Presenter(s): Hoda Kotb, New York Times Bestselling Author & Award-Winning Journalist

Description: From reporting in war zones to becoming one of America’s most beloved morning show hosts, Hoda Kotb’s journey is a testament to the strength of resilience, reinvention, and joy. In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Kotb shares lessons from her decades-long career in journalism, her personal battles with adversity, and her mission to help others find meaning and connection even in life’s most challenging moments.

Drawing from her bestselling books, award-winning reporting, and her work building the Joy 101 wellness platform, Kotb offers a deeply human perspective on overcoming setbacks, leading with empathy, and making space for joy in our lives and work. With her signature warmth and authenticity, she invites audiences to reflect on what really matters and how to show up for it.

The opening keynote is generously underwritten by an unrestricted educational grant from AMN Healthcare.

Presenter(s): Saul Blinkoff, Hollywood Filmmaker

Description: Great leadership begins within. In this inspiring and high-energy keynote, Saul blends powerful storytelling, iconic movie heroes, and his own personal journey to challenge leaders to lead themselves first—and dream beyond what feels possible. Participants will explore how self-leadership fuels confidence, creativity, and resilience, and how a purpose-driven mindset strengthens influence and impact. This session equips leaders with practical tools to elevate motivation, model courage and vision, and create cultures that welcome bold ideas. Attendees will leave energized to pursue meaningful goals, inspire others, and lead with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.

The keynote is generously underwritten by an unrestricted educational grant from Vitalize.

Presenter(s): Christi Dining Zuber, CEO & Founder, Aspen Labs Network, Sr. Nursing Consultant, Standford Health Care

Description: The next revolution isn’t artificial—it’s human.

Join Christi Zuber, PhD, MHA, RN, FAAN, as she explores human-centered design and frontline innovation—and introduces CQ – Creative Quotient – creativity, curiosity, and reflection as essential leadership capabilities for this new era.

As technology and AI accelerate, many nurse leaders are asking: Do I know enough? Am I moving fast enough? Where do I fit? This keynote reframes the conversation. Nursing has never just used systems—it has shaped them. Now is the moment to step fully into that role.

Christi will challenge us to reimagine what’s possible when nurses leverage their position as the most trusted profession to rethink problems, experiment safely and design alongside patients, staff and communities.

Participants will leave with practical, research-informed ways to strengthen their creative leadership practice—asking better questions, identifying new patterns, fostering psychological safety and leading at the intersection of people, systems and technology.

This isn’t about becoming an expert in AI.
It’s about becoming fully empowered in what only humans—and especially nurses—can do.

This session is hosted by the AONL Foundation and generously supported by Johnson & Johnson.