The Rooted Leadership Podcast

Thank you for listening to The Rooted Leadership Podcast! Today, we are honored to have Ryan Marshall with us, an experienced school counselor and dedicated advocate for student well-being. With a deep commitment to supporting students and educators through the challenges they face, Ryan has been at the forefront of crisis response and transformational leadership in his school district. His work emphasizes the power of relationships, vulnerability, and truth-telling in the education system, and he's been a key figure in driving meaningful change to better support both students and staff. In today's episode, Ryan will share his insights on navigating crises in schools, the shift from transactional to transformational approaches in education, and how the Groundwork program has played a role in enhancing the outcomes for educators and students alike. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that delves into the heart of what it means to connect, grow, and lead through times of fear and grief. This conversation explores the themes of crisis response in education, the importance of transformational leadership, and the need for deeper relationships between educators and students. Chris and Ryan discuss the impact of recent crises on their school community and how their experiences have shaped their understanding of grief, loss, and the necessity for effective communication and support systems. They emphasize the importance of equipping educators with the tools and time needed to foster meaningful relationships with students, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes and community engagement. Thanks for watching!  

In this conversation, Chris and Jason discuss the importance of philanthropy and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. Jason shares personal stories of how he was influenced by his parents and early experiences to care about doing good and helping others. They explore the challenge of maintaining the essence of philanthropy as it evolves over time and generations. They emphasize the need to stay connected to the people being helped and to avoid turning philanthropy into a transactional process. The conversation highlights the transformative power of philanthropy and the joy that comes from giving and serving others. We hope you liked this episode! Please like and share to support our show. You can also watch some of our most recent episodes here on our youtube channel @groundworkleadership under Rooted Leadership Podcast Highlights. __ Thanks for watching! Exciting News! Our TEDx Talk on Transformational Leadership Drops This Month – Stay Tuned! Check out another series on my youtube channel: Life and Leadership | Chris Pineda, Groundwork Leadership https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1GuQtiEuoFzThLWg-bhKijGzbW09rR18. Chris Pineda Keynote Speeches https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1GuQtiEuoFxx-CEiBPcTMtiG0RiQfs1R. The Rooted Leadership Podcast Highlights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5nk5lqfZBw&list=PL1GuQtiEuoFxA6LOsow8SdRKDPZg2Ln3e. Groundwork Leadership's Client Success Stories https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsY_liF4qw4&list=PL1GuQtiEuoFwMy3QjRVhOEMAPsyfPm_4b. __ Over the span of 5 years Groundwork Leadership has been working with local leaders across industries (philanthropy, faith, government, education, non profit, and business) to raise the tide of leadership in our community. Our services include: Local Leadership Cohorts, Business Retreats, Full-Day Workshops, One-on-One Coaching, Organizational Assessments, Online Courses, and Large Keynote Speeches. I am Chris Pineda and I am the CEO of Groundwork Leadership. Our mission is to help individuals, organizations and communities grow a more collaborative culture and break free from transactional behaviors and mindset. Like, Share, and Subscribe to our channel! Follow us on Facebook at - Groundwork Leadership Follow us on LinkedIn at - Groundwork Leadership, Chris Pineda Follow us on Instagram at - @groundworkleadership, @transformwithchris Follow us on TikTok at - @transformwithchris, @groundworkleadership Download our Podcast - The Rooted Leadership Podcast found on apple and spotify! Visit our Website - www.groundworkleadership.org WE ARE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS! If our message resonates with you please reach out to support@groundworkleadership.org.

Thanks for watching! Please help us share our message by sharing this episode with a friend. Exciting News! Our TEDx Talk on Transformational Leadership Drops This Month – Stay Tuned! The Rooted Leadership Podcast explores topics of leadership, culture, and conflict. The host, Chris, and guest, David Whippy, discuss their friendship and background in peacebuilding. They emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue and learning in conflict resolution. They also highlight the need to understand the root causes of conflict and address the underlying needs and values of individuals involved. The conversation touches on the significance of recognizing expertise on the ground and involving stakeholders in the process. They discuss the concepts of Talanoa and Veivosaki-yaga, which involve open discussions and in-depth conversations to build relationships and address conflicts. The conversation explores the importance of having a common language in conflict resolution and creating a culture of peace. Indigenous practices are highlighted as valuable tools for building understanding and connection. The speakers discuss the significance of language and values in creating a common ground and fostering effective communication. They also emphasize the role of individuals in being the solution to conflict and the importance of honoring and learning from indigenous cultures. New to Groundwork Leadership?  Over the span of 5 years Groundwork Leadership has been working with local leaders across industries (philanthropy, faith, government, education, non profit, and business) to raise the tide of leadership in our community. Our services include: Local Leadership Cohorts, Business Retreats, Full-Day Workshops, One-on-One Coaching, Organizational Assessments, Online Courses, and Large Keynote Speeches. I am Chris Pineda and I am the CEO of Groundwork Leadership. Our mission is to help individuals, organizations and communities grow a more collaborative culture and break free from transactional behaviors and mindset. Like and share our podcast! You can find highlights of this episode on our socials below. Follow us on Facebook at - Groundwork Leadership Follow us on LinkedIn at - Groundwork Leadership, Chris Pineda Follow us on Instagram at - @groundworkleadership, @transformwithchris Follow us on TikTok at - @transformwithchris, @groundworkleadership Download our Podcast - The Rooted Leadership Podcast found on apple and spotify! Visit our Website - www.groundworkleadership.org WE ARE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS! If our message resonates with you please reach out to support@groundworkleadership.org.    

Join us for a captivating episode featuring Chad Ford, esteemed global mediator and bestselling author of "Dangerous Love." With unparalleled experience in resolving conflicts across the globe. We also have two new guests on the show: Jessica Otjen and Hassan Hassan who are alumni of Groundwork Leadership. Our alumni are going to have the privilege of asking Chad some interesting questions about his work around the globe as a conflict mediator and professor. He shares profound insights from his book, Dangerous Love and the lessons he's learned from different cultures around the world, specifically the Pacific Islands. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened as Chad's wisdom encourages you to cultivate intentional relationships and embrace the transformative power of empathy and understanding. Tune in for an unforgettable journey towards greater compassion and connection.

Join us on a captivating exploration of Groundwork Leadership with the incredibly talented Ron Artis II. In this inspiring episode, we delve into the unique and extraordinary journey of this rising star in the music industry. Ron Artis II is on a quest to carve his own path, and his story is a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience in the face of challenges. Discover how Ron Artis II's approach to leadership in the music world differs from the conventional as he navigates the industry with a distinct vision and unwavering determination. Through his groundbreaking work, Ron Artis II is redefining what it means to be a leader, emphasizing the importance of individuality and staying true to one's artistic identity.

Join us for a captivating episode featuring Chad Ford, esteemed global mediator and bestselling author of "Dangerous Love." With unparalleled experience in resolving conflicts across the globe, Chad shares profound insights from his book and the lessons learned from diverse cultures, religious leaders, and individuals. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened as Chad's wisdom encourages you to cultivate intentional relationships and embrace the transformative power of empathy and understanding. Also joining the show are two alumni from our programming that share their experience with Chad's book. Tune in for an unforgettable journey towards greater compassion and connection.

Ellen Bennett sits down and chats with Chris Pineda about what it means to be an entrepreneur, inspirational leader, and follow your dreams. Ellen's exciting energy is exactly what you need to start your fire and chase after your dreams TODAY! Her story is motivating and full of passion. Listen to how she takes Groundwork principles to a whole new level. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Tamra Goettsch; Director of Marion County Community Services Department, Rhonda Rhodes; CTEC Principal in the Salem Keizer School District, and Anthony Mitchell; Director of Solera Holdings, join Chris Pineda on the Rooted Leadership podcast. As Groundwork alumni, they discuss what it's like to be a part of Groundwork Leadership, the collaborative solutions they've created in the community, and concepts like Follower-ship and Team Leadership. Connect with Groundwork Leadership Institute: www.groundworkleadership.org

Evann Remington; CEO of Fresh n' Local Foods; Anthony Mitchell; Director of Solera Holdings, and Kanoe Barth; Assistant Director of Center 50+, join Chris Pineda on the Rooted Leadership podcast. They discuss what it's like to attend Groundwork's annual retreat and why it can be so transformational. Connect with Groundwork Leadership Institute: www.groundworkleadership.org

We welcomed Dr. Cassie Holmes on our show and to our leadership institute. Cassie joined us in Salem as the keynote speaker at our end-of-the-year leadership banquet. Cassie is an incredible thinker and contributor to her field, she has recently written a book called“Happier Hour”, which is discussed in this episode. Cassie is an expert on time and happiness, she has researched the topic relentlessly and has been published in leading academic journals; in addition to being recognized by NPR and The New York times. She was an absolute treat to have on the show, thank you, Cassie! Listeners, be ready to completely reconsider how you spend your time, what makes you happy, and how the two are intimately connected.

The two most important days of our lives are the day we were born and the day we find out why—understanding our 'why", or our purpose, Is an essential part of living. One could ask if we are even living without knowing it, or are we just passively passing through life? To have a purpose is profound, and our guest Commissioner Kevin Cameron is a prime example of someone who has lived with a purpose for many years. He has gotten o know his purpose intimately over time and continues to learn from it. He has started and owned his own business, as well as served in politics for many years. His perspective is one worth learning from, and it was a treat to have him on the show. Kevin has participated in our Groundwork Leadership Institute this past year and looks forward to serving as an alumnus in years to come.

Each year we welcome a new cohort of leaders to go through our 12-month leadership program. In this episode, we share a discussion with one of our soon-to-be Groundwork Leaders regarding what they are looking forward to next year. Evann Remington is a local business owner in the Salem area. Over 15 years ago, she started Fresh n' Local Foods. She is at the point in her career where she longs to know what the next 15 years will look like. She, like many others in our program, is at a turning point in her career where an institute like Groundwork can set the tone for a new perspective, relationships, and opportunities. How many of you are at a similar point in your career or life where you feel like change is needed? Evann is an excellent example of someone who knows what they want, has laser focus, and is open to change/development. Evann, we look forward to you joining our leadership family!

Those who are familiar with building a following on social media know how difficult it can be to get a few thousand followers, let alone tens of thousands. Cam Browne, a local influencer joined our show. Cam has built an online community with over 40k followers on various platforms. Cam is a humble, quiet, and unsuspecting person. He wouldn't call himself as a leader who is out in front of people leading the chard to follow him, however, that is exactly what he is. Cam leads a community and has a tremendous influence on thousands of people. There is a lot to learn from him about leadership and influence--albeit is in a different context and environment; it is certainly transferable to the organizational world.

Aaron Ng'ambi has spent the past several years learning from various leaders in his country of Zambia. He has met with political leaders, sometimes in their homes, and asked questions and listened. He has wanted to understand what makes great leaders, and what they have in common. Aaron hopes to return to his country in due time and serve in a political capacity as a leader so he can influence others for good. He is inspired to learn as much as he can about leadership in the interim. We agree with Aaron that studying leadership is essential to leading. We owe it to our personal philosophies and those we lead to study how to lead. We reflect on great leaders like Nelson Mandela who are examples of taking great leadership principles literally. Enjoy this episode and discover more about why we take the time to study leadership within our institute.

Menlo Innovations is a software development company that has been around for 21 years. As the CEO and Co-Founder, Richard Sheridan travels the world telling people about what his company does. They are not an ordinary tech company, their mission is to bring joy to the tech world and end suffering as it relates to technology. They have discovered and built an amazing culture that grasps human energy because they believe in 'running the experiment'. Rich has authored two excellent books, Joy Inc. and Cheif Joy Officer, wherein he tells the story of Menlo innovations. You will want to hear the stories Rich shares and learn from what he has done with his company over the past two decades. This is a must-listen!

For the second time our show welcomes entrepreneur Chris Udall on the show. Last time (episode 45) we discussed his non profit "Rebuilding For Peace" that has done some amazing work to find and create elicit entrepreneurs. This time, Chris is setting out a venture capitalist to address the food crisis much of our world is facing. He brings new light to AgTech and space farming in a way you will not forget. Ultimately, Chris is another great example of leadership and one who strives relentlessly toward potential.

Ryan Allen spent nearly a decade in the NFL and in that time had the opportunity to play with some of the best, including Tom Brady, he also was able to learn from great leaders/coaches like Bill Belichick. However, Ryan has been learning from leaders around him for his entire life, from his childhood soccer coach to many others. Working through adversity at any level is something that all of us must face, but seeking out and learning from the right influencers around us can make all the difference. You don't want to miss this episode!

The great resignation has been making headlines as a hot topic for some time now. There are many theories as to why it is happening, as well as many prescriptions offered. Some good, and some bad. We decided to take this topic on with a guest who has been thinking about it a lot in her work as a leadership coach. Andrea Horvath joined our show and tells of her journey from when she left the corporate world as a CPA several years ago and has since dedicated her life and work to coaching leaders of all kings. Conscious leadership is a critical element of her coaching style and what she espouses with her clients.

Julio Rincon, Lead Storyteller at the Arbinger Institute, joins our show to discuss the power of stories. Julio has incredible experience producing film and videos that tell amazing stories. He has been able to travel the world to capture stories, interview people, hear others share their stories, and then digitally produce them. We discuss what he has learned over the years, his process, and ultimately the best types of stories to share--the stories that reflect transformational changes. If you love storytelling or are interested in how you can better leverage the power of stories to influence others, you will enjoy this episode.

Chad Ford, author of Dangerous Love and global mediator/peacebuilder, joins our show for the third time. In this conversation, we explore the idea that standing your ground in conflict, even for something you know is true, does not lead to peace. We live in a world where people are divided and constantly at battle. Whether it is a political ideology, religion, etc., we often feel that in order to be right, we have to win. But the truth is that when we have a heart at war in conflict, we have already lost. The ground that we feel we must "hold" in the quest for being right is actually shared. We exist on the same ground with others and have so much more in common than we might initially believe. The values we fight for are the same values for which we ought to "love dangerously."

A Samoan proverb was recently shared with us: "o le ala i le pule o le tautua." It translates as, "The pathway to leadership is through service." On this episode, we're joined by Matt Hawkins, Administrative Services Director of Polk County. With colleague Kasha Coombs, we dive into the concept of servant leadership--an idea that is much easier to discuss than actually apply. We talk about its benefits as well as its challenges and even potential failures. Your understanding of servant leadership will be expanded, and maybe even challenged, in this episode.

Our friend and fellow podcaster just down the road from us, Jacob Espinoza, joins us in studio. Jacob and Chris have both learned a great deal from podcasting--particularly the amazing potential every human being has to unlock their potential through their ideas, what they are capable of, what they can overcome, and who they can become. We dive into some key elements that we've noticed, from the abstract to the practical, when it comes to helping others (and ourselves) actualize. Learn more about Jacob at https://jacobespinoza.com/ and listen to one of his popular podcasts, Salem Emerging Leaders, on iTunes and Spotify.

Culture is a word that can have several meanings and is often misinterpreted in the organizational world. We talk of culture, we espouse culture, and we create culture; but do we "own" our culture in the workplace? Our guest and old friend in this episode, Seamus Fitzgerald, has made a life out of culture change. He has grown up deeply appreciating his Maori culture and other Polynesian culture; he spearheaded change in the #1-rated attraction throughout all the Pacific islands, The Polynesian Cultural Center. What he did there was remarkable, to say the least. He has since begun working for an internationally recognized company, doTERRA, as their Senior Manager of Leadership Development. Seamus exudes wisdom and authenticity, and he is someone we hope to continue learning from.

We had two amazing high school students join us to discuss their journey of leadership. In the short span of just a couple years, these two students, Brody and Delaney, have learned lessons about leadership that take a lifetime for most. When you hear two 17-year-olds say that they want every kid who walks through their high school doors to feel like they belong . . . it catches your attention. You will enjoy every minute of this episode! Special thanks to Delaney, Brody, their leadership teacher Chris Trammell, their parents, and anyone else who has taken part in shaping these amazing young people. Truly inspiring.

A current leader in Groundwork, Jasmine White, shares key realizations she has made over the past two months participating in the program. Innovation emerged as a focal point of our conversation--especially the contribution it has in creating conditions for transformational change. Jasmine is the Executive Director of Capital Community Media and has moved to Salem from the opposite side of the country to fill that role. We are excited to have her as part of our community and our Institute as we strive for excellence together! CCM Website: https://www.capitalcommunitymedia.org/

With us again is Seth Elliott, author of The Merlin Advantage. Seth joined our show last year through a mutual connection for one of our listeners' favorite episodes (#33), to discuss ideas from his book. He was in town to speak at one of our monthly leadership sessions recently, so we had to get him in studio again and go deeper into his book. Seth is a joy to be with and this episode delves further into the nuances of leadership.  

Jim Ferrell, bestselling author and Founder of Withiii Leadership Center, visited Groundwork to speak at our end-of-year banquet. We had to get him in studio for the second time to discuss concepts that are pertinent to what we teach within our institute. Jim has a vision for bridging divides and bringing people together, which is in line with our desire at Groundwork to create "conditions" for transformational change. We go deep in a fairly short amount of time in this episode--it is a must-listen, and probably one you will want to come back to. Enjoy! A big thank you to Jim and the Withiii Leadership Center.

The average school superintendent serves for about 5 years at a time, which makes education a breeding ground for organizational change and leadership transitions. Mary Paulson has served as the Chief of Staff for many superintendents; she has seen the reality of change up close. Change is difficult and the majority of people resist it. Mary provides such a great perspective from what she has learned over the years regarding change and transitional periods. If you are going through change or any type of transition, this episode is for you.

The CEO of our local Chamber of Commerce, Tom Hoffert, joins us in studio. Together we discussed the interplay between what we know and what we learn. We talked about our community and what leadership means within a community; the principles of leading at the community level apply at all levels. Leaders bring people together, unite them, and galvanize them toward a common goal. Strong leadership is needed in every community, and it starts with you.

Too many of us, especially leaders, get caught up in problem-solving, day in and day out. This is not necessarily bad--problems need to be solved, after all. The question we should be asking is, who should be solving them? As a leader, getting caught up in continuous problem solving can lead to days that feel consistently busy, without much closure or direction. If we can learn to give people the tools they need to solve their own problems, not only are solutions found, but leaders know exactly what they have done at the end of each day. Their role is to develop people. Are you developing the people you influence in your life? Justin Allen, COO of Neighborly Ventures, joins us this episode to discuss.

An experienced community leader, Tim Sinatra, joined us in the studio to discuss what he has learned from leading turnaround efforts inside of organizations. Tim has a breadth of knowledge valuable to anyone. This is a must-listen episode with a guest that we have wanted on our show for a long time. Salem is lucky to have him.

Special guest and consultant Kay Hazen spoke at our leadership institute and we were lucky enough to steal a few additional moments of her time for the show. We pick up the conversation right where we left off when she last joined us, focusing on leadership brands. It doesn't matter if we hold the title of being a leader or not, if we are young or old, in our personal life or professional life. What do people say about you when you leave the room? What they might say is what our brand is. Does that match with what we want it to be?

Over the past couple years, we have made a consistent effort to learn, grow, and improve our Rooted curriculum. In this episode, Chris and Tk Ford discuss several of the theoretical underpinnings of the framework. If you are curious about the Rooted curriculum or want some inspiration for the day, this is a great episode for you.

Good friend and CEO/Founder of NGO Rebuild for Peace, Christopher Udall, joins our show. We have been wanting to get Chris as a guest for a while now and we finally found a mutual time to connect. Chris has already had what seems to be a lifetime of experiences across the globe, engaging in peacebuilding efforts surrounding illicit trades (human trafficking, drugs, etc.). This episode is both heavy and refreshing as we learn from Chris's approach and about what each of us can do to improve our own relationships and communities.

Back on our show is the founder of Thread, Colby Bauer, along with his co-founder and spouse, McKenzie. In this episode, we discuss several of the transcendent elements of entrepreneurship that can relate to any leader or individual looking for improvement. We go deep as these two can naturally motivate and inspire anyone listening to them. We appreciate Colby and McKenzie, and we love their company and brand Thread, with the apt slogan to Carry On.

Dr. Kraig Sproles, Superintendent of the Bethel School District in Eugene, Oregon, joins us to discuss the dynamics of navigating a school district's community "Soil" (reference to our framework) when it comes to equity. We discuss several components to this challenge and opportunity--including the differences between equity, equality, and fairness. Most of all, what does the role that "seeing people" have in all of this? Kraig was an amazing guest and offers some incredible and well-balanced insight.

Dr. Caleb Freeman, a respected friend, joins our show to discuss what he has learned practicing medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caleb shares that while leadership is not a focal point of med school, it is one of the most important aspects of his job as a doctor. The concept of humility is an undercurrent through the entire discussion and Caleb exudes it. He is a true example of humble leadership and provides amazing insight that can benefit anyone, no matter their field or industry. The discussion gets especially profound when Caleb begins sharing what he has learned from being part of so many end-of life-conversations.

The idea of "climbing the corporate ladder" is an interesting paradox. We assume that as we grow in an organization and become leaders, that we "get" more. That certainly has some truth to it; however, the reality is that when we become leaders (if done well), we end up "giving away" much more than we receive. Today we ask: What are you willing to give up and are you leading well? A local leader and Executive Director of one of the largest youth sports programs in our community, Collin Box, joins the show. He is an amazing example of a leader who strives to give in every way. We deeply admire Collin and are grateful for his presence and leadership in our community.

Philosopher Martin Buber unpacked the idea that we are constantly in relation to others. We cannot escape that fact, but we do get to choose what type of relationship that becomes: an "I-It" relationship or an "I-Thou" relationship. Our guest, Zyanya Aguilar-Nelson, has made a career out of building relationships. While that is an expectation for all of us in life, it is her actual job in the communities where she lives and works. She has learned an immense amount regarding what works and what doesn't work in building relationships. We get deep into the topic and discuss what relationships look like with people we don't like, people who bother us, and even with those we don't know personally. This is worth a listen; all of us have relationships we need to improve.

When you meet Jonathan Castro, his passion and drive are immediately apparent. Jonathan's story and journey of success are impactful. He has found success because he constantly starts "today." He doesn't wait, he doesn't make excuses, and he has learned from amazing mentors he has sought out along the way. Some amazing food for thought that can lead to life-changing action here.

Mark Davis, head coach of 2021 NJCAA men's soccer national championship team, joins the show. Not only is Mark an amazing soccer coach, but he is a dear friend of Chris'. Mark coaches the men's and women's soccer teams for the SLCC Bruins. His women's team were the 2021 national champion runners up and his men's team were the 2021 national champions. In this episode, we dive into the mindset required to become a very small percentage of people that have accomplished something as significant as being a national champion. If you are interested in motivation, this episode is for you.

If someone asked you what your why was--your vision for life, and how you live it--what would you say? Could you state it in 12 words or fewer? If you were asked to write your why down on paper, what would you write? These may sound like trivial questions but they are profoundly important for all of us to answer. Many of us may be living below our potential, not knowing that defining our why is one of the first steps to changing that. One of our local leaders and Groundwork alumni, Tony Frazier, joins us in studio and shares his "filter" for life. He is motivating and passionate; this is a must-listen episode.

Amy Thomas is an incredible example of someone who lives the idea of 'using your suffering well'--a principle taught in our leadership institute. In this episode, she shares her journey of being diagnosed and living with hydrocephalus. More than two decades and 31 surgeries ago, Amy made a choice that offers a prime example of finding peace in the midst of chaos. The way she talks about one's power to choose is inspiring and actionable.

The Founder of Withiii Leadership Center and dear friend, Jim Ferrell joins the show. Jim has spent decades working in the organizational development world, leadership world, and is a best-selling author. He brings a breadth of knowledge and intellect to any conversation. His ideas and experience have changed many lives over the years. It is a pleasure to know him and have him on the show. Enjoy this episode.

Chad Ford was in town as a guest speaker in our leadership institute and joined our show for the second time. Chad masterfully dives into the theory behind his book "Dangerous Love," specifically how it impacts leadership and community transformation. We also discuss the fallacy of the term "touchy feely" and perhaps why people are afraid of it. This is a must-listen episode; Chad is one of a kind.

Seth Elliott--leader ally, consultant, and author--joins us for this episode. He drops loads of knowledge regarding leadership development and what it means to be human. Seth clearly knows his stuff and was an amazing guest to engage in conversation with. No matter who you are or what you do, this episode will leave you with plenty of incredible takeaways.

Special guest and community leader Kim Lemman will be the boost of energy you need. She starts this episode by saying that the work she engages in is "cool"--not a descriptor most would use for her important but hard role in the community. It is challenging, emotional, and heavy. Kim is a great example of someone who actively applied the Rooted Framework to her own leadership and work. You will not want to miss learning how she did it.

A high school basketball coach and teacher of 42 years joined the show--and my goodness, was it enriching! Tom Johnson has been positively influencing people for several decades; in this episode, he shares 8 lessons learned over the years and so much more. You will want to listen from start to finish.

Special guest Mark Speckman, author of Figure It Out, joins the show. Mark has coached football from the high school level all the way up to the professional level. He is currently a coach at UC Davis. Mark has spoken all over the country and has a simple yet powerful story. "Figuring it out" became a motto for Mark as he was born without hands and for his entire life, has had to figure out how to do what most of us never even think about. Listen to this stimulating conversation on how we can be better people and leaders by adopting this mentality and--you guessed it--figure it out.

From being homeless to now serving as one of the youngest school board members ever in the Salem/Keizer School District, Jesse Lippold Peone has an amazing story to share. Jesse has had nothing short of a challenging life; if you want to be inspired and reminded of what's important, then this episode is worth your time. What Jesse has learned the hard way has helped him become the type of person who strives daily to "walk the walk" in his leadership. 

Local Principal Jessica Brenden joins the show to discuss the unique community collaboration going on in her school's neighborhood. Although we covered all manner of topics--innovative practices, community engagement, and various other leadership subjects--humility was the dominant message. Jessica would never say this, but she exudes humility. It is a pleasure to learn from her and see how her leadership is vital in transforming an important pocket of our community.