Cynthia Knapek
President & CEO, Leadership Louisville Center | LeadingBetter™
Cynthia is a respected community and organizational leader with deep expertise in leadership development, collaboration, and civic engagement. Since 2012, she has guided the Leadership Louisville Center’s work to strengthen leaders and organizations across the region. Named one of Louisville Business First’s Most Admired CEOs, Cynthia brings a practical, people-centered approach to leadership that drives results and builds stronger communities.
At the 2026 LeadingBetter™ Summit, we are proud to feature Cynthia Knapek, a community leadership expert, facilitator & organizational change leader.
Win/Win Negotiation: Listening is Your Strategic Advantage
Want better negotiation results? Start by focusing somewhere unexpected — the other person.
In this session, you’ll learn a practical approach to preparing for high-stakes conversations by clarifying what you want, building a strong case, and — most importantly — anticipating what the other person needs in order to say yes.
You’ll walk away with tools to:
- Clarify your goals and your alternatives before you negotiate
- Identify what’s at stake for the other side
- Understand what the other side values most
- Create true win/win outcomes
Most people associate negotiation with salary conversations. In reality, we negotiate every day — for priorities, resources, and timelines. This session will give you a practical approach you can use immediately.
This session reflects the LeadingBetter™ Summit’s commitment to strengthening communication, collaboration, and leadership confidence across sectors
Community Leadership Expert, Facilitator & Organizational Change Leader
President & CEO, Leadership Louisville Center | LeadingBetter™
Cynthia Knapek is a respected community and organizational leader with deep expertise in leadership development, collaboration, and civic engagement.
In 2012, she was named President and CEO of LeadingBetter and the Leadership Louisville Center. Under her leadership, the organization has strengthened thousands of leaders and organizations across the region. In 2020, she was recognized as one of Louisville Business First’s Most Admired CEOs. The Center’s work to foster inclusivity and embrace diversity was honored with the 2016 Champion of Diversity Award from the Urban League.
Cynthia previously served as national Chair of the board for the Association of Leadership Programs, whose mission is to recognize excellence, foster innovation, and build networks for community leadership programs across the country.
Before joining the Leadership Louisville Center, her work included engagements with government, Fortune 500, and social sector organizations. She serves on numerous community boards, including the Downtown Development Corporation, and co-chairs the Greater Louisville Inc. Business Council to End Racism.
Cynthia holds a master’s degree from the University of Louisville and maintains several certifications in leadership training and organizational development.
Why This Matters for LeadingBetter™ Summit Attendees
Whether leading a team, guiding a nonprofit board, or advancing community initiatives, negotiation is a critical leadership skill.
Cynthia brings a practical, people-centered approach that helps leaders build agreements rooted in respect, clarity, and shared success.
Join Us at the 2026 LeadingBetter™ Summit
One powerful day.
World-class thought leadership.
Actionable insight you can use immediately.