Read a book. Lead with inspiration.

SLA in partnership with Muncie Public Library is offering a unique quarterly gathering, highlighting important take-aways from inspirational leadership books. At each event, facilitators will share key leadership development lessons from leadership-focused books. This is not a book club, rather a guided discussion around the key takeaways from each book.

Prior reading of the book is not required but we encourage participants to share about what they learned and check-out one of the books from Muncie Public Library. All participants attending will be entered in a raffle to win a digital copy of one of the books discussed.

All sessions are FREE and open to the public thanks to our sponsor, eKeeper. Registration is required.

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How might we adjust or adapt our style in leading our project teams?

Managing projects is both a science and an art. Managing the work of the project towards the desired outcomes is at the core of project management. Yet, managing the people side of the project is significant. And, people can be unpredictable, challenging, and “messy.” In this interactive workshop, we’ll recap key factors in project management, and also address questions like- How do we become aware of our blind spots, and side effects/shortcomings of our natural leadership style? How might we adjust or adapt our style in leading our project teams? What have been some best practices you’ve seen, used, or developed in managing projects? 

Learning Objectives

1. Reinforce core project management practices to effectively balance tasks and team dynamics.

2. Describe six key leadership styles and identify your natural leadership style, evaluating how strengths and blind spots impact project outcomes.

3. Incorporate practical strategies and best practices to overcome common project management challenges.

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.

About Our Facilitator

Mike Johnson serves as a catalyst to help clients move from survival towards significance – to bring your goals into focus and reach them. He blends experience and coaching skills with a proven, focused process to help clients develop or rediscover their careers.  Mike has worked with hundreds of individuals seeking help with leadership skills and practices; with organizations focused on talent and leadership development, and with career exploration, advancement, and mid-career transition. He has served people one-to-one and with universities, public and non-profit organizations, and multinational corporations. He leverages over 35 years’ experience from a career in Information Technology with IBM (including leadership, people management, professional development, and mentoring). He is a published author, including Survive and Thrive in Your Job Search: The Team Networking Group Process to Your Next Job, Abbott Press (co-author), and Editor, Passport to Employment Guidebook (now in its seventh edition). He is a Certified Professional Coach and member of the International Coaching Federation and Association for Talent Development, Central Indiana chapter.

In-Person 3 Hour NATURE WORKSHOP

Learning Objectives

1. 1.  Reconnect with the wisdom of the natural world to gain perspective on the patterns of change and resilience in your own life, work, and relationships.
   2.  Practice holding the tension between current challenges and future possibilities, developing a “grounded optimism” that is both realistic and hopeful.
   3. Explore the season of life you are in and how the seasons of nature provide perspective on navigating cycles of change.
   4. Craft a personal set of practices, routines, and actions that can help you maintain a grounded, resilient path regardless of season.

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $250 non-member. $200 nonprofits. Note: This is an outdoor workshop that will take place at Munsee Woods and will require participants to stand/walk during the workshop.

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

In partnership with:

About Our Facilitator

Adam Bouse is the founder of Optimistic Coaching, where he helps people move from feeling stuck to finding new possibilities. He draws on more than 15 years of leadership experience and 1,000+ hours of coaching to guide clients in navigating change and living a more grounded, fulfilling life. With a philosophy rooted in positive psychology, neuroscience, and nature-based experiences, Adam believes everyone deserves the chance to thrive and discover the clarity, connection, and fulfillment they’ve been longing for.

In-Person 4 Hour Session

Learning Objectives

1. 1. An appreciation of each of the major generational groups active in the workplace today
   2. An overview of the challenges and opportunities multi-generational teams present
   3. Insights regarding the world views, needs, and skill sets of various generations
   4. An understanding of how to facilitate effective collaboration among multi-generational group members

FREE for all to attend. Sponsored by IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. 

About Our Facilitator

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. Mitch has over 20 years of leadership development experience. 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.

Mitch is an active member of the Muncie, Indiana community.  Mitch has served as the president of the board of directors Country Village / Creekwood Neighborhood Association, Muncie Action Plan, and Indiana Leadership Association. He has also served on the boards for Motivate Our Minds, Muncie Rotary and the Muncie Civic Center Authority. Mitch is passionate about youth development, with previous roles as Project Leadership Mentor, a Big Brother with Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Delaware County, and a member of the Burris Laboratory School Advisory Council. A thoughtful and empathetic leader, Mitch balances his professional life with co-parenting his two teenage sons, Charley and Wilson. Mitch is passionate about supporting those around him, whether it’s through his family, his team, or the broader community.

In-person Lunch & Learn

Join us for a conversation about Dignity Across Divides: Better. Work Better.

Many leaders report that communication among their team members is strained by unspoken disagreements. This session will explore a dignity and empathy-based approach to help our teams leverage their different perspectives as a way to support and enrich our workplaces and communities. Participants will learn ways to disagree with dignity and break the “cycle of contempt” that prevents teams from coming together productively.

Learning Objectives

1. Gain greater familiarity with the “Dignity Index” as a tool for collaboration.
2. Be able to identify ways to bring greater dignity to the discourse of their organization and community.
3. Practice the application of the dignity and empathy model with real world scenarios.
4. Reflect on the “cycles of contempt” that negatively impact their workplace and community collaborations.

Cost: This special session is being offered FREE to all.

About Our Facilitator

Melinda Messineo, PhD is a professor of Sociology and the Distinguished Faculty Fellow for Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement at Ball State University. She is a nationally recognized award-winning teacher and workshop facilitator. Her research explores representations of individuals in the media and the impact that all media forms have on our understanding of people different from ourselves.

Thrive to Lead

Leading in today’s VUCA environment—(Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous)—can take a real toll. How can you sustain the high standards you set for yourself and your organization while staying healthy and effective?

In this 90-minute session, you’ll learn to identify the root causes of stress and recognize the early signs of burnout—as well as what fuels its opposite: engagement. You’ll leave with practical tools to maintain the level of leadership excellence you aspire to, strengthening your team’s performance metrics and expanding your positive influence.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand and recognize the impact of stress on your leadership habits and practices.
2. Learn tools to help you proactively implement effective and sustainable leadership skills.
3. Discover how to influence, foster, and sustain a positive culture for your team.

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.

About Our Facilitator

Nathan Taylor earned his MS in Wellness Management from Ball State University. During his studies at Ball State, he devoted his thesis work to shedding light on employee burnout and engagement in helping professions. After grad school he spent 12 years building and implementing employee wellbeing solutions at the Youth Opportunity Center. That journey confirmed for him that employee wellbeing is the result of intentionally and strategically developing and growing yourself and your team (and culture) to be the best they can be!

 He has completed certifications in wellness coaching and workplace culture consulting, is a Gallup-Certified Strengths coach and serves as the president for Wellness Council of Indiana’s board of advisors. Currently he works as a career coach and conducts leadership seminars. He is also an adjunct instructor at Ball State University in the department of nutrition and health sciences where he has taught personal health and workplace wellness coaching classes.

All Aboard: Board Leadership in Motion is a three-hour workshop ideal for individuals who have a desire to serve on a not-for-profit board but want to learn more about what serving as a board member entails, and how to find the potential board opportunity that suits their interests and skill sets.

Participant Takeaways

• An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a not-for-profit board member
• How to determine board opportunities that match interests, skills, & desired level of commitment
• Guidance on how to be an effective board member
• Insight on how to find potential board member opportunities
• Descriptions of board member opportunities currently available in the area

Who Should Attend?

All Aboard is ideal for individuals who have a desire to serve on a not-for-profit board but want to learn more about what serving as a board member entails and how to find the potential board opportunity that suits their interests and skill sets.

Tuition:

Thanks to our generous sponsors, All Aboard is available for free.

What does it really mean to “lead like an entrepreneur”—even if you’re not starting your own business?

No matter the field, leaders today are navigating constant change, tough challenges, and the pressure to stay innovative. This roundtable will dive into how an entrepreneurial mindset can help you think outside the box, spot opportunities, and encourage your team to adapt and grow.

Our panelists will share real stories of resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness—along with practical tips you can use right away. And because this isn’t just about listening, you’ll also have the chance to join the conversation, share your perspective, and reflect on what entrepreneurial leadership looks like in your own world.

Learning Objectives

1. Engage in peer dialogue to share experiences, challenges, and lessons learned, building a network of diverse perspectives.
2. Describe key traits of an entrepreneurial mindset and understand how these apply to our work.
3. Recognize situations in your own roles or organizations where entrepreneurial thinking can spark new ideas or improvements.

This program is ideal for:  everyone!

Cost: Free for SLA Members AND for individuals attending the Innovation Connector Showcase the week of November 17- 21.

About Our FacilitatorS

Peggy Cenova (lead facilitator) is a seasoned professional who was the Regional Director for the East Central Indiana SBDC, where she presented over 190 training events throughout the region. She is the former owner of the specialty advertising catalog company – Straight Status, which was listed in Inc. Magazine’s 500 fastest-growing businesses. She is a former board member of the National Speakers Association of Indiana and Shafer Leadership Academy. Peggy’s speaking philosophy can be summed up in three words: Prepare, Perfect, Present.

Read a book. Lead with inspiration.

SLA in partnership with Muncie Public Library is offering a unique quarterly gathering, highlighting important take-aways from inspirational leadership books. At each event, facilitators will share key leadership development lessons from leadership-focused books. This is not a book club, rather a guided discussion around the key takeaways from each book.

Prior reading of the book is not required but we encourage participants to share about what they learned and check-out one of the books from Muncie Public Library. All participants attending will be entered in a raffle to win a digital copy of one of the books discussed.

All sessions are FREE and open to the public thanks to our sponsor, eKeeper. This will be a virtual session via Zoom. Registration is required.

LEARN MORE »