In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

Driven by the desire to do something meaningful for others, Dianne leads a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers as they provide therapeutic services to people going thru a cancer journey. Her enthusiasm, empathy, and compassion provide a foundation of hope for participants and their families. Based on her experience, the best way to help friends, neighbors, and colleagues battling cancer...

A goal-oriented and fast-paced individual that had her life upended by a significant health challenge. Mary has combined a new outlook, resilience, and a longstanding desire to serve others to propel her philanthropic work. An inspiring professional who uses her talents and platforms to help organizations be successful.  Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator;...

Tom is a high-impact entrepreneur that founded and captained Plastics Technology, Inc and six other related business ventures. He has published three books, holds six U.S. patents, and for several years served as the Interim Dean of a College of Education. Tom’s definition of success… defining meaningful and challenging goals for yourself and doing the work necessary to achieve those goals. Helpin...

At a young age, Dr. Somerville was encouraged and challenged by her parents and educators to set lofty goals. She coupled that life advice with a strong work ethic to establish a career path focused on serving others and making an impact. An early defining experience that sparked an interest in leadership; she served as a residence advisor/supervisor of a college dormitory when she was an undergra...

After several years working in the banking industry in NYC, Joe pivoted to the business-side of sports. Early on he had management roles with the Canton-Akron Indians, Toledo Mud Hens, Chicago Bulls, and Detroit Tigers. In 1998 he returned to the Toledo Mud Hens as VP and General Manager and was instrumental in elevating minor league sports in the Toledo region and nationally. He was the force beh...

Danielle leads a dedicated WBCA team that is focused on supporting/promoting women’s basketball coaches/players and growing women’s basketball across the country. She oversees WBCA’s programs and services, budget, marketing, and personnel. Danielle works closely with the NCAA, USA Basketball, WNBA, Women’s Basketball HOF, and Women’s Sports Foundation.    Her path of success started early. A four-...

His down-to-earth upbringing in Sioux Center, Iowa provided a foundation for Randy’s 40-year career in healthcare and personal life. At the age of 28, a defining conversation with his boss served as the catalyst for a series of decisions that paved the way to professional opportunities and incremental leadership roles. For the last 13 years of his career, Randy led the largest healthcare system an...

While combating a blazing house fire early in her career, the second story floor supporting Allision Armstrong collapsed to the first floor engulfing her in flames. Other firefighters rushed-in and pulled her from the house. She suffered severe burns and a back injury. This near-death experience was a defining moment that strengthened her resolve to help others, serve the public good, and be the b...

Growing-up in Eastabuchie, Mississippi, Janet Eaton-Smith was always on the go. The performing arts, theatre productions, church choir, and athletics filled her days of youth. As the starting point guard, she led her high school team to a 37-0 record and state championship. She took what she learned during these formative years and paved an impressive path in athletic administration. Her ability t...

A diverse work portfolio – nonprofit CEO, adjunct professor, entrepreneur, and elected official – provides Chad Bringman with a unique perspective about leadership and life. In his varied roles, the emphasis has consistently been on results, strategy, and culture. Chad’s people-oriented disposition and financial expertise anchor an effective leadership approach.  Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieg...

It’s rare for someone to have the titles of President, CEO and Reverend attached to their name. An engaging conversation with education enthusiast and youth advocate John Jones. He uses his leadership roles and platforms to connect with and elevate people around him. His primary purpose in life… service to others.  Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry...

Tom’s competitive spirit, work ethic, and passion for the game sustained him throughout a 40+ year career in professional baseball. The high-pressure situations that he navigated as a MLB player and coach gives him a unique perspective on leadership. Tom’s candid stories and insights about working in an industry with “no guarantees” are fascinating. His guiding core belief…  Start each day with a...

Elizabeth and Wallace Motley always encouraged their daughter to believe in herself and pursue stretch goals. One of Dr. Motley’s early mentors advised her to “walk through the door” when an opportunity presented itself. She became a teacher in order to create meaningful learning experiences and life-shaping opportunities for students. Prior to becoming superintendent, Dr. Motley served in a wide...

At a very young age Tod Kowalczyk was determined to become a college basketball coach. Growing-up in a small town near Green Bay, Wisconsin, he was shaped by his blue-collar upbringing, education and athletic minded parents, and a series of college coaches that served as mentors. In 2010 the University of Toledo hired Tod to resuscitate a basketball program that was in shambles. Now in his 13th ye...

The foundation for Wendi’s personal and professional trajectory was set by her goal-oriented and highly supportive parents. She draws upon her experience as a lawyer, church worker, and college athlete to tackle poverty and food insecurity in the Toledo region.  Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic De...

For over 40 years Dr. Longenecker has been teaching, writing and speaking about all things leadership. His work with collegians, CEOs, and private sector and nonprofit organizations gives him a robust perspective about leadership effectiveness. A highly acclaimed business professor, author, and keynote speaker, Dr. Longenecker displays a relentless positive outlook and ability to connect with and...

Kadee Anstadt worked 20 years in the private sector before making a career pivot into education. Her lifelong desire to be a teacher and a serious health incident were the motivating factors behind this change in direction. Whether as a teacher, central office administrator, or superintendent, Kadee brings a purposed-driven and student-centered approach to her role. The enthusiasm and energy that...

Jim’s experiences as an educator and high school football coach planted a seed about the importance of the human dimension within every organization. He took what he learned from school administration and the gridiron and built a dynamic business consultancy company that serves major corporations around the world. For the past 35 years Jim and his team at Root have helped CEOs and senior leadershi...

Stuart was born with osteogenesis imperfecta. His parents never treated him like he had a disability and never dampened his dreams. As a result, Stuart pursued goals, stretched himself, and attained prominent roles in the private and nonprofit sectors. His strong advocacy for independent living and full inclusion for people with disabilities is at the core of who he is as a leader.   Host/Executiv...

Ann is a driven, compassionate, and down-to-earth leader who works tirelessly to help people experiencing extreme hardship. Cherry Street Mission Ministries, located in downtown Toledo, Ohio, has been serving the homeless in NW Ohio and SE Michigan for 75 years. Using a Christian service approach, the goal is to reverse the cycle of poverty and help people living on the margins lead productive liv...

Alongside a highly successful career at a prestigious law firm, Stephen Rothschild always gave generously of his time and talents to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. A rewarding stint as a school board member made it clear to him that he was ready to pivot from the private sector to a public, mission-based organization. He now leads the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo, an umbrella or...

Since 1921, the Toledo-based Mancy family has been providing an exceptional dining experience to customers. In this episode Gus Mancy shares how he, his brothers/cousins, and first and second generation family members built an iconic restaurant brand. His insights about running a high-profile establishment, the customer experience, creating a positive culture, making decisions, and adapting/improv...

As an educator, pastor, and executive director of a community-centered non-profit, Christine Sweeney lives a purpose-filled life. Her servant leadership approach is embedded into the mission of the Art Tatum Zone: improving the human condition one person and one family at a time. Christine’s life story and reflections about the Junction Neighborhood, her love of teaching, the three steps she uses...

At a very young age Florida native Vicky Hurst emerged as a golf sensation. As a high schooler she was a two-time Florida Player of the Year, member of the US Junior Solheim Team, and the top-ranked US amateur. She turned pro during her senior year of high school and burst onto the Symetra and LPGA Tours. The early victories and Top Ten finishes earned her a coveted spot on the 2011 US Solheim Tea...

In 2013, at the age of 37, Dr. Romules Durant became the CEO/superintendent of the fourth largest school district in Ohio. Purpose-driven, highly accomplished, student-centered, and homegrown are just a few ways to describe this dynamic school leader. During this episode, Dr. Durant talks candidly about his upbringing, his love for Toledo, the role athletics played in his development, handling adv...