Preparing for What's Next:
Scenario Planning and Leading Through Organizational Change
Thursday, July 16
9:45AM - 12:00PM
Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center
Change is inevitable, but navigating it with clarity and confidence takes preparation. Whether your organization is facing leadership transitions, funding uncertainty, organizational growth, or unexpected challenges, having the right tools and perspectives can make all the difference.
Takeaways:
- Practical approaches to planning for uncertainty and organizational change.
- Tools for engaging staff, board memberships, and stakeholders through change.
- Real-world lessons from arts leaders who have faced these challenges firsthand.
The morning begins with a panel discussion featuring local arts leaders and experienced strategic planners who will share lessons learned, practical strategies, and candid stories from their own experiences navigating change. Following the panel, attendees will participate in small-group discussions led by each presenter, creating space for deeper conversation, questions, and peer learning.
Panel Presenters:
Jake McIntire, Union Creative Agency
Practical Methods for Scenario Planning
- Jake will share practical approaches to scenario planning, using systems thinking to help organizations navigate change and move from reactive adaptation to proactive, future-oriented planning.
Jodi Graham, Utah Humanities
Finding Opportunity in Disruption
- Through a candid look at recent challenges, Jodi will explore how organizations can navigate unexpected change, strengthen partnerships, and stay grounded in their core values. Participants will hear how crisis can become an opportunity to refocus and build long-term resilience.
Thom Dancy, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company
Founder-Led to Founder-Inspired
- Leadership transitions can be among the most challenging moments in an organization's lifecycle. Thom will share lessons, examples, and practical insights on successfully navigating founder transitions while preserving organizational identity and momentum.
Britney Helmers, South Salt Lake Arts
Arts, Community, and the Hard Work of Transformation
- Explore how South Salt Lake Arts is using reflection, difficult conversations, and organizational evolution to pursue meaningful community change. Britney will share lessons from their ongoing work to align mission, community impact, and organizational growth.
