IN-PERSON | Perspective Leadership Series | From Overwhelmed to Empowered

Panelists:

Ann Boldt is a proud mom of three “adult-ish” children, wife of a recently retired teacher, tea enthusiast, and devoted KC Current fan who also happens to serve as Director of Professional Development at Garmin. In her role, she focuses on building capability, developing talent, and strengthening associates across the organization.

Known for her practical, people-first approach to leadership, Ann is passionate about helping individuals and organizations grow, connect, and thrive.

Crissa Cook is a Partner at Hovey Williams LLP, where she has helped companies, universities, and innovators protect and maximize the value of their intellectual property since 2005. She works with clients across the United States and around the world, advising on patents, licensing, trademarks, trade secrets, and intellectual property strategy.

In addition to helping clients secure and protect their innovations, Crissa advises organizations on managing intellectual property portfolios, evaluating opportunities, and navigating complex business and technology challenges.

Since 2012, Crissa has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Kansas School of Law. With a career dedicated to innovation and problem-solving, she brings practical insights on leadership, strategy, and turning ideas into impact.
 

Lydia Steinberg is a recently retired vice president and director of corporate communications. Having managed PR, brand and marketing teams at numerous billion-dollar companies, including WSP Global, HNTB, Hallmark and Sprint (now T-Mobile), she is an accomplished strategist, trusted executive advisor and communications leader. She spent time in the agency world as well, directing national public and media relations programs.

For years, Steinberg was active in PRSA and IABC chapters in greater Kansas City. She was honored with PRSA's PR Pro of the Year. She and her colleagues earned dozens of Best of Show, Gold and Silver PRISM awards and Gold Quill awards. While these awards were certainly an honor, Lydia considers earning the respect of her colleagues to be her most meaningful achievement.

She is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia's Journalism School and currently resides in Leawood, Kansas. This summer, she’s looking forward to spending more time at her lake home in the Ozarks!

Moderated by: 

Lori Samazin is a dynamic executive leader with 30+ years of experience in strategy, operations, and leadership development, most recently for T-Mobile where she served as Director/Chief of Staff to the CIO and CTO. Outside the scope of her Chief of Staff role, she designed innovative programs focused on leadership growth, executive coaching, and AI-driven development experiences for senior leaders.

Lori holds an MBA and a BSBA from Rockhurst University and began her telecom career at Sprint as an intern during graduate school.

She is the past Treasurer of the Central Exchange, having served on our board for six years.

After stepping away from corporate America a little over a year ago, Lori is fully embracing this new chapter—sleeping in an hour later, working in her yard, taking BodyCombat classes, and enjoying every moment with her first grandchild.

Today, Lori brings her energy, insight, and deep leadership experience to guide our conversation as panel facilitator.