July Meeting -
Oh No, They Didn’t! The Devastating Effects of a Bad Boss
PRESENTER: Cecilia Gorman
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
11:30a-1p
Have you ever worked for a manager that was less-than-stellar? Managers who are ineffective -- no matter the reason why -- have a broad and powerful impact on those around them. In this session will discuss how managers can create unproductive work environments, erode employee morale, and hinder productivity – oftentimes without even knowing of their impact.
By understanding the potentially detrimental causes and effects of bad bosses, HR professionals can better support those managers and the teams they lead. The ultimate goal is to learn tactics to help managers develop into strong leaders and have a positive, contagious influence over their teams.
By the end of this talk, attendees will have a deeper appreciation of the impact of every single manager on team dynamics and overall business success. Attendees will acquire actionable skills and tools to share with their company managers to boost competency, confidence and overall leadership impact.
Key Takeaways:
- The First Domino: We'll start by outlining why managers are the critical initial influence upon every team member’s success.
- Stopping the Spread: A key part of this session will focus on reducing any negative impact from a less-than-equipped manager who may be inhibiting the success of their team. We’ll cover what “bad” bosses do and ways to mitigate those behaviors.
- Building Skills for Managers to Develop Strong Leadership: The most critical part of our talk will be dedicated to actionable strategies and skills that managers can develop to improve their impact on others.
Cecilia Gorman is a veteran of the advertising industry where she spent 20+ years in production, recruiting and human resources. She presents frequently to HR audiences and brings energy and enthusiasm to the stage.
Cecilia hails from Orange County, CA, spending the bulk of her career at Y&R Advertising where she was VP, Creative Services. She led Global Creative Operations at Oakley and was head of HR and Training as VP, Organizational Leadership at Innocean USA.
Cecilia is the owner of Creative Talent Partners, a training consultancy that specializes in the development of managers. Her flagship program is Manager Boot Camp, a 4-module digital training experience.
She is also a co-founder of Empowership, a year-long training and mentorship program designed exclusively for women. It's been her mission to inspire, educate and motivate people toward their greatest potential.
Regular: Thyme & Basil Chicken
Vegetarian: Grilled Portabella Mushroom
Dessert: German Chocolate Cake
Meeting Locaton:
Garden Room
Madonna Inn
100 Madona Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Register: Click Here
August Meeting -
Discrimination at Work: Legal Cases You Need to Know
PRESENTER: Nicole St. Germain
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
11:30a-1p
Join Lead Outreach & Education Coordinator Nikki St. Germain with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for a legal review of the court cases that have an impact on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in today’s workplace.
Regular: B.B.Q. Beef Sandwich
Vegetarian: Mediterranean Veggie Sandwish
Dessert: Berry Pie
Meeting Locaton:
Garden Room
Madonna Inn
100 Madona Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Register: Click Here
September Meeting -
The Ego Method: Life and Business Success Through Ego Management
PRESENTER: Christie Garcia
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
11:30a-1pm
Christie Garcia is the Ego Management Expert, a Leadership Coach, Speaker, Facilitator, and the Founder of Mindful Choice. After ten years within the walls of corporate business, working as a recruiter and in sales management in the healthcare industry, Christie increasingly grew frustrated watching talented individuals be promoted to management and fail to reach their leadership potential.
She began to realize that these shortcomings were a result of the lack of resources available to develop managers into great leaders. These individuals had been praised for years based upon their own individual success (the “I” mentality). However once promoted, they struggled to turn the corner and adopt a big picture perspective and the “We” mindset. There was an unrealistic expectation and lack of guidance to help them transition into this new perspective and deeper level of self-awareness.
Christie realized that it was time to ditch the “old training model” and create programs focused on developing leadership effectiveness. She now seeks to reintroduce the human element into leadership development and immediately make an unignorable, positive impact on a person’s overall potential.
Regular: Italian Lasagna
Vegetarian: Vegetarian Lasagna
Dessert: Raspberry Delight Cake
Meeting Locaton:
Garden Room
Madonna Inn
100 Madona Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Register: Click Here