2025 Annual Conference Speakers

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Kevin D. St.Clergy is a transformational business leader, mentor, podcast host and author of the groundbreaking book "Beyond Blind Blaming." After building and successfully exiting his own company, he now helps entrepreneurs, leaders, and individuals across diverse industries achieve breakthrough results by identifying and eliminating their hidden barriers to success.

In his book and through his podcast of the same name, "Beyond Blind Blaming," Kevin introduces his revolutionary concept of "blind blaming"—the unconscious pattern of attributing problems to the wrong causes due to missing crucial information or insights. This pattern is "blind" because the real issue remains hidden from view, and manifests as "blaming" because humans instinctively seek to assign fault, even if it's to themselves. Through his work, Kevin helps people recognize and break free from these limiting patterns, unleashing their true potential for success.

As a strategic advisor and breakthrough specialist, Kevin's approach transcends conventional coaching. He focuses on uncovering root causes that hold people back, believing that true success requires alignment across all life dimensions—business, relationships, health, and wealth. His unique methodology helps clients see past surface-level challenges to discover solutions hiding in plain sight.

Drawing from his entrepreneurial experience and deep understanding of human behavior, Kevin leads high-impact mastermind groups and provides one-on-one guidance to those seeking transformative growth. His philosophy is grounded in the belief that both success and struggles leave valuable clues—insights that, when properly understood, can illuminate the path forward.

Kevin's mission centers on empowering individuals to move beyond blind blaming and gain the clarity needed to achieve lasting results. Through his book, podcast, speaking engagements, mastermind groups and coaching programs, he has demonstrated that when people finally see what's been holding them back, remarkable transformation becomes possible.

Known for his direct and insightful approach, Kevin combines strategic business acumen with deep personal development expertise to create breakthrough moments for his clients. His work focuses on delivering actionable insights and sustainable results, helping clients build both successful enterprises and fulfilling lives.

For speaking engagements, business consulting, breakthrough coaching, or to learn more about "Beyond Blind Blaming," visit www.BlindBlaming.com or contact Kevin St. Clergy at kevin@blindblaming.com to explore how his expertise can help you achieve the success you deserve..

Join Dr. St. Clergy for his session - Beyond Blind Blaming: Discover the Hidden Truth to Empower Your Success

Dr. Varun Varadarajan is a neurotologist, otologist and skull base surgeon with dual board certifications in otolaryngology and neurotology. He specializes in the management of ear and hearing-related disorders. As a lifelong musician, Dr. Varadarajan obtained a degree in music before pursuing his medical career. He fostered his passion for auditory perception by pursuing subspecialty training in otology, neurotology and skull base surgery after completing his otolaryngology residency.
 
A Wisconsin native, Dr. Varadarajan grew up in Milwaukee before attending Washington University in St. Louis for his undergraduate studies. He received his bachelor’s degree with a double major in Music and Biology. Dr. Varadarajan attended medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed his otolaryngology residency at the University of Florida. To further subspecialize in ear, hearing and skull base conditions, he completed his neurotology fellowship at the Ohio State University.
 
Dr. Varadarajan’s professional aim is to provide cutting-edge care for the full spectrum of conditions related to the ear and temporal bone, including cochlear implantation, medical and surgical options for hearing rehabilitation and the comprehensive management of acoustic neuromas. He is active in the otolaryngology community, provides educational lectures, has served on multiple committees within the American Academy of Otolaryngology and has authored numerous publications in the fields of otolaryngology and neurotology.

Session Sponsored By: Cochlear Americas

Christa Nickel is the is the Education and Training Specialist for Oticon’s West region. She is responsible for new and continuing education programs for hearing care professionals, technical product training, and audiology field support for adults and children.  Dr. Nickel holds a Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Utah and has clinical, research, and industry experience relating both to hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Join Dr. Nickle for her session - Counseling Techniques Supporting Standard of Care

Dr. Baeten is a Clinical Education Specialist for Signia.  She is responsible for training customers and sales staff on the company’s current technology and products. She conducts training sessions in customers’ offices, remotely, and at regional and national events. Prior to working at Signia, she worked in an ENT practice in St. Louis, specializing in adult diagnostics and amplification. She earned her undergraduate degree from Fontbonne University in St. Louis and doctorate from The Ohio State University.

Join Dr. Baeten for her session - Beyond the Audiogram, Understanding the Lived Experience of Individuals with Hearing Difficulties

Barry Drogy is the Regional Manager in the West.  He returned to the company in 2020 after spending several years working as a partner in a large hearing aid dispensing practice.  He has nearly 30 years of varied business experience in financial services, business consulting, private practice ownership, hearing aid retail, and investment management.  Barry has helped business owners increase revenue and profitability significantly while coaching them from startup to exit.  There are two pillars of success that he has experienced with all of the practices he’s worked with: execution excellence and communication.  Barry’s passion for success drives real results.  By being the spark that ignites the belief that anything is possible and a CAN-I (Continued & Never-Ending Improvement) attitude, he has continuously helped teams exceed their goals and achieve success.

Join Mr. Drogy for his session - Designing & Building the Culture You Want

Toby Hill is the founder and president of Contra Costa Hearing Aid Center, Inc since 2008. Mr. Hill is Certified by the American Conference of Audioprosthologist and Certified by the National Board of Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. He serves as a subject matter expert for the Speech Pathology Audiology Hearing Aid Dispensing Board and the National Board For Certification In Hearing Instrument Sciences. Mr. Hill began his career working for one of the major hearing aid manufacturers. Still, he discovered his real passion is working with people helping them achieve the best hearing possible with carefully selected and expertly fit hearing aids. He has been a partner in one practice and now owns a private practice with two locations to serve the community better.

Join Mr. Hill for his session - IHS Policy Perspectives and Updates for the Hearing Professional