Surfacing Leaders

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Kerim Kfuri, global entrepreneur and supply chain expert, author, and CEO of the Atlas Network. They explore the intricate world of supply chains, the mindset needed for success, and the leadership principles that drive sustainable growth in an interconnected economy.

Kerim shares his unique journey—from early entrepreneurial ventures to leading a global supply chain enterprise. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, resilience, and maintaining a limitless mindset to navigate challenges. His three key pillars for supply chain success—choosing the right suppliers, ensuring visibility, and third-party attestation—offer valuable takeaways for business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Throughout the conversation, Marc and Kerim discuss the broader implications of leadership, including the role of curiosity, continuous learning, and combating complacency. Kerim also provides insights into the future of AI in supply chains and the delicate balance of flexibility in today’s workforce.

Tune in to discover:

• The key mindset shift that separates successful leaders from those who struggle in uncertain environments.
• How to build a supply chain strategy that mitigates risk and maximizes efficiency—whether you’re a startup or a multinational company.
• Why complacency is the biggest threat to leadership—and how to combat it in your business.
• The future of AI in supply chains and how emerging technologies are transforming industries.
• The one leadership trait that will set you apart in a rapidly changing world.

Join us for this engaging discussion on leadership, innovation, and the ever-evolving world of supply chains.

Connect with Kerim Kfuri:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerimkfuri/ 
• Website: KerimKfuri.com
• Atlas Network: TheAtlasNetwork.com
• Book: Supply Chain Ups and Downs

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Kevin Wathey, founder of Valara, a global resort portfolio redefining wellness, and Baseline, a health technology platform revolutionizing personalized health insights.

Kevin shares his inspiring journey, from navigating personal loss to finding his purpose in wellness and hospitality. They discuss his transition from a corporate career at Hyatt Hotels to creating transformative experiences that blend luxury hospitality with cutting-edge health science. Kevin reflects on how his mother's legacy shaped his mission and shares the pivotal moments that led to his current ventures.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• The key principle every leader must master to build trust and credibility.
• How to uncover and harness your inner compass to navigate uncertainty.
• The daily practices that create alignment and move you closer to your purpose.

Tune in to discover how Kevin's unique approach to wellness, leadership, and connection can inspire your journey toward greater fulfillment, impact, and discovering your true North.

Learn more about Kevin and his work:

Website: GetBaseline.com

LinkedIn

Are You Waiting for Permission to Lead Your Best Life? In this week’s episode, host Marc Koehler engages in a powerful conversation with returning guest Heather Younger, a celebrated author, keynote speaker, and leadership and workplace culture expert, who calls out the habits holding us back—waiting, blaming, and avoiding responsibility—and shares the keys to breaking free. 

Heather shares insights from her latest book, The Art of Self-Leadership: Discover the Power Within You and Learn to Lead Yourself, which explores how personal accountability and empowerment are the cornerstones of effective leadership. She reveals why self-leadership is essential for achieving clarity, building resilience, and fostering meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally.

Listeners will gain profound takeaways from Heather's stories and frameworks, such as:

• Moving from waiting and blaming to taking ownership of your growth.
• Embracing the power of listening as a transformative leadership tool.
• Aligning decisions and actions with core values to create a purpose-driven life.

Discover why self-leadership is the ultimate game-changer and how aligning your actions with your values can transform your life and leadership.

Join us for this inspiring episode and learn how to take charge of your life, lead with integrity, and leave a lasting impact on those around you.

Connect with Heather:

Website

LinkedIn

Book

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with his former Executive Officer 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 being Executive Officer of 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