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2026 Leadership Conference – Grit & Grace In Leadership
GRIT & GRACE IN LEADERSHIP
Leadership Oakland’s 2026 Leadership Conference is set for a powerful day of learning, reflection, and connection.
March 18, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Health Alliance Plan (HAP), Troy, MI
Centered on the theme Grit & Grace in Leadership, this full-day conference will bring leaders together for meaningful conversations about navigating change, building resilience, and leading with authenticity in today’s complex environments.
Opening Speaker Ber-Henda Williams launches the day with Soft Power / Strong Leadership: Reframing Grit Through Grace – a powerful and timely conversation redefining what real leadership strength looks like now.
An Unmatched Lineup of Breakout Sessions. Get ready for inspiring, practical, and thought-provoking sessions led by outstanding voices in leadership:
Nagham Alsamari – Train Your Resilience Muscle™: Grit Without Hardness, Grace Without Collapse in Leadership
Lorrena Black – Mission Resilience: Rise, Adapt & Overcome
Jacob Brown – Leading from the Core™
Kimberly Beth Ingram – Grit & Grace in Leadership: When You’re Putting Out Fires You Didn’t Start
Christy McDonald – Own Your Story: Leading with Authenticity when Life Changes the Script
Julianne Phillips – Building Resilience and Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Matt Thieleman – Leading Through Shadow: Transforming Difficult Relationships with Self-Compassion
Ara Topouzian – A Good Laugh: Leadership Lessons Hidden in Everyday Stories
What to Expect:
• An inspiring opening speaker to set the tone for the day
• Multiple breakout sessions offering diverse perspectives and practical takeaways
• Conversations focused on resilience, self-awareness, adaptability, and values-driven leadership
• Insights on managing challenge and conflict with compassion and confidence
• Opportunities to reflect, recharge, and connect with fellow leaders from across the region
The day will include breakfast and lunch, along with intentional space for networking and community-building throughout the program.
Whether you’re facing new challenges, leading through uncertainty, or looking to grow as a more grounded and effective leader, this conference is designed to equip you with tools and perspectives you can apply immediately.
Thank you to our sponsors:
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