Upcoming Events, Courses, and Talks

Founders spend much of their time communicating with people they don't directly manage, from investors and customers to advisors, suppliers, strategic partners, and potential hires. How effectively you navigate these relationships can directly influence whether opportunities move forward, especially when priorities change, expectations differ, or the path ahead is uncertain.

This session is an interactive workshop designed to help founders communicate with greater clarity and confidence across these critical relationships. Participants will explore practical approaches to building trust and credibility through active listening, thoughtful questions, authentic communication, and a stronger understanding of stakeholder perspectives. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have practical communication tools they can use to build stronger relationships, navigate uncertainty, and create the trust and alignment needed to move their businesses forward.

Who Should Attend

• Startup founders and co-founders
• Entrepreneurs managing relationships with investors, customers, and partners
• Founders navigating strategic partnerships or supplier relationships
• Leaders preparing for difficult or high-stakes conversations
• Anyone looking to strengthen their communication, influence, and relationship-building skills

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.