GRIT: Growth, Risk, Impact, and Transformation
Storytellers > Presenters = A Breakthrough Format in a Cosmopolitan Setting

Over the past 30 years the hosts of GRIT Chicago 2025 have produced, sponsored or presented at hundreds of intelligence-related business meetings in dozens of countries worldwide. Some were great, while others… not so much.

We’ve made a singular commitment to everyone attending GRIT: you won’t be bored with another theoretical framework masquerading as real-life experience. Our promise is the no-holds-barred ups and downs of leaders who’ve been in the trenches personally.

What sets a great meeting apart from mediocrity are real-world stories told by the executives who helped their enterprises survive, thrive and outperform their peers. The all-storyteller format for GRIT will guarantee you’ll have concrete, relatable lessons conveyed by experienced, savvy professionals.

You’ll hear every twist and turn navigating their organization through the perils of strategic growth, risk, impact and transformation from the people who took responsibility and did the work. And we think you’ll also make lifelong friends with some of the most interesting people we can introduce you to.

Our bottom-line promise: you’ll be thrilled with the people, place and activities we’ve so meticulously curated to provide the most educational and entertaining lessons on applying strategic intelligence to business success.

Why should you attend GRIT 2025:

Zero Selling, 100% Learning: This is a vendor-free zone. Even the three hosting solution providers are showing up as practitioners, not promoters. No pitches. No booths. Just open, practitioner-to-practitioner learning, collaboration, and idea exchange.

No Gimmicks. Just Substance. Focus on high-value ideas, not trends for trend’s sake or overhyped AI tech.

Insight: Go beyond data to explore how intelligence can influence enterprise-level strategic decision-making.

Peer-to-Peer Exchanges: Deep, meaningful discussions, roundtables, and working sessions.

Strategic Connection: Engage with fellow leaders shaping the future of CI and strategy.

Practical Application: Learn proven methods, frameworks, and case studies to apply immediately.

Thought Leadership: Hear from global experts on the cutting edge of strategic intelligence.

Innovation in Practice: Experience emerging tech and strategic tools that help enable the role and impact of strategic intelligence.
Location
Date & Time
September 22, 2025, 4:00 PM to September 24, 2025, 12:00 PM


RECOMMENDED HOTELS:
The Emily Hotel
The Hoxton
Nobu
Hyatt House


Schedule
4:00 PM
Monday, September 22, 2025
Evening Reception/Activity: Architectural Boat Tour of downtown Chicago
(optional add-on)
8:00 aM -
6:30 PM
Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Theme Focus: Applying Strategic Intelligence for Growth, Risk Management, and Transformation
8:00 - 9:00 AM:  Welcome Breakfast & Registration

9:00 - 9:15 AM: Opening Remarks
Arik Johnson, Aurora WDC

9:15 - 10:00 AM: Opening Keynote: "Taking BOLD to the NEXT Level"
Pete Dulcamara, Author of High-Tech Heroes | former Chief Scientist at Kimberly-Clark and R&D Executive at Dow Chemical 
Discover how bold strategies in the Exponential Economy transform disruption into sustainable growth and help organizations turn vision into action.

10:00 - 10:30 AM: Networking Break & Snack

10:30 - 11:00 AM: ”When the CEO Calls.”
Lloyd Babbitt, DIGICERT
What happens when your insights are no longer optional, but essential, and how to prepare for both the spotlight and the unexpected curveballs that come with it.

11:00 - 11:45 AM: “MCW’s 3-Act Playbook: Connecting the Dots and the Power of Pivoting”
Mara Lord and Jenny Bultman, MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
An inside look at how MCW’s Act 1 (history and identity), Act 2 (inflection and innovation), and Act 3 (partnership and portfolio refinement) are all important elements in crafting blueprints for industry change.

11:45 - 12:15 PM: “Turning Risk into Opportunity: Intelligence-Led Growth”
Chris Rzany, E-FINANCIAL - FIDELITY LIFE
Discover how integrating intelligence into strategy—especially when forming intentional partnerships and alliances—can transform risk into opportunity and unlock sustainable revenue growth.

12:15 - 1:30 PM: Lunch, Networking, & Rooftop Experience

1:30 - 2:15 PM: “AI Meets Human Judgment: Next-Gen Intelligence for Strategic Transformation”
Elizabeth Roberts and Kelly See, ERICSSON
A deep dive into how AI, machine learning, and generative tools are reshaping intelligence workflows and enhancing strategic decision-making.

2:15 - 3:00 PM: “Intelligence as a Change Agent: Embedding Insights into the DNA of the Enterprise”
Mathieu Guerville, CCC INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS
Case studies and frameworks for how strategic insights are being operationalized in innovation, product, and strategy teams.

3:00 - 3:30 PM: Networking Break & Snack
Facilitated small group discussions to build connections and exchange experiences across industries.

3:30 - 4:15 PM: “Transforming Insight into Impact: Getting Leadership to Act on Strategic Intelligence”
Jim Payne, DELOITTE
Best practices for getting senior leadership to act on strategic intelligence once it is delivered to them.

4:15 - 4:30 PM: Day 1 Closing Reflections
Jesper Martell, Comintelli

4:30 - 6:00 PM: Evening Reception & Social Networking
8:00 aM -
12:30 PM
Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Theme Focus: Culture, Capabilities, and the Future of Intelligence
8:00 - 9:00 AM:  Breakfast & Morning Peer Conversations

9:00 - 9:15 AM: Welcome Back & Day 2 Kick-off
Christian Bjerser, Comintelli

9:15 - 9:45 AM: “The Intelligence-Driven Enterprise: Culture, Capability, and Confidence”
MaryJo Meyer, GIVAUDAN
Fostering an environment where intelligence and insights are part of the company’s DNA and help to guide investment decisions, shape strategy, and empower change.

9:45 - 10:15 AM: "Lessons from the Trenches: What Endures When the Tools and Trends Change"
John Hink, GE HEALTHCARE

A candid look at the hard-won lessons that remain constant in competitive intelligence and strategy, even as tools, technologies, and industry trends continue to evolve.

10:15 - 10:45 AM: Networking Break & Snack

10:45 - 11:30 AM: Interactive Roundtable Discussions
Each table will choose a topic (e.g., Presenting to Senior Leaders, Managing Stakeholder Expectations, Overcoming Push Back, Building an Intel Network, Incorporating AI, etc.) and share use cases and practical, actionable insights with peers.

11:30 - 12:15 PM: Closing Fireside Discussion: "Vision 2030 – The Future of Strategic Intelligence"
Moderated by Derek Johnson, Aurora WDC
With 100+ years of CI experience among them, hear from intelligence experts David Kalinowski, Arik Johnson, and Jesper Martell and their perspectives on how intelligence roles, technologies, and mandates will evolve to meet tomorrow’s business challenges.

12:15 - 12:30 PM: Closing Reflections & Conference Adjournment
David Kalinowski, Proactive Worldwide
Meet the Storytellers
The GRIT Chicago partners have curated an exclusive lineup of storytellers to share their experiences and expertise from careers spent in growth, risk, impact and transformation for the world’s most innovative and competitive enterprises. This cadre of professionals are the ones you can aspire to land among as they share the unvarnished ups and downs of navigating a macro-environment fraught with accelerating change. You’ll walk away friends and maybe even find a mentor to help guide you on your path alongside them.
Peter Dulcamara
author | formerly Kimberly-Clark and dow chemical
Pete Dulcamara, author of High-Tech Heroes, brings over 35 years of industry experience as former Chief Scientist at Kimberly-Clark and R&D Executive at Dow Chemical. He champions humanity-centric innovation, sustainability, and Gen Z leadership to tackle global challenges. 
Lloyd Babbitt
digicert
Lloyd Babbitt is the Director of Market and Competitive Intelligence at DigiCert, a leading digital security company, and former Head of CI at W.W. Grainger and Siemens Building Technologies. Lloyd has over 25 years of CI experience supporting senior leadership.
Mara Lord
MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
Mara Lord serves in multiple leadership capacities at the Medical College of Wisconsin, including Chief Growth Officer, as well as SVP of University Engagement & Strategic Planning.
Jenny Bultman
medical college of wisconsin
Jenny Bultman serves as Vice President of Strategic Planning and Chief of Staff within the Office of the President.
Chris Rzany
efinancial - fidelity life
Chris Rzany is a strategic marketing executive and thought leader with over 25 years of experience in the life insurance industry – leading strategy and planning, currently serving as Vice President of Strategic Marketing Alliances. 
Elizabeth Roberts
ericsson
Elizabeth Roberts is Global Head of Information Management at Ericsson, leading tech-driven initiatives to deliver strategic insights via a global intelligence portal. With over two decades in business and competitive intelligence, she excels at using third-party content and research to guide strategy and reduce risk.
Kelly See
ericsson
Kelly See is a Knowledge Analyst as part of the Corporate Strategy team at Ericsson. She implements knowledge management for business and competitive intelligence assets. She has been at Ericsson for over 17 years.
Mathieu Guerville
CCC INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS
Mathieu Guerville is the Director of Product Management at CCC Intelligent Solutions, and spent 10+ years in Strategy and CI at Underwriter Laboratories (UL).
Jim Payne
DELOITTE
Jim Payne has been with Deloitte for over 22 years and currently serves in Strategy and Competitive Intelligence for the U.S. firm. He has also been a leader in Federal Capture Management and Commercial Strategy, Brand, and Innovation. 
MaryJo Meyer
Givaudan
MaryJo Meyer is Director of Competitive Intelligence at Givaudan, a global leader in Fragrance & Beauty and Taste & Wellbeing. She has been with the company for more than 12 years and spent over 23 years with Kimberly-Clark prior to joining Givaudan.
John Hink
ge healthcare
John Hink is the Competitive Intelligence lead for GE Healthcare's Global Imaging business. He brings over 25 years of intelligence experience, including leading programs at such as Northwestern Mutual and Fiserv.
Meet your Hosts
The hosts of GRIT represent the three leading firms in the strategic, market, and competitive intelligence field. We are all excited to welcome you to Chicago for this inaugural GRIT conference and sincerely appreciate you making this event a priority in your busy schedules.
David Kalinowski
proactive worldwide
President and Co-founder of Proactive Worldwide, Inc.
Jesper Martell
comintelli
CEO and co-founder of Comintelli.
Christian Bjerser
Comintelli
Chief Executive Officer of Comintelli.
Arik Johnson
aurora wdc
Founder and Chairman of Aurora WDC.
Derek Johnson
aurora wdc
Chief Executive Officer of Aurora WDC.
 Join us on September 22-24, 2025 
We look forward to helping you add GRIT to your intelligence toolbox!
GRIT Chicago 2025 - Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS GRIT CHICAGO 2025?
GRIT stands for Growth, Risk, Impact, and Transformation — and this event is a practitioner-only forum for corporate professionals in competitive intelligence, strategy, product marketing, innovation, risk, and transformation.

It’s designed to help you sharpen your thinking, expand your network, and learn from peers who’ve been in the trenches.
No vendors. No sponsors. No fluff. Just real conversations and meaningful insights.

WHO IS HOSTING THIS EVENT?
GRIT Chicago 2025 is proudly co-hosted by three leading organizations in the competitive and strategic intelligence space:

Aurora WDC – Experts in helping businesses uncover insights that drive smarter decisions in competitive and market dynamics.
Comintelli – A technology company providing award-winning intelligence software that helps organizations manage and make sense of market and competitive data.
Proactive Worldwide – A global research and consulting firm known for helping companies navigate uncertainty with intelligence-led strategy.

Together, we’ve designed GRIT as a vendor-free, practitioner-first event to foster real conversations, bold thinking, and actionable learning.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND GRIT?
GRIT is built exclusively for brand-side corporate professionals working in roles such as:

- Competitive Intelligence / Market Intelligence
- Corporate Strategy
- Innovation or Transformation
- Risk Management
- Product Marketing or Strategic Marketing
- Market Research or Insights

We intentionally keep it vendor-free so that everyone in the room speaks the same language and faces similar challenges.

IS THIS EVENT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, VENDORS, OR SOLUTION PROVIDERS?
In short: No.

GRIT is a practitioners-only event. That means no consultants, agencies, or sales reps. If you’re not embedded inside a company making decisions and influencing outcomes, this event isn’t the right fit.

Even the three host companies are not there to pitch their services!

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE EVENT?
September 22–24, 2025
The Dalcy, in Chicago’s vibrant Fulton Market District

- Day 1 kicks off with an Optional architectural boat tour mid/late-afternoon.
- Day 2 is a full-day session in a single-track format, so no missed moments or FOMO
- Day 3 is a half day session, allowing you time to get home for dinner if you’re locally based or catch a flight back in the afternoon.

WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION?
Your ticket includes:

- Access to all sessions and discussions
- Sept 23: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments during the event, and evening reception with cocktails and light food.
- Sept 24: Breakfast and late-morning snacks
- A powerful, practitioner-only network that extends beyond the event

WHAT'S THE EVENT FORMAT LIKE?
GRIT is not a vendor expo or passive lecture series.

It’s a curated experience of TED-style talks, panel conversations, and interactive sessions—designed for small-group sharing, candid insights, and peer learning.

We limit the event to 100 attendees so it stays intimate and impactful.

WHAT'S THE ROI FOR ATTENDING?
Attendees walk away with:

- Strategies and actions they can apply immediately
- Stories of wins (and fails) from peers in similar roles
- A network of trusted practitioners across industries
- Greater confidence when interacting with senior leadership
- Clarity on how to align intelligence work with growth, innovation, and risk planning

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
GRIT is designed to be affordable and accessible, especially compared to larger, sponsor-driven events.

- Pricing: $695 per attendee
- Architectural Boat Tour (optional Monday evening fun event): $50

Need some financial help: Contact any of the host companies to request a discount code!

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
There are several hotels within walking distance of The Dalcy in Fulton Market, including:

- The Hoxton | 200 N Green St | thehoxton.com
- Nobu Hotel Chicago | 155 N. Peoria St | nobuhotels.com/chicago
- Hyatt House West Loop | 105 N. May St | hyatthousechicagowestloop.com
- The Emily Hotel | 311 N. Morgan St | emilyhotel.com

OTHER HOTEL OPTIONS:

JW MARRIOTT
151 W Adams St | marriott.com

KIMPTON HOTEL PALOMAR
505 N State St. | hotelpalomar-chicago.com

THE PUBLISHING HOUSE
108 N. May St. | publishinghousebnb.com

PARK HYATT CHICAGO
800 N. Michigan Ave. | parkhyattchicago.com

HAMPTON INN AND SUITES WEST LOOP
116 N. Jefferson | hamptoninn.hilton.com

We don’t have an official room block. This gives you flexibility and choice based on your budget and preferences.
If you’re local, you can choose to rest in the comfort of our own bed.

WHAT'S THE DRESS CODE?
Think business casual with personality. We’re a no-pretenses kind of group. Bring your brain, not your blazer.

WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OR ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS?
We’ve got you covered. You’ll be asked to note any dietary or accessibility accommodations upon arrival (if not before), and our team will make sure you’re well taken care of.

HOW DO I REGISTER?
On this site!

Remember: Only 100 seats are available, and we expect to sell out. Don’t wait!

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