Hildie Heck, the Athletic Director for Lyme Old Lyme Schools, joins the Lead with Empower for episode 8 of season 2. Hildie has been in the Athletic Director role for the Wildcats since 2016. Prior to joining the Lyme Old Lyme community, Hildie was a physical education/health instructor and coach at Classical Magnet School in Hartford. Hildie is a classmate of mine from Springfield College and shares plenty of wonderful leadership insight during our conversation. Here are the show notes:

00:00: Episode Opening and Hildie Heck Introduction

02:35: We discuss Fall Athletics in CT and in the Shoreline Conference. Hildie shares a very positive assessment with regards to how her student/athletes and coaches, as well as the other schools in the Shoreline Conference, have managed the new safety protocol and scheduling adjustments.

08:50: Leadership Challenges during Uncertain Times - "Leading is easy when you're winning...". Hildie highlights the importance of communication, trusting relationships, and creative solutions to overcome unique challenges.

15:30: Hildie discusses some of her personal challenges faced and overcome during her slower work pace caused by the pandemic; highlighting her newly discovered "advanced cooking skills".

18:45: We hear about Hildie's experiences at Springfield College and how those experiences helped shape her as a leader.

29:19: Hildie and I discuss her time as a teacher/coach at Classical Magnet School and her jump to Lyme Old Lyme Schools for the Athletic Director position. Hildie shares challenges faced and overcome, and the strategies implemented to do so!

42:03: Relationships and Skill Building - Hildie shares her hopes for what each student athlete takes from their time in the Lyme Old Lyme athletics program.

Episode Closure: We talk about Hildie's experiences as a running coach, discuss the current plan for Winter Sports in CT, and advice for Winter Sports athletes and coaches. We also learn about Hildie's youth and current inspirations and the importance of participating in competitive sports.

Follow the Hildie and the Lyme Old Lyme Athletics Program on Twitter at https://twitter.com/HilheckAD

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com

Our next guest on the Lead with Empower Podcast is Steve Opalenik. Steve is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Founder of The Promethean Project - a non-profit, community-based whole body wellness services provider. I first met Steve back in 2009 during our work together with Springfield College's LACES Program and, since then, Steve has done nothing short of tremendous work in the field of mental, physical, and emotional health! Here are highlights from Steve Opalenik Leads with Empower:

00:00: Episode Opening and Steve Opalenik Introduction

04:00: Steve discusses his upcoming webinar (10/21), Building Resilient Youth in Challenging Times. To learn more about the webinar or to register, visit www.HWP4Y.org

10:30: We learn more about Steve's non-profit, The Promethean Project and hear about the leadership challenges faced during Steve's "entrepreneurial leap" in 2015

20:45: Steve discusses the mission of The Promethean Project and the programs currently offered. To learn more about The Promethean Project, visit https://theprometheanproject.org/

31:40: "Break the Chains, Find Your Flame" - Steve dishes on his podcast which is focused on helping listeners break free from the chains of society to find their potential

42:50: Steve talks about his time as a student at the University of Massachusetts (B.A. Psychology, 2005) and Springfield College (Master's in Education, Marriage, & Family Therapy, 20011).

46:45: Steve and I talk about our time "cutting our teeth in the field of human development" with Springfield College's L.A.C.E.S. Program (Leaders in Academics, Community Engagement, & Service)

56:15: Steve discusses a few personal stories regarding Leadership of Self, Leadership of Others, and his Leadership Legacy.

01:01:35: Push-Ups, Pancakes, and Positivity - You'll just have to listen!!!

01:08:45: Steve shares an uplifting and inspirational message for those who are experiencing mental health challenges during the pandemic.

01:13:00: We close the episode hearing about Steve's desired and actual superpowers.

Follow the Steve and the great work he is doing with The Promethean Project on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/prometheancounseling and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theprometheanproject/

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com

Jim Hofher, Defensive Analyst for Wake Forest University Football, joins the Lead with Empower Podcast! Jim has coached at both the collegiate and professional levels for 42 years since graduating from Cornell University in 1978, including his time leading the Cornell Big Red Football Program (1990-1997) and the University of Buffalo Program (2001-2005). Jim is an experienced coach and leader who offers tremendous insight relevant far beyond the gridiron. Here are the highlights from our conversation on the Lead with Empower Podcast:

02:30: We welcome Jim to the Lead with Empower Podcast, check-in on him and his family, and hear about the start of the Wake Forest University Football Season.

08:20: Jim highlights leadership and personal development lessons that his athletes can pull from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on life and college football. Jim feels his athletes have:

Developed a greater understanding of science and public health

Learned to become more empathetic towards people facing challenges

Become more conscious of the self-discipline required to live in the moment and take one step at a time to the best of your ability (Controlling the Controllable!)

13:00: Jim discusses the importance of communication in leadership; specifically when dealing with uncertain situations

17:15: We hear about Jim's time as the Quarterback at Xavier High School and Cornell University, as well as the start of Jim's coaching career. Jim shares thoughts on Coach Larry McHugh and his leadership ability and discusses the importance of relationship development in coaching and in leadership.

34:45: Jim talks about the jump from assistant coach to head coach and discusses the importance of being a curious learner as a leader.

40:15: Jim and I discuss the importance of recruiting athletes with high character, tremendous work ethic, and trustworthiness. "Find the guys you want to be around everyday and who want to be around you and your program."

47:45: Jim shares leadership advice for aspiring college athletes and aspiring coaches. "There is no easy road, it requires initiative."

53:20: We wrap up the episode hearing about Jim's childhood inspiration, student-athletes who have "wowed" him, and a great "non-football" book for aspiring leaders (Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins)

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com

Ken Watson (Dean of Students) and Victoria Alderman (Community Relations Coordinator) from the Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg (FL) join the Lead with Empower Podcast. Ken and Victoria are both wonderful people doing some tremendous work with the Academy Prep scholars. Academy Prep (https://stpete.academyprep.org/) is a nationally accredited non-profit middle school that empowers students qualifying for need-based scholarships to become future community leaders through a rigorous academic program coupled with ongoing graduate support. The mission of "AP" is to provide African-American students an opportunity to get a quality private-school education at minimal cost. Ken and Victoria share a wealth of leadership insight and wisdom during our episode together, here are the highlights from our discussion!

02:30 - Ken and Victoria discuss the start of the 2020/2021 school year at AP and the importance of communication with their scholars and families to make sure the scholars have all they need to develop into transformational leaders.

08:25 - Ken and Victoria reflect on leadership challenges faced and overcome at AP in March at the onset of the pandemic. Goal clarity is key - ensure the safety of our scholars without sacrificing their education.

14:07 - We learn some background about the Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg; including the AP Mission and the "AP Way".

18:45 - What is the "AP Way" you ask - you will hear how Ken helps students build the "soft-skills" that transcend subject matter; including being accountable, being respectful, and leading by example.

23:45 - We discuss Empower Leadership's Virtual EMERGE Team Building events that are part of the AP 5th grade enrichment program.

27:20 - Victoria and Ken share insight into their respective roles at AP and discuss their journey to AP.

40:05 - Victoria and Ken discuss the key leadership skills scholars develop during their 4 years at AP.

46:00 - We hear about strategies implemented by AP to help scholars build connections and a strong sense of community despite the disconnection associated with distance learning.

53:24 - Ken and Victoria discuss each other's leadership strengths and challenges

01:04:41 - Victoria and Ken discuss their childhood inspirations, what currently motivates/inspires them, and share uplifting messages for students and teachers

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com

Episode IV, Season II of the Lead with Empower Podcast features Dr. Terrell Hill - Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources (Windsor Public Schools) and the Founder and President of Black Leaders & Administrators, Inc. (BLAC). With over 27 years of experience in education and educational leadership, Dr. Hill brings tremendous insight, passion, and experience to our conversation. We learn about Dr. Hill's journey from Springfield, MA to Windsor Schools, discuss the leadership challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the leadership skills students, teachers and administrators can develop from such challenges, and we hear about one of Dr. Hill's newest initiatives, BLAC, Inc.!

Leadership Notes and Highlights from Dr. Terrell Hill Leads with Empower:

Dr. Hill is impressed with the "whatever we need to do to get this done" attitude of the Windsor Schools Team and their students!

What skills can come from dealing with new and unique challenges? Dr. Hill shares how his experience in the United States Army helped him "exist and operate in uncertainty".

Dr. Hill and I discuss the importance of "comfort zone expanding" experiences as part of New Teacher Orientation. "When you get out of your comfort zone, that is when you learn the most."

Hear about how Dr. Hill's dissertation study (The Career Paths of Black and White Superintendents) served as the inspiration to found Black Leaders & Administrators, Inc. (BLAC). Learn more about BLAC at www.blacleaders.org

What does leadership mean to Dr. Hill? Being out in front, taking a risk, and making a way for those following you - "You get blessed to be a blessing to others."

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com

Episode III, Season II of the Lead with Empower Podcast features a great conversation with Al Carbone - the Commissioner of the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC), a high school athletics conference in Connecticut. Al, in his 17th year as Commissioner of the SCC, brings a ton of leadership insight into the current state of high school sports in Connecticut. We discuss a range of topics, including the transformation of high school sports over the past 15 years, the impact of COVID-19 on high school sports, and the benefits of participating in competitive high school sports for teens. Here are the highlights from our discussion:

01:00 - Al shares a quick update on a tough 6-months for high school sports, his optimism for the upcoming fall sports season, and his professional journey from East Haven student athlete to Commissioner of the SCC

07:15 - We hear about Al's responsibilities as SCC Commissioner prior to the COVID-19 pandemic

09:55 - Al shares his thoughts on why high school sports are "under siege"; both before the pandemic and currently

17:15 - Al discusses the benefits of participation in competitive high school athletics and the leadership skills high school athletes can learn/apply during the uncertainty caused by the pandemic

28:55 - We discuss the decision to cancel winter/spring sports back in March and Al provides some behind the scenes insight into how that decision was made

40:35 - Al shares his thoughts on the leadership and decision-making process of the CIAC and DPH with regards to the upcoming fall sports season

45:00 - Hear about Al's favorite part of his roll as SCC Commissioner and why he believes the return to high school sports is so important for student-athletes

55:00 - We learn more about the 2020/2021 goals of the SCC's Diversity Program and initiatives to spread the message of social justice. Al also shares positive messages for student-athletes and coaches as they prepare for the upcoming fall sports season.

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com

Season II of the Lead with Empower Podcast keeps rolling along with a wonderful, thought-provoking conversation with Mr. James Lightfoot III. James currently serves as the Director of Youth and Education Programs for the Urban League of Springfield, Inc. In his role, James is responsible for the design and delivery of in-school and out-of-school programming for teens and young adults in Springfield, MA. James' passion for youth and community development is evident in our conversation and in his involvement in local youth development organizations beyond his work with the Urban League of Springfield, Inc. Here are some highlights from our discussion:

02:45: James shares a story about his "personal challenge" to improve his ability to commit and change the tide of how his college experience was going - "If I can commit to growing my hair out, I can commit to anything!"

04:30: Another quick personal story from James about the danger of assumptions based on the physical qualities of a person.

11:50: We learn about James' journey from Detroit, MI. to Grand Valley State University and eventually to Springfield College.

33:30: James shares some insight into his work mentoring youths and young adults at the Urban League of Springfield, Inc. Helping students identify a vision, plan accordingly, and live with purpose ("Get what you can out of every situation!")

46:00: We learn about the foundation of James' passion for educating, leading, inspiring, and mentoring youths.

53:50: James discusses his work with the One Hundred Males to College Initiative and shares his insight into the impact of racial injustice on the youths and young adults he serves. "I want to help them learn to play chess, not checkers."

01:24:30: We learn about James' passion for performing/creative arts - how he got started, how he currently stays involved, and how he leverages the arts in his mentorship and leadership of the youths and young adults he serves.

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com

Season II of the Lead with Empower Podcast begins with a tremendous guest - Dr. Ted France from Springfield College. Ted is a professor and co-department chair of the Physical Education and Health Education major at Springfield College. Ted also serves as the President of the Faculty Senate. I've known Ted since the Fall of 1999, first as one of his students, next as his graduate assistant, and now as a great friend. Ted is one of, if not the, best experiential educators I've ever crossed paths with. Here are some highlights from our episode together:

The episode begins with Ted sharing his journey from Palmer, MA to Springfield College

Ted discusses the operational and leadership decisions with regards to COVID-19 and the start of the 2020/2021 school year at Springfield College and the impact on its students. (starts at 9 minutes)

Ted shares some advice for students and teachers who are about to embark on a very unique "start of school year" (starts at 36 minutes)

We discuss some of the "eye opening" moments as Physical Education majors at Springfield College (starts at 44 minutes)

Ted discusses experiential education and his early years as a faculty member - serving as the Director of East Campus and the Outdoor Education Curriculum (starts at 50 minutes)

We wrap up with an in-depth conversation about teaching and developing leaders (starts at 68 minutes)

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com

The first season of the Lead with Empower podcast comes to an end with the final episode - featuring Empower's Founders, Joe DeRing and Dan Jaskot. In a bit of a "dueling interview" format, Joe and Dan talk about the early years of entrepreneurship in 2009, the learning experiences and growth of both Empower Adventures and Empower Leadership, the "why" behind Empower, the challenges of COVID-19, and what is in store for Empower in 2020 and beyond!

Leadership Notes and Other Highlights:

02:30: Joe discusses his transition from the United States Army to entrepreneurship

06:40: Joe shares key Leadership Elements from his experience in the United States Army that are critical elements of the Empower operation

18:00: "12-hours in a Harness" - Joe shares insight into the early days of entrepreneurship and Empower

24:30: Joe discusses his evolution as a leader from a one-location small business in 2009 to a larger small business with 3 properties and a leadership business in 2020

30:22: Find out what Empower means to Maureen, Faith, and JJ - the DeRing Family

35:00: Dan shares what was going through his mind when he decided to leave the teaching profession to join Joe to build Empower

41:00: "Figure out a way to get things done" - Dan shares his thoughts on the early years of Empower and the Joe and Dan working relationship/dynamic

49:15: The growth of Empower from one to two locations - Dan discusses the challenges of Joe moving on to create a second Empower Adventures operation

57:00: Dan and Joe discuss business challenges faced in 2018-2019 and how those challenges led to even more "Empower Expansion"

1:05:00: A year like no other - Dan shares insight into the impact of COVID-19 on business and the importance of maintaining that "just make it happen" mentality

1:14:30: Dan shares his feelings and thoughts on the evolution of Empower Adventures and the development of Empower Leadership, the newest business under the Empower brand

1:18:00: Joe and Dan discuss highlights from the first season of the Lead with Empower podcast

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com

https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot

Coach Kevin Gilbride, most recently the Head Coach of the XFL's New York Guardians, Leads with Empower. Coach Gilbride has coached at the collegiate and professional levels for 40 years and is the proud owner of two Super Bowl Rings from his time as the Offensive Coordinator with the New York Giants. You will hear about Kevin's journey from student-athlete at North Haven High School to coaching at the professional level while also gaining valuable insight into what it takes to lead at the highest level.

Leadership Notes and Other Highlights:

Coach Gilbride had every intention of teaching and coaching at the high school level until receiving some sage advice from Southern Connecticut's Harry Shay.

Hear about the importance of goal clarity and recognizing then embracing opportunities along your journey towards achievement.

Coach Gilbride shares the importance of recognizing and leveraging surrounding support systems, especially as a 28 year old first time head coach at SCSU.

Coach discusses the importance of being unquestionably resolute and strong in your beliefs as a leader.

Coach shares great advice for aspiring coaches - do whatever needs to be done to help your athletes develop and do it in the framework of your personality (authenticity)

What was it like to square off against Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots twice in the Super Bowl? Hear some tremendous insight about "controlling the controllable" from Coach Gilbride.

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com

https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot