Lead with Empower Podcast

Episode IV, Season 3 - Ulish Booker, CEO of Spartan Global Network, Leads with Empower! Ulish is a retired professional football player, with World Bowl (NFL Europe) and Super Bowl rings, who has taken the jump into the adventure of entrepreneurship. Ulish shares his story and leadership lessons learned along the way from West Haven High School to Michigan State University followed by his jump to the professional ranks and his most recent adventure - founding the Spartan Global Network!

00:00: Episode Opening and Guest "Roll Call"

• Ulish introduces us to Spartan Global Network and shares his thoughts on Super Bowl LV, Tom Brady, and his former teammate, Plaxico Burress

14:10: From West Haven High School Football to Entrepreneur

• "I wasn't one of those guys that put the playbook on his head and learned by osmosis. I had to work tirelessly on my study habits both on and off the field."
• "A lot of the experiences and adversity that you face as an athlete - if you're smart, you take those things and transition them into your civilian life and it makes you a better person."

35:45: A Time of Transition - Challenges Faced and Strategies to Overcome

• Ulish discusses being cut by an NFL team and the work/determination required to continue his chase towards becoming a professional football player.

42:03: The Importance of Education and the Entrepreneurship Adventure

• "At the end of the day, you stop running as fast, jumping as high, and hitting as hard - Father Time is undefeated. You have to have something to rely on and for me, education was the formal task that helped me complete tasks, while reimagining and re-developing who I was."

45:09: Spartan Global Network

• Ulish shares his insight into the birth of SGN and discusses the services offered via the SGN Online Platform- including health and wellbeing, travel, small business, and life insurance.
• "The value of who you are is the legacy you leave behind."
• Learn more about Spartan Global Network

55:15: The Home Stretch

• We wrap up the episode hearing Ulish's thoughts on (1) the Pizza Capital of the World, (2) leadership lessons learned from Coach McCarthy, Coach Saban, Coach Williams, and Coach Cowher, (3) a football lesson that sticks with him to this day, (4) future vision of SGN, and (5) advice for high school athletes aspiring to compete at the next level.
• "Remove all doubt, remove any questions, and leave no stone unturned so you are best prepared and able to perfect your craft."

Learn more about Spartan Global Network

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot

Episode III, Season 3 - we are joined by three students and two advisors from Hamden Hall Country Day School. Lisa Daly and Chase du Pont, the two advisors of the Princeton Peer Leadership Program at Hamden hall, as well as Jess Stanley, Alex Blaise, and Nick Perkins, senior students and Peer Leaders, join the Lead with Empower podcast to discuss their leadership experiences, their upcoming "Quarter 3" projects, and much more!

00:00: Episode Opening and Guest "Roll Call"

• Lisa (Teacher, Arts Department) and Chase (Teacher, History Department) share some background about the PL program and help introduce our student guests, Jess, Alex, and Nick
• Jess, Nick, and Alex discuss why they applied for the PL program

17:50: What it Means to be a Peer Leader

• Alex, Nick, and Jess discuss their development as leaders through participation in the PL program as well as other "out of classroom" opportunities at Hamden Hall

21:12: Personal Development

• The Peer Leaders share some strategies they have implemented to guide their personal leadership development and discuss initiatives they are part of to build community at Hamden Hall

27:50: "The Why" - Peer Leadership Quarter 3 Project

• The PL program includes various student-driven projects and we learn, from Chase and Lisa, the importance of providing students with hands-on "learn to lead" opportunities

36:00: Identify the Needs, Create a Plan, and Act

• Nick, Jess, and Alex share the concepts and the why for their upcoming Q3 projects

41:05: The Impact

• Lisa and Chase discuss the impact of the PL program on the students who participate, highlighting "perspective" and the "say yes challenge" as key takeaways for the Peer Leaders

44:25: Finish the Drill

• Alex, Jess, and Nick share (1) who their inspiration is and why, (2) what their next adventure in life is, (3) how Hamden Hall has prepared them for their next adventure, (4) their nerves and fear as they prepare for their next adventure, and (5) the positive impact they hope they leave for the Hamden Hall Community Members

Learn more about the Princeton Peer Leadership Program at Hamden Hall Country Day School

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot

Season III of the Lead with Empower Podcast continues with another tremendous guest! We are joined by Ken Martin for episode 2 of season III. Ken is co-owner of Colony Grill Development, LLC (Colony Grill) and has just begun his first year as an adjunct professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of New Haven. Ken does a wonderful job sharing stories and leadership insight about his professional career, athletic experience, and so much more!

00:00: Episode Opening and Guest "Roll Call"

• Ken Martin, co-owner of Colony Grill - Bar-style Pizza and Beer restaurants with locations in Connecticut (Stamford, Norwalk, Milford, and Fairfield), Virginia (Arlington), and NY (Port Chester)
• Adjunct Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of New Haven
• Little League Word Series Champion (Trumbull, 1989)

08:01: Leadership Challenges in the Restaurant/Hospitality Industry

• Ken dishes on the importance of communication in mission alignment and in team functions

14:55: Leadership Challenges During the Pandemic

• "We focused on being present and out in front to decipher the most important information to disseminate to our team members."

20:54: Without Struggle, There is No Progress

• Ken discusses some "silver linings" from 2020 and how Colony Grill is stronger and more aligned in 2021.

24:30: The "Essential Skills" of a Colony Grill Employee

• Ken discusses the importance of interpersonal skills in the Restaurant/Hospitality Industry

27:58: Experiences that have shaped Ken Martin

• We learn about Ken's experiences as a Little League World Series Champion, college student-athlete, and professional career prior to Colony Grill.
• "Every experience that you have as a young child, high school or college student, and young professional lead to opportunities and interactions that you can take a little bit from and put in your tool box."

41:00: The Educational Side of Hospitality

• Ken shares his inspiration to become an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven
• "You don't realize how much you're teaching everyday in your own business. For the past 11 years, I've been teaching at some level."
• "Business is about how you make people feel. Either close people off and be a gatekeeper, or open your arms and be an advocate."

50:08: The "Home Stretch"

• We learn about Ken's childhood idols/role models, his dream "pro athlete" scenario, and what skills he and his wife hope to instill in their children.
• "It's up to you." and "Why not you?"

Check out Colony Grill's website, of follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot

Season III of the Lead with Empower Podcast has arrived and we could not ask for a better guest to help us get things going strong in 2021 than Sara Stirling! Sara joined the Empower Team back in 2018 and currently serves as the VP of Marketing for Empower Adventures and Empower Leadership. Sara recently published a Lead with Empower blog article titled "Making Moves in 2021" and shares her leadership journey, along with her goals and plan of achievement, during our conversation! This is the first of 3 podcast episodes highlighting Sara's goal achievement journey.

00:00: Episode Opening and Guest Introductions

• As VP of Marketing, Sara is a key contributor to the ENTIRE Empower Operation!

03:45: Guest "Roll Call"

• We learn about Sara's journey from student at the University of Florida, to young professional in the live-entertainment/events industry, and to her current role with Empower Adventures and Empower Leadership.
• "It was just something in my gut that I knew I had to do for my future and for myself - just to be the best version of me!"

10:15: The "Leadership Field Experience"

• Being an Empower Team Member is a true exercise in leadership! Sara shares stories and insight into her thoughts on "getting out of your comfort zone".

16:25: Doing "Empowerment" Differently in 2020

• Sara discusses the "what and why" behind the Lead with Empower Newsletter and other "digital" products developed during the pandemic.

22:38: "Making Moves in 2021"

• We learn about Sara's most recent blog article - Making Moves in 2021 - that was featured in the January edition of the Lead with Empower e-Newsletter

27:37: Time to Create

• Sara shares her personal goal for 2021; including "the why", her plan for achievement, and what she hopes to learn during her goal achievement journey.

38:48: Live-Streaming Art??? You Betcha

• We wrap up the episode learning about Sara's desire to help others create!

Check out Sara's Art Live-Streams on Twitch Check out Sara's Art (available for purchase) on Etsy

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot

The Lead with Empower Podcast wraps up 2020 with Donna, Tony, Greg, and Matt Jaskot (my parents and siblings!) - The Jaskot Family Leads with Empower! Donna is the Assistant to the Headmaster and Principal at Xavier High School, Tony is now retired, but served as a Teacher, Coach, and Athletic Director at Xavier High School for over 40 years. Greg is the Associate Director of Advancement and Associate Head Coach of the Football Program at Xavier High School. Dr. Matt Jaskot is a Professor in the Music Department at The College of the Holy Cross. We hope you enjoy a little family fun with a leadership spin in the final 2020 episode of the Lead with Empower Podcast! Here are the show notes:

00:00: Episode Opening and Guest Introductions

• The first ever "family event" on the Lead with Empower Podcast. Greg (our first guest) returns to join our brother Matt, and our parents for the final episode of 2020!

04:00: Guest "Roll Call"

• Donna, Tony, Greg, and Matt discuss their current roles (professionally) and how leadership plays a role in their day-to-day "operations"
• "You always have to be able to evaluate what you're doing and how you're doing it. If there's a better way to do it, then do it that way. You can't be afraid to recognize when you're wrong, learn from your mistakes, and learn from others."

29:26: Leadership Qualities

• We learn about the leadership qualities that Donna, Tony, Greg, and Matt value
• Passion, work-ethic, humility, being prepared, punctuality, effort, dedication, leading by example, not "going through the motions", having the desire to get better every day, and holding yourself accountability
• "If you want to be successful at anything, you need to have a great deal of passion for it."

47:01: The Importance of Experiences

• Donna, Tony, Greg, and Matt each share a personal experience that has had a positive impact on them as people and as leaders

66:10: Episode Closure

• We learn who inspired our guests, their "silver linings" from 2020, and more!

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot

Alyssa Caliguri, Assistant Director for 1st Year Student Success at Western New England University (WNEU), Mia Cariglia (2021), and Anthony Gelsomini (2021), both Orientation Group Leaders and Peer Advisors at WNEU, Lead with Empower. Empower Leadership has delivered a handful of team building experiences for the WNEU Orientation Group Leaders (OGL's), Peer Advisors (PA's), and 1st Year Students since May 2020 and we are so happy to catch up with Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony to see how the first semester has gone up at WNEU! Here are the show notes:

00:00: Episode Opening and Guest Introductions

• We learn a bit more about Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony, as well as their roles as Orientation Group Leaders and Peer Advisors.

18:25: Takeaways from Training Events with Empower Leadership

• Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony discuss their training and preparation for what has been a very unique year in student orientation.

21:50: Leadership Challenges and Strategies Implemented to Overcome

• We learn about the leadership challenges faced and the strategies implemented by Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony to overcome those challenges and provide the WNEU first year students with high quality programming and experiences.

38:22: Valuable Experiences During 2020

• Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony discuss their experiences as leaders/student-leaders in 2020 and how those experiences will benefit them in their futures.

50:45: Leadership Self-Assessment

• We learn about the leadership strengths and challenges of Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony.

58:30: Episode Closure

• Some fun, quick-hitting, questions to wrap up the episode, including their preferred method of getting out of their comfort zones (dance in public vs. sing in public), a book, movie, or person who inspires them, a message they would share with "first year Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony", and advice for students preparing for the 2nd semester.
• Alyssa, Mia, and Anthony also ask Dan some questions - settling a couple "OGL debates" (what type of muffin would you be and Chipotle vs. Moe's) as well as discussing some of Dan's takeaways from the pandemic.

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot

Our next guest on the Lead with Empower Podcast is Dave Fazzuoli. Dave is a physical education teachers at North Haven High School whose primary course is "Project Adventure" - a sophomore physical education elective. After spending 2 years at Ridge Road Elementary School (2003-2005), Dave took over the Project Adventure PE curriculum at North Haven High School. Since 2005, Dave has helped students develop as leaders through a very intentionally designed adventure program. Here are the show notes from Dave Fazzuoli Leads with Empower:

00:00 - Episode Opening

• Dave shares his journey from NHHS Student to NHHS Teacher - crediting the impact his Project Adventure experience had on his time at NHHS and his career path

21:25 - The Project Adventure PE Program at North Haven High School

• We learn about the curricular design of Dave's Project Adventure program and the importance of relationship and trust development in leadership

32:25 - The Benefit of Setting High Expectations for Students

• "If you want to get to the next level, surround yourself with the right people and trust yourself and those around you. You can accomplish a lot more than you think."
• Dave also dishes on the importance of goal setting, celebrating successes, being resilient in moments of adversity - all leading to more comfortable and confident students

34:45 - Leadership During Uncertain/Challenge/Adverse Times

• Dave discusses the importance of "taking what it gives you and trying to make the best out of it"
• We also discuss the importance of flexibility and adaptability in leadership

50:30 - The Importance of Experiential Adventure Education

• Relationship and trust development plus strategically designed experiences set up a dynamic in which students develop

60:55 - A True Leadership Field Experience - the Student Facilitators

• Dave shares the leadership skills he values in his student facilitators (Juniors and Seniors). The student facilitators help Dave deliver the Project Adventure curriculum to the sophomore students

01:26:03 - Episode Closure

• Dave discusses his favorite "on the ground" and "aerial" adventures, memorable groups he's worked with at Empower Leadership, his definition of leadership, and shares an inspirational message for students and teachers.

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot

We have a very special episode this week as we catch up with the Operations Managers at our Empower Adventure Park locations in Oldsmar, FL., Middleburg, VA., and South Windsor, CT.

Calvin Joustra (Empower Adventures Tampa Bay), Chris Fox (Empower Adventures Middleburg), and Paul Cappadona (Empower Adventure Park at Nomads) join me for a great conversation about the offerings at their Empower Adventures locations, leadership lessons learned from a wide range of challenges faced during 2020, and a sneak preview into what's in store in 2021 at each facility!

Additionally, Calvin, Chris, and Paul share information about the awesome holiday gift certificate deals that are being offered at their locations!

01:45: Calvin Joustra, Empower Adventures Tampa Bay

• Visit www.zipontampabay.com for more information about the adventure experiences and holiday gift deals at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay!

38:41: Chris Fox, Empower Adventures Middleburg

• Visit www.empoweradventures.com for more information about the adventure experiences and holiday gift deals at Empower Adventures Middleburg!

01:13:35: Paul Cappadona, Empower Adventure Park at Nomads

• Visit www.empoweradventurepark.com for more information about the adventure experiences and holiday gift deals at the Empower Adventure Park at Nomads!
• Click "Book Now" to view gift deals

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot

Dr. Jan Jones Leads with Empower

Dr. Jones is the Coordinator and Lecturer for Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of New Haven and a great friend of Empower Leadership. Jan brings a wealth of valuable leadership insight to our conversation; applicable to the hospitality and tourism industry and far beyond. Jan is extremely passionate about exploring and learning, health/wellness, and providing her students with valuable experiences that will impact them far beyond their time at the University of New Haven. Here are the notes and highlights from our conversation:

00:00 - Episode opening, Dr. Jones introduction, and challenges faced in the tourism and hospitality industry

• Jan discusses the impact COVID-19 has had on the industry and shares strategies implemented to mitigate those challenges.
• "Tourism is a system. When there is a piece of the system that is not working, it effects the whole system."

11:36 - Jan and I discuss the end of the 2019/2020 academic year, the leadership challenges faced, and the tactics implemented to overcome those challenges; highlighting the importance of being prepared for the unexpected and ready to adapt and adjust to those situations.

• "We have a tendency to overwhelm people with new stuff. It is important that we focus on what we want the students to walk away with and focus on the very basic things we are comfortable doing to make that happen. Focus on a couple things, do them well, and then build upon that foundation."

25:11 - Dr. Jones shares insight into the first semester of the 2020/2021 academic year; focusing on the preparation by the faculty and staff as well as the students wellbeing.

• "I went from showing up to class, turning on the computer, and immediately engaging with students. Now there is a big checklist to complete before we can do any of that."

33:28 - Jan shares thoughts on how her students have managed the impact COVID-19 has had on their education. Discussing noticeable changes in their behaviors between the Spring and Fall semesters.

• Jan highlights the importance of focus on the wellbeing of her students as well as her own personal wellbeing - health always comes first!
• Jan also shares the importance of adapting and overcoming - "After some of the early Zoom classes, I would turn off the computer and cry - saying this is not what I signed up for. I would feel sorry for myself for about a minute, and then would say, OK, how can I make this better?"

38:55 - Dr. Jones is a Blackbelt in Karate, Red Belt in Taekwondo, and has trained in Muay Thai Boxing!!! Jan discuss the role recreation and exercise have played in her life and also shares some health/wellness initiatives she has been a part of since the onset of the pandemic; including:

• Her work as a Kick Boxing instructor with Valentin Karate and Cage Fitness CT
• Her "Laugh and Work It Out" Facebook group
• The Ring of Kerry Virtual Challenge

60:20 - We learn about Jan's collegiate and professional journey. Dr. Jones shares how a study abroad trip to Cuba changed her life!

69:55 - Episode Closure - Jan shares:

• What she hopes her students take away from their experiences in 2020
• Who her childhood inspirations were and why
• Her music choice for her runs and workouts
• What currently inspires and motivates her
• Her thoughts on who she is as a leader

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot ttps://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot

Jania Pagan (Penn Foster HS), Janaya Merced (Penn Foster HS), Jada Merced (SABIS International Charter School), Kendrick Long (Springfield Renaissance School), and James Lightfoot (Urban League of Springfield) join the Lead with Empower Podcast. Jania, Janaya, Jada, and Kendrick are all young adults living in Springfield, MA. who participate in youth development programming with James Lightfoot - Director of Youth and Education Programs with the Urban League of Springfield.

The Urban League of Springfield is a community outreach organization working to empower the African American community in greater-Springfield. James' work focuses on providing essential resources (i.e. college preparation/awareness and educational equity) to youths and young adults. Jania, Janaya, Jada, and Kendrick are special and unique to James in that they have lofty goals for themselves and have shown an uncommon determination and drive to achieve those goals!

Here are our topics of discussion and highlights from our episode:

00:00: We kick off the episode by asking the students to introduce themselves and share their thoughts on the pending election results

• Sharing a sense of pride, empowerment, promise, and hope: "There's a greater sense of possibility for people who are minorities."

08:45: James highlights the mission of the Urban League of Springfield and shares why he chose Jada, Janaya, Jania, and Kendrick to be on the Lead with Empower Podcast

• "These four young adults have set goals for themselves and have demonstrated a level of determination and drive to achieve those goals."

12:15: Jania, Janaya, Jada, and Kendrick reflect upon the issues of racial injustice and inequality experienced in 2020 and share why they are inspired by the pending election of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden.

• "We have always seen racism because we are black. We are not looking at it from outside the box, we are in the box living it. Our work is never done, but we are not going to stop!"
• "I am a young woman of color and to see a grown woman of color do that lets me know that the possibilities for me are endless!"

28:51: The students discuss some of the challenges (both academic and social) they have faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies they have implemented to overcome those challenges

• "I'm not going to give myself any excuses; I want to learn and I am going to persevere!"
• "I don't know how I'm going to make it, but I know I am going to; I won't let myself give up."

41:39: Jania, Janaya, Jada, and Kendrick reflect on their experiences in 2020 and the valuable lessons they will take from those experiences

• "Life experience - I want to do everything I can to make sure that everything we have faced is easier for the next person."
• "Never give up, never stop fighting for what you deserve. It will change and I want to be part of the change!"

49:26: The students discuss the importance of recognizing and leveraging support systems and available resources

53:19: The students describe someone or something in their personal lives that inspires and motivates them to be their best

• "Everyone I come across inspires me in their own unique way. They are all giving me a flower and I am trying to turn those flowers into a bouquet!"

58:51: Jania, Janaya, Jada, and Kendrick share their goals and dreams and discuss what they need to do to achieve their goals and realize their dreams

• "You are truly in control of your future, you just have to be willing to work for it!"

67:25: Episode Closure - the students discuss how they can have a positive impact on their community and share wisdom and inspiration for young adults who may be struggling

• "Any person, no matter their background, experiences, race, sexuality, can make it to the top!"

Speaking with Jada, Kendrick, Janaya, and Jania was an absolute inspiration. It is important for all adults to get to know the youths in their communities - they are what our futures hold and they will use their talents to bring people together, strengthen communities, and create a better tomorrow for us all!

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot