The Southeast Produce Council announced its speakers for the upcoming Southern Innovations show September 10 – 13, 2025, to be held at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC.
During the educational sessions, speakers will help attendees ascend within the ever-competitive landscape by gaining data-driven insights to help strengthen brands, embark upon the journey of sustainability, and elevate a business to new heights.
The speakers are:
Erik Qualman.
- Keynote Speaker – Erik Qualman: #1 Best Selling author Qualman has performed in 55 countries and reached 50 million people. His Socialnomics work has been on 60 Minutes to the Wall Street Journal and used by the National Guard to NASA. His book Digital Leader propelled him to be voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series. What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube helped Qualman be listed by Forbes and Fortune as a Top 100 Digital Influencer. His business books are used in over 200 universities, and he has received an honorary doctorate for his groundbreaking work.
- Southern Roots Women's Luncheon Speaker – Dr. Jaime Kulaga: Dr. Kulaga is a licensed mental health counselor and life coach, entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker, mother, and wife. She is a frequent mental health expert on national TV, radio, and print media for her expertise in work-life balance. She has taught and worked with thousands of people empowering them to overcome barriers, discover their greatness, and in turn, create a loving and gratifying environment for both themselves and all those in their lives. Dr. Kulaga is the author of The SuperWoman's Guide to Super Fulfillment: Step by Step Strategies to Create Work-Life Balance which was named one of the best work-life balance books of all time according to Book Authority.
- Good Seeds MENtor Program Speaker – Justin Forsett: Former NFL running back Forsett was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2008 and played for seven teams in nine years, including the 2014 Pro Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. Known for his speed and agility on the field, he is now a respected leader and businessman off the field. As an award-winning speaker, he shares his stories of sacrifice, setbacks, and success. Forsett retired from the NFL in 2017 and moved from the backfield to the boardroom. The company he co-founded with college teammates even appeared on ABC's Shark Tank. Although they didn't get a deal, they used the feedback to rename, rebrand, and relaunch their company, now known as Hustle Clean.
Dr. Jaime Kulaga, Justin Forsett.
"This year's Southern Innovations speaker lineup is as dynamic as the Queen City itself—full of insight, inspiration, and fresh perspective. From bold ideas to personal growth, our speakers will empower attendees to think differently, lead confidently," said Kristin Yerecic Scott, SEPC board chair, Yerecic Label
For more information:
Anna Burch
Southeast Produce Council
Tel: +1 (478) 982-4411
[email protected]
www.seproducecouncil.com