Learn From the Experts: Meet This Year’s Leadership Academy Presenters

The WMLAR Leadership Academy isn’t just another professional development program — it’s an opportunity to learn from experts who spend their careers helping organizations, businesses, and communities solve complex problems.

This year, we’re excited to introduce several outstanding presenters who will help participants develop the skills needed to lead with confidence, communicate effectively, and navigate difficult situations.

You Are the CEO of Your Business

Justin Letheby – Tech Into Human

Successful REALTORS® don’t just sell homes — they run businesses.

Technology strategist and educator Justin Letheby helps professionals think differently about how they structure their work, manage their time, and use technology to support their goals.

In his session on Time Management & Tech, Justin will explore:

• How leaders can use technology intentionally rather than reactively
• Systems that help professionals manage competing priorities
• Ways to streamline business operations without losing the human connection
• How to think strategically about productivity and efficiency

Participants will walk away with practical ideas they can implement immediately to better manage their businesses and their time.

The Art of Active Listening

Laura St. Louis – LINC UP Nonprofit Housing
Leadership begins with listening — truly listening.

Laura St. Louis brings a unique perspective to the Leadership Academy, combining her background in community development, housing education, and financial literacy counseling with a passion for communication and leadership development.

Laura currently works with LINC UP Nonprofit Housing in Grand Rapids, where she helps coordinate housing rehabilitation projects, recruits contractors, and works closely with families and communities to improve housing stability. Her work gives her firsthand insight into how communication and trust impact real-world outcomes.

Outside of her professional work, Laura has spent more than a decade with Toastmasters International, where she has developed her speaking and leadership skills and led numerous educational workshops.

During her session, “The Art of Active Listening,” participants will learn:

• Why active listening is one of the most powerful leadership skills
• Seven practical techniques for improving listening skills
• Different types of listening and when to use them
• The benefits of listening in professional and leadership settings
• Strategies to strengthen communication and relationships

For anyone serving clients, working with colleagues, or stepping into leadership roles, this session provides tools that can immediately improve conversations and outcomes.

Negotiation & Conflict Resolution

Robert Wright – The Peace Talks

Disagreements happen in every business and every organization. What separates strong leaders from the rest is how they navigate them.

That’s where Robert Wright of The Peace Talks come in.

Robert brings more than 35 years of experience as a trial lawyer, magistrate, mediator, and arbitrator. Over the course of his career, he has mediated over 2,000 disputes, working with businesses, government agencies, and individuals to resolve complex conflicts without the cost and emotional toll of litigation.

He has served as President of the State Bar of Michigan’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, trained mediators across the country, and is recognized as one of Michigan’s leading experts in conflict resolution.

In this session on Negotiation & Conflict Resolution Leadership Academy participants will explore:

• Why conflict escalates — and how to de-escalate it
• Practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations
• Negotiation techniques used by professional mediators
• How leaders can resolve disagreements while preserving relationships

These are skills that apply not only to real estate transactions but also to board service, volunteer leadership, and community engagement.

Strategic Thinking & Leadership Beyond Yourself

Dr. Leslie Roberts – West Michigan Psychological Services

Great leaders don’t simply react to challenges — they think strategically about the long-term impact of their decisions.

Dr. Leslie Roberts brings a background in leadership development and organizational strategy, helping professionals understand how thoughtful decision-making shapes both individual success and the success of the organizations they serve.

Her session will explore:

• Why strategy is about making choices, not doing everything
• How leaders can focus their time and energy on what matters most
• The importance of boundaries and sustainability in service-based professions
• How leaders can support others while protecting their own well-being

Participants will leave with tools for thinking more strategically about their roles as professionals, volunteers, and leaders in their communities.

Legislative Leadership & Advocacy

Mark Oegema – Michigan REALTORS®, President

Strong leaders understand that the real estate industry doesn’t operate in a vacuum — public policy shapes the environment in which REALTORS® and their clients operate every day.

Mark brings decades of experience navigating legislative and regulatory issues affecting property rights and the real estate industry.

In his session, Mark will help Leadership Academy participants better understand:

• How legislation and regulation impact the real estate industry
• The role REALTORS® play in advocacy and public policy
• Why involvement in industry leadership matters
• How local leaders can influence decisions that affect their communities

Participants will gain insight into how advocacy efforts shape the future of real estate in Michigan and why leadership within the REALTOR® organization plays an important role in protecting property rights.

Leadership Is a Skill — Not a Title

The WMLAR Leadership Academy is designed for REALTORS® who want to grow their leadership capacity, expand their professional network, and gain skills they can use in their business and community.

Participants will engage with expert instructors, explore leadership challenges, and develop tools they can carry forward throughout their careers.

If you’ve ever thought about serving on a committee, leading a project, or contributing to the future of the association, this program is designed for you.

Applications for the 2026 Leadership Academy close April 10.

Spots are limited, and we encourage interested members to apply early.