”Leading4Value” See! Believe! Achieve!

In this episode Ken Rethmeier welcomes Michael Flake, Lead Pastor at Storyhill Evangelical Presbyterian Church, in Davidson, NC for a conversation about the 'deeper dimension' of leadership. Michael as a Pastor comes into this discussion with a truly unique and wonderful view of leadership based on Christian beliefs. Michael & Ken connect concepts from Rethmeier’s book 'Leading4Value' (the three C’s: capability, capacity, confidence) with Michael’s recent sermons on the Beatitudes, highlighting how meekness — strength plus self-control — shapes servant leadership. The key beatitude is "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth!" 

Michael discusses stewardship, humility, mentor-style leadership (with examples like Tony Dungy and Chuck Knoll), and the idea that great leaders set the tone and invest in successors rather than seeking personal acclaim. Michael explores how faith and character inform day-to-day decisions, organizing priorities around people as well as results.

Episode viewers can expect practical reflection prompts and a focus on mid-course correction: how to pause, assess your effect on others, and lead with purpose so teams thrive now and into the future.

In this episode the Ken Rethmeier, DrPH, host of the Leading4Value podcasts, launches into 2026 with a renewed commitment to 'do the right thing' and introduces his book, Leading for Value. Ken outlines the book's core models — including the three C's (capacity, capability, confidence) — and describes the supporting exercises, case studies from Europe, and practical applications across healthcare, financial services, not-for-profits, government, and the oil industry.

Ken explains his new podcast format: inviting leaders he/she has observed over the years to share unique perspectives on leadership. Key points include the courage to act, applying tools to help teams see, believe, and achieve, and an invitation for listeners to engage via email ([email protected]) with feedback or ideas for live shows.  Ken also invites viewers to contact him with ideas, questions &/or just comments at his email address:  [email protected]  Ken concludes his session explaining that now is his time to continue to give....his expertise.....his leadership experiences....&....his commitment live the vision of leadership he has to share with others!  

Veteran Ken Rethmeier, DrPH and CAPT, MSC, USN (Ret.) delivers a 2025 Veterans Day address at Bailey’s Glen in Cornelius, NC, reflecting on a 22-year Navy career and 35 years since retirement. He recounts his Vietnam preventive medicine work, malaria control, food-borne illness outbreaks, POW stories, and the long-term devastating toll of Agent Orange—while honoring fellow veterans and the 120-person audience of mostly veterans and spouses.

The talk covers service-wide themes and core values across the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force; highlights such as the Mercy and Comfort hospital ships; and Ken’s leadership framework model "Explore–Expand–Excel". He also shares personal anecdotes about his monthly veterans patients visits at the Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, and the importance of unity, honor, and commitment.

Key takeaways: veteran healthcare challenges, the legacy of World War II and Vietnam, leadership lessons for civilian and military life, and a call to recognize and support those who served.

On Veterans Day, the host interviews colleagues Kim and Dan Bishop about their time on active duty in the U.S. Navy. Kim shares her four years as an AD aviation machinist mate (jet mechanic) stationed in Norfolk and Cuba before transitioning to a nursing career; Dan reflects on 20 years as a CB and his rise to Petty Officer First Class (E6).

The conversation covers leadership and Navy core values — authority, responsibility, accountability — and the leaders who shaped them (Senior Chief Hornbaker and First Class Petty Officer Teague). Guests discuss how military service accelerated personal growth, influenced their civilian careers, and inspired them to mentor others with loyalty, work ethic, and camaraderie.

The episode also includes lighter moments and memorable anecdotes — walking FOD inspections, a JP-5 spill during aircraft startup, and the classic “bucket of steam” prank — ending with a message of unity, honor, and commitment to freedom. Kim and Dan’s stories will be featured in an upcoming November 11 presentation.

Welcome to a new year and a renewed opportunity to journey into the realm of leadership excellence. In this episode, Ken delves into and explores the nuances that differentiate great leadership from merely adequate leadership. Embark on a reflective pathway with our experienced host, as he shares personal stories and insights from a career that spans decades, including pivotal roles in the United States Navy, financial services, and healthcare sectors.

Discover valuable lessons Ken has learned from a leadership journey starting as a young exchange student in Germany in 1962, through serving 22 years as a Medical Service Corps Officer including  Vietnam and at one point in his Navy career as the Commanding Officer of the Naval School of Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD to contributing to the growth of healthcare leadership services and contributions across Western and Eastern Europe, financial services & oil mechanical services company. Our host reflects on the pivotal importance of vision, values, goals, and objectives in shaping leadership effectiveness and organizational success.

Gain invaluable insights into building a learning organization, the art of maintaining personal will and humility, and how the synergy between individual alignment and shared vision fosters strong leadership. Join us as we explore practical applications of leadership principles, including highlights from literature by Jim Collins, Peter Senge, and Margaret Wheatley, and learn about innovative approaches with healthcare through Ken's colleague Dr. Peter Gantner, MD founder of Healthcare Futurists at healthcare futurists.com.

Join Ken Rethmeier as he reflects on his incredible journey from his service in the Navy during the Vietnam War to the creation of his own consulting firm, The Rethmeer Group. In this heartfelt episode, Ken shares personal stories, including the impact of Agent Orange on his health, and pays tribute to friends and mentors who have shaped his life. He recounts the wonderful group of European colleagues and friends he has met, worked with and partnered with during his journey over the past twenty years...he owes them for making this time in his life of the utmost value.

Delve into Ken's experiences with influential programs such as Project Hope and his pioneering work in creating leadership development processes. He also discusses his mentoring role at Maastricht University and the profound gratitude he feels for those who supported him throughout his career.

Tune in for a nostalgic and inspiring episode where Ken brings Thanksgiving sentiments into focus, encouraging listeners to reflect on the people who contribute to their life's work and purpose. Discover the intertwining paths that have led Ken to appreciate the chances and planned encounters that make life meaningful! Fair Winds & Following Seas!  My Navy salute to you all!

Welcome aboard! In this heartfelt episode, Ken Rethmeier, a retired Navy Captain, Medical Service Corp, shares some of his experiences as a keynote speaker at the Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center's Veterans Day celebration. Reflecting on the themes of "Loyalty and Service" the official theme published by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Ken recounts some of his military journey, including his impactful service during the Vietnam War as a Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health Officer supporting all of the Marines in Vietnam during 1969 - 1970.

Ken collaborates with fellow veterans Rose Miller, Tom Madre, and Bruce Langhorne, highlighting their shared commitment to honoring veterans through their Novant Medical Center visits. He shares poignant stories from his time in Vietnam, including volunteering at a children's hospital and working on sanitation projects in local villages. Ken also discusses the lasting impact of Agent Orange exposure on his own health.

The episode features insights into the leadership model Ken developed, "See, Believe, and Achieve," inspired by his military experiences and mentors. He encourages listeners to reflect on leaders who shaped their own journeys. The episode also spotlights a special recognition wall, "Honoring Our Heroes", at Novant Medical Center honoring veteran employees, designed with support from NASCAR's Brad Keselowski.

Ken takes viewers through a tribute to various military branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, sharing personal anecdotes and videos celebrating their contributions. He emphasizes the enduring bond among service members and the importance of supporting veterans, particularly those facing challenges like PTSD.

Concluding with a salute to all veterans, Ken expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and the profound impact of his military career on his life and leadership philosophy.  I wish all who watch/listen to this video salute..."Fair winds and Following Seas!"  

Episode 20 Handout:

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/56fbqakg967zm3w2/L4V_Episode_208p8jn.pdf

Welcome Aboard to Episode 20 of our podcast series, hosted by Ken Rethmeier. In this insightful episode, Ken delves into the intricacies of measuring organizational performance, focusing on the Balanced Scorecard model developed by David Norton and Robert Kaplan. This comprehensive approach ensures a multi-dimensional view of organizational success.

Ken shares practical examples from his consulting experience in various industries, including banking and oil, to illustrate the effectiveness of key performance measures. He also highlights the impressive achievements of the Davie Medical Center in North Carolina, emphasizing the impact of strong leadership.

The episode walks you through the four dimensions of the Balanced Scorecard: customer target audience, financial success, internal business processes, and learning and growth. Ken provides step-by-step guidance on implementing this model in your organization, from defining goals to selecting and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs).

Additionally, Ken discusses innovative applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare, as demonstrated by Dr. Tobias Gantner in Germany that can be found at www.healthcarefuturists.com and the importance of agility in learning and growth, particularly in rapidly changing environments.

Don't miss this episode if you're looking to enhance your organization's performance measurement strategies. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips on leveraging the Balanced Scorecard for sustained success. And, finally, we look forward to seeing you again in Episode 21!

Hand out link below:

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/y8zz88genhy93w5t/L4V_Episode_199zx8l.pdf

Welcome to episode 19 of our podcast series, "Leading for Value," hosted by Ken Rethweyer. In this episode, Ken delves into the power of systems thinking and how effective leadership can drive fundamental change within an organization. Drawing from his extensive consulting experience in industries such as oil, healthcare, and financial services, Ken shares valuable insights on aligning organizational vision with employee actions to create sustained superior performance.

Ken introduces the E3 model: Explore, Expand, Excel, emphasizing the importance of a long-term perspective and the application of scenario planning to energize an organization. He discusses the iceberg concept as a tool for uncovering underlying issues and driving systemic change, using real-world examples to illustrate its effectiveness.

Listeners will learn about the stepwise process to implement systems thinking, including defining problems, gaining consensus, and facilitating discussions to identify and modify mental models. Ken also highlights successful case studies from his consulting work, demonstrating how organizations can transform by adopting these strategies.

Join us as Ken explores the journey of leadership and the potential to achieve uncommon results by nurturing expansive thinking and collective aspirations. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and drive meaningful change in your organization. Stay tuned for episode 20, where Ken will discuss performance dashboards and sustained momentum.

L4V Episode 18 Handout:

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/kwebmr4kh54zgjkb/L4V_Episode_18_Handout9ios5.pdf

Welcome back to the Leading4Value podcast! In Episode 18, host Ken Rethmeier is joined by special guest John Bost, former Mayor of the Village of Clemmons, North Carolina. Together, they delve into the importance of building and nurturing relationships within leadership networks.

This episode focuses on the second part of the leadership model emphasizing the critical role of networks in creating impactful relationships. Ken and John explore the concept of network analysis, discussing how leaders can identify key players, connecting points, and ways to enrich their networks for better organizational outcomes.

John shares his invaluable experiences from his time as mayor and other leadership roles, offering insights into how effective networking can lead to significant community improvements.

Key points covered include:

• The role of networks in leadership

Tune in to learn how to leverage your network for superior outcomes and meaningful results. Don't miss the next Episode for more valuable insights!