Traditional strategic plans are failing—not because leaders lack vision, but because organizations lack the internal capacity to adapt. In this keynote, Michael Butera reframes strategy as an ongoing organizational capability rather than a static plan. Drawing from his Seven Strategic Capacities framework, he shows how boards and executives can build the structural, cultural, and leadership capacity needed to make better decisions under uncertainty. This presentation helps association leaders move from reactive problem-solving to durable, future-ready performance—without chasing every new trend.

The keynote can stand alone or be paired with a facilitated workshop to deepen learning and translate insight into action.

A facilitated working session that helps boards and executive teams assess their current organizational capacity and identify 2–3 priority areas for near-term improvement using Michael’s Seven Strategic Capacities framework.

Most associations are planning for a world that no longer exists. This keynote challenges conventional planning models and introduces strategic foresight as a leadership discipline for boards and executives. Michael Butera helps leaders understand how demographic shifts, technology acceleration, governance constraints, and member expectations intersect—and how to prepare for multiple plausible futures. Attendees leave with a clearer understanding of how foresight strengthens governance, improves decision quality, and reduces risk without abandoning mission or values.

The keynote can stand alone or be paired with a facilitated workshop to deepen learning and translate insight into action.

An interactive foresight lab where participants explore emerging trends, stress-test current strategies, and practice scenario-based decision-making relevant to their association’s future.

Boards are being asked to govern organizations facing unprecedented complexity—yet most are using outdated assumptions about their role. In this keynote, Michael Butera explores how governance must evolve from oversight and preservation to stewardship of the future. He addresses board-staff dynamics, fiduciary courage, executive tenure, and the governance behaviors that either expand or limit organizational capacity. This session helps volunteer leaders and executives align expectations, elevate accountability, and govern with purpose in uncertain times.

This presentation focuses on clarifying governance roles, strengthening fiduciary judgment, and aligning expectations around stewardship, accountability, and strategic leadership.

The keynote can stand alone or be paired with a facilitated workshop to deepen learning and translate insight into action.

A guided dialogue and planning session that helps leaders translate organizational values into responsible civic engagement practices while navigating member diversity, public trust, and reputational risk.

In a period marked by polarization, declining trust, and institutional fatigue, associations are being called to lead beyond their traditional lanes. This keynote explores the civic responsibility of nonprofit and professional associations as stabilizing forces in a democratic society. Drawing on his work with national nonprofits, associations, and the NAACP, Michael Butera challenges leaders to rethink neutrality, engagement, and accountability—without abandoning mission focus or member diversity. This session equips executives and boards to lead with integrity, courage, and clarity as they navigate cultural tensions and social change.

The keynote can stand alone or be paired with a facilitated workshop to deepen learning and translate insight into action.

A guided dialogue and planning session that helps leaders translate organizational values into responsible civic engagement practices while navigating member diversity, public trust, and reputational risk.