Speakers
COMING SOON!
Susan Relland
Susan Relland spends her days guiding the team at APL – an 80-year-old group supplemental benefits insurance company.
Under her leadership, APL is undergoing a transformational growth initiative to advance the singular aim of being the definitive carrier of choice for brokers. This comprehensive modernization replaces all current systems and processes with cutting-edge technologies and operational improvements.
As much a people project as technology overhaul, Susan’s focus is on inspiring the team to understand and buy into the shared vision; empowering colleagues at every level of the organization to make decisions that drive toward that vision with rapid speed; creating a culture where colleagues are encouraged to think creatively and act boldly, and find it’s safe to do so; and coaching on how to mitigate the risk of burnout and build resilience so colleagues can thrive during this multi-year project.
Susan serves as the President of Operations and Board Chair for APL as well as the Chief Administrative Officer for American Fidelity Corporation. She advances the work of the entire Cameron organization by overseeing the shared services team that supports all the Cameron Companies and by serving on the Board of Directors for several of those companies. She began her career as an employee benefits attorney and was the Chief Marketing Officer of American Fidelity Assurance Company from 2012 to 2017.
LEARNING LAB ARCHITECT
ISA Gucciardi
Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. holds advanced degrees in cultural andlinguistic anthropology, comparative religion, and transpersonalpsychology. She has studied spiritual, therapeutic, and meditative techniques from around the world and was an early pioneerin integrating shamanic and Buddhist perspectives into clinical practice.
Isa is the Founding Director of the Sacred Stream,where she developed the transformative therapeutic model
Depth Hypnosis™ and the innovative confl ict resolution
process Coming to Peace™.
A recognized expert, she is the author of three books and speaks six languages. Isa teaches and lectures both nationally and internationally, sharing her profound knowledge of spiritual and psychological healing. Her work has positively impacted thousands of individuals, guiding them toward greater self-awareness, healing, and personal transformation.
Isa’s ongoing contributions continue to inspire and empower people on their journeys of growth and inner change.
LEARNING LAB ARCHITECT
RYAN
WALSH
As Chief Strategy Officer and Channel Chief, Ryan works in close alignment with the CEO in executing the strategic vision for Pax8. He helps formulate, facilitate, and communicate the company’s strategic initiatives to both external and internal stakeholders.
In this role, he will focus on attracting new strategic constituents into our marketplace and work with existing partners to optimize their experience with Pax8. From an industry standpoint, Ryan is responsible for monitoring market conditions and trends and helping define the implications for the company. Ryan is also responsible for upholding and promoting the Pax8 core values across the company.
Ryan has more than 20 years of experience enabling channel partners and their customers using cloud-based IT solutions. Before moving into his current role, Ryan held positions as interim Chief Operating Officer and Chief Product Officer at Pax8, leading its vendor product strategies and IT channel program. Prior to Pax8, he built a re-engineering practice at Deloitte in the Consulting division and served as Vice President of product management for MX Logic, a cloud-based email and web security company that McAfee acquired in 2009.
Ryan holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Business Economics from Colorado
College. He is an award-winning speaker, a CompTIA Member Champion, and has been included
in CRN’s esteemed list of Channel Chiefs for five consecutive years and CRN’s 100 Top Executives
List for two consecutive years. Ryan is a dedicated husband and father who enjoys spending time
exploring Colorado with his family, or any activity related to basketball.
LEARNING LAB ARCHITECT
Hal
adler
Start your Ascend experience with an unforgettable session that redefines what it means to lead.
In “Leading Performance,” Hal Adler — founder of Leadership Landing and former President of the Great Place to Work Institute — partners with vocalists from the Telluride Choral Society to create a fully immersive experience where music becomes metaphor.
Through the dynamic interplay between conductor and choir, you’ll explore the essence of high-performing teams — listening, adapting, and leading in harmony. This isn’t a lecture; it’s three parts workshop, one part live rehearsal, and entirely transformative. You’ll feel leadership, not just analyze it — and carry the lessons far beyond the mountain.
Hal will also serve as Chair of Ascend Telluride, guiding our three-day journey as emcee and anchor. His presence ensures the rhythm, connection, and flow of the event are as intentional as the lessons themselves.
EVENT CHAIRPERSON
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