Speakers
Fabulous Speakers Added to the Line Up
We have some inspiring professionals who are At The Top of their game who will be sharing their stories of motivation and encouragement:
Dr. Sally Brown Bassett
Dr. Sally Brown Bassett is a social entrepreneur, world traveler, and yogi. She has traveled to over 130 countries and has held numerous positions from airline stewardess to C.E.O. Sally went from the galley to the boardroom in 30 years in the travel industry.
Sally is president and co-founder of the Women Like Us Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering and inspiring women and girls to make a difference globally and locally. This foundation has evolved with Sally’s desire to make more of an impact with global sustainable projects.
Dr. Brown is a former President/CEO of Ambassadair Travel Club and Officer of ATA, which were once the nation’s largest travel club and tenth largest airline in the country.
From Developing revenue and profit projections, staffing plan and an annual company budget of $35 million, to Marketing and publishing ATA’s in-flight magazine, Journey, (with a readership of 1.8 million) and bi-monthly supplement, it was her passion and determination that took her to the top in her industry.
Sally has hosted weekly TV travel segments as well as weekly travel tips on Indy radio stations. She is the author of Where Journeys Begin—Tips for the Novice and Seasoned Traveler and a children’s adventure book entitled “Alexandra’s Travel Adventures.” As a motivational speaker, Sally especially tries to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone and find real personal growth. She says the two keys to success are passion and perseverance. She also stresses a balanced life in five areas of your life: physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and last but not least, spiritually.
She completed her doctorates at Purdue University in tourism with the emphasis on international humanitarian work.
Sally enjoys exercising every day through her yoga practice, hiking and adventure travel. As founder of the Peace through Yoga center, Sally enjoys teaching yoga as well as being a student. Her goal is to also to be the best role model as possible to her two daughters, Ashley and Laura. They have traveled with her to more than 40 countries
Past Speakers
Max Siegel
Max L. Siegel is the former President of Global Operations at Dale Earnhardt Inc., one of the top motor sports franchise in NASCAR. As one of the most influential executives in the entertainment and sports industries, Siegel made history as the highest-ranking African American executive in NASCAR. Siegel oversaw the entire organization including competition, marketing, sales, sponsorship and distribution for all DEI’s properties including motor sports teams, licensing, promotion, business development and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
An accomplished entertainment executive, attorney, author, conference organizer and television and film producer, he is one of the most sought after persons in the entertainment industry. He is a cum laude graduate from Notre Dame Law School. With more than 15 years of brokering deals and project management, Siegel is known for his sharp and savvy business expertise.
The former Sony BMG/Zomba Label Group executive held dual positions as Senior Vice President of Zomba Label and President of Zomba Gospel. During his tenure at Sony BMG, Siegel helped the company score more No. 1 hits and gold and platinum records than ever before. Siegel served on the executive team that produced top gospel and pop artists including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, John P. Kee, Vikki Winans, Kelly Price and more.
Joe Newman
A legendary figure in advertising and marketing, Joe Newman is HVS’s “marketing guru.” He provides marketing consulting to HVS studio owners. He conducts marketing meetings with new studios and complete marketing seminars at the various HVS all-studio meetings and the annual Las Vegas Convention.
Of particular importance, Joe facilitates weekly marketing meetings via telephone conference calls to all HVS studios each Monday morning.† From 1963-1983, Joe Newman was the President/CEO of Joe Newman Advertising inc., an Indianapolis-based advertising agency handling accounts such as: Kentucky Fried Chicken, Arby’s Roast Beef, the Ice Capades, Ringling Brothers Circus, Paramount Pictures, RCA, Whirlpool, along with a host of local car dealers, banks, furniture stores, jewelers, as well as the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, the Indiana and Michigan Optometric Associations. He also owned The Remote Unit inc., an audio/video production company.
In addition to his amazing advertising and marketing career, Joe has also owned Spanish language radio stations, served as president of the American Broadcasting System and Alliance Broadcasting Systems, two companies that owned several other radio stations, co-owned with his son, Bob, a specialty ad agency focusing on proprietary and vocational school marketing, and directed the WGAQ Radio Fiesta in Chicago.
In 2001, Joe co-founded the ABA (American Basketball Association), the largest professional sports league in the United States with teams in Canada and Mexico. He currently serves as co-owner and CEO of the league.
Bob Laikin
Robert J. Laikin co-founded and has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Brightpoint Inc. since January 1994. Mr. Laikin served as President of Brightpoint Inc. from June 1992 until September 1996 and Vice President and Treasurer from August 1989 until May 1992. From July 1986 to December 1987, he was Vice President and, from January 1988 to February 1993, President of Century Cellular Network, Inc., a company engaged in the retail sale of cellular telephones and accessories.
He serves as Member of the U.S. Advisory Board of Eskye Solutions, Inc. He serves on the Kelley School of Business Executive Board of the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
HONORS AND AWARDS
- Named to the Board of Directors for The Hundred Club of Indianapolis (assisting families of fallen police officers and firefighters)
- Trustee, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
- Recipient of the William L. Haeberle Entrepreneurial Legacy Award for 2008
- Inducted into the Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame in 2008
- Received a Stevie Award for Best Turnaround Executive in 2007
- Recipient of the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award by the Kelley School of Business Alumni Association (1999)
- Recipient of the Indiana Entrepreneur of the Year Award (1995)
- Received an honorable mention in 1995 Inc. Magazine National Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- Former Board Member of United Way of Central Indiana
- 1990 L.L. Goodman Award
- 1992 David M. Cook Memorial Award
- 1992 Ernst & Young – Supporter of Entrepreneurship Award
- 1993 North Central High School Alumni Hall of Fame
- 1994 B’nai B’rith Isidore Feibleman Man/Woman of the Year Award
- 1994 National Multiple Sclerosis – Hope Award
- 1995 Sagamore of the Wabash – Governor Evan Bayh
- 1995 University of Indianapolis Honorary Degree, Doctor of Laws
- 1996 The Indianapolis Star – Indiana Jefferson Award
Jim Morris
In his role with the Indiana Pacers as Special Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and President, Jim Morris is responsible for expanding and enhancing the organization’s community core values, outreach and partnerships.
Before joining the Pacers, Morris spent five years as the Executive Director for the United Nations World Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian agency. The WFP has more than 12,000 staff members, 90 percent of whom work in the developing world. Morris has also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for IWC Resource Corporation and Indianapolis Water Company. He served in several capacities for Lilly Endowment, Inc., including President from 1984-89, and served as Administrative Assistant and Chief of Staff to the Office of the Mayor, City of Indianapolis from 1967-73.
Morris has spent more than 35 years in a leadership role in business, philanthropic and humanitarian ventures, along with a personal life of public service. Morris serves on numerous boards and volunteers much of his time to countless civic and community organizations.
Tom Godby
Tom, who is a native of Indianapolis, has spent the majority of his illustrious 40 year career in the heating and cooling business. He was the founder and President of the original Godby Brothers, Inc., founded in 1972, where the Company served both residential and commercial customers in central Indiana for over 25 years, until the company was sold in 1997.
Upon the sale of the company, Tom, who has a uniquely strong background in introducing and marketing new products, spent several years actively engaged in assisting early stage and start-up companies with the development of business plans, securing financing, executive staffing and business development.
In 2004, Tom along with his three co-founders/owners, which have a combined 103 years of industry experience with Team Godby, established Godby Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC. In addition to his role at Godby Heating and Air, Tom also owns several other businesses and properties through an affiliated entity, Godby Enterprises, Inc. He is a former licensing board member and Heat Pump Society President and is actively involved with central Indiana charitable and community service organizations.
Michael (Mickey) Maurer
Michael S. (“Mickey”) Maurer’s career as an attorney and entrepreneur has included cable television, film production, radio broadcasting, newspaper publishing, real estate and banking. An Indianapolis native, Mickey graduated from North Central High School. He attended the University of Colorado and graduated with a B.S. in accounting. He is a member of Beta Alpha Psi accounting honorary society. Mickey attended Indiana University School of Law where he received a Doctor of Jurisprudence. He was a writer and an editor of the Law Journal. He successfully completed the CPA examination. Mr. Maurer is admitted to both the New York and the Indiana Bars.
Mickey serves as Chairman of the Board of IBJ Corporation. IBJ owns and publishes The Indianapolis Business Journal, Court and Commercial Record, and The Indiana Lawyer.
Mickey serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of The National Bank of Indianapolis, the largest locally owned financial institution in central Indiana.
Throughout his career Mickey was involved in a number of other industries, including cable television, radio broadcasting, racquetball and film production. His film, “Diving In” enjoyed a national release and showings on HBO and Cinemax.
In 2001, Mickey established “Mickey’s Camp,” a charitable endeavor that has raised over $1 million for central Indiana charities.
In 2005, Mickey was named President of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and in 2006 Mickey was named Indiana Secretary of Commerce by Governor Mitch Daniels.
Mickey hosts an Emmy award winning program on Fox 59, “Mickey’s Corner” in which he interviews Indiana luminaries.
Mickey enjoys leadership through active participation as a director of numerous businesses, civic, educational and philanthropic organizations. He has served as President of the Jewish Community Relations Council and Chairman of the Board of the Indianapolis Zoological Society and the United Way of Central Indiana.
In 2008, in recognition of Mickey’s longtime service and generosity to his alma mater, Indiana University School of Law — Bloomington was renamed Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
In 2009, Mickey was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Mickey is a regularly published contributor to the New York Times crossword puzzle. His hobbies also include skiing, biking, mountain climbing, woodworking and underwater photography. His woodworking has won a blue ribbon at the Indiana State Fair. In 1999, he successfully summitted Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. His underwater pictures have won numerous awards and have been displayed in the Waters Building at the Indianapolis Zoo, The Hilbert Circle Theater, The National Art Museum of Sport, The Indianapolis Art Center and The New York Hall of Science. In 2003 Mickey authored a book of his underwater photography entitled “Water Colors.” In 2009, Mickey’s second book was published, “19 Stars of Indiana”. Mickey is married to Janie Maurer, and they have three children and seven grandchildren.
HONORS AND AWARDS



