Coaching Skills to Lead Through Influence

Monday, December 8, 2025 • 9 a.m.–3 p.m. CT

This practical, one-day workshop is designed for deans & department chairs who must manage the unique challenges of leading through influence rather than direct authority.

Learn how to shift from being the problem-solver to inspiring those you lead to take ownership and solve their own challenges as you build creative accountability skills. Through a coaching-based model, learn how to foster psychological safety and build engagement and accountability in your team. Grounded in research and coaching best practices, this experience offers hands-on learning and real-world scenarios that build confidence and capability. Leave with role-adaptable skills that elevate performance, strengthen relationships, and help create a culture where people feel empowered to grow and contribute.

Audience

This workshop is for deans, department chairs & middle level leaders.

Location

ISACS Classroom • 55 West Wacker Dr #702, Chicago, IL
Travel Tips, Directions & Parking

Michelle Bostian
Executive Coach, Bostian Coaching & Consulting

Michelle Bostian, MSW, BCC, PCC, CMP is an executive coach and organizational consultant with over 25 years of experience helping leaders grow their impact and build thriving teams. As the founder of Bostian Coaching & Consulting, she equips mission-driven organizations with practical coaching tools to enhance engagement, communication, and performance. Bostian holds credentials as a board certified coach, professional certified coach, and change management professional. She has served as coach-in-residence for the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools and developed the Certified Thought Partner™ Coach Training program. With a background in psychotherapy, education, and leadership, she brings a grounded, relational approach to leadership development that’s both strategic and human-centered.

Michelle Bostian

Virgin Hotels Chicago

203 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL

Reserve Your Room
$119/night*

*plus tax for single or double occupancy.

 Reserve by phone:
Call (312) 940-4400 and mention the ISACS Room Block to receive the discounted rate.

Rate is valid for the night of Sunday, December 7 & includes guest Wi-Fi, access to the hotel's gym, and one complimentary drink voucher per room.

Rooms must be booked before midnight, November 26. Room Block availability is limited and may be reached prior to deadline. We recommend booking as soon as possible. If you need a room with two beds or want to extend your stay, contact programinfo@isacs.org for assistance.

Learn about the Virgin Hotel's complimentary Loyalty Program "The Know."

Virgin Hotels Chicago

School Credit Cards
 If your school plans to pay directly for your hotel with the school credit card, please contact karen@isacs.org several weeks before you arrival so your school representative can complete the hotel’s credit card authorization form to have charges billed to directly to the school’s credit card. 
Parking
Overnight Valet at the Virgin Hotel Chicago: $79/night (inclusive of tax).
Rates are subject to change. 

Other Parking: Parking is available at several area garages. We recommend using a parking app prior to your arrival such as spothero or parkwhiz for lower rates. 
Cancellation Policy Hotel cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid one night room and tax charge.
Hotel Scam Alert ISACS does not reach out to attendees and sponsors directly to book hotel rooms. If you receive calls or emails from third-party companies, we recommend you do not provide these solicitors with any personal information including, but not limited to, making new or changing existing reservations and do not provide your credit card. If you have any doubt about the information that you are receiving regarding any ISACS room blocks, please contact programinfo@isacs.org.

Registration Fee FAQs

$225 per person for ISACS members
$325 per person for non-members

  • Each attendee must enroll separately.
  • There is no group discount for this workshop.

Registration includes:

  Coffee & tea
  Continental Breakfast
  Lunch
  Refreshments

 Log in to enroll

Questions? Contact programinfo@isacs.org
ISACS may remove a registrant from an event if they do not follow the ISACS Policies & Disclaimers for Professional Learning Events.