eading meaningful change requires more than introducing a new initiative. It requires leaders to build trust, understand resistance, align people around a shared direction, and create the conditions for others to move forward.

In this interactive session, participants explore the leadership dynamics behind organizational change, particularly in community-centered organizations where competing priorities, limited resources, internal perspectives, and diverse stakeholder expectations can make change especially complex.

Using practical change-management and influence strategies, participants examine how leaders can listen more effectively, engage resistance, strengthen alignment, and move meaningful change forward without losing sight of the people and communities they serve.

The session is designed to create conversation, reflection, and practical application rather than simply present theory. Participants leave with concepts they can use to strengthen communication, build alignment, and more effectively influence change within their organizations.

resented at the Western Museums Association | Utah Museums Association 2026 Annual Meeting, themed ASPIRE, in Salt Lake City, Utah, September 2026.

Format: Interactive roundtable / facilitated discussion.

Target audience: Executives, organizational leaders, managers, educators, community-engagement professionals, and professionals responsible for leading or supporting organizational change.

Ideal session length: 45–75 minutes.

Key themes: leadership, influence, change management, stakeholder alignment, organizational culture, communication, resistance to change, and community engagement.

The session incorporates the LEAD framework: Listen, Engage Resistance, Align Leadership, and Drive Culture.