In addition to Spokes’ monthly ED/CEO Roundtables held on Zoom, we are introducing a new quarterly, in-person roundtable series designed to offer deeper connection, shared learning, and peer support. This first in-person session will include lunch, a short facilitated program, and guided discussion.

People & Culture expert Kellie Conn of People & Culture Leadership Group will share practical strategies for supporting staff morale amid today’s challenges—from funding uncertainty to broader climate-related stressors—followed by a live Q&A and organic peer discussion. Participants will learn to recognize early warning signs of declining morale, understand how ongoing uncertainty impacts teams, and gain tools to build trust, foster transparency, and support staff through high-stress periods.

Discussion points will include:

-Supporting teams through funding instability and budget cuts

-Reducing the risk of employee turnover during uncertain times

-Managing burnout and negativity within team culture

-Leading with transparency and working through staff concerns

As with all Spokes roundtables, this session is participant-driven and grounded in a shared Participation Agreement:

Values: Empathy and appreciation • Sharing and participation • Leadership and celebration
Expectations: Confidentiality • Respect and listening • Trust and accountability

Presenter: Kellie Conn, SPHR Kellie is an organizational development professional with 30 years of experience in coaching, organizational design, communication, and culture. She has served the community as a board member, volunteer, and/or consultant for The SLO Film Festival, Coastal Performing Arts Foundation, Ecologistics, Rotary Club of Los Osos, CASA, and the Nashville Chamber of Commerce. Kellie currently co-leads People and Culture Leadership Group, a coaching and culture consulting group specializing in leadership and career coaching, nonprofit culture consulting, and meaningful time away programs. She holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources by the HR Certification Institute.