Seminars
Navigating Impermanence: A Seminar for Nonprofit and Social Sector Leaders
Facilitator: Emily Ball Cicchini, PhD
Format: Three 90-minute Zoom sessions with readings, discussion, small group work, and practical exercises
Dates TBD
Overview
In the social sector, change is constant—funding cycles shift, teams evolve, and community needs transform. This seminar helps you navigate these realities with clarity and confidence, by embracing impermanence as a source of wisdom rather than disruption.
Based on the forthcoming book Managing by Way of Impermanence, these interactive sessions provide frameworks and tools to understand change as a natural cycle, and to lead yourself and your teams through it with resilience and compassion.
What You’ll Gain
🔵 Tools to identify where you and your team are within cycles of change
🔵 Skills to communicate effectively and compassionately during uncertainty
🔵 Practices to let go with grace while staying committed to your mission
🔵 A supportive peer community to reflect, share, and grow
Session Topics
Session 1 – The Nature of Impermanence and Cycles of Confidence & Flow
Explore how impermanence shapes our work and lives. Learn the cycles of doubt and belief, and the rhythms of repetition and interruption in leadership and programs.
Session 2 – Communicating Through Change and Decision-Making
Develop skills for communicating clearly and compassionately when things are uncertain. Explore decision cycles to discern when to hold on, pivot, or let go with intention.
Session 3 – Leading with Wabi-Sabi Wisdom: Integration & Application
Integrate seminar concepts into your leadership practice. Reflect on readings and poetry, map your team’s current cycles, and create a personal plan to lead with balance and grace.
Who Should Attend
- Nonprofit and social sector leaders
- Program managers and directors navigating transitions
- Board members and executives guiding organizations through change
Format & Expectations
- Readings and reflection prompts between sessions
- Interactive discussions and small group breakout work
- Practical exercises to apply concepts in real time
- Maximum cohort size: ~20 participants to foster meaningful connection
Embrace change. Lead with clarity, humility, and strength.
Interested? Subscribe to be informed about upcoming sessions.