• Introducing Zach Hoffman, the Founder and CEO of Swiss-Army Leadership. Zach joined the Lead with Empower podcast on the tail-end of his trip to visit family in California. He will soon be arriving back home in Austria to continue his work as a coach and small business owner!
• Zach introduces Swiss-Army Leadership and shares how his experiences in 6 different countries helped form the tools leaders need to effectively relate with others.
• “It is so easy to assume that the way we were brought up and the way we grew up is the only way to lead. However, it is not until you step out of your own realm when you realize that it’s not the only way. The most important thing a leader can do is to earn people’s respect.”

• Coming to the realization that his NFL dream was not going to happen led to a difficult decision.
• His subsequent trip to Poland showed Zach “the world from an outside perspective”.
• “Without the tough decision and adversity, I would not have written a book and started a business to mentor young people.”

• Zach discusses differences in the game when compared to his experiences in the United States as well as the tremendous amount of growth in Europe from 2012-2021
• Zach also shares insight into his transition from professional athlete to youth coach – highlighting the following lesson from his playing days:
• “Run towards adversity and step out of your comfort zone. On the other side of that adversity is our happiness, our destiny, and our legacy.”

• We learn about Zach’s inspiration to take an adventure into entrepreneurship and how his passion to connect with people drives the mission of SWAL.
• “Listen to people’s stories, ask questions, not answer questions. This strategy will make you a more well-rounded person, a person that people want to follow. It will allow you to create your legacy.”

• As always, we wrap up with 5 quick-hit questions; including (1) Zach’s “out of sport” role model as a child, (2) his favorite athlete, (3) most memorable sport accomplishment, (4) future vision for SWAL, and (5) advice for aspiring leaders!

• We catch up with Sara Stirling, the VP of Marketing Operations for Empower Adventures and Empower Leadership, to receive a “5-weeks in” update on her goal achievement journey
• Sara also provides updates on her with with the Empower Adventure Parks in Florida, Virginia, and Connecticut

• Sara provides a “refresher” for those who missed the first episode of our podcast mini-series including what her actual goal is and why it is important to her

• Sara provides an update on her goal achievement journey that focuses on the formation of her success habits
• Sara also dishes on some of the challenges she has faced thus far, strategies implemented to overcome those challenges, and the concept of “resetting expectations”

• 5 question “rapid fire” to finish off the episode, including (1) Sara’s inspiration for her upcoming art creation, (2) what music Sara is currently listening to, (3) what Sara is currently watching, (4) Sara’s key strength and weakness, and (5) Sara’s advice to those who haven’t started their 2021 goal setting and achievement journey
• “Just do it, take the first step. Tomorrow will always be tomorrow until we stop saying it.”

• Ulish introduces us to Spartan Global Network and shares his thoughts on Super Bowl LV, Tom Brady, and his former teammate, Plaxico Burress

• “I wasn’t one of those guys that put the playbook on his head and learned by osmosis. I had to work tirelessly on my study habits both on and off the field.”
• “A lot of the experiences and adversity that you face as an athlete – if you’re smart, you take those things and transition them into your civilian life and it makes you a better person.”

• Ulish discusses being cut by an NFL team and the work/determination required to continue his chase towards becoming a professional football player.

• “At the end of the day, you stop running as fast, jumping as high, and hitting as hard – Father Time is undefeated. You have to have something to rely on and for me, education was the formal task that helped me complete tasks, while reimagining and re-developing who I was.”

• Ulish shares his insight into the birth of SGN and discusses the services offered via the SGN Online Platform- including health and wellbeing, travel, small business, and life insurance.
• “The value of who you are is the legacy you leave behind.”
• Learn more about Spartan Global Network

• We wrap up the episode hearing Ulish’s thoughts on (1) the Pizza Capital of the World, (2) leadership lessons learned from Coach McCarthy, Coach Saban, Coach Williams, and Coach Cowher, (3) a football lesson that sticks with him to this day, (4) future vision of SGN, and (5) advice for high school athletes aspiring to compete at the next level.
• “Remove all doubt, remove any questions, and leave no stone unturned so you are best prepared and able to perfect your craft.”

• Lisa (Teacher, Arts Department) and Chase (Teacher, History Department) share some background about the PL program and help introduce our student guests, Jess, Alex, and Nick
• Jess, Nick, and Alex discuss why they applied for the PL program

• Alex, Nick, and Jess discuss their development as leaders through participation in the PL program as well as other “out of classroom” opportunities at Hamden Hall

• The Peer Leaders share some strategies they have implemented to guide their personal leadership development and discuss initiatives they are part of to build community at Hamden Hall

• The PL program includes various student-driven projects and we learn, from Chase and Lisa, the importance of providing students with hands-on “learn to lead” opportunities

• Nick, Jess, and Alex share the concepts and the why’s for their upcoming Q3 projects

• Lisa and Chase discuss the impact of the PL program on the students who participate, highlighting “perspective” and the “say yes challenge” as key takeaways for the Peer Leaders

• Alex, Jess, and Nick share (1) who their inspiration is and why, (2) what their next adventure in life is, (3) how Hamden Hall has prepared them for their next adventure, (4) their nerves or fear as they prepare for their next adventure, and (5) the positive impact they hope they leave for the Hamden Hall Community Members

• Ken Martin, co-owner of Colony Grill – Bar-style Pizza and Beer restaurants with locations in Connecticut (Stamford, Norwalk, Milford, and Fairfield), Virginia (Arlington), and NY (Port Chester)
• Adjunct Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of New Haven
• Little League Word Series Champion (Trumbull, 1989)

• Ken dishes on the importance of communication in mission alignment and in team functions

• “We focused on being present and out in front to decipher the most important information to disseminate to our team members.”

• Ken discusses some “silver linings” from 2020 and how Colony Grill is stronger and more aligned in 2021.

• Ken discusses the importance of interpersonal skills in the Restaurant/Hospitality Industry

• We learn about Ken’s experiences as a Little League World Series Champion, college student-athlete, and professional career prior to Colony Grill.
• “Every experience that you have as a young child, high school or college student, and young professional lead to opportunities and interactions that you can take a little bit from and put in your tool box.”

• Ken shares his inspiration to become an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven
• “You don’t realize how much you’re teaching everyday in your own business. For the past 11 years, I’ve been teaching at some level.”
• “Business is about how you make people feel. Either close people off and be a gatekeeper, or open your arms and be an advocate.”

• We learn about Ken’s childhood idols/role models, his dream “pro athlete” scenario, and what skills he and his wife hope to instill in their children.
• “It’s up to you.” and “Why not you?”

• As VP of Marketing, Sara is a key contributor to the ENTIRE Empower Operation!

• We learn about Sara’s journey from student at the University of Florida, to young professional in the live-entertainment/events industry, and to her current role with Empower Adventures and Empower Leadership.
• “It was just something in my gut that I knew I had to do for my future and for myself – just to be the best version of me!”

• Being an Empower Team Member is a true exercise in leadership! Sara shares stories and insight into her thoughts on “getting out of your comfort zone”.

• Sara discusses the “what and why” behind the Lead with Empower Newsletter and other “digital” products developed during the pandemic.

• We learn about Sara’s most recent blog article – Making Moves in 2021 – that was featured in the January edition of the Lead with Empower e-Newsletter

• Sara shares her personal goal for 2021; including “the why”, her plan for achievement, and what she hopes to learn during her goal achievement journey.

• We wrap up the episode learning about Sara’s desire to help others create!

• The first ever “family event” on the Lead with Empower Podcast. Greg (our first guest) returns to join our brother Matt, and our parents for the final episode of 2020!

• Donna, Tony, Greg, and Matt discuss their current roles (professionally) and how leadership plays a role in their day-to-day “operations”
• “You always have to be able to evaluate what you’re doing and how you’re doing it. If there’s a better way to do it, then do it that way. You can’t be afraid to recognize when you’re wrong, learn from your mistakes, and learn from others.”

• We learn about the leadership qualities that Donna, Tony, Greg, and Matt value
• Passion, work-ethic, humility, being prepared, punctuality, effort, dedication, leading by example, not “going through the motions”, having the desire to get better every day, and holding yourself accountability
• “If you want to be successful at anything, you need to have a great deal of passion for it.”

• Donna, Tony, Greg, and Matt each share a personal experience that has had a positive impact on them as people and as leaders

• We learn who inspired our guests, their “silver linings” from 2020, and a few other fun bits of information from Donna, Tony, Greg, Matt, and I!

• We learn a bit more about Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony, as well as their roles as Orientation Group Leaders and Peer Advisors.

• Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony discuss their training and preparation for what has been a very unique year in student orientation.

• We learn about the leadership challenges faced and the strategies implemented by Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony to overcome those challenges and provide the WNEU first year students with high quality programming and experiences.

• Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony discuss their experiences as leaders/student-leaders in 2020 and how those experiences will benefit them in their futures.

• We learn about the leadership strengths and challenges of Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony.

• Some fun, quick-hitting, questions to wrap up the episode, including their preferred method of getting out of their comfort zones (dance in public vs. sing in public), a book, movie, or person who inspires them, a message they would share with “first year Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony”, and advice for students preparing for the 2nd semester.
• Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony also ask Dan some questions – settling a couple “OGL debates” (what type of muffin would you be and Chipotle vs. Moe’s) as well as discussing some of Dan’s takeaways from the pandemic.

• “I went from showing up to class, turning on the computer, and immediately engaging with students. Now there is a big checklist to complete before we can do any of that.”

• Jan highlights the importance of focus on the wellbeing of her students as well as her own personal wellbeing – health always comes first!
• Jan also shares the importance of adapting and overcoming – “After some of the early Zoom classes, I would turn off the computer and cry – saying this is not what I signed up for. I would feel sorry for myself for about a minute, and then would say, OK, how can I make this better?”

• Her work as a Kick Boxing instructor with Valentin Karate and Cage Fitness CT
• Her “Laugh and Work It Out” Facebook group
• The Ring of Kerry Virtual Challenge

• What she hopes her students take away from their experiences in 2020
• Who her childhood inspirations were and why
• Her music choice for her runs and workouts
• What currently inspires and motivates her
• Her thoughts on who she is as a leader

• “There’s a greater sense of possibility for people who are minorities.”

• “These four young adults have set goals for themselves and have demonstrated a level of determination and drive to achieve those goals.”

• “We have always seen racism because we are black. We are not looking at it from outside the box, we are in the box living it. Our work is never done, but we are not going to stop!”
• “I am a young woman of color and to see a grown woman of color do that lets me know that the possibilities for me are endless!”

• “I’m not going to give myself any excuses; I want to learn and I am going to persevere!”
• “I don’t know how I’m going to make it, but I know I am going to; I won’t let myself give up.”

• “Life experience – I want to do everything I can to make sure that everything we have faced is easier for the next person.”
• “Never give up, never stop fighting for what you deserve. It will change and I want to be part of the change!”

• “Everyone I come across inspires me in their own unique way. They are all giving me a flower and I am trying to turn those flowers into a bouquet!”

• “You are truly in control of your future, you just have to be willing to work for it!”

• “Any person, no matter their background, experiences, race, sexuality, can make it to the top!”

Tanner Kern Leads with Empower! Tanner is a recent graduate from the University of Connecticut and is an endurance athlete, inspirational content creator, and freelance writer. During our conversation, you will hear about Tanner’s inspirational journey from 340 pound Division I football player at Lafayette College to 200 pound endurance athlete, as well as the important role leadership has played in Tanner’s life as an athlete, a person struggling with physical and mental health, and much more!

• 00:00: Opening Segment and Introduction to Tanner Kern
• 05:40: Tanner dishes on his decision to attend Xavier High School; sharing stories and insight from his 4 years at “The X”. Tanner highlights Coach Sean Marinan as a key leadership inspiration at Xavier.
• 16:15: We hear about Tanner’s jump to Division I athletics at Lafayette College. Tanner was a “day 1” starter at Center as a 17 year old freshmen!
• 24:25: Tanner discusses the end of his football career and the his transformation to becoming an endurance athlete. Multiple concussions and severe post concussion symptoms ended Tanner’s football career, leading to struggles with his physical and mental health. Tanner found love in running – not because he loved running, but because of his love for competition!
• 37:00: Running for a Cause – Tanner shares insight into a 100 mile run (in 35 hours!!!) in support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and a run from Canada to Connecticut in support of Foodshare.
• 46:15: Tanner shares stories about his personal development through endurance running, highlighting the 40 percent rule (David Goggins)
• 49.25: We learn about Tanner’s website, blog, and podcast – his vehicles to help inspire people to discover their best!
• 53:25: Closing Segment – Tanner and I wrap up the episode with a few “quick hitters”

Hildie Heck, the Athletic Director for Lyme Old Lyme Schools, joins the Lead with Empower for episode 8 of season 2. Hildie has been in the Athletic Director role for the Wildcats since 2016. Prior to joining the Lyme Old Lyme community, Hildie was a physical education/health instructor and coach at Classical Magnet School in Hartford. Here are the show notes:

• 02:35: We discuss Fall Athletics in CT and in the Shoreline Conference. Hildie shares a very positive assessment with regards to how her student/athletes and coaches, as well as the other schools in the Shoreline Conference, have managed the new safety protocol and scheduling adjustments.
• 08:50: Leadership Challenges during Uncertain Times – “Leading is easy when you’re winning…”. Hildie highlights the importance of communication, trusting relationships, and creative solutions to overcome unique challenges.
• 18:45: We hear about Hildie’s experiences at Springfield College and how those experiences helped shape her as a leader.
• 29:19: Hildie and I discuss her time as a teacher/coach at Classical Magnet School and her jump to Lyme Old Lyme Schools for the Athletic Director position. Hildie shares challenges faced and overcome, and the strategies implemented to do so!
• 42:03: Relationships and Skill Building – Hildie shares her hopes for what each student athlete takes from their time in the Lyme Old Lyme athletics program.
• Episode Closure: We talk about Hildie’s experiences as a running coach, discuss the current plan for Winter Sports in CT, and advice for Winter Sports athletes and coaches. We also learn about Hildie’s youth and current inspirations and the importance of participating in competitive sports.

Our next guest on the Lead with Empower Podcast is Steve Opalenik. Steve is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Founder of The Promethean Project – a non-profit, community-based whole body wellness services provider. I first met Steve back in 2009 during our work together with Springfield College’s LACES Program and, since then, Steve has done nothing short of tremendous work in the field of mental, physical, and emotional health! Here are highlights from Steve Opalenik Leads with Empower:

• 00:00: Episode Opening and Steve Opalenik Introduction
• 10:30: We learn more about Steve’s non-profit, The Promethean Project and hear about the leadership challenges faced during Steve’s “entrepreneurial leap” in 2015
• 20:45: Steve discusses the mission of The Promethean Project and the programs currently offered. Learn more about The Promethean Project
• 31:40: “Break the Chains, Find Your Flame” – Steve dishes on his podcast which is focused on helping listeners break free from the chains of society to find their potential
• 42:50: Steve talks about his time as a student at the University of Massachusetts (B.A. Psychology, 2005) and Springfield College (Master’s in Education, Marriage, & Family Therapy, 20011).
• 46:45: Steve and I talk about our time “cutting our teeth in the field of human development” with Springfield College’s L.A.C.E.S. Program (Leaders in Academics, Community Engagement, & Service)
• 56:15: Steve discusses a few personal stories regarding Leadership of Self, Leadership of Others, and his Leadership Legacy.
• 01:01:35: Push-Ups, Pancakes, and Positivity – You’ll just have to listen!!!
• 01:08:45: Steve shares an uplifting and inspirational message for those who are experiencing mental health challenges during the pandemic.
• 01:13:00: We close the episode hearing about Steve’s desired and actual superpowers.

Follow the Steve and the great work he is doing with The Promethean Project on Facebook and on Instagram

Jim Hofher, Defensive Analyst for Wake Forest University Football, joins the Lead with Empower Podcast! Jim has coached at both the collegiate and professional levels for 42 years. Jim offers tremendous leadership insight applicable in football and in life!

02:30: We welcome Jim to the Lead with Empower Podcast, check-in on him and his family, and hear about the start of the Wake Forest University Football Season.

13:00: Jim discusses the importance of communication in leadership; specifically when dealing with uncertain situations

17:15: We hear about Jim’s time as a high school and collegiate student-athlete, as well as the start of Jim’s coaching career. Jim shares thoughts on the importance of relationship development in coaching and in leadership.

34:45: Jim talks about the jump from assistant coach to head coach and discusses the importance of being a curious learner as a leader.

40:15: Jim and I discuss the importance of recruiting athletes with high character, tremendous work ethic, and trustworthiness. Jim shares leadership advice for aspiring college athletes and aspiring coaches. “There is no easy road, it requires initiative.”

53:20: We wrap up the episode hearing about Jim’s childhood inspiration, student-athletes who have “wowed” him, and a great “non-football” book for aspiring leaders (Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t by Jim Collins)

Ken Watson (Dean of Students) and Victoria Alderman (Community Relations Coordinator) from the Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg (FL) join the Lead with Empower Podcast. Ken and Victoria are both wonderful people doing some tremendous work with the Academy Prep scholars and both share a wealth of leadership insight and wisdom during our episode together, here are the highlights from our discussion!

• 02:30 – Ken and Victoria discuss the start of the 2020/2021 school year at AP, reflect on the end of the 2019/2020 school year and discuss and the importance of communication with their scholars and families to make sure the scholars have all they need to develop into transformational leaders.
• 14:07 – We learn some background about the Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg; including the AP Mission and the “AP Way”.
• 27:20 – Victoria and Ken share insight into their respective roles at AP and discuss their journey to AP.
• 40:05 – Victoria and Ken discuss the key leadership skills scholars develop during their 4 years at AP.
• 46:00 – We hear about strategies implemented by AP to help scholars build connections and a strong sense of community despite the disconnection associated with distance learning.
• 01:04:41 – Victoria and Ken discuss their childhood inspirations, what currently motivates/inspires them, and share uplifting messages for students and teachers

Follow Academy Prep on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to learn more about the tremendous work they do!

Dr. Terrell Hill has over 27 years experience in education and educational leadership – currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources with Windsor Public Schools. In addition to his work with Windsor Schools, Dr. Hill is also the Founder and President of the Black Leaders and Administrators Consortium, Inc. (BLAC). You will find out very quickly during our episode that Dr. Hill is all about leadership – sharing wisdom and insight from his 27 years of experience with students, educators, educational leaders, and more! Highlights from our episode include:

• The importance of leadership during the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; blending the “whatever we need to do to get this done” attitude with flexibility, and a level of calmness to exist and thrive during moments of uncertainty.
• A discussion about Windsor Schools’ past work with Empower Leadership (New Teacher Orientation Events and Administrative Retreats) and the importance of “comfort zone expanding” experiences for educators.
• Learning about Dr. Hill’s journey from Springfield, MA to the United States Army, and to his current role with Windsor Schools; including those who influenced him along the way!
• Dr. Hill’s dissertation study, The Career Paths of Black and White Superintendents, and how his study served as an inspiration to found BLAC, Inc. Learn more about BLAC at www.blacleaders.org

“If you’re not telling your story, someone else is and they’re probably doing it wrong!”

Al Carbone is in his 17th year as Commissioner of the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) – one of the premiere athletic conferences for high school sports in the State of Connecticut. Al, a formal high school and collegiate athlete from East Haven, CT, does a tremendous job as the ambassador for the SCC. Al and I discuss the return of high school sports in Connecticut and much more during our episode, including:

• Al’s background in athletics and his role/responsibilities as the Commissioner of the SCC.
• The current state of high school sports – most notably, the decision making process with regards to restarting high school athletics this Fall.
• Leadership lessons that high school athletes across the State can glean from the impact COVID-19 has had on high school athletics.
• Why the return to high school sports is so important for athletes, their families, and their school communities.

James is currently the Director of Youth and Education Programs for the Urban League of Springfield, Inc. In addition to his youth development work with the Urban League of Springfield, Inc., James serves on multiple boards of the local chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. James and I discuss many topics during our episode, including:

• James’ journey from Detroit, MI, to Grand Valley State University, and Springfield College. James shares stories about his “personal commitment challenge”, his study abroad trip to Australia, and his calling as a youth development professional.
• The importance of helping youths and young adults identify their vision, develop an action plan, and make the most out of every situation in school, at home, and in your community.
• The challenges youths and young adults have faced in 2020 and the mentorship, leadership, and support provided to uplift and empower those young adults!
• How James leverages performing and creative arts in his mentorship and leadership of the youths and young adults her serves.

Ted is a faculty member in the Physical Education and Health Education major at Springfield College and also serves as the President of the Faculty Senate. Ted is one of, if not the best experiential educator I have ever crossed paths with – a true craftsman! Ted and I discuss many topics during our episode, including:

• A behind the scenes look at the operational tempo of the leaders at Springfield College to prepare for a return to campus in the Fall
• Leadership advice for students and teachers who are embarking on a very unique start to school
• “Eye opening” moments as physical education students at Springfield College
• The philosophy and implementation of experiential education
• The education and development of leaders through intentional skill development experiences