On Authentic Leadership Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with William G. Kelly for a powerful conversation on leadership, mentorship, service, and personal growth. Drawing from nearly four decades of military and public service, President Kelly reflects on the lessons that shaped him from his time in the U.S. Coast Guard to leading Christopher Newport University. Together, we discuss the importance of trust, resilience, empa...

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass joins the conversation to share leadership lessons drawn from the highest enlisted position in the United States Air Force. From mentorship and professional development to communication, influence, and navigating social media, this episode explores what it truly means to lead in complex and evolving environments. The discussion covers the importan...

In this episode of The Colonel and The Coach, we sit down with Jamie Hathaway to explore a powerful journey from service and conflict to compassion and nonprofit leadership. Jamie shares how his experiences in Vietnam and humanitarian work shaped his values, sense of integrity, and commitment to helping others find hope and purpose. The conversation dives into the heart of Make-A-Wish, highlightin...

Join us in this powerful episode as we sit down with Brian Daliege, Fire Captain of James City County Fire Department, to explore the realities of modern firefighting, the evolution of leadership in fire services, and the life-changing impact of mentorship in high-stress professions. Brian opens up about his early life, his path into fire service, and the intense world of wildland firefighting. He...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Richard W. Schneider, Rear Admiral,(Retired) and President Emeritus of Norwich University. He shares his journey from the U.S. Coast Guard to higher education leadership, along with the lessons he learned about emotional intelligence, values, mentorship, and preparing future leaders. Dr. Schneider reflects on the challenges of guiding an institution through chang...

In this week’s episode of The Colonel and The Coach Podcast, we sit down with Tony Bilich, a three-time Veteran’s Golf Association Champion and Purple Heart recipient, to talk about leadership, resilience, and the mental game that connects military service, golf, and life. Tony shares his story of growing up in Hancock, Michigan, serving in the Purple Heart Division, and carrying the lessons of di...

This Episode is Sponsored by Cloche Hockey Proud supporters of leadership, teamwork, and giving back. Authentic leadership meets championship culture. Founded by Colonel Matt Smith (USAF, Ret.) and Coach Cam Ellsworth, The Colonel and The Coach bring decades of military command and elite coaching experience to help build authentic leaders who create lasting impact. Our apparel carries that mission...

This Episode is Sponsored by Cloche Hockey Proud supporters of leadership, teamwork, and giving back. Authentic leadership meets championship culture. Founded by Colonel Matt Smith (USAF, Ret.) and Coach Cam Ellsworth, The Colonel and The Coach bring decades of military command and elite coaching experience to help build authentic leaders who create lasting impact. Our apparel carries that mission...

This Episode is Sponsored by Cloche Hockey Proud supporters of leadership, teamwork, and giving back. Authentic leadership meets championship culture. Founded by Colonel Matt Smith (USAF, Ret.) and Coach Cam Ellsworth, The Colonel and The Coach bring decades of military command and elite coaching experience to help build authentic leaders who create lasting impact. Our apparel carries that mission...

This Episode is Sponsored by Cloche Hockey Proud supporters of leadership, teamwork, and giving back. Authentic leadership meets championship culture. Founded by Colonel Matt Smith (USAF, Ret.) and Coach Cam Ellsworth, The Colonel and The Coach bring decades of military command and elite coaching experience to help build authentic leaders who create lasting impact. Our apparel carries that mission...

This episode is sponsored by Cloche, LLC — founded by lifelong hockey friends Jake Bell and Gavin Davison, Cloche reimagines traditional warm-up apparel by blending durability, comfort, and authentic hockey culture. Cloche delivers high-quality, customizable gear that helps players “WIN BEFORE PUCK DROP.” Learn More About Cloche: https://clochehockey.com/ In this powerful episode of The Colonel an...

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) is a nonprofit made up of veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who share a love of riding motorcycles. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to support and defend those who have defended our country, with a focus on helping veteran brothers and sisters in need. Learn More About the CVMA: https://www.combatvet.us/ Follow The Colonel a...

Summary In this episode, The Colonel and The Coach dive into what makes leadership authentic across military, sports, and everyday life. From navigating cultural expectations to the power of mentorship, they share personal stories, real-world lessons, and practical insights. They explore the challenges of communication, the value of enduring relationships, and why stepping outside your comfort zon...

In 2000, 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott held her first lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research while bravely battling cancer herself. That one small act raised $2,000 and started a movement that has since funded over 1,500 innovative research projects across nearly 150 institutions in the U.S. and Canada. Today, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) leads groundbreaking in...

Tyler Lagasse is an accomplished Special Olympics athlete, author, and advocate. Diagnosed with autism, Tyler has spent over 21 years competing in golf and Alpine Skiing. A proud Massachusetts native, he’s traveled across the U.S. for the Special Olympics USA Games and will represent the United States in Alpine skiing at the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. Among his many achievements, Tyl...

Coach Devan McConnell is the High Performance Director for the Utah Mammoth Hockey Club and an Executive Board Member for the Strength & Conditioning Association of Professional Hockey. With a career spanning top-tier programs such as Stanford University, UMass Lowell, New Jersey Devils, and Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, Devan has become a respected voice in athlete development and per...

Jason Kersner is the head coach of the Sioux City Musketeers and a renowned culture builder in the world of hockey. With a coaching resume that spans Junior hockey and elite training programs like Pinnacle Performance and Skipjacks Hockey Academy, he’s known for his ability to shape high-performance teams on and off the ice. A co-author of The Mental Game of Ice Hockey, Kersner brings a deep under...

Callum Jones is a professional lacrosse player for the Ottawa Black Bears, known for his gritty, physical play and relentless energy on the field. Originally from Burlington, Ontario, he discovered lacrosse by chance and quickly embraced its intensity. A dual-sport athlete at Norwich University, Jones played both hockey and lacrosse before committing fully to his professional lacrosse career. Draf...

Tailwinds Ranch is a nonprofit organization (501c3) dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma, PTSD, and moral injury. Founded by Michelle and Jeff Weed, Tailwinds provides evidence-based therapeutic services for military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their families. Through compassionate care, community connection, and a deep commitment to resilience, Tailwinds Ranch offers a...

Coach Tim Coghlin is one of the most accomplished figures in NCAA Division III hockey history. As head coach of St. Norbert College for over 30 seasons, he’s led the Green Knights to 5 national championships, 12 Frozen Four appearances, and holds the most wins in Division III history. Known for developing high-character athletes and future leaders, Coghlin has built a legacy of excellence on and o...

Summary In this conversation, the leadership group from the Norwich University men's hockey team reflects on their season, discussing the challenges they faced, the importance of communication, and the growth they experienced as individuals and as a team. They emphasize the significance of authentic leadership, the value of empowering others, and the emotional connections formed through their shar...

In this episode of "On Authentic Leadership" with The Colonel and The Coach, hosts Matt Smith and Cam Ellsworth engage in a meaningful conversation with Jon 'BigDogg' Rhone, exploring themes of leadership, mentorship, and the importance of humility. They discuss the impact of sports and military experiences on leadership styles, the significance of recognizing team members' contributions, and the...

Keywords leadership, military, hockey, mentorship, accountability, personal growth, Norwich University, Air Force, team culture, authentic leadership, leadership, culture, mentorship, authenticity, military, sports, personal growth, relationships, trust, coaching Summary In this inaugural episode of On Authentic Leadership with The Colonel and The Coach, hosts Matt Smith and Cam Ellsworth welcome...