In this deeply personal episode of Charging Up Leadership, I sit down with Brother Antony Julius Milton, a Capuchin priest whose path has taken him from life in Tamil Nadu, India, to a life as a Capuchin Brother, including a leadership role rooted in spirituality, humility, and authenticity.

We explore the heart of Synodal Leadership, and its commonalities (and differences) with Servant Leadership. We talk about what it truly means to walk with others, and the Church’s responsibility to a changing world. Brother Antony also shares his uncommon common link with Pope Leo XIV!

We discuss:

• Leading from the Best Version of YOU

• The power of authenticity in spiritual and public life--as well as leadership!

• Staying grounded and open

• The role of vulnerability and the trap of perfectionism

Whether you lead in ministry, government, business, or are simply trying to be a leader of yourself, this conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership begins from within, and is deeply connected to your humanity.

In this deeply personal episode of Charging Up Leadership, I sit down with Brother Antony Julius Milton, a Capuchin priest whose path has taken him from life in Tamil Nadu, India, to a life as a Capuchin Brother, including a leadership role rooted in spirituality, humility, and authenticity.

We explore the heart of Synodal Leadership, and its commonalities (and differences) with Servant Leadership. We talk about what it truly means to walk with others, and the Church’s responsibility to a changing world. Brother Antony also shares his uncommon common link with Pope Leo XIV!

We discuss:

• Leading from the Best Version of YOU

• The power of authenticity in spiritual and public life--as well as leadership

• Staying grounded and open in a changing world

• The role of vulnerability and the trap of perfectionism

Whether you lead in ministry, government, business—or are simply trying to be a leader of yourself—this conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership begins from within, andadeep connection to your humanity.

Why aren’t more women holding the top leadership role in local government?

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League, to talk about his bold idea—the 16/50 Project—created to shift the statistics and change the trajectory for women in municipal leadership.

We explore what it really takes to become a City Manager, the mindset required to lead at that level, and why both tactical skills and executive presence matter more than ever. Dan also shares his leadership philosophy and why this work is so personal—and so necessary.

🎙️ In this conversation, we cover:

• The origin and impact of the 16/50 Project

• The evolving role—and pressure—of the modern City Manager

• The leadership gap between the #2 and #1 positions

• Dan’s take on what effective leadership looks like in today’s world

• How Michigan communities are changing as more women lead

If you're passionate about leadership, equity, and the future of local government—this episode will leave you inspired.

DAN GILMARTIN BIO:

Dan became the League’s seventh executive director in 2005 and its youngest leader in the organization’s long history. Through his work with communities, Dan is recognized as anational leader in urban policy and revitalization. He holds leadership roles with the National League of Cities and the international Placemaking Council. Dan is a co-author of two books on the economic importance of place and isfrequently quoted in state and national publications. Dan received the Diamond Award from is association peers in Michigan for his work as a strategic leader, and under his direction, the League is designated as a Top Workplace by theDetroit Free Press and as Most Effective Lobbying Organization in the state by a MIRS/WPIC-MRA Insider Survey. Dan is a lifelong Michigander and a Detroitnative (and booster), and currently resides in the historic downtown of Northville, Michigan, with his wife, Lori, and two sons.

What if the key to energized, authentic leadership isn’t found in a boardroom — but in a sound bath?

In this episode of Charging Up Leadership, we explore the power of vibration with Geoff Lamden — a musician turned sound healer turned entrepreneur behind Sacred Springs, the makers of sound-infused kombucha. Geoff’s path is anything but traditional, but his insight into presence, resonance, and rhythm offers a refreshingly grounded take on modern leadership.

Before he’s a business owner, Geoff is a human — and that foundational truth shapes how he leads, connects, and creates.

We explore:

• How Geoff’s journey from music to sound healing to kombucha creation reflects a deeply intuitive leadership style
• Why the Sacred Springs taproom was designed as a space for connection, expansion, and intentional community
• What “vibratory response” means in leadership — and how we can tune into the way people and systems react to our presence
• The concept of entrainment — how teams, like rhythms, sync up when strong leadership sets the tone
• How Geoff uses sound to read dissonance and consonance in the body — and what that teaches us about organizational harmony
• Leading from the “base self”: the power of showing up as human before professional
• How to stay in alignment with your values, intuition, and energetic presence — even while growing a business
• What it means to charge up leadership through resonance instead of force
• Why listening is a core leadership skill — not just to others, but to yourself and the energy of a space

This episode is an invitation to lead from the inside out — to trust the vibe you bring, the rhythm you move with, and the sound you leave behind.

Learn more about Geoff and Sacred Springs:
https://sacredsprings.com

BIO:

Geoff Lamden is a self-proclaimed pioneer in the exploration of sound and vibration as a healing tool for individuals and community. His music career started with putting his first band together in 1990 while in 8th grade. He has toured the nation and been in over 100 hundred bands since then. In 2014 he started his venture into sound healing with one-on-one sessions involving tuning forks, singing bowls, and didgeridoos which then lead him to small groups in yoga studio settings. In 2012 he started using vibration as a catalyst in his home brewing of kombucha. In 2016 he co-created Sacred Springs sound-infused kombucha company that grew quickly into distribution into over 500 stores in Michigan and surrounding states. In 2018 as they were about to go nationwide a choice was made to cut down production and focus on a small scale taproom facility that is still open to this day. Geoff has lead hundreds of musicians as well as a large and small staff of employees over the years. His focus is sustainability through authenticity of self and offers a place where employees, clients, and customers are encouraged to know themselves and take action from this place of feeling and knowing. His latest addition is holding space with his voice and sound creations in plant medicine ceremonies. His message is love and presence with an openness to be willing to listen first and then take action.

🎧 New Episode: Mariah Walton - "Her Ceiling is Now Her Floor"

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mariah Walton, City Manager of East Pointe, as she shares her leadership journey, transformation, the power of mentorship, the need for validation, and how she overcame internal biases to step into her full potential.

We dive into career transitions, women in leadership, and what it takes to navigate the world of local government with confidence, integrity, and personal power.

Mariah also discusses the huge impact of the MML "16/50 Project" program, how it impacted her personal life, and the shift in her own glass ceiling.

Listen now and get inspired to take charge of your leadership journey!

#Leadership #WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth #LocalGovernment #EmpoweredLeadership

In this episode, I sit down with the very real Tim Volkema, President of Schuil Coffee, Sparrows Coffee, and Joven Group, for a candid conversation on the powerful impact of authentic leadership. Tim shares insights from his diverse career, spanning both corporate and entrepreneurial experiences, where he has led with integrity, built strong relationships, and cultivated a company culture rooted in trust. We dive into embracing vulnerability, the perks (or "percs" ;)) of staying true to your values, and how authentic leadership can drive organizational success.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

*The unique challenges and opportunities of the coffee industry, and how Tim navigates this dynamic market.

Tim's BIO:

Tim is currently the owner and CEO of Schuil Coffee in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a position he’s held since 2017.  Schuil Coffee has distribution in hundreds of grocery stores, cafes, and offices through Michigan and the Midwest. Schuil Coffee also owns and operates the boutique Sparrows Coffee and Joven Coffee brands. Tim is also a certified Q Grader (the coffee equivalent of a sommelier).

Previously, Tim was an Operating Partner at The Windquest Group in Grand Rapids, where he focused primarily on portfolio operations and board governance. Prior to this role, Tim spent over 12 years leading businesses across a variety of industries. He ran the high-growth Wag.com pet business for Amazon, responsible for its top and bottom line results. Tim also served as an Amazon Bar Raiser—a leadership role within Amazon designed to improve its recruitment efforts. Prior to Amazon, Tim co-founded and ran a fast casual Indian restaurant/truck mini chain as its CEO, which won several awards including Best Meal under $15 in San Francisco. Prior to that, Tim spent five years at Kraft Foods, managing brands like Grey Poupon and Shake 'N Bake. Tim started his career with Deloitte’s Chicago office, working with clients on M&A transactions and bankruptcy reorganizations.

Tim received his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School and his bachelor’s degree in economics from Calvin University.  

Tim lives with his wife, Merideth, in Grand Rapids, and they have three children.

In this podcast episode, John E. Abele, co-founder of Boston Scientific Corporation shares his vision and journey for transforming surgical procedures, and his philosophy on innovation, collaboration, leadership, and business.

Takeaways from the insightful conversation:

John E. Abele’s journey offers a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders. Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on our podcast, where we bring you stories and insights from the world’s most influential thought leaders.

John Abele BIO:

John Abele is a pioneer and leader in the field of less-invasive medicine. For more than four decades, John has devoted himself to innovation in health care, business and solving social problems.

He is the retired Founding Chairman of Boston Scientific Corporation. John holds numerous patents and has published and lectured extensively on the technology of various medical devices and on the technical, social, economic, and political trends and issues affecting healthcare. 

His major interests are science literacy for children, education, and the process by which new technology is invented, developed, and introduced to society.

One of John’s passions is his work with FIRST Robotics, an international program which works with high school kids to make being science-literate cool and fun.  Additionally, the development of The Kingbridge Conference Centre and Institute, a conferencing institution whose mission is to research, develop, and teach improved methods for interactive conferencing, problem solving, conflict resolution, strategic planning, new methods for learning and generally help groups to become “collectively intelligent,” is an important part of his work.

He lives with his wife and dog in Shelburne, Vermont.

In this compelling podcast interview, Michael P. Phalen, the retired President of MedSurg at Boston Scientific Corporation (BSC), provides an in-depth look into the company's unique culture, innovative spirit, and core values that drove its success in the early days—taking it from a small private medical-device start-up to the public medical-device giant it is today.

This conversation was recorded May 22, 2024, 32 years after going public, May 19, 1992. It is a “must listen” for anyone interested in the inner workings of one of the medical device industry's leading companies.

Michale Phalen BIO:

Michael Phalen is the Board Chairman of RQR Advisors, an early-stage life science advisory firm.

Michael Phalen retired from Boston Scientific as Executive Vice President and President, Medical Surgery (MedSurg) for Boston Scientific and was a member of its Executive Committee.  He planned and executed Boston Scientific’s growth strategies for the Company’s Endoscopy, Urology/Pelvic Health and Neuromodulation businesses. Phalen also oversaw Boston Scientific operations in Canada and Latin America.  He was also responsible for Boston Scientific’s Government Affairs.

Prior to assuming his last position in January 2012, Mike was President of Boston Scientific International.  He was responsible for planning and executing Boston Scientific’s international growth strategy.

Mike is the past Chairman of the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council (MassMEDIC) and serves on the Board of Directors for Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed).

Mike joined Boston Scientific in 1988 and held various management positions of increasing responsibilities including Territory Manager, Product Manager, Regional Sales Manager, Group Product Manager, Director of Marketing, Vice President of Global Marketing and Senior Vice President and President of the company’s Endoscopy division.

Before joining Boston Scientific, he held management positions with MD Technology, Kendall Healthcare and Pennwalt Pharmaceuticals. He earned a B.S. in General Science from Villanova University and an M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

--Decoding Glyphosate, GMO's, and the Impact on Metabolic Health

Dr. Stephanie Seneff speaks out! She is (as always) authentically herself--passionate and compassionate--discussing the harmful effects of toxic chemicals. As a leader in her field (M.I.T. grad), she is doing her part to make this world (and the people on it!) a safer, healthier place.

She shares her incredible mind and perspective regarding the harmful effects of glyphosate and GMO's, impacting metabolic, autoimmune, neuro, and mental health.

Dr. Seneff is a wealth of knowledge as she discusses the many diseases impacted by these "safe" chemicals, and what to do about it.

In this episode:

🌱 The effects of glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) on human health and the environment.

🚸 Hopeful changes impacting school children

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Dr. Stephanie Seneff!

Stephanie Seneff BIO:

Dr. Stephanie Seneff is a Senior Research Scientist at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. She has a BS degree from MIT in biology and MS, EE and PhD degrees from MIT in electrical engineering and computer science. Her recent interests have focused on the role of toxic chemicals and micronutrient deficiencies in health and disease, with a special emphasis on the pervasive herbicide, glyphosate, and the mineral, sulfur. Since 2008, she has authored over 40 peer-reviewed journal papers on these topics.  She is the author of a book on glyphosate, titled "Toxic Legacy: How the Weedkiller Glyphosate Is Destroying Our Health and the Environment," which was released by Chelsea Green publishers on July 1, 2021. This book was selected by Kirkus Reviews as one of the best non-fiction books of 2021.

A.I.101: Intro to Artificial Intelligence

Join in on this enlightening conversation about the world of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) with distinguished guests Julie Parks, Dean & Executive Director Workforce Training & Tassell M-Tec, GRCC, and Kristi Haik, Ph.D., Dean of S.T.E.M. at GRCC. In this insightful conversation, these two accomplished leaders share their expertise and perspectives on the transformative impact of A.I. on education, business, and beyond.

Key Highlights:

·       Navigating the A.I. Landscape: Julie Parks and Kristi Haik bring their extensive experience to the table as they discuss the current state of A.I. and its implications.

·       Educational Frontiers: Gain valuable insights into how A.I. is reshaping the landscape of education. Learn about what educational institutions must consider as they harness the power of A.I. for the benefit of students.

·       Challenges and Opportunities: The conversation delves into the challenges posed by A.I. and the opportunities it presents for growth and advancement. Discover how these leaders navigate the delicate balance between embracing innovation and addressing ethical considerations.

·       Future Prospects: As A.I. continues to evolve, find out what the future holds for education, technology, and society at large. Julie Parks and Kristi Haik share their thoughts on the exciting possibilities that lie ahead, as well as a cautionary tale.

NOTE: 80% of this intro was written by A.I. ;)

BIO: About Julie Parks & Kristi Haik, PhD

·       Julie Parks: Julie Parks is GRCC’s Executive Director of Workforce Training, and the GRCC Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC overseeing multiple programs that last year touched the lives of more than 20,000 people.  She is intensely focused on helping people gain in-demand skills for rewarding careers.

Parks is an advocate for the underserved and under skilled and has been instrumental in bringing over $50 million in grants to the Tassell M-TEC since 2010, offsetting training costs to students who may not otherwise be able to attend training. 

She is recognized as a leader nationally. Recent honors include the 2019 Bellwether Award Finalist for Public Works Academy, the 2019 Innovation of the Year from the League of Innovation, the 2018 and 2019 Impact Award Recipient from West Michigan Works!, the 2018 Community Partner of the Year from Connect Explore Achieve with Career Readiness, and the 2017 Special Project Award from the Michigan Association of Continuing Education & Training. She also received the GRCC Employee Excellence Award in 2010.

Parks has a bachelor’s degree in economics and history from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree from CMU in Education.

Full bio at www.HeidiFrye.com/podcast/ai-julie-parks-kristi-haik

·       Kristi Haik, Ph.D., Dean at GRCC: Kristi Haik holds a Ph.D. in Applied Experimental Psychology with a Neuroscience Concentration from Central Michigan University. She has also served as Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Kentucky University (NKU), Director of the Center for Integrative Natural Science & Mathematics (CINSAM), NKU’s STEM Center, and the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Ferris State University. In addition she has served as the Sr. Director of Fund Development at the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore.

Dr. Haik has presented at over 100 different occasions, nationally and internationally. She also co-created Project SOAR (Scholarships Opportunities Achievement & Results) to recruit, retain, educate, and graduate first- generation, low-income, and underrepresented students in STEM. The outcomes of SOAR and SOAR-Three have benefited thousands of students. 

Dr. Haik strives to provide access and opportunity for those in college or our community who do not have it.

Full bio at www.HeidiFrye.com/podcast/ai-julie-parks-kristi-haik