The Path Less Traveled Podcast

Few leaders enter the presidency with the self-awareness and conviction of Dr. Dee McDonald. Just months into his role as President of Bethel University, he’s focused less on quick wins and more on building trust, shaping culture, and leading with authenticity.

From athletics to executive leadership, Dr. Dee breaks down why people choose to be led, how authentic followership changes everything, and why patience, transparency, and faith are essential in moments of uncertainty. This episode goes beyond higher education ... it’s a sharp, honest look at what it takes to lead when the pressure is real and the path forward isn’t clear.

If you want insight into purpose-driven leadership that actually lasts, this conversation is worth your time.

Few leaders are executing healthcare turnarounds with the clarity and discipline of Tim Travis. As President & CEO of South Bend Medical Foundation, he’s led a dramatic transformation by empowering people with real ownership, demanding accountability, and refusing to tolerate stagnation. From small-town beginnings to leading a complex, mission-critical organization, Tim shares how autonomy, transparency, and decisive leadership can restore momentum and unlock sustainable growth. This conversation goes beyond strategy, it’s a masterclass in leading through uncertainty and change. If you want to understand what modern executive leadership truly looks like, this episode is worth the listen.

Few leaders are reimagining college life like Dr. Rebecca Stoltzfus. At Goshen College, she’s cultivating an environment where students are known, encouraged, and challenged to grow in both intellect and character. Her approach to Gen Z is rooted in authenticity, well-being, and meaningful connection. She’s turning education into a place where purpose is discovered and lives are shaped. If you’re curious how higher ed can truly transform people, this conversation is worth the listen.

From mowing warehouse lawns to mastering a multigenerational beverage empire, Matt Nelson embodies the spirit of purposeful leadership. Thrust into United Beverage's legacy at 12, carrying kegs and stocking shelves, he's transforming a local distribution company into a dynamic, community-powered enterprise that's about far more than selling drinks. With the wisdom of generations flowing through his veins and a commitment to elevating every employee's potential, Matt reimagines what a family business can be. Beyond spreadsheets and sales, he's crafting a narrative of resilience, where every beer delivered represents an opportunity to support families, honor tradition, and create meaningful impact in the heart of Indiana's business landscape.

This episode spotlights Rima Bahradine-Bell, a standout from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor and one of only five national finalists for Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year, rising above 500,000+ students nationwide.

A senior at Career Academy South Bend with a 4.42 GPA, Rima leads in robotics, volunteers across her community, and competes in varsity cross country and track. She also completed the elite Aim High Flight Academy program, continuing to push her academic and leadership boundaries.

Rima’s journey highlights the life-changing impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs and why supporting organizations like this matters, especially heading into Giving Tuesday.

Driven, grounded, and already making a difference, Rima represents the future of leadership.

From crutches in her dad's RV company at 14 to receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, Jenni Zachary's entrepreneurial journey defies expectations. Founding Transport US in the chaotic first month of 2020, she transformed a small RV transport business into a beacon of purpose-driven leadership. More than moving trailers, Jenni is revolutionizing transportation by championing opportunities for workers and advocating for industry change. With a competitive spirit honed through college sports and a heart committed to extending grace, she proves that true leadership isn't about having all the answers, it's about empowering people, embracing continuous growth, and believing that everyone has a meaningful story to tell.

Michael Behrens didn’t just inherit a family business, he reinvented it. At Complexus Medical, he transformed a small tool-and-die shop into a trusted manufacturer serving some of the most demanding orthopedic and spine companies in the country. In this episode, Michael shares candid lessons on leadership, independence, and building a culture that embraces innovation and accountability. If you’re a CEO looking for fresh insight on scaling a legacy business without losing its soul, this conversation delivers.

Dive into the remarkable story of Turtle Top, a fifth-generation family business that has thrived for decades by prioritizing faith, family, and quality. Join Phil and Shane Tom as they reveal how they've navigated economic challenges, transformed company culture, and maintained their commitment to building exceptional vehicles and supporting their employees. This isn't just a business story, it's a testament to resilience, integrity, and the power of staying true to your values in the face of adversity.

Join us as we sit down with Kreg Gruber, CEO of Beacon Health System - a growing regional healthcare leader now operating 11 hospitals, roughly 190 care sites and nearly 11,000 employees. Kreg’s journey from working in his family’s greenhouse as a child to steering a multi-community health system shows how situational leadership, human connection and community-rooted care can drive extraordinary results. He argues it’s not just about running hospitals, but about inspiring health, building meaningful opportunities for both patients and employees, and making care personal. Tune in for practical leadership insights from someone who’s grown a small-town system into a major force without losing the heart.

Joe Hart reveals the incredible story of transforming a near-bankrupt baseball team into a thriving community centerpiece, sharing raw insights about leadership, second chances, and the power of believing in your hometown. From facing skeptical newspaper comments to building a franchise that draws 300,000 fans annually, Joe's journey is a masterclass in turning potential failure into extraordinary success. This episode isn't just about baseball, it's about how passion, customer service, and unwavering commitment can rebuild not just a team, but an entire community's spirit.