NORTH EAST, MD — The Cecil Leadership Institute is set to confront one of the most fraught challenges in leadership with a new workshop aimed squarely at moments when words matter most: difficult conversations.
The institute will host “Difficult Conversations,” a half-day interactive workshop led by executive coach Dr. Kimberly Marucci, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Cecil College’s North East Campus. The session will take place in Room D208 of the Technology Center and is open to both Cecil Leadership Institute alumni and members of the general public.
Organizers say the workshop is designed for leaders who routinely face emotionally charged discussions, conflicting viewpoints, or high-stakes workplace dialogue—and want practical tools to navigate them with confidence, empathy, and clarity. Participants will begin with breakfast and networking from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m., followed by the workshop from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The registration fee is $39.
According to the institute, the session will focus on helping leaders recognize emotional triggers, overcome common communication barriers, and apply structured frameworks for preparing and conducting challenging discussions. The agenda includes active listening techniques, strategies for balancing candor with empathy, and hands-on practice through role-play and case studies drawn from real-world workplace scenarios.
Dr. Marucci brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in public and post-secondary education, with roles ranging from classroom teacher to chief academic officer. Through her firm, Leading Forward Coach LLC, she provides executive coaching, retreats, and leadership workshops focused on performance, communication, and organizational effectiveness.
Registration is available by calling 410-287-1078 and enrolling in course BIL 142. Additional information can be obtained by contacting lraphael@cecil.edu or visiting www.cecil.edu/events. Details about the Cecil Leadership Institute are available at www.cecil.edu/cli.
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