Participants will explore strategies for building trust, managing conflict, and addressing disruptive workplace behaviors—critical skills for leaders striving to cultivate a productive and harmonious work environment.
“I began to focus more on the reactions that I received and the business relationships instead of the output or the goals,” he explained. “I focused on understanding my team and how they liked to interact, receive information, make decisions, and work toward goals, which allowed me to adjust my approach to better support them in their career journey.” The results, he said, were undeniable: a unified team that achieved milestones once thought out of reach. Today, Martlage leads Nextier Advisors, a consultancy specializing in leadership development, executive coaching, and organizational strategy. Through his work, he has helped dozens of businesses and leaders achieve measurable success, and the upcoming Leadership Summit marks the launch of a new chapter in his mission to empower others. The summit’s agenda is ambitious. Participants will explore strategies for building trust, managing conflict, and addressing disruptive workplace behaviors—critical skills for leaders striving to cultivate a productive and harmonious work environment. “We are going to focus on a concept I call Mischief™, which is all about how to identify and address potentially disruptive behaviors in the workplace as you continue to build a cohesive and supportive work environment,” Martlage said. Attendees will leave the summit armed with practical tools, including a personalized leadership development action plan and frameworks designed to enhance team dynamics. “My hope with this summit is to provide impactful and affordable training right here in Central Illinois using the key leadership development concepts I provide to my clients across the country,” he said. Martlage emphasized that the summit’s interactive format will set it apart. Participants can expect group exercises, dynamic discussions, and opportunities to connect with fellow leaders. Coffee and donuts, along with a catered lunch, will be provided, and an optional happy hour from 4 to 5:30 p.m. will offer additional networking opportunities. The cost of registration is $249 per person, with details and online sign-up available at www.nextieradvisors.com. For Martlage, the event is more than a workshop—it’s a chance to help leaders unlock their potential and redefine their impact. “I use the analogy of flashlights and mirrors a lot,” he said. “As a leader and coach, it is my job to help shine the flashlight on areas of opportunity for someone to consider when it comes to the impact they wish to make, while also holding up the mirror so they can reflect on what they may need to adjust or be aware of to help lead their organization and team.” With a career spanning both corporate and nonprofit sectors, Martlage has provided consulting services to organizations ranging from municipal leadership teams in southern Indiana to boards of directors and executive teams across North America. His guiding principle, he said, is simple: “Awareness grants you choice.” Whether the summit becomes an annual fixture or inspires new initiatives, Martlage is confident that its impact will resonate long after Jan. 22. “The success and impact this approach has had on my current and past clients is something that I feel is unique,” he said. “The key to the impact and success the training and information provide my clients is the power of awareness.” For more information about the upcoming Nextier Advisors Leadership Summit contact Kevin Martlage at kmartlage1@gmail.com
