2025 SPEAKERS & TOPICS

The program included four thought-provoking sessions led by SPAN members who shared real-world insights, fresh perspectives, and practical tools to help us expand how we lead and how we support the leaders around us. View CONFERENCE SLIDES HERE.

Navigating Difficult Conversations – Stacey Sommerhauser, Silvers HR a Larkin Company

Avoiding hard conversations can quietly erode trust and performance. Our HR expert will share what happens when difficult discussions are delayed—and what changes when leaders lean in. You’ll leave with simple strategies and a fresh perspective turning hard conversations into productive ones.

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.

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.

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

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.  

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.

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.

xSPANd was designed to create space for reflection, shared learning, and connection among SPAN members and invited guests.

Assemble. Inspire. Advance.