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Leaders in the Arena
By The Brock-Barnes Center for LeadershipBusiness
Leaders in the Arena episodes
- Unlocking the Power of Nonprofit Boards With Glenda Hicks
Nonprofit boards hold the key to organizational success, yet many board members are not fully equipped to serve at their best.
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena with our guest, Glenda Hicks, we will dive into why effective board performance is essential, the impact of proper training and self-assessments, and how board leadership can drive meaningful change in the nonprofit sector.
What You Will Learn:The foundational role of boards in nonprofit governance and strategic decision-making
Common misconceptions about board service and the challenges of underprepared boards
Why board members need formal training to excel, and how self-assessments can spark growth
- How to foster a culture of engagement, collaboration, and accountability at the board level
- Integrating board performance into broader nonprofit strategy and performance improvement plan
Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events
Subscribe to the Bridge Innovate® newsletter to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5
33 min - Acceleration with AI-Enabled Design with Adam Walcott
In a highly complex market, designing and prototyping solutions are critical to maintaining and growing market position.
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, join us as we sit down with Bridge Consultant Adam Wolcott to discuss ‘Acceleration with AI-Enabled Design.’ Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming design by enhancing data analysis, optimizing patterns, and streamlining processes.
Bridge Innovate brings this enhanced capability to market with the Future LAB.
The Future Lab℠ provides the team with a range of design sprint options that may be used alone or connected together to form an overall transformation approach. Bridge certified facilitators provide the team with a full range of proven tools and methods to support their work, including access to generative AI for acceleration
Every design sprint begins with a challenge. Based on your challenge, choose one Sprint or connect them to form an overall transformation approach.
By synthesizing data, generating insights, and expanding brainstorming possibilities, AI enables teams to quickly uncover transformative solutions
What You Will Learn:
- What does AI-Enabled design look like?
- Why speed matters in design today
- How AI helps teams solve big problems
- The human + AI Collaboration
- Breaking down barriers to innovation
Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events
Subscribe to the Bridge Innovate® newsletter to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5
32 min - Shaping the Future Through Change with Dave Gambrell
Change is inevitable, but how you lead through it shapes your future. In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, Dave Gambrell, Dean of Enrollment Management at Covenant College, joins Bridge Innovate to discuss his leadership journey.
Faced with the challenges of new leadership and growing operational demands, Covenant’s Admissions Department partnered with Bridge Innovate to take part in The Leadership Challenge.
This leadership development program uncovered critical opportunities to improve their work management systems, ultimately leading to the design and implementation of Asana to streamline workflows and enhance collaboration.
What You’ll Learn:
- Leadership in Transition: How Dave guided his team during a time of change and inspired them to embrace new opportunities.
- Empowering Teams Through Systems: How identifying and addressing gaps in work management supported team efficiency and future growth.
- Advice for Leaders: Dave’s practical lessons for leading through change without overwhelming your team.
Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events
Subscribe to the Bridge Innovate® newsletter to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5
30 min - The Power of Vision and Strategy: A Non-Profit Leader’s Story with Lucy Rymer
How does a nonprofit build on its strengths to shape a brighter future?
In this special episode of Leaders in the Arena, Lucy Rymer, Executive Director of the Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points, joins Bridge Innovate CEO Jenny Whitener to share how the Museum partnered with Bridge to design a bold vision and strategy to become an arts and culture anchor for their community.
Together, they discuss the challenges nonprofits face, the keys to engaging a team, and the impact of a collaborative strategy process.
This conversation offers inspiration and practical insights for nonprofit leaders looking to take their organization to the next level.
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
- Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector: Hear Lucy discuss the obstacles that held the organization back and how they approached them.
- Vision and Strategy in Action: Explore how a guided vision and strategy process became a roadmap for progress.
- Engaging Teams for Success: Learn Lucy’s secrets to gaining buy-in from her board and staff for lasting impact.
- Results and Lessons Learned: Discover the outcomes of the project and the critical leadership insights Lucy is taking forward.
- Advice for Leaders: Gain practical advice from Lucy for nonprofit leaders facing similar challenges.
Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events
Subscribe to the Bridge Innovate® newsletter to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5
33 min - Deliberate Calm with Carlene Blanding
In this episode of our podcast, Leaders in the Arena, hear from Carlene Blanding (VP of Human Resources / Integrated Supply Chain at Shaw®) as we discuss Deliberate Calm: How to Learn and Lead in a Volatile World by Jacqueline Brassey, Aaron De Smet, & Michiel Kruyt.
In 2024, Deliberate Calm is the essential guidebook for leadership.With the rapidly-increasing pace of change in organizations, leaders may have to navigate outside of their comfort zone. However, adaptation can be difficult—and our immediate response is to revert back to what we know. Dubbed the "adaptability paradox", leaders must proactively address their gut instinct, and stay ahead of the curve.Deliberate Calm is a unique combination of psychology, neuroscience, and consciousness practices brought together by the authors—whom bring over five decades of combined experience working alongside leaders around the globe. By learning, understanding, and executing the concept of "Dual Awareness," leadership can realize their full potential to respond with intention amid uncertainty, complexity, and change.Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events
Subscribe to the Bridge Innovate® newsletter to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST532 min - How You Lead Changes Over Time with Col. Pat Rayner and Dr. John Plating
How do great leaders continuously adapt and succeed in the face of new challenges? For business leaders seeking to elevate their leadership capabilities, this webinar provides a rare opportunity to learn from two high-ranking military professionals who have thrived in some of the most challenging environments.
In this episode of our podcast, Leaders in the Arena, Col. Pat Rayner, Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison, Weapons Systems Division Chief, joins Dr. John Plating, PhD, retired Air Force Colonel and member of Bridge Innovate's Executives in Residence, to share key insights on how leadership evolves over time.
Col. Rayner unpacks his leadership philosophy of Action, Professionalism, and Resiliency, developed over two decades of service in the U.S. Air Force, and explore three critical topics:
Why did you choose Action, Professionalism, and Resiliency? Discover the principles behind his leadership approach and how they can apply to business contexts.
What’s the purpose of codifying your personal leadership philosophy? Learn why clearly defining your leadership style is crucial for navigating complex challenges.
How does leadership style change over time? Hear real-world examples of how leadership evolves with experience and practical lessons for your own leadership journey.
Gain actionable insights from two accomplished military professionals, offering perspectives that are valuable across all leadership contexts.
Speakers:
Dr. John Plating, PhD – Retired Air Force Colonel, Leadership Expert, and member of Bridge Innovate's Executives in Residence
Col. Pat Rayner – Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison, Weapons Systems Division Chief
Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events
Subscribe to the Bridge Innovate® newsletter to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST532 min - Balancing Psychological Safety and Performance Excellence with Brandon Springle
Psychological Safety is a powerful way to foster innovation and inclusion in the workplace, but too much focus on safety can veer into paternalism, while too little can lead to exploitation.
In this episode of our podcast, Leaders in the Arena, hear from Brandon Springle, Organizational Strategist and Psychological Safety Coach for Shaw Industries, as he guides you through how to strike the right balance, ensuring your workplace nurtures trust, openness, and accountability without overprotecting or undermining your team.We explore the "4 Stages of Psychological Safety" framework by Dr. Timothy Clark and dive into how leaders can create an environment where people feel safe to contribute while maintaining high expectations for performance. Learn the five key factors of Psychological Safety, how they influence business outcomes like innovation and inclusion, and avoid the common pitfalls of over-coddling or under-supporting your team.Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/eventsSubscribe to the Bridge Innovate® newsletter to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST531 min - Why Change Efforts Fail and How to Succeed with Allie Robertson
Organizational change is complex—more than just a shift in direction, it’s about aligning people, processes, and leadership. If you’ve faced stalled initiatives or resistance to change, you’re not alone. Most change efforts falter because they lack the right strategies and leadership approach.
In this episode of our podcast, Leaders in the Arena, hear from Allie Robertson, Advisory Consultant on Change & Innovation at Bridge Innovate, as she provides a pragmatic look at how to approach organizational change, backed by real-world insights and practical tools. We cover:
A clear overview of the dynamics behind organizational change
Insights into why the majority of change initiatives fail, and how to avoid these common pitfalls
Practical tips and strategies for enabling successful change that sticks
Leadership imperatives—understand the pivotal role executives play in shaping and supporting change
A unique opportunity to participate in the Bridge Change Simulation, a hands-on experience designed to help you “learn by doing”
Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events
Subscribe to the Bridge Innovate® newsletter to keep up with our latest programs and services!
34 min - Power Moves with Jenny Whitener
In this special episode of Leaders in the Arena, hear from Jenny Whitener (CEO of Bridge Innovate®) as she discusses Power Moves by Adam Grant.
The New York Times best-selling author of Think Again is back with Power Moves—an audiobook with insights from the world's corporate leaders.Adam Grant attended the World Economic Forum in Davos to discuss the transformative role of power in society—and the answers may surprise you. He combines interviews, data analytics, and superb analysis to bring a "crash course" in the world of power in leadership. The audiobook includes top executives from major corporations such as Google, GM, Slack, Goldman Sachs, NASA, and more—providing the reader with an understanding of power, and the integral role it plays within successful organizations.Adam Grant reframes the traditional concept of "power" as power formed by a network of informed citizens. This new paradigm has contributed to the rise of women in the office, the influence of scientists on corporate policy, and more. The modern era of "power" is not exclusive; it’s meant to be shared.Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/eventsSubscribe to the Bridge Innovate® newsletter to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST522 min - Proven Tactics for Implementing Nonprofit Strategies
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, hear from Rachel Gammon, a seasoned Nonprofit Executive Director and Bridge Innovate’s Principal of Nonprofit Consulting.
Learn how to effectively implement your nonprofit's strategic vision for lasting change and explore the practical aspects of implementing your nonprofit's strategic plan effectively.Under Rachel’s leadership, the Northside Neighborhood House was recognized twice as Nonprofit of the Year by the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce and earned her the 2024 Nonprofit Executive of the Year award from the United Way of Greater Chattanooga.This session delves into how to engage and motivate your team to turn strategic plans into actionable initiatives that drive tangible impact. Rachel shares her strategies for fostering a collaborative environment that leverages the strengths of your organization, moving from traditional, transactional approaches to transformative strategies that breathe life into your mission.Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events
Subscribe to the Bridge Innovate® newsletter to keep up with our latest programs and services!
32 min
About Leaders in the Arena
From the publisher's feed
Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Each episode features conversations with leaders doing the real work of leadership—where decisions…
matter, values are tested, and faith is lived out in practice. Guests share practical wisdom shaped by Christian conviction, offering insight into leading with integrity, stewardship, humility, and care for others. Join us for thoughtful conversations that explore what faithful leadership looks like in a changing world.