IN-PERSON | Managing Up Without Burning Out | Reading the Room Before You React
Every professional woman knows the feeling: something about a request, decision, or conversation does not sit right, but in the moment it is hard to tell whether the issue is urgency, power, poor communication, misalignment, or a deeper values concern. This first session helps attendees slow the moment down, read what is actually happening, and recognize when they are not “too sensitive” or “making it a bigger deal than it is.” Together, participants will explore how power dynamics, workplace norms, and belonging shape who feels free to speak up and who learns to stay quiet.
- A clearer understanding of what “managing up” is and why it is a leadership skill, not just a survival tactic.
- A practical way to assess a difficult moment before reacting, including what feels off, what power dynamics are in play, and what is really at stake.
- Greater confidence in recognizing when a request conflicts with workload, fairness, values, or belonging rather than simply feeling uncomfortable.
- A personal map of the kinds of situations that most often trigger overthinking, people-pleasing, or silence.
Join us for part two and three!
Celeste Carlson, MBA, CNP, is the founder and CEO of BoardSpark and Growing Good Consulting, and a lifelong believer that strong boards can change what's possible for communities. With more than 25 years in the human service sector, she has worked alongside nonprofit leaders, funders, and community champions across small towns and cities, turning big-picture vision into practical, step-by-step action.
A Kansas native now living in Kansas City, Celeste brings a grounded, real-world perspective to her work. She spent a decade as a community foundation program officer, seeing firsthand that organizations with clear, engaged boards become magnets for resources of all kinds. She has also led fundraising efforts in volunteer leadership roles, giving her a front-row view of what boards and advocates need to confidently open doors, make introductions, and champion the missions they care about.
Celeste holds an MBA and a Certificate in Nonprofit Innovation from UMKC. She combines formal training with decades of lived experience to synthesize complex ideas about governance, strategy, and fundraising into tools that feel doable instead of overwhelming. BoardSpark — including the No-Ask Fundraising Deck and The Empowered Boardroom — reflects her commitment to helping nonprofit CEOs and boards lead with clarity, confidence, and shared responsibility.
Beyond her professional roles, Celeste is a mom, a wife, and a community-minded neighbor who understands the juggling act nonprofit leaders live every day. She cares deeply about making board work more practical, more human, and more effective — especially for organizations that may not have a big back office, but do have a big vision for their community.
Date and Time
Thursday Sep 17, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
11:30 AM - Arrival, Mingle and Enjoy Lunch
12:00 PM - Program Begins
1:00 PM - Program Ends
Please Provide Us Notice If You Need To Cancel:
We understand that schedules change. If you have registered for this program and can no longer attend, we greatly appreciate you notifying us of your cancellation by completing our cancellation form or emailing hello@centralexchange.org at least 48-hours prior to the program if possible. This is so we can adjust our catering order to help eliminate food waste and prepare accordingly. Thank you!
Location
IN-PERSON AT UMKC BLOCH EXECUTIVE HALL
5108 CHERRY STREET, ROOM 414
KANSAS CITY, MO 64110
Parking is available in the Cherry Street Garage and you are able to park in Lot 12, Lot 14 or Lot 19, or any of the other lots in red on the map (see here).
Fees/Admission
FREE for CX Members Interested in becoming a CX Member? Read more about membership here and be our guest for up to two CX Programs or Exchange Circles.
1 Voucher for CX Partners
$35.00 for Non-members
No refunds.
Contact Information
Allison Baker
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