Meet the speakers who presented at the 22nd Annual Carole Moore McLeod Entrepreneur Summit at Appalachian State University.
Appalachian State University’s Entrepreneur Summit brings together entrepreneurs, students, alumni, and community members, all focused on real‑world entrepreneurship. Experienced business owners and leaders share what they’ve learned from building, growing, and navigating change, and breakout sessions help students think critically about ideas, careers, and the realities of starting and owning a business.
Morning Session
137 – Grandfather Mountain Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union | 9:30 a.m. Doors Open (coffee, scones, and networking) | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Welcome and Speakers
The Energy Shift: Your Competitive Edge in Work and Life
Natalie Johnson
Natalie Johnson knows that in today’s nonstop world, the real competitive edge isn’t time, it’s energy.
Whether you’re in business now or a student preparing to launch your own venture, learning to manage and elevate physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual energy is game-changing: it fuels sharper focus, better decisions, and the resilience needed to navigate uncertainty.
This energizing and interactive session challenges the myth that stress and burnout are simply part of the entrepreneurial journey and replaces it with practical tools for showing up with intention, courage and most importantly – energy. You’ll walk away with fresh insight, science-backed strategies, and a renewed ability to sustain your energy, not just for yourself, but for the teams and businesses you’re building.
Reboot and Reinvent: Scaling Across Disciplines in a Rapidly Changing World
Paul Storm
Paul Storm doesn’t just build companies, he builds what’s next.
With a career spanning industrial engineering, cybersecurity, and AI-powered startups, Paul understands the importance of pivoting quickly and scaling effectively. In this talk, he unpacks how to navigate shifting landscapes, lead through technical complexity, and stay resilient when the rules of the game keep changing.
For founders, engineers, and future disruptors alike, this is your front-row seat to entrepreneurial evolution in action.
From Rock Bottom to Real Estate: The Entrepreneurial Power of Starting Over
Gaurav “G” Patel
Gaurav “G” Patel’s story is one of resilience and reinvention.
After personal loss and bankruptcy, G rebuilt from the ground up, launching successful ventures in hospitality, consulting, and commercial real estate.
In this session, he shares actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and lessons learned from setbacks, offering a real-world blueprint for anyone facing a major life or business transition.
Luncheon Session
420 – Parkway Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union | 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Unlocking the Resilience Superpower Within Student Entrepreneurs
Dr. William Lewis
Dr. William Lewis brings hard-won lessons and deep insight from decades of work at the intersection of leadership, culture, and belonging. As the founder of WillHouse Global and co-founder of The Intersection, Will has guided institutions and businesses through the challenges of creating workplaces where courage, clarity, and community thrive.
In this candid and inspiring luncheon keynote, Will explores how resilience isn’t just an individual trait but a collective superpower that student entrepreneurs can unlock to navigate setbacks, adapt to change, and build ventures with staying power. Drawing on real-world, trial-by-fire experience in leadership and culture transformation, he offers practical tools to help the next generation of leaders strengthen their inner resolve while cultivating environments where everyone can excel.
If you’re ready to discover how resilience can shift from buzzword to blueprint, Will’s talk will show you the way forward.
Workshop: The Energy Shift – Part 2
Natalie Johnson & Erich Schlenker
Natalie Johnson knows that in today’s nonstop world, the real competitive edge isn’t time, it’s energy.
Building on the morning session’s keynote, The Energy Shift, this 90-minute workshop takes participants deeper into the mental and spiritual dimensions of energy. These are the spaces where focus, meaning, and purpose drive our performance. When our purpose is clear, our energy becomes directed. When our mind is steady, our presence and performance expand. Through reflection, discussion, and practical application, participants will learn how to align their mental focus and sense of purpose to create sustainable, high-impact energy. This session blends science and self-awareness with simple, repeatable practices that strengthen clarity, calm, and connection, even in high-demand environments.
Networking and Big Idea Pitch Competition
420 – Parkway Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union | 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Big Idea Pitch Competition
The Big Idea Pitch is an energizing showcase of entrepreneurial thinking at its earliest stage!
Ten student finalists, from any major across campus, will take the stage to pitch creative, scalable ideas in three minutes or less.
Whether they plan to pursue the idea or not, each student will receive feedback from a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and compete for cash prizes, including an Audience Choice Award!
We’re looking for bold thinkers and creative problem-solvers with ideas worth sharing.
Learn more and apply to pitch HERE.