Empowering the Leaders of

The Next Era of SMPS

The symposium kicked off with the Leader to Leader Panel, a highlight of the event featuring an engaging discussion with the SMPS Board of Directors. Each board member brought a wealth of experience in chapter leadership, offering invaluable insights to the attendees. The panel was expertly moderated by conference committee chairs, Keelin Cox, CPSM, and Valerie Puchades, FSMPS, CPSM. Through a series of thought-provoking questions, Keelin and Valerie asked about the personal experiences and leadership philosophies of the board members, setting a tone of openness and learning for the rest of the conference.

One of the standout sessions was “Harmonizing Leadership: The Melody of Success in Team Dynamics,” led by Maisha Christian. Drawing parallels between the key components of musical harmony—melody, rhythm, dynamics, and collaboration—Maisha provided a fresh perspective on team leadership. Attendees were encouraged to think of their teams as orchestras, where each member plays a unique role, and the leader’s job is to ensure that all parts work together harmoniously. The attendees were also encouraged to sing Mary Little Lamb. Yes, sing. From singing Mary Had a Little Lamb to discussing Billy Joel, this special session was inspired the 2024 CLS class name: The SyMPhonicS.

Craig Galati, FAIA, FSMPS, CPSM, led another powerful session titled “Leading with Love.” Craig’s session focused on the importance of compassion in leadership and how it can transform workplace dynamics. He provided attendees with tools to assess their ability to lead with love, highlighting how an empowered culture can significantly boost both individual and group performance. Craig’s insights were eye-opening, revealing the profound impact that empathy and understanding can have on leadership effectiveness.

Mary Abbajay’s session on “Managing Critical Conversations” was a dynamic and interactive experience. Mary emphasized the necessity for chapter leaders to master the art of facilitating meetings and conversations that result in shared priorities, goals, and group synergy. Her session provided attendees with practical facilitation and communication skills, essential for navigating the diverse opinions and personalities within their chapters. The interactive exercises empowered leaders to approach difficult conversations with confidence and competence.

Mindy Gulati led a compelling session on “DEI: Creating a Sustainable Future Through Equity & Inclusion.” In today’s increasingly diverse world, Mindy highlighted the critical importance of equity and inclusion efforts within organizations. She discussed the benefits of modern, inclusive leadership and provided strategies for building more diverse and dynamic networks. Mindy’s session underscored the need for creating environments where all members can thrive and their talents are fully realized. Her insights were invaluable for leaders looking to foster a culture of inclusivity within their chapters.

CLS Committee co-Chair, Valerie Puchades, FSMPS, CPSM reflected on her own experience as a chapter leader, “Before I was a chapter leader, my network was regional, but after serving as chapter president, I could reach out to someone in my network around the country.” With 58 chapters represented in one room at CLS, the chapter leaders were encouraged to stay connected with one another.

As the symposium came to a close, attendees left feeling inspired and equipped with new strategies and perspectives to bring back to their chapters. The blend of practical sessions and inspirational talks provided a well-rounded experience, ensuring that each participant could find something of value to apply in their leadership journey.

Reflecting on the event, it was clear that the SMPS Chapter Leadership Symposium succeeded in its mission to prepare the next generation of SMPS chapter leaders. The combination of expert insights, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities created a fertile ground for learning and growth. As these leaders return to their respective chapters, they carry with them not only new tools and knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose and community.

In the words of CLS Committee co-Chair, Keelin Cox, CPSM “I hope the Presidents-Elect leave CLS feeling appreciated and supported, and that they have gained valuable new tools to effectively lead their chapters.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the symposium—empowering leaders to inspire and guide their chapters toward success.