Our moderator, Anne Rockey is a Partner at Heidrick & Struggles and serves as Regional Leader of North America. She advises CEOs, C-suite executives, and boards on succession planning, organizational strategy, and executive leadership, with deep experience recruiting top talent across the consumer sector. Anne previously led Heidrick & Struggles’ Chicago office and spent more than 15 years as an executive vice president at Leo Burnett, building brands for some of the world’s most respected companies.
2026 CEO Roundtable Highlights
February 5, 2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s CEO Roundtable, a signature YEA! Chicago event centered on leadership, confidence, and career growth. We are grateful to the incredible leaders who made the evening so impactful, including moderator Anne Rockey and panelists Mary Lee Schneider, Kari McGlinnen, and Beka Kohmescher.
Powerful takeaways from the conversation included the importance of setting high expectations while continuing to advocate for yourself early and often. The panelists spoke to the value of building strong teams by surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and choosing work that feels aligned with your passions and natural strengths. Creativity was also highlighted as an essential leadership skill, showing up through problem solving, innovation, and forward-thinking decision making. Attendees were encouraged to approach balance as a long game, to say yes to their highest priorities, embrace that no is a complete sentence, and stay curious by connecting with others on a human level.
Above all, the conversation reinforced that failure is part of success, and that grit, perseverance, and the ability to pivot are essential qualities of great leaders.
Thank you again to our generous sponsors, Heidrick & Struggles and Continua Interiors, for making this signature event possible.
Connect With the Speakers!
Panelist Mary Lee Schneider has held C-suite leadership roles in public and private companies across the publishing, graphic communications, educational services, and direct marketing industries. She currently serves on the boards of The Larry H. Miller Company, PGIM Alternative Investment Funds, and Propelis (formerly SGS & Co.), and has led large, complex organizations as President and CEO of both SG360° and Follett Corp. Mary Lee brings deep experience advising boards and executives and is recognized nationally for her leadership and governance expertise.
Panelist Rebekah “Beka” Kohmescher is the CEO and a founding partner of Altair Advisers, where she leads the firm’s executive team and oversees its overall management and compliance. She previously served as Chief Operating Officer after eight years in a client service role, helping guide Altair’s strategic growth and team-based approach to serving clients. Beka is deeply committed to building an empowered, collaborative firm culture and is an advocate for mentoring young women pursuing careers in finance.
Panelist Kari McGlinnen is the President and CEO of FLIRT Communications, a communications and event production firm she helped launch in 2008. With a background rooted in the creative arts, Kari has built a career spanning graphic design, production management, and executive leadership, bringing innovative technology and engagement strategies to clients worldwide. She is known for a people-first leadership style that fosters strong teams, high-touch service, and lasting client relationships.
RECENT ARTICLES
On February 11, Female Strong welcomed 60 inspiring women from across Chicago for a special Galentine’s Day evening of connection, conversation, and community in support of our mission to build confidence in the next generation of female leaders. Hosted at the Allsteel Showroom, the event featured Erin Coupe, former Fortune 150 executive and author of I Can Fit That In: How Rituals, Not Routines, Transform Your Life . In a thoughtful conversation moderated by Female Strong founder Emily Smith, Erin shared insights on shifting away from rigid routines and toward meaningful rituals that strengthen resilience, protect energy, and create clarity. As we move into a new year, the discussion offered practical strategies for intentional living and leadership rooted in self-awareness. Attendees reflected on how small, purposeful rituals can help navigate growth, transition, and the full demands of modern life. The evening was made possible by the generous support of Allsteel . Thank you to Erin Coupe for sharing her perspective with our community, and to Sugar Bliss , Grazing Table , and Salud Bartending for adding festive touches to the night. Missed it? Order your copy of I Can Fit That In here .
This October, our community came together not once-but twice—to sip, shop, and style for a cause!
Highlights from the 1st Annual Female Strong Pickle Ball Tournament
