Have you ever felt imposter syndrome? That nagging doubt that you may not be experienced, accomplished, or educated enough to deserve your current role and responsibilities? According to the American Psychological Association, up to 82% of us experience this phenomenon, including me. However, when I am at a CAPIO event, that feeling dissipates, knowing that I have the camaraderie, empathy, and support of my peers. The 2025 CAPIO Leadership Summit will be no different.

This years’ sessions present an incredible range of speakers, subjects, and industries. No matter what stage you are at in your career, and whether you aspire to a leadership role or not, this agenda has something for everyone. While I wish I could attend and cover them all, one lesson in leadership is to create boundaries. Thus, this is a sneak peek into the top five sessions I don’t want to miss.

First, if you’re looking to grow in the arena of team work, I encourage you to “be curious, not judgmental” and join me at “Lessons from AFC Richmond: Ted Lasso-Inspired Tactics for Getting the Most Out of Your Team at All Levels of the Organization” from Kevin Strauss of Santa Clarita Valley Water. Kevin is the successor to my first ever mentor, Kathie Martin, so when he started at SCV Water I (judgmentally) figured he had big shoes to fill. As the 2024 Communicator of the Year award recipient, Kevin clearly takes those shoes and blazes his own trails. Selfishly I’m hoping he brings biscuits.

For anyone who has been attending CAPIO for long, you know there is a “who’s who” of government communicators and these two top the list. Pillars of our community, Sheri Benninghoven and John Pope are collaborating on the “Top 10 Ways to Become Your Agency’s Communications Strategist.” If you’ve ever wanted to make the move from tactician to counselor, this is the session for you.

We all know change is inevitable, but when it comes to our careers and our agencies it can be downright scary. Dominique Davis from the City of Seaside aims to change how we look at change, encouraging us to embrace it with “From Transition to Triumph: Navigating Change and Transformation in Public Leadership.” A natural storyteller, Dominique offers to lead us through the emotional terrain of fear, resistance, and radical courage as we learn the art of aligning purpose with policy.

Last but certainly not least, I can’t wait to Rise Up! With Jeremy Vaughn Clark, an award-winning international speaker, and author in his session, “From Invisible to Undeniable: How to Lead with Presence and Earn Your Seat at the Table.” Jeremy specializes in engaging presentations that speak to the sometimes-invisible skills of emotional intelligence, resilience, and decision-making that make undeniable leaders.

As Winston Churchill once said, “The difference between mere management and leadership is communication.” As a communicator, you belong here. Register here and then tag us on social media and let us know which sessions you’re excited about!