Thoughts That Rock

In this episode, we talk with Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, KALETH WRIGHT, who is the highest enlisted officer in the US Air Force.

THOUGHT #1

Never Forget Where You Came From...and Always Be True to Yourself

THOUGHT #2

No One Can Fill You with Anything, if You're Already Full of Yourself. - Adaptation of Max Lucado quote

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CMSgt KALETH WRIGHT'S BIO:

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright represents the highest enlisted level of leadership, and as such, provides direction for the enlisted force and represents their interests, as appropriate, to the American public and to those in all levels of government. He serves as the personal adviser to the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progress of more than 410,000 enlisted members. Chief Wright is the 18th chief master sergeant appointed to the highest noncommissioned officer position. 

Chief Wright enlisted in the Air Force in March of 1989 and his background includes various duties in the dental career field. He served as a Professional Military Education instructor and has held various senior enlisted positions while serving at squadron, group, wing, Task-Force and Numbered Air Force levels. He has deployed in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD/STORM and ENDURING FREEDOM and completed overseas tours in the Republic of Korea, Japan, Germany, and Alaska. 

Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the Command Chief Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa, with headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. 

EDUCATION 

1993 Airman Leadership School, Pope Air Force Base, N.C. 

2000 Associates in Applied Science Degree, Dental Assisting, Community College of the Air Force 

2000 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Kadena AB, Japan 

2002 Bachelor of Science, Business Management, University of Maryland 

2003 Associates in Applied Science Degree, Instructor of Technology/Military Science, CCAF 

2005 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex, Ala. 

2007 Air Force Medical Service Intermediate Executive Skills Course, Sheppard AFB 

2009 Masters in Business Administration, University of Phoenix 

2010 Master Certificate in Project Management, Villanova University, Villanova, Pa. 

2010 Chief Leadership Course, Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex, Ala. 

2010 Professional Managers Certification, CCAF 

2012 Gettysburg Leadership Experience, Gettysburg, Pa. 

2012 Senior Enlisted Joint PME Course, National Defense University, by correspondence 

2013 Project Management Professional Certification, Project Management Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. 

2013 Enterprise Leadership Seminar, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia 

2014 Keystone Command Senior Enlisted Leader Course, National Defense University, Fort McNair, D.C. 

2014 AFSO21 Executive Leaders Course, University of Tennessee 2014 Air War College, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence 

2015 Leadership Development Program, Center for Creative Leadership, Colorado Springs, Colo. 

2016 Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 

2018 Sherpa Executive Coaching Course, Sherpa Leadership Institute, Howard University, Washington, D.C. 

2019 National Preparedness Leadership Initiative, Harvard T.H. Chan of Public Health and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Center for Pubic Leadership, Cambridge, MA 

ASSIGNMENTS 

1. September 1989 – June 1994, Dental Assistant Specialist, 23rd Medical Group, Pope AFB, N.C. 

2. July 1994 – July 1995, Dental Assistant Journeyman, 51st Dental Squadron, Osan AB, Korea 

3. August 1995 – August 2001, NCOIC, Preventive Dentistry/Records and Reception/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Dental Readiness, 18th Dental Squadron, Kadena AB, Japan 

4. August 2001 – August 2004, Flight Chief, Training/Evaluation, Kisling NCOA, Kapaun AS, Germany 

5. September 2004 – February 2007, Flight Chief, Dental Flight, 43rd ADOS, Pope AFB, N.C. 

6. February 2007 – February 2009, Superintendent, 51st Dental Squadron, Osan AB, Republic of Korea 

7. February 2009- July 2010, Superintendent, 3rd Dental Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska 

8. July 2010 – May 2011, Superintendent, 18th Dental Squadron, Kadena AB, Japan 

9. May 2011 – May 2012, Superintendent, 18th Mission Support Group, Kadena AB, Japan 

10. May 2012 – February 2014, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell AFB, Kan. 

11. February 2014 – December 2014, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan, Kabul, Afghanistan 

12. January 2015 – June 2016, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force, Ramstein AB, Germany 

13. June 2016 – January 2017, Command Chief Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Africa, Ramstein AB, Germany 

14. February 2017 – Present, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. M

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS 

Legion of Merit 

Bronze Star Medal 

Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters 

Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster 

Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster 

Air Force Recognition Ribbon with oak leaf cluster 

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS 

1997 18th Dental Squadron NCO of the Year 

1998 18th Dental Squadron NCO of the Year 

2000 18th Dental Squadron NCO of the Year 

2000 PACAF Outstanding Dental NCO of the Year 

2000 USAF Outstanding Dental NCO of the Year 

2000 John L. Levitow and Academic Achievement Awards, Kadena NCOA 

2005 43rd Airlift Wing and Pope AFB SNCO of the Year 

2005 AMC Outstanding Dental SNCO of the Year 

EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force February 2017

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In this episode, we talk with MICHAEL DORF, the Founder & CEO of City Winery, currently an 8-location, fully-functional winery, restaurant, music venue and private event space, showcasing some of music's most iconic performers.

THOUGHT #1

Think in Excel, Sell the Concept in Word.

THOUGHT #2

Half the World is Composed of People Who Have Something to Say and Can't...and the Other Half Who Have Nothing to Say and Keep Saying It. - Robert Frost

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MICHAEL DORF'S BIO

Michael Dorf was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. After studying Psychology and Business at Washington University, he founded New York City’s go-to venue for independent music, the Knitting Factory, in 1986.

As Knitting Factory Chairman and CEO, Dorf helped bring the concert house to global prominence by expanding into Europe and Asia via tours, branded festivals, and record production and sales. 

Dorf was recognized as a pioneer in producing music on the Internet, through a variety of strategic relationships with Apple Computer, Intel, MCI, and Bell Atlantic. During his Knitting Factory tenure, he produced over 200 recordings, a television series, and built a new venue in Los Angeles. In 2002, he left his operating responsibilities and sold his equity position to pursue other endeavors, including a Carnegie Hall concert fundraiser series, founding a Hebrew school, and winemaking.

By 2008, Dorf had conceptualized a venue that brought his love for both the making and enjoyment of wine under one roof and created City Winery–Manhattan’s first fully-functional winery, restaurant, music venue and private event space. City Winery offers a wide selection of wines, exquisite cuisine and intimate performances from iconic performers.

Dorf expanded his company in 2012 with the opening of City Winery Chicago. Subsequent years have brought new venues  to Nashville, Atlanta, Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia and Hudson Valley (2020). 

Dorf has become one of the most prolific independent promoters in New York, an important music impresario, and according the The New Yorker, he has “perfected the art of the tribute concert.”  Over 13 years, the fundraiser series has honored legends like Aretha Franklin, Leonard Cohen, and Prince while raising over $1.5 million for such music education programs as the American Symphony Orchestra's Music Notes, Church Street School for Music and Art, Young Audiences New York, Fixing Instruments for Kids in Schools, Little Kids Rock and the Center for Arts Education. 

Dorf also has very strong ties to the Jewish Community. He created Tribeca Hebrew, an after-school program in Lower Manhattan and developed the school to 150 children before it merged with JCP in 2009. He serves on the board of The Jewish Week, American Symphony Orchestra, Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals and is currently Chairman of LabShul/Storahtelling. 

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In this episode, we talk with SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, the award-winning journalist, speaker, author and philanthropist...and the producer & anchor of "Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien".

THOUGHT #1

Take 24 Hours to Wallow, but on the 25th Hour...Bounce Back with a Plan and Get Back to Work.

THOUGHT #2

Don't Spend Time Beating on a Wall, Hoping to Change it into a Door. - Coco Chanel

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SOLEDAD O'BRIEN'S BIO:

Soledad O’Brien is an award-winning journalist, speaker, author and philanthropist who anchors and produces the Hearst Television political magazine program “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien.” 

O’Brien, founder and CEO of Soledad O’Brien Productions, also reports for HBO Real Sports, the PBS NewsHour, WebMD and has authored two books. 

She has appeared on networks, Fox and Oxygen and anchored and reported for NBC, MSNBC and CNN. 

She has won numerous awards, including three Emmys, the George Peabody award, an Alfred I DuPont prize and the Gracie. 

Newsweek Magazine named her one of the “15 People Who Make America Great.” 

With her husband, she is founder of the PowHERful  Foundation that helps young women get to and through college.

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In this episode, we talk with KENDALL WARE, who is a Certified  Franchise Executive and President & CEO of Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt.

THOUGHT #1

Embrace Turnover by Investing in People

THOUGHT #2

Losing a Game is Heartbreaking; Losing Your Sense of Excellence or Worth is a Tragedy - Joe Paterno

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KENDALL WARE'S BIO:

Kendall Ware was previously the VP of Operations & Training for the Orange Leaf brand and in 2017 he was promoted to President & COO, at age 30. 

Kendall strives to Make Life Sweeter by enhancing franchisee satisfaction, improving unit level economics and leading strategic initiatives that keep guests returning more often. In an effort to expand growth opportunities and optimize support services, 

Kendall led the strategy to create a new brand called Humble Donut Co. and acquire an existing brand called Old School Bagel. As of today, they collectively serve over 150 locations operating in 25 states and Mexico. 

Kendall has 15 years of franchise business and leadership experience which he has developed at other brands such as CiCi’s Pizza and Genghis Grill.

 Kendall stays active in supporting the International Franchise Association (IFA), National Restaurant Association (NRA) and the Council of Restaurant & Hotel Trainers (CHART). A passionate and engaging speaker, he frequently speaks to industry professionals and shares lessons learned from his journey as a young leader. He is a Certified Franchise Executive through the IFA and a recipient of Oklahoma’s 30 under 30 award.

 Kendall resides in Dallas, TX with his beautiful wife Arielle and their 9 month old daughter Lively, with a bouncing baby boy on the way! When he’s not spending time with his family, he loves spending time outdoors rollerblading, which he previously did professionally growing up!

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In this episode, we talk with DERRECK KAYONGO, who is a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, Global Soap Project Founder, and former CEO of the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

THOUGHT:

In Tough Times, Have Courageous Conversations

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DERRECK KAYONGO'S BIO:

With his trademark panache, Derreck Kayongo tells his courageous story of survival, social entrepreneurship, and humanitarianism, and the life lessons he learned along the way. 

From Ugandan refugee to successful entrepreneur, CEO, and renowned human rights activist, Derreck’s journey inspires audiences to dream big. Through personable and articulate storytelling, he shares his visionary ideas for harnessing the power of observation and creative problem solving, applicable to any organization or community. It’s all about taking responsibility while looking for opportunities to improve.  

Derreck is the founder of the Global Soap Project: a humanitarian aid organization that collects discarded and unused soap from thousands of hotels worldwide, reprocesses it, then distributes it to in-need populations around the world. The project was born from his simple observation about how much soap is available in hotels, and how much is thrown away when hotel rooms are turned. This observation turned into a simple yet innovative idea that is now battling global health issues in 90 countries. Hygiene-related diseases, and the resulting deaths, have dissipated in many at-risk communities, thanks in part to Derreck’s creative problem solving.  

The energy and enthusiasm levels are unmatched as Derreck brings his stories and principles to life. He identifies the key factors of his personal and professional success with the memorable acronym S.E.L.F.: Service, Education, Leadership and Faith. He calls upon his dynamic experiences to empower audiences, inspiring an entrepreneur spirit made possible only through creative problem solving. Derreck’s emotionally-packed presentations linger long after his speech, empowering audiences to invent their own self-made motto of success so they can create tangible change in the world. 

In creating this global humanitarian initiative, Derreck demonstrates that a simple yet novel idea has the power to transform millions of lives. That “the little guy can do something big.” It is this creativity and innovation that led him to be named a 2011 CNN Top Ten Hero and a 2014 TED Talks speaker. 

Derreck’s demonstrated passion for helping others and commitment to innovative thinking led him to the role of CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. During his time as CEO, he elevated the visibility of the Center on a global scale, showcasing stories of victims of civil rights abuse and the heroic actions that changed the course of history. 

Recently, Derreck joined the board of trustees for Helen Keller International, an organization committed to improving the sight of vulnerable populations around the world. He is also an advisory board member for The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. 

Derreck Kayongo is an internationally recognized visionary and humanitarian. The Global Soap Project demonstrates his creativity and innovation, making him a leader in both global health and environmental sustainability. His infectious optimism and powerful storytelling inspire audiences from all walks of life to see the bigger picture.

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Recorded from our Facebook Live show in celebration of our 1-year Anniversary, which included 18 surprise guest stars. No impressions, but the real deals.

Check out what all the buzz is about.

THOUGHTS PROVIDED:

You Suck, Leave the Business - Gilbert Gottfried

Think Fast, Speak Slow - Lorenzo Lamas

Work Like You Don't Need the Money, Love Like Your Heart Has Never Been Broken, and Dance Like No One is Watching - Jennifer Love Hewitt

Show Up Everyday On Time and Ready to Work - Jon Dorenbos

Work Really Hard and Be Consistent - Heather

Put God First - Montell Jordan

Don't Be Like Howard :( - High Pitch Erik

Vulnerability is Empowerment - Tay Zonday

Don't Let Anyone Set Your Limitations - Kevin Sorbo

Go FIsh - John O'Hurley

No Advice For You!  - Larry Thomas

When You Can Sit Down, Sit Down - Carson Kressley

Are You Willing To Do What You Have To Do To Get What You Want (Legally) - Jon Lovitz

Don't Be Ashamed of Your Success - Sir Mix-A-lot

Fame Doesn't Change You, It Only Magnifies What is Going On In Your Life  - Justin Guarini

Always Tell The Truth - Jonathan Goldsmith

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In this episode, we talk with CAROLD DOVER, the President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA).

THOUGHT #1

Leave a Legacy to Be Proud Of

THOUGHT #2

The Evil That Men Do Lives After Them; The Good Is Oft Interred with Their Bones 

- William Shakespeare

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CAROL DOVER'S BIO:

Carol B. Dover has served as President & CEO of the more than 10,000-member Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) since July of 1995. Dover is a professional association manager, a lobbyist, a former government executive, and a Florida State University Dedman School of Hospitality graduate with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

After graduating from Florida State University in 1978, Dover accepted the position of Assistant Director of the Beer Industry of Florida. This position familiarized her with the rules, regulations and tax laws associated with the beverage industry – information which has been beneficial in her role with FRLA.

In 1989, Dover moved inside the halls of the Florida Capitol and was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff, Executive Office of the Governor, serving in the Martinez administration. As Bob Martinez’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Dover was responsible for the Governor’s many executive appointments, served as his spokesperson, and represented his administration before the Florida Legislature.

Dover’s other professional accomplishments include positions at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation as the Director of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, the first woman to serve as Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention in the State Fire Marshall’s Office, and President/CEO of the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association.

As FRLA’s President &CEO, Dover works to protect, educate, and promote the diverse interests of Florida’s $111.7 billion hospitality industry. Comprised of 1.5 million employees, hospitality is the Sunshine State’s largest industry and represents individuals from every walk of life.

She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association, Council of State Restaurant Associations, International Society of Hotel Association Executives, VISIT FLORIDA, Florida State University College of Business Board of Governors, Florida TaxWatch and the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park.

On opening day of the 2003 Legislative Session, Dover was diagnosed with breast cancer and courageously fought to beat the cancer. Dover, a native of Orlando, is married and has three children and three grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities including dressage riding and running.

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In this episode, we talk with LAURIE RUETTIMANN, a former human resources leader turned writer, speaker, podcaster and entrepreneur. 

THOUGHT #1

A Job Worth Doing is a Job Worth Doing Well.

THOUGHT #2

Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn't Want to Work Hard - Tim Notke

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LAURIE RUETTIMANN'S BIO:

Laurie Ruettimann is a former human resources leader turned writer, speaker, and entrepreneur. She is known for her commonsense style and straightforward approach to workforce issues. Her podcast, Punk Rock HR, is one of the fastest-growing management and business podcasts on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Pandora. 

Laurie’s career began in 1995 at a candy company where she provided HR operations assistance and recruiting services in a manufacturing environment that was heavily unionized and staffed with immigrants from war-torn Bosnia. Since those glorious days, she’s worked at Monsanto, Alberto-Culver (now Unilever), Kemper Insurance (out of business), and Pfizer. 

Laurie began blogging in 2004 on a nascent platform called BlogSpot while working at Pfizer, telling stories that would likely get her fired. After laying off thousands of workers and watching her husband lose his job at the same company, she exited corporate America to focus her time and attention on speaking truth to power by writing, speaking, and advising companies on how to make HR better. 

Laurie has been featured on major American media platforms such as NPR, The New Yorker, Vox, and CNN. She is the creator of the websites The Cynical Girl and Punk Rock HR, which Forbes named as one of its top 100 websites for women. She was a contributing editor for The Conference Board Review and a contributor to online ventures such as Mediabistro, AOL, and BusinessInsider.com. 

Laurie believes that self-leadership and individual accountability are the competencies required for the future of work. Her advice has been featured in a variety of publications—including CIO Magazine, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Inc., Men’s Health, Real Simple, The New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal. CareerBuilder and CNN have recognized her as a top career advisor in the United States

Laurie is a sought-after public speaker who delivers keynote speeches to audiences all around the world. She appeared onstage at the 92nd Street Y and Harvard Business School, founded GlitchPath, an early-stage start-up focused on project management, and started a new podcast in April 2018. Her second book called "Betting On You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career" with Henry Holt Books is due out on January 4, 2021.

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In this episode, we talk with SIMON T. BAILEY, breakthrough strategist, keynote speaker, innovator and author.

THOUGHT #1

Love and Respect Have No Color.

THOUGHT #2

A Man Can't Ride Your Back, Unless It's Bent - Martin Luther King Jr.

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SIMON T. BAILEY'S BIO:

Success magazine calls Simon T. Bailey one of the Top 25 people that will help you reach your business and life goals. He is in a list that includes Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Brene Brown. His viral video posted by Goalcast to Facebook has over 87 million views.

Washington Speakers Bureau recently selected him as one of the top 1 2 Business Speakers and Big Speak Speakers Bureau selected as one of the Top Sales Kick-Off Speakers for 2020

Today, Simon is a Breakthrough Strategist who goes beyond feel-good content and provides real-life deliverables that impact lives. His wisdom and expertise enabled an Orlando-based healthcare system to be acquired and a division of a hospitality company to be ranked No. 1 for customer service by Expedia.com.

He has worked with 1800 organizations in 49 countries. A few of his clients include Google, Microsoft, MasterCard, Hilton Hotels, American Nurses Association, and the NSA (National Security Association).

Simon has more than 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry including serving as sales director for Disney Institute, based at Walt Disney World Resort.

He is the author of ten books including the HarperCollins-published book, Release Your Brilliance, Releasing Leadership Brilliance published by Corwin Press (a division of Sage Publishing), and Shift Your Brilliance, published by SoundWisdom. His three online courses on Linked In Learning (Lynda.com) have been viewed by people in 100 countries.

Simon currently serves as a board member of the U.S. Dream Academy, a twenty-year old organization whose mission is to increase high school graduation rates for children whose parent(s) are incarcerated. He also serves on the board for the Orlando Health Foundation Board, a $4 Billion 100-year old non-profit hospital with 20,000 employees based in Orlando, Florida.

Simon is a Summa Cum Laude master’s degree graduate of Faith Christian University and was inducted as an honorary member of the University of Central Florida Golden Key Honor Society. He has also served on the advisory council for Management and Executive Education for the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, one of the top 25 best private graduate business schools in the U.S.

Recently he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanities from Kayiwa International University/United Graduate College and Seminary International in Kampala, Uganda for his global impact. Furthermore, he has received the World Civility Award from iChange Nations and is acknowledged as a World Civility Ambassador.

When Simon is not busy advancing professionals’ and organizations’ development, he roots for the Buffalo Bills, collects limited edition stamps, and is an avid movie goer. Simon is the proud father of two young adult children and currently resides in Orlando, Florida.

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In this episode, we talk with ALISON LEVINE, a history-making polar explorer and mountaineer, an iconic keynote speaker and a NY Times bestselling author.

THOUGHT #1

You Don’t Have to Be the Best; Just Put One Foot in Front of the Other

THOUGHT #2

The Strongest of All Warriors are These Two: Time and Patience - Leo Tolstoy

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ALISON LEVINE'S BIO:

• Team Captain, American Women’s Everest Expedition

• Faculty, Thayer Leader Development Group at West Point 

• New York Times best-selling author of On the Edge

• Executive Producer, The Glass Ceiling documentary 

Alison Levine has made a career out of breaking boundaries and inspiring others to achieve more than they ever thought possible. A history-making polar explorer and mountaineer, she served as team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, climbed the highest peak on each continent and skied to both the North and South Poles—a feat known as the Adventure Grand Slam— which only twenty people in the world have achieved. In January 2008, she made history as the first American to complete a 600-mile traverse across west Antarctica to the South Pole following the route of legendary explorer Reinhold Messner. Levine completed this arduous journey on skis while hauling 150 pounds of her gear and supplies in a sled harnessed to her waist. She made history again in 2016 when she completed two first ascents: Hall Peak in Antarctica and Khang Karpo in Nepal. Her success in extreme environments is noteworthy given she has had three heart surgeries and suffers from Raynaud’s disease, which causes the arteries that feed her fingers and toes to collapse in cold weather—leaving her at extreme risk for frostbite. 

In addition to climbing mountains, Levine has also spent time climbing the corporate ladder. She has worked for several Fortune 500 companies in both sales and marketing roles and spent three years at Goldman Sachs. She left Wall Street in 2003 to serve as Deputy Finance Director for Arnold Schwarzenegger in his successful bid to become governor of California. 

When not challenging herself in the outdoors, Levine focuses on training others to become strong leaders. She spent four years as an adjunct professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point in the Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership. In 2013 she transitioned from training cadets to working with corporate leaders and currently serves on the board and faculty of the Thayer Leader Development Group at West Point—one of the nation’s premiere executive leader development programs. She was a contributing author to the book Leadership in Dangerous Situations: A Handbook for the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and First Responders (Naval Institute Press). She also served as a board member and Senior Fellow at the Coach K Center on Leadership & Ethics at Duke University. 

Levine is the founder of the Climb High Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of jobless women in western Uganda by training them to be trekking guides and porters in their local mountains, thus allowing them to earn a sustainable living wage through climbing-related tourism. Prior to her work in Uganda, women’s only avenue to earn money in this area of the country was through prostitution. Her efforts enabled the very first group of local women to climb Uganda’s highest peak—Mt Stanley. Her work to change the lives of women in Africa is the subject of the PBS documentary Living Courageously. 

Levine’s newest role is that of executive producer of the upcoming documentary film The Glass Ceiling (www.theglassceilingmovie.com), which chronicles the life of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa (1961-1993), the first female Sherpa to summit Mt. Everest.

Levine was inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018. She holds a BA from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Duke University, where she currently serves on the Board of Visitors. She is the recipient of the 2019 Ellis Island Medal of Honor which recognizes individuals whose accomplishments in their field and inspired service to our nation are cause for celebration. The Medal has been officially recognized by both Houses of Congress as one of our nation’s most prestigious awards and is annually memorialized in the Congressional Record.

A sought-after consultant and keynote speaker on the subject of leadership development, Levine has addressed audiences ranging from Fortune 500 companies to professional sports teams to the prestigious World Economic Forum at Davos. She is the author of the New York Times best-seller 

On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Mount Everest and other Extreme Environments. Having spent prolonged periods of time in some of the world's most dangerous and inhospitable places, she tackles the topics of creating cohesive teams, taking responsible risks, and developing no-nonsense leaders that can succeed in times of uncertainty.

FUN FACT: Levine’s life story was the inspiration for a craft beer called Conquer the Route Chocolate Stout which is distributed by Bold Missy Brewery and features her likeness on the label. 

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