Posted by Lee Rasch, Rotary Club of La Crosse

The Rotary Leadership Series (RLS) was launched in the summer of 2020, initially offering early-morning Zoom sessions every other month. Featuring outstanding local presenters, the program was designed for members of the eight area Rotary clubs around La Crosse and their guests.

In the spring of 2022, the series expanded to welcome members of the public, increasing its reach and showcasing Rotary’s commitment to leadership development. This expansion also enabled the program to attract accomplished speakers from across the country. Today, RLS events are held quarterly in conjunction with the Thursday noon meeting of the Rotary Club of La Crosse. Each presentation runs 30 minutes, with some speakers appearing in person and others joining virtually. All sessions remain accessible to the public via Zoom.

Over the years, the Rotary Leadership Series has featured a remarkable range of thought leaders, including Bill Doherty, co-founder of Braver Angels; Katie Harbath, former Public Policy Director at Facebook; and Vicki Puliz, Trustee of the Rotary International Foundation.

Our November speaker, Heidi Siefkas, delivered a powerful and compelling message on resilience, a crucial dimension of effective leadership. Drawing from her latest book, Look Up, she shared moving stories of individuals who have faced life’s most difficult challenges and emerged stronger, transforming adversity into hope and purpose. Heidi’s message was deeply impactful, and her decision to invite three individuals featured in her book made the presentation even more engaging. Their stories captivated the audience…moments of such intensity that you could hear a pin drop.

Each RLS program offers a unique perspective on leadership. On February 5th, we will explore another essential yet often underappreciated element of effective leadership: humor. Attendees can expect a session that is uplifting, thought-provoking, and energizing.

LeaderEthics, a La Crosse-based nonprofit organization, is proud to partner in promoting the Rotary Leadership Series. To attend the upcoming February 5th virtual presentation, visit LeaderEthics.us. For additional information, contact Lee Rasch, Rotary Club of La Crosse, at Leerasch42@gmail.com.