Sauk County Institute of Leadership Celebrates Halfway Mark with Immersive Leadership Experience
Sauk County, WI, December 11, 2025 - The Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) reached an exciting milestone on Thursday, December 11, 2025, celebrating the halfway point of its current leadership class with a full day of learning, reflection, and inspiration from influential leaders across the region.
The day began at Culver’s Headquarters, where the class was welcomed by Craig Culver, Co-founder of Culver’s, and Rich Modjeski, Chief Operating Officer. Participants learned about the Culver’s process and how Culver’s “customer-first” mindset - shaped by Craig’s childhood - became the foundation of the brand.
Culver also shared the importance of “touching tables” in restaurants, a practice centered on creating genuine, personal connections with guests. This simple act reinforces trust, presence, and the idea that strong leadership starts with showing up for people.
Following the visit to Culver’s, the class traveled to the Sauk Prairie School District Administration Building for a series of powerful local leadership conversations.
The first speaker of the afternoon was Amanda Sabol, who shared her personal leadership journey and powerful perspective on how unexpected changes in health and the workplace can require a complete shift in lifestyle. Her story provided a meaningful reminder of resilience and adaptability, with a testimony that will continue to inspire others navigating challenges of their own. Her message reinforced that leadership is often shaped not by ease, but by how we respond when life changes course.
Next, participants heard from Tywana German, who provided an honest and impactful look at the childcare challenges facing the Sauk Prairie area. German detailed the realities of operating within a childcare desert, the obstacles she encountered along the way, and the perseverance required to develop a sustainable solution. Her efforts culminated in the creation of the Sauk Prairie Childcare Center in Culver Park, offering a vital resource to families and employers throughout the community.
The day concluded with an engaging and energetic session led by Lisa Barker from UW-Madison’s Education Department, who introduced the class to the principles of improvisation. Through a series of interactive exercises - some challenging, some uncomfortable, and all enlightening - participants learned how adaptability, active listening, and comfort with uncertainty are essential traits of effective leaders. The session reinforced that the ability to improvise is not about performance, but about presence, trust, and responsiveness.
“When I first started the improv [exercises] I wasn’t sure what the purpose or reason of it was; which frustrated me. It wasn’t until we did the recap where I learned I needed to let go, trust my instincts and go with the flow to get to the finish line. Nothing in life is cookie-cutter, easy or planned out. You have to learn to think, react, and IMPROVise, and then lead on the spot to be successful,” said SCIL participant Sarah Garcia.
As SCIL moves into the second half of its program, participants will continue to deepen their leadership skills while strengthening connections across Sauk County - preparing them to serve, lead, and make meaningful impact in their communities.
Written by Hether Seymour and Sandy Snow
