Leadmore Podcast

Kendra Gottsleben is one of the most positive people you’ll ever meet. Kendra was born with a disability and has faced several obstacles and doubters in her life, but she wakes up every day with a smile on her face and a desire to help others. She’s an author of three books and a strong advocate for others with disabilities. In this episode, hear Kendra’s story and learn how she turns every one of...

Erin Healy and Kelly Sullivan are something rare in the world of South Dakota state politics—young, Democratic women. While one always saw herself running for public office someday, the other never would have imagined it. Both are leaders for their communities and for the state in Pierre. In this episode, we discuss what it’s like running for office in 2020, how to collaborate with leaders you may...

Liz Giorgi grew up wanting to be the next Barbara Walters. She ended up as a software CEO. Liz remembers being exposed to entrepreneurship from her grandfather, who ran a canoe outfitter in northern Minnesota, but never saw herself doing it. Today, Liz is the CEO of Soona, a fast casual content studio making waves in the photography and videography space. In this episode, Liz shares how they rebui...

Every speech, every all-hands meeting, and every 1-on-1 is an opportunity for a leader to influence their audience, be it internal or external. After trying more than 100 court cases, Robbie Crabtree knows a thing or two about influencing an audience. In this episode, Robbie explains how leaders can make an impact through what he calls “performative speaking.” He also shares his all-time favorite...

Most people put limits on what they believe is possible. Brett Hagler wants to challenge that thinking. He’s learned the best way to live is to do things that are rare. Most people aren’t willing to be bold, and boldness is free. In this episode, we learn how Brett and his team at New Story are boldly tackling one of the world’s biggest problems: housing. Brett explains New Story’s values and miss...

Many people have an idea to start a business, but very few actually do it. After years of balancing her day job and her side hustle, Maddie Peschong finally decided to take the leap, and it has changed her life. Maddie runs a photography studio, podcast, coaching program, and online courses; she’s also a wife and a mother of three. In this episode, we discuss when she knew it was time to take that...

Laurel Farrer was working remotely before it was cool. With over a decade of experience helping organizations transition to remote work, Laurel and her team at Distribute Consulting are ready to lead the world into the future of work. In March, her business leads grew by more than 6,000%, and today she helps companies like Microsoft, Slack, and Zoom do remote work better. In this episode, you’ll h...

Sustaining good leadership over the long term means passing the baton to the next generation when the time comes. Helping organizations navigate this challenge is Brent Beshore’s specialty. Brent and his team at Permanent Equity are helping great, multi-generation companies pass that baton to create decades-long business success. In this episode, Brent shares his advice on how to spot upcoming lea...

Paul TenHaken never thought he would become an entrepreneur, but he became the founder and CEO of Click Rain, a 35-person digital marketing agency. He also doesn’t consider himself a politician, but he became the mayor of South Dakota’s largest city. In this episode, we discuss Paul’s leadership journey, the importance of leading with empathy, and the challenges of being mayor during one of the mo...

Leadership requires dedication. John Stiegelmeier has been the head football coach at South Dakota State University for 24 seasons—that’s dedication. For Coach Stig (or “Holy Nutmeg” as he’s known on Twitter) it’s always been about more than football. In this episode, we dive into Coach Stig’s culture of leadership at SDSU, what he said to his players when the fall season was cancelled due to COVI...

Some leaders follow a straight and narrow path while others journey along a winding road. David Whitesock’s leadership journey is full of twists and turns. A recovering addict who now devotes his time and energy to helping those experiencing addiction, David was once a radio DJ and an early podcast entrepreneur. He also wrote his master’s thesis on Thomas Jefferson and was a Bush Fellow. In this e...

Leadership begins earlier than many of us realize. In this episode of the Leadmore Podcast, Charlotte Snyder, Head of School at the Baan Dek Montessori, explores how children lead and how parents can encourage leadership in their children. She explains the core philosophy of Montessori education and how their school has had to adapt amidst a global pandemic. Don’t miss Charlotte’s advice for how a...

To learn about the future, we must study the past. Dr. David O’Hara is a professor of philosophy and religion at Augustana University and one of the brightest minds you’ll meet. Dr. O’Hara believes in the power of classic languages, ancient philosophy, a good cup of tea, and the little things in life. In this episode, Dr. O’Hara connects the dots to show you unexpected connections and help you lea...

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin has always been ambitious. In high school, she was voted Girls State Governor. In her twenties, she earned undergraduate, graduate, and law degrees from Georgetown University. At 33, Stephanie went on to become the first woman from South Dakota elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She is now the president of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD.Stephanie share...

Rick Melmer has played nearly every role in the classroom you can imagine—teacher, principal, superintendent, and even state education secretary. Along the way, he learned what makes leaders tick and how each person can leverage their unique style and personality to become a powerful leader. Now, as founder of Leadership South Dakota, Rick shares his vision of transforming his home state by helpin...

Bestselling author Kim Scott has seen firsthand the power of radical candor. From managing diamond cutters in Russia to interviewing for a job with Apple CEO Tim Cook, she’s learned that people want to do meaningful work with people who care about them. In this episode, Kim explains how leaders can lead with radical candor, create a more equitable workplace, and spot the superstars in their organi...

Dr. Lon Kightlinger has found his vocation in public health. Former state epidemiologist for South Dakota and Peace Corps alumnus, Lon is a man whose adventures have taken him to all corners of the earth and back to the prairies of the Midwest. In this episode, Dr. Kightlinger talks about how leaders can step up during the pandemic and how you can marry your career with your passion.

Ashley Ballou-Bonnema’s path toward leadership is unique. Born with cystic fibrosis, Ashley earned her master’s degree in vocal performance despite living with a chronic lung disease. In episode five, hear how Ashley transformed her blog about living with CF into a non-profit, Breathe Bravely, that gives a voice to those across the world with CF. Ashley shares how she overcomes challenges and how...

Every leader is confronted with a moment when they are asked to rise up and lead. In episode four, John T. Meyer asks Taneeza Islam about how she knew this was her moment and what she did to prepare. Taneeza also details the critical needs of our immigrant community today and how leaders can effectively pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. Taneeza is a fierce and dedicated leader who...

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Ben Milne is an insanely curious person who loves to solve problems. In episode three, John T. Meyer calls Ben Milne to discuss the origin of his fintech startup, Dwolla, how he decided to reinvent the business, and when he knew it was time to replace himself as CEO of his own company. Ben is a person who cares deeply and that is very clear when you listen t...

In episode two, John T. Meyer sits down with entrepreneur, musician, author, and activist, Vaney Hariri. He explains why leaders need to step up and speak out, and reflects on his experience as a black man living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Vaney will inspire you to take action and create change in your business or personal life today.

In the first episode of the Leadmore podcast, John T. Meyer calls up former South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard to discuss leading during a time of crisis. He details how he identifies rising leaders and why he spent hard-earned political capital on key issues. You won't want to miss this episode with the man who left office as the most popular governor in South Dakota history.