IN-PERSON | Perspective Leadership Series | From Overwhelmed to Empowered

The Perspective Leadership Series is a four-part panel experience designed to support women as they navigate the realities of leadership in a constantly evolving world. Each session brings together accomplished women to share honest insights, lived experiences, and practical strategies that help others lead with clarity, confidence, and intention.

Join us for our second session, From Overwhelmed to Empowered

Unpack the myth of “doing it all” and explore how women leaders are setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and redefining success on their own terms. In this empowering session, you’ll learn practical strategies for managing competing demands without sacrificing your health, relationships, or career goals. Hear how successful women are creating sustainable approaches to leadership that make room for both ambition and balance. Walk away with fresh perspectives and actionable tools to help you lead with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.

Panelists:

Ann Boldt is a proud mom of three “adult-ish” children, wife of a recently retired teacher, tea enthusiast, and devoted KC Current fan who also happens to serve as Director of Professional Development at Garmin. In her role, she focuses on building capability, developing talent, and strengthening associates across the organization.

Throughout her career, Ann has led Human Resources and organizational development initiatives across diverse industries. Her experience includes talent development, enterprise development, and corporate affairs at Hallmark, along with earlier roles at Cerner and within the insurance industry.

Ann holds a Master of Public Administration from Park University and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from the University of Central Missouri. A passionate advocate for leadership development and community impact, Ann currently serves as Board Chair for Central Exchange, where she has been a board member since 2020. She also serves on the boards of What if Puppets and EPNKC.

Known for her practical, people-first approach to leadership, Ann is passionate about helping individuals and organizations grow, connect, and thrive.

Crissa Cook is a Partner at Hovey Williams LLP, where she has helped companies, universities, and innovators protect and maximize the value of their intellectual property since 2005. She works with clients across the United States and around the world, advising on patents, licensing, trademarks, trade secrets, and intellectual property strategy.

In addition to helping clients secure and protect their innovations, Crissa advises organizations on managing intellectual property portfolios, evaluating opportunities, and navigating complex business and technology challenges.

Since 2012, Crissa has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Kansas School of Law. With a career dedicated to innovation and problem-solving, she brings practical insights on leadership, strategy, and turning ideas into impact.

Lydia Steinberg is a recently retired vice president and director of corporate communications. Having managed PR, brand and marketing teams at numerous billion-dollar companies, including WSP Global, HNTB, Hallmark and Sprint (now T-Mobile), she is an accomplished strategist, trusted executive advisor and communications leader. She spent time in the agency world as well, directing national public and media relations programs.

For years, Steinberg was active in PRSA and IABC chapters in greater Kansas City. She was honored with PRSA's PR Pro of the Year. She and her colleagues earned dozens of Best of Show, Gold and Silver PRISM awards and Gold Quill awards. While these awards were certainly an honor, Lydia considers earning the respect of her colleagues to be her most meaningful achievement.

She is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia's Journalism School and currently resides in Leawood, Kansas. This summer, she’s looking forward to spending more time at her lake home in the Ozarks!

Moderated by:

Lori Samazin is a dynamic executive leader with 30+ years of experience in strategy, operations, and leadership development, most recently for T-Mobile where she served as Director/Chief of Staff to the CIO and CTO. Outside the scope of her Chief of Staff role, she designed innovative programs focused on leadership growth, executive coaching, and AI-driven development experiences for senior leaders.

Lori holds an MBA and a BSBA from Rockhurst University and began her telecom career at Sprint as an intern during graduate school.

She is the past Treasurer of the Central Exchange, having served on our board for six years.

After stepping away from corporate America a little over a year ago, Lori is fully embracing this new chapter—sleeping in an hour later, working in her yard, taking BodyCombat classes, and enjoying every moment with her first grandchild.

Today, Lori brings her energy, insight, and deep leadership experience to guide our conversation as panel facilitator.

REGISTRATION CLOSES 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE.

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Date and Time

Wednesday Jul 15, 2026
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

8:30 AM - Arrival, Mingle and Enjoy Breakfast
9:00 AM - Program Begins
10:00 AM - 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

You will receive an email from UMKC Parking 24-48 hours prior to the program. This will include a personalized link to the parking registration portal. To complete registration, you will enter your vehicle information, including your license plate number.

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
1 Voucher for CX Partners
$35.00 for Non-members
No refunds.

Interested in becoming a CX Member? Read more about membership here and be our guest for up to two CX Programs or Exchange Circles.

Contact Information

Allison Baker
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