Surfacing Leaders

Join us in this flavorful episode of Surfacing Leaders as we dive into the inspiring journey of Starr Edwards, the driving force behind the culinary sensation known as Bitchin' Sauce. Starr's remarkable story takes us from her humble beginnings at a local farmers market to the global stage. We explore the secret ingredients that have made her leadership style unique and effective, uncovering the recipe for her company's astounding success.

Starr's entrepreneurial spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence are showcased as she shares her insights on leadership, management, and the family-focused culture that sets Bitchin' Sauce apart. Discover how she defied conventional wisdom and embraced the unknown to turn her saucy dream into a thriving reality.

With humility as her guiding principle, Starr Edwards reveals her valuable lessons on leadership, emphasizing the power of being open to learning and unafraid to ask questions. From navigating the ever-changing landscape of business to scaling up while maintaining a family-like environment, Starr's leadership journey provides a valuable source of inspiration for aspiring leaders.

Tune in to this episode to learn the "secret sauce" that transforms good leaders into great ones and gain a fresh perspective on what it takes to create a lasting brand in today's dynamic world. "Secret Sauce to Leadership" will leave you hungry for success and eager to explore the untapped potential within you.

In this episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc Koehler delves into the captivating world of leadership with Diana Scherer, a Jazzercise instructor who brings a unique twist to the term "leader." Join us as Diana shares her journey from the dance floor to the stage, where she not only leads workouts but inspires and transforms lives.

Discover how Jazzercise, a fusion of dance and fitness, serves as the backdrop for Diana's leadership story. She reveals how this seemingly unconventional arena has allowed her to cultivate leadership skills that extend far beyond the studio. From motivating diverse age groups to adapting to changing trends, Diana provides invaluable insights into what it takes to lead with authenticity and impact.

Throughout the episode, Diana highlights the power of connection and community, emphasizing that leadership often begins by leading with love. Her infectious enthusiasm and dedication to helping others reach their full potential offer valuable lessons for leaders in any setting.

Tune in to this episode to learn how leadership can manifest in the most unexpected places and why it's essential to keep evolving and embracing change, just as Diana does on the dance floor. Whether you're leading a team, a project, or your own life, you'll find inspiration in Diana's heartfelt journey as a leader in the world of Jazzercise.

In this episode of Surfacing Leaders, join host Marc Koehler as he delves into the world of morning routines and leadership with Jarvis Leverson, the founder of Morning Hero. Jarvis shares his transformative journey from hitting rock bottom to discovering the power of morning routines which surfaced him as a leader to become a beacon of motivation for countless individuals seeking to level up their lives.

Discover the winning formula for morning success, from waking up earlier and setting intentions to using time-blocking techniques. Learn how embracing morning rituals can empower you to become a better leader, partner, and parent. Jarvis emphasizes the importance of self-care and how it fuels your ability to positively impact others.

Explore the simplicity of this life-changing approach and understand why starting with yourself every morning can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Tune in for practical insights, actionable tips, and inspiring stories that will guide you on your journey to becoming a morning hero and a true leader in your own life.

Listen to this episode to unlock the secrets of morning mastery and discover how small changes to your daily routine can make a monumental difference in your leadership journey.

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of Surfacing Leaders, Marc Koehler has the privilege to sit down with Executive Director of Northbrook Park District Molly Hamer, a real-life Leslie Knope (Including being a mother of triplets! We see you Parks & Recs fans). Molly's unique leadership story is one of self-discovery, transformation, and a profound commitment to nurturing the human spirit.

The episode begins by exploring a pivotal moment in Molly's life: a transformative trip to Bolivia. This eye-opening experience left an indelible mark on her, driving her passion for community engagement and social responsibility. Molly and Marc explore how this journey reshaped her perspective and deepened her commitment to creating a positive impact on her community.

Listeners will hear about Molly's early days as a young recreation supervisor, where she embraced her role with the same enthusiasm she encourages everyone to bring to their lives. As she surfaced as a leader in the Parks & Rec world, she quickly rose through the ranks, eventually leading 45 people, but her true leadership journey was just beginning.

What also sets this episode apart is Molly's candid sharing of the challenges women, particularly mothers, face in leadership roles. As a dedicated triplet mother, Molly vulnerably reflects on her experiences navigating the industry and her rising career while balancing the demands of motherhood. She discusses the often-unspoken challenges that women, especially mothers, encounter in their careers, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues in the workplace.

Molly's mantra, "Play Every Day," takes center stage in this episode, emphasizing that play means different things to different people, and it's an essential part of personal and professional growth. She encourages listeners to discover their own unique paths to play and self-discovery, offering valuable leadership lessons along the way.

As the episode concludes, Molly and Marc engage in one of the most powerful endings we've ever had on Surfacing Leaders. Molly's words regarding mental health and combatting negative self-talk resonate deeply. Listeners will be inspired to take some time to absorb Molly's wisdom and reflect on how her experiences and lessons can positively impact their own leadership journey.

Join Marc Koehler and Molly Hamer on this insightful journey that explores the transformative power of leadership and the impact of embracing play every day. This episode promises to leave you encouraged and empowered, with newfound perspectives on leadership and personal growth.

In Episode 7 of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc Koehler engages in a fascinating conversation with retired police chief Fred Armijo, tracing his remarkable journey of surfacing as a leader in public service first as a lifeguard, then as a police officer, and ultimately as police chief.

Fred's 29-year career in law enforcement is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and leadership. Starting as a lifeguard, he cultivated a foundation of responsibility and quick decision-making on the shores of California. He shares how the principles of vigilance and proactive intervention from his lifeguarding days seamlessly transitioned into his role as a police officer, shaping his approach to leadership and public safety.

As Fred recounts his ascent through the ranks, listeners are treated to captivating stories of his experiences as a police officer and his transformative journey to becoming a police chief. He reveals how his dedication to "work hard, be nice, change lives" became the guiding mantra that propelled his leadership style. Marc and Fred discuss his innovative use of video messages to connect with his team, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.

The conversation takes an introspective turn as Fred opens up about the challenges he faced as a leader. He reflects on the balance between trust and accountability, sharing how the concept of "blind trust" taught him the importance of checks and balances in leadership. Fred also shares his insights into the value of comprehensive execution and perseverance, vulnerably highlighting the lessons learned from initiatives that lacked follow-through.

As Fred embarks on a new chapter as a farmer, the episode concludes with a discussion on the timeless principles of leadership that he honed during his time as a lifeguard and police officer. From leading by example to engaging in inclusive decision-making, Fred's journey is a testament to the enduring impact of authentic and adaptable leadership.

Tune in to Episode 7 of Surfacing Leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the roles of collaboration, connection, and innovation in Elite Leadership. Marc Koehler's insightful conversation with Fred offers valuable takeaways for both seasoned leaders and aspiring ones, revealing the transformative potential of leadership in unexpected places.

Episode 6 of Surfacing Leaders, "From Rookie to Fire Chief: Unveiling the Heart of Fire Service Leadership" delves into the inspiring journey of David Parsons, a remarkable firefighter who rose through the ranks to become Oceanside, CA's Fire Chief -- the first Chief to begin their career graduating from Oceanside Fire Academy more than 20 years ago. Hosted by Marc Koehler, the episode follows David's story of surfacing as a fire service leader, explores the essence of leadership within the fire service,and the unwavering dedication firefighters have to serving their communities.

Throughout the episode, David shares his remarkable experiences, beginning from his early days as a young firefighter with a passion for helping others. You'll hear his evolution from a rookie firefighter to a seasoned leader, facing numerous challenges and triumphs along the way.

The episode emphasizes the essential qualities of a firefighter, including physical resilience, mental toughness, and a servant's heart. David's anecdotes shed light on the demanding and dangerous nature of firefighting, showcasing the critical importance of teamwork, trust, and effective communication in saving lives and protecting communities.

But this episode goes beyond the fire service. It's about the power of mentorship and self-awareness, the importance of collaboration, and the lessons in authenticity that transcend any leadership context. You'll hear captivating anecdotes, shared by David himself, that offer valuable insights for all of us who strive to be better leaders."From Rookie to Fire Chief" also highlights the significance of mentorship in shaping effective leaders. David fondly recalls the impact of his mentors, whose guidance and support inspired him to be true to himself and his values. He stresses the need for leaders to know themselves intimately, embracing both strengths and weaknesses, while fostering transparency and authenticity in their interactions.

The episode concludes with a profound message about the power of collaboration and inclusion in decision-making. David firmly believes in involving others in the decision-making process, fostering a sense of ownership and buy-in among his team.

"From Rookie to Fire Chief: Unveiling the Heart of Fire Service Leadership" not only celebrates the courageous efforts of firefighters but also offers valuable insights into leadership that transcend the fire service. It is a compelling exploration of how dedication, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving others can shape exceptional leaders who make a lasting impact on their communities.

Episode 5 of Surfacing Leaders brings you the engaging and inspiring story of Commanding Excellence: The Art of Continuous Learning as a Military Leader. Host Marc Koehler sits down with Jeff Jarosz, a former Marine Corps officer with a remarkable career in military leadership. From serving under renowned leaders like former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly to Admiral McCraven during the Special Forces operation that killed Osama bin Laden, Jeff surfaced as an exceptional leader in every assignment.

In this episode, Jeff shares invaluable insights into seamlessly transitioning his leadership expertise to the corporate world. From building cohesive teams to making critical personnel decisions, his wisdom is pure gold for aspiring leaders.

What sets this episode apart is Jeff's profound thoughts on learning and leadership development, deeply resonating with Marc's own leadership philosophy. Emphasizing the never-ending process of growth, Jeff believes in being a constant student of leadership. He shares his approach of seeking knowledge from various sources, including books and experiences beyond the military domain.

As fellow military veterans, Marc and Jeff's unique connection adds an extra layer of depth to their conversation. This inspiring journey reveals the pivotal role mentorship played in shaping their leadership paths.

Get ready for an enriching experience as Jeff's stories and insights will leave an indelible mark on your leadership philosophy. 

Dive into the waves of leadership as Surfacing Leaders host Marc Koehler, who moved to Oceanside with his family 25 years ago, shares the inspiring story of Leslee Gaul, a visionary leader who has left an indelible mark on the sandy shores of their hometown. Marc and Leslee's paths crossed years ago when they collaborated on coordinating beachside soccer tournaments in Oceanside during the time that Marc was coaching girls' soccer. Now, Marc is eager to showcase Leslee's journey of surfacing as a leader and her instrumental role in shaping Oceanside's remarkable transformation.

Like the ebb and flow of the ocean's tides, Leslee's career history unfolds with a resounding impact on the community around her. Marc and Leslee's conversation reveals her authentic leadership style, skillfully navigating the currents of change while staying true to her vision of what Oceanside could become. 

From humble beginnings with a modest budget, Leslee's unwavering commitment to Oceanside's growth surged forward, like a wave gaining momentum. She fearlessly advocated for her community, weathering the stormy challenges of 9/11, the housing market downturn, and the tumultuous waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her unwavering dedication ensured that Oceanside remained a safe and inviting haven for visitors and locals alike.

Listeners will gain valuable leadership lessons from Leslee's experiences. They will discover the power of authenticity and genuine care in building meaningful relationships and fostering trust within a team. Leslee's strategic approach to leadership and her ability to navigate challenges with resilience and a visionary mindset will inspire listeners to embrace calculated risks and drive positive change in their own endeavors.

The episode highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the value of building a team that shares the same passion and commitment to a shared vision. Listeners will learn how empowering others and creating a culture of expertise can lead to remarkable success and transformation.

Leslee's role in managing the disruptive impact of platforms like Airbnb offers insights into adaptability and decision-making. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to lead in changing market dynamics and level the playing field within their respective industries.

Marc and Leslee reflect on Oceanside's growth and its shift from a pass-by destination to a sought-after stop for travelers. Listeners will discover the significance of creating exceptional experiences, story-telling, and leveraging unique strengths.

And of course, having the Top Gun house downtown on the beachfront certainly helps!

Embark on an immersive journey through the depths of leadership with Marc Koehler in this captivating episode of Surfacing Leaders. Discover Leslee's remarkable voyage as she expertly navigates the tides of change, leaving an enduring legacy that washes over Oceanside's sandy shores. From the crashing waves of challenges to the shimmering hope of transformation, Leslee's story embodies the true essence of surfacing leaders. Gain valuable leadership insights and be inspired to make a difference in your own community or organization, embracing authenticity, empowering others, and driving positive change.