• For Paula Macpherson: Velocity wears a lot of hats—incubator, accelerator, coworking hub. Why was Velocity the right home for Future Leader Live!, and how does hosting an event like this advance your broader mission of strengthening Macomb County’s entrepreneurial ecosystem?

• For Jacob Brown: Future Leader Live! is being described as “first-of-its-kind” for metro Detroit. From your perspective as host and keynote, what problem in traditional business conferences were you trying to solve—and how does this format change the way leaders actually engage and learn?

• For Paula Macpherson: Velocity sits at the center of the Sterling Innovation District, surrounded by massive investment and growth. How does Future Leader Live! reflect what’s happening in the region right now—and help position Sterling Heights as a hub for innovation and future-focused leadership?

• For Jacob Brown: The live, audience-decided pitch competition is a bold twist—no judges, real-time voting, real stakes. Why was it important to put that power directly in the hands of attendees, and what does that say about the kind of leadership this event is trying to cultivate? 

• For Both: When entrepreneurs and community leaders walk out of Velocity at noon that day, what do you most hope they’re walking away with—not just in inspiration, but in momentum, connection, or next steps?

Future Leader Live! Brings a High-Energy, First-of-Its-Kind Leadership Conference to Velocity in Sterling Heights

Action-packed event spotlights local nationally recognized talent, entrepreneurship, and a live, crowd-decided pitch competition. 

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Turning an entrepreneurial dream into reality takes vision, strategy and the right opportunities. This spring, one local business owner will have the chance to take a major step forward by competing for a $10,000 grand prize at Future Leader Live!, a high-energy leadership conference designed to break away from the traditional business event format. With live music, audience participation and a real-time pitch competition built into the program, Future Leader Live! promises an experience unlike any other in metro Detroit.

Velocity, a business incubator, accelerator and coworking hub dedicated to helping businesses thrive, will host the event at its Sterling Heights headquarters on April 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with registration and networking beginning at 8:00 a.m. The half-day conference will bring together approximately 150 entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders for a morning of high-energy learning, connection, and competition.

“What makes Future Leader Live! so compelling is that it’s intentionally designed to keep people engaged from start to finish,” said Jacob Brown, leadership keynote speaker and event host. “This isn’t a sit-back-and-listen conference. It’s fast-paced, it’s exciting, and the pitch competition in the middle completely changes the energy in the room. Attendees walk away with practical insights, real inspiration, and a true sense of connection to the local business community. The value of being in the room for this is tremendous.”

A major highlight of the event is the live, audience-voted pitch competition, where three Michigan-based companies will compete for cash prizes including a $10,000 grand prize. Attendees will vote in real time via QR code, with results displayed live on screen. There are no judges—the audience decides.

The speaker lineup features respected nationally recognized local leaders who, despite being longtime friends, are collaborating on stage together for the first time:

• Mark Ostach – Digital wellness and connectivity
• Princess Castleberry – Risk management
• Hajj Flemings – Entrepreneur and author
• Jacob Brown – Closing keynote and host
  
  

“This is a rare opportunity,” Brown added. “We’ve supported each other for years, but this is the first time this group has come together in one room, on one stage, for one shared purpose. That alone makes this event special.”

Velocity’s executive director, Paula Macpherson, emphasized the importance of hosting the event and its impact on the local business ecosystem.

“Velocity is thrilled to host Future Leader Live! in Sterling Heights,” Macpherson said. “This event directly aligns with our mission to support entrepreneurs, strengthen local businesses, and drive economic growth throughout Macomb County. By bringing education, opportunity, and investment together in one place, Future Leader Live! creates meaningful momentum for our business community and reinforces Sterling Heights as a hub for innovation and leadership.” 

In addition to dynamic programming, attendees will receive four signed books—one from each speaker—adding tangible value to the experience. DJ music, live voting, and high-energy transitions will keep the pace moving throughout the morning.

Registration opens February 1 at FutureLeaderLive.com, with early bird pricing available through March 1.

Event Details:
What: Future Leader Live!
When: April 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (Registration at 8:00 AM)
Where: Velocity, Sterling Heights
Who: Entrepreneurs, business owners, community and chamber leaders

For more information, visit https://futureleaderlive.com.

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ABOUT VELOCITY
Velocity is designed to accelerate innovation, reinvention, and growth for Macomb County businesses. Located in the Sterling Innovation District, our incubator, accelerator, and coworking space offer world-class opportunities to help businesses thrive. Velocity is proudly located in the “Sterling Innovation District,” which spans six square miles and is home to 28 million square feet of industrial and high-tech space. Billions of dollars in new high-tech manufacturing investments have been made throughout the Sterling Innovation District over the past five years, including the reinvention of Velocity. Learn more at mivelocity.com.