Leading the Way for the Future of Higher Education through Ingenious Leadership

Ingenious Leadership: Leading Complex Change on Campus

January 30 - 31, 2025 | Denver, CO

Learn to lead as an architect of impact—join us to learn critical strategies to empower your team and shape lasting change.

Overview

Are you ready to elevate your leadership skills and drive meaningful change at your institution? This two-day conference offers hands-on training and actionable insights to equip you with the practical tools and strategies needed to lead with purpose and agility.

What You'll Gain:

  • Proven Leadership Strategies: Learn actionable techniques to navigate budget challenges, foster innovation, and align academic and strategic goals for long-term success.
  • Growth-Focused Mindset: Adopt a forward-thinking approach to leadership that empowers you to overcome obstacles and capitalize on opportunities for growth.
  • Hands-On Tools & Techniques: From Design Thinking to systems leadership insights, you'll leave with powerful tools to tackle complex challenges and create lasting impact.
  • Real-World Impact: Walk away with practical skills you can immediately apply to drive change, foster collaboration, and lead your institution to new heights.

This conference isn’t just about theory — it's about giving you the practical skills to lead effectively, innovate with purpose, and make a lasting difference in your academic community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your leadership approach. Register now and take the next step in your professional journey.

People doing an activity at an Academic Impressions conference
People doing an activity at an Academic Impressions conference

Are you interested in diving into a new vision for leadership? Purchase Ingenious Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education by Melissa Morriss-Olson. You’ll learn a framework for understanding and developing a new kind of leadership to better support you in times of crisis. You’ll also get a supplemental workbook with a self-assessment and activities to apply the framework to your own leadership.

Agenda

More details about the timing of the days can be found by clicking Learn More and Register, but session descriptions of the two days are below:

Horizon Scanning
The world of higher education has changed fundamentally over the last few years and will likely continue to change and transform in new and unexpected ways. In this interactive session we’ll explore the events, trends and issues that will impact higher ed over the next decade and we’ll explore practical strategies to build and practice this anticipatory mindset. By the end of this session, participants will be empowered to scan the horizon effectively, enabling their institutions to navigate challenges with agility and strategically position themselves for the opportunities ahead.

Innovation Unleashed: Opportunity Hunting
We delve into the concept of effectuation and the role of adaptability in effective leadership, emphasizing the power of a resourceful mindset. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the "Pilot-in-the-Plane" perspective—where leaders actively shape outcomes by leveraging what they can control, rather than passively reacting to circumstances. Through practical tips and interactive exercises, attendees will learn to maximize existing resources, embrace adaptability, and foster a culture of opportunity across campus.

Architects of Impact: Lead by Design
This session centers on the power of Design Thinking and collaborative practices as vital tools for fostering creative solutions and a human-centered approach to problem-solving. By embracing these principles, participants will gain practical strategies to tackle complex challenges, boost student engagement, and drive meaningful, sustainable change across their institutions.

Ingenious Leadership: Leadership Purpose
This session focuses on personal mastery of leadership through the lens of the Ingenious Leadership survey, grounded in real-world insights and filled with actionable strategies. This session is designed to establish the foundational elements of Ingenious Leadership, setting the stage for lasting impact on both personal and institutional levels. Participants will explore the key qualities that make leaders truly ingenious, learning how to empower others, foster growth, and expand the capabilities of their institutions.

People-Centered Leadership: A Journey of Purpose
This professional development session focuses on the vital role of purpose-driven leadership in fostering strong interpersonal and team dynamics. Leaders are guided to explore and connect their personal mission with the broader goals of their institution, transforming purpose into a powerful tool for inspiring and empowering others. Through self-reflection and interactive exercises, participants will learn how aligning their unique values and aspirations with institutional objectives can spark innovation, build trust, and create a sense of belonging that goes beyond fitting in—to actively contributing to meaningful progress. This session equips leaders with strategies to use purpose as a catalyst for growth, encouraging them to lead authentically while advancing their institution’s mission.

Building Connections with LEGO® Serious Play®: An Experiential Process for Reflective Dialogue
This professional development session, featuring the LEGO® Serious Play® method, invites participants into an engaging, hands-on experience using 3D models to ignite authentic storytelling and meaningful conversations. Through this unique, interactive approach, participants will learn how to foster creative, reflective dialogue that uncovers actionable insights and solutions.

Leader at the Helm: Navigating the Future
In this session, leaders will explore systems leadership principles, learning to see beyond immediate challenges and steer their organizations with a strategic, holistic perspective. Participants will gain insights into crafting and communicating a compelling vision that resonates across the organization, creating alignment and fostering resilience. Key topics include storytelling as a tool for influence, strategies for achieving impactful results, and techniques for cultivating a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. By the end of this session, leaders will be equipped to guide their teams through complexity and change, shaping a future-ready organization.

Action Planning & Presentations
As we wrap up our two days, you’ll synthesize what you’ve learned and begin to sketch out specific ways you’ll take this information and apply it back on campus. Working with a coaching partner, you’ll help each other think through specific situations and strategize meaningful but manageable ways to address them. Each person will present their plans to the full group and receive feedback. We’ll share interactive and safe ways to receive feedback that participants can easily apply in their own settings.

Who Should Attend

This conference is for higher education leaders at all levels who are committed to driving change and shaping the future of their institutions. Deans and academic leaders will be able to align their strategic goals with the day-to-day work of their divisions. Staff leaders will be able to respond to challenges with a flexible mindset. Senior leaders will help their teams refocus on the mission and innovate.

Whether you're an experienced leader or emerging in your role, you'll benefit if you’re focused on:

  • Enhancing your leadership effectiveness and developing a growth-focused mindset.
  • Fostering innovation and aligning academic and strategic goals.
  • Navigating complex challenges and leading through change with agility.
  • Building stronger teams and creating a culture of purpose-driven leadership.

If you're ready to lead with impact and make a lasting difference at your institution, this conference is for you.

Bring a team! Register 3 or more people and save more than $1,000! Discounts will be automatically applied at checkout.

Speakers

picture of Melissa Morriss-Olson

Melissa Morriss-Olson, Ph.D.
Provost Emerita, Founding Director, CHELIP and HELOS, Distinguished Professor, Higher Education Leadership

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Dr. Stephen Whitehead
Head of Practice for Academic Innovation, Academic Impressions

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What makes our events different?

Academic Impressions conferences provide the opportunity for quality conversations and relationship-building through both formal and informal networking opportunities in an intimate setting. Our in-depth and hands-on approach to learning provides you with actionable takeaways.

Learn More About the Academic Impressions Conference Experience ➞

Location

Academic Impressions’ Denver-based office

5299 DTC Blvd, Suite 1400
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Denver skyline

Pricing

January 30 - 31, 2025
Denver, CO

Starting at:

  • Member Price: $2,245/person
  • Non-Member Price: $2,495/person
  • Teams: Save $1,000+ for teams of 3 or more

Additional optional add-ons are available during checkout.

Questions About the Event?

Stephen-Whitehead-square

Dr. Stephen Whitehead
Head of Practice for Academic Innovation, Academic Impressions

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