New speaker series in Sarasota hopes to inspire rising entrepreneurs

A new speaker series in Sarasota aims to inspire upcoming entrepreneurs by bringing local experts together to share their knowledge.

Called the Sarasota Speakers Series, the organizer, financial consultant Lynn Kitchen, said participants at the first event, set for 5-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 at the Aloft Hotel in downtown Sarasota, will come away with stories, strategies and secrets they can use to grow their own businesses.

“Business building is now more complicated and needs collaboration, cooperation and mentorship,” Kitchen said. “We do believe that they can take home with them some ideas for positive disruption for their own businesses and their own lives.”

The first event features three successful local beauty salon owners: Terry McKee, of Nuovo Salon Group, Coral Pleas, of Cutting Loose Salons, and James Griffith, of James Griffith Salons.

The event will be co-hosted by Kitchen, along with branding consultant and TEDxSarasota founder Judy Winslow.

The title of the first talk, “Disruption, Innovation & Opportunity,” will focus on the speakers’ success with growing their businesses in a spirit of cooperation.

“The theme was actually chosen by our current speakers … what they call ‘positive disruption,’ meaning that we can streamline, working together, collaborating with each other and really coming together rather than pulling apart," Kitchen said. 

“They're not only friends, they're collaborators and competitors. It's rather interesting.”

The event will start at 5 p.m. with a panel discussion. Afterward, a meet-and greet opportunity will allow participants to connect with the speakers and network with others in attendance. 

Kitchen says future panel discussions are planned with notable local restaurateurs and media entrepreneurs. 

“I think it'll be a conversation that will be uplifting and inspiring,” Kitchen said. “How many times do we get to see three leaders in a particular industry group talk about what worked, what didn't, and how they see the future?” 

Kitchen said a long-term goal of hers and Winslow is to create a leadership program, “that can help mentor new, upcoming entrepreneurs,” that will inspire a legacy project.

“We look forward to the future partnership with a nonprofit whereby we can raise some funds for young entrepreneurs in Sarasota County.”