SPEAKERS & TOPICS

Join us for four thought-provoking sessions led by SPAN members who are sharing real-world insights, fresh perspectives, and practical tools to help us expand how we lead and how we support the leaders around us.

Leadership for a Successful Succession – Panelists Melissa Yano, Capital Wealth Planners; Jeff Potts, Gold Country Advisors; Lila Wallrich, Wallrich Creative Communications; Moderator Brigitte Macdonald, Skyworks

With many professionals and clients preparing for business transitions in the next decade, the role of leadership during succession planning is more relevant than ever. This conversation brings together experienced advisors to explore how leadership influences outcomes—from daily operations to long-term value. You’ll hear insights from both incoming and exiting CEOs, along with strategies to strengthen leadership infrastructure during transitions. The panel will share lessons learned and practical ideas to apply or pass along to those navigating the process.  

Leading With Kindness (Not Just Nice But Strategic) – Panelists Heather Johnston, Sapphire Law Group; Randy Hendershot, Evolution Advisors Business Brokerage; Steve Morgan, New York Life Insurance; Moderator Gretchen Tobin, KW Commercial

Kindness in leadership isn’t about being soft—it’s about being strategic. This panel explores how empathy, respect, and compassion can strengthen teams, resolve conflict, and fuel collaboration. Through stories from business, nonprofits, and civic life, panelists will share how leading with kindness builds trust, bridges divides, and inspires lasting impact. It’s a timely reminder that leadership is about how we show up, not just what we achieve.

Brave Chats, Better Teams – A Leader’s Guide to Real Conversations – Speaker Misty Elmore, People Rock HR Services

Avoiding hard conversations can quietly erode trust and performance. HR expert Misty Elmore shares what happens when difficult discussions are delayed—and what changes when leaders lean in. From performance issues to behavioral concerns, she offers practical tools for approaching, conducting, and documenting the kinds of conversations that matter most. You’ll leave with simple strategies and a fresh perspective on how real conversations can strengthen any team or working relationship.

Regenerative by Design – Replenishing Leadership, People, and Results – Speaker Marcie Shelton, The Leaders Partner

What if your leadership approach replenished energy instead of draining it? Leadership advisor Marcie Shelton introduces regenerative leadership, a nature-inspired framework that helps people and businesses thrive. Learn to spot the signs of depletion and apply new tools to create a healthier, more sustainable culture. This session offers a compelling shift in mindset for those who want to lead in a way that renews rather than exhausts.

Meet Our Sponsors

We’re proud to partner with these outstanding SPAN members whose support helps bring the xSPANd Conference to life. Their commitment to professional growth and community connection makes this event possible.

Randy Hendershot – Evolution Advisors

John Joyce – Iron Point Financial Advisors

Laura McHugh – Duggan McHugh Law Corporation

Jeff Stephens – GVM Law, LLP

Brian Bowen – Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP

Stacey Sommerhauser – Silvers HR a Larkin Company

Lila Wallrich – Wallrich Creative Communications (in-kind)

Eric Grabin – SAFE Credit Union (in-kind)

WHY ATTEND?

Hear Real Stories – Learn from SPAN members as they share personal anecdotes and hard-earned lessons about overcoming challenges, discovering growth, and embracing new approaches to leadership.

Prepare for What’s Next – Explore the skills and mindsets that tomorrow’s leaders will need to thrive in an unpredictable future.

Connect with Peers – Meet and exchange ideas with SPAN members and thoughtfully invited guests, fostering dialogue and collaboration.

Unwind and Reflect – Continue the conversation at a post-event reception, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM.

Reserve Your Seats Early

Tickets go on sale in August at $35 per person until September 15, then increase to $45. Each SPAN member may also invite one guest — a trusted colleague or prospective SPAN member — who would benefit from the content and connections.

Early Bird Deadline: Purchase by September 15, 2025, to lock in the lower price and reserve your guest's spot. After that date, any remaining seats (maximum 100 total) will be opened to additional guests invited by SPAN members.

This event is exclusively for SPAN members and their invited guests. It is not open to the public.

Assemble. Inspire. Advance.