The Leadership Louisville Podcast with Aaron Miller

In this episode of The Leadership Lounge Podcast, we have the pleasure of introducing our new Director of Leadership Development, Donald Woolridge Sr., MBA. As an expert in learning and development, Donald is passionate about helping organizations and individuals grow and thrive. He oversees the LeadingBetter™ brand, which is dedicated to fostering leadership excellence across various sectors.We dive into the LeadingBetter™ approach, exploring how we support organizations in building strong, effective leaders. Donald shares his vision for the future of leadership development and how LeadingBetter™ helps organizations drive meaningful change.Additionally, we give you an exciting sneak peek into the 2025 LeadingBetter™ Summit—an event you won't want to miss! Donald talks about what participants can expect, the value of attending, and how the Summit will empower leaders to take their skills to the next level.Support the show

In celebration of Women's History Month, this special podcast episode highlights the work we do at the Leadership Louisville Center and LeadingBetter™ to empower women leaders. Join us as we are joined by two powerhouse guests: Lisa Zangari, our in-house Executive Coach, and Cynthia Knapek, President and CEO of the Leadership Louisville Center. Together, they dive into the importance of women's leadership, share insights on how we're shaping the future for women in leadership roles, and discuss the impact of our work at LeadingBetter™.Plus, we're offering an exclusive promo code for our listeners to access upcoming LeadingBetter™ open courses designed to elevate women in leadership.Support the show

In celebration of Black History Month, we're extending our recognition with a special two-part podcast series. In part 2, we are featuring Ashley Duncan, Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity at Republic Bank and a member of our Board of Directors. Ashley's career has been dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Ashley reflects on the key lessons she's learned about influence, resilience, and how black leaders can have an impact in predominantly non-Black spaces. She dives into the challenges and triumphs of fostering inclusive environments and offers actionable insights for organizations. Support the show

This Black History Month, we're extending our celebration with a two-part podcast series. In Part 1, we speak with Dr. Douglas Craddock, Vice President of Community Engagement at the University of Louisville and Leadership Louisville Center board member and alum. Dr. Craddock shares his experiences as a Black leader, discussing key lessons on leadership, resilience, and making an impact in predominantly non-Black spaces. Dr. Craddock's perspective offers a powerful model for leadership in the modern world.  Support the show

In this episode of The Leadership Lounge, we're joined by our Director of Business Development, Engagement Manager, and Talent Development Leader to discuss the power of intentional leadership in the new year. Together, they explore how leaders can be purposeful in their approach to guiding teams, share their personal intentions and aspirations for 2025, and offer valuable tips for leaders who are setting goals for themselves and their teams. Whether you're looking to refine your leadership style or set meaningful objectives for the year ahead, this conversation is full of actionable insights to help you lead with intention and make 2025 your best year yet.Support the show

In this inspiring episode of the Leadership Lounge Podcast, we're joined by Pattie Dale Tye, Consulting COO for Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC and Board Member of Trilogy Health Services, LLC. Pattie shares her insights on what it means to show up authentically in your job and the importance of being a woman in leadership. She reflects on the mentors and individuals who helped shape her journey and discusses how she's paying it forward in her career today by giving back to others and supporting them along their leadership paths.We also dive into her new book, Ordinary to Extra-Ordinary, where she highlights her personal journey, and the lessons learned along the way. Pattie offers valuable advice on resilience, mentorship, and the power of authenticity in leadership.Don't miss this empowering conversation on leadership and how we can all support the next generation of leaders.Support the show

In this episode of The Leadership Lounge, we're joined by the new Executive Director of YPAL (Young Professionals Association of Louisville), along with current and past YPAL presidents, to discuss the importance of creating spaces for emerging leaders in our community. We dive into the strong connection between YPAL and the Leadership Louisville Center, exploring how both organizations collaborate to support leadership development and foster growth in Louisville. Listen in as we share valuable insights on leadership, mentorship, and the power of community-driven impact. Support the show

The ability to have civil conversations across differences is essential for effective leadership. This episode delves into the challenges and opportunities that happen when we seek to understand - not only for ourselves, but for our workplaces, our communities, and beyond. We'll explore strategies for fostering understanding, building empathy, and navigating difficult conversations with grace and respect. Join us as we discuss the importance of active listening, the power of perspective-taking, and the art of finding common ground. Discover how to turn potential conflict into opportunities for growth, innovation, and stronger relationships.Support the show

You need a network of strong women. We've put them at your table. Join us as we share Jennifer Green, Chief Legal Officer at Yum! Brands Digital & Technology, and Judge Jessica Green's inspiring journeys and pearls of wisdom.Support the show

You need a network of strong women. We've put them at your table. Join us as we share Jennifer Green, Chief Legal Officer at Yum! Brands Digital & Technology, and Judge Jessica Green's inspiring journeys and pearls of wisdom.Support the show

You need a network of strong women. We've put them at your table. Join us as we share Kim Baker, President and CEO of the Kentucky Performing Arts- the first woman and first Kentuckian to serve in this capacity's story and lessons that she has learned throughout her life!Support the Show.

In our inaugural episode, we explore the essence of social impact leadership through the lens of the Leadership Louisville Center. Join us as we uncover the ah-ha moments that inspire and transform individuals into impactful leaders. Discover why the Leadership Louisville Center stands as the largest leadership organization in the country and learn about our new brand, LeadingBetter™.We also introduce you to our groundbreaking initiative, The National Community Leadership Collaborative, featuring insights from Aaron Miller, Vice President; Holly Prather, Chief Operations Officer; and Cynthia Knapek, President and CEO of the Leadership Louisville Center. Hear firsthand how this collaborative effort aims to redefine community leadership on a national scale, fostering innovation and driving positive change.Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to make a difference, this episode promises to illuminate the power of leadership in creating a brighter future for communities everywhere.Support the Show.

Carolyn Tandy, the SVP and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Humana, Inc., has had an amazing career, spanning from the White House to the Fortune 500.   In this conversation we learn more about her journey, her mentors, and her vision for our community. The Leadership Louisville Podcast is possible with support from PNC Bank.   Support the show

Dr. Tom Owen is a Louisville legend.  An archivist with the University of Louisville for decades, a former member of the Louisville Board of Alderman, a former Metro Council member from district 9, a mayoral candidate, and a partner with the Leadership Louisville Center for over 40 years.  Tom has enthralled audiences with his stories of Louisville history, and now we talk about his own leadership journey.Support the show

Aaron is joined by his friend (and former Leadership Kentucky classmate) Amy Luttrell, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky.  Amy came to Louisville to lead Goodwill in 2014 after decades with the organization in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Tennessee. They talk about the real work of Goodwill, which is often different than the perceived mission, and how Goodwill goes beyond jobs and into housing, education, transportation, and felony expungement. Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Dan Mann is the Executive Director of the Regional Airport Authority, and he shares his journey from the military to airport management, the importance of building networks, and how to lead a critical piece of infrastructure through a global crisis.Special thanks to PNC Bank for supporting episodes of the Leadership Louisville PodcastSupport the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Mike Moll, SVP of PNC Bank, takes on the role of interviewer in this conversation with Cynthia Knapek, President of the Leadership Louisville Center. Topics include the science of leadership, the power of confidence and courage, and something about "leap and the net will appear."The Leadership Louisville Podcast is supported by PNC BankSupport the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

David Lopez came to Louisville in 2018 as the Chief Development Officer at Metro United Way.  A Mexican-American originally from San Diego, David brings a fresh perspective to our city, and it's reflected in this conversation. We talk about his career, how he came to Louisville, and in particular what it's like to be an "only" in an organization. Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Jerry Abramson is a legend in Louisville leadership.  As a mayor for 21 years, a Lieutenant Governor,  and  Director of Intergovernmental Affairs to President Obama, he has seen our government work at all levels, and he brings those experiences to this conversation.  We learn why he got into Public Service (versus "politics") and what he sees as his vision for the city of Louisville in the future.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Louisville Public Media President and General Manager Stephen George stops by the podcast to discuss his career journey - across multiple cities and multiple forms of media - to eventually come back to his hometown and lead an organization that has continued providing news throughout the pandemic and racial justice movement in Louisville.  Despite challenges, the organization is expanding the newsroom in 2021. Join Aaron and Stephen for a great conversation on leadership, pivoting, and growing into the future.Towards the end of the episode, Stephen mentions the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (https://www.cnpe.org/) and Young Authors Greenhouse (https://www.youngauthorsgreenhouse.org/)Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Dave Christopher is the Founder and CEO of AMPED (Academy of Music Production Education and Development) in the Russell neighborhood, and he's also leading the newly opened Russell Technology Business Incubator (RTBI). He and Aaron discuss the wisdom he learned from his father, how he started in tech by repairing his family's tube television, and how entrepreneurship can change lives. Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Louisville native David Mattingly is a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning journalist with four decades of experience reporting domestically and abroad. For 23 years David had a front-row seat to history as a CNN National Correspondent, but he considers returning to his hometown to be his most rewarding assignment. Aaron and David discuss being present for history, from 9/11 and hurricane Katrina to COVID-19, and how trust in media is changing in our world of "fake news" and misinformation.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Colonel Pam Stevenson has had an incredible journey, from the West End of Louisville to the US Air Force (and stations around the globe) for 27 years - and then back to Louisville and into the Kentucky House of Representatives for District 43. In this episode she shares stories and leadership lessons from an amazing career and how she plans to collaborate with all of Kentucky to help build a better tomorrow for everyone. Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Aaron gets a chance to catch up with a longtime friend, Mike Moll, Senior VP at PNC Bank. Mike grew and developed his leadership over a long career with PNC here in his hometown of Louisville. Mike and Aaron discuss how a career can evolve even if you're at the same company for a long time. They also discuss the two-way nature of mentoring relationships.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Aaron spends an hour with Dr. OJ Oleka and they discuss everything from leading during a pandemic, to education as a path out of poverty, to being black and politically conservative in 2020. At one point OJ mentions this book which we said would be in the show notes: Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (George Gund Foundation Book in African American Studies), https://www.amazon.com/dp/0520291905/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_4P5XFb61MSCP0 Special thanks to PNC Bank for being our presenting sponsor.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Aaron and Jeff discuss how the nonprofit sector, which is the fourth largest employer in the commonwealth of Kentucky, is surviving during COVID-19 and how more members of our community can get involved in philanthropy to help make our city better for everyone.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

New Louisvillian Christy Holly, the head coach of Racing Louisville F.C., talks to Aaron about the importance of family, why he likes cities with a river in the middle, and how he hopes to inspire a community.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

In this episode, Evon Smith, CEO of OneWest talks with us about her journey to leadership and to Louisville – and what makes the West End a unique, vibrant place. Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Aaron is back at it behind the mic and bringing you some fresh insight from our friend Ben Reno-Weber. His story is a fascinating example of how exposing ourselves to other cultures, worldviews, and even parts of town can inform the ways we bring change with us when we return home. Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Lisa Benson is the leader of one of Louisville's largest media outlets, Louisville Business First, part of a national network of business journals. Aaron and Lisa discuss the challenges of becoming a leader just in time for 2020, gain an outsider's perspective on our city, and talk about pivoting content and events to virtual (and still keeping readers engaged).Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Aaron Miller sits down with Walter Woods, who moved to Louisville in 2017 to lead the Humana Foundation. They discuss leadership, ego, getting out of your own way, racial justice, and the importance of being a mentor. Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Robert Barry Fleming talks about growing up in Frankfort and returning to Louisville to lead an iconic Louisville arts institution. Robert mentions three sources that we want to add here to the notes:- Catalyst Project- Racial Equity Institute- The People's Institute for Survival and BeyondWe also encourage you in the conversation to do some research on Anne Braden. Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Parks! Outdoors! Quality of place! A community is often defined by the quality of its public spaces, and Scott Martin chats about how Louisville can become an even greater, healthier, and more equitable community by working on our park systems. Here are more show notes: Book recommendation: The Nature Fix by Florence Williams http://www.florencewilliams.com/the-nature-fix www.riverheritageconservancy.org (also on social media)Scott's Recommendations for local things to do/seeHays Kennedy Park (one of our park named for a prominent African-American leaders – a great story by itself that is undertold). Add the Garvin Brown Preserve next door and it is a wonderful waterfront complex. https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/park-list/hays-kennedy-parkMammoth Cave Cedar Sink Trail (great day trip for families). To see the spot where entire creeks vanish underground and how the caves shape the land above them is like stepping into a landscape crafted for Narnia or Lord of the Rings. https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/trails.htmBig South Fork Recreation Area (off the beaten path, but a massive memory maker of a uniquely Appalachian landscape and zone that makes you feel worlds away from Louisville) https://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htmAnd O’Bannon State Park – just a fascinating state park with an ecology that seems like a piece of the Smokies that snuck away and hid in Southern Indiana. The perfect day trip for Louisville folks that want to get off the grid. I just learned about this site a few years ago and I find it more and more interesting each time I visit. The blue river is right there, too. Great paddling when everything else in the area dries up. https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2976.htmAnd in the podcast we talk about the Knobstone Trail, and here is some info about that https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/4224.htmSupport the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Sadiqa Reynolds, President and CEO of the Louisville Urban League, has a frank and honest discussion about race, the West End, "essential workers," and white allies.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Recorded on June 4. Nikki shares her insights on protesters, race relations, and how the business community can be part of the solution.Nikki references a book in the discussion, and it is The Covenant with Black America by various contributors with an introduction by Tavis Smiley, published in 2006. Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Dr. Tailor is only the 6th woman to be elected President of the Greater Louisville Medical Society as well being the first Indian-American leader of that organization (and one of the youngest ever!). Aaron and Dr. Tailor discuss what unique talents she brings to the role along with some advice for safely reopening our community from COVID-19. Their shared nerd-dom also comes into play (one of them is a giant Harry Potter nerd).Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Sarah shares her thoughts on women in leadership, how to re-open the Louisville economy, and ballroom dancing during a pandemic.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Former Kentucky Derby Festival president and current Secretary of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet Mike Berry sits down with Aaron to discuss his leadership journey (which involves working alongside several iconic state leaders) and also how you can learn everything you need to know about leadership from children's books.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Aaron and Stacey discuss entrepreneurship, the value of relationships, and the power of understanding culture. And a little bit about learning spanish online during a pandemic.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Aaron has a fascinating discussion with Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, Chief of Louisville Forward, about her journey into leadership and how a midnight trip to the fridge can make you realize that your job will never be the same.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)

Aaron and Maggie have a great conversation about leading a small business through times of crisis (and why it's like playing a card game) - and also about a moment in Maggie's life when leadership was offered to her and she knew she had to step up and take it.Support the show (https://www.leadershiplouisville.org/donate-to-scholarship-fund/)