CharacterPlus

Today, we’re joined by a leader who embodies what this series is all about—leading with purpose, values, and deep personal conviction. Keith Poettker is the Chairman and CEO of Poettker Construction Company, a nationally respected firm known not just for what it builds, but how it builds—with integrity, trust, and heart.

Under Keith’s leadership, Poettker Construction has grown in both reputation and reach. He was recently named the 2025 Most Admired CEO by the Charlotte Business Journal—an honor that reflects more than just business performance. It reflects character.

Poettker Construction was founded by Keith’s father, the late Charles “Chuck” Poettker—a decorated Army veteran and a man remembered as much for his humility and values as for his accomplishments. Today, Keith carries forward that legacy, shaping not just the future of the company, but helping redefine what principled leadership looks like in today’s world.

Michelle Greene, EVP and CIO of Cardinal Health, a Fortune 15 global leader in healthcare, and Danielle Brown, SVP and CIO of Whirlpool Corporation, a Fortune 500 innovator in home technology, join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership rooted in kindness, empathy, and responsibility. Greene shares how servant leadership and strong relationships have shaped her approach to navigating challenges with empathy and kindness while Brown reflects on integrity and adaptability as key drivers of her success in global IT leadership. Together, they explore how character-driven leadership empowers teams, fosters collaboration, and drives innovation in industries that touch millions of lives.

Host:

• Mike Park, CEO of CharacterPlus

Guests: 

• Danielle Brown, SVP and CIO of Whirlpool Corporation
• Michelle Greene, EVP and CIO of Cardinal Health

Credits: 

• Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
• Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
• Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
• Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

In this special episode of the CharacterPlus C-Suite Series, released in honor of World Kindness Day, we’re thrilled to feature two exceptional leaders, Dave Peacock, CEO of Advantage Solutions, and Lisa Nichols, CEO of Technology Partners. Through their remarkable careers, Dave and Lisa have led their organizations with unwavering values and compassion, demonstrating how character is a driving force behind both personal and organizational success.

Together with our host, Mike Park, CharacterPlus CEO, they discuss the profound impact that "moments that matter" have on shaping culture, whether through small, kind gestures like a young employee offering flowers to a grieving customer or larger corporate commitments to community service. Lisa shares how her company’s 'Lift' program is changing lives, while Dave discusses the role of empathy and humility in leadership, and how his frontline team members contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

Dave and Lisa open up about their personal leadership journeys, sharing the core values that have shaped them. From Dave’s belief in faith, service, and candor to Lisa’s emphasis on love, patience, and empathy, these leaders embody what it means to lead with integrity and to inspire others.

Tune in to hear how character transcends business metrics, influencing everything from employee engagement to customer loyalty. Let this conversation serve as a powerful reminder of how simple acts of kindness can transform lives and build stronger communities.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on empathy, integrity, and the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting legacy.

Learn more at:
www.characterplus.org

Host:
Mike Park, CEO of CharacterPlus

Guests:
Dave Peacock, CEO of Advantage Solutions
Lisa Nichols, CEO of Technology Partners 

Credits:
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

In this episode of the Character Plus Podcast, host Mike Park is joined by two distinguished educators, Roxanna Mechem and Rachael Wilcox, to discuss the vital role of protecting positive culture and climate in schools. Drawing from their extensive experience as leaders in the education field, Roxanna and Rachael share actionable strategies for fostering environments where both students and staff thrive. They explore how schools can safeguard their core values, strengthen community trust, and create lasting, positive change that goes beyond academic success.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories, practical insights, and proven techniques to build and maintain a school culture that empowers every member of the community. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or parent, this episode offers invaluable guidance on how to protect what truly matters in education: a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment.

Learn more at:
www.characterplus.org

Host:
Mike Park CEO of CharacterPlus

Guests: 
Roxanna Mechem 
Rachael Wilcox

Credits: 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

In part two of our series on the Equity and Justice Academy in Character Education (EJACE), Mike Park, CEO of Character Plus, continues the conversation with Dr. Grace Lee, Dr. Jeremy Mapp, and Michael Barolak. This episode shifts focus from the foundational principles of EJACE to the practical, real-world impact it has had in schools.

Dr. Jeremy Mapp shares how the program has been successfully integrated into the Kirkwood School District, resulting in a more positive school culture and a stronger sense of belonging among students and staff. Dr. Grace Lee discusses the tangible improvements in social-emotional learning and academic performance observed in schools that have embraced EJACE. Michael Barolak highlights inspiring success stories from EJACE cohorts, illustrating how schools are using the program to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

This episode offers valuable insights into how EJACE is helping schools create environments where everyone is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Learn more at:
www.characterplus.org

Host:
Mike Park CEO of CharacterPlus

Guests:
Dr. Grace Lee
Dr. Jeremy Mapp
Michael Barolak  

Credits: 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

Join us for an insightful episode of the Character Plus podcast, where we explore the significant impact of the Equity and Justice Academy in Character Education (EJACE) on schools. Hosted by Mike Park, CEO of Character Plus, this episode highlights how EJACE is helping schools create cultures that prioritize respect, dignity, and positive character traits for every student, teacher, parent, and staff member.

This episode features discussions with education leaders who are at the forefront of EJACE: Dr. Grace Lee, Director of the Equity and Justice Academy in Character Education; Dr. Jeremy Mapp, Co-Director of EJACE and Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Kirkwood School District; and Michael Barolak, Director of Counseling Academy in Character Education (CASE) and an EJACE expert. Together, they share how the academy is fostering academic success, strengthening connections within school communities, and promoting a positive environment through a focus on equity and justice.

Learn more at:
www.characterplus.org

Host:
Mike Park CEO of CharacterPlus

Guests:
Dr. Grace Lee
Dr. Jeremy Mapp
Michael Barolak  

Credits: 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

Join us for a powerful exploration of leadership with Dr. Tyler Archer, the distinguished Principal of Nance Elementary, recently named a State School of Character . In a compelling interview with special Guest-Host Nicole Diehl, Director of Programming at CharacterPlus, they share insights on the heart of character education's role in molding not only academically successful students but also individuals who are empathetic, well-rounded, and compassionate.

Dr. Archer shares insights on how educators are committed to serving students beyond conventional educational paradigms, striving for transformative change that transcends mere academic achievement. This conversation highlights the crucial impact of character in cultivating a supportive and inclusive school atmosphere, empowering educators, and establishing a set of shared values that inspire and propel the school community to greater heights. Discover the partnership between CharacterPlus and schools like Nance Elementary, as they intertwine the values of empathy, respect, and perseverance into education's very essence, paving the way for a promising and luminous future for every student. Tune in to witness how character education is revolutionizing the educational landscape, fostering environments where every student can thrive.

Learn more at:
www.characterplus.org

Host:
Mike Park CEO of CharacterPlus

Guest: 
Dr. Tyler Archer 
Guest Host: 
Nicole Diehl 

Credits: 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

In this special episode of CharacterPlus, join us as we highlight the Teacher Academy in Character Education (TACE), led by the inspiring Dr. Julie Sperry, Director of Innovation, Leadership, and Program Expansion at CharacterPlus. Explore an insightful conversation on TACE's profound impact on educators and their students. Hear Dr. Sperry share her expertise and the inspiring outcomes from this innovative program. Learn how TACE equips teachers to be catalysts for transformative change, fostering learning environments where every student is inspired, understood, and motivated to excel.

Learn more at:
www.characterplus.org

Host:
Mike Park CEO of CharacterPlus

Guest: 
Dr. Julie Sperry Director of Innovation, Leadership and Program Expansion of CharacterPlus

Credits: 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

Welcome back to the Character Plus Podcast for Part II of Beyond Grades: Fostering Grit and Growth. In this transformative discussion hosted by Mike Park, the CEO of Character Plus you'll hear special commentary from Dr. Rene Sommers and guest Alexia Georges. Together they discuss the impact of character education at Green Trails Elementary.

In this continuation, expect a rich exploration that goes beyond conventional educational benchmarks, revealing the essence of a supportive community and actionable guidance for Parents, Teachers, and Principals desiring to cultivate an environment ripe for nurturing remarkable growth in children.

Guests:
Alexia Georges
Dr. Rene Sommers
Host:
Mike Park CEO of Character Plus

Credits: 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

Do you ever wonder how some schools manage to excel not just academically, but also in shaping the character of their students? Are you a parent, seeking to understand how you can make a real impact in your child's educational journey? Then this episode of the Character Plus Podcast is a must-listen for you!

Join host Mike Park as he converses with Dr. Rene Sommers, an educational consultant with a rich history of transforming schools into character-building powerhouses. They're joined by Alexia Georges, a parent whose active involvement in her children’s school has led to some truly inspiring outcomes.

In this episode, you'll discover:

- The underrated role of parental involvement in schools.

- How character values like "Grit" can be more than just buzzwords.

- Insights that could change the way you approach your child's education.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from both sides of the educational coin— a seasoned educator and an involved parent. Together, they'll share valuable lessons that could reshape how you view your role in your child's education.

Follow Character Plus
www.characterplus.org

Guests:
Alexia Georges
Dr. Rene Sommers
Host:
Mike Park CEO of Character Plus

Credits: 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander