Bridging Pyramids Within Pyramids

Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat

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In this session, Christopher Stitt, author of Scaling Pyramids: Leadership Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat, draws on his extensive leadership experience to show how bridging across levels within and between these pyramids strengthens trust, alignment, and organizational resilience. Through real-life examples and practical strategies, participants will learn how to engage mid-tier leaders, foster cross-level collaboration, and create governance systems that thrive on connectedness, not isolation.

In many organizations, the structure isn’t just one pyramid, it’s a series of pyramids within pyramids. Each department, division, or team has its own hierarchy, and over time, these structures can harden into silos. Governance efforts often focus on connecting these silos only at the top, where leaders converge. But this approach misses the deeper truth: the most powerful connections are often made at lower levels, where operational decisions, information flow, and culture take shape.

Bridging at all levels isn’t just structural, it’s transformational governance.

Scaling Pyramids: Leadership Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat.

Pre-order here!

Background information

Background on the Concept

Most organizations aren’t just one pyramid—they’re pyramids within pyramids, where silos form at multiple levels. Too often, leaders bridge these silos only at the top, missing opportunities for deeper alignment. In this engaging session, Scaling Pyramids author Christopher Stitt shares real-world stories and proven strategies to connect people, ideas, and decisions at every level. Learn how cross-level connections can transform governance, strengthen trust, and drive sustainable organizational success.

About the Speaker

Christopher Stitt is a global security and leadership expert, author, and founder of CrisisLead, LLC. With over 25 years of experience—including senior roles in the U.S. Department of State—he helps leaders navigate complex challenges, build high-performing cultures, and foster cross-level collaboration. His book, Scaling Pyramids: Leadership Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat, blends personal stories with contemporary research to deliver practical leadership strategies for today’s organizations.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Understand hidden structures – See how nested hierarchies can create silos within silos.
  • Bridge beyond the top – Learn techniques for connecting at multiple levels across the organization.
  • Activate mid-level leaders – Empower the crucial connectors who turn strategy into results.

Our hosts

Sezer
Christopher Stitt

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Sezer Bozkus Kahyaoglu

Associate Professor of Finance at the Bakirçay University

Sezer is an Associate Professor of Finance at the Bakirçay University, in Izmir, Türkiye, and an academic associate of the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the University of Johannesburg. Her research interests mainly include Applied Econometrics, Time Series Analysis, Financial Markets and Instruments, AI, Blockchain, Sustainability, Corporate Governance, Risk Management, Fraud Accounting, Auditing, Ethics, Coaching, Mentoring, and NLP. Sezer is the associate editor of two indexed journals and the AI book series editor at Springer. Sezer is a Steering Committee Member at the Good Governance Academy Research Forum and a co-founding member of the registered Engaged Scholarship project, Continuous Auditing in Public Sector Internal Auditing (CAPIA).

Christopher Stitt

Thought Leader in Safety and Security

Christopher Stitt, a 2025 Top 40 Thought Leader in Safety and Security, founded CrisisLead, LLC, in 2023.  He leverages over 25 years of expertise in international security, risk management, crisis leadership, and organizational development as a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. Through CrisisLead, Chris consults for and coaches businesses worldwide, delivering innovative security solutions, robust program management, and leadership training with a strong focus on team building and leader development.

 

Since 2020, Chris has been shaping the next generation of national security professionals as Adjunct Faculty at George Mason University, teaching courses in homeland security concepts and mentoring students. Beyond teaching, Chris contributes thought leadership through articles, podcast appearances, and speaking engagements.  His book, Scaling Pyramids – Leadership Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat, will be available in November 2025.

 

Chris is actively engaged in the professional community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the DC Chapter of the Association of Continuity Professionals and is a member of ASIS International, OSAC, The Global Life Safety Alliance, Rotary International, and the Wheeling, WV Area Chamber of Commerce.  He is active in The Kindness Games and contributed a chapter to the book on the movement.

 

Chris holds multiple credentials, including Board Certification in Security Management (CPP), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Security Risk Management Certified Professional (SRMCP), and Certified Facilitator for the Whole and Intentional Leader Development (WiLD Leaders) toolkit. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM) and holds FEMA’s Master Continuity Practitioner (MCP) Certificate.  He has a master’s degree in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University and an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology.  He has also completed both the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma programs in Organizational Risk from the Institute of Presilience.

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Dr Lindie Grebe

Senior Lecturer, College of Accounting Sciences, University of South Africa

Dr Grebe is a chartered accountant and senior lecturer at the University of South Africa (Unisa). 

 

She teaches postgraduate accounting sciences through blended learning using technology in distance education, and through face-to-face study schools throughout South Africa. During her employment at Unisa, she also acted as Coordinator: Master’s and Doctoral Degrees for the College of Accounting Sciences (CAS), chairperson of the research ethics committee and chairperson of the Gauteng North Region of the Southern African Accounting Association (SAAA). 

 

Before joining Unisa as academic, she gained ten years’ experience in audit practice and in commerce.