For the 11th year, the Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum, hosted by the Leadership Institute at Columbus State University, will bring a lineup of the best and brightest minds in the world to Columbus. This year’s event, themed “Leadership: It Takes a Team” features leaders in several sectors, including business, technology, leadership, and, for the first time, sports.

The two-day event, held at the Columbus Iron Works and Trade Center, begins at 12:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 12 and runs through Tuesday, Sept. 13. Monday afternoon opens with MasterCard president and chief executive officer Ajaypal Singh Banga and the evening features Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning.  Speakers scheduled for Tuesday include Bill Curry, coach and Super Bowl champion; Bonnie St. John, Olympic medalist and best-selling author; and General Mark Miller, U.S. Army Chief of Staff; among others.

For the third year, students currently enrolled with a valid CSU ID can watch the forum, including Monday night’s keynote address with Peyton Manning, live via simulcast from the University Hall Auditorium.

“We are extremely proud of this year’s diverse speaker lineup and leadership perspectives,” said Ed Helton, assistant vice president of Leadership Development at Columbus State University. “Team dynamics continue to drive productivity in all sectors.  I look forward to hearing how our speakers lead their various international, business, nonprofit, military and sports teams.”

The 11th anniversary speaker lineup includes:

· Ajaypal Singh Banga – President and CEO, Mastercard

· James H. Blanchard – Former chief executive officer, Synovus; chairman, Jordan-Blanchard Capital, LLC Board of Advisors and founder, Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum

· Dr. Henry Cloud – Psychologist, communicator, life coach and author

· Bill Curry – Former Super Bowl champion, coach, inspirational speaker and author

· Warrick Dunn – Former NFL player and founder, Warrick Dunn Charities

· Patricia Florissi – Vice President and Global Chief Technology Officer, EMC Corporation

· Marcus Luttrell – Former Navy SEAL and author of "Lone Survivor"

· Peyton Manning – Five-time NFL MVP and NFL’s all-time leading passer

· General Mark Milley – Chief of Staff, U.S. Army

· Jim Nantz – Sportscaster, three-time Emmy Award winner and five-time National Sportscaster of the Year

· Tommy Spaulding – Former President and CEO, Up with People; New York Times best-selling author and leadership expert

· Bonnie St. John – Leadership consultant, Olympic medalist and best-selling author

· Shana Young – Director, Leadership Institute at Columbus State University