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june
Most people spend a good part of their day communicating with others. Generally, motivation is dependent on communication. We are adequate talkers, but inadequate listeners. Together we discuss four levels
Most people spend a good part of their day communicating with others. Generally, motivation is dependent on communication. We are adequate talkers, but inadequate listeners. Together we discuss four levels of listening and how listening impacts motivation.
This program is ideal for: anyone interested in improving their listening skills
Tisha Gierhart was hired as Shafer Leadership Academy’s first Program Director in January 2014. She is primarily responsible for all activities related to the development, delivery, and assessment of leadership programs presented by Shafer Leadership Academy. In this role, she focuses on building collaborative relationships with Shafer Leadership Academy’s participants and partners. (read more)
(Tuesday) 8:30 am - 9:30 am
In-Person 3 Hour Session You may have heard the phrase, “It’s not easy being at the top!” It can be argued that being stuck in the middle is even
You may have heard the phrase, “It’s not easy being at the top!” It can be argued that being stuck in the middle is even more difficult. Often persons step into middle-management roles only to quickly realize they are in a very sticky situation. If middle-managers are not diligent about their path, they can find themselves being pulled under by forces they don’t even recognize until it is too late.
This engaging interactive session explores the challenges faced by those entering and those continuing to serve in middle management roles.
This program is ideal for: new managers, middle-managers, and those who lead them.
Ted Ward, the founder of Achieve Onward, has more than 25 years of organizational leadership experience, often serving in a middle-management role as a change agent with groups and organizations needing to pivot toward new strategies and practices.
Having a lifelong spirit of entrepreneurship, Ted has enjoyed numerous ventures in roles requiring a healthy understanding of customer service and leadership. He also enjoyed some time performing with ComedySportz Indianapolis – where he discovered many of the teambuilding, leadership, and professional development practices/philosophies he had been using all along, are parallel to many key attributes of Improv comedy (e.g. “Who’s Line is it Anyway?”) as well. Ted continues to borrow from these key attributes in his ongoing work in helping individuals, teams, and organizations to improve and succeed.
Ted has served with numerous not-for-profit organizations, is a former Chief Probation Officer and President of the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana, and he currently serves in a dual role as administrator and faculty at Ball State University. His personal mission statement reads: “I intend to encourage, inspire, and support growth and development among the people I influence.”
(Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Virtual 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday, June 21 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday, June 22 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM According to a Korn Ferry survey, nearly two-thirds of professionals
Session #1:
Wednesday, June 21
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday, June 22
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
According to a Korn Ferry survey, nearly two-thirds of professionals say their stress levels at work are higher than they were five years ago. As a leader, what brings you the most stress? Do you begin to consider all the possibilities of what might happen in the future — in three minutes, three months, three years? Learn a few practical tools to discover, name and diffuse your leadership anxiety.
This program is ideal for: first time supervisors, early career professionals, and leaders at all stages.
Susan Rozzi (pronounced Row Z) is the president and owner of Rozzi & Associates, a leadership and organizational development firm focusing on leadership development, emotional intelligence insight and career management. Susan has a passion for unleashing the potential for greatness in good leaders and believes each person has a unique way of leading. She reminds her clients 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 candor.
21 (Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 22 (Thursday) 3:30 pm
july
For many of us, we are our own worst critic. Our inner doubts and fears can diminish our ability to fully flourish as our authentic selves. In this
For many of us, we are our own worst critic. Our inner doubts and fears can diminish our ability to fully flourish as our authentic selves. In this session, we will explore feelings of imposter syndrome and how we can move towards self-acceptance as “humble realists.” In order to stop feeling like an imposter, we need to stop thinking like one.
This program is ideal for: everyone
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.
Eilis (A-lish) Wasserman is a virtual facilitator and coach focused on cultivating confidence and inspiring self-discovery. Eilis recently worked at the Ball State University Career Center, The University of Michigan, and The Muse as a Career Coach. You may have seen Eilis acting as a digital producer for one of Shafer’s recent virtual program offerings. She currently serves as Shafer Leadership Academy’s Virtual Program Manager where she coordinates virtual programming guiding facilitators to present their best selves.
(Thursday) 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Sponsored by: Everyone is a leader, but not everyone leads from the top. When you actively
Sponsored by:
Everyone is a leader, but not everyone leads from the top. When you actively lead up you are supporting the leaders in your company. If you fail to “Lead Up” you can contribute to missed opportunities, confusion, and failures in your organization. Even if you lack positional power, you can lead up by serving others. Join us as we discuss the benefits of leading up and leading well. .
This program is ideal for: Young professionals, HR managers, emerging leaders, first time supervisors, mid-level managers, C-Suite executives, corporate trainers, business consultants, speakers, and coaches.
Cost: Free for SLA Members. $80 non-member. $60 nonprofits.
Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.
E. Jake Gamble is an executive coach, thought leader, writer, leadership/performance advisor, and underdog advocate. Jake’s candor, passion, sense of humor, and real-world approach to business and life make him a favorite coach, trainer, speaker, and mentor to many. Mr. Gamble established Leadership Support Services in 2009. His passion is leadership with an emphasis character development, authenticity, and transparency. Jake is an accomplished guitarist and vocalist who enjoys performing at small clubs and venues in the Fort Wayne, IN. regional area. In his spare time, he loves to spend time with his 5 yr. old French Bulldog, Frankie!
(Tuesday) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
What should leaders start with every day? This interactive session explores what great leaders have on their metaphorical breakfast tray to build and sustain a positive organizational culture, improve staff
What should leaders start with every day? This interactive session explores what great leaders have on their metaphorical breakfast tray to build and sustain a positive organizational culture, improve staff recruitment and retention, and reach “championship levels” in leadership.
This program is ideal for: anyone who supervises
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.
Mark Demchak has more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience working for 3 YMCAs in Illinois and Indiana. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Miami County YMCA in Peru, Indiana, where under his leadership the Y has successfully built a new YMCA facility and medical clinic (open February 2022). Mark’s experience includes strategic planning, capital project development, fundraising, board development, and staff development, and he is a sought after trainer in leadership coaching. He holds a B.A. from Purdue University and an MFA from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks–both degrees are in Creative Writing.
(Tuesday) 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Virtual 2-Part Series Session #1: Inclusivity and DEI 101 Wednesday, July 19 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Putting ideas into practice and creating action plans and strategy Thursday, July 20
Session #1: Inclusivity and DEI 101
Wednesday, July 19
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2: Putting ideas into practice and creating action plans and strategy
Thursday, July 20
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Are you looking for more ideas on how to be a truly inclusive leader? This session will address best practices in fostering inclusive environments, both at a team and corporate level. There will be a focus on LGBTQ+ inclusivity, neurodivergence, and underrepresented ethnicities but this will encompass welcoming all types of diverse teammates you may have on your team. Help your team feel like they belong and can be themselves under your leadership.
This program is ideal for: first time supervisors, early career professionals, and leaders at all stages.
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.
Laura Holt is a queer career coach and leadership consultant who has led workshops and talks about DEI for the past 5 years. She has led multiple LGBTQ+ ERG groups and worked on HR teams for 4 years. She leads and teaches with empathy and vulnerability.
19 (Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 20 (Thursday) 3:30 pm
august
We all have a habit that we may be looking to change, whether it is a personal or professional habit. Changing a habit that is not benefiting us
We all have a habit that we may be looking to change, whether it is a personal or professional habit. Changing a habit that is not benefiting us and replacing it with a habit that is more beneficial can allow for increased productivity, better health and wellness and an easier and quicker career progression. In this session, you will come away with identifying a habit to change, the steps of how to change this habit, while also participating in reflection and accountability for your habit change.
This program is ideal for: any professional from of any level or background, as most people have a habit that they would like to change.
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.
Laura Nicolaisen has over 15 years of experience as a Professional Coach and Consultant. She has worked in various non-profit and proprietary higher education universities and institutions as a program manager, an executive team member, and as an admissions and advising director. In addition, she consults at an international advisory company, assisting professionals and executives in obtaining and refining their professional roles. Laura has also been successful as a Sales Specialist at a career transition start-up. She enjoys being a conduit for people in understanding their strengths and career highlights allowing for optimal personal career success while supporting the success of their employer.
(Thursday) 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Sponsored by: Movement creates community and cultivates joy through something we do every day. This session
Sponsored by:
Movement creates community and cultivates joy through something we do every day. This session will focus on taking care of ourselves through movement practices and how they can be utilized to foster more resilient teams. The session will include moments to discuss the act of “moving through,” how we can take a simple everyday activity to find more joy, and how the trauma-informed arts approach can transform our identities. Plan to leave energized! We will “move” together, so wearing your most comfortable clothing is suggested.
This program is ideal for: anyone looking to focus on self-care.
Cost: Free for SLA Members. $80 non-member. $60 nonprofits.
Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.
Sanovia Garrett
As a Creative Entrepreneur, Performance Artist, and resident instigator, sparker, innergizer of JOY, Sanovia’s goal is to transform the world from the inside out using a trauma-informed arts based practice. Sanovia is a Muncie Central class of 2010 graduate as well as a first generation college graduate of Ball State University’s 2014 Communication Studies (leadership minor) class. She graduated with her Masters in Urban Studies (Community Arts) from Eastern University in 2018 and is now pursing a full time life as a creative as well as working as an enrollment counselor for the same University.
Many of Sanovia’s activities are centered on arts ( e.g., movement therapy, creative coaching, music performances, poetry, and joy-based events).
Her first ep, ‘You Have Everything You Need’ (YHEYN) which released on January 26th, 2020 was mostly recorded in her bedroom. The phrase YHEYN has been the guiding light she has used to help inspire her creativity throughout the last three years.
Sanovia is currently living in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area
(Thursday) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Participants will discuss obstacles they face in their roles and will discuss ways of overcoming and dealing with said obstacles; learning from one another and even finding answers within themselves.
Participants will discuss obstacles they face in their roles and will discuss ways of overcoming and dealing with said obstacles; learning from one another and even finding answers within themselves.
This program is ideal for: anyone in any position as each person cannot avoid having obstacles.
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.
Jamelle Godlewski is the Owner & Director of Lead and Impact, LLC. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Purdue University, I spent 15 years in public education, and 10 in leadership roles (5 years in developing new programs.) I grew up in Indiana and taught at a couple of rural schools before relocating to Las Cruces, NM in 1998. There I worked at a high school with over 2500 students and was empowered in leadership and curriculum development. I returned to Indiana in 2004 and taught at Elkhart Central for 3 years and then was a Campus Coordinator for The Crossing Educational Center. In 2010, I left teaching altogether and started my own nonprofit, which I just recently left in December of 2022. I love adventure and travel, especially when I can do it with my daughter. My daughter will be graduating this year and I will be forced to embrace being an empty nester.
(Tuesday) 8:30 am - 9:30 am
2023fri18aug9:00 amfri4:00 pmFusion: Leading Multi-Generational Teams9:00 am - 4:00 pm
A hands on journey to a better understanding of generational differences. Using our innovative, and proprietary, Generational Game Board, participants will explore the various social, political, and economic influences that shaped
Using our innovative, and proprietary, Generational Game Board, participants will explore the various social, political, and economic influences that shaped the working attitudes of the Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Generational X, Millennials and now Generation Z. Our game creates interesting, and informative, conversation among participants from various generations.
We provide you with a way of looking at another generation so you can relate to their experience and understand their perspective. We will provide case studies and activities that push you to find the value in what another generation has to offer.
Cost is $250 per participant
SLA members may attend for free.
Lunch is Included.
Read more at: www.shaferleadership.com/fusion/
Mitch Isaacs was named Shafer Leadership Academy’s Executive Director in May 2015. In this role, he works closely with the organization’s board of directors to fulfill the mission of the organization. He is responsible for creating vision, connecting with stakeholders, administering program offerings and leading the organization in meaningful ways.
Mitch has over a decade of college leadership experience spanning multiple campuses. He graduated from Ball State University in 2002 with a double major in History and Political Science and a minor in Counseling Psychology. Mitch completed his Master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education at Indiana State University. Mitch returned to Ball State in 2005 and spent the next 10 years as a working professional in Higher Education, including five years as the Director of the Excellence in Leadership program, and Coordinator of the Leadership Studies Minor.
Mitch is an active member of the Muncie community. He serves as the President of the Country Village / Creekwood Neighborhood Association, Secretary for the Motivate Our Minds Board of Directors, and Secretary for the Indiana Leadership Association Board of Directors. Mitch sits on the board of directors for Muncie Action Plan and Muncie Rotary. Mitch is passionate about youth development, with roles as a Project Leadership Mentor, a Big Brother with Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Delaware County, and a member of the Burris Laboratory School Advisory Council.
He is committed to enhancing the leadership skills of the community and dedicated to Shafer Leadership Academy’s mission to ensure that individuals who have the desire to demonstrate leadership have access to world class leadership training close to home.
Tisha Gierhart was hired as Shafer Leadership Academy’s first Program Director in January 2014. She is primarily responsible for all activities related to the development, delivery, and assessment of leadership programs presented by Shafer Leadership Academy. In this role, she focuses on building collaborative relationships with Shafer Leadership Academy’s participants and partners.
Tisha holds a degree in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has worked in the healthcare field for fourteen years, where she developed her skills in leadership, project management and facilitation. Tisha served as an internal coach for IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, where she worked to enhance the patient experience by cultivating a culture of service.
Tisha is an alumnus of Shafer Leadership Academy’s Emergence program and has completed Advanced Facilitator Training. Tisha is a Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Coach and Trainer. She is certified in The Leadership Challenge and has over 40 hours of certified coach training. Tisha is an active member in her community where she serves as a board member for the Jay County Cancer Society and is the Co-Chair of the Jay County Cancer Walk. She enjoys volunteering and is a member of the Portland Evening Optimist and Hickory Grove Church of the Brethren. Her work reflects her passion for making a difference, building relationships, and motivating others. She believes in leading by example and developing purposeful connections.
(Friday) 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Virtual 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday, August 23 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday, August 24 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Conflict is any situation in which your concerns or desires
Session #1:
Wednesday, August 23
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday, August 24
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Conflict is any situation in which your concerns or desires differ from those of another person, the demands of the job/project, or the needs of a situation. It causes a giant time-drain and abundant stress. Many try to avoid situations of conflict and others want to ram their way through it. Understanding your default conflict style can show you how to make the most of each situation and use these times of conflict as learning and success opportunities. Resolving conflict is an opportunity to transform a situation into something better, gaining energy, stopping the drainage of time, and maybe even promoting better internal/external relationships.
This program is ideal for: anyone
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.
Susan Rozzi (pronounced Row Z) is the president and owner of Rozzi & Associates, a leadership and organizational development firm focusing on leadership development, emotional intelligence insight and career management. Susan has a passion for unleashing the potential for greatness in good leaders and believes each person has a unique way of leading. She reminds her clients 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 candor.
23 (Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 24 (Thursday) 3:30 pm
september
Are you actively engaged in your life and business or just going through the motions? How motivated are you on a daily basis? Rather than looking for external
Are you actively engaged in your life and business or just going through the motions? How motivated are you on a daily basis? Rather than looking for external cues to force performance and motivation, Halle helps participants look inward to uncover what truly inspires them!
This program is ideal for: anyone
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.
Halle Simpson is a globally certified Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation, Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Author of the Know Thyself Journal. Her passion for speaking and coaching stems from growing up in a household with a parent battling depression and the grit gained from a 20 year career in sales and leadership development.
In her work with executives and business owners across the country, Halle has come to specialize in creating intentional conversations to grow leaders and their businesses.
In her down time, Halle enjoys daily journaling, yoga, massages, watching cooking shows and trips to Traverse City, Michigan. She resides in Indianapolis with her Boston Terrier, Marco (named after Marco Andretti) and is a race fan who attends the Indy 500 each year.
(Thursday) 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Sponsored by: Special Note: Due to the nature of this Lunch & Learn it
Sponsored by:
Special Note: Due to the nature of this Lunch & Learn it will be held in the evening.
In a truly unique leadership development program, David and Michele will break down tools for effective leadership using Argentine Tango as a teaching tool. This enthusiastically received, now-revamped workshop will challenge leaders to step out of their comfort zone and examine a powerful framework for communication, confidence, and giving agency to your team members. This program will include movement, discussion, and take home materials.
This program is ideal for: anyone
Note: This is an evening program. Appetizers and drinks are served instead of lunch. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Cost: Free for SLA Members. $80 non-member. $60 nonprofits.
Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.
Michele Owen and David Fennig have a combined 30 years of teaching experience and are passionate about teaching partner dancing as a form of communication. David’s background is in business, entrepreneurship, and coaching, while Michele has a background in team management, psychology, and professional communications.
(Tuesday) 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
In this session, you will learn to coach employees to their strengths and weaknesses through constructive feedback. Highlighting professional development, their strengths and identify the ways they’ve already grown. Ways
In this session, you will learn to coach employees to their strengths and weaknesses through constructive feedback. Highlighting professional development, their strengths and identify the ways they’ve already grown. Ways to coach an employee who needs to improve their performance. Explaining why coaching and change is important. Identifying barriers and coaching to the employee’s perspectives.
This program is ideal for: young professionals, managers, first time supervisors and mid-level managers
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.
James Joseph has been in the profession of professional development and training for the past 26+ years. He began as an instructor for the United States Marine Corps for 8 years and is a subject matter expert of training and development in the banking industry. He is highly skilled in sales, conflict resolution, team building, leadership, and coaching. He has a deep drive for process improvement and employee engagement in all that he does as a leader.
(Tuesday) 8:30 am - 9:30 am
In-Person 3 Hour Session You can expect greater focus, fewer interruptions, reduced stress, and improved work/life balance as a result of the techniques shared in this course. You will
You can expect greater focus, fewer interruptions, reduced stress, and improved work/life balance as a result of the techniques shared in this course. You will learn some simple tips and techniques to get the most out of your day, every day. First, we’ll begin by understanding some of the foundational issues that hinder productivity, including interruptions, behaviors, and how we manage our time. Then we’ll explore methods for handling those issues. These methods are simple to understand and simple to implement. Results are immediate!
This program is ideal for: anyone who works in an office environment and is responsible to manage the work they do on any given day.
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.
Janet Jackson is passionate about three things: her faith, her family, and helping others find time to pursue their passions, professionally and personally. She started Organization Solutions, LLC, in 2001, because she loves people and hates inefficiency.
Prior to starting Organization Solutions, Janet spent six years with Honda of America Manufacturing where she served as the Purchasing Lead on a corporate-wide software implementation, ensuring business and system processes were efficient and effective. She left Honda in 2000 to start Organization Solutions and to have more time for her biggest priority, being a mom.
Janet attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where she double majored in Business Administration and Psychology. She graduated with honors in 1993. While at Taylor, she continued to grow her desire and ability to serve as a leader, which was cultivated initially by her ten-year involvement with Indiana 4-H.
With Indiana roots, Janet and family are currently planted in Ohio. She speaks regionally and nationally to bring increased organization, productivity, and efficiency to businesses and individuals.
(Thursday) 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Virtual 2-Part Series Session #1: Wednesday, September 27 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Session #2: Thursday, September 28 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM We are all in the business of “customer service,” no
Session #1:
Wednesday, September 27
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Session #2:
Thursday, September 28
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
We are all in the business of “customer service,” no matter what our role, our organization, or our industry. So what does it mean to provide “firefly” service? This workshop explores the impact of going above and beyond, and offers practical strategies for participants to gain, and retain, a loyal client and employee base.
This program is ideal for: anyone
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.
Erika Petrelli Bayh has been in people-development for more than 25 years, currently as The Leadership Program’s Senior Vice President of Leadership Development (& self-declared Minister of Mischief). She worked at the helm of Leadership’s central programming for more than a decade, overseeing its largest expansion, and now trains key leadership skills to professionals across the country—as a keynote speaker and featured presenter at conferences, a trainer and coach within organizations, and a leadership-whisperer to individuals. She also blogs regularly and wrote an interactive journal, On Wings & Whimsy: Finding the Extraordinary Within the Ordinary, available on Amazon. Whether from a conference stage, behind a pen, or in one-on-one conversation, the legacy Erika strives to create daily is to be the runway upon which others take flight.
27 (Wednesday) 2:00 pm - 28 (Thursday) 3:30 pm
♦ In-Person Programs | more about in-person
♦ Virtual Programs | more about virtual
Coffee Talks / Early Risers are free for SLA Members
$50 non-members, $30 non-profits
Lunch & Learns are free for SLA Members
$80 non-members, $60 non-profits
Workshops are free for SLA Members
$250 for non-members, $200 for non-profits
Signature Programs are more expensive than other program formats. SLA Member discounts are typically available.
Special Programs are offered throughout the year and are often free of charge.
Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.
Interested in facilitating for SLA?
Submit a Proposal or Learn More.