Overview
The IDFA Leadership Symposium, presented in partnership with the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional and Executive Development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides a forum for rising leaders to collaborate with fellow industry change-makers, build their leadership skills, and prepare for the next step in their leadership journey. As part of this year's conference, attendees have the opportunity to receive the IDFA Advanced Leadership and Management Certificate.
Leading in an organization was already a challenge, but capitalizing on new opportunities, managing all facets of risk, and pivoting quickly to profitable business models is more essential than ever in the dairy industry. To take on the challenge and harvest the possibilities, today’s leader needs to move beyond management to a keen understanding of high performing leadership behaviors, their own strengths and areas for growth, and the business context where their own organization can meet the passions of the customer.
Participants will join a cross section of dairy industry peers who also want to develop elite leadership skills in an exciting, engaging, and interactive journey with top ranked faculty, industry experts, and peers who will help you explore:
- The proven, researched leadership behaviors that create personal and organization success
- What today’s customers want and expect from a business that feeds their passions for food, health, and sustainability
- How to look at and modify your organization’s business model to make sure you can pivot to success.
- Your awareness of organization context and culture, which allows you to respond more thoughtfully to rapid changes in business circumstances
- Methods to analyze performance impact and efficiencies in product sales and inventory
- End to end supply chain and purchasing excellence
- The strategic pricing process
- Why is it essential for leaders to understand good management
- What is it employees need from managers
- Leading for change in your organization and your industry
This program will be delivered in an in-person format at the University of Wisconsin–Madison led by dynamic and highly interactive instructors, several of who were formerly industry practitioners and are now highly skilled instructors. Participants will engage in lecturettes, active discussion, small breakout teams, case studies and individual reflection to make sure they are deeply immersed in the learning, and can integrate what they learn into their work environment and culture.
The IDFA Leadership Symposium is open to all levels of the industry, with a focus on mid-to senior-level executives.
Presented by:
As a result of your complete attendance in the program, you will receive an Advanced Leadership and Management Certificate from the Center for Professional and Executive Development, an affiliate of the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Tuesday, June 24 (full-day)
Mastering the Matrix
Instructor: Susan Finerty Zemanski, University of Wisconsin – Madison
You’re in a Matrix, whether you realize it or not. Matrix roles are everywhere. And then there is Influence. It doesn’t happen on a schedule, and it can’t be calculated on a spreadsheet. It’s also becoming increasingly uncoupled from formal authority as represented on organizational charts. But in modern cross-functional organizations, influence is how decisions get made, how changes are implemented and ultimately how things get done.
This course (complemented with eLearning Pre-Work) allows you to develop the ability to build strong, trusting partnerships across the organization that enable you to work effectively and to influence beyond the lines of direct authority.
The program objectives include:
- Pinpoint role conflicts on a macro and micro level and outline required actions
- Diagnose personal decision-making challenges and structure key decisions
- Build influence in the organization; identify influence opportunities and apply influence tactics
- Understand the nuances of managing globally to achieve desired results
PREWORK Requirement- E-Learning Module – 2 hrs
Purposeful Leadership and Aligning Culture of Organizational Growth
Instructor: Artell Smith, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Creating a deliberative approach that maximizes strengths and passions while achieving organizational goal is the key to purposeful leadership. This session explores key themes and research that allow leaders to align their culture, strategy, processes, resources and other drivers for organizational effectiveness.
Wednesday, June 25 (full-day)
Leading through Contextual Shifts
Instructor: Steve King, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Some organization are great "reads" of shifting context that can impact their business favorably or not. These organizations tend to endure. Some organization are terrible "reads" of shifting content and those organizations struggle to survive. There are even a few organizations that actually transform their industries. These are the organizations that literally shift the content, not simply respond to it.
In the first half of our day together we will explore how organizations successfully read and respond to important contextual shifts in their business and how they leverage the "secret sauce" of collaboration to accomplish this.
Exploring Essential Leadership Behaviors
Instructor: Steve King, University of Wisconsin – Madison
In the second half of the day together we'll turn our attention to leadership behaviors. We will review what research has to say about what constructive behaviors tend to drive…excellent business results ... and some restrictive behaviors that tend to get in the way. We will have each participant complete the leadership assessment, Life Styles Inventory LSI). LSI is a two part assessment tool that will provide personal feedback on how participant's own behaviors stack up against best practices. There is also an optional 360 degree part offers invaluable insight into how those behaviors are being perceived and experienced by those around you. We'll end the session with thoughts on how to personally improve our impact as leaders by making a few, key behavior changes to our leadership styles.
Thursday, June 26 (half-day)
Your Keys to Executive Leadership
Instructor: Artell Smith, University of Wisconsin – Madison
This session offers leaders the knowledge, frameworks and tools you need to know to be an effective executive, now or in the future. Key focus areas include:
- The Leaders Role in Driving Change - Your role and the method for leading sustainable change.
- The Ideal Change Sponsor - What do change agents and the front-line need from you?
- How to over-predict for change to ensure success!
- Development Action Planning - Creating accountability and a plan for your management and change opportunities.
60-day Post Program Support and Follow-Up
To help ensure you can apply what you learned in the program, a faculty member will facilitate a 90-minute online discussion regarding the goals and application activities you developed during the program. In this session, you will share your progress and obstacles and get input, feedback, and additional ideas on how to increase yours and your organization’s effectiveness.
Agenda
*All Times Central Print Agenda
| June 4, 2025 | Event | Speaker | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2:00pm - 3:00pm |
Kick-Off Call
|
Virtual | |
|
Instructor: Steve King, University of Wisconsin – Madison Set expectations for the certificate program. The kick-off call will be recorded and available for participants who are not able to join live. |
|||
| June 23, 2025 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| - |
Symposium Community Service Event
|
||
| 6:00pm - 7:30pm |
Welcome Reception
|
Mendota Room – Fluno Center | |
| June 24, 2025 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:30am - 12:00pm |
Mastering the Matrix
|
Room 221 – Fluno Center | |
|
Instructor: Susan Finerty Zemanski, University of Wisconsin – Madison You’re in a Matrix, whether you realize it or not. Matrix roles are everywhere. And then there is Influence. It doesn’t happen on a schedule, and it can’t be calculated on a spreadsheet. It’s also becoming increasingly uncoupled from formal authority as represented on organizational charts. But in modern cross-functional organizations, influence is how decisions get made, how changes are implemented and ultimately how things get done. This course (complemented with eLearning Pre-Work) allows you to develop the ability to build strong, trusting partnerships across the organization that enable you to work effectively and to influence beyond the lines of direct authority. The program objectives include:
|
|||
| 12:00pm - 1:00pm |
Lunch
|
Fluno Center | |
| 1:00pm - 4:30pm |
Purposeful Leadership and Aligning Culture with Organizational Growth
|
Room 221 – Fluno Center | |
|
Purposeful Leadership and Aligning Culture of Organizational Growth Instructor: Artell Smith, University of Wisconsin – Madison Creating a deliberative approach that maximizes strengths and passions while achieving organizational goal is the key to purposeful leadership. This session explores key themes and research that allow leaders to align their culture, strategy, processes, resources and other drivers for organizational effectiveness. |
|||
| 6:30pm - 7:00pm |
Networking Reception
|
Skyview Room – Fluno Center | |
| 7:00pm - 9:00pm |
Dinner and Fireside Chat
|
Skyview Room – Fluno Center | |
| June 25, 2025 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:30am - 12:00pm |
Leading through Contextual Shifts
|
Room 221 – Fluno Center | |
|
Leading through Contextual Shifts Instructor: Steve King, University of Wisconsin – Madison Some organization are great "reads" of shifting context that can impact their business favorably or not. These organizations tend to endure. Some organization are terrible "reads" of shifting content and those organizations struggle to survive. There are even a few organizations that actually transform their industries. These are the organizations that literally shift the content, not simply respond to it. In the first half of our day together we will explore how organizations successfully read and respond to important contextual shifts in their business and how they leverage the "secret sauce" of collaboration to accomplish this. |
|||
| 12:00pm - 1:00pm |
Lunch
|
Fluno Center | |
| 1:00pm - 4:30pm |
Exploring Essential Leadership Behaviors
|
Room 221 - Fluno Center | |
|
Exploring Essential Leadership Behaviors Instructor: Steve King, University of Wisconsin – Madison In the second half of the day together we'll turn our attention to leadership behaviors. We will review what research has to say about what constructive behaviors tend to drive…excellent business results ... and some restrictive behaviors that tend to get in the way. We will have each participant complete the leadership assessment, Life Styles Inventory LSI). LSI is a two part assessment tool that will provide personal feedback on how participant's own behaviors stack up against best practices. There is also an optional 360 degree part offers invaluable insight into how those behaviors are being perceived and experienced by those around you. We'll end the session with thoughts on how to personally improve our impact as leaders by making a few, key behavior changes to our leadership styles. |
|||
| June 26, 2025 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:30am - 12:00pm |
Your Keys to Executive Leadership
|
Room 221 – Fluno Center | |
|
Your Keys to Executive Leadership Instructor: Artell Smith, University of Wisconsin – Madison This session offers leaders the knowledge, frameworks and tools you need to know to be an effective executive, now or in the future. Key focus areas include:
|
|||
| August 20, 2025 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 2:00pm - 3:30pm |
60-Day Post Program Support and Follow-Up
|
Virtual | |
|
60-day Post Program Support and Follow-Up To help ensure you can apply what you learned in the program, a faculty member will facilitate a 90-minute online discussion regarding the goals and application activities you developed during the program. In this session, you will share your progress and obstacles and get input, feedback, and additional ideas on how to increase yours and your organization’s effectiveness. |
|||
Kick-Off Call
Instructor: Steve King, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Set expectations for the certificate program. The kick-off call will be recorded and available for participants who are not able to join live.
Steve King
Steve is adjunct faculty for the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development. Prior to this role, Steve served as the president and executive director of the Center for five years.
Formerly, Steve was chief learning officer and vice president of talent management for Baxter. Prior to this position, Steve was the senior vice president of human resources at Hewitt Associates for seven years, with responsibility for all aspects of human resources for the international consulting and outsourcing firm, and he was Hewitt’s chief learning officer for three years.
Before joining Hewitt, Steve was with the Bank of Montreal’s Institute for Learning, where he was the faculty head for leadership and change management. He also held training and management development positions at CVS Caremark and BMO Harris Bank.
Steve has an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin and a B.A. from the University of Iowa, both in economics.
Mastering the Matrix
Instructor: Susan Finerty Zemanski, University of Wisconsin – Madison
You’re in a Matrix, whether you realize it or not. Matrix roles are everywhere. And then there is Influence. It doesn’t happen on a schedule, and it can’t be calculated on a spreadsheet. It’s also becoming increasingly uncoupled from formal authority as represented on organizational charts. But in modern cross-functional organizations, influence is how decisions get made, how changes are implemented and ultimately how things get done.
This course (complemented with eLearning Pre-Work) allows you to develop the ability to build strong, trusting partnerships across the organization that enable you to work effectively and to influence beyond the lines of direct authority.
The program objectives include:
- Pinpoint role conflicts on a macro and micro level and outline required actions
- Diagnose personal decision-making challenges and structure key decisions
- Build influence in the organization; identify influence opportunities and apply influence tactics
- Understand the nuances of managing globally to achieve desired results
Susan Zelmanski Finerty
Susan has experience in organizational development working with large multinational companies. Her focus is matrix organizations and how to navigate and influence cross-functionally in these organizations.
Prior to joining the University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty, Susan worked for Baxter and two pharmaceutical companies. She also held an adjunct faculty role at Northwestern University teaching a leadership and change course as part of a master’s in medical informatics, as well as a leadership and strategy course.
Susan is the author of Master the Matrix: 7 Essentials for Getting Things Done in Complex Organizations and The Cross Functional Influence Playbook. She has a B.A. from Central Michigan University and an M.A. from Indiana University.
Purposeful Leadership and Aligning Culture with Organizational Growth
Purposeful Leadership and Aligning Culture of Organizational Growth
Instructor: Artell Smith, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Creating a deliberative approach that maximizes strengths and passions while achieving organizational goal is the key to purposeful leadership. This session explores key themes and research that allow leaders to align their culture, strategy, processes, resources and other drivers for organizational effectiveness.
Artell Smith
Artell has extensive experience in various senior-level business and human resources leadership positions in large, complex organizations. He has led transformational projects globally across all aspects of HR work, including talent development, DEI, generalist services, HR operations and employee contact centers, technology, recruiting, and offshoring.
Artell was recently Vice President-Human Resources-Talent, HR Shared Services & Technology at Quad (formerly Quad/Graphics). Previously, Artell was Executive Director-Strategic Programs at BlueSoHo, a division of Quad/Graphics. He is also the Principal and Managing Director of WatchWorks Management Consulting LLC. Artell was HR Senior Vice-President for Strategy, Technology & Operations at Aon plc, a $12B global insurance brokerage and HR consultancy. He also served as CHRO at Aon Hewitt, a 25,000-employee, $4B subsidiary of Aon plc.
He is the author of three books, including No Time to Waste-Microbehaviors: Leveraging the Little Things to Become a Better Leader, Engage.Coach.Develop-Building Strong Relationships That Drive Individual and Team Performance, and Champions Needed-Unlocking the Potential of Family Advocacy in Assisted Living and Memory Care. Artell has published two sci-fi/fantasy books, one with his son Troy.
Leading through Contextual Shifts
Leading through Contextual Shifts
Instructor: Steve King, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Some organization are great "reads" of shifting context that can impact their business favorably or not. These organizations tend to endure. Some organization are terrible "reads" of shifting content and those organizations struggle to survive. There are even a few organizations that actually transform their industries. These are the organizations that literally shift the content, not simply respond to it.
In the first half of our day together we will explore how organizations successfully read and respond to important contextual shifts in their business and how they leverage the "secret sauce" of collaboration to accomplish this.
Steve King
Steve is adjunct faculty for the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development. Prior to this role, Steve served as the president and executive director of the Center for five years.
Formerly, Steve was chief learning officer and vice president of talent management for Baxter. Prior to this position, Steve was the senior vice president of human resources at Hewitt Associates for seven years, with responsibility for all aspects of human resources for the international consulting and outsourcing firm, and he was Hewitt’s chief learning officer for three years.
Before joining Hewitt, Steve was with the Bank of Montreal’s Institute for Learning, where he was the faculty head for leadership and change management. He also held training and management development positions at CVS Caremark and BMO Harris Bank.
Steve has an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin and a B.A. from the University of Iowa, both in economics.
Exploring Essential Leadership Behaviors
Exploring Essential Leadership Behaviors
Instructor: Steve King, University of Wisconsin – Madison
In the second half of the day together we'll turn our attention to leadership behaviors. We will review what research has to say about what constructive behaviors tend to drive…excellent business results ... and some restrictive behaviors that tend to get in the way. We will have each participant complete the leadership assessment, Life Styles Inventory LSI). LSI is a two part assessment tool that will provide personal feedback on how participant's own behaviors stack up against best practices. There is also an optional 360 degree part offers invaluable insight into how those behaviors are being perceived and experienced by those around you. We'll end the session with thoughts on how to personally improve our impact as leaders by making a few, key behavior changes to our leadership styles.
Steve King
Steve is adjunct faculty for the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development. Prior to this role, Steve served as the president and executive director of the Center for five years.
Formerly, Steve was chief learning officer and vice president of talent management for Baxter. Prior to this position, Steve was the senior vice president of human resources at Hewitt Associates for seven years, with responsibility for all aspects of human resources for the international consulting and outsourcing firm, and he was Hewitt’s chief learning officer for three years.
Before joining Hewitt, Steve was with the Bank of Montreal’s Institute for Learning, where he was the faculty head for leadership and change management. He also held training and management development positions at CVS Caremark and BMO Harris Bank.
Steve has an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin and a B.A. from the University of Iowa, both in economics.
Your Keys to Executive Leadership
Your Keys to Executive Leadership
Instructor: Artell Smith, University of Wisconsin – Madison
This session offers leaders the knowledge, frameworks and tools you need to know to be an effective executive, now or in the future. Key focus areas include:
- The Leaders Role in Driving Change - Your role and the method for leading sustainable change.
- The Ideal Change Sponsor - What do change agents and the front-line need from you?
- How to over-predict for change to ensure success!
- Development Action Planning - Creating accountability and a plan for your management and change opportunities.
Artell Smith
Artell has extensive experience in various senior-level business and human resources leadership positions in large, complex organizations. He has led transformational projects globally across all aspects of HR work, including talent development, DEI, generalist services, HR operations and employee contact centers, technology, recruiting, and offshoring.
Artell was recently Vice President-Human Resources-Talent, HR Shared Services & Technology at Quad (formerly Quad/Graphics). Previously, Artell was Executive Director-Strategic Programs at BlueSoHo, a division of Quad/Graphics. He is also the Principal and Managing Director of WatchWorks Management Consulting LLC. Artell was HR Senior Vice-President for Strategy, Technology & Operations at Aon plc, a $12B global insurance brokerage and HR consultancy. He also served as CHRO at Aon Hewitt, a 25,000-employee, $4B subsidiary of Aon plc.
He is the author of three books, including No Time to Waste-Microbehaviors: Leveraging the Little Things to Become a Better Leader, Engage.Coach.Develop-Building Strong Relationships That Drive Individual and Team Performance, and Champions Needed-Unlocking the Potential of Family Advocacy in Assisted Living and Memory Care. Artell has published two sci-fi/fantasy books, one with his son Troy.
60-Day Post Program Support and Follow-Up
60-day Post Program Support and Follow-Up
To help ensure you can apply what you learned in the program, a faculty member will facilitate a 90-minute online discussion regarding the goals and application activities you developed during the program. In this session, you will share your progress and obstacles and get input, feedback, and additional ideas on how to increase yours and your organization’s effectiveness.
Steve King
Steve is adjunct faculty for the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development. Prior to this role, Steve served as the president and executive director of the Center for five years.
Formerly, Steve was chief learning officer and vice president of talent management for Baxter. Prior to this position, Steve was the senior vice president of human resources at Hewitt Associates for seven years, with responsibility for all aspects of human resources for the international consulting and outsourcing firm, and he was Hewitt’s chief learning officer for three years.
Before joining Hewitt, Steve was with the Bank of Montreal’s Institute for Learning, where he was the faculty head for leadership and change management. He also held training and management development positions at CVS Caremark and BMO Harris Bank.
Steve has an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin and a B.A. from the University of Iowa, both in economics.
Speakers
Steve King
Adjunct Faculty, Wisconsin School of Business, Center for Professional & Executive Development
Steve King
Steve is adjunct faculty for the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development. Prior to this role, Steve served as the president and executive director of the Center for five years.
Formerly, Steve was chief learning officer and vice president of talent management for Baxter. Prior to this position, Steve was the senior vice president of human resources at Hewitt Associates for seven years, with responsibility for all aspects of human resources for the international consulting and outsourcing firm, and he was Hewitt’s chief learning officer for three years.
Before joining Hewitt, Steve was with the Bank of Montreal’s Institute for Learning, where he was the faculty head for leadership and change management. He also held training and management development positions at CVS Caremark and BMO Harris Bank.
Steve has an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin and a B.A. from the University of Iowa, both in economics.
Artell Smith
Instructor, Wisconsin School of Business, Center for Professional & Executive Development
Artell Smith
Artell has extensive experience in various senior-level business and human resources leadership positions in large, complex organizations. He has led transformational projects globally across all aspects of HR work, including talent development, DEI, generalist services, HR operations and employee contact centers, technology, recruiting, and offshoring.
Artell was recently Vice President-Human Resources-Talent, HR Shared Services & Technology at Quad (formerly Quad/Graphics). Previously, Artell was Executive Director-Strategic Programs at BlueSoHo, a division of Quad/Graphics. He is also the Principal and Managing Director of WatchWorks Management Consulting LLC. Artell was HR Senior Vice-President for Strategy, Technology & Operations at Aon plc, a $12B global insurance brokerage and HR consultancy. He also served as CHRO at Aon Hewitt, a 25,000-employee, $4B subsidiary of Aon plc.
He is the author of three books, including No Time to Waste-Microbehaviors: Leveraging the Little Things to Become a Better Leader, Engage.Coach.Develop-Building Strong Relationships That Drive Individual and Team Performance, and Champions Needed-Unlocking the Potential of Family Advocacy in Assisted Living and Memory Care. Artell has published two sci-fi/fantasy books, one with his son Troy.
Susan Zelmanski Finerty
Adjunct Faculty, Center for Professional and Executive Development, Wisconsin School of Business
Susan Zelmanski Finerty
Susan has experience in organizational development working with large multinational companies. Her focus is matrix organizations and how to navigate and influence cross-functionally in these organizations.
Prior to joining the University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty, Susan worked for Baxter and two pharmaceutical companies. She also held an adjunct faculty role at Northwestern University teaching a leadership and change course as part of a master’s in medical informatics, as well as a leadership and strategy course.
Susan is the author of Master the Matrix: 7 Essentials for Getting Things Done in Complex Organizations and The Cross Functional Influence Playbook. She has a B.A. from Central Michigan University and an M.A. from Indiana University.
Registration fees are based on your company's IDFA membership status. For more information about membership, please email membership@idfa.org.
Registration Payment by Check or ACH/Wire Transfer
The fastest and easiest way to register is online. If an invoice is required to submit payment by check or ACH/wire transfer, please email registrar@idfa.org.
Registration Cancellation Policy
Registration cancellations received in writing will be accepted prior to May 23, 2025 for a full refund, minus a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received after May 23, 2025 will be eligible for a 50 percent refund, less the processing fee. Your registration fee is non-refundable after June 6, 2025. Substitutions may be made without penalty. All cancelations and substitutions must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org.
Questions: If you have questions or need assistance with the registration process, please contact IDFA at (202) 737-4332 or registrar@idfa.org.
Fluno Center at the University of Wisconsin – Madison
601 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53715-1035
Learn more about the Fluno Center here.
You may make you room reservations for the IDFA Leadership Symposium by emailing Chris Hagen at chris.hagen@uwcped.org. When emailing please provide your arrival and departure dates and refer to the IDFA Leadership Symposium to receive the rate of $200 per night plus applicable taxes. The deadline to secure a room is May 24, 2025.
Room reservations can be canceled up to forty-eight (48) hours prior to arrival without fees. If complete cancelation of an individual reservation takes place within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled arrival, a cancellation fee equal to one (1) night room and tax will be charged.