The Leadership Institute

Disruptive Leadership

Disruption is any person or thing that prevents something from continuing as usual or as expected. We see this with our clients in generational changes, difficult conversations, and conflict resolution. But what about the more sensitive disruptors, including psychological safety, emotions at work, diversity, privilege, trust, and authenticity?

The Disruptive Leadership Series allows us to have honest conversations in a safe environment as we address challenges affecting our area in a positive way and create a greater sense of connectedness, optimism, motivation, and understanding. Join us for one of our upcoming 2026 webinars:

Webinar #1: The Science of Happiness in Leadership: The Hidden Power of Calm, Courage, and Connection
What if happiness isn’t a personality trait, but a leadership strategy? Modern neuroscience shows that leaders influence more than outcomes — they influence the nervous system climate of the people around them. Sustainable happiness in leadership emerges not from upbeat messaging, but from a leader’s ability to regulate their own physiology and model emotional steadiness — a leadership practice known as emotional stewardship. In this 60-minute session, Dr. Kelly Baez — trauma counselor, certified first responder counselor, and resilience educator — explores how happiness science, nervous system regulation, and ethical leadership intersect. Participants will learn why 40% of happiness is within our control, why “forced positivity” often backfires, and how regulated leaders foster more engaged, resilient teams. The session also includes practical polyvagal techniques and evidence-based happiness strategies leaders can apply immediately.

Webinar #2: Leading in the Gray: Disrupting the Myth of Certainty
This session explores adaptive leadership in times of ambiguity. This topic challenges the traditional expectation that leaders must always have clear answers, instead positioning uncertainty as a strategic advantage. Participants will learn how to use “productive doubt” to spark innovation, build psychological safety around experimentation and failure, and apply simple frameworks that help organizations move forward even when all the answers are not yet known.

  • Thursday, February 26, at 11 a.m.
  • Rachel Jones Schmidt
  • View Recording

Webinar #3: Neuroscience of Leadership: Rewiring the Brain for Influence
Unlock the science behind effective leadership by exploring how the brain shapes decisions, behaviors, and influence. In this interactive session, participants will discover the latest neuroscience research and learn practical strategies to rewire their own thinking patterns for stronger influence, better decision-making, and more resilient leadership.

Webinar #4: You Are Doing Too Much (Overcoming Over-Functioning)
This session helps leaders recognize and disrupt the trap of over-functioning, the habit of doing more than their share and mistaking activity for impact. Participants will learn how to shift from doing to developing, set healthy boundaries, and empower their teams to grow while leading with greater balance and clarity.

Webinar #5: How small leadership habits fuel clarity, focus, and well-being at work
Why do some leaders leave people feeling motivated while others unintentionally drain energy? Research shows that everyday leadership habits significantly shape the emotional climate of a team. The encouraging news is that energizing leadership comes from intentional, repeatable practices rather than personality changes. In this session, we will explore what the science reveals about energizing versus draining environments and turn those insights into simple habits leaders can use right away. Participants will learn how to reduce common energy drains, communicate more clearly, create small moments of predictability, and strengthen belonging and psychological safety.

Webinar #6: The Leadership Gap: How Board Dynamics Can Strengthen or Strain A Nonprofit’s Impact
The effectiveness of a nonprofit board in advancing its mission depends greatly on leadership—especially the relationship between the board chair and the CEO, and the overall dynamic between the board and its members. Strong communication, mutual respect, accountability, and trust are the foundation of a healthy board culture. When these elements are present, boards can navigate challenges with confidence and lead their organizations toward meaningful impact. Leadership skills and competencies are not just desirable—they are essential. Serving on a nonprofit board is more than holding a title; it’s about applying experience and knowledge to strengthen both individual and collective performance. Nonprofit boards that fail to address leadership gaps risk unintended consequences. This webinar invites current and aspiring board members to reflect on their leadership approach and discover practical strategies to enhance collaboration, build trust, and lead with purpose.

Webinar #7: Are You a Multiplier?
This session will focus on unlocking the leader within, who brings out the best in others. Great leaders are not defined by what they know, but by how they ignite the potential in the people they serve. In this session, you will explore the strategies and characteristics that "Multipliers" use to empower, inspire ownership, elevate performance, and cultivate new leaders that positively impact any school, company, or workplace.

  • Thursday, September 17, at 11 a.m.
  • Dr. James Holoman
  • Register Here

Webinar #8: Feedback Without Freakout: The Art and Science of Giving and Receiving Feedback
Feedback doesn’t have to be scary—or awkward. In this interactive session, we’ll explore practical strategies to make feedback a tool for growth rather than a source of stress. Learn how to deliver feedback with clarity and empathy, receive it with confidence, and turn every conversation into an opportunity for improvement. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, this workshop will help you build a feedback culture that feels constructive, not confrontational.

Webinar #9:The Energy of Belonging: How to Spark Workplace Community
Belonging isn’t just a feel-good concept, it’s a powerful energy source that fuels engagement, creativity, and resilience in teams. This session explores how leaders can intentionally create conditions where people feel seen, supported, and significant. Through reflection, interactive activities, and practical tools, participants will discover how to transform workplace culture from a collection of individuals into a connected, high-performing community. This 60-minute session blends neuroscience, leadership best practices, and real-world examples to help participants turn belonging into a measurable, renewable source of team energy.