Yardstick Institute Returns for 9th Edition, Uniting Executives Around "The Future Is Human"

Curated leadership retreat brings senior executives, and changemakers to Ojai, California to explore the intersection of human potential and technology-driven performance

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yardstick Institute, powered by DSG Global, is hosting the ninth edition of its flagship executive gathering, the Yardstick Innovation Institute, taking place September 30 – October 2, 2026 at the historic Ojai Valley Inn in Ojai, California. This year's theme, The Future Is Human: Elevating the Game of Human and Tech-Driven Performance, will bring together a curated room of senior executives, people leaders, and changemakers for three days of immersive dialogue, workshops, wellness workouts, performance coaching, and connection.

Now in its ninth iteration, the Institute has become a trusted gathering point for C-suite leaders who believe human potential remains the ultimate performance edge, even, and especially, in an era of rapid technological change. This year's program centers on ethical leadership: what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and resilience as pressure, pace, and public scrutiny continue to intensify. Drawing on the discipline of elite athletes, the insight of wellness innovators, and the foresight of technology leaders, the Institute will examine how executives can build cultures of trust and make values-based decisions when the stakes are highest.

Designed for CHROs, CMOs, COOs, Chief Legal Officers, founders, and CEOs alike, the Institute is intentionally kept small and off-the-record, allowing for candid, high-trust conversation among peers navigating similar leadership challenges across industries.

Programming will unfold across five focus areas: Human Optimization & the Science of Peak Performance; Strategic Leadership Under Pressure; AI, Neurotechnology & the Future of Human-Machine Partnership; The New Frontier of Inclusion, Well-Being & Human Sustainability; and Courageous Leadership in a Digitally Accelerated Era.

• Leigh Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board, Steinberg Sports & Entertainment
• Louise Hazel, Olympic Heptathlete, Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist & Founder of SLAY
• DeRetta Rhodes, Executive Vice President, Chief People and Culture Officer, Atlanta Braves
• Leslie Maxie, US Olympian, International Keynote Speaker, Media Trainer & Influencer
• Parisa Sadrzadeh, Vice President and GM In-Store & Commerce Platform, Doordash
• Paul McCarthy, Global People Leader, Ops, Doordash
• Tanc Sade, Actor, Writer, Director, & Record-holding Freediver
• X. Eyeé, Chief Executive Officer, Malo Santo
• Neal Schore, Founder, CEO, Author, 25th Hour Group
• Sienna Jackson, CEO & Founder, Zoran Creative Strategy
• Mary E. Shea, PhD, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, Meerkat
• Omar Morillo, CFP®, ChFC®, AIF®, Founder and CEO, Imperio Wealth Advisors
• Chris Hare, Head of Narrative Strategy US, Stillpoint
• Brendon Ayanbadejo, Super Bowl Champion & Founder, West Coast Fitness
• Dr. Nazaneen Homaifar, MD, MBA, Board-Certified OB-GYN & Medical Director, Seven Starling
• Mike Pilliod, Founder & President, Central Tension

"This Institute has always existed to challenge how leaders think about performance, not as something separate from humanity, but as something built on it," said Reena Patel, Global Managing Partner leading Consulting at DSG Global. "As technology accelerates the pace of business, the leaders who will define the next decade are the ones who pair that innovation with integrity, self-awareness, and courage. That's the conversation we're bringing to Ojai this year."

The 2026 Institute is proud to welcome a distinguished group of sponsors supporting this year's program, including DoorDash, Vuori, Atlanta Braves, Blueshoon, Decadally, Imperio Wealth Advisors, and Meerkat. Sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations seeking to align their brand with a curated community of senior leaders shaping the next era of human-centered leadership.

Registration for the 2026 Yardstick Innovation Institute is open with a few remaining spots left. It includes all programming, meals, and curated retreat activities. Space is limited to preserve the intimacy of the experience. Interested executives can register and learn more at yardstickinstitute.com/event/the-2026-innovation-institute.

About Yardstick Institute

Established in 2012, DSG Consulting by Yardstick Management is an award-winning, boutique management consulting firm. Through its Institute series, Yardstick brings together senior executives, founders, and industry leaders for immersive retreats designed to expand strategic thinking, strengthen leadership capability, and build meaningful networks across sectors. Yardstick Management has been recognized by Inc.'s Best in Business list, the Real Leaders Impact Awards, and Georgia Business Journal's Best of Georgia, among other honors.

About DSG Global

DSG Global is an award-winning executive search and consulting firm that partners with clients to cultivate the talent and leadership they need to navigate today and thrive tomorrow. With broad expertise and a commitment to long-term partnership, DSG Global helps organizations reach their full human potential and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.

For more information, visit yardstickinstitute.com.