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  • Announcing the new Bloch Alumni Leadership Development Program certificate that combines a career assessment, leadership seminars and social and networking events for Bloch School alumni.

    Visit the Bloch Alumni Leadership Development Program page for more information

     

    If you have any questions please contact us at umkcexeced@umkc.edu or 816-235-2892.

    1,400

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  • September 17, 2025 | 8:30am-Noon
    VIRTUAL SESSION via Zoom

    “Organizational climate is the mirror of leadership, what you see in the day-to-day is a direct reflection of the systems and behaviors you cultivate.”

    This workshop focuses on optimizing organizational climate, shaping communication, accountability, and leadership quality to drive performance and achieve measurable outcomes like employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

    175

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    What You Will Learn

    • Understand how organizational climate factors such as communication, accountability, hiring practices, manager quality, and leadership quality impact overall performance.
    • Learn how to implement systems that ensure your organizations values are consistently reflected in day-to-day behaviors.
    • Discover key metrics to measure organizational climate aspects like internal engagement and outcomes.

    About the Instructor

    Dr. Kevin Sansberry II is a behavioral scientist and executive coach whose inspiring work is driven by the need for evidence-based, inclusive, and equitable approaches to urgently and proactively transform and coach leaders, eradicating toxic behaviors that threaten profitability, innovation, and the overall well-being. He is also the creator and host of the Toxic Leadership Podcast which reached as high as the number four nonprofit podcast in the United States in 2021.

  • Creating a Feedback-Rich Culture

    Instructor: Mike Allison, Adjunct Professor for the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at UMKC

    June 4, 2025 | 8:30am-Noon
    VIRTUAL SESSION via Zoom

    Given nearly every feedback study indicates professionals are happier and perform better when receiving input from colleagues, it is imperative for leaders to cultivate a culture where feedback is expected and appreciated. A company that values transparency invites employees to share input, without fear, across all levels. Doing so normalizes feedback behaviors in formal and informal settings. Both meaningful praise AND honest criticism are vital components of healthy cultures. Organizations encouraging the delivery of both, with positive intent, see improved relationships, higher satisfaction levels, and stronger business results.

    175

    Registration

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    What You Will Learn

    In this interactive and multimedia-driven session, leaders will learn how to:

    • Recognize and cultivate a culture of healthy feedback
    • Contribute to and encourage feedback behaviors
    • Ask for and receive meaningful feedback without becoming defensive
    • Provide specific and sincere praise
    • Deliver honest criticism in a kind and clear manner

    About the Instructor

    Mike Allison is the Vice President of Talent at Spotlight (Analyst Relations) where he oversees talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee growth/engagement. Spotlight was named Kansas City’s best place to work (medium-sized company) by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2023. Ingram’s magazine also bestowed similar recognition. Mike is also an Adjunct Professor and Bloch Executive Education instructor within the Bloch School at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC).

    Prior to his role at Spotlight, Mike enjoyed over 22 years of healthcare IT leadership experience working at Cerner. His final role there involved leading a group of faculty who developed and delivered advanced education to cohorts of Veterans Administration (VA) clinicians, informaticists, and analytics professionals. He also worked with internal and external leaders on change management and other organizational development initiatives. Previously, Mike held executive responsibilities over Cerner’s client and associate learning organizations. His award-winning teams, many of which were internationally based, provided practical and effective end-to-end learning solutions to Cerner clients and associates around the world.

    Mike also spent a year as the Vice President of Learning and Development at AMC Theatres where he led a team of learning professionals focused on building, supporting, and retaining talent across multiple guest-facing brands.

    Mike regularly carries out public speaking engagements and provides coaching to business leaders across the Kansas City metropolitan area. He presents and instructs on diverse topics such as leading through change, emotional intelligence, holding difficult conversations, building a culture of feedback, advanced presentation techniques, cultivating trust, and executive presence.

    Prior to working in the private sector, Mike was involved in city management for three years. He worked primarily as a management analyst for the city of Kansas City, Mo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from Brigham Young University.

    Mike is married to Amy Allison, a non-profit leader serving as the Executive Director for The Farmer’s House. They have three young adult children (girl, boy, girl). Besides being an avid family man, Mike is passionate about volunteering, seeing the world, hiking, music, disc golf, and all things San Francisco. He was born and raised in the “City by the Bay.”

  • Emotional Intelligence is the New Currency of Professional Success

    Instructor: Mike Allison, Adjunct Professor for the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at UMKC

    March 18, 2025 | 8:30am-Noon
    VIRTUAL SESSION via Zoom

    Leaders will explore and understand the direct link between high emotional intelligence (EQ) and success in the workplace. Numerous recent studies show that society’s most effective leaders cultivate strong emotional intelligence skills. In fact, one such comprehensive study carried out across a variety of organizations determined that 90 percent of top performers have high EQ. Those who incorporate EQ techniques into their lives experience great personal and professional gain. In addition to being grounded, they more easily seize new opportunities, manage difficult situations, make sound decisions based on fact, and set an energizing tone both inside and outside the workplace.

    175

    Registration

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    What You Will Learn

    Attendees will explore and understand the direct link between high emotional intelligence (EQ) and leadership success. Numerous recent studies show that society’s most effective leaders cultivate strong emotional intelligence skills. In fact, one such comprehensive study carried out across a variety of organizations determined that 90 percent top performers have high EQ. Leaders who incorporate EQ techniques into their lives experience great personal and professional gain. In addition to being grounded, they more easily seize new opportunities, manage difficult situations, make sound decisions based on fact, and set an energizing tone both inside and outside the workplace.

    During an interactive and multi-media driven session, participants will discover:

    • Qualities consistently possessed by great leaders
    • Distinctions between intelligence quotient (IQ), technical quotient (TQ), and emotional intelligence (EQ)
    • The four key elements which make up emotional intelligence
    • Why influence and true leadership cannot occur without high EQ

    Attendees will learn that in order to truly lead others and maximize results through EQ, one must:

    • Master self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationships
    • Exhibit genuine empathy. Make others feel it is about them and you have their best interests at heart
    • Thoughtfully harness individual emotions and the emotions of others

    About the Instructor

    Mike Allison is the Vice President of Talent at Spotlight (Analyst Relations) where he oversees talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee growth/engagement. Spotlight was named Kansas City’s best place to work (medium-sized company) by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2023. Ingram’s magazine also bestowed similar recognition. Mike is also an Adjunct Professor and Bloch Executive Education instructor within the Bloch School at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC).

    Prior to his role at Spotlight, Mike enjoyed over 22 years of healthcare IT leadership experience working at Cerner. His final role there involved leading a group of faculty who developed and delivered advanced education to cohorts of Veterans Administration (VA) clinicians, informaticists, and analytics professionals. He also worked with internal and external leaders on change management and other organizational development initiatives. Previously, Mike held executive responsibilities over Cerner’s client and associate learning organizations. His award-winning teams, many of which were internationally based, provided practical and effective end-to-end learning solutions to Cerner clients and associates around the world.

    Mike also spent a year as the Vice President of Learning and Development at AMC Theatres where he led a team of learning professionals focused on building, supporting, and retaining talent across multiple guest-facing brands.

    Mike regularly carries out public speaking engagements and provides coaching to business leaders across the Kansas City metropolitan area. He presents and instructs on diverse topics such as leading through change, emotional intelligence, holding difficult conversations, building a culture of feedback, advanced presentation techniques, cultivating trust, and executive presence.

    Prior to working in the private sector, Mike was involved in city management for three years. He worked primarily as a management analyst for the city of Kansas City, Mo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from Brigham Young University.

    Mike is married to Amy Allison, a non-profit leader serving as the Executive Director for The Farmer’s House. They have three young adult children (girl, boy, girl). Besides being an avid family man, Mike is passionate about volunteering, seeing the world, hiking, music, disc golf, and all things San Francisco. He was born and raised in the “City by the Bay.”

  • Finance for Non-Financial Managers

    Instructor: William R. Kay, Adjunct Professor for the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at UMKC, owner of W. Kay & Associates

    April 11, 2025 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
    IN-PERSON SESSION
    – UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri Room 414

    This workshop is designed to help anyone understand the entire business process from transactions to financial statements and much more.

    350

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    What You Will Learn

    This intensive and fun workshop was created to help people position themselves to understand the numbers, how they work, and how to analyze financial statements, and the importance of asset management.

    During the workshop, the attendees will gain a strong understanding of finance and accounting. They will learn how to use financial information to understand how to evaluate business performance for their own business unit, division, and their customers.

    • The basic principles of financial management
    • The key financial management functions and the uses of financial accounting
    • The fundamental accounting principles
    • The basics of financial reporting
    • The use of basic financial statements in decision making
    • The important financial concepts including General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
    • The important accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity);
    • The concepts of Cash versus Accrual Accounting
    • The Key Financial Statements of business – Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement
    • How to analyze financial statements
    • The important business metrics and financial ratios, including EBIT and EBITDA;
    • How to read financial statements to determine the financial health of an organization.

    About the Instructor

    William R. Kay, MBA, is an adjunct Professor for the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), Bloch School of Management, and owner of W. Kay & Associates is dedicated to helping organizations and individuals enhance their competitiveness, productivity, and technological performance.

    For the past 28 years, Mr. Kay has specialized in assisting businesses in the quest to improve performance in the areas of strategic planning, finance and accounting, project management, marketing, sales and sales management, and team building following the accelerated learning model for adult learning.

    Mr. Kay’s professional experience includes over 20 years as CEO and owner of a major company and, for the past 28 years helping major Fortune 500 companies and Universities with organizational development and training.

  • Finance for Non-Financial Managers Lunch and Learn

    Instructor: William R. Kay, Adjunct Professor for the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at UMKC, owner of W. Kay & Associates, Nathan Mauck, Ph.D., Professor of Finance at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management

    February 14, 2025 | 12:00pm-1:00pm
    ONLINE ZOOM SESSION

    Attend a Free 1-hour session showcasing our new Understanding the Language of Finance Program and a sample of the Finance for Non-Financial Managers.

    Free

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    Finance for Non-Financial Managers Lunch and Learn Includes:

    Join us for a free, one-hour Lunch & Learn session to discover more about our new Understanding the Language of Finance programs and see how the Finance for Non-Financial Managers course can benefit you and your company!

    This engaging session will provide an overview of the 6 Language of Finance classes and a sample session of the Finance for Non-Financial Managers program.

    About the Instructor

    William R. Kay, MBA, is an adjunct Professor for the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), Bloch School of Management, and owner of W. Kay & Associates is dedicated to helping organizations and individuals enhance their competitiveness, productivity, and technological performance.

    For the past 28 years, Mr. Kay has specialized in assisting businesses in the quest to improve performance in the areas of strategic planning, finance and accounting, project management, marketing, sales and sales management, and team building following the accelerated learning model for adult learning.

    Mr. Kay’s professional experience includes over 20 years as CEO and owner of a major company and, for the past 28 years helping major Fortune 500 companies and Universities with organizational development and training.

  • Harnessing the Power of Influence and Persuasion

    Instructor: Mike Allison, Adjunct Professor for the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at UMKC

    December 5, 2025 | 8:30am-Noon
    VIRTUAL SESSION via Zoom

    Leaders who move the meter understand the behavior science around influence. They authentically and effectively shape the opinions of peers, stakeholders, clients, and direct reports. Without influence, you cannot be successful in advancing the businesses, organizations, and people you serve. During this interactive session, you will learn how to more effectively persuade others while exploring multiple dimensions of power and political agility. Discussions and activities will include a focus on the state of your internal and external networks. You will leave the session with practical tools for building your influence across your organization.

    175

    Registration

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    What You Will Learn

    Those in attendance will learn that in order to influence and persuade others:

    • Solidifying trust must be a primary focus
    • Your network must be defined, cohesive, and flourishing
    • You must practice the law of reciprocity
    • All “seven keys” of influence and persuasion must be leveraged

    About the Instructor

    Mike Allison is the Vice President of Talent at Spotlight (Analyst Relations) where he oversees talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee growth/engagement. Spotlight was named Kansas City’s best place to work (medium-sized company) by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2023. Ingram’s magazine also bestowed similar recognition. Mike is also an Adjunct Professor and Bloch Executive Education instructor within the Bloch School at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC).

    Prior to his role at Spotlight, Mike enjoyed over 22 years of healthcare IT leadership experience working at Cerner. His final role there involved leading a group of faculty who developed and delivered advanced education to cohorts of Veterans Administration (VA) clinicians, informaticists, and analytics professionals. He also worked with internal and external leaders on change management and other organizational development initiatives. Previously, Mike held executive responsibilities over Cerner’s client and associate learning organizations. His award-winning teams, many of which were internationally based, provided practical and effective end-to-end learning solutions to Cerner clients and associates around the world.

    Mike also spent a year as the Vice President of Learning and Development at AMC Theatres where he led a team of learning professionals focused on building, supporting, and retaining talent across multiple guest-facing brands.

    Mike regularly carries out public speaking engagements and provides coaching to business leaders across the Kansas City metropolitan area. He presents and instructs on diverse topics such as leading through change, emotional intelligence, holding difficult conversations, building a culture of feedback, advanced presentation techniques, cultivating trust, and executive presence.

    Prior to working in the private sector, Mike was involved in city management for three years. He worked primarily as a management analyst for the city of Kansas City, Mo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from Brigham Young University.

    Mike is married to Amy Allison, a non-profit leader serving as the Executive Director for The Farmer’s House. They have three young adult children (girl, boy, girl). Besides being an avid family man, Mike is passionate about volunteering, seeing the world, hiking, music, disc golf, and all things San Francisco. He was born and raised in the “City by the Bay.”

  • Leading Yourselves and Others Through Change

    Instructor: Mike Allison, Adjunct Professor for the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at UMKC

    August 14, 2025 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
    IN-PERSON SESSION
    – UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri Room 211

    The only constant in the world is change. Technological advancements, unpredictable business landscapes, and shifting cultural norms are impacting work environments like never before. As such, leaders and the organizations they represent must constantly reinvent themselves or risk becoming obsolete. Doing so is not easy as changing individual behavior is difficult. Changing organizational behaviors that lead to real business results can feel impossible. Today, the vast majority of individual and organizational change efforts fail. And yet, there are leaders who truly make a difference and positively impact their personal and professional surroundings. They often understand the “science” around influencing others.

    350

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    What You Will Learn

    Leading Yourself and Others Through Change attendees will explore the concepts of adaptive and technical change and discover why we often default to applying technical solutions to adaptive problems. In a multi-media driven environment, leaders will learn how to better influence others by harnessing proven behavior science techniques and models. They will be challenged to think critically about their organization’s power dynamics and better comprehend what truly inspires those around us to take action. Leaders will consider their own “change challenges” as they learn how to connect personal, social, and structural factors to results.

    Key concepts covered in the session include:

    • Learn why most change efforts fail
    • Discover best practices for engaging and leading others through change, on an ethical foundation, to achieve desired results
    • Understand why people do not truly transition without an emotional connection being made
    • Explore best-in-class change management models which help enable measurable results
    • Go over the “Top 10” ways leaders must get out in front of change efforts if they are to be successful

    About the Instructor

    Mike Allison is the Vice President of Talent at Spotlight (Analyst Relations) where he oversees talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee growth/engagement. Spotlight was named Kansas City’s best place to work (medium-sized company) by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2023. Ingram’s magazine also bestowed similar recognition. Mike is also an Adjunct Professor and Bloch Executive Education instructor within the Bloch School at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC).

    Prior to his role at Spotlight, Mike enjoyed over 22 years of healthcare IT leadership experience working at Cerner. His final role there involved leading a group of faculty who developed and delivered advanced education to cohorts of Veterans Administration (VA) clinicians, informaticists, and analytics professionals. He also worked with internal and external leaders on change management and other organizational development initiatives. Previously, Mike held executive responsibilities over Cerner’s client and associate learning organizations. His award-winning teams, many of which were internationally based, provided practical and effective end-to-end learning solutions to Cerner clients and associates around the world.

    Mike also spent a year as the Vice President of Learning and Development at AMC Theatres where he led a team of learning professionals focused on building, supporting, and retaining talent across multiple guest-facing brands.

    Mike regularly carries out public speaking engagements and provides coaching to business leaders across the Kansas City metropolitan area. He presents and instructs on diverse topics such as leading through change, emotional intelligence, holding difficult conversations, building a culture of feedback, advanced presentation techniques, cultivating trust, and executive presence.

    Prior to working in the private sector, Mike was involved in city management for three years. He worked primarily as a management analyst for the city of Kansas City, Mo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from Brigham Young University.

    Mike is married to Amy Allison, a non-profit leader serving as the Executive Director for The Farmer’s House. They have three young adult children (girl, boy, girl). Besides being an avid family man, Mike is passionate about volunteering, seeing the world, hiking, music, disc golf, and all things San Francisco. He was born and raised in the “City by the Bay.”

  • September 16, 2025 | 1pm – 4:30pm
    VIRTUAL SESSION via Zoom

    “Organizational culture is the invisible hand that shapes our actions; when aligned with leadership, it empowers people to thrive together.”

    This workshop emphasizes the importance of leadership alignment and cultural cohesion while focusing on uncovering the shadow culture-the hidden norms that can undermine success. It’s designed to engage leaders in a transformative process of understanding both visible and invisible cultural dynamics.

    175

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    What You Will Learn

    • Leverage Dr. Sansberry’s expertise to understand the importance of aligning top-level leadership around a unified organizational and role-based vision.
    • Explore strategies for fostering cultural alignment across the organization, ensuring that core values are lived out in everyday actions.
    • Gain deep insights into the concept of shadow culture-the unspoken, often hidden aspects of an organization’s culture—and learn how to identify and address it effectively.

    Understand Your Shadow Culture

    Subconscious Attitudes – The underlying, often unspoken beliefs that influence behavior.
    Hidden Norms – Unofficial rules and expectations that guide behavior but are not formally recognized.
    Assumptions – Unquestioned beliefs about how things should work within the organization.
    Dissenting Behaviors – Actions that go against the formal culture but are tolerated or ignored.
    Overshadowed Values – Core values that are stated but not reflected in everyday actions due to competing priorities.
    Workplace Dynamics – The informal relationships and power structures that shape how work gets done.

    About the Instructor

    Dr. Kevin Sansberry II is a behavioral scientist and executive coach whose inspiring work is driven by the need for evidence-based, inclusive, and equitable approaches to urgently and proactively transform and coach leaders, eradicating toxic behaviors that threaten profitability, innovation, and the overall well-being. He is also the creator and host of the Toxic Leadership Podcast which reached as high as the number four nonprofit podcast in the United States in 2021.

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