Beneath the Transaction

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 compa...

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 peo...

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 leade...

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 a...

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 comm...

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 requi...

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 on...

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 powe...

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 t...

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 no...

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...

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 w...

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 le...

Our show welcomes a Groundwork alumna, Alison Kelley. Alison is a well-known leader and influencer in our community. She is incredibly intelligent and thoughtful. Although the discussion leads to several topics such as safety, trauma-informed leadership, humility, and problem solving, the highlight was accountability. How do we reconcile the differences between personal accountability and the syst...

A long-awaited episode is finally here! We welcomed Dallas High School Principal and our friend, Steve Spencer, to the show. Steve has spurred some amazing work in his community and school. Under Steve's leadership, his staff and administration completely altered their vision as a high school. As a team, they created "The Promise" that every child in their school will be known by name, strength, a...

Former Salem Chief of Police, Jerry Moore, joins our show. Jerry has long been an active member of the community, serving Salem for more than 40 years as a police officer--15 of those as Chief. In this episode, we dive into community leadership, the social unrest in our country, and more. Jerry's perspective is priceless and insightful and particularly relevant given our current social climate.

Special guest Dr. Amelia Franck Meyer joins the show. She and Chris dive into the role leadership has in improving our child welfare system and how strengthening families is at the root. Amelia is a child welfare system innovator and has been doing some amazing work across the country for more than three decades. She was an amazing guest and it was a treat to have her on the show.

A local high school that has historically underachieved has seen massive gains over the past few years due to leaders and staff doing "whatever it takes" to help kids succeed. Rob Schoepper, principal at McKay High School, shares his story and several components that went into bringing about such a transformation.

We welcome the author of the New York Times Bestseller, It's Your Ship, Mike Abrashoff. This is a must listen as you get insight from Mike that he doesn't share in his book. Mike is a sought after speaker and has quite the list of accomplishments in his military career--like taking over one of the worst performing ships in the US Navy and turning it around to be the best. Have a listen as Mike sha...

Chip Huth is truly an example of vulnerable leadership. He is a "jack of all trades"--a Major in the Kansas City Police Department; prior leader of a nationally recognized SWAT unit; a speaker and presenter all over the country; the host of the podcast "Changing Discourse," and much more. Yet, he will tell you that his most important roles are that of being a husband and father. Chris appreciates...

Three recent high school graduates join the show to talk about their experience in the first-ever 'Outward Mindset' high school class. They and nearly 40 other students embarked on a truly life changing journey. Listen to their maturity, mindfulness, and growth in how they share their experiences. This episode is for leaders and non-leaders alike, with incredible young people discussing concepts t...