The Way Up Leadership Conference 2026

We are not the sole author of our life’s story and journey. Others have added wisdom, experiences, grace, opportunities, and so on. By bringing people together, we do life better through changing lives and building communities. The conference theme of Engage, Embody, Elevate will be explored via lived experiences and reflection. 

Leadership is often portrayed as a ladder—something we climb through promotions, titles, and carefully charted career plans. Yet for many of us in higher education, the most meaningful opportunities have emerged not from pursuing a position, but from fully embracing the one we already had. This keynote explores how leadership journeys are built through excellence in the present, not just ambition for the future.


Drawing on personal experiences in higher education (and a few lessons I’m learning from our children), the presentation will challenge attendees to rethink career growth as a series of intentional choices: doing the best possible work in the role you currently hold, identifying and leaning into your unique strengths, and seeking and saying “yes” to meaningful assignments that expand your impact and visibility. Rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity, successful leaders often create opportunities by contributing where the institution needs them most and where their talents can make the greatest difference.

This session encourages educators to actively transform their own mindsets, strategic thinking, and professional identity. This work is not focused on the actions and strategies you can take in service to students or in response to shifting external pressures. The session focuses on the spirit building and professional purpose formation that must occur broadly for you to have the power to act and to craft a career that sustains energy, excitement, and possibility.