In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

After several years working in the banking industry in NYC, Joe pivoted to the business-side of sports. Early on he had management roles with the Canton-Akron Indians, Toledo Mud Hens, Chicago Bulls, and Detroit Tigers. In 1998 he returned to the Toledo Mud Hens as VP and General Manager and was instrumental in elevating minor league sports in the Toledo region and nationally. He was the force behind Fifth Third Field being built in downtown Toledo. Several years later he joined forces again with community leaders to expand downtown redevelopment in the form of the Toledo Walleye hockey team, Huntington Center, and entertainment district Hensville. The City of Toledo has consistently been rated one of the best places in the country for minor league sports. His ability to work with people and build supportive coalitions around transformational initiatives is reflective of Joe’s dynamic leadership approach. His laser focus on the fan experience and bringing value to the community is driven by the question: How can we make things better? 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

Danielle leads a dedicated WBCA team that is focused on supporting/promoting women’s basketball coaches/players and growing women’s basketball across the country. She oversees WBCA’s programs and services, budget, marketing, and personnel. Danielle works closely with the NCAA, USA Basketball, WNBA, Women’s Basketball HOF, and Women’s Sports Foundation. 

Her path of success started early. A four-sport athlete at a suburban Atlanta high school, she was a major contributor on a basketball team that won two state championships. At the end of her senior year, Danielle was named Georgia’s High School Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She went on to have distinguished academic and basketball careers at Georgia Tech, earning another top scholar-athlete award prior to graduation. The seven years she spent on staff with iconic Hall of Fame basketball coach Pat Summit was life-changing. Senior level roles with the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream and Big East and American Atlantic Conferences provided Danielle with a wealth of leadership experiences that prepared her for the WBCA executive director opportunity that came her way in 2014. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

His down-to-earth upbringing in Sioux Center, Iowa provided a foundation for Randy’s 40-year career in healthcare and personal life. At the age of 28, a defining conversation with his boss served as the catalyst for a series of decisions that paved the way to professional opportunities and incremental leadership roles. For the last 13 years of his career, Randy led the largest healthcare system and the biggest employer in Northwest Ohio. Working diligently with business and civic leaders, he was instrumental in revitalizing Toledo’s downtown area. He received numerous accolades for his professional achievements including the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

While combating a blazing house fire early in her career, the second story floor supporting Allision Armstrong collapsed to the first floor engulfing her in flames. Other firefighters rushed-in and pulled her from the house. She suffered severe burns and a back injury. This near-death experience was a defining moment that strengthened her resolve to help others, serve the public good, and be the best firefighter she could be. After a series of increasing leadership roles within the department, in 2022 Allison was promoted to fire chief, becoming the first female in the history of the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department to hold this top position. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

Growing-up in Eastabuchie, Mississippi, Janet Eaton-Smith was always on the go. The performing arts, theatre productions, church choir, and athletics filled her days of youth. As the starting point guard, she led her high school team to a 37-0 record and state championship. She took what she learned during these formative years and paved an impressive path in athletic administration. Her ability to connect with people, resilient mindset, and deep faith anchor who she is as a leader and person. A strong proponent of women empowerment, racial equity, and inclusion, she brings a sense of purpose as she interacts with, serves, and leads others. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

A diverse work portfolio – nonprofit CEO, adjunct professor, entrepreneur, and elected official – provides Chad Bringman with a unique perspective about leadership and life. In his varied roles, the emphasis has consistently been on results, strategy, and culture. Chad’s people-oriented disposition and financial expertise anchor an effective leadership approach. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

It’s rare for someone to have the titles of President, CEO and Reverend attached to their name. An engaging conversation with education enthusiast and youth advocate John Jones. He uses his leadership roles and platforms to connect with and elevate people around him. His primary purpose in life… service to others. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

Tom’s competitive spirit, work ethic, and passion for the game sustained him throughout a 40+ year career in professional baseball. The high-pressure situations that he navigated as a MLB player and coach gives him a unique perspective on leadership. Tom’s candid stories and insights about working in an industry with “no guarantees” are fascinating. His guiding core belief…  Start each day with a grateful heart. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

Elizabeth and Wallace Motley always encouraged their daughter to believe in herself and pursue stretch goals. One of Dr. Motley’s early mentors advised her to “walk through the door” when an opportunity presented itself. She became a teacher in order to create meaningful learning experiences and life-shaping opportunities for students. Prior to becoming superintendent, Dr. Motley served in a wide variety of building-level and central office leadership roles. She has navigated discrimination and survived an abusive relationship, both experiences forging a sense of purpose, perspective, and resilience that fuel her leadership approach. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

At a very young age Tod Kowalczyk was determined to become a college basketball coach. Growing-up in a small town near Green Bay, Wisconsin, he was shaped by his blue-collar upbringing, education and athletic minded parents, and a series of college coaches that served as mentors. In 2010 the University of Toledo hired Tod to resuscitate a basketball program that was in shambles. Now in his 13th year as head coach, he has tallied a 193-103 win-loss record, six 20-win seasons, and three MAC regular season championships, including back-to-back league titles the past two seasons. In 2021 he was named the MAC Coach of the Year. His emphasis on building positive relationships with players and assistant coaches and cultivating team chemistry is at the foundation of his coaching and leadership approach. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023