The Cecil Leadership Institute is launching a new workshop focused on the critical skill of navigating difficult conversations, a frequent challenge faced by leaders across various sectors. Scheduled for January 8, 2026, the half-day interactive session will take place at Cecil College’s North East Campus, specifically in Room D208 of the Technology Center. This workshop is open to both alumni of the institute and members of the general public.
Workshop Details and Objectives
Entitled “Difficult Conversations,” the workshop will be led by executive coach Dr. Kimberly Marucci, who has extensive experience in leadership roles within public and post-secondary education. The goal of the workshop is to provide leaders with practical tools to navigate emotionally charged discussions, conflicting viewpoints, and high-stakes dialogue effectively.
The schedule will begin with breakfast and networking from 08:00 to 08:30 a.m., followed by the workshop from 08:30 to 11:30 a.m. The registration fee for participants is $39.
According to the institute, the session will cover essential topics such as recognizing emotional triggers, overcoming common communication barriers, and applying structured frameworks for preparing and conducting challenging discussions. Participants can expect to engage in active listening techniques, strategies that balance candor with empathy, and hands-on practice through role-play and case studies that reflect real-world workplace scenarios.
About Dr. Kimberly Marucci
Dr. Marucci brings over 25 years of leadership experience to the workshop, having served in various capacities from classroom teacher to chief academic officer. As the head of Leading Forward Coach LLC, she provides executive coaching, retreats, and leadership workshops aimed at enhancing performance, communication, and organizational effectiveness.
Those interested in participating can register by calling 410-287-1078 and enrolling in course BIL 142. For additional information, potential attendees can reach out via email at [email protected] or visit the college’s events page at www.cecil.edu/events. Information about the Cecil Leadership Institute is available at www.cecil.edu/cli.
This workshop represents an opportunity for leaders to refine their communication skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenging conversations that are an inevitable part of leadership.
