Making it Without Losing It

The new rules for innovation — and motivation — that lasts

Hosted by CED – September 2, 2026 | Raleigh, NC

This September, we're slowing down long enough to ask the question every ambitious person is quietly avoiding: how do we keep going — with intention — when we're never really done?

Forbes Top Rated Speaker and bestselling author Jess Ekstrom has built two multi-million-dollar companies on the answer, and we are thrilled to feature her at our September event!

This event is part of CED's Strength in Numbers community — a space for female-identifying founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem partners in high-impact sectors like tech and life sciences. Together, we connect, learn, celebrate successes, and amplify underrepresented voices to shape the future of entrepreneurship across North Carolina.

Let's face it, there's always a "what's next?" Your ability to individually and collectively reach that next big milestone without burning out has to do with the answer to one question: how do we create motivation that lasts when we're never done?

It turns out that while traditional leadership approaches focus on external rewards, the latest science shows us that the most flourishing contributors have a personal, internal connection to their work. People with high intrinsic motivation experience lower rates of disengagement, higher levels of innovation, and more fulfillment than those focused primarily on external factors.

Jess Ekstrom uses modern research and her experience starting two multi-million-dollar businesses to guide audiences to deeper engagement, fulfillment, and lasting motivation. You'll leave with:

• How to wire yourself and your teams for intrinsic motivation instead of external validation

• How intrinsic motivation leads to increased problem solving and fulfillment

• The three psychological needs that inspire lasting motivation

• Simple secrets to more powerfully create and innovate every day

• Three questions to lead yourself and others with a greater purpose in mind

Event Details 📅

Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Junction West | 310 S West Street, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27603

What to Expect ✨

Keynote with Jess Ekstrom
Hear how Jess built two multi-million-dollar companies — and the research-backed framework she developed for staying motivated, innovative, and grounded when the finish line keeps moving.

Breakout Sessions
Facilitated, peer-led conversations designed to help you reflect, connect, and take action on what matters most in your leadership journey.

Book Signing + Networking
Every ticket includes a copy of Making it Without Losing it. Meet Jess, get your book signed, and connect with fellow founders, operators, investors, and community champions.

About Jess Ekstrom 📚

Jess Ekstrom is the founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, investor in women, best selling author, Forbes Top Rated Speaker and mom.

Her first brush with success was selling all of her toys on eBay when she was twelve. Since then, Jess and her companies have been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America and more. More importantly, her companies have helped millions of women and girls around the world.

She’s the bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and Making it Without Losing it. Her hobbies include writing, hiking, board games with her husband, playing hide and seek with her kids, and searching for the best breakfast burrito in America.

Special thank you to your Impact Investors for supporting our mission!