Business leaders from across Orange County convened at the 2026 Exemplars in Leadership, hosted by the Greater Irvine Chamber on April 29 at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, for an afternoon of candid conversation and executive-level connection focused on what it takes to lead with lasting impact.
The program featured keynote remarks from Peter Krauss, President & CEO of Terran Orbital, along with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Greater Irvine Chamber President & CEO Dave Coffaro. Panelists included Ramin Mousavi, President & CEO, CathWorks; Julie Sokol, Chief Technology Officer, OCVIBE; and Tawanda Starms, Chief People Officer, People & Culture, Din Tai Fung North America (DTF)
Throughout the program, speakers shared real-world insights on navigating leadership in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving business environment. A central theme was the importance of building strong organizational culture rooted in trust. Panelists emphasized creating a “circle of safety,” where employees feel empowered to contribute ideas, take risks, and collaborate openly, enabling organizations to remain innovative, resilient, and competitive.
The discussion also highlighted the critical role of communication, with leaders underscoring the need to consistently reinforce vision and mission through ongoing dialogue and active listening. Panelists encouraged leaders to foster environments that support curiosity, continuous learning, and adaptability—particularly as businesses navigate accelerating technological change and workforce transformation.
Additional insights focused on leadership flexibility and empowerment. Speakers noted that effective leaders must adapt their approach to meet the moment, rather than relying on a single leadership style. Encouraging diverse perspectives, avoiding micromanagement, and enabling teams to perform at a high level were identified as key drivers of organizational success.
Complementing the program was a thoughtfully designed networking experience, including a pre-event wine reception with live music on the outdoor patio. The setting provided attendees with a relaxed, engaging environment to connect with fellow executives, founders, and decision-makers, fostering meaningful relationships that extended beyond the formal program.
Sponsors played a key role in bringing this event to the business community, including Presenting Sponsor Hoag Health; Leadership Sponsor City of Hope Orange County; Corporate Sponsor WeShare; Business Sponsors Orange County Soccer Club, The Office of Irvine Councilmember Mike Carroll, and University of California, Irvine; Media Sponsor Video Resources, Inc.; and table sponsors Parker Hannifin Corp., Wells Fargo Bank, and Terran Orbital.
Through events like Exemplars in Leadership, the Greater Irvine Chamber continues its mission to advance economic vitality by convening influential leaders, fostering meaningful dialogue, and supporting the growth of Orange County’s business ecosystem.
Join the Greater Irvine Chamber and the business community to continue the conversation at Celebrate Irvine on June 11, and to explore opportunities to engage further through membership or sponsorship of future programs.
For more information, contact events@irvinechamber.com.
