Surfacing Leaders

In this episode of the Surfacing Leader’s podcast, host Marc Koehler has an engaging conversation with Dr. Jacob Vogel, Director of the Spirit of Troy, otherwise known as “the greatest marching band in the history of the universe, “ at the University of Southern California. They explore the leadership lessons behind one of the most iconic collegiate marching bands in the nation. Dr. Vogel shares h...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a compelling conversation with Dr. Paula Ferrada, a pioneering trauma and acute care surgeon and Chair of Surgery at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. They explore what it means to lead when lives hang in the balance. Paula shares her journey from Colombia to becoming the first Colombian woman to graduate from a Harvard-affiliated...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Jeffrey Yip, a leadership professor at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business and creator of the “Listen and Build” framework. They explore why listening, not speaking, is a leader’s most powerful tool. Drawing on years of research, Jeff explains how genuine listening builds trust, strengthens teams, an...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a fascinating conversation with Dr. Paul J. Zak, a pioneering neuroscientist and leading expert on trust, purpose, and human connection. They dive into the science of leadership, exploring how oxytocin, stress, and shared purpose shape stronger teams and higher performance. Paul draws from over two decades of research in behav...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has an inspiring conversation with Dan MacQueen, a keynote speaker and resilience expert who rebuilt his life after surviving two brain hemorrhages and years of grueling recovery. They explore the mindset shifts and daily habits that empower individuals to overcome even the toughest setbacks. Dan shares his journey from a vibrant...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Selena Virden, Vice President of Global Seed Production at IFSI, a leader in vegetable seed genetics. Selena shares her remarkable journey from a teenager juggling multiple jobs in rural Idaho to leading complex, global seed operations that help feed millions. With clarity and humility, she unpacks how long-term vis...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with David Allison, a two-time bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the world’s leading expert on human values. Together, they explore why traditional demographic-based leadership strategies are failing in today’s workplace and what to do instead. David introduces his groundbreaking Valuegraphics Project, the world’s...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a powerful conversation with George Randle, Army Vet, talent expert, and co-author of the best-selling book The Talent War. With a background that spans military command and leadership at Fortune 100 companies, George offers a unique perspective on what it truly takes to build elite teams and lead in today’s fast-paced world....

This might be one of the most important episodes of Surfacing Leaders we’ve released. In this gripping conversation, host Marc Koehler sits down with Rashmi Airan, ex-felon, lawyer, keynote speaker, and self-proclaimed unapologetic truth-teller, whose fall from grace led her through the darkest chapter of her life and into the brightest clarity of purpose. Rashmi doesn’t just talk about resilience...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler reconnects with Fire Chief David Parsons of the Oceanside Fire Department to explore what leadership looks like when the stakes are at their highest. Chief Parsons shares the gripping story of the April 2024 Oceanside Pier fire, one of the most high-risk, high-visibility events in the city’s recent history, and how the department’...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler welcomes Lindsay Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Ink Factory Studio, to explore how visual storytelling transforms communication and leadership. Lindsay shares her journey from military base beginnings to becoming a leader in visual note-taking and collaborative communication. She explains how visuals—what she calls “modern-day pict...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with special guest and daughter, Sophie Koehler, a young engineer and emerging Gen Z leader who is reshaping what leadership looks like today—and tomorrow. Sophie shares her experience growing up in the orbit of high-stakes leadership, only to realize that her generation is leading in d...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Charlene Wheeless, former NFL cheerleader, women’s keynote speaker, best-selling author, and leadership expert. Charlene’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and conscious choice. Through her experiences, she challenges the myths around success and le...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a compelling conversation about performance psychology with Paul McVeigh, a former professional football player (soccer, if you’re in the US) from Belfast, Northern Ireland, who competed at the highest levels of the English Premier League.  After a decade-long career with clubs like Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur, Paul tra...

Some leaders talk about pressure—others have lived it. In this episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc Koehler sits down with Mark Fava—former naval flight officer, aviation lawyer, Boeing executive, and best-selling author—to uncover the hard truths about leadership when every decision matters.   They discuss the high-stakes world of Cold War submarine tracking and the invaluable leadership lesso...

What does it take to lead in an industry that’s evolving faster than ever? In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Lucas Silva, a dynamic operations leader in the construction industry. They explore what it takes to lead in one of the most demanding and rapidly evolving fields. Lucas shares his journey—from getting hands-on experience in high school to ov...

What does it take to lead with confidence when you’re thrown into the deep end—whether in the military, a high-stakes veterinary clinic, or any leadership role? In this special episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc Koehler sits down with his niece and godchild, Dr. Petra van Moorsel, who is a former U.S. Army Veterinary Corps captain turned civilian veterinarian, to uncover the leadership lesson...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Kerim Kfuri, global entrepreneur and supply chain expert, author, and CEO of the Atlas Network. They explore the intricate world of supply chains, the mindset needed for success, and the leadership principles that drive sustainable growth in an interconnected economy. Kerim shares his unique journey—from early entre...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Kevin Wathey, founder of Valara, a global resort portfolio redefining wellness, and Baseline, a health technology platform revolutionizing personalized health insights. Kevin shares his inspiring journey, from navigating personal loss to finding his purpose in wellness and hospitality. They discuss his transition fr...

Are You Waiting for Permission to Lead Your Best Life? In this week’s episode, host Marc Koehler engages in a powerful conversation with returning guest Heather Younger, a celebrated author, keynote speaker, and leadership and workplace culture expert, who calls out the habits holding us back—waiting, blaming, and avoiding responsibility—and shares the keys to breaking free.  Heather shares insigh...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with his former Executive Officer on the USS Pogy, Vice Admiral Joe Leidig, a distinguished leader with 39 years of service in the U.S. Navy and a wealth of experience in both military and business environments. Joe reflects on his incredible journey from being Executive Officer of nuclear-powered submarines to serving a...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Elizabeth Yerecic Freedman, a leader in the family business world, to discuss leadership, sustainability, and the challenges of generational business transition. Elizabeth, who is deeply involved in her family's business, Yerecic Label, as Co-Owner and EVP, shares how they've transformed their operations through cro...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler is joined by Dr. Scott De Long, a serial entrepreneur, seasoned leadership expert, educator, and author of I Thought I Was a Leader. Scott brings years of experience in coaching, corporate leadership, and personal development, offering a wealth of insights on how to cultivate strong teams and become a more effective leader. In thi...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with the renowned Coach Mark Gottfried, former NCAA Division I basketball coach and leadership expert. Together, they explore the evolution of Mark’s leadership over a 32-year coaching career and the timeless values that drive success on and off the court. Mark shares insights from his experiences coaching at the highest...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a conversation with Laura Hamill, a leader in organizational psychology and leadership development, founder of Paris Phoenix Group, and author of the just-released book The Power of Culture. Together, they explore the evolving dynamics of leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of generational shifts in the workfo...