• Doug Whittington is an entrepreneur, husband of 20 years, dad of 2 daughters, and corporate team effectiveness consultant joining the Lead with Empower podcast from Lake Tahoe.
• If you’re looking for a unique perspective on leadership and the different styles of effective leadership, look now further than our conversation with Doug Whittington
• “Instead of talking about the glass being half full or half empty, we talk about the part that we can drink!”
• We learn about Doug’s connection with Joe DeRing, Founder of Empower Adventures and Empower Leadership.
• We also learn about Doug’s current work as a consultant – “I am fed by helping people; I aim to reduce the unnecessary suffering that occurs inside of workplaces so that we can work within our natural collaborative strengths of connection and communication”.

• “Companies asked me to leave certain aspects of myself at home. I worked inside of many systems that loved money and used people; and, I love people and want to use money.”
• Doug describes the conflict of interest between how the companies he worked for made money and how Doug hoped to treat people.
• “I believe that you can shear a sheep many times, but you can skin it only once. If we are into skinning sheep, we are not living up to the company’s values.”

• Doug discusses his transition from “corporate life” to entrepreneurship and consulting in 2015.
• Doug shares how some conversations with his wife and daughter helped him decide to make the transition – “I was miserable because of private self-loathing and everyone else was getting this really angsty version of me.”

• Doug shares some strategies he implemented to coach himself through the challenge of transitioning out of the corporate world in 2015.
• “Leadership to me is a service roll, it’s not a place of power. It’s not leadership over, it’s leadership for.”

• “I didn’t have a great plan going into college, I treated it like 13th grade. I was good at art, but that doesn’t mean I should be an artist.”
• Doug discusses his love for art and the internal battle of not seeing the commercial value in it.
• We also learn about Doug’s motivation to transition from art to “learn the science of sales”.
• Doug shares the wisdom he would share with his 19-year old self – “money is not an end to pursue”
• Additionally, Doug shares some advice for those graduating high school who are uncertain as to where their passions lie – “Get out and volunteer, humanity is not an individual sport!”
• We also spend some time discussing Doug’s passion for sales.

• From signing a strategic consulting partnership in 2019 to the global shutdown due to the pandemic – we learn about Doug’s current consulting efforts and his family’s epic cross country road trip!
• “Our house served us well; however, when we really felt most connected to one another and alive, was when we were out doing things as a family. We were falling in love with the experiences we were able to do as a family!”
• Doug gives us some insight into his family’s magnificent adventure that started in February of 2021 and is ongoing.
• Doug also discusses his favorite area of leadership – “creating a context and understanding that perception is reality” – and what he hopes his daughters are able to take away from their family road trip adventure.

• We wrap up the episode in traditional fashion with some rapid fire/rapid response questions!
• Doug shares (1) what has been his favorite location visited during your family’s road trip, (2) his favorite local food experienced during their trip, (3) what he prefers to listen to while driving over 15 tons of truck and RV, (4) his definition of leadership, and (5) why he feels adventure is important.

• Introducing former major league pitcher, current broadcaster, and real estate agent, Doug Waechter. Doug is from the Tampa area of Florida, grew up as a Tampa Bay Rays fan, and became a pitcher for his home-town team!
• Between his years in the “big leagues”, his tremendous professional experience, and his commitment to faith and family, Doug brings a unique, exciting, and entertaining leadership perspective to the Lead with Empower Podcast!
• We learn about Doug’s views on the Rays’ 2021 season and the current state of baseball. We also discuss Doug’s strategies for being successful in multi-task environments – “You gotta put your big rocks in first; make sure that the things that are most important to you are being taken care of”

• We discuss Doug’s path to the big leagues, the leadership challenges associated with life in the minor leagues, and the tremendous start to Doug’s big league career.
• Doug also shares a great story about an encounter with Hall of Famer, Frank “the Big Hurt” Thomas
• We also discuss the importance of positive leadership and team chemistry in what can be considered a somewhat individual sport in baseball.
• Doug sends a special shoutout to Tino Martinez and Louis Gonzalez for their tremendous leadership!

• Doug discusses his retirement from baseball and how the decision to hang-up the cleats came to fruition.
• “If you are a competitor by nature, you will find a way to compete and you will have that internal pride to be the best”
• Doug shares his story of finding success outside of baseball!

• We conclude our great conversation with Doug Waechter in traditional “Lead with Empower” fashion – rapid response questions and answers!
• We learn (1) the best advice Doug has ever received from a coach, (2) his favorite current ballplayer, (3) favorite stadiums, (4) a skill of his that he’d like to pass down to his children, and (5) a message of inspiration for athletes who dream of competing at the highest level!

• Introducing Dayna Adamowicz – the HR Director for Empower Adventures Operation
• Get to know Dayna as she discusses “mom-life”, parenting during a pandemic, her family’s big move from Connecticut, and her hopeful silver linings from the past 14 months

• Dayna joined Empower as a recent college graduate and she shares how experiences from college and her very early professional career helped her discover her sense of adventure!
• We discuss the importance of talking yourself through self-doubt – “it’s always worse in your head; but then you do it, realize you’re ok, and it gets easier every time”

• Dayna discusses her transition into the full-time roll with Empower Adventures – focusing on her willingness and excitement to go above and beyond while never shying away from taking initiative, and her willingness to “get her hands dirty” with whatever needed to be done for the team!
• We discuss some lessons learned during Dayna’s time in the adventure operation
• Dayna shares her favorite memories from her time at Empower’s original adventure park in Middletown, CT

• We wrap up the episode our traditional “rapid fire, rapid response” closure; including: 1. Dayna’s views of herself as a leader (style, strength, and weakness), 2. strategies for relationship/trust development, 3. her favorite Empower Adventures aerial course, single zip line, and team building initiative, 4. Dayna’s current inspiration, and 5. Dayna’s advice for soon-to-be college graduates who are trying to figure out “what’s next”

Eric Seidel – Mayor of the City of Oldsmar, FL – was kind enough to join us for a great conversation about community development, leadership, volunteerism, and so much more! Tune in for a great blend of valuable leadership insight, story telling, and engaging humor – enjoy Mayor Eric Seidel Leads with Empower!

• Introducing City of Oldsmar, FL Mayor, Eric Seidel
• Mayor Seidel introduces listeners to the City of Oldsmar, its wonderful parks system, and their “downtown development” initiatives

• Mayor Seidel shares great insight into leading during the pandemic; discussing the initial state of emergency, Oldsmar’s 3-phase plan of action (Prevention & Essentials, Sustainability, and Recovery), and the current state of recovery in Oldsmar
• “The smartest person in the room is the one that knows they’re not the smartest person in the room”

• Mayor Seidel shares stories about his upbringing in Miami, his high school experiences (“not a very good student”), and early career in iron work and construction
• We learn about Mayor Seidel’s transition to a sales job and a key takeaway from his sales manager, Joe Young – “if you’re going to do this job well, you have to become involved in community service”
• Mayor Seidel also discusses his involvement in the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), entrepreneurship, and his transition to civil service
• “I’ve been in Civil Service, on-and-off, since 2007. To me, it is community service – I don’t have any big political ambitions, I love the idea of making an impact!”

• We wrap up the episode our traditional “rapid fire, rapid response” closure; including: (1) Mayor Seidel’s leadership style, strengths, and challenges, (2) his favorite out-of-work adventure, (3) childhood idol/role model, (4) the “Coffee with the Mayor” initiative, and (5) advice for those seeking involvement in civil service

• Joe and I discuss the challenges of the pandemic, specifically when considering his work with young adults. “Human beings are social in nature and we all need to find ways to pick each other up.”
• Joe Borelli as a leader – “is someone who always strives to do his best and help people get closer to becoming their best self.”

• We learn about Joe’s journey to becoming an educator, trainer/coach, and entrepreneur and discuss the people and experiences that have impacted him along the way.
• “The acorn has a miniature Oak Tree in it. The Oak Tree grows and, when it does, it gives acorns out. Leadership is all about giving back.”

• We close the episode with a handful of “rapid fire, rapid response” questions – including (1) Joe’s childhood role model, (2) what inspires/drives him today, (3) how Joe defines himself as a leader, (4) Joe’s favorite Avenger, and (5) what inspires Joe about the people he works with!

• Carl, currently the Plainville HS Principal, is originally from W. Hartford, CT and a graduate from the University of Connecticut. Carl has 5 years of experience in school administration (2.5 years as Vice Principal and 2.5 years as Principal) and over 15 years of experience in education.
• We discuss the challenges (plus solutions and lessons) from the end of the 2019-2020 school year and the first half of the 2020-2021 year.
• Carl shares the importance of effective and transparent communication, compassion, and empathy in leadership during times of uncertainty and challenge
• What is Carl most proud about – the students, families, teachers, and staff who have made “collective sacrifices for the good of everyone else”

• We learn about Carl’s childhood years, discuss moments that have had significant influence on who he is today as a leader, and learn about how Carl began his journey as an educator
• “At this moment, you have a choice to make” – Carl reflects on sage advice from his MIddle School Principal after the passing of his mother
• We learn about how Carl’s childhood trips to Fort McClary (Kittery Point, ME) with his father and how his love for history was cultivated
• The Power of Carl’s Teachers – “My teachers saw things in me that I didn’t see; encouraged that to come out, and pushed me to be a better person”

• Carl shares the “big surprise” from his first year as a teacher
• We learn about Carl’s leadership strengths, leadership challenges, and tactics he’s implemented to continue is leadership development (be reflective and surround yourself with people who are brutally honest!)
• Carl shares the leadership qualities he looks for in teachers – “As long as you’re doing right by the kids, you’re not going to make a bad decision”
• We learn about the “Portrait of a Graduate” – the 5 key skills (Communicative, Collaborative, Resilient, Innovative Problem Solvers, and Mindfulness)

• We close the episode with a handful of “rapid fire, rapid response” questions – including (1) Carl’s Childhood Role Model, (2) Carl’s strength that he hopes to pass along to his children, (3) his hobbies, (4) a song that represents Carl as a leader, and (5) why the PHS students inspire him!

• Farrand is a Teacher, Special Education Case Manager, Coach, and soon-to-be PhD Candidate in Knoxville, TN by way of Houston, TX, Springfield, MA, and Manchester, CT!
• Our conversation includes a journey through Farrand’s educational, athletic, and professional career and discussions about the leaders and experiences that have impacted him as a leader and mentor to those that he leads.
• “Take every day as a blessing, just embrace the opportunity to impact people’s lives and be transformative.”

• Farrand discusses his upbringing in athletics, his decision to attend Springfield College, and his career journey while sharing insight into who he has become as a leader; including (1) advice for students who are in the college decision making process and (2) the importance of “failing gloriously”.
• “You’re not going to get all the answers, you better come up with the answers; you have to figure it out and you have to find a way.”

• “You have to set a standard for how you’re going to do things and how you are going to communicate.”
• Farrand discusses how he helps his students and student-athletes become more confident in the face of failure, shares stories about the people and experiences that have shaped him as a leader, and provides insight into how he became a teacher.
• “If you understand the content, you’re able to communicate well, and you can think quickly on your feet, you can teach.”

• As always, we wrap up the episode with a “rapid fire” Q & A session with our guest, Mr. Farrand Violette. While “Finishing the Drill”, we learn who Farrand’s favorite athlete was when he was a young child, the best advice Farrand received from his parents, advice he would give to his 18 year old self, advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and the legacy he hopes to leave on the students and student-athletes he leads.

• Joe discusses the leadership challenges brought on by the pandemic; focusing on balancing work, distance learning, and family.
• Joe also shares the tremendous impact that Ed Tharion has had on him during a formative time in his life.
• Joe discusses the importance of leading “in the trenches” vs. leading from the safety of “a bubble”.
• “I’m going to give you as much love as you need, but I’m going to provide the structure that you need as well.”

• Joe shares stories from challenges he faced as a youth/young adult in Springfield and how those challenges shaped who he is today as a leader and as a person.
• We learn about how experiences at the Mill Pond School helped Joe mature into a community leader who is passionate about helping youths, young adults, and adults overcome and thrive!
• “To panic during chaos, does not make it better!”

• Joe discusses community initiatives that he has led; including the “Walking School Bus” for Springfield youths, Fitness Training for young adults/adults, and his Sunday Afternoon Men’s Group – Steel Sharpens Steel
• “If you don’t empty the trash can, it will empty itself” – It is important for men to find an outlet so negative emotions/feelings/experiences aren’t buried.

• We wrap up the episode with some rapid fire/rapid response questions with Joe. We settle the debate of who was the “Chess King” at the Mill Pond School, we hear advice Joe would give to his 15 year old self, Joe shares his definition of leadership, and more!

• 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!