Leadership Institute 2025: Game Day Kickoff

The Leadership Institute Class of 2025 kicked off its first session at Lambeau Field. Now in our 19th year, the program continues to equip emerging leaders with the skills, insights, and connections necessary to excel in Wisconsin’s engineering profession. 

The session began with a guided tour of the legendary Lambeau Field, where participants got a taste of football glory by walking through the player tunnel, complete with game-day music to set the tone. The tour doubled as an opportunity for team building, as classmates bonded over the shared excitement of being at this historic venue.

The core focus of this session was leadership, specifically within Wisconsin’s engineering businesses. John Geddie, an industry consultant with years of experience working with A/E firms, led the session titled A/E Firm Leadership: Know Thyself, Then Others. Through tools like the DiSC assessment, participants were encouraged to reflect on their leadership styles, personal strengths, and areas for growth. This self-awareness laid the foundation for deeper discussions on how to inspire and lead others effectively within a professional setting.

One of the highlights of the day was the Successful Firm Leaders Panel Discussion, where seasoned leaders generously shared their insights and real-world experiences. We extend our gratitude to panelists Andy Kowske, PE (HNTB), Tia McCarthy, PE (CBS Squared), and Mike Statz, PE (MSA Professional Services) for their candid and thought-provoking contributions. Their willingness to be open and honest about the challenges and successes they’ve encountered is what makes this leadership series so impactful.

The energy, enthusiasm, and commitment from the Class of 2025 were evident from the start, signaling a promising season ahead. We’re excited to see how these future leaders will apply their knowledge to advance not only their own careers but also Wisconsin’s engineering community as a whole.

Stay tuned for updates as the class continues its journey through the Leadership Institute!