a Powerful Team
Universally in medical aesthetics the secret to the success of the biggest brands is their team. Hear how women behind some of the leading practices in the industry handle team building and address management challenges. Learn the red flags and green lights that lead to developing an all-star team.
Speakers: Ann Frossard , SkinSpirit Shawna Chrisman, NP , Destination Aesthetics Maegen Kennedy, PA-C , Windermere Dental & Medical Spa
12:00 PM
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12:15 PM
Introducing: The Distinguished Women in Medical Aesthetics 2023
Join us in celebrating the women who distinguished themselves this year with their unique mix of efforts to advance not only their practice, but the industry as a whole.
12:15 PM
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1:00 PM
Lunch
Sponsored by Galderma
1:00 PM
~
2:00 PM
The Power of Personal Branding
For the vast
majority of med spas, YOU are the brand. Hear @injectorbunny herself reveal
keys to building a personal brand identity for your business, including:
• How to be intentional, relatable and honest in your branding.
• How being a leader
on multiple channels can develop into being an authority in the industry.
• How to practice
branding seamlessly and effectively while still reserving energy to live your
life.
Speakers: Erika Barry , NP-C, MSN
2:00 PM
~
3:00 PM
Preventing and Combatting Burn Out: Let's Talk About It!
Engage in a research-based discussion on identifying, managing and recovering from burnout. Learn how to identify the 6 main drivers of burnout and learn specific strategies to slow its spread in yourself and your team.
Share with your industry peers the ways you experience and cope with stress and exchange ideas and solutions to facilitate high energy and positivity.
Speakers: Paula Davis , The Stress and Resilience Institute
3:30 PM
~
5:30 PM
Group Experiences
WALC's group experiences are custom-made for bonding with your fellow leaders. Select one of these options:
Group Experience 1: Signature Scent Exploration sponsored by Merz Aesthetics
Scent can be a strong trigger for memory and feeling. Reflect on your experiences and learn how to express feeling into fragrance from two master perfumers, and create a revitalizing signature scent to perfume your practice. Bottle your inspiration to share with your team and patients with a single breath in.
Group Experience 2: Signature Cocktail Happy Hour
You've taken training and spent countless hours learning how to sculpt the perfect lip. Adapt your creativity to a new art as you learn the mix and balance of crafting the perfect cocktail. Follow this by drinking deep from the knowledge of two of Miami's foremost whiskey authorities as you sip through a guided tasting of Angel's Envy spirits.
Group Experience 3: Your Only Job is Beach
Experience summer in early November in this completely unguided time to bask in the sun. Enjoy reserved South Beach real estate and extend your calm as afternoon waves lap the shoreline. Your only responsibility is to be.
Speakers: Darryl Do , Senior Perfumer, Delbia Do Fragrances and Flavors Christopher Diienno , Senior Perfumer, MOCA Fragrances Dani Espindola , Whiskey Guardian John McConnon , Whiskey Guardian
7:00 PM
~
9:00 PM
Dinner
Signature Scent Exploration Dinnersponsored by Merz Aesthetics
Exclusively paired with WALC Signature Scent Exploration: Immerse yourself in the play between aroma and flavor. With this custom-designed menu, explore how fragrant notes of perfumery can be refined and expressed in food to create memorable taste experiences.
If you selected one of the other experiences above, enjoy your dinner in one of the immersive environments below:
Havana Nights Rooftop Dinnersponsored by Evolus
Take in the views from a private lounge near the 1 Hotel's iconic rooftop pool. Be transported 200 miles as you experience the vibrant, lively flavors of Havana. End the day with the glittering lights of South Beach on one side and the endless expanse of ocean on the other.
Nature's Heart Dinnersponsored by Podium
Calm your senses among the greenery on the ocean-side terrace of 1 Hotel's Plnt House. Restore your energy with a crisp, clean, back-to-nature menu focusing on freshness, whole foods and mind-body balance. Breathe deeply and close the day with calm.
Day 3
- Friday, November 3rd
7:30 AM
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8:30 AM
Movement is Medicine
Morning Breathwork: Breathe intentionally to go beyond your busy mind and connect within, letting the breath help to release stress, worries and tension. Develop exercises to connect back to the body and heart to feel, reset and let go of anxiety.
Speakers: Stephi Wald , Founder, willfly
9:15 AM
~
9:30 AM
Breakfast
Sponsored by CareCredit
9:30 AM
~
10:30 AM
Women in Aesthetics Leadership Panel
Get a big picture view of leadership in the aesthetics industry. Where do visionaries find their vision? How do those ideas turn from dream to reality? Find ways to re-map your journey from traveling your block to chasing the horizon.
Women with the drive to be leaders face unique obstacles both systemic and personal. Connect your experience with that of dynamic women who have come before. Overcome these external and internalized challenges to fully embrace your worth, your brilliance and your power.
• Overcoming Gender Bias & Stereotypes
• Male-dominated Decision-makers: How to Navigate with Confidence
• Work-life Integration and Taking Care of Yourself
• Releasing Limiting Beliefs and Imposter Syndrome
• Taking Risks and Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Speakers: Tugba Yanaz , Lead + Vision
12:00 PM
~
1:00 PM
Lunch
Sponsored by Skytale
1:00 PM
~
2:00 PM
Creating a Culture of Inclusivity in Your Aesthetics Practice
Speakers: Kay Durairaj, MD
2:00 PM
~
2:30 PM
Mindful Pause
2:30 PM
~
3:00 PM
Afternoon Relaxation: Sound Meditation
Re-center your body & mind to the frequencies of love, joy, and balance by sharing this guided meditation paired with crystal singing bowl sound bath & mindful movement. Enjoy a one of a kind high vibrational acoustic meditative experience and train your body to react with calm when you return to the distractions of everyday life.
3:00 PM
~
3:45 PM
Debunking the "Balance" Myth: Getting Off the Ever-elusive Balance Treadmill
For professionals, balance can seem like a fairy tale. To understand how to find peace, start by throwing away what you think you know. Join Sohee Jun, PhD, as she demystifies balance and instead discusses how we can create alignment. Unlearn what you should do and instead embrace what you want and need to do to become your most authentic self. Also, Dr. Jun will explore what it means to create flexible boundaries to protect yourself in this ever-changing world.
Speakers: Sohee Jun , Ph.D
3:45 PM
~
5:00 PM
Farewell Reception
Speakers
Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely is the founder and executive chairwoman of SPANX. She revolutionized the undergarment industry with just $5,000 and a “lucky” red backpack and turned it into a global brand known for inventing smarter, more comfortable...
Read More
Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely is the founder and executive chairwoman of SPANX. She revolutionized the undergarment industry with just $5,000 and a “lucky” red backpack and turned it into a global brand known for inventing smarter, more comfortable solutions. Blakely was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the world and was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine as the youngest self-made female billionaire. She’s also a Guinness World Record holder for having the world’s highest tea party on top of a hot air balloon, and on Instagram, you may know her as the “Pancake Queen,” making pancakes in crazy shapes and sizes for her four children. Blakely has invested millions of dollars to elevate women and, in 2013, she signed the Giving Pledge, promising to donate half her wealth to philanthropy.
Erika Barry
NP-C, MSN
Erika Barry, aka InjectorBunny, is one of the top aesthetic injectors in the country. She serves as an international trainer for industry power players such as Allergan, Revance and Galderma, and as a leading speaker for...
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Erika Barry
NP-C, MSN
Erika Barry, aka InjectorBunny, is one of the top aesthetic injectors in the country. She serves as an international trainer for industry power players such as Allergan, Revance and Galderma, and as a leading speaker for Evolus, Merz and InMode, where she also serves as expert faculty. Additionally, Barry provides her own private group training sessions across the country, spending a significant portion of her career educating top doctors, NPs, PAs and RNs on cutting-edge neuromodulator injections and dermal filler techniques. Barry partnered with a fellow injector to open Moksha Aesthetics, a state-of-the-art medical spa in Potomac, Maryland. In addition to Moksha, she has built a virtual community of injectors through her platform on Patreon, with subscribers from around the world tuning in to learn about all things aesthetics. Through her page, Barry demonstrates injection techniques, showcases how to consult with patients, discusses business development and growth, makes product suggestions and lectures on anatomy. Barry was the first internationally recognized injector to start a virtual-learning platform for fellow injectors and medical providers looking to get into the industry, making aesthetics education easily accessible and more affordable for health care professionals.
Susie Albion
MSN, RN
Susie Albion has 17 years of injection and device experience in the aesthetic industry. She began her journey with Merz Aesthetics as a clinical specialist 15 years ago, has held various roles in medical affairs and...
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Susie Albion
MSN, RN
Susie Albion has 17 years of injection and device experience in the aesthetic industry. She began her journey with Merz Aesthetics as a clinical specialist 15 years ago, has held various roles in medical affairs and is currently the director of advocacy and development under marketing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis on executive leadership at Benedictine University and her Bachelor of Nursing at Northern Illinois University. Aside from Merz, her work history includes working in the emergency department, cardiac cath lab and plastic surgery.
Nicole Chiaramonte
Known for her business philosophies of “profits with integrity” and “profit optimization through collaboration,” Nicole Chiaramonte is CEO of Advanced MedAesthetics Partners, Inc. (AMP), founder of Synergy MedAesthetics, co-founder of Aesthetic Investments, LLC, and a private...
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Nicole Chiaramonte
Known for her business philosophies of “profits with integrity” and “profit optimization through collaboration,” Nicole Chiaramonte is CEO of Advanced MedAesthetics Partners, Inc. (AMP), founder of Synergy MedAesthetics, co-founder of Aesthetic Investments, LLC, and a private investor in more than a dozen medical spas. She has 25 years of experience in startup management, with 15 years of management services organization (MSO) ownership in the legal and medical industries, and now specializes in non-surgical medical aesthetic practices. Chiaramonte has partnered with numerous respected providers, providing startup capital, guidance and comprehensive oversight of their entry into the medical spa space.
Shawna Chrisman
NP
Shawna Chrisman, NP, combined her passion for medicine, entrepreneurship and aesthetics to start Destination Aesthetics Medical Spa in November 2011 in a 140-sq-ft office as a solo provider; she has since developed it into one of...
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Shawna Chrisman
NP
Shawna Chrisman, NP, combined her passion for medicine, entrepreneurship and aesthetics to start Destination Aesthetics Medical Spa in November 2011 in a 140-sq-ft office as a solo provider; she has since developed it into one of the fastest growing medical spas in the country, with four locations in the Sacramento, California, area and more than 30 employees. In addition to the medical spa, she opened Destination Aesthetics Beauty Suites (DABS) in 2018 under the same roof as Destination Aesthetics’ Folsom, California, medical spa location; it is home to five independent business owners in a salon-suite setting. The second DABS in Roseville, California, opened in 2020 and is home to six business owners.
Paula Davis
JD, MAPP
Paula Davis, JD, MAPP, is the founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute, a training and consulting firm that partners with organizations to help them reduce burnout and build resilience at the team, leader...
Read More
Paula Davis
JD, MAPP
Paula Davis, JD, MAPP, is the founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute, a training and consulting firm that partners with organizations to help them reduce burnout and build resilience at the team, leader and organizational levels. Davis left her law practice after seven years and earned a master’s degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. As part of her post-graduate training, she was selected to be part of the University of Pennsylvania faculty, teaching and training resilience skills to soldiers as part of the U.S. Army’s Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program; the Penn team trained resilience skills to more than 40,000 soldiers and their family members. Davis is the author of Beating Burnout at Work: Why Teams Hold the Secret to Well-Being & Resilience, which is about burnout prevention using a teams-based approach. Beating Burnout at Work was nominated for best Spring 2021 book by the Next Big Idea Club, which is curated by Adam Grant, Susan Cain, Malcom Gladwell and Daniel Pink. In addition, her book was the #1 best-selling title in 2021 for her publisher, the Wharton School Press.
Christopher Diienno
Christopher Diienno is the owner and senior perfumer for MOCA Fragrances. After graduating from Rutgers College, he began his studies in fragrance with a passion for the art and an emphasis on the science of perfumery...
Read More
Christopher Diienno
Christopher Diienno is the owner and senior perfumer for MOCA Fragrances. After graduating from Rutgers College, he began his studies in fragrance with a passion for the art and an emphasis on the science of perfumery. Introduced to the industry in 1983 and beginning his career with Roure (now Givaudan), he has developed his expertise in perfumery ever since. Early in his career he concentrated on research and development uncovering many groundbreaking insights into the mystery of fragrance. He later ascended into creative perfumery, striving to include truth in every note and to bring a simple elegance to his work. His tenure at Givaudan-Roure, Quest, Givaudan, Drom and MOCA has given him great opportunity explore the secrets of scent. As the 60th president of the American Society of Perfumers, paved the way back to the creativity and inspiration that makes the profession so special. Currently Chairman of the American Society of Perfumers and serving on the society's board of directors since 2009, he sees much more need for education, support and promotion of perfumery in our industry today. He also is currently vice president of the Society of International Perfumer Creators and is a founding member of that organization.
Darryl Do
Darryl Do is a senior perfumer at Delbia Do Fragrances and Flavors. He has held several positions at Delbia Do and at other fragrance manufacturers. He is a second-generation perfumer, training under his father, Dennis Do...
Read More
Darryl Do
Darryl Do is a senior perfumer at Delbia Do Fragrances and Flavors. He has held several positions at Delbia Do and at other fragrance manufacturers. He is a second-generation perfumer, training under his father, Dennis Do, who was a perfumer and flavorist as well as the founder of Delbia Do. Darryl is on the Board of The American Society of Perfumers and the World Taste and Smell Association. He is also an editorial advisor to Perfumer and Flavorist magazine. Darryl also speaks globally on regulatory compliance for the perfume and cosmetics industries. His latest launch is for Ourside Perfumes—a clean beauty brand sold at Credo.
Kay Durairaj
MD
Kay Durairaj, MD, is an internationally renowned head and neck and facial plastic surgeon practicing in Los Angeles. She completed her surgical training at UCLA and is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic...
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Kay Durairaj
MD
Kay Durairaj, MD, is an internationally renowned head and neck and facial plastic surgeon practicing in Los Angeles. She completed her surgical training at UCLA and is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Durairaj also serves on multiple advisory boards for aesthetic industry organizations, including Merz, Allergan, Evolus, Prollenium, and Galderma.
Dani Espindola
Dani started in the industry back in 2005 when she moved to the US from Brazil. Her first job was as a Hostess at an Irish Pub in NYC, where she learned a lot about hospitality...
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Dani Espindola
Dani started in the industry back in 2005 when she moved to the US from Brazil. Her first job was as a Hostess at an Irish Pub in NYC, where she learned a lot about hospitality, networking, and work ethic. She worked in Irish bars for 11 years in various roles, from hostess to bar manager. In 2013, she moved to Miami Beach and discovered her passion for craft cocktails. In 2018, she decided to focus on learning the craft and left the “Dive Bar” life.
Ann Frossard
Ann Frossard is currently the chief operating officer and chief people officer for SkinSpirit, a national medical aesthetics business. In this role, she leads the team in charge of the day-to-day operations and talent management for...
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Ann Frossard
Ann Frossard is currently the chief operating officer and chief people officer for SkinSpirit, a national medical aesthetics business. In this role, she leads the team in charge of the day-to-day operations and talent management for SkinSpirit’s clinics. Frossard joined SkinSpirit in April 2018 in the role of chief growth officer, bringing strong experience in multi-unit management and scaling of businesses. In this newly created role, she was responsible for developing SkinSpirit’s growth strategy and leading the SkinSpirit team in the execution of this strategy, ultimately leading an expansion from eight west coast clinics to the national footprint that exists today. Prior to joining SkinSpirit, Frossard worked for Starbucks Coffee Company for 15 years and, before that, spent 10 years in the consumer packaged goods industry working for Nestle, Clorox, Procter & Gamble and E & J Gallo Winery.
Carrie Galpin
Carrie Galpin is the US Head of Customer Education and Key Thought Leader Engagement for Galderma. She has worked for companies such as Sanofi-Aventis, Valeant, and Allergan in both sales and marketing roles. Carrie started her...
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Carrie Galpin
Carrie Galpin is the US Head of Customer Education and Key Thought Leader Engagement for Galderma. She has worked for companies such as Sanofi-Aventis, Valeant, and Allergan in both sales and marketing roles. Carrie started her career in Aesthetics as a Sculptra Account Manager in Atlanta, Georgia in 2007 and was promoted to Regional Sales Manager in 2014. She was appointed to US Director of GAIN in 2019 and promoted to US Head of Customer Education and KTL Engagement in 2023.
Sohee Jun
PhD
As a top leadership coach, keynote speaker, leadership development expert and Amazon best-selling author, Sohee Jun, PhD, works with emerging leaders and executives to unleash their untapped power for themselves and their teams. During her more...
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Sohee Jun
PhD
As a top leadership coach, keynote speaker, leadership development expert and Amazon best-selling author, Sohee Jun, PhD, works with emerging leaders and executives to unleash their untapped power for themselves and their teams. During her more than 20 years in the corporate world, she has helped leaders transform themselves from frustrated executives to insightful, impactful and inspired leaders who are engaging employees in exciting new ways and driving their organizations to great success. Jun works with Fortune 500 companies, helping high-performing leaders, emerging leaders and executive teams identify and strategically capitalize upon moments of shift and challenge as opportunities for powerful growth and change.
Maegen Kennedy
PA-C
At Windermere Medical Spa & Laser Institute, Maegen Kennedy, MMS, PA-C, leads "The Princess Injectors,” a team of expert injectors and providers. With more than 13 years of experience, she excels in facial aesthetics, focusing on...
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Maegen Kennedy
PA-C
At Windermere Medical Spa & Laser Institute, Maegen Kennedy, MMS, PA-C, leads "The Princess Injectors,” a team of expert injectors and providers. With more than 13 years of experience, she excels in facial aesthetics, focusing on collagen production and overall skin quality along with internal health to slow down and reverse some of the aging process. Recognized globally, she has been accredited by A4M, is a Sciton Luminary, is a GAIN trainer for Galderma and is part of Galderma's advisory board. She collaborates with top professionals, ensuring high standards in patient care and safety. Windermere Medical Spa & Laser Institute is a premier Sculptra provider across the entire southeast region of the U.S.
John McConnon
John’s journey began when he was young, and he used to visit a local bar in Pinecrest to eat chicken wings. One day, he stumbled upon an opportunity to work there, and he jumped at the...
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John McConnon
John’s journey began when he was young, and he used to visit a local bar in Pinecrest to eat chicken wings. One day, he stumbled upon an opportunity to work there, and he jumped at the chance, despite not being of legal age to work. From that moment on, John found his calling in the industry and has been passionate about it ever since. He considers himself fortunate to have found a career that he loves and is always eager to learn and grow within the industry. He’s inspired by the innovative ideas and people he encounters, including bartenders, chefs, and barbacks, that keep the fire of passion burning within him.
Marria Pooya
Marria Pooya is the founder and visionary of Greenwich Medical Spa (GMS). Since launching the company as a two-person operation in 2005, she has grown it to a five-location enterprise employing more than 58 staff members...
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Marria Pooya
Marria Pooya is the founder and visionary of Greenwich Medical Spa (GMS). Since launching the company as a two-person operation in 2005, she has grown it to a five-location enterprise employing more than 58 staff members. Thanks to her bold leadership, the company remains in a growth phase with plans to open two additional locations in2022, including an expanded, state-of-the-art flagship store. GMS was recognized as one of fastest growing companies by Inc. 5000 for 2020 and 2019, and the Greenwich and Westport locations were named Best Medical Spa by readers of Greenwich Lifestyle and Westport Lifestyle magazines, respectively. Before founding GMS, Pooya had a successful career as a high-yield Analyst on Wall Street with Alex Brown & Sons Inc. and Lehman Brothers. As the director of product development and marketing for cosmetics with Momtaz Co., Inc., she developed and managed two distinct color cosmetic brands targeting contemporary and niche demographic segments in international and domestic markets. She was also selected to the AmSpa Aesthetic Safety Council (AASC), which promotes compliance, safety and training in the medical aesthetic industry.
Carrie Strom
Carrie Strom is senior vice president, AbbVie, and president, Global Allergan Aesthetics, and has served in this role since May 2020. Prior to joining AbbVie, she served as senior vice president of U.S. Medical Aesthetics at...
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Carrie Strom
Carrie Strom is senior vice president, AbbVie, and president, Global Allergan Aesthetics, and has served in this role since May 2020. Prior to joining AbbVie, she served as senior vice president of U.S. Medical Aesthetics at Allergan beginning in May 2018, overseeing the aesthetic portfolio for the multi-billion-dollar U.S. business. Previously, Strom was vice president of marketing, plastic surgery and regenerative medicine at Allergan, and she was instrumental in the $2.8-billion acquisition and integration of LifeCell. Before Allergan, Strom spent more than 10 years at Pfizer, where she led marketing for a leading statin and held various other sales and marketing roles. She is an advocate for women in business and sits on the board for the Orange County chapter of the Girls Inc. organization. She serves on the board of directors for Octane in Southern California and is a member of the Komen Leadership Council in Orange County. At AbbVie, she is the executive chair of the PRIDE employee resource group.
Tugba Yanaz
Born in Turkey, growing up in Germany, and based in New York, Tugba Yanaz is the founder of LEAD + VISION, a vision-based leadership coaching and consulting firm. She is a PCC-certified leadership development coach by...
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Tugba Yanaz
Born in Turkey, growing up in Germany, and based in New York, Tugba Yanaz is the founder of LEAD + VISION, a vision-based leadership coaching and consulting firm. She is a PCC-certified leadership development coach by the International Coaching Federation and a former Fortune 500 executive. Yanaz spent two decades in the manufacturing and supply-chain industry at Flex (a publicly traded company) as a vice president. During her tenure, she has built two profitable business units from scratch to more than $1 billion in size in the automotive and consumer electronics industries. Yanaz has built and led global teams in 10 different regions virtually. She is known for her passion for building high performing teams and systems. Beyond her role as a P&L leader, Tugba has served Flex as an internal leadership coach.
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