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Business consultant Theresa Barbale shared her experiences at the recent Legatus summit in Naples, Florida. Reflecting on her first Hollywood business trip, Barbale discussed navigating different viewpoints while promoting a traditional-values film project. She noted, "I was very anxious to walk into a boardroom as a female who is thinking it is not OK to be transgender and to meet these production people who might have very wild thinking — but I presented the project as lucrative and I wasn’t judgmental; everybody came around."
Barbale emphasized the impact of tone and demeanor in business interactions, stating, "My tone and demeanor can impact that: I can freely say things as a woman that maybe a man couldn’t." A graduate of Ave Maria University, she founded BMG Sol in 2021 and co-founded the Donum Plan. Barbale highlighted Legatus' role in her professional growth: “Legatus has awesome opportunities for young business owners just realizing what it means to own a business to embrace accountability and take that seriously.”
Chris McMahon from Pittsburgh received Legatus’ “2024 Ambassador of the Year” award for his contributions to ethical investing and community service. He explained how faith influences investment choices: “We had to show them that we cannot support these things that are so contrary to our values as Catholics.” He added that technology is aiding transparency in investments aligned with Catholic values.
Legatus, founded by Tom Monaghan, consists of 90 chapters across North America. President Stephen Henley remarked on membership demographics: "The average age of Legatus members is about 60," noting this stage often brings increased focus on family and faith.
Dr. Anna Korkis praised Legatus' educational offerings: “Nobody is more advanced than you in your faith journey... We are all at different stages.” She participates in various Catholic programs for personal growth.
