Upcoming Events, Courses, and Talks

In the fast-paced startup world, innovation depends on more than just great ideas—it thrives on trust, collaboration, and a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. This highly interactive and energizing workshop transforms founders into culture architects who can build inclusive team dynamics from day one.

Step into an immersive "Leadership Lab" that goes beyond theory to provide experiential learning. Through collaborative problem-solving exercises, real-time empathy-building activities, and strengths-affirming interactions, you'll discover how intentional culture-building directly fuels creativity, retention, and performance. This isn't a lecture about diversity metrics—it's a hands-on experience of what psychological safety feels like and how to create it.

The session culminates in an engaging 100 Circle dialogue, an experiential structure that fosters psychological safety, strengthens relationships, and ensures all voices are heard. This powerful tool demonstrates how simple, intentional practices can transform team dynamics and unlock the full potential of diverse perspectives. You'll walk away not only feeling more connected to fellow founders but equipped with practical tools you can immediately implement with your own teams.

Hardware startups face unique challenges that make team cohesion even more critical—from coordinating across engineering, manufacturing, and business functions to navigating the stress of product development cycles. Learn how to create environments where team members want to give their best, where difficult conversations become productive dialogues, and where diversity of thought accelerates innovation rather than creating friction.

About the Instructor

TJ Jordan, LCPC is a dynamic facilitator, corporate trainer, and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who helps organizations build stronger, more connected teams. As the founder of Authentic Connections, he specializes in fostering inclusive cultures, strengthening leadership capacity, and equipping teams with practical tools for collaboration and trust.

TJ's approach blends engaging, experiential activities with practical, strengths-based strategies. Known for his energizing, interactive style, TJ leads workshops that foster authentic dialogue, strengthen communication and trust, and build cultures where people feel seen, heard, and valued—driving lasting cultural and performance gains.

TJ has delivered engaging, high-impact workshops for clients including YPO, PatientPoint, Chicago Innovation, HardPin Media Group, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Northeastern Illinois University, University of Chicago, Urban Neighborhood Initiative, Illinois Counseling Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and many more. His methodology emphasizes immediate applicability, ensuring participants leave with tools they can use the very next day.