From March 27 to 29, Indiana University hosted the second annual IDEAL Conference at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing in Indianapolis. The three-day event brought together approximately 400 leaders from 60 employers across 15 states for a transformative experience centered on leadership, inclusion and professional growth.
The conference featured two distinct yet overlapping experiences: the IDEAL Leadership Conference, designed for emerging and mid-career professionals, and the Executive Leadership Institute, which provided senior leaders with advanced development opportunities.
Building on the conference’s mission of collective growth, Indiana University’s Interim Vice President Rashad Nelms, J.D., emphasized the importance of learning together, stating, “This conference is designed to unite us in conversations that spark change by discovering new solutions to the challenges we face in our pursuit of progress. Because no matter where we go, we go together.”
Following the pre-conferences on Thursday, attendees gathered for welcome remarks from Monica Johnson, Ph.D., associate vice president at Indiana University, who expressed gratitude for the conference’s second anniversary and the diverse industries represented. She emphasized the event’s role in fostering growth, learning and a strong sense of community, highlighting the opportunity for participants to advance together in their leadership journeys.
“In its inception, we always hoped this would be a space where professionals across industries could come together to discuss timely, pertinent and impactful topics,” said Johnson. “This is an ideal space for people to have ideal conversations and naming it as such allows us to morph and adapt to what is happening around us.”
Inspiring Keynotes, Engaging Discussions and Creating Connections
Attendees had the opportunity to engage in 60 workshops throughout the weekend, laying the foundation for meaningful peer discussions on practical tools and actionable strategies that they can take back to their communities.
Each evening ended with the opportunity to hear from esteemed keynote speakers, including Laurie Schreiner, Ph.D., Amber Johnson-Avery, Ph.D., Nashlie Sephus, Ph.D., and Michael Sorrell, Ph.D., who shared insights on leadership in today’s evolving professional landscape. From discussions on inclusive leadership to strategies for navigating change, these sessions sparked critical conversations about the future of leadership. "The sessions I’ve participated in have furthered my goal of professional development," said Mercedes Cannon, Ph.D., director of Accessible Educational Services at IU Indianapolis. “This last session on Emotional Intelligence with Heather Bolejack truly showcased the complex layers and nature of working with people from all backgrounds, and these leaders provided us with the tools to improve ourselves, uplift our peers and shape the future.”
Another session within the Executive Leadership Institute, “Legacy Leadership” with presenter Brian Richardson Jr., M.S.Ed., explored the concept of leadership that leaves a lasting positive impact beyond personal success. Attendees participated in self-reflection, offering positive affirmations to those around them, and learned the importance of vision, mentorship and long-term thinking in shaping a legacy that inspires future leaders. This prompted deep reflection on the essence of leadership and what professionals aspire to leave behind as they advance in their careers. "The strategies I learned in these sessions have changed the way I want to approach leadership in my role," said Al Davis, an aspiring young professional and Residential Life Coordinator of Operations at Walnut Grove on the IU Bloomington campus. “Right now, I’m supervising, and I know over the course of this weekend I’ll learn so much from other people in my field and make meaningful connections that will help my growth as I continue towards my career goals.”
Translating Leadership Lessons Beyond Higher Education
While the IDEAL Leadership Conference has its roots in higher education, many of the topics and discussions resonated beyond the academic sphere. Miriam Posluszny, a business development representative from McGohan Brabender, one of the conference sponsors, shared her reflections on how the leadership strategies she encountered could be applied across industries.
"Some sessions are tailored for higher education, but I found myself taking note of how these topics translate to executive managers, employees and new hires in my field," Posluszny said. "Leadership, inclusion and professional growth are universal concepts, and I see clear correlations between what’s being taught here and the skills that drive success in other industries."
Her insight, as one of many, underscores how leadership development is an evolving practice that transcends professions, underscoring the idea that strong leadership principles can have a lasting impact in any field.
Looking Ahead
The conference’s impact extended well beyond the weekend. Post-conference survey responses revealed that many attendees planned to implement new leadership strategies within their organizations and felt a renewed sense of purpose, thanks to the community of support they gained during the event.
One participant shared, “I learned how to reframe my mindset from a previous student to a new professional in higher education and learned to pivot toward a more realistic and effective approach in how to face and maneuver around the prominent challenges.”
Another reflected on the personal renewal they felt, saying, “This re-energized me… pulled me back to remember it's your mindset that matters most. Values, mission, vision—and the mindset to achieve them.”
Others spoke to the value of being in a space with like-minded leaders. “There is value in simply being in the space with like-minded people,” one attendee noted. “The leadership workshops on Thursday were extremely rewarding and valuable for my career.”
A performance by the IU Soul Revue closed out the weekend, leaving conference goers energized and inspired to apply what they had learned as they move forward in their careers. The IDEAL Leadership Conference remains a driving force in shaping the next generation of leaders, demonstrating that when individuals are empowered, entire organizations and communities thrive.