2026 Independent School Leadership Forum

At the heart of great leadership is the ongoing practice of leading ourselves. The most influential leaders know that self-awareness isn’t something you master once. It’s a practice you return to throughout your life. Leading Self means continually rediscovering who you are, noticing how you’re changing, and paying attention to the inner patterns that quietly shape your leadership. In this energizing keynote, executive coach Michelle Bostian, MSW, BCC, PCC, CMP invites leaders into that lifelong practice. She shares a simple, repeatable method for coaching yourself in real time. It is one that helps quiet the noise, examine assumptions, recognize repeating patterns, and make choices aligned with the leader you want to be.

Stepping into leadership often marks an exciting time for an individual in their career growth and development. For many, it plays a pivotal role in determining whether to pursue a career in senior leadership. Almost always, entry into leadership reflects that an individual has excelled in their previous role, which may or may not engage the skillsets needed in their new role. This is a crucial detail that is often overlooked as individuals transition into leadership roles, particularly if they have been promoted from within. While the role of a middle manager can be challenging, engaging a proactive approach can shape skilled leaders who develop strong teams, effectively bridging the gap between strategic vision and implementation. Recognizing the inherent challenges of leading from the middle, this keynote will provide a road map to navigate the complexities of the role. We will examine three areas that often define one’s tenure in the role:

1.  establishing team culture while navigating institutional culture,
2. leading up and down, and
3. managing conflict.

Attendees will walk away with knowledge and understanding of these complexities and theimportance of establishing a proactive approach.

Leadership doesn't happen in isolation: it lives in the relationships, conversations, and culture we build together. This panel brings together experienced school leaders to reflect on the intersection of people, change, and systems at the community level. Panelists will share candid insights on navigating complex challenges, sustaining culture, and leading with clarity and purpose. Come ready to ask questions and leave with fresh perspective for your own leadership journey.

Over the course of the forum, participants have explored the work of leading self, guiding teams, and strengthening community. The closing keynote steps back to consider what comes next. By examining emerging signals across the education landscape and the transitions reshaping schools, this session explores the evolving skillsets leaders will need to navigate uncertainty, interpret change, and move their organizations forward with clarity and purpose. Participants will leave with a broader perspective on the shifts underway and a renewed sense of agency about the future they are helping to shape.