The Leadership Lounge

What happens when someone gets promoted into a leadership role... and then left to figure it out on their own? In this episode, we’re talking about the all-too-common experience of becoming a manager without the training, tools, or support to succeed — and what organizations can do about it. Host Paul Bolton, Director of Business Development at the Leadership Louisville Center, is joined by Adrian...

In this episode of The Leadership Lounge Podcast, we have the pleasure of introducing our new Director of Leadership Development, Donald Woolridge Sr., MBA. As an expert in learning and development, Donald is passionate about helping organizations and individuals grow and thrive. He oversees the LeadingBetter™ brand, which is dedicated to fostering leadership excellence across various sectors. We...

In celebration of Women's History Month, this special podcast episode highlights the work we do at the Leadership Louisville Center and LeadingBetter™ to empower women leaders. Join us as we are joined by two powerhouse guests: Lisa Zangari, our in-house Executive Coach, and Cynthia Knapek, President and CEO of the Leadership Louisville Center. Together, they dive into the importance of women...

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re extending our recognition with a special two-part podcast series. In part 2, we are featuring Ashley Duncan, Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity at Republic Bank and a member of our Board of Directors. Ashley’s career has been dedicated to diversity and inclusion.  Ashley reflects on the key lessons she’s learned about influence, resilience, and h...

This Black History Month, we’re extending our celebration with a two-part podcast series. In Part 1, we speak with Dr. Douglas Craddock, Vice President of Community Engagement at the University of Louisville and Leadership Louisville Center board member and alum. Dr. Craddock shares his experiences as a Black leader, discussing key lessons on leadership, resilience, and making an impact in predomi...

In this episode of The Leadership Lounge , we're joined by our Director of Business Development, Engagement Manager, and Talent Development Leader to discuss the power of intentional leadership in the new year. Together, they explore how leaders can be purposeful in their approach to guiding teams, share their personal intentions and aspirations for 2025, and offer valuable tips for leaders w...

In this inspiring episode of the Leadership Lounge Podcast, we’re joined by Pattie Dale Tye, COO for Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. Pattie Dale shares her insights on what it means to show up authentically in your job and the importance of being a woman in leadership. She reflects on the mentors and individuals who helped shape her journey and discusses how she’s paying it forward in her career today by...

In this episode of The Leadership Lounge , we’re joined by the new Executive Director of YPAL (Young Professionals Association of Louisville), along with current and past YPAL presidents, to discuss the importance of creating spaces for emerging leaders in our community. We dive into the strong connection between YPAL and the Leadership Louisville Center, exploring how both organizations collabora...

The ability to have civil conversations across differences is essential for effective leadership. This episode delves into the challenges and opportunities that happen when we seek to understand - not only for ourselves, but for our workplaces, our communities, and beyond. We'll explore strategies for fostering understanding, building empathy, and navigating difficult conversations with grace...

You need a network of strong women. We've put them at your table. Join us as we share Jennifer Green, Chief Legal Officer at Yum! Brands Digital & Technology, and Judge Jessica Green's inspiring journeys and pearls of wisdom. Support the show

You need a network of strong women. We’ve put them at your table. Join us as we share Kim Baker, President and CEO of the Kentucky Performing Arts- the first woman and first Kentuckian to serve in this capacity's story and lessons that she has learned throughout her life! Support the show

In our inaugural episode, we explore the essence of social impact leadership through the lens of the Leadership Louisville Center. Join us as we uncover the ah-ha moments that inspire and transform individuals into impactful leaders. Discover why the Leadership Louisville Center stands as the largest leadership organization in the country and learn about our new brand, LeadingBetter™. We also intr...

Carolyn Tandy, the SVP and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Humana, Inc., has had an amazing career, spanning from the White House to the Fortune 500.   In this conversation we learn more about her journey, her mentors, and her vision for our community.  The Leadership Louisville Podcast is possible with support from PNC Bank.    Support the show

Dr. Tom Owen is a Louisville legend.  An archivist with the University of Louisville for decades, a former member of the Louisville Board of Alderman, a former Metro Council member from district 9, a mayoral candidate, and a partner with the Leadership Louisville Center for over 40 years.  Tom has enthralled audiences with his stories of Louisville history, and now we talk about his own leadership...

Aaron is joined by his friend (and former Leadership Kentucky classmate) Amy Luttrell, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky.  Amy came to Louisville to lead Goodwill in 2014 after decades with the organization in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Tennessee. They talk about the real work of Goodwill, which is often different than the perceived mission, and how Goodwill goes beyond jobs and in...

Dan Mann is the Executive Director of the Regional Airport Authority, and he shares his journey from the military to airport management, the importance of building networks, and how to lead a critical piece of infrastructure through a global crisis. Special thanks to PNC Bank for supporting episodes of the Leadership Louisville Podcast Support the show

Mike Moll, SVP of PNC Bank, takes on the role of interviewer in this conversation with Cynthia Knapek, President of the Leadership Louisville Center. Topics include the science of leadership, the power of confidence and courage, and something about "leap and the net will appear." The Leadership Louisville Podcast is supported by PNC Bank Support the show

David Lopez came to Louisville in 2018 as the Chief Development Officer at Metro United Way.  A Mexican-American originally from San Diego, David brings a fresh perspective to our city, and it's reflected in this conversation. We talk about his career, how he came to Louisville, and in particular what it's like to be an "only" in an organization.  Support the show

Jerry Abramson is a legend in Louisville leadership.  As a mayor for 21 years, a Lieutenant Governor,  and  Director of Intergovernmental Affairs to President Obama, he has seen our government work at all levels, and he brings those experiences to this conversation.  We learn why he got into Public Service (versus "politics") and what he sees as his vision for the city of Louisville in t...

Louisville Public Media President and General Manager Stephen George stops by the podcast to discuss his career journey - across multiple cities and multiple forms of media - to eventually come back to his hometown and lead an organization that has continued providing news throughout the pandemic and racial justice movement in Louisville.  Despite challenges, the organization is expanding the news...

Dave Christopher is the Founder and CEO of AMPED (Academy of Music Production Education and Development) in the Russell neighborhood, and he's also leading the newly opened Russell Technology Business Incubator (RTBI). He and Aaron discuss the wisdom he learned from his father, how he started in tech by repairing his family's tube television, and how entrepreneurship can change lives.  S...

Louisville native David Mattingly  is a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning journalist with four decades of experience reporting domestically and abroad.  For 23 years David had a front-row seat to history as a CNN National Correspondent, but he considers returning to his hometown to be his most rewarding assignment.  Aaron and David discuss being present for history, from 9/11 and hurricane Katrina to...

Colonel Pam Stevenson has had an incredible journey, from the West End of Louisville to the US Air Force (and stations around the globe) for 27 years - and then back to Louisville and into the Kentucky House of Representatives for District 43. In this episode she shares stories and leadership lessons from an amazing career and how she plans to collaborate with all of Kentucky to help build a bette...

Aaron gets a chance to catch up with a longtime friend, Mike Moll, Senior VP at PNC Bank. Mike grew and developed his leadership over a long career with PNC here in his hometown of Louisville. Mike and Aaron discuss how a career can evolve even if you're at the same company for a long time. They also discuss the two-way nature of mentoring relationships. Support the show

Aaron spends an hour with Dr. OJ Oleka and they discuss everything from leading during a pandemic, to education as a path out of poverty, to being black and politically conservative in 2020. At one point OJ mentions this book which we said would be in the show notes: Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (George Gund Foundation Book in African America...