Leading On Purpose

In the path to enlighten and energize you to positively impact your community, Josh Sanders talks with Matt Turner, Managing Partner at MorningStar Senior Living to talk about his journey in the business world and his partnership with Ken Jaeger, who started the senior living facility. Matt shares the company's values and explains the importance of faith as the basis for everything they do. Also, the importance of stability and sustainability in their platform and the virtuous circle of investing in communities. The past year changed the way senior facilities had to work. Matt shares the challenges they confront during the pandemic and how the future looks. Lastly, he gives us great advice about purpose and meaning in work and what connects that with the team members. Learn more about ColoradoUpLift: https://coloradouplift.org/   Learn more about MorningStar Senior Living: https://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/  

In today´s episode, Joe Sanders talks with Brandon Johnson, principal, and CEO of Johnson Financial Group and supporter of COUplift, to reflect on how leaders can make a difference in their communities and transform lives by taking part in the solutions through a supportive and servant leadership. Johnson shares how the company started, what they do, their values, and how they dealt with an overwhelming situation during the pandemic. He shares the most significant challenges and what they accomplished in these past months, and how innovation is involved in their company. One of the values they hold dear is their engagement with their community. They pay attention to different aspects to support companies that share that value. It also talks about the importance of education as a base to achieve personal growth and how it helps the community. Brandon shares his ideas and advice with leaders and corporations that want to impact the community by adding value to other people by pursuing happiness.

On this path to discover the power you have to change your community, In today's episode, we have Peter Lynch, the Chief People Officer at Cardinal Group Companies, TED speaker and with experience in coaching and known for his impactful storytelling. Peter explains the necessity of an authentic contagious culture that can stimulate emotions inside everyone through light. He describes his model with three key elements that drive light in the culture: conversation, connection, and calling. He believes we can do better every day, and he highlights the importance of imperfections to build a culture. The ability to help people, to have a voice, and at the same time connect with them, he explains a combination of two elements that can drive you to understand your business, community, family needs and give you a voice and your path. Learn more about Colorado UpLift: https://coloradouplift.org/ Learn more about Cardinal Group: https://cardinalgroup.com/  

We have been hearing speakers' talks for our Leading on Purpose Live conference, explaining the passion for building up leadership. In today's episode, we listen to our third keynote Kari Granger, combat veteran and an expert in high-intensity and complex situations. Granger is the founder and CEO of Granger Network, a resource for executives and leadership development. Granger raises a shifting point for what we denominate transformative leadership beyond what we know or think, saying that is how we observe. Discover what this leadership is and how the realization of a future involves her story in the military force. She explains her shifting in perspective, the importance of actions to achieve results, and the three questions people ask themselves. At last, Granger gives us the key to transformative leadership. Learn more about Colorado UpLift: https://coloradouplift.org/ Learn more about Granger Network: https://grangernetwork.com  

We continue exploring and celebrating effective and transformational leadership with our Leading on Purpose Live conference. In today´s episode, we will share our second keynote, Jason Janz, co-founder and CEO of CrossPurpose, a nonprofit with the mission of abolishing relational, economic, and spiritual poverty to career and community development. Through his journey, Janz shares his vision about leadership in the organization and its program for people who live in financial poverty to build a career opportunity. He explains the Cross Purpose's Program: economic capital, social capital, and spiritual capital. Also, Janz shares how he learned how segregate the city is and explains the individual poverty and systemic poverty through his experiences. He gives us the principles that we can apply to improve our communities, leaving behind the cheap charity and listen, have lasting solutions. The CrossPurpose journey began in 2008 when we learned what it meant to “love our neighbor.” Learn more about Colorado UpLift: https://coloradouplift.org/ Learn more about CrossPurpose: https://www.crosspurpose.org/

Our conference Leading on Purpose Live took place a few weeks ago to celebrate leaderships and to explore the season topic: leaders and their engagement with their communities. In today´s episode, we share our first keynote speaker for the conference Walt Rakowich, chairman of the board for Colorado Uplift and former CEO of Prologis, a global real estate company. Walt Rakowich talks about his experience in Prologis as CEO, in one of the most challenging times in the economy, to explain the importance of outstanding leadership to improve transformation in companies. Without authentic and transparent leadership, companies could crack. Walt explains what great leaders do to make a company great (sometimes great again) and the two biggest demons any leader has to deal with through examples. In his intervention explains what leadership mean to him and the importance of leading with transformative influence, a topic that he explores in his book Transfluence: How To Lead With Transformative Influence In Today's Climates Of Change https://waltrakowich.com/book/ Walt Rakowich shares his leadership lessons for day-to-day related to the three essential virtues that best leaders have: humility, honesty, and heart; that can be applied for all people leading a big corporate, a business, or leading at home. For Walt Rakowich, leadership is about humanizing your approach. Learn more about Walt Rakowich: https://waltrakowich.com/

On today´s mini-episode, Colorado UpLift’s Development Director, Nicole Peters, provides a preview of Leading on Purpose Live, a conference exploring and celebrating effective and transformational leadership. This half-day, the hybrid conference features five renowned leaders and speakers as well as Colorado UpLift students and alumni who are passionate about bringing positive change to their communities through character and leadership. Dr. Joe Sanders also gives us a sneak peek of what his talk will feature. Joins us on May 13th for this event and discover how to impact your community through leadership! Register Now: https://coloradouplift.org/leading

In past episodes, we’ve talked about adding value to education and schools with a variety of guests. This week we’re wrapping up this subtheme by talking to Pete Ferguson, a Youth Development Coordinator for Lincoln Public Schools in Nebraska. Joe talks with Pete about his role as a relationship engagement specialist, his background, and his passion for letting young scholars know their value and capacity to succeed. Additionally, Pete explores some of the current trends in education while also discussing the relationship between schools and the broader community.   Learn more about UpLift: ColoradoUpLift.org   Register for Leading on Purpose Live: ColoradoUpLift.org/Leading   Learn More about Pete Ferguson: https://peterfergusonbhs.com/

This week we’re continuing our theme of adding value to schools and education with Scott Burke, the Assistant Principal and CTE Pathway Director of Abraham Lincoln High School in Denver. In the episode, Scott talks about the different programs and initiatives Lincoln is building to give its students more options for success during and after high school. He also discusses the relationship between a school and the broader community and practical ways for people to get involved in improving local schools.   Learn more and register for Leading on Purpose Live: https://coloradouplift.org/leading/  Learn more and donate to Colorado UpLift: https://coloradouplift.org/  

This week, Joe and Brian check in once again with Dr. Kristin Waters, the principal of George Washington High School and Leading on Purpose's very first podcast guest back in 2019! Dr. Waters talks about the progress her school is making on its initiatives and strategic plan even during the pandemic and provides insight into education trends as a whole.    Learn more about George Washington High School: https://gwhs.dpsk12.org Learn more and donate to Colorado UpLift: https://coloradouplift.org/

In this episode of Leading on Purpose, we continue talking about education and ways to add value to local schools with our guest Lorii Rabinowitz, the CEO of the Denver Scholarship Foundation. Lorii shares with Joe and Brian about the work the DSF is doing to help give underserved students in Denver access to secondary education as well as how she’s approached leading an organization through the pandemic and other events of 2020. Lorii’s expertise and experience provide listeners valuable insight into how to lead during times of chaos and crisis while also lifting up the marginalized. Learn more about Denver Scholarship Foundation: https://denverscholarship.org/ Learn more and donate to Colorado UpLift: https://coloradouplift.org/

In this new season of Leading on Purpose, we’re exploring how to add value to schools and education in your communities. In this episode, Dr. Joe Sanders talks with Noel Ginsburg, the CEO of CareerWise, a nonprofit in Denver that focuses on providing the best opportunities for young people through apprenticeship. Noel explains how an apprenticeship can benefit schools, students, and businesses, changing the way we view higher education in America and adding actual job experience to theoretical school knowledge. Noel also discusses his path to founding CareerWise, the company’s plans for expansion, and the importance of its Equity First program. Learn more about CareerWise: https://www.careerwisecolorado.org/en/    Learn more and donate to Colorado UpLift: https://coloradouplift.org/ 

Leading on Purpose, a podcast by Colorado UpLift, is back! This second season will focus on helping listeners “add value” to their communities. Throughout the year we’ll interview a diverse range of community leaders and learn how to add value to our schools, neighborhoods, families, and workplaces. In this mini episode, Lindsay, Joe, and Brian talk about what listeners can expect in this new season and give some interview sneak peeks! https://coloradouplift.org/podcast/

This week’s guest, Chuck Crowe, is Colorado Uplift’s new Chief Revenue Officer. Joe and Brian introduce Chuck and talk with him about his hopes for his time at UpLift, what drew him to philanthropy, and his wealth of experience in helping nonprofits reach their goals. Chuck inspires listeners to step in and create change beyond themselves. “If you want to change your life, look for ways to help others be successful.”   Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/08/18/leading-on-purpose-ep-23-chuck-crowe-show-notes/ To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/  

This week, Joe and Brian talk with Therese Ivancovich and Jennifer Superka from the Denver Education Attainment Network (DEAN), a collective impact initiative focused on increasing educational attainment and closing the attainment gap for students in Denver. Therese and Jennifer share about the important work they’re doing, the successes they’ve seen, and how they tap into the power of collaboration to better students, schools, and communities in Denver and throughout Colorado.   Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/08/03/leading-on-purpose-ep-22-therese-ivancovich-and-jennifer-superka-show-notes/   To find out more about DEAN, visit here: https://denverednetwork.org/ To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/  

This week, Joe and Brian talk with Sherry Paramore, Frank Bell, and Kevin Byerly, Elevate leaders from across the country. Elevate USA is Colorado UpLift’s sister organization that takes UpLift’s model and mission of building long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth and replicates it in cities throughout the US. In this episode, Sherry, Frank, and Kevin share their incredible experiences of working with students as well as some of the leadership lessons they’ve learned along the way.   Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/07/20/leading-on-purpose-ep-21-elevate-leadership/ To find out more about Elevate USA, go here: https://elevatetheusa.org To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/

Joe and Brian sit down with Russel Dains, CEO of Save Our Youth, to explore how to effectively begin a new leadership role and how a leader can help guide an organization through a time of transition. They also discuss how recent events such as the pandemic and growing awareness of racial issues are affecting the work of Save Our Youth and their outlook on the future.   Save Our Youth is a youth development organization providing at-risk youth with educational, emotional, and spiritual skills for success through long-term mentoring relationships. To find out more go to https://saveouryouth.org   Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/07/07/leading-on-purpose-ep-20-russel-dains-show-notes/   To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/   To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/  

This week, Joe and Brian talk with Representative James Coleman about his role in public service, his passion for education, and how recent events have impacted his various leadership positions. They also discuss Coleman’s founding of FaithBridge, a faith-based nonprofit committed to engaging and mobilizing the faith community to ensure a high-quality education for every child. To learn more about FaithBridge, visit them here: https://faithbridgeco.org   To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/   Donate to Colorado UpLift's Stand Together campaign: https://coloradouplift.org/stand-together/   Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/06/23/leading-on-purpose-ep-19-rep-james-coleman-show-notes/

Colorado Uplift staff members, Vic, Maria, and Adrian sit down to intentionally respond to and navigate through the conversation around racism and social injustice. Sharing their own experiences with racism and seeing the impact of the injustice on their students, UpLift brings tools to help listeners engage and participate in change.   Be intentional. Engage in meaningful conversations. Take time to lament. And examine what we need to change ourselves. In the words of Adrian, it's time to cry out and step out.   Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/06/09/leading-on-purpose-ep-18-a-conversation-with-uplift-staff-about-racism/   To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/   To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/

This week, Joe and Brian talk with Michael Burnside, a property accountant at Cardinal Group, and Ross Curington, the manager of Colorado UpLift's Advanced Leadership Program. Ross and Michael share about the partnership between UpLift and Cardinal Group and how it provided students with opportunities to gain real-world leadership experience in an organizational context, a true example of a company giving back to its community in a creative and practical way.    Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/05/27/leading-on-purpose-ep-17-michael-burnside-and-ross-curington-show-notes/   Find out more about Cardinal Group: https://cardinalgroup.com/   To learn more about Colorado UpLift and make a tax-deductible donation, visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/

Ned Breslin spent decades leading at Water for People, but his passion for helping people on the margins and a personal connection to the child welfare system brought him back to Denver and the Tennyson Center for Children. This week, Joe and Brian talk to Ned and learn how a child's life can change when they are seen, heard, and valued. Ned is living proof of his belief that true change and transformation are possible.    Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/05/11/leading-on-purpose-ep-16-ned-breslin-show-notes/ To find out more about the Tennyson Center for Children, click here: https://www.tennysoncenter.org/about/ To learn more about Colorado UpLift and make a tax-deductible donation visit us here: ColoradoUpLift.org

Did you catch our event, From Our Homes to Yours? You can still watch here: https://donate.onecause.com/our-homes-to-yours/home   “So much of society is on pause that it can be easy to forget tragedy and struggles are not on pause,” says Aurora teacher, Cameron. Through technology and connecting remotely, Cameron and Dominque have been able to meet to the needs of their students even during social distancing and "Stay at Home" mandates. This week, Joe and Brian interview these UpLift team members from the Aurora pipeline area to hear more about their passion for building relationships with underserved students.   Watch a recording of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8F47yTho3Y   Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/04/27/leading-on-purpose-ep15-aurora-teacher-mentors-show-notes/   To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/

We all have moments we can look back on that brought clarity to our life’s purpose. Jami Duffy, Executive Director of Youth on Record in Denver, reflects on some of the moments that led her down the path of standing up for what was right. In this episode of Leading on Purpose, Joe and Brian hear the inspiring story of how Youth on Record began and how this incredible nonprofit continues to reach the hearts of students through music and the arts, even amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Duffy also provides wisdom and insight on how to lead a team during these uncertain times.     “We were all born for this moment. We were built for these times,” is a courageous invitation for the listeners from Duffy to ask the important question, “Are we living in our purpose? When we do, everything aligns.”   Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/04/13/leading-on-purpose-ep14-jami-duffy-show-notes/ To find out more about Youth on Record, click here: YouthOnRecord.org To learn more about Colorado UpLift and make a tax-deductible donation visit us here: ColoradoUpLift.org  

*A note for our listeners: at the time of recording this episode, the State of Colorado is under a shelter-in-place mandate due to COVID-19. During this time, Colorado UpLift is considered an essential business and is still able to deliver goods and services to students and families.   Marc Saenz, a teacher/mentor at West High School and in the UpLift west pipeline area, joins Joe and Brian to talk about his journey through UpLift, from student to staff member. Marc now gets to walk alongside and support kids who remind him of himself at that age. Marc also talks about the ways he is currently connecting with students; during the COVID-19 outbreak, maintaining consistency in relationships is essential! If you would like to donate to Colorado UpLift’s COVID-19 Supplies Fund, visit ColoradoUpLift.org/LoveOurNeighbors. Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/03/31/leading-on-purpose-ep13-marc-saenz-show-notes/  

At Colorado UpLift, education is at the heart of our vision and what we do in the community. This week, Joe and Brian speak with Dr. Everette Freeman, the president of the Community College of Denver, who provides valuable insight into the state of education in America and the challenges facing higher educational institutions. Everette delights in sharing the unique benefits of community colleges, specifically the Community College of Denver, which is implementing practical steps for current and future students.    Learn more about CCD: https://www.ccd.edu/ Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/03/17/leading-on-purpose-ep12-everette-freeman-show-notes/   To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate

Jason Janz, co-founder and CEO of CrossPurpose, shares his personal and convicting journey of radical love. Jason created the nonprofit CrossPurpose to help abolish relational, economic, and spiritual poverty through career and community development.  Restoring dignity and building multigenerational, transformative legacies in diverse communities is at the core of what CrossPurpose accomplishes by living within the neighborhood it serves. CrossPurpose focuses on quality and not quantity by loving people expensively. Jason reminds listeners that a great place to start impacting others is through loving just one person. It is time to build a love movement. To find out more about CrossPurpose, go to www.CrossPurpose.org. Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/03/03/leading-on-purpose-ep11-jason-janz/   To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/  

*WARNING: Some violent/graphic content discussed in this episode UpLift program staff Abraham and Lily Urbina share about their backgrounds, personal challenges, and how those experiences helped prepare them for working with underserved youth in Denver. The couple gives insight into the needs Colorado UpLift is addressing in schools in communities and the importance of approaching young people with empathy and understanding. Abe also discusses UpLift's growing Adventure Program and his vision for its future.  Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/02/18/leading-on-purpose-ep10-abraham-and-lily-urbina-show-notes/   ----------------------------------- To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/

Bryan Sederwall (aka Pastor B), founder and director of the Denver Dream Center, shares his journey of moving to Denver and seeing a need for hope in inner city communities. Pastor B describes how he collaborates with city leaders such as the Denver mayor, City Council, and Chief of Police, along with dedicated staff and volunteers to rescue people, rebuild lives, and restore dreams. Pastor B also illuminates the needs of people who feel stuck in cycles of poverty, addiction, gangs, and incarceration and how listeners can get involved in bringing change. Helping serve can be as easy as showing up and having a smile on your face. For more information on ways you can help serve and/or donate, go to www.DenverDreamCenter.org.   Follow on Instagram and Facebook @DenverDreamCenter.   Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/02/04/leading-on-purpose-ep9-bryan-sederwall-pastor-b-show-notes/ ——————— To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/

Walt Rakowich, Colorado UpLift's Board Chairman, walked into a situation that had nowhere to go but up. Prologis (a global leader in logistics real estate) was slammed by the 2008 downturn, their stock was down 95%, and Walt was asked to assume to role of CEO. This week, Brian and Joe talk with Walt about some of his leadership lessons learned during his time at Prologis, the importance of being transparent, fighting against the hurry of everyday life, and how listeners can give back to their communities. Find out more about Walt on his website: https://waltrakowich.com/ Read the full note notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/01/21/leading-on-purpose-ep8-walt-rakowich-show-notes/ ——————— To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/

On this episode of Leading on Purpose, we talk with Helen about her background: growing up in the segregated south and how moving to an Ivy League school helped open her horizons. Helen also explores her move into corporate America, a transition into a new passion, and her lifelong pursuit of justice and fighting poverty. ——————— To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/ Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/01/06/leading-on-purpose-ep7-helen-young-hayes-show-notes/

Dick Saunders is not only a successful commercial real estate developer, he’s a member of the Colorado Business Hall of Fame and a founding board member of Colorado UpLift! This week we sit down with Dick to talk about core values for building a successful business, struggles and lessons learned, and Dick's passion for helping urban youth. Learn more about Dick and his company: https://www.saundersinc.com/team-members/dick-saunders/ ——————— To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ To make a tax-deductible donation, go here: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/ Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2020/01/02/leading-on-purpose-ep6-dick-saunders-show-notes/

John Ramstead has bounced back from multiple curveballs in life: an injury that derailed his award-winning fighter pilot career, failed startups and businesses, and a life-changing, near-death horse accident. This week we sit down with John to talk about his life lessons, from mentorship and learning from failure, to mindset changes and the power of second chances, all lessons that closely align with the mission of Colorado UpLift.  Learn more about John here: http://eternalleadership.com/ Learn more about Colorado UpLift: https://coloradouplift.org/ Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2019/12/16/leading-on-purpose-ep5-john-ramstead-show-notes/  

This week we sit down with Bryant Shaw, principal of East Middle School in Aurora, CO. Bryant talks about growing up in a military family, his eight years in pro football, and the lessons he learned that have translated into education and running a middle school. We also explore Bryant’s leadership strategies, how he overcomes “learned helplessness” in his schools, and how he casts a vision for his students and their futures. Check out Bryant’s school: https://east.aurorak12.org/home To learn more about Colorado UpLift visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2019/11/26/leading-on-purpose-ep4-bryant-shaw-show-notes/

When Dr. Kent Hutcheson founded Colorado UpLift in 1982 as a summer jobs program for urban and underserved youth, he had no idea what kind of impact he’d have, not only in the Denver area, but around the country. In this special episode, we talk with Dr. Hutcheson’s son about the life of his father, the impact he saw, and how to pass on a legacy that lasts for generations, all while sharing many stories along the way. Pre-order your copy of Dr. Hutcheson’s Book, A Most Incredible Adventure: A Memoir, on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2qGluJ7 Learn more about Colorado UpLift: https://coloradouplift.org/ Partner with us through a tax-deductible donation: https://coloradouplift.org/donate/ Read the full show notes:https://coloradouplift.org/2019/11/11/leading-on-purpose-ep3-show-notes/

How are you changing your community? Sean Myers joins us for episode two of Leading on Purpose to talk about change management, making systems simple and easy, and helping people take ownership to become the creators of change. We also chat about Sean’s passion for UpLift and how to help break bad mindsets. Sean challenges listeners to grow and get involved in communities beyond their comfort zones. Sean Myers is a long-time UpLift board member and the CEO Pure Potential, a holding company for his distributorship of Juice Plus. To learn more about UpLift, visit us here: https://coloradouplift.org/ Read the full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2019/11/01/leading-on-purpose-ep2-show-notes/

Working in an inner-city school presents a unique set of challenges. For our first episode, Dr. Kristin Waters joins Colorado UpLift CEO Dr. Joe Sanders to talk about these challenges, along with success stories, and how GWHS partners with UpLift to raise up leaders in her school. Dr. Waters is the principal of George Washington High School in the Denver Public School District: https://gwhs.dpsk12.org/?team=dr-kristin-waters Learn more about Colorado UpLift: https://coloradouplift.org/  Read full show notes: https://coloradouplift.org/2019/11/01/leading-on-purpose-ep1-show-notes/

Leading on Purpose will enlighten, energize, and equip leaders to make a difference in their communities. Colorado UpLift is a nonprofit dedicated to building long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth. For more than thirty-seven years we’ve been working with underserved students in the Denver Area and building up new generations of city leaders. Learn more about Colorado UpLift here: https://coloradouplift.org/