In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

In this episode, high-impact leader Sharon Speyer describes a serendipity career path that merged her legal experience and business skills. Her insights about collaboration, the 2008 financial crisis, vulnerability, surviving cancer, social equity, and community development point to a higher purpose that she attaches to her professional role. The person she admires most… her father, Rabbi Alan Sok...

Rita Mansour is a highly successful financial advisor and business owner, plus a mission-driven humanitarian. She was chosen as the 2020 Jefferson Award recipient because of the multitude of philanthropic efforts and organizations that she supports. Her mission trips to refugee camps in the Middle East have been life-changing. Rita talks fondly about the role her parents and the nuns who taught he...

Serving in several high-profile roles during his career, the foundation of Mike Bell’s leadership approach has always emphasized helping others and making things better. During this episode Mike talks about growing-up in Louisiana and Toledo Ohio, people who influenced him early on, playing college football and being a basketball cheerleader, why he became a firefighter, dealing with bias and disc...

Entrepreneur, philanthropist, business owner, and author… Aly Sterling left the security of a significant position with a top-shelf employer to start her own firm. During this episode Aly describes in personal terms the driving factors that led her to make this leap, along with the challenges, rewards, and lessons learned associated with her entrepreneurial journey. Aly’s career/life path and gain...

Fritz Byer’s career/life path is lined with significance. This purpose-driven and highly regarded attorney shares his life-shaping experiences associated with Duke University and Harvard Law, 43 years in the legal profession, the Toledo Metroparks , hosting the Jazz Spectrum radio show for 32 years, Roger Federer and Bob Dylan, and the Fritz Byers Band. Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio...

A renown theologian and lecturer, Fr. Jim Bacik has been a Catholic priest for nearly 60 years. In this far-ranging conversation, Fr. Bacik talks about his family life growing-up, influences and mentors, love of sports, seminary experience, parishioners who taught him how to be a good priest, leadership dynamics of being a pastor, handling criticism, his approach to public speaking, the Catholic C...

Anna Toney’s enthusiasm for leadership development, community engagement, and the Toledo region propels her work as the executive director at Leadership Toledo. In this episode Anna describes the life-shaping impact of her theatrical roles, what led her to Leadership Toledo, shouldering decisions, handling adversity, the courage to be vulnerable, and the importance of walking in another person’s s...

In his 15th year as superintendent of Perrysburg Schools, Tom Hosler has used a collaborative leadership approach to elevate the district into the upper tier of Ohio school systems. He continually encourages and challenges students and educators to use their talents and look for ways to improve the human condition. His sense of humor enables him to connect with people and persevere through rough p...

Journalist, professor, author, social justice advocate, community builder, reading enthusiast, music aficionado, and all-in for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Rhonda Sewell is a mission-driven servant leader who uses her talents for the greater good.  Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Desi...

Dr. Mary Ann Gawelek, the tenth president of Lourdes University (Sylvania, OH), describes what inspires her and the different ways she strives to make the collegiate experience a memorable one for students, faculty, and staff. The unprecedented challenges facing higher education due to COVID are also discussed. Her first job as a teenager? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t very glamorous.  Host/Execu...

At the age of 15, Jo Ann Boyce became a Civil Rights pioneer. She was one of the Clinton 12, a courageous group of black students who pushed thru racist taunts and mob violence to become the first students of color to attend an all-white high school in the Old South. The year was 1956; the place was Clinton, Tennessee. Jo Ann has been sharing her school integration story and other life lessons wit...

Chrys Peterson had a distinguished 32-year career in broadcast journalism. Now she runs a company that helps organizations enhance communication, teamwork, and leadership development. The life-giving and humble way she lends her talents to a wide variety of charitable causes and community initiatives puts her firmly in the servant-leader category. For more about Chrys visit chryspeterson.com Host/...

CEO Jim Nusbaum draws upon his diverse skillset and professional experiences as he goes about strategically growing Barry Bagels. His entrepreneurial leadership perspective has been shaped through his work in the private and public sectors.   Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Sha...

In the Arena host, Brad Rieger joins Deidra Lashley, Executive Director of the Bethany House in Toledo, Ohio. A high school mission trip to Haiti was a defining moment for Deidra Lashley. The service work that she and her classmates did in impoverished Haiti was a life-changing experience that pointed her in the career path direction of helping people in dire circumstances. As executive director o...

Brad joins Tricia Cullop, Head Coach, University of Toledo Women’s Basketball,  for an insightful discussion about her leadership path.  Tricia Cullop, the head coach of the University of Toledo Women’s Basketball team, is the winningest coach in program history. Her dynamic leadership approach, emphasis on building a high-performing culture, and the ability to connect with players, coaches, and f...

As the long-time President/CEO of a marketing/advertising agency and a hall of fame high school hockey coach, Jim Cooper has forged a leadership perspective based on his experiences in the business and athletic arenas. His emphasis on integrity, nurturing deep relationships, and coaching-up others are the cornerstones of his success.  Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production...