Surfacing Leaders

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with his former commander on the USS Pogy, Vice Admiral Joe Leidig, a distinguished leader with 39 years of service in the U.S. Navy and a wealth of experience in both military and business environments.

Joe reflects on his incredible journey from commanding nuclear-powered submarines to serving as Deputy Commander of U.S. Africa Command, where he led operations with 2,000 personnel and a $700 million budget. Throughout the conversation, Joe shares his insights on leadership, focusing on three timeless principles: integrity, leadership, and effort.

Listeners will be inspired by Joe's stories, including his unforgettable interview with Admiral Hyman Rickover, the father of the nuclear Navy, and how it shaped his leadership philosophy. He also discusses how these principles guided his efforts to transform an underperforming submarine crew into a top-performing unit and later helped him bridge gaps in the defense industry's supply chain in his current role in private equity.

Joe offers actionable advice for leaders of all levels, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself, building trust through integrity, and fostering a shared vision that unites teams. This episode is packed with lessons on how to lead in high-stakes environments and beyond.

Join us for this inspiring conversation to surface the leader within yourself!

Connect with Joe:

• LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Elizabeth Yerecic Freedman, a leader in the family business world, to discuss leadership, sustainability, and the challenges of generational business transition.

Elizabeth, who is deeply involved in her family's business, Yerecic Label, as Co-Owner and EVP, shares how they've transformed their operations through cross-functional teams and lean practices, enabling them to improve and thrive continuously.

Elizabeth delves into the importance of sustainability in business, particularly how her company is making significant strides in creating recyclable and eco-friendly products. She explains how their commitment to sustainability benefits the environment and positions the company as a leader in the packaging industry. With a strong focus on process improvement, Elizabeth describes how a continuous learning and collaboration culture has fueled their success.

Listeners will learn about the intersection of family business dynamics, sustainability, and leadership development. Elizabeth shares how saying "yes" to new opportunities can unlock potential, how to drive meaningful change in an organization, and the role of passion in leadership.

In this episode, you'll discover actionable takeaways for your own leadership journey:

• Embrace change and innovation with a strong purpose.
• Lead with passion and authenticity.
• Cultivate a sustainable mindset for long-term success.

Join us as we explore how Elizabeth and her family are shaping the future of their business and leading with purpose.

Connect with Elizabeth:

• Elizabeth’s LinkedIn
• Yerecic Label Website

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler is joined by Dr. Scott De Long, a serial entrepreneur, seasoned leadership expert, educator, and author of I Thought I Was a Leader. Scott brings years of experience in coaching, corporate leadership, and personal development, offering a wealth of insights on how to cultivate strong teams and become a more effective leader.

In this episode, Scott shares powerful insights from his career and personal experiences, focusing on how to foster open communication, create psychological safety, and turn conflict into collaboration, with a special emphasis on connecting across generations. He highlights the importance of self-reflection and empathy in becoming an effective leader.

Key takeaways:

• How to build trust and foster open communication within your team.
• The importance of embracing self-reflection and empathy in leadership.
• Actionable strategies for navigating conflict and creating a positive, productive environment.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Scott about the importance of reflection and personal growth in leadership. His experiences and wisdom will challenge you with new perspectives on how to lead with authenticity and intention.

Connect with Scott:

LinkedIn

Website

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with the renowned Coach Mark Gottfried, former NCAA Division I basketball coach and leadership expert. Together, they explore the evolution of Mark’s leadership over a 32-year coaching career and the timeless values that drive success on and off the court.

Mark shares insights from his experiences coaching at the highest levels of college basketball, highlighting the importance of relationships, patience, and developing a "GID" (Grit, Integrity, Desire) mentality. He discusses the challenges and rewards of coaching, from his early days as a young head coach to adapting his leadership style over the years. Mark also offers candid advice on the changing landscape of college sports, particularly the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal, and how leaders must adapt in an era of rapid change.

Listeners will gain practical leadership lessons from Mark's experiences, including the crucial value of self-awareness and honest reflection.

This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills, including:

• Mastering patience as a leadership strategy for sustainable success.
• Cultivating deep, meaningful relationships that drive team cohesion and performance.
• Harnessing grit, integrity, and desire to overcome challenges and achieve extraordinary results.

Tune in to hear Coach Mark Gottfried's story and valuable perspective on leadership and how you can apply these principles in your journey.

Connect with Mark Gottfried:

• Website: Mark Gottfried Official
• Podcast: The Front Row with Coach Mark Gottfried
• LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a conversation with Laura Hamill, a leader in organizational psychology and leadership development, founder of Paris Phoenix Group, and author of the just-released book The Power of Culture. Together, they explore the evolving dynamics of leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of generational shifts in the workforce.

Laura shares her unique insights from her extensive experience working with companies like Microsoft and her consulting firm, Paris Phoenix Group. She dives into how leaders can create environments where employees feel heard, valued, and empowered. Highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence, Laura discusses how leaders can balance the need for organizational results with fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity.

A key theme of the episode is the future of work, especially as Gen Y and Gen Z take the forefront in the workforce. Laura emphasizes the need for leaders to listen actively, embrace diverse perspectives, and rethink traditional office structures in favor of flexibility and trust. She also discusses the role of AI in leadership, explaining how it can be a powerful tool for enhancing decision-making and improving team performance when managed wisely.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why empowering employees with a voice and cultivating a culture of transparency is critical for success and engagement.
• How to develop transformational managers who inspire, support, and drive performance at all levels.
• The undeniable power of authenticity and inclusivity in shaping a resilient, thriving organizational culture.

Join Marc and Laura as they uncover how leadership is evolving in response to shifting societal expectations and technological advancements. This conversation offers valuable insights for leaders at all levels, guiding you to build a stronger, more resilient leadership foundation.

Connect with Laura Hamill:

LinkedIn: Laura Hamill

Website: Paris Phoenix Group

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler talks with Eddie Pate, a seasoned inclusion, diversity, and equity expert. With a robust career spanning over two decades, Eddie has significantly contributed to leading inclusion initiatives at renowned organizations, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, which has equipped him with unique insights into teamwork and leadership in high-pressure environments. 

Their conversation delves into the pivotal role of empathy in fostering an inclusive workplace and the daily practices that can drive meaningful change. Eddie shares insights from his extensive career, emphasizing the transformative power of recognizing and leveraging individual differences to create vibrant, evolving work cultures. Through the metaphor of 'dropping pebbles,' Eddie illustrates how small, intentional actions can empower individuals to make significant ripple effects on team dynamics and organizational success.

Listeners will benefit from Eddie's practical strategies, including:

• Transforming your leadership style through empathy and intentionality to create a more connected team.
• Challenging traditional norms around cultural fit versus cultural adds to foster innovation.
• Implementing actionable tools to ensure every voice is valued in team discussions.

Join us for this enlightening discussion and discover how integrating empathy and intentionality can inspire personal and organizational growth, unlocking untapped potential within yourself and your organization.

Connect with Eddie Pate:

• LinkedIn
• Website

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a conversation with leading food and agriculture research expert and Holland-native, Anne-Marie Roerink. Together, they explore the intersection of leadership, industry evolution, and the importance of curiosity in driving meaningful change.

Anne-Marie shares her insights from years of research in the food sector, emphasizing the growing demand for transparency and ethical practices in agriculture. She highlights how younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, push for accountability, reshaping products' sourcing and marketing. Their discussion delves into the impact of AI on the industry, illustrating how it can enhance production and consumer choices while recognizing its inherent biases.

Listeners will gain valuable lessons from Anne-Marie's experiences, including her approach to cultivating a "to-don't" list to eliminate unnecessary tasks and enhance productivity. She also stresses the importance of staying connected with industry trends, ensuring you are always informed and up-to-date, and demonstrating how proactive engagement can lead to better decision-making and innovation.

The episode wraps up with practical takeaways for aspiring leaders:

• Understand what drives your passion and happiness in your work.
• Embrace continuous change and adaptability.
• Foster curiosity to navigate the complexities of your industry.

Join us for this enlightening conversation to discover how to integrate timeless values and insights into your leadership journey, paving the way for positive impact in your field.

Tune in to learn how to harness the power of curiosity and change to become a more effective leader in today's evolving landscape!

Connect with Anne-Marie Roerink:

LinkedIn: Anne-Marie Roerink

In this special episode of the *Surfacing Leaders* podcast, host Marc Koehler reconnects with former shipmate, Sean Kelley. Both Marc and Sean served together aboard the nuclear-powered USS Pogy submarine, and this episode is filled with stories from their time beneath the waves. They recount life on a submarine—its challenges, its camaraderie, and the unique lessons that shaped their leadership styles. For anyone curious about the rare and close-knit bond formed on submarines, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into that world.

Beyond their shared Navy days, Sean reflects on his impressive career post-military, including leadership roles at Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks, where he became a fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout their conversation, Marc and Sean draw connections between their submarine experiences and leadership principles—resilience, inclusion, and accountability.

In this episode, listeners will hear:

- The importance of resilience and teamwork in high-stakes environments.

- How submarine experiences shaped both Marc and Sean’s leadership philosophies.

- Insights on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations.

- Practical advice on how to stay invested in your team and lead through challenging times.

This is a one-of-a-kind episode blending personal stories and deep insights, highlighting the human spirit that drives leadership. 

Connect with Sean Kelley

LinkedIn

Website