Leadership & Wellness Summit: Unleashed
Description:
A focused multi-day leadership experience designed to help women step away from daily demands, strengthen leadership capacity, and return to their organizations with renewed clarity, energy, and perspective. The Summit combines professional development, peer learning, and intentional space to reset, allowing participants to re-engage in their roles more effectively.
Best For:
Women seeking to strengthen their leadership effectiveness, gain new insights, and return to their roles more focused, motivated, and equipped to lead.
Event Details:
Dates: September 28–30, 2026
Location: Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, SC
Wild Dunes Resort
You’ve earned this.
Nestled on Charleston’s Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes Resort is a 1,600-acre coastal sanctuary where the Atlantic sets a peaceful, relaxing pace.
With sweeping ocean views, direct beach access, and the kind of quiet that only comes with wide-open water, this is where you will finally exhale.
Guest rooms are thoughtfully appointed and balance coastal charm with modern luxury featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, soft neutrals and natural light.
The property features The Spa at Sweetgrass, which Unleashed participants can choose to experience to help hasten much-needed relaxation.
Inspired by the healing power of the ocean, it’s a serene space designed to restore balance, recharge energy, and reconnect you with yourself, away from your inbox. When you’re ready to move, take a walk on the beach, or enjoy a world-class fitness center, tennis courts, award-winning golf, and seasonal island adventures.
And when the day winds down, Coastal Provisions delivers Lowcountry-inspired dining that feels like a reward in itself. Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, Wild Dunes will give Unleashed everything we need to reset, focus and reconnect to your power.
Employers, why should you send your team?
Investing in the development of women on your team is an investment in the long-term strength, stability, and growth of your organization.
Funeral Women Lead programs are designed to deliver meaningful, applicable leadership development that participants can immediately bring back to their roles. These experiences go beyond inspiration and focus on building practical skills, stronger communication, and increased confidence in leadership.
Participants return with a clearer sense of ownership in their work, improved decision-making, and a stronger ability to lead teams, support families, and contribute to organizational success.
Jen Coken
Executive Leadership Coach | Speaker | Author
Thirty years of coaching nearly 10,000 leaders has taught Jen Coken one thing above all else: the most powerful obstacle standing between a woman and the life she deserves lives inside her own mind.
Known as the “Velvet Sledgehammer,” Jen is the author of Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower and has been featured on ABC, MSNBC, and TEDx. She blends neuroscience, experiential learning, and stand-up comedy to help accomplished women stop shrinking, start asking for what they deserve, and turn their biggest internal obstacle into their most powerful differentiator. Her clients include Fortune 1000 executives and leaders across industries who describe her sessions as equal parts transformational and unforgettable.
She brings that same energy to the Funeral Women Lead Leadership and Wellness Summit, with one powerful session and a one-of-a-kind beach experience designed specifically for the women of this profession.
Jen’s Sessions at Unleashed
The Neuroscience of Self-Sabotage: Making Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower
In her signature keynote, executive coach, comedian, and Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower author Jen Coken reveals why the most accomplished leaders are often the most prone to self-sabotage — and how to flip that script for good. Audiences leave with concrete tools to stop shrinking, start leading, and turn their biggest internal obstacle into their most powerful differentiator.
The Power of the Ask: Turning Confidence Into Action
If The Neuroscience of Self-Sabotage showed you why you’ve been playing small, The Power of the Ask gives you the exact skill to stop. Through live practice, real-time coaching, and Jen’s signature blend of humor and candor, participants work through the internal and external barriers that keep accomplished women from asking for what they deserve whether it’s the raise, the referral, the resource, the respect.
Stay after for a book signing. Jen will be signing Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower and Embrace the Ridiculousness.
Angela Ippolito-Cottam
Licensed Funeral Director | Somatic and NeuroIdentity Evolution Practitioner | Founder, AIC Wellness and Behind the Black Suit
For over 30 years, Angela Ippolito-Cottam has walked alongside families through life’s most sacred and sorrowful moments.
She knows the weight this profession asks you to carry and she also knows what it takes to put it down.
After decades in funeral service, Angela turned to somatic healing, breathwork, nervous system regulation, and NeuroIdentity Evolution to find her way back to herself. Now, through AIC Wellness and Behind the Black Suit, she brings those practices directly to the women of this profession. She leads two sessions at this summit, each building on the other.
Angela’s Session at Unleashed
Somatic Breathwork and Energy Center Awareness A body-centered introduction to breath as a tool for self-regulation. Learn practices to release accumulated tension, restore grounded presence, and reconnect with yourself from the inside out.
Nervous System Regulation: Body, Spirit, and Community Angela introduces the science of the vagus nerve and simple micro-practices you can carry into your daily work. Walk away with a personalized, sustainable self-care framework built for the real demands of funeral service.
Monday, September 28, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Ease into the Summit with an evening of connection and community under the Charleston sky. Meet fellow participants, exchange stories, and prepare for two days of inspiration and wellness. Attendance is included for all Wellness Summit attendees.
*Leadership Academy participants are invited to join us for the Women’s Wellness Summit Welcome Reception but will need to purchase a separate ticket to attend. The ticket can be purchased when you register online.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
8:15 – 8:30 AM
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
THE NEUROSCIENCE OF SELF-SABOTAGE: MAKING IMPOSTER SYNDROME YOUR SUPERPOWER
In her signature keynote, executive coach, comedian, and Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower author Jen Coken delivers what one global speaker professional called “a solar system out of five stars.” Blending neuroscience, experiential learning, and her signature humor, Jen reveals why the most accomplished leaders are often the most prone to self-sabotage — and how to flip that script for good. Audiences leave with concrete tools to stop shrinking, start leading, and turn their biggest internal obstacle into their most powerful differentiator.
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Interactive Session – The Power of the Ask: Turning Confidence Into Action
In this hands-on follow-up to the morning keynote, Jen brings the neuroscience off the stage and into the room. If The Neuroscience of Self-Sabotage showed you why you’ve been playing small, The Power of the Ask gives you the exact skill to stop. Through live practice, real-time coaching, and Jen’s signature blend of humor and candor, participants work through the internal and external barriers that keep accomplished women from asking for what they deserve whether it’s the raise, the referral, the resource, the respect. Using her proprietary coaching framework, Jen guides attendees through the anatomy of a powerful ask and helps them build the muscle in real time. Participants leave with a personalized ask plan and access to Jen’s AI-powered coaching app to keep the momentum going long after the conference ends.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Practical ways to interrupt limiting beliefs in real time
- A deeper sense of confidence rooted in action, not perfection
Because the path to leadership isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning to fail forward, boldly and unapologetically.
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Free Time
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
7:15 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Building on Day 1’s somatic foundations, this session equips attendees with advanced nervous system regulation strategies, integrates spiritual well-being, and explores the vital role of community support.
We will delve into the science of the Vagus Nerve and practice “micro-practices” that activate the body’s natural restorative capabilities. This workshop focuses on translating theoretical knowledge into a personalized, sustainable self-care framework for the unique demands of funeral service.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Reflect and recharge while enjoying refreshments.
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Table Talks: Leadership, Wellness & Real Life
A Seat at the Table for Everyone
Join us for an engaging and energizing interactive experience designed to spark meaningful conversations, authentic connection, and shared learning. During this special table-top discussion session, each table will focus on a unique topic impacting women in funeral service and deathcare today — from leadership and confidence to boundaries, burnout, wellness, workplace culture, career growth, and more.
Participants will have the opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, ask questions, exchange ideas, and gain practical insights in an open and supportive environment. These conversations are designed to be real, honest, collaborative, and empowering — because some of the most impactful learning happens when women gather around a table and learn from one another.
Whether you’re navigating leadership challenges, striving for better balance, building confidence, or simply looking for connection within the profession, these conversations are intended to leave you feeling inspired, supported, and re-energized.
Come ready to engage, contribute, listen, and grow.
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Last Year...
What We Did in 2025
During our first Leadership and Wellness Summit, attendees participated in transformational leadership training with Cate Collins, explored holistic health strategies with Dr. Susan S. Wilder, and enjoyed restorative experiences ranging from shared meals to spa time, outdoor activities, and meaningful conversations.
Together, we discovered ways to overcome life and work obstacles with Marguerite Ham and bring out the best in ourselves and our teams!
Attendees learned strategies for approaching life and work with positive, forward-thinking.
We created a space where women could step away from daily demands, reflect on what matters most, and return home and to their work with clarity and energy for the year ahead.
Last Year's Sessions
Sessions that inspire
and motivate
Cate Collins
Leadership Speaker | Trainer | Customized Retreat Facilitator | Author | Coach
A professional speaker, coach and CEO
of Powerful Journey Consulting, Cate Collins has been serving the real-life needs of organizational leaders for almost 25 years.
With a background in behavioral science, and 17 years of experience as a counselor, Cate looks at leadership from the inside out.
“As a recovered burned out leader, I wanted to unite all leaders who want to be more resilient, courageous and confident, so they make better decisions, own their power and experience more optimum health. It can get lonely at the top and overwhelm, and the constant hustle has become normal resulting in more burned out leaders.”
We were privileged to be joined by Cate Collins, Resilient Leadership Speaker, and founder of Powerful Journey Consulting Inc., to share her expertise on:
- Leading with greater resilience, courage, and confidence using her “Four Room Framework”
- Owning your power and bringing your best self forward
- Transforming your inner critic to become your best inner coach
To learn more about Cate Collins, visit her website.
Dr. Susan S. Wilder, MD, IFMCP, DABFM
Susan Wilder, MD, IFMCP, DABFM is the founder and CEO of LifeScape.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and her medical degree from The George Washington University in Washington, DC.
She completed her specialty training in Family Medicine as a commissioned Air Force officer at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland and then remained there as a faculty member and Assistant Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine.
Dr. Wilder deployed to Africa during the Somali conflict as part of UN- sanctioned peacekeeping forces. Following her honorable discharge at the rank of major, Dr. Wilder relocated to Arizona where she joined the Mayo Clinic, founding its Family Medicine residency program and serving as its first Director of Clinical Genomics Education. In 2003, Dr. Wilder left the Mayo Clinic to launch LifeScape.
We were also honored to have Dr. Susan S. Wilder, Concierge Care Physician, founder of Lifescape Premier, who spoke on:
- Health, Nutrition & Wellness: Evidence-based strategies for health and longevity
- Mind, Body, and Spirit Integration: Achieving well-being through holistic approaches
To learn more about Susan Wilder, go here.
Marguerite Ham
Certified Business Coach | Trainer | Facilitator | Memory Expert | Author
Marguerite is the author of How to Remember Anything in 60 Minutes or Less, How toRemember What’s His Name, and the audio series “Total Recall.” Her latest book, The 5 Languages of Leadership, will be released soon.
Her training has improved the effectiveness and increased individual productivity for the last 30 years worldwide, in organizations and associations such as:
Selected Independent Funeral Homes, Lucent Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Bell Canada, and many more. This training is the result of many years of innovative research and refining the training program to supercharge your mind and effectiveness!
Marguerite led participants through a mindful moment to reflect on their time at the Funeral Women’s Lead Retreat. The way forward is through reflection and determining what you will take away and implement from what you learn. Participants created a self-care plan that included professional, personal, mental, physical and spiritual plans to improve their well being and create a more integrated life, personally and professionally.
Charting the Next Horizon: Growth, Wellness, and the Way Forward
In the closing session of the Women’s Summit, Marguerite wove together the key insights and inspirations from the event to help participants define what truly matters for their next chapters.
They identified the practices and commitments that align with their goals and designed personalized wellness plans that addressed their professional, personal, mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing-equipping them to build more integrated and fulfilling lives.
Outside of the sessions, participants took care of themselves with:
Messages, facials, swimming, yoga and Pilates classes, hiking to Camelback Mountain, and
shopping opportunities.
To learn more about Marguerite Ham, go here.
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PARTNERS
Founding Partners
Wellness Summit
Keynote Speaker Partners
Wellness Summit
Hospitality Partners
Reception Sponsor
Breakfast Sponsor
Refreshment & Lunch Sponsor
Dinner
Swag Bag
We are deeply grateful to all who attended and contributed to the experience!
If you couldn’t join us this year, we hope to welcome you at the next Summit!
Check back soon for updates!