Purposeful Progress: Competing for Customers and Capital in a World of Trillion Dollar Firms

Purposeful Progress: Competing for Customers and Capital in a World of Trillion Dollar Firms is a one-day conference hosted at Sonoma State University that brings together leading thinkers, entrepreneurs, and regional stakeholders to explore how purpose-driven organizations can thrive in today’s hyper-competitive global economy.

Attendees will gain access to proven competitive strategies from Professor Jay B. Barney, a globally recognized authority on how smaller players can outperform industry giants. Professor Oana Branzei will offer frameworks for embedding sustainability, social impact, and long-term community value into business strategy. Tony Magee, founder of Lagunitas Brewing, will share his journey of building a distinctive brand and scaling it in a crowded market.

Investor groups from North Bay Angels and Marin Sonoma Impact Ventures will be in the room.

Participants will walk away with actionable insights for aligning stakeholders, navigating complex markets, and delivering measurable results, whether in the public or private sector. The event also offers opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, creatives, nonprofit leaders, and public officials shaping the future of Sonoma County’s economy.

Seats are limited, and registration is required by October 7.

Event Agenda

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Registration & Coffee

9:00 AM – 9:20 AM Welcome Speeches

9:30 AM – 10:15 AM Keynote Address Speaker: Professor Jay B. Barney (Presidential Professor of Strategic Management & Pierre Lassonde Chair of Social Entrepreneurship, University of Utah)

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Panel One: Competing for Customers Moderator: Professor Nadiya Parekh, Sonoma State University Speakers:

Professor Elizabeth Pontikes (UC Davis)

Zachary Kushel (Founder & Managing Partner, Marin Sonoma Impact Ventures)

Susan Griffin-Black (Founder & Co-CEO, EO Products)

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM Coffee Break

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Panel Two: Competing for Capital Moderator: Professor Nandini Rajagopalan, University of Southern California Speakers:

Professor Tony Tong (University of Colorado, Boulder)

Tony Magee (Founder, Lagunitas Brewing Company)

Lance Cottrell (President & Chair, North Bay Angels)

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Panel Three: Purposeful Innovation, Stakeholder Orientation & Sustainability Moderator: Professor Damien Wilson, Sonoma State University Speakers:

Professor Oana Branzei (Ivey Business School, Canada)

Brian Bauer (Co-founder, President & CEO, Resynergi)

Aishwarya Kancharla (Founder, AmmammaTati and Sandy Loam)

Ali Pourghadir (President, Jackson Family Investments)

Eva Blaisdell Lady Rocket (Founder, Copernic Space)

3:10 PM – 3:30 PM Coffee Break & Disperse

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Optional: Sonoma State University Walking Tour