The Leadership Lounge

Aaron and Jeff discuss how the nonprofit sector, which is the fourth largest employer in the commonwealth of Kentucky, is surviving during COVID-19 and how more members of our community can get involved in philanthropy to help make our city better for everyone. Support the show

In this episode, Evon Smith, CEO of OneWest talks with us about her journey to leadership and to Louisville – and what makes the West End a unique, vibrant place.  Support the show

Aaron is back at it behind the mic and bringing you some fresh insight from our friend Ben Reno-Weber. His story is a fascinating example of how exposing ourselves to other cultures, worldviews, and even parts of town can inform the ways we bring change with us when we return home.  Support the show

Lisa Benson is the leader of one of Louisville's largest media outlets, Louisville Business First, part of a national network of business journals. Aaron and Lisa discuss the challenges of becoming a leader just in time for 2020, gain an outsider's perspective on our city, and talk about pivoting content and events to virtual (and still keeping readers engaged). Support the show

Aaron Miller sits down with Walter Woods, who moved to Louisville in 2017 to lead the Humana Foundation. They discuss leadership, ego, getting out of your own way, racial justice, and the importance of being a mentor.  Support the show

Robert Barry Fleming talks about growing up in Frankfort and returning to Louisville to lead an iconic Louisville arts institution. Robert mentions three sources that we want to add here to the notes: - Catalyst Project - Racial Equity Institute - The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond We also encourage you in the conversation to do some research on Anne Braden.  Support the show

Parks! Outdoors! Quality of place!  A community is often defined by the quality of its public spaces, and Scott Martin chats about how Louisville can become an even greater, healthier, and more equitable community by working on our park systems. Here are more show notes:  Book recommendation: The Nature Fix by Florence Williams http://www.florencewilliams.com/the-nature-fix  www.riverheritageconse...

Sadiqa Reynolds, President and CEO of the Louisville Urban League, has a frank and honest discussion about race, the West End, "essential workers," and white allies. Support the show

Recorded on June 4. Nikki shares her insights on protesters, race relations, and how the business community can be part of the solution. Nikki references a book in the discussion, and it is The Covenant with Black America by various contributors with an introduction by Tavis Smiley, published in 2006.  Support the show

Dr. Tailor is only the 6th woman to be elected President of the Greater Louisville Medical Society as well being the first Indian-American leader of that organization (and one of the youngest ever!). Aaron and Dr. Tailor discuss what unique talents she brings to the role along with some advice for safely reopening our community from COVID-19. Their shared nerd-dom also comes into play (one of them...

Sarah shares her thoughts on women in leadership, how to re-open the Louisville economy, and ballroom dancing during a pandemic. Support the show

Former Kentucky Derby Festival president and current Secretary of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet Mike Berry sits down with Aaron to discuss his leadership journey (which involves working alongside several iconic state leaders) and also how you can learn everything you need to know about leadership from children's books. Support the show

Aaron and Stacey discuss entrepreneurship, the value of relationships, and the power of understanding culture. And a little bit about learning spanish online during a pandemic. Support the show

Aaron and Maggie have a great conversation about leading a small business through times of crisis (and why it's like playing a card game) - and also about a moment in Maggie's life when leadership was offered to her and she knew she had to step up and take it. Support the show

Aaron has a fascinating discussion with Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, Chief of Louisville Forward, about her journey into leadership and how a midnight trip to the fridge can make you realize that your job will never be the same. Support the show