Blog - Sophia Partners

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Don M. Frick

A Defining Voice and Historian of Servant Leadership

The servant leadership community lost one of its most important and beloved voices on March 23, 2026.

Don M. Frick was a creative teacher, an engaging storyteller, a dynamic speaker, and a gifted author. More than that, he was one of the world’s leading authorities on the life and work of Robert K. Greenleaf, the pioneer of servant leadership.

Read Obituary.

Through his scholarship, teaching, and writing, Don helped ensure that Greenleaf’s ideas were not only preserved but deeply understood, carefully protected, and faithfully carried forward.

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From Goals to Growth: Navigating Change

With January wrapped up, did you have a chance to create your annual goals?

If so, what method did you use?

(Still looking to start? Read our previous blog!)

One of the powerful things about creating goals and setting intentions is that you are in control of the changes you want to make. Goals give us direction, clarity, and a sense of purpose.

Change almost always happens, even when we have the best intentions of sticking to a plan.

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Board Bios: Meet Jenna Wood

Jenna Wood values creating meaningful connections and building relationships in every area of her life.

As a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, she combines her love of learning with her passion for encouraging others, guiding clients through their financial journeys at every stage of life.

Jenna attended her first Sophia Partners program in 2025, where she immediately connected with the organization’s shared value of leading others through a heart of service.

That experience deepened her commitment to servant leadership and inspired her desire to help cultivate strong leaders in Fond du Lac County.

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It’s Not Too Late to Set Your 2026 Goals

Happy New Year!

If you’re reading this and think you already missed the boat on setting resolutions for 2026, let me stop you right there.

The truth is, it’s never too late to define what you want to achieve. Whether it’s the first week of January or the middle of March, the best time to start working toward your dreams is NOW.

One study identified that 88% of those who set New Year’s Resolutions fail, even though 52% were confident of success at the beginning.

Why? Because traditional New Year’s resolutions often set us up for failure.

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The Power of Small Groups and Why They Matter

“To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together” – African proverb

Here’s a simple truth = it’s quicker and often easier to do things ourselves.

But maybe that isn’t the point.

When we collaborate and work together, we can do great things!

At our November 2025 Community of Practice, we explored how small groups shape leadership development, deepen relationships, and strengthen our sense of community.

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Sophia Partners Shines at Marian Business & Industry Awards

Collaboration.

Connection.

Community.

These values were at the heart of the evening for Sophia Transformative Leadership Partners at the 44th annual Business and Industry Awards Dinner, hosted by Marian University on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

On this special night, Sophia Partners was honored with the Community Collaboration Award, recognizing its ongoing commitment to building relationships that strengthen the greater Fond du Lac community.

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3 Leadership Lessons from New Book: Just Keep Growing

“Telling stories is one of the most powerful means that leaders have to influence, teach, and inspire. Stories convey the culture, history, and values that unite people,” a Harvard Business Impact article said.

As an award-winning journalist with a background in communications and marketing, Martha Boehm understands the impact of storytelling.

So she wrote a book…Just Keep Growing: 25 Servant Leadership Lessons! This book is filled with stories to uplift, inspire, teach, and connect people to the power and potential of servant leadership. …

Board Bios: Meet Stacy Shedivy

In January 2024, Stacy Shedivy joined the Sophia Board of Directors, continuing a journey that began more than 15 years ago when she was first drawn to Sophia Partners’ vision, its commitment to servant leadership, and the supportive community it continues to create.

For Stacy, this organization has shaped far more than her professional approach—it has become a way of life.

“Regardless of which hat I wear—consultant, volunteer, teacher, coach, or parent—I intentionally seek to serve better,” she reflects.

The principles of servant leadership, which she once thought of as a leadership style, have become a daily lifestyle. They encourage her to nurture her own physical, mental, and spiritual well-being so she can better serve others.

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Board Bios: Meet Sara Wild

A born and raised Wisconsinite, Sara Wild brings with her a passion for leadership, community, and connection.

As the Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist at C.D. Smith Construction, Sara uses her creativity and communication skills to help connect people and ideas in meaningful ways.

Leaning into a natural extension of her values led her to join the Sophia Board of Directors in June 2023. Sara attended many of Sophia’s events and programs and experienced firsthand how transformative they can be for leaders of all ages and stages.

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