2025 Senior Executive Leadership Summit:
The Journey of Leadership

Program and Schedule*

*Please note that this schedule is preliminary and subject to change.

Day 1 (Hybrid) - Laying the Path

On the first day, the summit will explore the environment that public servants need to lead within, which is more complex today than ever. We will discuss how leaders can intentionally set themselves and others up for growth and success. What are tools, mindsets and knowledge that leaders should pack and prepare to navigate uneven terrain? How can they support those they lead? How can they best understand and potentially even change the environment itself for the better?

Potential Breakout Session Topics:

  • Building employee engagement in Times of Transition
  • Exploring Today’s Budget Environment
  • A New Model for Trust
  • Building a Culture of Accountability
  • Leading with a Data-Driven Mindset
  • Facilitation Skills for Leaders

Agenda:
08:00 - 09:00 AM: Registration
09:00 - 09:30 AM: Opening Remarks
09:30 - 10:15 AM: Opening Keynote
10:15 - 10:45 AM: Networking Break
10:45 - 11:45 AM: Panel Discussion
11:45 - 12:45 PM: Lunch
12:45 - 01:45 PM: Breakout Series 1
01:45 - 02:00 PM: Break
02:00 - 03:00 PM: Breakout Series 2
03:00 - 03:30 PM: Networking Break
03:30 - 04:30 PM: Breakout Series 3
04:30 - 06:00 PM: Reception

Day 2 (Hybrid) - Navigating the Way

On the second day, we will hit the ground running to navigate the twists and turns that public service leaders encounter along their professional journey. These might include evolving technologies, policy changes, organizational shifts, or more personal obstacles and opportunities. How can leaders navigate inevitable change and transition? How can they adapt and improvise when facing the unexpected? We will explore the peak moments that keep leaders motivated and energized, the tough challenges that test resolve and foster resilience, and everything in between.

Potential Breakout Session Topics:

  • Opportunities and Challenges in Presidential Transition
  • Building the Bridge Between Employee and Customer
  • Personal Resilience in Uncertain Times
  • The Bright Side: Recognizing and Celebrating Successes
  • Working With What You’ve Got: Improvising and Adapting as a Leader
  • From Bill to Reality: Implementing Major Investments

Agenda:
08:00 - 09:00 AM: Registration
09:00 - 09:15 AM: Welcome Remarks
09:15 - 10:00 AM: Opening Keynote
10:00 - 10:15 AM: Break
10:15 - 11:15 AM: Panel Discussion
11:15 - 11:45 AM: SEA Awards Ceremony
11:45 - 12:45 PM: Lunch
12:45 - 01:45 PM: Breakout Series 4
01:45 - 02:00 PM: Break
02:00 - 03:00 PM: Breakout Series 5
03:00 - 03:30 PM: Networking Break
03:30 - 04:30 PM: Breakout Series 6

Day 3 (Virtual) - The Journey Continues

On this final day, the summit will orient leaders toward the future, sharing ideas and solidifying new connections as they continue their leadership path. Some sessions will foster discussion on how leaders can continue their growth within the ever-changing leadership landscape, and others will examine the landscape itself. What are the new frontiers to anticipate? How can leaders maintain the right mindset and prepare to face whatever is on the horizon? Attendees will leave the summit energized and inspired to step confidently into the next chapter of their leadership journey.

Potential Breakout Session Topics:

  • Best Practices for SES Continuing Development
  • Investing In Yourself: Coaching for Continuous Growth
  • Back to the Future: Foresight for Feds
  • Harnessing AI to Lead Today and Tomorrow
  • Leading Through Modernization

Agenda:
09:00 - 09:45 AM: Opening Keynote
09:45 - 10:45 AM: Panel Discussion
10:45 - 11:00 AM: Break
11:00 - 12:00 PM: Breakout Series 7
12:00 - 01:00 PM: Lunch Break
01:00 - 02:00 PM: Breakout Series 8
02:00 - 02:30 PM: Closing Plenary