Complete Story
09/09/2026
ENCORE Speaker Spotlight: Kasandra Murray Connects People, Culture & Growth
Two Sessions. One Powerful Idea: Better Business Starts with People.
This week, we are kicking off our ENCORE Speaker Spotlight series with Kasandra Murray, founder of Unlucky Umbrella Studio, who will take the stage for two sessions at the 2026 ENCORE Leadership Conference.
Kasandra is a marketing and operations consultant whose passion for creativity and efficiency has evolved into a career designing processes built with people in mind. What makes her perspective unique is her ability to bridge two areas businesses often approach separately: marketing and operations.
Kasandra believes the two go hand in hand. Marketing can generate leads, but operations determine how effectively sales teams close those leads and how customer service turns them into recurring business. Her work helps organizations align these functions, improve internal systems, reduce employee workload, strengthen teams, and create more seamless customer experiences. With more than a decade of experience working with employees and leadership, Kasandra has developed and implemented frameworks designed to help businesses achieve growth that can be sustained.
Session 1: Building a Culture People Don’t Want to Leave
Kasandra will help open our leadership journey with a topic facing nearly every organization today: how do we create a workplace where great people want to stay?
This session will explore practical leadership strategies to strengthen culture, improve engagement and accountability, retain great employees, and develop the next generation of leaders.
It is a conversation for leaders at every level. Building culture is not simply an HR initiative. It is shaped every day by how we communicate, set expectations, develop people, recognize contributions, and create an environment where employees can do their best work.
Session 4: Winning More Business in a Changing Marketplace
Later in the day, Kasandra returns to shift the conversation from employees to customers.
This session explores strategies for strengthening customer relationships, improving the customer experience, creating greater value, and identifying new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Together, Kasandra's two sessions tell an important story: strong organizations are built from the inside out. When employees have better processes, clearer expectations, and a stronger culture, they are better equipped to deliver the experiences that keep customers coming back.
Ready to Lead Beyond Today?
Join Kasandra and our full lineup of experienced executives and subject matter experts at ENCORE 2026: Lead Beyond Today, Monday, October 5 at Quest Conference Center in Westerville. The day includes six interconnected leadership sessions, breakfast, lunch, and a cocktail reception.
Register today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of leadership in our industry.
ENCORE Speaker Spotlight: Kasandra Murray Connects People, Culture & Growth
What happens when you look at your employees and customers as part of the same business ecosystem? At ENCORE 2026, Kasandra Murray of Unlucky Umbrella will lead two powerful conversations focused on the people who make growth possible. From creating a workplace people do not want to leave to building stronger customer relationships, Kasandra brings a fresh perspective on how marketing, operations, culture, and customer experience work together.
Read MoreFORE the FUN of It!
Who’s in your foursome? Grab a few coworkers, customers, or industry friends and join us for one of GMA’s favorite days of the year. Whether you’re chasing the trophy or just looking forward to a great day on the course, the 21st Annual Graphic Media Alliance & Sterling Distribution Golf Tournament is all about good golf, great company, and plenty of fun along the way.
Read MoreNew at GMA University: Find Automation Opportunities Hiding in Your Workflow
Where is manual work quietly costing your company time and money? A new episode has been added to GMA University, exploring automation opportunities that exist around the edges of print production. And remember, GMA members have access to more than 100 online education modules completely FREE as part of your membership.
Read MoreUSI Insurance Services: Understanding Cyber Risk and Cyber Insurance
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the conversation is no longer just about preventing an attack. Businesses also need to understand their financial exposure and whether they have the right insurance protection in place. New GMA member USI Insurance Services brings expertise in cyber insurance and risk management to our membership, along with an upcoming educational webinar examining the rapidly changing threat landscape.
Read MorePaper Choice at a Crossroads: Proposed E-Delivery Rules Deserve Our Attention
A proposed SEC rule could change how important financial documents are delivered, shifting electronic delivery from an option to the default for many communications. Two Sides North America is encouraging the print and paper industry, customers, employees, and consumers to learn more and make their voices heard before the September 21 public comment deadline.
Read MoreRead the Room
Sometimes the difference between making the sale and missing the opportunity has nothing to do with what you’re selling. It’s knowing your audience. The tale of two caddies serves as the inspiration for this week’s Short Attention Span Sales Tip from Bill Farquharson. One walked away $100 richer, while the other got a lump of coal. Find out why.
Read More