The Cecil Leadership Institute is set to tackle the complexities of difficult dialogues with its upcoming workshop titled “Difficult Conversations.” Scheduled for January 8, 2026, the half-day event will take place at Cecil College’s North East Campus, specifically in Room D208 of the Technology Center. This interactive session will be led by executive coach Dr. Kimberly Marucci and is open to both alumni of the institute and the general public.
Participants will engage in a morning filled with insights and skill-building aimed at enhancing their ability to navigate challenging conversations. The event will kick off with breakfast and networking from 08:00 to 08:30, followed by the workshop from 08:30 to 11:30. Registration for the workshop is available for a fee of $39.
The workshop intends to equip leaders with practical tools for addressing emotionally charged discussions and conflicting viewpoints. According to the institute, the session will focus on identifying emotional triggers, overcoming communication barriers, and employing structured frameworks for conducting difficult conversations.
Attendees can expect to learn active listening techniques and strategies to balance honesty with empathy. Dr. Marucci’s approach includes hands-on practice through role-plays and case studies reflecting real-world scenarios. With over 25 years of leadership experience in both public and post-secondary education, Dr. Marucci has held various roles, from classroom teacher to chief academic officer. Her firm, Leading Forward Coach LLC, specializes in executive coaching, retreats, and workshops centered on performance and organizational effectiveness.
For those interested in participating, registration can be completed by calling 410-287-1078 and enrolling in course BIL 142. Additional information about the workshop is available by contacting [email protected] or visiting www.cecil.edu/events. More details about the Cecil Leadership Institute can be found at www.cecil.edu/cli.
In an era where effective communication is crucial for leadership success, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity for leaders to develop their skills in navigating difficult conversations with confidence and clarity.







































