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.

Learn more about Dr. Matthew Raidbard and Raidbard Sports Leadership Consulting:

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

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!

Tremendous leadership insight from Sean during our conversation, including discussions about:

"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:

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

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!

Tremendous leadership insight from Chris during our conversation, including discussions about:

"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:

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

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.

Tremendous leadership insight from John during our conversation, including discussions about:

"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:

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

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"

20:21: The Leadership Challenges of Juggling Responsibilities at Work and at Home

24:20: From Tampa to...... Tampa - Joselyn's Journey to Empower Adventures Tampa Bay

31:45: Taking the Leap of Faith

35:59: Lead, Inspire, and Empower

48:04: Five Years of Empowerment

55:50: Finish the Drill - "Don't be afraid to fail and don't be afraid of forgiving yourself!"

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

"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"

11:02: The Journey - Money Doesn't Guarantee Happiness

16:15: Discovering the "Best Version of Doug Whittington"

20:38: Finding the Courage to Pivot, Take the Step, and Grow

24:38: The Journey, Part II - Noteworthy Experiences from Doug's Highschool, College, and Early Professional Years

44:52: Leadership in Action - Looking for Opportunities in the Struggle

01:12:35: "Finish the Drill" and Episode Closure

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

"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

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"

48:20: "Get comfortable with the uncomfortable" - Transitioning from the Big Leagues to "Civilian Life"

59:30: "Finishing the Drill" and Episode Closure

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

"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"

17:50: Lead, Inspire, and Empower - Dayna's Leadership Journey

35:01: Seasonal Part-Time Zip Line Guide to Key Player with Empower Adventures

59:00: "It takes 2 seconds of courage to try something new!" - Episode Closure

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

"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"

11:05: Lead, Inspire, and Empower - "Have a plan, communicate regularly, and be aggressive in tackling the problem"

28:55: From Miami (Dolphins) to Tampa Bay (Buccaneers) - Mayor Seidel's Leadership Journey

38:45: "Finish the Drill" and Episode Closure

The City of Oldsmar, FL

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

"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"

"The only place you see success before work is in the dictionary"

27:15: The Journey is Where the Magic Happens

48:45: "Finish the Drill" and Episode Closure

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co