Great News with GreatNews.Life

GNL Founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with library executive directors Stephanie Murphy (St. Joseph County Public Library), Julie Wendorf (Crown Point Community Library), and Fonda Owens (LaPorte County Public Library)! In this roundtable discussion, the group discusses the evolving role of modern libraries, the challenges they face, and how the public can support them, emphasizing that libraries h...

Join Chris Mahlmann as he sits down with Matt Evans, President of Korellis, for an insightful conversation on leadership, personal growth, and self-efficacy. Matt reflects on the experiences that shaped his career, sharing lessons learned through transformation, self-discovery, and the role of mentorship. Matt explores leadership philosophy, the history and evolution of Korellis, and the core valu...

GreatNews. Life founder, Chris Mahlmann, sits down with Porter County Commissioner (District 3), Jim Biggs! In this month's episode, Chris shines a light on one of our local representatives, diving into the Biggs family's deep roots in the county, his leadership philosophy and the realities of serving in local government.  GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered...

GreatNews. Life founder, Chris Mahlmann, sits down with Deann Patena, President and CEO of the Crossroads Chamber! In this month's episode, Chris digs into what built Deann into the leader she is today. From her early career development in the hospitality industry to her current role in regional economic growth and community development, you won't want to miss this exclusive interview! G...

GreatNews. Life founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with La Porte mayor, Tom Dermody! From the things that forged him into who he is today to what's in store for La Porte in the future and his advice for the next generation, this episode paints a full picture of what it takes to be a great leader.  GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the...

In this exclusive episode of Leadership Life, GreatNews. Life founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with F.E. Moran Inc. Plumbing Manager, Peter Ferrari! From the culture behind the company to the definition of success, this interview offers an up close look at what it means to be a leader as well as the positive impact of F.E. Moran. GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered ar...

Welcome back to another season of Leadership Life! Starting off the year, GreatNews. Life founder, Chris Mahlmann, sits down with District 1 Council Member and Council Vice-President, Red Stone! In this episode, the two explore everything from what shaped the foundation of who Red is to his goals for the future and advice for the next generation of leaders. GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, on...

GreatNews. Life founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with owners of Redwood Landscape, Wet'n'Wild Irrigation, and Lumin8 Outdoor Lighting, Todd and Joy Zandstra! From the strong foundation of their relationship to the roots of the company and the positive culture that they've fostered within it, this episode of Leadership Life leaves no stone unturned with this illuminating interview. ...

GreatNews. Life founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with American Businessman, Attorney, and Philanthropist, Andrew Berlin! In this exclusive interview, the two discuss everything from the principles that guide him and the value of human talent, to the importance of strong leadership and finding the right people for the job.  GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around th...

Learn all about the newly-rebranded Powers Health! Chris sits down with Marketing & Corporate Communications and Health Information Management Vice President, Marie Forszt, to talk all about the decision to change from Community to Powers! From the intricacies of rebranding to an unchanging goal to strive for the best healthcare possible, this episode gives a special look into the heart of the...

In this newest installment of Leadership Life, Chris interviews Director of Communications & Community Engagement of the Portage Township School Corporation, Melissa Deavers, and Superintendent of the Porter Township School Corporation, Stacey Schmidt! Both leaders share the positive impact their leadership roles have allowed them to make within their communities, as well as the unsung success...

In this episode of Leadership Life, GreatNews. Life founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority CEO, Philip Taillon! The dynamic pair dive into the importance of collaboration in today's world and how crucial it is to have a great team as a leader, as well as the potential future of tourism in the Midwest. GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online...

GreatNews. Life founder and Leadership Life host Chris Mahlmann sits down with his mentor and former colleague, Piers Fallowfield-Cooper! The two dive deeply into what it takes to be a successful leader and to create a full-filling career, with Fallowfield-Cooper's unique and refreshing insights into all aspects of the working world and life. GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online commu...

GreatNews. Life founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with former St. Joseph County Commissioner and Director of Business Development at DLZ Indiana, Andy Kostielney. From values instilled in childhood to advice for the next generation of leaders, this episode of Leadership Life does a deep dive on what it takes to be a successful leader.  GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities center...

Join Leadership Life host and GreatNews. Life founder Chris Mahlmann as he sits down with Bill and Jen Trowbridge, president/CEO of Regional Health Systems and CEO of CoAction! From what qualities they look for and value in leadership to navigating married life as CEOs, the trio leaves no stone unturned in this special episode.  GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered aro...

GreatNews. Life founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with two La Porte County superintendents — Wendell McCollum (Michigan City) and Sandra Wood (La Porte) — to talk about leadership and education. From positive community impact to success stories within our school systems, Chris puts a spotlight on the important roles these educators play. GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities cent...

Get to know GreatNews. Life founder Chris Mahlmann! In this kickoff of the official Leadership Life podcast, GreatNews. Life executive director Jenny Craig-Brown flips the script to discuss the inspiration behind the Leadership Life series and what helped shape Chris into the leader he is today.  GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the opti...

GreatNews. Life Founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with the Region’s leaders to discuss current projects, positive changes happening within our local communities, and how change can lead to success. City of La Porte’s Mayor Tom Dermody, City of Lake Station’s Mayor Bill Carroll, City of Portage’s Mayor Austin Bonta, City of Valparaiso’s Mayor Jon Costas, and Town of Chesterton’s Public Affairs Liais...

GreatNews. Life Founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with the CEO of Midwest Center for Youth & Families, Chris Iliff, to talk about leadership. From growing up in Valparaiso to success stories from his practice and everything in between, Chris dives right into what helped guide him to where he is today. GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given...

Join Chris Mahlmann for an engaging interview with four distinguished superintendents: Dr. Peggy Buffington (School City of Hobart), Dr. Todd Terrill (Crown Point Community Schools), Dr. Tom Cripliver (Lake Station Community Schools), and Dr. Stephen D. Bournes (School City of East Chicago). Discover how these leaders are driving innovation, celebrating achievements, and enhancing the quality of e...

GreatNews. Life Founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with Vale Park Animal Hospital's Dr. Brent Lakia to talk all things leadership. From growing up in the Region to owning a veterinary practice and everything in between, Dr. Lakia dives right into his journey and how he found his true calling. GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the optio...

GreatNews. Life Founder Chris Mahlmann sits down with the McDermott brothers to talk about leadership and life. From growing up as the sons of a mayor to forging their own paths and everything in between, Chris dives into everything that has made the brothers who they are today and what success truly means to them. GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea t...

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death, but 80% of cases are preventable with education and action. In this episode, GreatNews. Life Founder, Chris Mahlmann sits down with Dave Brubaker, General Manager at Team Chevrolet and this year’s Go Red for Women campaign chair in Northwest Indiana. Alongside Martha Brubaker, Traci Brubaker, Erin Crawford, and Diane Kemp from the American Heart As...

CEO of Strack & Van Til Jeff Strack visits GreatNews. Life to talk with Founder Chris Mahlmann about the challenges of leading, being a staple of the community, and what Strack & Van Til means to Northwest Indiana. Jeff and Chris also touch on both the past and the future of Strack & Van Til as Strack & Van Til partners with Hy-Vee, which is well known to the Midwestern states. Gre...

John Jordan and Mark Powers from CertaPro Painters of NWI stop by to talk to Chris Mahlmann about their years of working together, building and maintaining a team, their core values, and more! GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. H...