Future in Focus
Tuesday, April 22
Doors Open at 7:30 AM
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Bold Brew & Books
Main Street Station
Networking, coffee, and featured books from speakers
Kick start Day One of the Summit with two of Richmond's greatest loves – bold coffee and even bolder ideas. At Bold Brew & Books, you'll sip some of our best local roasts while diving into conversations that wake up your mind like a shot of espresso. Browse a selection of books by our featured speakers displayed throughout the space, adding intellectual inspiration to this dynamic networking environment. This isn't just your average morning coffee – it's a chance to connect, get inspired, and set the tone for a day of fresh perspectives and fearless innovation.
What You'll Gain:
Connections with fellow innovators in a casual, energizing environment
Insider access to Richmond's celebrated local coffee culture
Early morning inspiration to maximize your Summit experience
Low-pressure networking opportunities with potential collaborators
Hosted by:
Startup Virginia and 1717 Collective
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
The RVA Medicine Trail
Transforming Big Ideas into Market Reality
Main Street Station
Panel Discussion
Innovation isn’t just about dreaming big – it’s about making it real. In this powerful session, we’ll explore how Richmond’s growing life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors are turning bold ideas into measurable impact. From groundbreaking healthcare technologies and regional manufacturing breakthroughs to the evolving role of AI, sustainability, and cybersecurity, this conversation brings together the people and strategies driving transformation in medicine – and beyond. Whether you're scaling innovation in a legacy organization or building the next biotech disruptor, this is where future-forward thinking meets real-world results.
What You'll Gain:
Insights into Richmond’s emerging pharma and life sciences ecosystem – from research to manufacturing
Strategies for scaling innovation in high-complexity industries like healthcare and biotech
Real-world examples of how AI, sustainability, and cybersecurity are shaping the future of medicine
Approaches to building talent pipelines that power innovation across sectors
Moderator:
Jennifer Ginther (Vice President, Strategic Communications, Memorial Hermann)
Panelists:
Dr. Frank Gupton (CEO, Medicines For All Institute)
Joy Polefrone (Regional Innovation Officer, Advanced APM Tech Hub)
Kishau Rogers (Founder & CEO, Time Study Inc.)
Allan Coukell (Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer, Civica Rx)
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM – Break
9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Know Your Why: A Conversation with Tony Bennett, Former UVA Basketball Coach
Main Street Station
Fireside Chat
Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or creating something new, knowing who you are – and why you do it – matter more than ever. In this intimate conversation, legendary former University of Virginia basketball coach Tony Bennett shares the principles that guided his career, from NCAA championships to life beyond the court. With UVA’s most wins in program history, a national title, and a coaching philosophy rooted in his Five Pillars – Humility, Passion, Unity, Servanthood, and Thankfulness – Bennett offers a rare perspective on what it means to lead with conviction and navigate seasons of change. This session is not just about coaching, it's about a sense of purpose, clarity, and character in leadership.
What You'll Gain:
A practical framework for values-based leadership in business, sports, and life
Insights on navigating transition and change with integrity and purpose
Lessons in resilience, culture-building, and consistency from a championship mindset
Inspiration to clarify your purpose – your “why” – and lead with it in all you do
Speaker:
Tony Bennett (Former Head Coach and National Champion, University of Virginia Men's Basketball)
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM – Break
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Talent Without Boundaries: Redefining Skills Across Professional Disciplines
Main Street Station
Panel Discussion
Join us for an engaging panel discussion as we explore talent development across industries. We've designed a comprehensive session that will revolutionize how you think about workforce strategy. Our conversation will cover:
Future-Ready Skills: How companies are identifying and developing capabilities that will matter most in tomorrow's economy
Talent Attraction Revolution: Why Richmond is becoming a magnet for skilled professionals and how organizations can leverage regional advantages
Breaking the Silos: Rethinking traditional career paths and creating fluid talent ecosystems that span industries
From tech leadership to skilled trades, these conversations will challenge conventional wisdom about talent and reveal why the smartest companies are embracing entirely new approaches to finding and developing people.
What You'll Gain:
Forward-looking talent strategies that address evolving skill requirements
Regional insights on building magnetic employer brands in competitive markets
Cross-industry talent development models that break traditional career limitations
Practical approaches to creating more fluid, adaptive workforce ecosystems
Moderator:
Nick Serfass (Chief Executive Officer, rvatech/)
Panelists:
Kim Range (Director - Learning, Development & Talent Performance, The Martin Agency)
Taikein Cooper (Chief Executive Officer, Richmond Ed Fund)
Utibe Bassey (Vice President, Customer Experience, Dominion Energy)
Dr. Paula Pando (President, Reynolds Community College)
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM – Break
12:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Digital Guardians: Navigating Fraud & Cyber Risk in Financial Services
Presented by Truist
Main Street Station
Panel and CIO Presentation
Join fellow innovators for this essential session on protecting financial systems in an era of unprecedented digital threats. This panel features members of Truist's leadership team examining the critical intersection of cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and innovative defense strategies. The program begins with welcome remarks, followed by an expert panel exploring "AI's Dual Role: Threat Vector and Security Solution," examining how artificial intelligence is simultaneously creating new vulnerabilities while offering powerful new defensive capabilities. This will be followed by Truist's executive presentation on emerging fraud patterns and cyber resilience frameworks. You’ll gain actionable intelligence on protecting digital assets and customer information while maintaining operational efficiency in an increasingly sophisticated threat landscape.
Session Highlights:
Expert panel on AI's transformative impact on security
Comprehensive fraud & cyber threat presentation
Interactive Q&A on implementation strategies
Networking with security professionals and industry leaders
12:30-1:00 PM
Welcome Comments & Opening Panel: Tech Experts Perspective on the AI Revolution
Moderator:
Thomas Ransom (Regional President, Truist Bank)
Panelists:
Bert Short (Executive Vice President, CSC Leasing)
Jeff Potter (SVP, Director of Technology Services, Davenport & Co)
1:00-1:15 PM
Updates from Truist Bank Chief Wholesale Officer
Speaker:
Kristin Lesher (Executive Vice President & Chief Wholesale Officer, Truist Bank)
1:15-1:20 PM
Fraud & Cyber Threat Opening Comments
Speaker:
Thomas Ransom (Regional President, Truist Bank)
1:20-2:00 PM
Fraud & Cyber Threat Presentation
Presenters:
Lindsay Ragheb (Mid-Atlantic Wholesale Payments Sales Manager, Truist Bank)
Riley Rupert (Wholesale Payments Consultant, Truist)
Warren Fischi (Cyber Insurance Specialist, Truist Bank)
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM – Break
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
A Conversation with Tom Barkin: Macro & Micro Economic Forces Shaping Our Future
Main Street Station
Fireside Chat
This session examines the complex interplay between national monetary policy and regional economic development. Join Tom Barkin as he explores the evolving financial landscape, including emerging payment technologies, shifting capital flows, and their implications for businesses and households. The conversation will address key macroeconomic challenges – including inflation dynamics, labor market conditions, and monetary policy considerations – while examining their microeconomic effects on business investment, consumer behavior, and community development. Special attention will be given to how these broad economic forces manifest in Richmond's regional ecosystem, illustrating how national policy decisions create tangible impacts across different sectors of the local economy.
What You'll Gain:
Expert insights on monetary policy trends affecting businesses and consumers
Forward-looking perspective on digital currency
Understanding of financial inclusion challenges and opportunities
Regional economic outlook for the Richmond region
Moderator:
Kevin Nicholson (Chief Investment Officer, Global Fixed Income, RiverFront Investment Group)
Speaker:
Tom Barkin (President & CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond)
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM – Break
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Real Angels Invest: How Women VCs are Shaping Capital
Main Street Station
Panel Discussion
Women are changing the face of investing. Are you ready to be part of the movement? Real Angels Invest is a session designed to empower more women to step into the world of angel investing and to connect with those shaping its future. Our powerhouse panel of experienced female investors will share how they got started, what they look for in a business, and how investing can be a game-changing way to build wealth and influence. Whether you're already investing, curious about getting started, or an entrepreneur looking for insight into what investors really want, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
What You'll Gain:
Insider knowledge of what female investors look for when funding businesses
Actionable steps to start or expand your journey in angel investing
Insights on how women-led investment strategies are reshaping the capital landscape
Access to a powerful network of women investors and entrepreneurs driving change in the industry
Moderator:
Jen Finn (Co-founder and CEO, HIO)
Panelists:
Heidi Nel (Chief Operating Officer, New Theory Ventures)
Nicole Walker (Venture Partner, Health Innovation Capital)
Liz Doerr (Co-Founder & Partner, Sandbox)
Jewel Burks Solomon (Managing Partner at Collab Capital)
Extended Play
Evening Reception
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Future Forward: The Innovator's Mixer @ Havana ‘59
As Day One draws to a close, join fellow attendees for this energizing reception that turns conversations into collaborations. The Future Forward Reception creates the perfect environment for sparking new connections and deepening existing relationships. Representatives from all Summit partners will be on hand to engage with attendees and explore potential collaborations that extend beyond the event itself.
Hosts:
BDIS 2025 Corporate Sponsors and Community Partners
Extended Play: Unveiled
Presented by RVA Fashion Week
Deco at CNB
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Step into the future of fashion at Unveiled, an RVA Fashion Week showcase dedicated to rising designers who are reshaping style as we know it. From the avant-garde edge of Omari Jade to the refined craftsmanship of Cuerazo Leathers, this curated runway features bold collections by emerging talents including Yani and Model Maven. This isn’t just a fashion show—it’s a statement.
Hosts:
RVA Fashion Week
*All schedules, speakers, and lineups are subject to change.