The LEAD Conference
Developing the Leader and the Leadership
The LEAD Conference is a one-day learning experience built around a simple but powerful idea: effective leadership requires both inward development of the leader and outward development of leadership within organizations and communities.
Developing the leader is an internal focus. It centers on personal efficacy, leader identity, and consistency. It’s about how leaders understand themselves, build confidence, align actions with values, and show up reliably in moments of uncertainty. This work strengthens the internal foundation that allows leaders to act with clarity, resilience, and integrity.
Developing leadership is an external focus. It emphasizes influence, organizational identity, and cohesion. It represents how leadership is expressed through relationships, culture, systems, and shared purpose. This work expands leadership beyond the individual, enabling teams and organizations to move together with trust, alignment, and momentum.
Through intentionally designed sessions, participants will explore both dimensions: building the internal capacity to lead and the external capability to foster leadership in others. Whether you are strengthening your own leadership presence or shaping environments where leadership can thrive, this experience is designed to help you lead with greater impact in complex, real-world settings.
This conference is ideal for:
- Emerging leaders who want to build confidence, clarify their leadership identity, and develop consistency in how they lead.
- Supervisors and managers responsible for guiding teams, navigating change, and strengthening day-to-day leadership practice.
- Experienced leaders and executives of any sector seeking to deepen their influence, align organizational culture, and build cohesive leadership systems.
- Anyone responsible for shaping culture, collaboration, or organizational direction.
When
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where
Stevens Point Downtown Campus
LEAD Center
Pricing Rates
Cost per person: $99
Early Bird Rate: $79 (Until 4/19/26)
Conference Agenda
Take a deep dive into the presentations on the schedule. Attendees will choose one presentation per breakout session.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 a.m. | Registration & Networking Breakfast |
| 9:00-9:15 a.m. | Welcome |
| 9:15-10:00 a.m. | Opening Keynote |
| 10:00-10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15-11:15 a.m. | Breakout Session 1 |
| 11:15-11:30 a.m. | Break |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Breakout Session 2 |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Lunch, Keynote and Networking |
| 1:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Breakout Session 3 |
| 2:30-2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 2:45-3:45 p.m. | Closing Keynote |
| 3:45-4:00 p.m. | Closing |
Session Descriptions & Presenter Bios
Opening Keynote: Developing the Leader, Building the Leadership
Leadership growth requires two distinct but connected paths. Research distinguishes between leader development, strengthening individual capabilities such as self-awareness, adaptability, and leader identity (human capital), and leadership development, building trust, shared commitment, and collaboration across teams (social capital). This opening keynote clarifies both dimensions and challenges participants to intentionally grow in each. Through practical insights and a guided reflection activity, attendees will define their leadership style, clarify their core values as a leader, to build the behavioral consistency that allows followers to focus on doing great work rather than guessing what version of their leader will show up.
- Presenter: Ted Melby
-
Ted Melby: A proud graduate of the Wisconsin Technical College System, Ted Melby earned his journeyman machinist card early in his career before going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marian University and a master’s degree in organizational behavior from Silver Lake University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at UW-Stout. Ted joined Mid-State full-time in 2024 after more than 20 years of business leadership experience, most recently serving as Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance at Wysocki Family of Companies and Corporate Director of Procurement for Ministry Health Care. Ted currently serves as the Mid-State Technical College Workforce & Professional Development.
Breakout Session 1
Option 1: Developing the Leader – The Reflective Leader: Building Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) isn’t just a “soft skill.” Research shows it is a key driver of leadership effectiveness, team engagement, and workplace performance. Leaders with strong EQ build trust, navigate conflict constructively, and make better decisions under pressure.
In this interactive session, participants will engage in guided self-reflection and real-world scenarios to explore how the four core EQ competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management, operate together as a leadership system. Attendees will leave with practical tools to better recognize their emotional patterns and respond with greater intention to strengthen their leadership impact.
- Presenter: Natasha Miller
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Natasha Miller holds a master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and serves as Student Development Director at Mid-State Technical College, where she also teaches Leadership Development. She leads initiatives that strengthen student engagement, leadership capacity, and institutional impact. A Wisconsin Rapids native, Natasha is actively engaged in community nonprofit work and is committed to advancing both organizational effectiveness and individual growth. As a lifelong learner, she brings a strategic, reflective, and people-centered approach to leadership.
Option 2: Developing Leadership - Disagree Better: The Leadership Skill No One Teaches
Conflict is rarely about what happened — it’s about what we believe happened. Advanced leaders operate in complex systems where presumed expectations, attribution errors, and differing perceptions of reality shape decision-making and relationships. When these assumptions remain unexamined, conflict escalates, trust erodes, and performance suffers. This session challenges leaders to examine the cognitive foundations of conflict. We will explore how communication either widens or closes the “reality gap,” and how leaders can intentionally shape conversations to reduce misalignment. Participants will walk away with a practical communication framework they can apply immediately in executive conversations, cross-functional friction, and high-accountability environments.
- Presenter: Craig Bernstein
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Craig Bernstein is a strategic human capital leader who bridges workforce strategy, talent development, and data-driven organizational effectiveness. With more than a decade of experience across higher education, corporate partnerships, and regional economic development, Craig currently serves as Director of Workforce & Professional Development at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids, where he leads division-level strategy, corporate training partnerships, and grant-funded workforce initiatives. In addition to his leadership role, Craig teaches business management and talent development courses, bringing industrial-organizational psychology principles into practical application. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, a Master of Science in management from Troy University and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Capital Management, where his research focuses on employee motivation, turnover, and organizational effectiveness. Known for his ability to translate complex workforce challenges into actionable strategies, Craig is passionate about helping organizations build stronger leaders, improve retention, and create cultures where both people and performance thrive.
Breakout Session 2
Option 1: Developing the Leader – You’re Always Leading – Even When You Think You Aren’t
Leadership influence is constant — and so are the risks that come with it. In this interactive session, participants will explore the “dark side” traps that emerging leaders often fall into, from avoidance and favoritism to ethical blind spots fueled by pressure and performance demands. Through a values assessment, real-world case studies such as Wells Fargo’s loan origination scandal, and guided reflection, attendees will examine how personal values interact with power and responsibility. Participants will leave with practical strategies to mitigate ethical risk in themselves and other and a plan for intentionally shaping a leadership culture grounded in integrity.
- Presenter: Sarah Behrens
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Sarah Behrens is a higher education leader who believes strong leadership is built in everyday decisions, not just defining moments. With experience in grants management, project leadership, team development, and business management instruction, she works at the intersection of strategy, accountability, and people-centered leadership.
Sarah earned her MBA from UW–Whitewater and spent nearly a decade in financial services, where she experienced firsthand the importance of sound judgment, transparency, and cross-functional collaboration in complex environments. Throughout her career, Sarah has led cross-functional teams and large-scale initiatives from strategy through implementation, emphasizing clarity, responsibility, and continuous improvement. She is particularly passionate about helping others build confidence in their decision-making, navigate ambiguity with integrity, and create cultures where trust, respect, and accountability are foundational — not optional.
Option 2: Developing Leadership – Beyond Change Management: The Leader’s Role in Supporting Transformational Change
Change initiatives need more than just your approval; they need ongoing active leadership support. While project managers drive timelines, budgets, and execution, leaders create alignment and ownership that contribute to success. In this session, participants will explore how leadership presence and support help reduce resistance, enhance project team effectiveness, while reinforcing change efforts across the organization. Through facilitated discussion, and a review of proactive change through Appreciative Inquiry, attendees will gain tools to clear obstacles, build momentum, and champion those leading the change.
- Presenter: Ted Melby
-
Ted Melby: A proud graduate of the Wisconsin Technical College System, Ted Melby earned his journeyman machinist card early in his career before going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marian University and a master’s degree in organizational behavior from Silver Lake University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at UW-Stout. Ted joined Mid-State full-time in 2024 after more than 20 years of business leadership experience, most recently serving as Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance at Wysocki Family of Companies and Corporate Director of Procurement for Ministry Health Care. Ted currently serves as the Mid-State Technical College Workforce & Professional Development
Lunch, Keynote, and Networking: Good Stress, Bad Stress, Better Leadership
Stress is unavoidable in today’s workplaces, but burnout doesn’t have to be. In this engaging, 20-minute TED style talk, emerging leaders in business and non profits will explore the critical difference between good stress that motivates growth and bad stress that undermines health and performance. Drawing on research informed insights the presentation highlights how everyday leadership behaviors influence workplace stress and why promoting team psychological safety is a powerful tool. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of common workplace stressors, the leader’s role in shaping culture, and practical ways to support psychologically safe environments for themselves and the people they lead.
- Presenter: Dr. Carrie L. Jarosinski
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Dr. Carrie L. Jarosinski is an Instructor of Health & Wellness Promotion at Mid-State Technical College where she focuses on evidence-informed strategies that support wellbeing across educational and workplace settings. Her work emphasizes stress management, leadership influence, and empowerment through connectedness that promote both performance and health. Carrie completed her associate degree in nursing from Mid-State Technical College, her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, her master’s degree in nursing with an emphasis in education from Bellin College of Nursing in Green Bay Wisconsin, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Systems Leadership from Walden University. She is the author of “Reclaim Your Story: Renew Your Health and Wellness Through the Power of Storytelling” and the soon to publish “Reclaim Your Resilience: Build Your Buoyancy and Renew Your Health and Wellness”. Carrie brings a practical, research approach across educational and workplace settings.
Breakout Session 3
Option 1: Developing the Leader – Human Leadership in an AI World
As artificial intelligence grows more capable, the most important leadership qualities become even more human. This discussion explores how leaders can use AI as a force multiplier while doubling down on judgment, ethics, and vision. A practical and thought-provoking session inspired by The AI-Driven Leader.
- Presenter: Chris Severson
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Chris Severson – Vice President, Academics has been with Mid-State Technical College since October 2019. At Mid-State, Chris held the roles of Executive Dean and Wisconsin Rapids Campus Dean prior to taking on the role of Vice President in 2023. He previously worked with Northcentral Technical College for seven years as a dean overseeing the following areas during his time: School of Engineering and Technology, School of Business and Community Services, School of General Education, and Global Education. In his current position, he serves as the College’s chief academic officer providing leadership and management for all academic programs and academic support services. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from University of Wisconsin-Madison, his Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from Benedictine University and his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Edgewood College.
Option 2: Developing Leadership – The Leadership Multiplier: Growing Leaders Through Mentorship
Many of us were mentored before we even knew what mentorship was, and many of us are mentoring others without even realizing it. This session focuses on recognizing the role mentorship plays in leadership development and becoming more intentional about the influence we have on others. Mentorship shapes leaders in meaningful ways, and everyday actions such as listening, encouraging, and sharing experiences can support growth. Participants will consider how mentorship has influenced their own leadership and how it can strengthen leadership in others. This session is designed for leaders at any stage who want to grow their own leadership while helping others grow.
- Presenter: Morgan Vanderhei
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Morgan Vanderhei, known as “Mo” to students and colleagues, is a Business Management instructor at Mid-State Technical College who focuses on developing confident, connected future leaders. With a background in marketing, community outreach, and education, she brings a relationship-centered approach to leadership and professional development. Since joining Mid-State in 2023, Morgan has led the development of innovative learning experiences that connect students with business professionals, including conference-style workshop courses, a business speaker series, and tours. She teaches in Mid-State’s LEAD Institute leadership certificate program and was voted by peers as the college’s 2025 New Full-Time Faculty of the Year and was recognized as a WTCS Rising Star nominee at the 2025 BOSS Conference. Morgan also serves as Co-Executive Director of the Miss Wisconsin Rapids Scholarship Organization, a volunteer-led nonprofit that has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships since 1985 while mentoring young women to grow as leaders and make a positive impact in their communities.
Closing Keynote: The Leadership Journey: Local Leadership Panel
What does it actually look like to develop yourself as a leader and then build leadership capacity across an organization? In this dynamic closing panel, four established and impactful local leaders share their personal leadership journeys, the habits and disciplines that shaped them, and the deliberate strategies they use to strengthen leadership in others. This session moves beyond theory to lived experience, offering authentic reflections and practical wisdom from leaders operating in complex, high-responsibility roles.
- Presenters: Gautam Malik, Alexandria Behrend, Stephanie Hauser, and Jason Blenker
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Gautam Malik is a dynamic, results-driven leader with a strong track record of improving operational performance, driving change, and building high-performing teams across global organizations. He serves as CEO of Team Gamber-Johnson (Team GJ), a multinational company with 465 employees worldwide.
Team GJ includes Gamber-Johnson, Lind Electronics, InfoCase, Premier Mounts, American Aluminum, Blac Rac and Precision Mounting Technologies. In 2016, he assumed COO responsibilities and led a successful sponsored management buyout from Leggett & Platt, following 20 years of progressively expanding leadership roles.
His expertise spans lean manufacturing, product development, Six Sigma, strategic planning, supply chain optimization, quality systems, and international sales. Mr. Malik also serves on the Board of Directors of Centergy, WMEP supporting economic development and manufacturing in central Wisconsin. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pune and an MS in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of New Mexico, along with Six Sigma and quality certifications, and has helped lead Team GJ to multiple state and national awards for export and manufacturing excellence.
Alexandria Behrend brings over 19 years of progressive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector to her role as Executive Director of the Food + Farm Exploration Center. With a deep passion for advancing agricultural literacy and fostering community engagement, Alexandria began her tenure on January 2, 2025, following a national search.
Prior to joining Food + Farm Exploration Center, Alexandria served as Manager of Philanthropy for the Boy Scouts of America and as Chief Operations Officer for the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. In these roles, she excelled in operational initiatives, donor campaigns, event management, membership growth, and program delivery. A graduate of Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Alexandria earned her bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Sociology. Her academic background, combined with her leadership expertise, positions her to drive innovative programming and cultivate strong partnerships to achieve organizational goals.
Alexandria is passionate about inspiring collaboration among diverse stakeholders to create vibrant communities centered on food and farming. Reflecting on her vision, she shared, "I am excited about leading initiatives that not only educate but also inspire collaboration, fostering a dynamic community around food and agriculture."
Stephanie Hauser began her role as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) on July 1, 2021, after serving as Assistant Director since 2015. In her current role, she oversees all administrative operations of the executive office, including governance, legal and legislative matters, elections, contractual interpretation, classification, and strategic initiatives. She also led the creation of the WIAA Foundation and serves on its Executive Board.
Before becoming Executive Director, Hauser directed tournament administration for multiple sports and played a key role in conference realignment and advisory committee leadership. Nationally, she serves as the Section 4 representative on the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Board of Directors and contributes to strategic planning and education initiatives. She previously chaired the NFHS Gymnastics Rules Committee and has presented at national leadership meetings.
A former athletic administrator and assistant principal, Hauser was inducted into the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2025, she received the inaugural Northeast Wisconsin High School Sports Trailblazer Award.
Jason Blenker: With over 25 years of experience founding, scaling, and leading organizations, Jason Blenker brings a perspective rooted in “blue-collar plain speak” and the reality of businesses where real work gets done. The son of a carpenter, he learned early that the strongest foundations are not made of concrete but of relationships, clarity, and culture—principles that continue to guide his leadership today. He specializes in driving results within asset-intensive industries such as construction and agriculture, where he bridges the gap between high-level strategy and front-line execution.
Having built and scaled a world-class offsite construction and manufacturing firm from a local startup into a multi-state enterprise prior to its successful sale, Jason now serves as CEO of the Wysocki Family of Companies, leading a vertically integrated agricultural organization through complex operational strategy, generational transitions, and large-scale organizational alignment. As a CEO and seasoned board member, he is the creator of the ROOTS leadership framework and author of the upcoming book Nail IT!, both designed to simplify complex management concepts into practical, actionable tools.
Questions?
Contact Workforce Solutions or call 715.422.5339
If you have a disability and need accommodations to take part in this activity, please let us know. Contact the event coordinator as soon as possible, ideally 14 days in advance.
