Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership

In this chapter of Foundations + Futures: By the Decade, we step into the 2010s, a decade that demanded more from everyone in design. Sustainability shifted from something firms aspired to into something they felt accountable for, and communities started asking whether what they'd built still served people or the planet. For Schmidt Associates, it was an era of bold ideas, complex partnership...

In this chapter of Foundations + Futures: By the Decade, we step into the 2000s, a decade reshaped by school security, sustainability and the growing belief that a building could be a tool for wellness, community and change. For Schmidt Associates, it was the era of deepening roots. Anna Marie Burrell , K-12 studio leader and principal-in-charge, joins host Sarah Hempstead to reflect on more than...

In this third chapter of Foundations + Futures: By the Decade, we step into the 1990s, a decade of dial-up connections, AutoCAD debuts, and a firm that was growing up fast. For Schmidt Associates , it was the era of intention. Kevin Shelley , chief operations officer and principal, and Steve Schaecher , design architect and firm principal, join host Sarah Hempstead to bring the decade to life.  Bo...

In this second chapter of Foundations + Futures: By the Decade, we step into the 1980s—cassette tapes, big hair, and a decade that wasn't afraid to reinvent itself. For Schmidt Associates , it was the era of finding direction. Wes Harrison , structural engineer and longtime collaborator, joins host Sarah Hempstead to bring the decade to life. From hand-drafted drawings and eraser crumbs to a...

In this first chapter of Foundations + Futures: By the Decade , we travel back to 1976—when Schmidt Associate s was born from a bold idea, one chair, two employees, and a deep belief that architecture should serve people first. Dean Illingworth , a longtime Schmidt Associates team member and firsthand witness to the firm's earliest days, joins host Sarah Hempstead to bring the 1970s to life....

In this special anniversary series episode, we’re flipping the script— Sarah Hempstead , CEO of Schmidt Associates and host of Luminate , takes the guest seat to reflect on legacy, leadership, and what it means to carry a vision forward. As Schmidt Associates celebrates 50 years—and honors 100 years of Arrasmith history in Kentucky—Sarah shares the story behind her architectural journey, the value...

Few roles demand more heart, humility, and resolve than leading a public school district.  In this episode, CEO Sarah Hempstead sits down with Dr. Travis Madison, superintendent of New Albany Floyd County Schools , for a candid conversation about leadership rooted in purpose—and the power of showing up for students, staff, and the community every day. With nearly three decades in education, Dr. Ma...

In this insightful episode, CEO Sarah Hempstead sits down with Wendy Muston—concert harpist and former school board president—for a conversation about leadership, service, and the lasting impact of the arts in education. With a career that spans international concert halls and 25 years of public service in The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township , Wendy shares how her experiences as...

In this inspiring episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership , guest host Audra Blasdel speaks with Dan Robison, director of the Jackson County Chamber , about returning home, building ecosystems, and leading rural transformation through connection and creativity. After nearly two decades in Florida, Robison made the bold decision to return to Seymour, Indiana—just day...

In this inspiring episode, CEO Sarah Hempstead sits down with Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty , inaugural dean of Founders College at Butler University , to explore how visionary leadership and lived experience are reshaping access to higher education. Dr. Gentle-Genitty shares her journey from growing up in Belize to serving as dean of a bold new college model designed for high-ability, low-wealth stu...

In this episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership , host Sarah Hempstead speaks with Dr. Tanuja Singh, president of the University of Indianapolis . Dr. Singh shares her extraordinary journey from particle physics in India to purposeful leadership in higher education. She discusses the importance of belonging, mentorship, and preparing the next generation of women lea...

In this episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership , host Sarah Hempstead sits down with Matthew Deck, Director of Facilities and Events for the City of Westfield , Indiana and Audra Blasdel , Waypoint Strategies Division Lead. Deck shares how his deep-rooted love for community, inspired by his mother and mentors like former mayor Andy Cook, has shaped his leadership j...

In this episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership , host Sarah Hempstead speaks with Brian Tomamichel, assistant superintendent for business and operations at Westfield Washington Schools.  Tomamichel shares his unconventional path to education leadership, his passion for the outdoors, and his approach to managing growth in one of Indiana’s fastest-growing school dist...

In this inspiring episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership , Sarah Hempstead sits down with Mike Springer, Superintendent of Norwell Community Schools, to explore his remarkable 30-year journey in education. From his humble beginnings on a farm in Illinois to leading transformative educational initiatives, Mike shares lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power...

In this inspiring episode of Luminate , Sarah Hempstead, CEO and Principal-in-Charge at Schmidt Associates, sits down with Vop Osili, President of the Indianapolis City-County Council. Vop shares his extraordinary journey from a childhood shaped by his Nigerian heritage and Indianapolis roots to his impactful career in architecture, urban design, and public service. Discover how his parents’ legac...

Episode Introduction: Welcome to Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership , where we explore the journeys of visionary leaders making a difference. Today, our host, Sarah Hempstead, CEO and Principal-in-Charge at Schmidt Associates, is joined by Audra Blasdel, the Division Lead of Waypoint Strategies. With a diverse career spanning government, nonprofit, and educational organiz...

Episode 27: Rooted In Nature: Leadership, Advocacy and the Power of the Outdoors with Layla George, CEO and President of Olmsted Parks Conservancy  Episode Introduction: Welcome to Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership , where we dive into the minds of some of the most creative leaders shaping our world today. In today’s episode, Sarah Hempstead, CEO at Schmidt Associates, i...

Introduction: Welcome to Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership . In this episode, Sarah Hempstead is joined by Dr. Paul Kaiser, Superintendent of Westfield Washington Schools. Dr. Kaiser brings over 40 years of experience in education, from being a former math teacher to leading a district of nearly 10,000 students. Together, they dive into the themes of honesty, transparenc...

Introduction: Welcome to Luminate, where we dive into the minds of some of the most creative leaders shaping our world today. I'm Sarah Hempstead, architect, and CEO of Schmidt Associates. In this episode, I'm thrilled to sit down with David Cook, the President and CEO of Hosparus Health and Pallitus Health Partners. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare and non-profit sectors,...

Thankful for his parents who were his first teachers and blessed with gifts of grit and determination, Holy Cross College President Dr. Marco Clark, Ed. D. has found great joy in serving others and impacting lives throughout his 30-year Catholic education career that has included stops in teaching high school, coaching, working with at-risk youth, teaching at the college level, and completing rese...

Join us as we explore the illustrious design career and remarkable creative leadership journey of Tom Neff,  AIA, LEED AP.  From growing up in Coshocton, Ohio to becoming a prominent figure in central Indiana’s K-12 architectural design community, Tom has contributed to encouraging equity and equality in K-12 schools. Learn more about his design strategy and the impacts he has had on countless stu...

Join Host Sarah Hempstead and Christamore House CEO La’Toya Pitts for an enlightening conversation on creative leadership.  A driving force in the Haughville and Near Westside neighborhoods of Indianapolis,  La’Toya has spearheaded efforts to provide child and youth educational services, senior programming, and life skills training to shape residents into community contributors. Learn how Christam...

Join host Sarah Hempstead for Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership as she interviews Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) President and CEO Dr. Dottie King. Since stepping into her role, Dr. King has advocated for Indiana’s 29 private, non-profit colleges and universities, drawing on her experiences as a professor and administrator. With a storied career that includes tran...

Travel with us into the visionary world of Leonard Hoops, the president, and CEO of Visit Indy, and the driving force behind transforming Indianapolis into America’s top convention destination. From his Trinidadian roots to his rise in Indianapolis’ growing tourism industry, Leonard’s creative leadership and strategic vision have not only elevated the city on the convention map but have also culti...

Embark on an intimate exploration of leadership and perseverance with Mario Rodriguez, the visionary leader at the Indianapolis Airport Authority. His tale, a tapestry woven from his parents' daring escape from Cuba and their indomitable spirit to triumph in a foreign land, is nothing short of cinematic. As we chat with Mario, you'll experience the vibrant streets of Miami, where his fam...