Leadership Design Institute

Tapping the Power of Creativity to Advance Any Leadership Style

In today’s rapidly evolving world, effective leadership demands more than traditional management skills. Creativity has emerged as a crucial component for fostering innovation, solving complex problems, and motivating teams. This breakout session will delve into various creative modalities that leaders can harness to enrich their leadership approach.

*****

I come from a communications background and was educated in the discipline of marketing, so it was no surprise when people said, “you’re so creative” and I thought they referenced career achievements. So, it came as quite a surprise when waiting to catch a plane I caught myself thinking, “someday when I have more time, I’d like to do that”. It turns out the, “do that” was an artistic creation and I'd never heard this self-talk before. Doors began to open from that day forward, including learning to patch together the random, until I realized, there is no random, it’s all in a straight line which leads me to serve those who are looking for a different view of themselves. - Steve Miller

*****

Using engaging activities, participants will experience firsthand how creativity can be a powerful leadership tool, by:

1. Equipping leaders with creative tools to enhance their leadership style.
2. Foster a deeper understanding of how creativity can drive innovation and team engagement.
3. Provide practical skills and strategies for advancing creativity into leadership practices.
4. Create an interactive and collaborative environment where leaders can experiment with new ideas and approaches.

Maybe you're a seasoned leader of the prevention field, and have years’ experience managing staff; perhaps you've tried to integrate the principles shared at a recent conference but have found little to no results; or maybe you don't think of yourself as a leader (yet) even though you're the coalitions biggest champion!

Regardless of your experience with these scenarios, the Leadership Design Institute will challenge your leadership understanding from the inside out.

These inspiring sessions will be led by Dave Closson from DJC Solutions, Stephanie Ahles from EmpoweringYou; and Steve Miller from Mid-America PTTC.

Each session is uniquely crafted with storytelling, creativity, and inspiration to help you create your own "adaptive leadership model" instead of following a prescriptive framework, showcasing how leadership evolves through experiences and opportunities, taking forms beyond traditional pathways. 

The last half-day will be all about envisioning your future leadership path. Each participant will leave with a blueprint for taking themselves and others on a leadership journey.

The Leadership Design Institute is a two-day event that will be held on September 5th & 6th in North Kansas City, Missouri.

Attendance is free of charge, and lodging accommodations are provided by Mid-America PTTC for residents of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, or Nebraska.

The event will provide participants with opportunities to learn from experts across the prevention field and professional facilitation practice.

There will also be opportunities for participants to network with other professionals.

To register, please click on the link below.

Stephanie Ahles from EmpoweringYou poses the questions, Ever feel like leadership passed you by? This presentation shatters that myth!

Stephanie leads us on a journey of unexpected potential. Follow her story from rule-follower to surprise leader. Discover how hidden skills, honed in the unlikeliest places, can propel you to success.

This inspiring talk explores:



• Uncovering Hidden Leadership: Learn how everyday experiences can cultivate leadership potential.
• Breaking Free from Self-Doubt: Discover how to silence negative comparisons and embrace your strengths.
• Owning Your Potential: See how reframing your past empowers you to lead with confidence.

*****

 It's 2005, I'm a 34-year-old supervisor. Good employee, good at my job, but leader? Never crossed my mind. Until one night, my boss drops a bombshell: "Have your application for the acting manager position on my desk by morning."

- Stephanie Ahles

*****

Through facilitated conversation and an interactive presentation, participants will discover the potential of:

1. Key turning points in their lives.
2. Key people that believed in them or made statements to them that shifted their paths.
3. Transferable skills they have acquired over the year's
4. To answer the statement “A trail I have blazed is…… #WHAT?

Dave Closson founder of DJC Solutions, will help us to discover the transformative power of leadership evolution in this dynamic session. His unique story evolves from military upbringing to successful entrepreneur.

 *****

"Participants will learn how resilience, vulnerability, and self-knowledge reshaped my approach to leadership, moving from command to

connection." - Dave Closson

*****

This inspiring session will unveil the essence of adaptive leadership, highlighting the power of relationships and personal growth. Dive into a journey that transcends traditional leadership models and explores how true leadership thrives through experience and heartfelt connection.

Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and equipped with new perspectives to lead from within and foster genuine relationships in your leadership journey.

Dave uses the engaging learning style of Storytelling Circles to foster a connection and help broaden the understanding of your leadership story.

Plus, this session will help participants identify and address Stuck Points in their leadership paradigm, fostering growth and adaptability that will help you level-up your leadership strategies; leading you to a renewed commitment to change.