The most dangerous myth in professional development is that leadership is a solo climb. You can work hard, execute, and deliver results, but without a community that challenges your worldview, you are only reaching half of your potential. Wisconsin isn’t facing a talent shortage; it’s facing a connection gap. Forward 48 is the bridge that turns isolated high-performers into a collective force.
The Substance of Leadership
Our programming moves beyond the standard professional development curriculum. We prioritize radical transparency. When we select our faculty, we look for leaders who are willing to discard the polished narrative in favor of the unvarnished truth.
In our most recent sessions, our participants engaged with leaders who shifted the definition of what it means to be an effective executive:
- Maria Van Laanen (President and CEO, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center): She challenged participants to stop calling “I am too busy” a time problem. In truth, it is a priority problem.
- Anne Norman (EVP and Chief Marketing and Product Strategy Officer, UW Credit Union): She introduced the concept of the “PhD of Self,” underscoring that the most significant leadership work often occurs through intense internal examination.
- Dan Bader (President and CEO, Bader Philanthropies): He shared that moving his foundation’s headquarters into the Harambee neighborhood fundamentally changed his perspective on who he listens to and how he learns.
- Greg Wesley (President and CEO, Greater Milwaukee Foundation) and Kevin Newell (Founder and CEO, Royal Capital Group): They reframed collaboration as the engine of innovation, demonstrating that impactful, systemic change only gains traction when built on a foundation of genuine trust.
- Tina Chang (Chairman and CEO, SysLogic): She challenged participants to ensure that their daily efforts are aligned with their long-term life objectives, rather than simply focusing on the tasks directly in front of them.
- Myra McNair (Founder, Anesis Therapy): She reminded participants that they define the work, rather than letting the work define them.
Stay tuned as we are currently curating an exceptional faculty roster for the Fall cohort, bringing together the next group of Wisconsin leaders who will challenge, inspire, and advise our participants.
A Self-Sustaining Network
With over 560+ alumni, Forward 48 serves as a dynamic professional ecosystem. Our participants report a 4 out of 5 likelihood of remaining in Wisconsin long-term after experiencing Forward 48. This retention rate is not accidental. It is the result of emerging leaders feeling invested in, connected to, and seen by the organizations that define our state’s economy.
Join the Fall 2026 Cohort
Stepping into a new leadership program is a significant professional decision. We want to ensure that decision is supported.
As you consider your growth for the second half of the year, please take advantage of our Early Bird application window, which closes this Friday, August 15. Securing your place now ensures you have the necessary time to finalize your enrollment.
If you are seeking to secure corporate support for your participation, we have developed a formal Employer Request Letter available HERE to facilitate that conversation with your leadership team.
In just six weeks, you will build far more than a contact list. You will engage in high-impact leadership masterclasses and forge powerful connections across sectors and geographies, uniting the brightest minds from Milwaukee, Madison, and the New North. The room is waiting for your contribution.
[Apply for the Fall 2026 Cohort] [Nominate a Colleague for Fall 2026 →]