How can you navigate a world of rapid change?

In a world where rapid change and uncertainty are the norm, leaders often struggle to make decisions and develop strategies. This can lead to vulnerability to unforeseen challenges and missed opportunities. While predicting the future is impossible, leaders can use strategic foresight to strengthen resilience and uncover opportunities for enhanced performance. This session introduces participants to the basics of strategic foresight and equips them with practical tools to systematically explore and learn from possible futures. Participants will discover how to integrate strategic foresight into their organizations to build futures capability. Through interactive exercises, participants will encounter and practice various aspects of strategic foresight, preparing them to apply the techniques to real-world challenges and opportunities.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand Strategic Foresight: Participants will be able to describe the purpose of strategic foresight and the different phases of the frameworks discussed.

2. Apply Strategic Foresight: Participants will be able to explain how strategic foresight could be applied within their organizations to strengthen resilience and create future-focused strategies.

3. Resources for Growth: Participants will be able to identify resources to continue learning about strategic foresight.

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $50 non-member. $30 nonprofits.

Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.

About Our Facilitator

Chris Mayer is a strategist, philosopher, futurist, and career Army officer with extensive experience in leading organizational change and developing leaders. Currently, he serves as Director of Philosophy in the Department of Law & Philosophy at the United States Military Academy (West Point) and has also held positions as Department Head of English & Philosophy and Associate Dean for Strategy and Initiatives. He is also founder and principal consultant at Futures Empowered. As a future of work and higher education advisor for the Quality Assurance Commons, he works with colleges and universities to prepare learners for the workforce of tomorrow. A former Association of Professional Futurists Emerging Fellow, Chris holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. You can explore his insights on leader development and strategic foresight at: https://futuresempowered.com/insights/. The views expressed in this session are his own and do not necessarily reflect the official reflect the official policy or position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, DoD, or U.S. Government.

Discover the sales skills you didn’t know you already had.

Virtual 2-Part Series

Session #1: 
Wednesday, July 23
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Session #2: 
Thursday, July 24
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Are you looking for the edge in growing your influence in your working relationships or business results? In this two-part workshop, participants will learn more about the day-to-day behaviors they already possess and how they are similar to sales techniques.  They will also learn valuable tactics for how and when to “close” – ask for a behavioral change from someone else.

Learning Objectives

1. Leave with a new understanding of strengths you already had, but didn’t know about or underestimated how much it applies to sales and other persuasive communication.
2. Learn specific tactics to become more persuasive, including how to lead another party to self-realization as opposed to changing their mind.
3. Gain actionable techniques for closing for behavior change, as well as clues as to when is the best time to do so.

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $250 non-member. $200 nonprofits.

Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.

About Our Facilitator

Matt Dickerson has enjoyed a 20-year career in sales and management that serves as the foundation of his skills for coaching and mentoring. He has worked in multiple industries with the majority of his experience in Pharmaceutical/Vaccines. During his time with a global pharmaceutical company, Matt was instrumental in developing and executing new tools for people development. He coached coaches in how to be more effective people developers and managers. He also created curriculum that supported skill growth in coaching for performance. Matt has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Purdue University and a Master’s in Business Administration from University of Indianapolis. He is recognized as a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). He is the former Board President for Family Promise of Greater Indy and the Immediate Past President of the Indiana Chapter of ICF.

When life deals you wild cards, you don’t fold- you reshuffle. 

At age 30, a cancer diagnosis turned Sara’s world upside down. She was shaken—but not shot down. Now, years removed from that chapter, she’s ready to reflect on the lessons that experience offered.

Unplanned Wisdom is equal parts hard truth and heartfelt encouragement—designed to remind audiences that no matter the hand you’re dealt, you always have the power to reshuffle. This session invites participants to explore what it means to live authentically and unapologetically in the face of fear, change and uncertainty. Through powerful storytelling, grounded insight and a healthy dose of humor, Sara shares lessons learned from the most unexpected path—and how they can help us all better navigate whatever hand life deals us.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify mindset shifts that can turn life’s challenges into opportunities for growth, clarity and resilience.
2. Apply practical tools for navigating uncertainty with greater confidence and self-compassion.
3. Recognize the power of authenticity and humor in facing adversity.

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $50 non-member. $30 nonprofits.

Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.

About Our Facilitator

Sara McInerney Hauck is on a mission to encourage others to face fear while living an authentically unapologetic life. She’s a two-time TEDx speaker, self-published author and previous podcast host. Sara works as a communications consultant living in Indianapolis with her husband and dog and is a Ball State University graduate.

Virtual 2-Part Series

Session #1: 
Wednesday, August 27th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EST

Session #2: 
Thursday, August 28th
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EST

This workshop provides an opportunity for leaders to learn & practice giving and receiving different types of feedback, keeping in mind the intersection of various inclusion concepts. We utilize the SBI model, elaborating on nuances for positive, negative, and collaborative feedback and we cover concepts such as bias, power, microaggressions, and system. The majority of this session is spent in breakouts, practicing with real life scenarios.

Learning Objectives

1. Deploy the SBI model with nuances for different contexts.
2. Increase your confidence in delivering positive, corrective, and collaborative feedback.
3. Articulate the ways that their feedback will contribute to an inclusive work environment.

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $250 non-member. $200 nonprofits.

Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.

About Our Facilitator

Lillian Forsyth is an accomplished coach and workshop facilitator specializing in communication, leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.  With a background in Operations and Human Resources across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, Lillian brings a unique perspective shaped by her extensive experience living and working internationally. As a straight white woman, she has dedicated over 20 years to examining her own privileges and biases, critically engaging with the complex role that white women have historically played in justice and equity movements. Lillian is the Co-Founder and CEO of Lead with Equity, where she partners with organizations to foster inclusive cultures. Her work has impacted audiences at prominent corporate entities like Google, Santander US Bank, and RWJBarnabas Health. She has also presented at respected academic institutions, including the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Barnard College. As a guest on podcasts such as Embrace the Pivot and Agency for Change, and a speaker at conferences like the American Society of Project Management Professionals, Lillian shares insights to support meaningful change in leadership and DEI practices.

Engage. Connect. Create. 

The Art of Virtual Facilitation is designed to help you lead online sessions that are engaging, focused, and dynamic. Whether you’re guiding a team meeting, training, or group discussion, this workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques to create meaningful virtual experiences. You’ll explore how to manage energy and attention, use interactive tools with purpose, and show up with presence and confidence in a digital space. *This is workshop number three in our facilitation/speaking series of 2025. 

Learning Objectives

1. Learn strategies to increase focus and participation in a group setting

2. Discover how to utilize diverse virtual tools for interactive engagement

3. Boost your presence and savviness as a confident virtual facilitator

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $50 non-member. $30 nonprofits.

Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.

About Our Facilitator

Eilis (A-lish) Wasserman is the Program Director at Shafer Leadership Academy focused on overseeing impactful leadership development programming and creating innovative opportunities for Shafer members.  She has a background as a career coach and facilitator, dedicated to cultivating confidence and inspiring self-discovery. She is an introvert and early career professional advocate, empowering introverts to hone their unique strengths and develop their own career stories.  Eilis believes the most valuable skill that you can learn, and practice is the art of connecting- it’s all about telling our story. Eilis is a freelance coach on The Muse and has worked as a career coach with Ball State University and the University of Michigan. Eilis looks forward to working with you to present your best self wherever you may be in your career journey.

Virtual Workshop 2-Part Series

Session #1:
Wednesday, September 17
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Session #2:
Thursday, September 18
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Ever get tired of those around you denying their role in an incident, pointing fingers at others as to why something happened, or feeling people are just waiting to see if someone else will take care of the mess? Learn practical ways to stop these behaviors while holding yourself and others accountable.

Research proves that employers and employees both place a high value on trust. How do you keep yourself, and others, on track? Do you willingly accept responsibility for your actions and decisions? Learn how to articulate expectations and take ownership of how you fulfill them. A team that is accountable, is a team that is high performing.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand how to improve performance through accountability.
2. Learn to recognize the victim cycle and “Above The Line” behaviors.
3. Apply several tools to help you and others remain accountable.

About Our Facilitator

Susan Rozzi (pronounced Row Z) is the president and owner of Rozzi & Associates, a leadership and organizational development firm. She has a passion for unleashing the potential for greatness in good leaders and believes each person has a unique way of leading. Susan is a leadership coach focusing on leadership development, emotional intelligence insight and career management. Each of her programs starts with the premise that great leadership skills are a product of time, practice and focused development. What makes Susan different is her observant approach and ability to speak grace with her candor. Rozzi graduated from DePauw University and earned an MBA from Indiana University. She is certified in EQi-2.0 and EQ 360 (emotional intelligence assessment) and DiSC, a Certified Real Colors (temperament assessment) facilitator, and a Certified John C. Maxwell coach, trainer and speaker.