In this episode we continue the conversation from last week, discussing the emotions that arose from wearing the crown, and the mask of Miss Michigan continues. Emily bravely and vulnerably discusses the little known emotional baggage she had to work through.

Key points in this episode:

Municipal Empowerment Program Powerhouse & Former Miss Michigan, Emily Kieliszewski, talks about her front row seat viewing and experiencing the spectrum of "empowerment".

In this episode, we explore both the empowerment program Emily manages, as well as her life in the spotlight. She talks candidly and vulnerably about her experience, giving us a behind-the-scenes view, and what it took to rediscover herself. She concludes by offering her (now) perspective and definition of empowerment.

Emily Kieliszewski BIO:

Emily Kieliszewski is the Michigan Municipal League’s Member Programs Manager where she coordinates services and programs for the League’s 525 member communities, including nearly 4000 local elected officials and over 10,000 appointed officials. 

Emily leads initiatives including the League’s 16/50 Project and oversees the Elected Officials Academy, the Michigan Women in Municipal Government, executive search services, and member training and development programming.

Prior to joining the League in 2016, Emily began her career working with several nonprofit organizations and in a variety of roles in political campaigns. She’s also served as a staff member in the Michigan State Senate. Emily received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University where she was selected as a Dean’s Assistant Fellow. She is also an alumna of the Michigan Political Leadership Program through the Institute of Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State. 

Emily participates on several boards and in a variety of nonprofit leadership positions, including as Vice President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Michigan, the NAMI Northeast Michigan formation committee, and as a certified family support group facilitator. She also served her home state as Miss Michigan in 2015.  

Therese is an executive business coach who specializes in coaching execs with addiction. In this episode, Therese brings to light:

Therese Marie Smith is an executive coach who works with high-accountability professionals focused on building their leadership skills and developing their careers. Her specialty, executive recovery coaching, serves individual executives, leaders or professionals whose lives and careers have been impacted by addiction or alcoholism. Learn more at www.meettherese.com.

Andy's transformation story is pretty incredible - going from homeless to successful business owner in the span of 4 years.

His story begins in the Ottawa Hills neighborhood where he grew up, near the Hall Street Bakery location. Many of his early days were spent in the family business, Herman’s Boy, a bakery/restaurant in Rockford. Eventually he worked within the family business until 2017 when his addiction got the better of him and his life began to fall apart. The big turnaround began when he entered entered the Guiding Light Recovery program in 2019. After successfully working the program, Andy was given a chance by then bakery owner Jim McClurg, when he was offered the management position of Hall Street Bakery. 4 years later, after much hard work on himself, and in the bakery, Andy is the Owner/Operating Partner of both locations, Wealthy Street Bakery and Hall Street Bakery. Andy is now married, has a son, and is expecting another child soon.  

In this episode, Gretchen Devault shares her inspired action journey, and: 

Gretchen DeVault
 - Indie Music Maker // Web Strategist & Digital Marketing Leader - Interview BIO

Gretchen DeVault is a prolific songwriter and music creator with over 20 years in the music industry. Her indie bands include The Icicles, The Blue Herons, The Francine Odysseys, Voluptuous Panic and Hero No Hero. Her music has been licensed to Target and Motorola, as well as films and podcasts.

Additionally, she works with a small team of musicians to create music for film and television. Gretchen DeVault is also founder of award-winning digital marketing agency Tiny Blue Sky. Her *sweet spot* is being able to leverage data insights to design campaigns and websites that drive business. She has worked for 20+ years in online marketing, leading teams to redesign websites, create and execute successful digital marketing campaigns. Simply said, she makes sh*t happen.

In this episode, Erich Baum shares: 

Erich Baum, COO and EOS Integrator - Interview BIO:

Erich is the COO and EOS Integrator at Revenue Arm, supporting businesses as a Fractional Integrator/FCOO. Prior to Revenue Arm he spent 5 years at Mobile Defenders as their Vice President and Integrator, and 9 years at the world’s largest distributor of arts and crafts products (Notions Marketing), as their Director of Operations. Prior to his time at Notions, he worked at a Tier 1, Fortune 500, automotive supplier, Johnson Controls, in various technical and leadership roles - starting as a Manufacturing Engineer, after graduating from Western Michigan University.  Erich, his wife, and their 3 children are from Byron Center, Michigan.

Outside of RA much of his time is spent supporting the many activities of his 3 kids and his wife’s business, Genesis One Designs.  When he has time to himself, he enjoys reading – mostly business-related books, but fiction and the occasional biography as well.

Fun fact:  Erich loves being on and in the water.  When the water is frozen, you can find him skiing or playing/coaching ice hockey. When the ice melts, he and his younger son enjoy SCUBA diving together. So far, their favorite diving spot has been the warm waters around Cozumel.

Julie Novak shares her leadership journey:

Julie Novak, MHSA, Principal - Interview BIO:

Julie Novak's experience as a public policy executive helps her create cohesive teams, identify collaborative solutions, and lead organizational transformation. She brings a wealth of experience to HMA in policy development, strategic partnerships, organizational restructuring, culture and team building, leadership development and change management.

Julie previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan State Medical Society, a statewide professional association representing physicians and the patients they serve. During her 14 years in this role, she built teams that effectively served members through policy and advocacy work, education, and products and services delivered by three wholly owned subsidiaries, as well as leveraged the work of the staff to address reimbursement issues, regulatory requirements, quality and safety, and physician leadership development.

Julie earned her master's degree in health services administration from the University of Michigan, and her bachelor's degree in international relations from Michigan State University’s James Madison College. She was recognized in 2009 as one of Crain’s Detroit Women to Watch and received the Michigan State Medical Society Presidential Citationin 2007.

This is the official kick-off episode for the Charging UP Leadership podcast, hosted by Heidi Frye!

This episode features a brief description of the intended podcast format, content, and host bio...just so you know what you're getting yourself into ;).