CEO Forum Education

Change Is Inevitable. Chaos Isn't. Leading Staff Through Uncertainty Toward Confidence 

Nonprofit CEOs are leading in an era defined by constant disruption. External pressures, including political volatility, economic uncertainty, and growing public pessimism, are colliding with internal challenges such as staff fatigue, anxiety, and resistance to change. Even when change is clearly necessary, many leaders find that their organizations struggle to absorb it.

This session is designed specifically for nonprofit CEOs who are responsible not only for setting direction, but for ensuring their organizations can function effectively amid ongoing change.

Drawing on executive leadership experience and proven behavioral frameworks, the session focuses on how leaders can stabilize teams and find alignment, even when certainty is in short supply.

Roundtable Discussions
The Leadership Circle: A CEO Roundtable Conversation

Pull up a chair and join fellow CEOs for an open, candid conversation designed to flow where it needs to go. The Leadership Circle is an informal roundtable experience built on trust, discretion, and shared experience—no presentation, no scripts, just meaningful dialogue among peers who understand the realities of executive leadership. Bring what's top of mind— your biggest challenge, a strategic question, a recent success, or something you're still working through. The conversation will unfold organically, shaped by the needs and insights of the room. Expect thoughtful exchange, practical perspective, and the kind of honest feedback that only comes from those who sit in the same seat.

You'll leave with new ideas, stronger peer connections, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you're not leading alone.

Welcome Reception

Breakfast

Ask the Association Attorney: Everything You Need to Know

Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum, Esq., Managing Partner, Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC

Join this interactive session with renowned association attorney, Jeff Tenenbaum, for a candid Q&A. Ask your most pressing legal questions about governance, contracts, employment, risk management, and more. Gain valuable insights and practical guidance to address the legal challenges facing your association today.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the latest legal developments impacting associations.
• Identify key legal risks and mitigation strategies.
• Gain practical advice on navigating common legal challenges.
• Ask questions directly to an experienced association attorney.

Break

The Doom Antidote: Building Hope in a World that Offers Everything Else

There’s plenty to be anxious about. Doom scrolling is only “a thing” because there’s ample material to inspire a sense of constant dread.  As leaders, we share the unenviable task of moving our teams, boards, families and others forward to produce great outcomes, even in the face of doom. In this keynote, we’ll explore ways to cut through the feelings of dread and dismay to refocus on hope and solutions in response to all challenges. 

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how constant exposure to negative information fuels anxiety and weakens leadership.
• Reframe uncertainty and challenge to restore hope and forward momentum.
• Apply simple strategies to disrupt doom-driven thinking—personally and within teams.
• Lead with hope by focusing attention on solutions, agency, and meaningful action.

Break

Lunch & the Leadership Circle: Continuing the Conversation

Enjoy a relaxed lunch while connecting with fellow CEOs and industry leaders. Pick up where the conversation left off. This informal lunch gathering offers returning participants an opportunity to reconnect, revisit key themes from the previous day, and continue exploring the challenges and ideas that surfaced around the table.

With the same spirit of candor and confidentiality, this session allows space for deeper reflection, follow-up insights, and new perspectives that may have emerged overnight. Come ready to share what's shifted, what's resonating, and what still needs thoughtful input—while strengthening the peer connections that make this circle valuable.

Navigating Uncertainty with Scenario Positioning