Episode III, Season II of the Lead with Empower Podcast features a great conversation with Al Carbone - the Commissioner of the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC), a high school athletics conference in Connecticut. Al, in his 17th year as Commissioner of the SCC, brings a ton of leadership insight into the current state of high school sports in Connecticut. We discuss a range of topics, including the transformation of high school sports over the past 15 years, the impact of COVID-19 on high school sports, and the benefits of participating in competitive high school sports for teens. Here are the highlights from our discussion:

01:00 - Al shares a quick update on a tough 6-months for high school sports, his optimism for the upcoming fall sports season, and his professional journey from East Haven student athlete to Commissioner of the SCC

07:15 - We hear about Al's responsibilities as SCC Commissioner prior to the COVID-19 pandemic

09:55 - Al shares his thoughts on why high school sports are "under siege"; both before the pandemic and currently

17:15 - Al discusses the benefits of participation in competitive high school athletics and the leadership skills high school athletes can learn/apply during the uncertainty caused by the pandemic

28:55 - We discuss the decision to cancel winter/spring sports back in March and Al provides some behind the scenes insight into how that decision was made

40:35 - Al shares his thoughts on the leadership and decision-making process of the CIAC and DPH with regards to the upcoming fall sports season

45:00 - Hear about Al's favorite part of his roll as SCC Commissioner and why he believes the return to high school sports is so important for student-athletes

55:00 - We learn more about the 2020/2021 goals of the SCC's Diversity Program and initiatives to spread the message of social justice. Al also shares positive messages for student-athletes and coaches as they prepare for the upcoming fall sports season.

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com