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Good Leadership Lessons from “Bad” Kids: Insights from a Child Therapist on Leading Well Under Pressure

Thursday, December 3 | 9:00 - 10:15 AM

What can children labeled “difficult” teach us about leading stronger systems of care? Drawing on his work as a child therapist, Mister Stu uses stories, humor, and interactive demonstrations to reveal what people need from leaders when pressure is high. Attendees will explore how relationships build trust, how systems can support people who struggle, and why a leader’s actions often speak louder than their words. Designed for clinicians, administrators, advocates, and leaders at every level, this keynote offers practical ways to strengthen teams and cultivate brighter futures for the children and families they serve.

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Identify themselves as leaders and distinguish four directions of leadership influence: leading down, across, out, and up.

  2. Explain how strong relationships and supportive systems influence trust, engagement, performance, and success.

  3. Examine how leaders’ own behaviors and responses influence the people around them.

  4. Describe how play and reduced pressure can support flexibility, problem-solving, self-regulation, and progress.

  5. Identify practices that support autonomy, competence, and relatedness while helping others develop the capacity to lead themselves.

     

About the Presenter: Stuart Perry, LCSW, Speaker, Author

Stuart “Mister Stu” Perry, LCSW, ASDCS, is a child therapist, speaker, and author of Putting the Pieces Together: Understanding and supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. His work with children who are often labeled “difficult” informs his approach to leadership, relationships, and the systems that support children and families. Through stories from his clinical work, he helps professionals rethink challenging behavior and lead with greater connection and purpose.

Social Media Handle: @badkidsdontexist

Website Handle: badkidsdontexist.com