The Path To Leadership

Send us Fan Mail Sign up for SUPERVISOR 101: click here Have you ever wondered why some teams underperform despite having seemingly competent leaders? It's time to unravel the myths around 'natural-born leaders' and address the critical need for developing leadership skills, especially among frontline supervisors. Join me as I share reflections from both my personal life and 26 year...

Send us Fan Mail When the winds of change blow through the plains of leadership, few stand as firm and adept as Steve Hewitt, CEO of the Kansas Turnpike Authority. Our latest episode is a testament to the power of steering through upheaval with grace and strategy, as Steve recounts his journey from a Parks and Rec job to the helm of a major transportation network. Facing down the challenges of an...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a journey through the multifaceted world of marketing with Lori Wiles, an expert of branding who masterfully transitioned from broadcasting to leading her own fractional chief marketing officer firm. Lori peels back the layers of what truly constitutes a brand, revealing insights that extend past the visual elements to the psychological impact of color choices. Through h...

Send us Fan Mail When life unexpectedly reminded me of its fragility through my mother's health scare, I was forced to confront the delicate balance of health, happiness, and the daily grind. Today's episode is a candid exploration of that very struggle, as I recount the wake-up call that left me questioning if the pursuit of success is worth the cost of our well-being. We all have those...

Send us Fan Mail Our CSO Emma Blankenship is stepping in as your host  today to unravel the crucial role of listening in leadership! From a cozy corner in Kansas City, Emma reveals why many leaders fail to truly hear their teams and how this oversight can lead to significant losses for a company, including its top talent. Drawing on troubling statistics and real-life stories, she highlights common...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an enlightening journey with Emma and myself as we unravel the intricacies of personal branding in the professional realm. Discover how to cultivate an authentic presence that transcends mere aesthetics, and learn why it's crucial to take charge of how you're perceived. Our discussion ventures beyond the typical color schemes, exploring my own evolution with Ca...

Send us Fan Mail Wondering how to breeze through spring cleaning, not just in your home but in your work life as well? Jenna and I take you on a laughter-filled journey that'll leave your physical and digital spaces transformed, and your productivity soaring. We swap stories about the bedlam that ensues when work environments and inboxes are neglected, offering a friendly reminder that chaos...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a journey of discovery with Kate Weber, HR manager at Van Meter, where every employee has a stake in success. Listen closely as Kate weaves the story of her evolution from a student of human interaction to a leader who champions the value of an employee-owned business model. She illuminates the path that led her to Van Meter's doors and the organic rise to her curre...

Send us Fan Mail When Ashlyn traded the Rocky Mountains of Denver for the rolling plains of Kansas City, little did she know she would become a cornerstone of hope for countless children. Our latest episode features this remarkable changemaker, whose venture into the altruistic world of Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas is nothing short of inspiring. Step into the life of a woman whose high school...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an enlightening exploration with Alana Muller of Coffee Lunch Coffee, who shares her masterful transition from corporate executive to networking guru. Discover the structured strategies she used to forge influential professional connections, as she lays down the groundwork for how intentional relationships can catalyze both personal and career growth. Alana's story...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how to communicate effectively with your team or manage the invisible weight of leadership? This week, we're joined by leadership maven Erin Fajen, founder of On the Up, who brings her extensive experience to the table. From her beginnings training healthcare professionals to launching her own company, Erin's insights into connections and the Every...

Send us Fan Mail Immerse yourself in an invigorating exploration of emotional intelligence with Rich Bracken, my extraordinary guest whose zest for life is matched only by his expertise in leadership and personal growth. We traverse the contours of Rich's eclectic career and discuss how emotional intelligence isn't just a buzzword – it's a transformative force that Rich has harnesse...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever stood at the crossroads of doubt and accomplishment? Lauren Conaway, founder and CEO of InnovateHER KC, joins us to recount the moments where her path took a brave turn into leadership, shaping a haven for women and gender minorities seeking empowerment and connection. This episode peels back the layers of Lauren's journey, revealing how InnovateHERr KC blossome...

Send us Fan Mail Emotional intelligence is the secret sauce of superb leadership! Join me and David Brzozowski from TalentSmart EQ as we explore the transformative power of these crucial skills. Through personal anecdotes and David's expert lens, we unravel the four core competencies of emotional intelligence that any leader needs to continue to work on. David's career has been a journey...

Send us Fan Mail Every career is a tapestry of decisions, some woven by choice and others by circumstance. Our guest Mary Messner, a former healthcare executive and current creativity consultant, joins us to unravel the threads of her own story, illustrating the rich patterns that form when we pursue fulfillment over titles. From the heart of Kansas City, Mary's experiences at Cerner and her...

Send us Fan Mail When Shana Atomic speaks, you can't help but be riveted. Her transition from would-be broadcaster to an icon of healthcare and philanthropy is not just a career shift—it's a life affirming crusade. This episode peels back the layers of Shana's story, tracing her steps from personal health battles to championing Oracle Health Foundation's global mission. With he...

Send us Fan Mail Haley Prophet, a visionary in creating nurturing work environments, joins us to share her transformative journey and the bedrock principles that can make any organization a haven for its people. Her two decades of experience shine through as she unfolds the essentials of building trust, granting autonomy, and the undeniable impact this has on the mental health and productivity of...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling like your New Year's resolutions are just distant memories? You're not alone. Emma and Jenna are here to reignite that spark of ambition with an honest chat about the realities of goal-setting fatigue and strategies to overcome it. We're not just talking about resolutions; we're reshaping how you approach change for the long-term. Here's the articl...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever found yourself in a room full of people, palms sweating, heart racing, as you're about to speak? You're not alone. On Speak Up and Succeed Day (https://nationaltoday.com/speak-up-and-succeed-day/)  , we invite you to join our celebration of the spoken word and personal expression.   Alongside me, Jenna, our resident extrovert, shares her ease with crowds, w...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a leadership exploration as we sit down with Mike Sinnett, the visionary President and CEO of Missouri Kansas Goodwill. Mike's journey is a true testament to the power of change, guiding us from his four decades in banking to his inspiring role leading an organization that is so much more than thrift stores. We uncover the transformative strides Goodwill is making u...

Send us Fan Mail Ever found yourself setting goals with the vigor of a New Year's resolution, only to watch them fizzle out like a forgotten sparkler? Jenna and I kicked off the conversation with that very conundrum, digging into the heart of why we set our sights on certain achievements and how authenticity plays a crucial part in this process. We tackled the concept of starting fresh with t...

Send us Fan Mail As we close the chapter on a year of achievements and look toward the horizon of new beginnings, join us for a heartfelt and insightful look back at the triumphs and trials that have shaped our journey. Celebrate with us as we share the diverse ways our team, including Emma's reflective practices and Jenna's action-driven ethos, have approached wrapping up the year. Get...

Send us Fan Mail Are you ready to reframe your understanding of leadership? Together with my co-host Emma, we take a deep dive into the pivotal transformation from employee to supervisor. We debunk the myth that leadership skills are simply inborn, sharing our personal journeys and the real impact of inadequate leadership. By offering practical tips and insights, we focus on the necessity of prope...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Path to Leadership. We talk about strong leaders, loyal employees, avoiding burnout, raising profits, and building strong cultures. Everyone is a leader. The path is not always easy. Developing critical skills to build stronger, more successful, and profitable organizations. Join Dr. Katie as she chats with, Marcela Rodriguez, Interim CEO of Girl Scouts of NE Kansas...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Path to Leadership. We talk about strong leaders, loyal employees, avoiding burnout, raising profits, and building strong cultures. Everyone is a leader. The path is not always easy. Developing critical skills to build stronger, more successful, and profitable organizations. Join Dr. Katie as she chats with Cory Scheer. They discuss his research on trust and how thi...