IN-PERSON | The Inner Work We Carry | Presence Over Perfection
The Inner Work We Carry
A three-part series on story, presence, and the quiet work that shapes how we lead and live.
In this three-part series, Jessi Bixler shares what the years following a sexual assault actually looked like and what it meant to keep moving forward from something that didn’t just stay in the past. Rather than focusing on the event itself, these sessions center on what came after. The ways it showed up in everyday moments, in relationships, and in reactions that didn’t always make sense at the time. Jessi reflects on what she began to recognize over time and how that awareness changed the way she made decisions, led, and showed up with others.
For women in leadership, the connection is direct. We do not leave our experiences at the door. They shape how we interpret situations, how we communicate, and how we respond under pressure, often without us realizing it. This is not a framework or a set of steps. It is an honest look at the internal work that influences how we lead, whether we have named it or not.
Session 2 (relational impact): Presence Over Perfection
How we show up for others matters more than getting it right
In this session, Jessi shares the moments and relationships that shaped her experience in the aftermath. The people who stayed present without having the right words, the ones who tried to fix what couldn’t be fixed, and the subtle ways those responses were felt long after the moment passed.
She connects those experiences to how people show up in leadership, especially in difficult situations. The instinct to avoid hard conversations, to move too quickly into solutions, or to say something just to fill the silence. What emerges instead is a more grounded understanding of support, one that is less about saying the right thing and more about being willing to stay present when it would be easier to step back.
Jessi Bixler is an entrepreneur and marketing leader who builds at the intersection of strategy and purpose. As a business owner and community builder, she brings a focused, driven approach to leadership—qualities she sharpened while serving on the Board of Directors and as Board Chair for MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault) and through her dedicated volunteer work with local organizations.
Jessi is a passionate advocate for survivors and a sought-after speaker on resilience and the complexities of recovery. In her debut memoir, The Story We Share (2025), she explores the ripple effects of trauma on families and the long, non-linear path toward healing. Her work bridges the gap between professional grit and deep empathy, offering a perspective on faith that allows for both anger and hope.
Whether she is leading a marketing team or speaking to an audience, Jessi is committed to fostering environments where people can be honest about their experiences and find steadier ground together. She lives in the United States with her family and is happiest near the ocean with a good book.
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Date and Time
Wednesday Jul 29, 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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