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The CFOs Roadmap for Adaptability  When Plans A and B Fail The CFOs Roadmap for Adaptability  When Plans A and B Fail The CFOs Roadmap for Adaptability  When Plans A and B Fail

  

Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Eastern Standard Time
 

Join FEI Detroit for the September Dinner Meeting: “The CFO’s Roadmap to Adaptability - When Plans A & B Fail”

As CFOs, we're used to the numbers guiding us, but what happens when the budget doesn’t have the answers? When your CEO wants a new direction, or an unexpected expense or financial loss finds its way across our desk? Join us as we hear from author and keynote speaker Darcy Leutzinger, PhD on the keys to adaptability, even in the most unique or stressful environments. How to make Plan C viable, realistic, and adaptable for you and your team. 

 

Event Agenda

  • 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.- Cocktails & Networking
  • 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. - Dinner
  • 7:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Welcome & Keynote Presentation: “Plan C Leadership: How Real Leaders Adapt When Plans A and B Fail", presented by Darcy Leutzinger, PhD.

    Leaders are often taught to follow a plan. But what happens when the plan fails? Drawing from decades of experience as a paramedic, SWAT commander, executive protection leader, corporate security executive, Hollywood technical advisor, and educator, Dr. Darcy Leutzinger introduces the concept of Plan C Leadership—the ability to adapt, communicate, and lead when circumstances force you beyond your original strategy.

    Attendees will discover how resilience, adaptability, communication, and accountability become the foundation for success when there is no clear path forward—and why the best leaders are often those who can create a Plan C when Plans A and B fail. Get your copy of Darcy's book, "Plan C Leadership" prior to the event!
     

Learning Objectives:

  • Define the principles of Plan C Leadership and understand why adaptability is a critical leadership competency in today's unpredictable world.
  • Identify practical strategies for making effective decisions when information is incomplete, time is limited, and the stakes are high.
  • Apply communication techniques used by elite leaders to build trust, alignment, and confidence during times of uncertainty and organizational change.
  • Recognize how after-action reviews, accountability, and continuous learning create resilient teams that improve performance through adversity.
  • Develop a personal leadership framework for navigating unexpected challenges while maintaining mission focus, organizational effectiveness, and team cohesion.


1 CPE Credit Offered


Location
Detroit Athletic Club
241 Madison St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(Map / Directions)

Dress Code
Business Casual - Please find DAC dress code below:
"DRESS CODE: Professional Business Attire is required for ladies and gentlemen 12 years of age and older in  main lobby, carpeted area of the Grill Room and all banquet and meeting rooms. No Denim allowed in any spaces."

 

Menu
DAC House Salad 

Barcelona Chicken 

Strawberry Kiwi Cream
Please indicate dietary restrictions during registration or contact detroit.chapter@financialexecutives.org as soon as possible.
 

Last day to Register: Mon. Sept. 14, 2026

 

Cost & Cancellation Policy:

  • FEI Detroit Chapter Members: Free
  • Chapter Strategic Partners: Free
  • Qualified Prospective-Members: Free; contact detroit.chapter@financialexecutives.org for qualified membership criteria and to register.
  • Non-Strategic Partner Guests, Significant Others - $95
  • Additional Strategic Partner Representative - $250*
    *Please note: This fee applies to each strategic partner representative attending the event over the maximum allowed within a partner's sponsorship level. Please contact FEI Detroit administrator to assess registrations for your organization.

Cancellation & No-Show Policy: FEI Detroit reserves the right to enforce a $75 fee for any cancellations within 24-hours of the event start time or No-Shows at the event. 
If your schedule no longer allows you to attend the event, please email us at detroit.chapter@financialexecutives.org before the 24-hour period, to avoid any fees. Cancellation and No-Show fees must be paid prior to attending your next event, to avoid your registration being cancelled. By registering for this event, on September 23, 2026, you acknowledge and accept the terms of the cancellation & no-show policy.

 

 

Photo/Audio/Video Release: From time to time, the FEI Detroit Chapter uses photos and/or audio/video of participants in public event spaces in our social media channels. By virtue of your attendance, you agree to the use of your likeness in such materials, including print and/or electronic media without further notification or authorization.


Speakers

Darcy Leutzinger, PhD

Author, Executive Protection Specialist, Leadership Consultant

Plan C Leadership