Breakout Session: Redefining Leadership - Navigating Change a New Era of Work

The workplace has changed—and so must leadership. Brett Spooner discusses how modern leaders can stay adaptable, authentic, and forward-thinking in a world where agility and emotional intelligence matter as much as expertise. This session blends legal, tech, and entrepreneurial perspectives in a world rapidly evolving because of AI. 

Session Objectives:

• Examine the traits of modern leaders and what employees want from leadership today
• Understand how to lead through uncertainty, change, and generational shifts
• Learn strategies for vision casting that engage teams and spark innovation
• Explore how legal and ethical frameworks play a role in shaping workplace culture

About the Speaker:
Brett Spooner is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Partner of Gravis Law, PLLC, a national law firm with headquarters in Richland, Washington. On a day-to-day basis, Brett runs Gravis Law and dedicates much of his free time to the growth and expansion of small businesses and the entrepreneurial ecosystems throughout our communities. As an angel investor, tech enthusiast, and serial entrepreneur, he merges his skills and interests to improve rural midmarket economic challenges and to solve access-to-law problems.

In addition to Gravis Law, Brett is currently the Founder and CEO of Clever Case, LLC, a software service company that develops legal case management software, and Founder/Board Chair of a co-working space called Fuse, SPC, a business and community accelerator with an investment fund arm. Brett also serves on numerous community and private boards, including chamber/community organization and higher education boards/ sub committees, as well as Gesa Credit Union, Brandcraft, Inc., Fuse SPC, Fuse Fund, and State of Motion Board of Directors. He also teaches business and law at Launch University, Fuse, and Washington State University Tri-Cities.

Brett entered the legal industry to help small businesses and facilitate innovation and growth of technology and science. He is passionate about the intersection of business and local community and creating a meaningful impact on society (leave it better than you found it). As a practitioner, his primary focus is on serving business clients, but he also extends his expertise to aid those business owners seeking business succession and estate planning services.

Brett’s proudest professional accomplishment so far has been—legal industry disruption—building Gravis Law from the ground up while leveraging his technology and business experience to evolve the legal industry. He is also excited about the economic impact of entrepreneurial programs in our communities, such as Fuse’s Launch program which drive advancement and create jobs.

When he is away from the office, Brett enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, gardening, hunting, golfing, mountain biking, gaming, and writing science fiction.