Next-Level Leadership Series 2026

Session 1: Leading with Confidence, February 18

Facilitator: Darren Fisher, CEO, Spearity

This session redefines what it means to lead in a construction leadership role—shifting from managing projects to truly inspiring people. Participants will explore their personal leadership styles and uncover strategic blind spots that may limit growth or satisfaction. The focus goes beyond business performance to embrace a more holistic vision of success—learning how to build a thriving, profitable company and a joyful, fulfilling life along the way.

Session 2: Thinking & Acting Strategically, February 19

Facilitator: Darren Fisher, CEO, Spearity

This session helps leaders shift perspective from day-to-day operational management to high-level strategic leadership. Participants will explore practical frameworks for long-term positioning and building a sustainable competitive advantage in a changing industry. Through a guided workshop, they’ll craft a clear 3–5 year vision for organizational growth—turning strategy into a focused roadmap for lasting success.

Session 3: Financial Leadership: Growing a Profitable Business, March 18

Facilitator: John Schwab, Certified EOS Implementor, Executive Coach, Strategist, Adventurer

This session equips business leaders with practical tools to measure, analyze, and drive profitability. Participants will learn how to identify and track key performance indicators (KPIs), interpret industry benchmarks, and use budgeting as a strategic planning tool. Through interactive discussions and hands-on exercises, they’ll explore effective growth strategies that balance short-term efficiency with long-term success.

Session 4: Communicate Like a Leader, March 19

Facilitator: Sarah Fecht, Leadership Coach, Best Self Leadership

If a leader’s purpose is to get work done through others, the ability to communicate clearly becomes a critical skill—arguably the most important one. Communication is not simply about sharing information; it’s about creating understanding, trust, and alignment. When leaders communicate effectively, they ensure that their message—what they intend to convey—is truly received and interpreted as they intend it to be. This alignment between intent and impact minimizes confusion, prevents wasted effort, and strengthens relationships across the organization.

Session 5: Creating a Positive Culture & Leading Through Conflict, April 15

Facilitator: Cory Kundert, CEO, Kundert Construction

This session reframes conflict as an opportunity for growth—showing how jobsite disagreements can become powerful moments to build trust, solve problems, and strengthen team resilience. Leaders will learn how to set the tone with respect and clarity, communicating expectations while modeling professionalism and dignity. The session also equips participants with practical tools for navigating tough conversations around performance, safety, and client concerns without escalating tension. Ultimately, the goal is to build a culture of accountability and support, where every team member takes ownership of outcomes and knows their leadership stands beside them.

Session 6: Building Resilience, April 16

Facilitator: Jess Kent-Johnson & Emily Smit, Leadership Coaches, The Perk

The construction industry faces some of the highest levels of stress and burnout among leadership professionals—harsh realities that can no longer be ignored. Recognizing this, this session emphasizes becoming a resilient leader, one who can navigate constant pressure with clarity and purpose.

Session 7: The Leadership Journey, May 13

Facilitator: Jim Bunkelman, President/CEO, Royal Construction

This capstone session brings the full series together—helping participants move from running projects to shaping organizations. Leaders reflect on their most transformative insight from the program, then link strategy with financial leadership by learning to use financial data as a story that drives bold decisions and long-term growth. Through real construction scenarios, they practice communicating vision and leading culture—bridging the gap between the C-suite and the jobsite while turning conflict into trust.

For hotel accommodations, please call the hotel directly at (608) 846-9100 and mention ABC of Wisconsin.