We are so much more than our job titles! Whether you’re considering what’s next or simply seeking a more intentional path forward, this conversation will offer guidance and motivation for shaping a life that reflects all of who you are.
Too often, our identities become narrowly defined by what we do for work, while the passions, interests, and values that truly inspire us get pushed to the margins. That’s why cultivating a portfolio life, one that’s intentionally diversified across personal and professional dimensions, is so powerful.
A portfolio life helps you:
- Develop and expand your skills, interests, and sense of purpose beyond a single role
- Create space for what brings you joy, meaning, and alignment with your “why”
- Better navigate life’s transitions and uncertainties with greater confidence and clarity
Join us for this virtual program and an inspiring conversation with a panel of dynamic women who are actively building their portfolio lives. They’ll share their personal journeys, practical takeaways, and the pivotal moments that reshaped how they define success and fulfillment.
Featuring an esteemed panel of women living enriching portfolio lives:
- Kate Bensen
- Gale Wilkinson
- Lori Igleski
DETAILS
Wednesday, October 15th
11:30am to 12:30pm CT*
*Breakout sessions for networking after program
Please register to receive the link. We look forward to seeing you!
About Our Speakers
Kate Bensen is an independent director for MicroMetl Corporation, the leading USA manufacturer of HVAC accessories and equipment. Prior to that, Kate served as CEO of The Chicago Network for 10 years, where she led the transformation of the organization to one that successfully empowers women to lead. Prior to the Network, Kate led strategy for Conlon Public Strategies and was a corporate and public finance partner at the law firm Schiff Hardin LLP (now known as ArentFox Schiff).
Kate is a member of the board of the Admiral at the Lake, a leading CCRC in Chicago, where she chairs the Governance Committee and also chairs the Governance Committee at the Private Directors Association Chicago Chapter. She is on the board of Chikaming Open Lands, a land conservation organization and a Co-Coordinator for Interfaith Action of Southwest Michigan.
Kate is a member of the Commercial Club, Economic Club, Graham School Council (University of Chicago) and the Chicago Innovation Advisory Board. She is also a judge for the Chicago Innovation Awards. Her board work focuses on governance and leadership succession. Kate has received the Chicago Women in Innovation Award, the inaugural 2020 Women on Boards Champion of Women Award and the University of Chicago’s Alumni Service Medal.
Kate holds an AB in economics from the University of Chicago and a JD from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/katebensen
Gale Wilkinson is the founder and Managing Partner at VITALIZE, a seed stage venture capital fund investing in transformative WorkTech software. Previously, Wilkinson founded IrishAngels, one of the largest angel groups in the world. Gale has led over $80M in early-stage deals across 150+ portfolio companies, and she has made 50 personal angel investments. Her experience prior to VC includes founding two HR tech startups, consulting for new product launches with Nielsen, and data strategy with Orbitz.
Wilkinson just published her first book, Samson’s Story – A Tale of Pet Loss Grief, Love, Hope, and Magic (www.petlossgriefinfo.com). She is also an animal communicator where she telepathically speaks with animals to help their owners learn more about their pets’ wants and needs. She recently started a dog rescue called Gale Loves Dogs and has saved five dogs so far as she re-imagines the rescue model to help people find the dog that fits their lifestyle. Her next chapter will be all about helping people lead better lives through the health, longevity, and happiness of their pups.
Wilkinson received a BBA with honors from Notre Dame and an MBA with honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Wilkinson enjoys public speaking, design, teaching, and connecting. Her inspirations include energy work, vintage and antique pieces, dogs, horses, and nature. You can find her on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook @galelovesdogs. She lives in Nashville and Chicago with her husband and three dogs, Murphy, Lark, and Baby NoNo.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galevc/
Lori Igleski is the Founder of Heart-Led Ventures LLC, and a sought-after strategic advisor to C-Suite leaders facing transformational change. Over her three-decade career in financial services, she led over 35 significant merger & acquisition integrations, business reorganizations, significant process changes and technology implementations impacting hundreds of thousands of employees and millions of customers. She has led process and technology transformations that improved risk visibility, streamlined operational processes, and enabled scalable back-office efficiency. A strong risk manager, sales team leader and data analytics champion; Lori is well positioned to lead change in a variety of complex situations.
Over the past fifteen years, Lori has started two independent consulting businesses focused on strategic advisory and transformational change. Through her firm, she also served as the fractional Chief Credit and Administrative Officer for a community bank struggling under a number of regulatory orders. Lori helped transform the risk management culture and operational processes resulting in significant improved business results and ultimately one of the highest merger premiums paid in a community bank transaction. Today Lori advises CEO’s on a variety of Go To Market strategies, workplace issues and using company-generated data to improve decision-making and business insights.
In addition to her consulting practice Lori serves on the board of directors of SmartBiz Bank N.A., a former Fintech who originates SBA loans across the country. She also provides executive advisory support to C-Suite executives in transition and serves on other non-profit boards.
Lori is a frequent panelist and speaker advocating for women leaders, entrepreneurs and investors. She was recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a Notable Woman in Commercial Banking in 2018. She is a 2003 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heartledventures/
Please let us know if you would like to have a conversation with us. Email the CAP STRAT Women’s Forum with any questions at womensforum@capstratig.com! Or call us at 630.320.5100.
