For decision-makers navigating

pressure, change, and uncertainty

Leading Through Complexity:

A Compass for Governance in Uncertain Times

When circumstances are unclear, pressure is high, and decisions carry real consequences, Matt Lehrman offers something essential: a framework for navigating complexity with integrity, steadiness, and shared purpose.


At the heart of this keynote is the Compass for Complexity™ — Matt’s original, values-based model for aligning leadership decisions with what matters most. It helps leaders balance competing demands, act without perfect information, and stay grounded through turbulence and change.

Through vivid real-world examples and facilitated reflection, Matt equips public and nonprofit leaders to strengthen their ability to respond — not just react. Leading Through Complexity is a call to lead with clarity and care, even when the path ahead is anything but simple.


Why This Keynote Stands Out

  • Original model – Introduces the Compass for Complexity™, a practical tool for values-based decision-making.
  • Built for high-pressure leadership – Equips leaders to act decisively without perfect information.
  • Grounded and adaptable – Balances real-world constraints with the need for vision, steadiness, and shared purpose.



CHAT WITH MATT

For decision-makers navigating pressure, change, and uncertainty

Leading Through Complexity:

A Compass for Governance in Uncertain Times

When circumstances are unclear, pressure is high, and decisions carry real consequences, Matt Lehrman offers something essential: a framework for navigating complexity with integrity, steadiness, and shared purpose.


At the heart of this keynote is the Compass for Complexity™ — Matt’s original, values-based model for aligning leadership decisions with what matters most. It helps leaders balance competing demands, act without perfect information, and stay grounded through turbulence and change.


Through vivid real-world examples and facilitated reflection, Matt equips public and nonprofit leaders to strengthen their ability to respond — not just react. Leading Through Complexity is a call to lead with clarity and care, even when the path ahead is anything but simple.


Why This Keynote Stands Out

  • Original model – Introduces the Compass for Complexity™, a practical tool for values-based decision-making.
  • Built for high-pressure leadership – Equips leaders to act decisively without perfect information.
  • Grounded and adaptable – Balances real-world constraints with the need for vision, steadiness, and shared purpose.
CHAT WITH MATT

Would you like to bring this conversation to your community?

Leading Through Complexity is ideal for leadership development, governance workshops, and strategic forums that help leaders navigate uncertainty, build alignment, and guide communities through pivotal challenges and transitions.


Who It’s For

Especially relevant for elected officials and professional managers of municipalities, counties, school districts, and equally valuable for civic-minded community leaders who want to strengthen their capacity to lead in times of complexity and change.

Informative session that made you think and formulate actionable steps.

Attendee, Municipal Association of South Carolina Annual Conference

Very applicable. Well done and interesting. The use of technology was great. I liked it so much I participated in the next two sessions he led.

Attendee, League of Nebraska Municipalities

A thought-provoking way at looking at our values and processes. It affords an opportunity to think differently and generate opportunities for community engagement to work on identifying issues/concerns.

Attendee, New York State Association of Counties

Energetic, engaging, informative. Good take-away tools and follow up. Conference speakers are hit or miss: you were a big hit. Thanks!

Attendee, Montana League of Cities and Towns

Very accessible for those who may not feel comfortable participating in group activities and offered great ideas for helping people self-evaluate their processes and thinking.

Attendee, Ohio Municipal League

It was a good perspective to hear and very refreshing, it's hard to keep the big picture of things like this in mind in all the day-to-day busy work for the city.

Attendee, Montana League of Cities and Towns