Lead with Empower Podcast

By Dan Jaskot

Great leadership looks, sounds, and feels different based on the leader and the situation. However, there are common threads that connect all tremendous leaders.

Our goal is to connect with leaders w... more

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FAQs about Lead with Empower Podcast:

How many episodes does Lead with Empower Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 62 episodes available.

Lead with Empower Podcast episodes:

November 01, 2021S4E4 - Matthew Raidbard Leads with Empower
Dr. Matthew Raidbard Leads with Empower
Dr. Matthew Raidbard is the Author of "Lead Like a Pro: Effective Leadership Styles for Athletic Coaches" and Founder of Raidbard Sports Leadership Consulting. Dr. Raidbard brings his 15 years of experience in Division I college basketball coaching and senior level college athletics administration to the Lead with Empower podcast for a tremendous conversation that covers effective leadership in sport, responsible risk taking, the importance of trusting relationships in leadership, and the impact of positive culture on team success.
00:32: Introducing Dr. Matthew Raidbard, Founder of Raidbard Sports Leadership Consulting and Author of "Lead Like a Pro: Effective Leadership Styles for Athletic Coaches".
02:30: Lead Like a Pro, Part #1 - Dr. Raidbard discusses his evolution as a coach, administrator, and leader while sharing his inspiration to author Lead Like a Pro.
04:58: Leadership of Self - We learn about Dr. Raidbard's transition from athletics administration to entrepreneurship, and he shares his thoughts on risk-taking, building resiliency, and overcoming fear of failure.
14:35: Raidbard Sports Leadership Consulting - Dr. Raidbard discusses his passion for relationship development, teamwork, and collaboration. Additionally, Dr. Raidbard shares his efforts to inspire coaches to discover their best as leaders!
18:27: Lead Like a Pro, Part #2 - "All coaches are leaders and all coaching decisions are leadership decisions." Dr. Raidbard shares his thoughts on the potential impact coaches can have on their athletes far beyond sport.
39:42: The Evolution of Matthew Raidbard - We learn about Dr. Raidbard's early involvement in sport, both as an athlete and coach, his personal leadership style, what inspired him to start a career in coaching, and the importance of building trusting relationships in leadership.
53:49: Finish the Drill - Our conversation closes with Dr. Raidbard sharing (1) a moment of leadership failure, (2) a moment of impactful leadership success, (3) his current inspiration to be his best, and (4) advice for those just beginning their coaching journey!
Learn more about Dr. Matthew Raidbard and Raidbard Sports Leadership Consulting:
Follow Dr. Raidbard on LinkedIn and Twitter
Learn more about Raidbard Sports Leadership Consulting
Purchase your copy of Lead Like a Pro: Effective Leadership Styles for Athletic Coaches
Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co
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0min
October 14, 2021S4E3 - Sean Banks Leads with Empower
Sean Banks Leads with Empower
Sean is the General Manager of the DC Breeze, a professional ultimate frisbee team from the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL). Sean's journey, from being a music education major in college to his current role as the GM of the DC Breeze, is inspiring and empowering! Sean shares his thoughts on professional ultimate frisbee, leadership in sport (and beyond), and the importance of persistence!
00:33: Introducing General Manager of the DC Breeze, Sean Banks!
16:57: Sean's Leadership in Action
46:30: From Music Education Manager to General Manager of a Professional Sports Team - Sean's Leadership Journey
01:04:28: Finish the Drill and Episode Closure
Tremendous leadership insight from Sean during our conversation, including discussions about:
The importance of saying "thank you" in leadership
Leading himself (and others!) through the "600-day off-season"
The impact team culture has on performance
"Be grateful, let them know how much you appreciate them - it goes a long way. When people feel valued, they are willing to do more to advocate for you".
Learn more about Sean and the DC Breeze:
Learn more about the DC Breeze and the AUDL
Follow the DC Breeze on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co
...more
0min
September 22, 2021S4E2 - Christopher Koch Leads with Empower
Christopher Koch Leads with Empower
Christopher Koch is one of the Assistant Principals at Bunnell High School (Stratford, CT Public Schools). I was first introduced to Chris during a Spring 2021 Zoom team building event and developed a great relationship with Chris during our 2-week Summer Empowerment program with students from Stratford Public Schools. Chris has a unique ability to develop trusting connections with those that he leads - from students to faculty/staff and fellow administrators. You will hear about Chris' thoughts on relationships, fear of failure, finding balance, and so much more during our discussion!
00:32: Introducing Christopher Koch Leads with Empower
16:04: Education Beyond the Classroom
35:20: The 21st Century Summer Empowerment Program with Stratford Public Schools
48:24: Christopher's Thoughts on Himself as a Leader
57:20: Finish the Drill and Episode Closure
Tremendous leadership insight from Chris during our conversation, including discussions about:
The importance of avoiding "disconnection" from the students, teachers, and classroom as an administrator
Strategies for task completion and finding balance
Learning to confidently (and responsibly) take risks and overcome fear of failure
"I've always believed that the further you allow yourself to get away from the classroom and the kids, the further you remove yourself from the fabric that makes up the school."
Learn more about Chris and the amazing team at Bunnell High School:
Bunnell High School Website
Bunnell High School on Twitter and Instagram
Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co
...more
1h 8min
September 08, 2021S4E1 - John Yeager Leads with Empower
John Yeager Leads with Empower
John Yeager is the Founder and CEO of Yeager Leadership and co-author of The Coaching Zone: Next Level Leadership in Sports. The Yeager Leadership management firm helps organizations become more aware of how their ability to leverage strengths and culture, and to manage "healthy tensions," leads to maximizing engagement, capacity and performance. John is a tremendous leader and leadership consultant who has a strong passion for understanding "the why of human behavior" and for helping his clients operate as high performing individuals, teams and organizations.
00:33: Introducing John Yeager Leads with Empower
16:52: The Coaching Zone: Next Level Leadership in Sports
51:29: John's Journey and Story
61:08: Finish the Drill and Episode Closure
Tremendous leadership insight from John during our conversation, including discussions about:
Courage taking over for confidence
The importance of relationships] in leadership
Finding balance
The SARI structure (Situation, Action, Results, and Insights)
System I and System II Thinking
The HERO structure and building psychological capital
"The missing link is the relationships players have with each other and their ability to connect with each other." Learn more about John Yeager, Yeager Leadership, and The Coaching Zone Book:
Yeager Leadership Website
The Coaching Zone Book Website
Yeager Leadership on Facebook
Yeager Leadership on LinkedIn
Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co
...more
0min
June 09, 2021Joselyn DeFreest Leads with Empower
Season III of the Lead with Empower Podcast concludes with a wonderful conversation with Joselyn DeFreest, the Group Adventure Specialist from Empower Adventures Tampa Bay (EATB). Joselyn is one of the original EATB team members - joining soon after their opening in 2016. To sum up Joselyn's role in one job title is nearly impossible - she is the ultimate Empower Swiss Army Knife!
We hope you enjoy our conversation about leadership, multi-tasking, self-coaching, family life, and so much more. Joselyn DeFreest Leads with Empower!
00:00: Episode Start and "Roll Call"
Introducing Joselyn DeFreest - the Swiss Army Knife of Empower Adventures Tampa Bay. We dive into her family life during the pandemic. "The goal was to stay positive, stay healthy, and keeping the family busy!"
Joselyn shares some of her family's silver linings from the 2020/2021 pandemic situation - "gave us a moment to slow down and enjoy being at home, talking together, and getting more creative...now we are never bored"
We also hear about Joselyn's operational roles and responsibilities at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
"We always joke about how we can never pin down my title; I just like to call myself an all around badass. I like being able to be utilized in every aspect of our operation."
We also discuss why Joselyn has been able to become such a big contributor at EATB - "I am resourceful and I care a lot about what we do. Whenever I care, I'm going to do it right and make the best of it."
Joselyn also shares funny stories about her first training experience at EATB (shout-out to Joe for his smooth lift operating!), her first trip to Empower Leadership (in CT), and our experience working with the Tampa Bay Lightning at EATB.
20:21: The Leadership Challenges of Juggling Responsibilities at Work and at Home
Joselyn shares some "self-leadership/coaching" tips that help her effectively manage all of her home/work responsibilities - "I love to go, go, go!"
We learn about Joselyn's improved ability to effectively communicate and "control the controllable" - and how those skills have helped in her fast-paced multi-task world.
24:20: From Tampa to...... Tampa - Joselyn's Journey to Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
We learn about Joselyn's passion for animals and her early professional experiences as a veterinary technician.
Joselyn also discusses her passion for event planning and how that led to a part-time opportunity with EATB.
We also discuss the importance of embracing the "happy accident" (recognizing unexpected opportunities)
31:45: Taking the Leap of Faith
We learn about Joselyn's decision to join the Empower Adventures Tampa Bay team and how her working relationship with our founder (Joe DeRing) has impacted her ability to grow within our organization.
Once again, we hear another humorous story from Joselyn; this one is about her first day of "zip line guide" training with Joe and Calvin (EATB Operations Manager)
Joselyn also shares her thoughts on Joe DeRing as a leader
35:59: Lead, Inspire, and Empower
We discuss two moments - a "leadership failure" moment and a "leadership success" moment that have impacted Joselyn's life. Joselyn shares stories for both as well as the impact those situations have had on her growth and development as both a person and as a leader.
On being a mom - "you're constantly being a leader without even knowing it. It really does pay off when you teach them the right thing to do - to be nice and to be who you are!"
Joselyn also defines herself as a leader - "an intense open book" - and discusses her leadership strengths, challenges, and tactics to improve upon her challenges.
48:04: Five Years of Empowerment
We discuss the impact Joselyn's five years at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay have had on her both in and out of work
"If you met me five years ago, you wouldn't recognize the person. I've learned something from every person I've crossed paths with at Empower. It's been an amazing experience that feels like family."
Joselyn discusses the important leadership traits she feels are essential to being an Empower Adventures Tampa Bay team member.
55:50: Finish the Drill - "Don't be afraid to fail and don't be afraid of forgiving yourself!"
Joselyn and I finish the episode in traditional fashion - rapid fire Q & A! We learn (1) why adventure is important to Joselyn, (2) her favorite out of work adventure, (3) the leadership quote or saying that resonates with Joselyn, (4) a leader Joselyn admires, and (5) Joselyn's advice for those who are in the position of balancing professional and family life.
Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co
...more
1h 4min
June 01, 2021Doug Whittington Leads with Empower
"Humanity is not an individual sport." Doug Whittington Leads with Empower and brings an excitingly fresh perspective on what it means to lead effectively in business, at home, and in life. We learn about Doug's journey to (and from) the corporate world, his family's current adventure (cross country road trip since February 2021), and so much more. We hope you enjoy our conversation!
00:00: Episode Start and "Roll Call"
Doug Whittington is an entrepreneur, husband of 20 years, dad of 2 daughters, and corporate team effectiveness consultant joining the Lead with Empower podcast from Lake Tahoe.
If you're looking for a unique perspective on leadership and the different styles of effective leadership, look now further than our conversation with Doug Whittington
"Instead of talking about the glass being half full or half empty, we talk about the part that we can drink!"
We learn about Doug's connection with Joe DeRing, Founder of Empower Adventures and Empower Leadership.
We also learn about Doug's current work as a consultant - "I am fed by helping people; I aim to reduce the unnecessary suffering that occurs inside of workplaces so that we can work within our natural collaborative strengths of connection and communication".
11:02: The Journey - Money Doesn't Guarantee Happiness
"Companies asked me to leave certain aspects of myself at home. I worked inside of many systems that loved money and used people; and, I love people and want to use money."
Doug describes the conflict of interest between how the companies he worked for made money and how Doug hoped to treat people.
"I believe that you can shear a sheep many times, but you can skin it only once. If we are into skinning sheep, we are not living up to the company's values."
16:15: Discovering the "Best Version of Doug Whittington"
Doug discusses his transition from "corporate life" to entrepreneurship and consulting in 2015.
Doug shares how some conversations with his wife and daughter helped him decide to make the transition - "I was miserable because of private self-loathing and everyone else was getting this really angsty version of me."
20:38: Finding the Courage to Pivot, Take the Step, and Grow
Doug shares some strategies he implemented to coach himself through the challenge of transitioning out of the corporate world in 2015.
"Leadership to me is a service roll, it's not a place of power. It's not leadership over, it's leadership for."
24:38: The Journey, Part II - Noteworthy Experiences from Doug's Highschool, College, and Early Professional Years
"I didn't have a great plan going into college, I treated it like 13th grade. I was good at art, but that doesn't mean I should be an artist."
Doug discusses his love for art and the internal battle of not seeing the commercial value in it.
We also learn about Doug's motivation to transition from art to "learn the science of sales".
Doug shares the wisdom he would share with his 19-year old self - "money is not an end to pursue"
Additionally, Doug shares some advice for those graduating high school who are uncertain as to where their passions lie - "Get out and volunteer, humanity is not an individual sport!"
We also spend some time discussing Doug's passion for sales.
44:52: Leadership in Action - Looking for Opportunities in the Struggle
From signing a strategic consulting partnership in 2019 to the global shutdown due to the pandemic - we learn about Doug's current consulting efforts and his family's epic cross country road trip!
"Our house served us well; however, when we really felt most connected to one another and alive, was when we were out doing things as a family. We were falling in love with the experiences we were able to do as a family!"
Doug gives us some insight into his family's magnificent adventure that started in February of 2021 and is ongoing.
Doug also discusses his favorite area of leadership - "creating a context and understanding that perception is reality" - and what he hopes his daughters are able to take away from their family road trip adventure.
01:12:35: "Finish the Drill" and Episode Closure
We wrap up the episode in traditional fashion with some rapid fire/rapid response questions!
Doug shares (1) what has been his favorite location visited during your family's road trip, (2) his favorite local food experienced during their trip, (3) what he prefers to listen to while driving over 15 tons of truck and RV, (4) his definition of leadership, and (5) why he feels adventure is important.
Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co
...more
1h 24min
May 19, 2021Doug Waechter Leads with Empower
"Don't let other people tell you that you are not good enough to do something. Give it your best shot and prove them wrong!"
The Lead with Empower crosses enemy lines!!!! Dan Jaskot, the host and avid fan of the New York Yankees, is joined by real estate agent, former major league pitcher with the Tampa Bay Rays, and current broadcaster of the Rays, Mr. Doug Waechter. All kidding aside - what a tremendous time with Doug - he brings a wealth of leadership insight, humor, and engaging storytelling to the podcast. We hope you enjoy our conversation!
00:00: Episode Introduction, Guest "Roll Call", and Finding the Positives
Introducing former major league pitcher, current broadcaster, and real estate agent, Doug Waechter. Doug is from the Tampa area of Florida, grew up as a Tampa Bay Rays fan, and became a pitcher for his home-town team!
Between his years in the "big leagues", his tremendous professional experience, and his commitment to faith and family, Doug brings a unique, exciting, and entertaining leadership perspective to the Lead with Empower Podcast!
We learn about Doug's views on the Rays' 2021 season and the current state of baseball. We also discuss Doug's strategies for being successful in multi-task environments - "You gotta put your big rocks in first; make sure that the things that are most important to you are being taken care of"
23:55: The Leadership Journey: "You have to be self-motivated, find a way to succeed and keep your focus on the long-term goals"
We discuss Doug's path to the big leagues, the leadership challenges associated with life in the minor leagues, and the tremendous start to Doug's big league career.
Doug also shares a great story about an encounter with Hall of Famer, Frank "the Big Hurt" Thomas
We also discuss the importance of positive leadership and team chemistry in what can be considered a somewhat individual sport in baseball.
Doug sends a special shoutout to Tino Martinez and Louis Gonzalez for their tremendous leadership!
48:20: "Get comfortable with the uncomfortable" - Transitioning from the Big Leagues to "Civilian Life"
Doug discusses his retirement from baseball and how the decision to hang-up the cleats came to fruition.
"If you are a competitor by nature, you will find a way to compete and you will have that internal pride to be the best"
Doug shares his story of finding success outside of baseball!
59:30: "Finishing the Drill" and Episode Closure
We conclude our great conversation with Doug Waechter in traditional "Lead with Empower" fashion - rapid response questions and answers!
We learn (1) the best advice Doug has ever received from a coach, (2) his favorite current ballplayer, (3) favorite stadiums, (4) a skill of his that he'd like to pass down to his children, and (5) a message of inspiration for athletes who dream of competing at the highest level!
Keep up with the Tampa Bay Rays and all things Doug Waechter on Twitter!
Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co
...more
1h 9min
May 12, 2021Dayna Adamowicz Leads with Empower
"Help someone do something that they don't think they can do!"
I first met Dayna when she interviewed for a seasonal zip line guide position with Empower Leadership Sports & Adventure Center in the winter of 2009. Dayna quickly became a key player in the Middletown operation and, since about 2016, the entire Empower Adventures Operation. Whether it was sitting next to her in the small corner office, working as a guide team - Dayna always did whatever it took to get the job done to the highest standard possible! It was so great to spend some virtual time catching up with Dayna - I hope you enjoy her tremendous stories and insight!
00:00: Episode Introduction and Guest "Roll Call"
Introducing Dayna Adamowicz - the HR Director for Empower Adventures Operation
Get to know Dayna as she discusses "mom-life", parenting during a pandemic, her family's big move from Connecticut, and her hopeful silver linings from the past 14 months
17:50: Lead, Inspire, and Empower - Dayna's Leadership Journey
Dayna joined Empower as a recent college graduate and she shares how experiences from college and her very early professional career helped her discover her sense of adventure!
We discuss the importance of talking yourself through self-doubt - "it's always worse in your head; but then you do it, realize you're ok, and it gets easier every time"
35:01: Seasonal Part-Time Zip Line Guide to Key Player with Empower Adventures
Dayna discusses her transition into the full-time roll with Empower Adventures - focusing on her willingness and excitement to go above and beyond while never shying away from taking initiative, and her willingness to "get her hands dirty" with whatever needed to be done for the team!
We discuss some lessons learned during Dayna's time in the adventure operation
Dayna shares her favorite memories from her time at Empower's original adventure park in Middletown, CT
59:00: "It takes 2 seconds of courage to try something new!" - Episode Closure
We wrap up the episode our traditional "rapid fire, rapid response" closure; including: 1. Dayna's views of herself as a leader (style, strength, and weakness), 2. strategies for relationship/trust development, 3. her favorite Empower Adventures aerial course, single zip line, and team building initiative, 4. Dayna's current inspiration, and 5. Dayna's advice for soon-to-be college graduates who are trying to figure out "what's next"
Learn more about the Empower Adventures Parks in Virginia, Greater Tampa Bay, and Connecticut.
Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co
...more
1h 15min
May 05, 2021Mayor Eric Seidel Leads with Empower
"People are only motivated out of two areas - either desire or fear. The problem with motivating people out of fear is that the moment you leave the room, so does the motivation. If you motivate people out of desire, they will go to town."
Eric Seidel - Mayor of the City of Oldsmar, FL - was kind enough to join us for a great conversation about community development, leadership, volunteerism, and so much more! Tune in for a great blend of valuable leadership insight, story telling, and engaging humor - enjoy Mayor Eric Seidel Leads with Empower!
00:00: Episode Introduction and Guest "Roll Call"
Introducing City of Oldsmar, FL Mayor, Eric Seidel
Mayor Seidel introduces listeners to the City of Oldsmar, its wonderful parks system, and their "downtown development" initiatives
11:05: Lead, Inspire, and Empower - "Have a plan, communicate regularly, and be aggressive in tackling the problem"
Mayor Seidel shares great insight into leading during the pandemic; discussing the initial state of emergency, Oldsmar's 3-phase plan of action (Prevention & Essentials, Sustainability, and Recovery), and the current state of recovery in Oldsmar
"The smartest person in the room is the one that knows they're not the smartest person in the room"
28:55: From Miami (Dolphins) to Tampa Bay (Buccaneers) - Mayor Seidel's Leadership Journey
Mayor Seidel shares stories about his upbringing in Miami, his high school experiences ("not a very good student"), and early career in iron work and construction
We learn about Mayor Seidel's transition to a sales job and a key takeaway from his sales manager, Joe Young - "if you're going to do this job well, you have to become involved in community service"
Mayor Seidel also discusses his involvement in the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), entrepreneurship, and his transition to civil service
"I've been in Civil Service, on-and-off, since 2007. To me, it is community service - I don't have any big political ambitions, I love the idea of making an impact!"
38:45: "Finish the Drill" and Episode Closure
We wrap up the episode our traditional "rapid fire, rapid response" closure; including: (1) Mayor Seidel's leadership style, strengths, and challenges, (2) his favorite out-of-work adventure, (3) childhood idol/role model, (4) the "Coffee with the Mayor" initiative, and (5) advice for those seeking involvement in civil service
The City of Oldsmar, FL
Learn more about Oldsmar by visiting their website and following on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn
Learn more about businesses in Oldsmar and Greater Tampa Bay by visiting the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce website and following on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co
...more
0min
April 28, 2021Joe Borelli Leads with Empower
"The only place you see success before work is in the dictionary."
Joe Borelli - Dean of School Culture at the Hamden Charter School of Science - Leads with Empower. In addition to his work as Dean of Culture, Joe is a CrossFit athlete and trainer, personal trainer, nutrition coach, and entrepreneur. Joe Borelli believes we all have the opportunity to have a tremendous impact on others and he wastes no time doing his best to do so! Enjoy Joe Borelli Leads with Empower.
"Whatever goes down has to come back up!"
00:00: Episode Introduction and "Roll Call"
Joe and I discuss the challenges of the pandemic, specifically when considering his work with young adults. "Human beings are social in nature and we all need to find ways to pick each other up."
Joe Borelli as a leader - "is someone who always strives to do his best and help people get closer to becoming their best self."
"The only place you see success before work is in the dictionary"
27:15: The Journey is Where the Magic Happens
We learn about Joe's journey to becoming an educator, trainer/coach, and entrepreneur and discuss the people and experiences that have impacted him along the way.
"The acorn has a miniature Oak Tree in it. The Oak Tree grows and, when it does, it gives acorns out. Leadership is all about giving back."
48:45: "Finish the Drill" and Episode Closure
We close the episode with a handful of "rapid fire, rapid response" questions - including (1) Joe's childhood role model, (2) what inspires/drives him today, (3) how Joe defines himself as a leader, (4) Joe's favorite Avenger, and (5) what inspires Joe about the people he works with!
Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co
...more
57min

FAQs about Lead with Empower Podcast:

How many episodes does Lead with Empower Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 62 episodes available.