Lead with Empower Podcast

The Lead with Empower "Podcast Mini-Series" with the Western CT State University Softball Team is designed to hear, first hand, from team members and coaches, the role leadership plays in competitive sport at the collegiate level. Welcome to our 2nd Episode of WestConn Softball Leads with Empower!

• We are joined by Rachael Ushka (Junior SS & 2B), Carly Cordova (Sophomore Outfield), and Alexis Resto (Freshman 1B & 3B)
• Our conversation begins with a review of the team's "Leadership Areas of Focus" which include (A) improving body language/mindset, (B) improved focus, and (C) teammate-to-teammate accountability. The group shares their insight into how they provide constructive feedback to teammates and how they prefer to receive constructive feedback from teammates and coaches.
• We conclude our conversation with a discussion about the team's culture - including how they have benefitted from being WestConn Softball team members and how they hope to contribute to the continued development of the WestConn Softball Program!

The Empower Leadership Team has 22 years of experience facilitating team building programs and leadership development workshops to over 170,000 participants from schools/youth programs, corporations/municipalities, colleges/universities, and athletic teams/programs. Learn more about Empower Leadership at www.leadwithempower.com.

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

The Lead with Empower "Podcast Mini-Series" with the Western CT State University Softball Team is designed to hear, first hand, from team members and coaches, the role leadership plays in competitive sport at the collegiate level. Welcome to the 3rd installment of WestConn Softball Leads with Empower!

• Coach Heather Stone joins the Lead with Empower podcast for the second time - this time to share her thoughts on the program as they approach the mid-point of their 2023 season.
• We open with a quick check-in on the leadership, culture, and performance of Team 46 before Coach Stone shares insight on the impact her military experience have had on her coaching/leadership.
• Our conversation shifts towards "leadership areas of focus" identified by Syd, Liv, Grace, Benni, and Bri during our first two episodes with WestConn Softball. Coach Stone shares her thoughts on how her athletes have worked to improve body language, focus, and their ability to hold one another accountable through exceptional communication.
• The episode closes with a brief discussion on overcoming fear of failure before Coach Stone shares her "Keep/Stop/Start" items for the second half of the 2023 season.

The Empower Leadership Team has 22 years of experience facilitating team building programs and leadership development workshops to over 170,000 participants from schools/youth programs, corporations/municipalities, colleges/universities, and athletic teams/programs. Learn more about Empower Leadership at www.leadwithempower.com.

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

The Lead with Empower "Podcast Mini-Series" with the Western CT State University Softball Team is designed to hear, first hand, from team members and coaches, the role leadership plays in competitive sport at the collegiate level. Welcome to our 2nd Episode of WestConn Softball Leads with Empower!

• We are joined by Olivia Bordenaro (Sophomore Pitcher), Grace Parkosewich (Freshman Middle Infielder), and Brianna Malvino (Sophomore 2B/OF).
• The trio discusses their return to CT after their week of games in Florida. Olivia, Brianna, and Grace also share insight into how they find balance between academics, athletics, and social life as a student-athletes.
• Additionally, the group discusses the importance of preparation before "league-play" begins, and shares their thoughts on the leadership strengths and challenges of the 2023 team!

The Empower Leadership Team has 22 years of experience facilitating team building programs and leadership development workshops to over 170,000 participants from schools/youth programs, corporations/municipalities, colleges/universities, and athletic teams/programs. Learn more about Empower Leadership at www.leadwithempower.com.

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

The Empower Leadership Team kicks off our inaugural "Podcast Mini-Series" with the Softball Team from Western Connecticut State University (WestConn). Empower Leadership delivered a start-of-season team building event to the WestConn Softball Team on Saturday March 4th, 2023 and will track their team's performance, over the course of their season, by discussing leadership, team dynamics, and more with their athletes and coaches on the Lead with Empower Podcast!

• We are joined by Syd Chenowith (Junior Utility Player) and Benni Tucci (Freshman Middle Infielder)
• Syd and Benni were two stand-out performers during our team building event on 3/4/23, and they join us to discuss the start of their season in Florida
• We learn about the highlights and challenges from their first 12 games, discuss their team's dynamic thus far, and identify some positive leadership actions, and "traps" to avoid, that will help them maintain momentum from their 8-4 start!

The Empower Leadership Team has 22 years of experience facilitating team building programs and leadership development workshops to over 170,000 participants from schools/youth programs, corporations/municipalities, colleges/universities, and athletic teams/programs. Learn more about Empower Leadership at www.leadwithempower.com.

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

The Empower Leadership Team is back with another uplifting and empowering episode of the Lead with Empower Podcast. Operations Manager Ron Davis and President/GM Dan Jaskot aim to provide tools and tips to simplify your leadership skill development and touch on the following topics:

• An update from one of our most recent events - Sports Leadership and Team Building Training with Coach Heather Stone and the Western Connecticut State University's Softball Team
• The most recent Lead with Empower Blog Article - "Leadership Positions Available - Superheroes Need Not Apply"
• 3 Daily Actions that will improve your leadership skill development
• Strengthening grit and resiliency through the "Keep/Stop/Start" method of skill development/improvement

The Empower Leadership Team has 22 years of experience facilitating team building programs and leadership development workshops to over 170,000 participants from schools/youth programs, corporations/municipalities, colleges/universities, and athletic teams/programs. Learn more about Empower Leadership at www.leadwithempower.com.

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

An uplifting leadership discussion with Empower Leadership's Operations Manger, Ron Davis, and President/GM, Dan Jaskot touching on the following topics:

• Recent Empower Leadership programs, including leadership development for a group of 5th and 6th graders and after-school enrichment programming at two different middle schools.
• Tuckman's Stages of Group Development and aligning experiences to match the needs of individuals/groups/teams
• "Leading With Honor" by Lee Ellis; including a key responsibility of leaders and our thoughts on leadership being "caught vs. taught"
• Providing the right amount of "stressors" in leadership training and team building experiences.

The Empower Leadership Team has 22 years of experience facilitating team building programs and leadership development workshops to over 170,000 participants from schools/youth programs, corporations/municipalities, colleges/universities, and athletic teams/programs. Learn more about Empower Leadership at www.leadwithempower.com.

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

Ron Davis Leads with Empower

We kick-off Season 5 of the Lead with Empower podcast with Empower Leadership's Operations Manager, Ron Davis. Ron joined the Empower Leadership Team in the early Spring of 2022 after serving in the United States Marine Corps for over 24 years.

As a Marine, Ron specialized in leading and commanding entry-level programs within the Marine Corps to include service as a Series Commander and Assistant Director Drill Instructor School, Parris Island, South Carolina, and as a Company Commander and Operations Officer at Officer Candidate School, Quantico, VA. Ron has trained, coached, and mentored thousands of young men and women, screening and evaluating recruits and candidates for future leadership positions. Ron has honorably and faithfully served our country locally and abroad, leading a platoon of 80 Marines and Sailors in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Ron possesses over 20 years of leadership experience in and out the military. Specifically, Ron has held billet, titles, and employment in areas of strategic initiative/organizational planning, personnel supervision and management, organizational project management, human resources, logistics, intelligence and security. Additionally, Ron worked as a Child Development Specialist and Residential Supervisor for The Village for Families and Children, providing guidance, leadership, and support to the Child Development Staff in their efforts to maintain a healthy, therapeutic, and safe environment for the Program's children and staff. Ron continues to demonstrate a strong command presence, maturity, and a democratic leadership style conducive to effectively and efficiently EMPOWERING participants!

Ron's extensive experiences in leadership, along with his welcoming personality, passion for helping others, and enthusiasm inspiring and empowering individuals and teams makes him a very welcome addition to the Empower Leadership Team!

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

Dr. Don Sawyer Leads with Empower

Don Sawyer, Ph.D. is the Vice President for Equity, Inclusion, and Leadership Development, as well as an Associate Professor of Sociology, at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Additionally, Don is one of the Founders of HipHopHeals, a community-based project in the Dominican Republic, using the hip-hop culture to unite Haitian and Dominican youth.

"Me giving back, that's my responsibility. I'm here because people have poured into me and given me second chances. It's only right that I do that for other people who seek to learn something from me."

00:32: Episode Intro and Roll Call - Dr. Don Sawyer Leads with Empower

• With over 23 years of experience in high education and community development, Don Sawyer brings a wealth of leadership knowledge and insight to the Lead with Empower Podcast.
• Don and I met in the summer of 2021 as we organized a team building adventure experience for the inaugural class of the Quinnipiac University First-Year Immersion (QUFYI) Program.

02:32: An Update on Campus Life and the QUFYI Inaugural Class

• Don shares his thoughts regarding life on a college campus during the 21/22 academic year and discusses the impact of the pandemic on college students
• "If we rush to get back to normal, we're going to skip over the actual needs of the population we are serving." Don and I discuss the importance of assessing the needs of those that you lead to best impact their development.

07:30: The QUFYI Program

• We learn about the background of, and the "why" behind, the QUFYI program, a bridge program for 1st Generation College/University Students of Color at Quinnipiac University. The QUFYI program helps 1st Generation Students build a strong foundation for success through a wide array of skill building workshops and services.
• Don shares an update on the inaugural QUFYI class

15:14: Don's Leadership Journey

• We learn about Don's college and professional career path - including his unexpected start in higher education
• Don also discusses his experiences being a 1st Generation College/University Student and how it impacts the work he does today

21:55: Childhood Book Reports for Mom - Impactful People and Experiences from Don's Youth

• Don shares stories of the people and experiences that helped shape him during his youth in Harlem, NYC in the 1970's
• Additionally, Don discusses the impact "survival mode" has on emotional development and well-being

28:15: Mentorship and Authenticity in Leadership

• Don discusses his early professional experiences working with Black and Latino students from New Haven, CT who were on the verge of dropping out of high school and shares his insight into the importance of authenticity in leadership/mentorship.
• "Creating a space where everyone knew that they were seen, that they were heard, and that they mattered."

39:58: Episode Closure

• We learn about what currently inspires Don, including HipHopHeals - a community-based project using hip-hop culture to unite Haitian and Dominican youth living in the Dominican Republic

Learn more about Don's work as a Leader and Community Builder:

• Visit the HipHopHeals website to learn about the project and to donate
• Learn more about the QUFYI program and the transitional services for underrepresented students at Quinnipiac University

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

Tracy Tighe Johnston Leads with Empower

Tracy is the Founder and Executive Director of Tighed Together - a non-profit that facilitates restorative and recreational outings for families experiencing trauma caused by a medical diagnosis, a tragedy, a loss, a chronic condition, or a disability. Tighed Together guides the families they serve from trauma and despair, through change, toward healing and rebuilding so that all members can have hope for a brighter future.

"Stay strong, keep showing up, and when you need it, lean into those who love you."

00:32: Episode Intro and Roll Call - "Leadership and healing is about connecting to people"

• An out-of-the-blue phone call that I am so grateful to have picked up! I received a call from Tracy on a sunny afternoon back in March of 2020. Tracy called to re-connect and to introduce me to a non-profit she had just launched, Tighed Together. Tracy and I had met about 6 or 7 years prior as part of a new teacher team building adventure I was running for the school district she worked with.
• During our March 2020 call, Tracy asked if Empower would be interested in partnering with TIghed Together by offering adventure experiences for the families they would serve. Saying "YES" was a no-brainer, as Tracy's positivity, energy, and unrelenting drive to help others was in perfect alignment Empower's mission.
• It is with great honor that I introduce Tracy Tighe Johnson Leads with Empower - we hope you enjoy, and are inspired by, our conversation!

07:30: Tighed Together - Leadership in Action

• Tracy introduces Tighed Together: a non-profit that provides recreational and restorative outings for families experiencing trauma
• Tracy shares her and her family's experiences from advanced stage cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery and the founding Tighed Together.
• Additionally, Tracy credits her exceptional experience with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as an inspiration to "find treasure where there is ruin"
• Tracy shares a 2-year update about Tighed Together's offerings and services, as well as her long term vision as a "treasure hunter"

30:14: Leadership Journey - "See the Good, be the good, make the good happen"

• Tracy is an advocate for those in need; crediting her father for her drive to fight for the underdog
• We learn about Tracy's experiences as an Educator, Assistant Principal, and Special Education Director and how those experiences have helped her grow Tighed Together
• Tracy also shares an inspirational story about making good happen from challenge, "Buddy Activities", and the lasting impact of positive community leadership

44:07: Finish the Drill and Episode Closure - We close out our conversation learning about (1) Tracy's favorite "Smash Room" weaponry and object of destruction, (2) her family's favorite adventure activities, (3) the advice current Tracy would give to "pre-Tighed Together" Tracy, (4) what currently motivates Tracy, and (5) Tracy's words of inspiration for those experiencing trauma.

Learn more about Tighed Together:

• Visit the Tighed Together website to learn about their services and donate
• Follow Tighed Together on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

Senior Master Sergeant Jenny Gonzalez-Smith Leads with Empower

SMSgt Jenny Smith-Gonzalez is the Human Resources Advisor with the 103rd Airlift Wing of the CT Air National Guard. Jenny has over 20 years of service time with the Air Guard and her current role focuses on providing mentorship and coaching, diversity and inclusion training, and victim advocacy for Airmen. Additionally, Jenny serves her civilian community as a therapist.

"Leave it better than you found it and freaking take care of your freaking people!"

00:32: Episode Introduction and Roll Call - SMSgt Gonzalez-Smith and I met in the Summer of 2021 as she was planning the first-ever Women's Leadership Symposium for the CT Air National Guard. The symposium took place in the Fall of 2021 and included a leadership training with Empower. Jenny's positive attitude, tremendous leadership, and strong desire to develop a greater sense of mentorship and support amongst the airmen was very evident during our program together and it is an honor for introduce SMSgt Gonzalez-Smith Leads with Empower!

13:34: Leadership in Action - We discuss how leadership plays a role in Jenny's responsibilities as both a civilian and airman; including:

• Providing mentorship, coaching, diversity training, and victim advocacy services for Airmen through her role as the Human Resources Advisory with the 103 Airlift Wing
• Serving community members, age 5 to 75, through her work as a private-practice therapist
• Strategies to help strike a balance between family, personal, Air Guard, and civilian responsibilities
• Overcoming the challenges of the pandemic with an openness to learn and develop creative solutions

32:37: The Leadership Journey - We learn about Jenny's start in the JROTC program as a high school student and how that helped shape her 20 years of service in the Air National Guard. Jenny also discusses the people and events that have impacted her development as a leader, Airman, therapist, wife, and mother.

53:49: Finish the Drill - Our conversation closes with SMSgt Gonzalez-Smith sharing (1) the advice she's give to 18 year old Jenny, (2) her greatest leadership strength and challenge, (3) her favorite hobby, (4) the best leadership advice she's received, and (5) an inspirational message for those who are facing challenges.

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co