When most people think of leadership, they think of it as a formal authority, or position. Leadership, however, is a choice -- it's moral authority. Fortunately, making leadership a choice is a freedom that all people possess and can be learned. Until then, people tend to think that only those in positions of authority should decide the strategic direction and focus of the organization. Even when a need is perceived, typically non-leaders wait to be told what to do by the person with the formal title and then respond as directed. This widespread reluctance to take initiative and to act independently encourages formal leaders to more vigorously direct or manage their subordinates -- a cycle that quickly escalates into co-dependency. Those without formal authority weaken themselves by believing that others must change before they can improve their own circumstances. Only when we truly understand and accept the concept of leadership as a choice are we able to replace the notion of leadership as position with a paradigm focused more on influence and inspiration. And then it's even possible to lead to be "leader" of your boss. This presentation discusses principles to help you increase your ability and capability to lead and choose to exert influence regardless of your current position.

Lou Dobbs shares his insight on the economy with a political perspective. He discusses how politics and policy affect investing and the business environment. He offers a broad view that covers global and domestic issues -- from Main Street to Wall Street, from the DAX to the NIKKEI. Dobbs blends fascinating anecdotes from a distinguished career in financial journalism with the insight gained from his role as anchor of CNN's Lou Dobbs Tonight to provide a look at what's ahead for the economy -- and how it will affect you.

Discover insights into the economy that you can apply in your business environment. Norbert J. Ore, C.P.M., chair, ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, and group director, strategic sourcing and procurement, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, releases the committee's Manufacturing Semiannual Economic Forecast. Ralph G. Kauffman, Ph.D., C.P.M., chair, ISM Non-Manufacturing Semiannual Economic Forecast. Kauffman is associate professor of management and coordinator of the Purchasing and Supply Management Program at the University of Houston - Downtown.

Featured speakers include two of the nation's most renowned economists:

Diane Swonk is a senior managing director and chief economist for Mesirow Financial, a diversified financial services firm based in Chicago. As one of the most sought-after economists in the world, Swonk is called upon by policymakers and business leaders from Washington to Tokyo. She joined Mesirow Financial after 19 years with Bank One Corporation and its predecessors, most recently as director of economics/chief economist and senior vice president. She started her career with the legacy First Chicago Corporation in 1985 and quickly moved up the ranks, proving herself as a regional economist with her forecast for a renaissance in the Industrial Midwest just one year later. During her tenure there, Swonk designed the bank's regional model, published several nationally acclaimed studies, managed the Bank One Corporate Economics Group and recently published her first book: The Passionate Economist: Finding the Power and Humanity Behind the Numbers, which is currently being translated into Chinese. In addition, she serves as a Clinical Professor for DePaul University's highly rated evening MBA program.

Jason Cummins is Chief U.S. Economist for Brevan Howard, an investment fund with $9 billion of assets under management. Previously, Cummins was Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Board, where he coordinated the economic projection and conducted business-cycle research, primarily on investment and productivity. Before joining the Fed, Cummins was assistant professor of economics at New York University, a position he took after having received a Ph.D. from Columbia University. He has published widely in such outlets as the American Economic Review and the Brookings Papers on Economic Activity.

Marilyn Carlson Nelson is chairman and chief executive officer of Carlson Companies, a global group of integrated companies providing leisure travel, hotel, restaurant, cruise and marketing services. With headquarters in Minneapolis, Carlson operations employ about 190,000 people around the world. In 2004, sales under Carlson brands worldwide totaled $26.1 billion. In 2004 and 2005, Forbes selected Carlson as one of "The World's 100 Most Powerful Women." She recently completed a Presidential appointment as Chair of the National Women's Business Council.

Kevin Carroll is the author of the highly successful Rules of The Red Rubber Ball and is also the founder of The Katalyst Consultancy, where his "job" is to nurture and care for the individual and communal inner spirit and inspire new ways of thinking. Nike founder and CEO Phil Knight tapped Carroll to bring his unique experiences to the sneaker giant and help inspire their "creatives." Although no job existed at the time, Knight encouraged Carroll to "hang out" and create any job he wanted at the company. Kevin accepted the challenge and stayed for seven years as "Katalyst." He was instrumental in helping Nike develop a deeper understanding of athletic product performance, team dynamics and interpersonal communication. He was also directly responsible for the Lance Armstrong wristband phenomenon. Carroll promotes the importance of play in everyday life, whether at the office, at home or on the playground.