The May 2025 tech talk was presented by David VanEpps
Abstract
Setbacks are inevitable. Travel freezes, budget cuts, hiring slowdowns, layoffs — challenges like these can shake our sense of stability. While we can’t always control what happens, we can control how we respond.
In this session, we’ll explore how to shift from victim mentality to victor mindset by developing emotional intelligence, navigating change with resilience, and leading with empathy. We’ll also dive into practical strategies to future-proof your career, ensuring that while job security may be uncertain, employment security is always within reach.
You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on career growth and tangible steps to build a more stable, empowered, and opportunity-rich future — no matter what comes your way.
About the Presenter
Impact and amplification: these are the tenets that inspire David VanEpps in his work as Chief Operating Officer at Exceptional Difference. Through his work, he seeks to ignite technical teams to deliver breakthrough results, grow high-performing organizations, and create cultures of excellence in which everyone thrives.
David employs a motivational approach to leadership, seeking to bring out the best in those around him and enhance their ability to rapidly deliver value. As a proven leader, he strives to delight engineers, end users, and key stakeholders by bridging the business-technology gap and simplifying complex concepts into digestible components and actionable requirements. David’s belief in people allows him to develop enterprise strategies, roadmaps, and action plans designed for high-performing teams which are capable of delivering results that scale high-growth companies.
David holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Software Development and Management, both from the Rochester Institute of Technology. An avid runner and cyclist, he has completed 8 Ironman triathlons, 18 marathons, and 6 ultra-marathons. David has also published three books and conducts speaking engagements for leadership, athletic, and faith-based audiences. He and his wife reside in Harrison Township, Michigan.
David encourages you to live a life of impact and make a positive difference in all that you do.
