Leading by DESIGN offers periodic leadership workshops and events open to our alumni and other interested leaders.

Living Systems & Leadership

Uncertainty and change can create a great deal of anxiety, and anxiety within a system
spreads like wildfire. How we respond as leaders has a ripple effect on everyone around us.

We define a “living system” as any group of people connected through shared emotional patterns, behaviors, and norms. When one part of a system shifts, the whole system feels it.

And individuals and groups often perceive uncertainty as a threat and react accordingly. But strong leaders understand the living system and their role within it. They’re able to stay connected yet remain calm in anxious situations. They lean into their beliefs and values, lead with courage, and serve as the greatest determinant of whether positive change occurs.

Join us for a free, in-person session where we’ll explore the concept of Living Systems
and give you practical tools to lead more effectively, especially when your team is
facing stress, complexity, or uncertainty.
Stick around afterward for networking and refreshments on us at Founders Brewing Co.!

Event Details

When: July 15 at 3 p.m.
Main session runs 3-4 p.m., followed by a short overview of our upcoming LEAD 24/7 cohorts. We’ll head over to Founders by 4:15 p.m.

Where: 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 409, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(Please note: SW is important for GPS)

Space is limited to 12 participants. Reserve your spot now!

Leading Change in 2025

Turning Uncertainty into Meaningful Progress

As we move through 2025, organizations are continuously being asked to do more with less, increase productivity, launch innovative offerings, and stay competitive in a shifting economy.

With all that pressure, the number of necessary change initiatives is rising fast.
But the reality is that leading change is hard! In fact, research suggests that more change efforts fail than succeed.

This two-day, small-group workshop is designed for leaders who want to beat those odds.

We’ll guide you through a flexible, human-centered approach rooted in real-world
experience. You’ll apply key principles and leave with actionable plans for your own change initiative to:

• Build a compelling “why” to cast a vision for your team
• Get the right people involved at the right time
• Navigate resistance with empathy and clarity
• Use feedback loops, pilots, and quick wins to build momentum
• Communicate with transparency early and often
• Create a culture of ownership, collaboration, and progress
• Sustain change through celebration of successes—big and small

 

Event Details

When: August 25-26 from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: 201 W. Washington Ave., Zeeland, MI
Cost: $1,400 per person
Capacity: 10 seats
Lunch: Provided both days

Register by August 8, 2025, to secure your spot. (Register 2 or more to get 10% off.)