In this episode of Twin Cities Leaders, host Kevin King engages with Dr. Peju Solarin and Max Markin from the Office of Conflict Resolution at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to explore the complexities of conflict resolution in the workplace. They discuss the nature of conflict, its inevitability, and the importance of emotional intelligence in managing conflicts effectively. The conversation delves into how childhood experiences shape conflict management styles, the role of leadership in fostering a constructive conflict culture, and the significance of being heard and acknowledged in resolving disputes. The episode concludes with personal insights and recommendations for navigating conflict in everyday life.

Host Kevin King is joined by fellow professor Dr. Sarah Rand for a thoughtful conversation on the intersection of leadership and artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and institutional culture—and why it’s critical for educators to lead with both innovation and empathy.

Dr. Rand shares practical examples of how she’s using AI in her classroom, while Kevin reflects on his own approach. They discuss the importance of setting clear boundaries around AI use, and how both are working to create thoughtful, student-centered strategies for integrating AI into their teaching.

📊 Bonus Insight: Dr. Rand also highlights key statistics from two recent reports that reflect current faculty sentiment around digital teaching and AI:

• Time for Class: Unlocking Access to Effective Digital Teaching and Learning (2024) – Tyton Partners
• AI Meets Academia: What Faculty Think (2025) – Digital Education Council

We encourage you to explore these resources to better understand the trends shaping the future of higher education.

In this episode, I sit down with Mayor Anne Burt of Woodbury—League of Minnesota Cities Emerging Leader Award recipient and longtime community advocate. With a background in chemistry, 30 years in business and marketing, and a passion for public service, Mayor Burt shares her journey to leadership, insights on building trust and culture, and how coaching and sports have shaped her approach. From long-term city projects to quick wins, we explore her leadership style, peer recognition, and her favorite Twin Cities hidden gem.

In the Season 2 premiere of the Twin Cities Leaders Podcast, host Kevin King sits down with Ava Diaz, co-producer of the La Rotunda and Walk the Line fashion shows, for a vibrant conversation about leadership in the creative space. Together, they explore Ava’s journey from journalism to fashion, the energy of the Twin Cities style scene, and the behind-the-scenes teamwork that brings her shows to life.

Ava shares how collaboration fuels creativity, and how leadership in fashion means fostering openness, curiosity, and community. Whether you're a designer, student, or simply fashion-curious, this episode invites you to see leadership through a new lens — one that blends vision, style, and shared purpose.

And don’t miss Ava’s Hidden Gem, a special segment sponsored by Kowalski’s Market, where she shares her Twin Cities hidden gem — a local treasure she believes more people should know about.

Compensation was provided for the hidden gem segment.

In this episode, Kevin King introduces the second season of the Twin Cities Leaders podcast, sharing his background and the vision for the upcoming season, and hosting solo. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, community engagement, and creating a culture of learning and growth. Kevin expresses his desire to connect with diverse voices and explore various leadership topics, including emotional intelligence and the role of AI in leadership.

We sat down with Jeff Muneke, Vice President of Fan Engagement for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. With 35 seasons under his belt, Jeff has seen it all—both the wins and the losses. He shares his unique perspective on creating unforgettable fan experiences, regardless of the scoreboard. Plus, Jeff opens up about the life lessons he learned from his father and reflects on his personal word for the year. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, inspiration, and leadership insights you won't want to miss.

In our 10th episode, we welcome Cathy Winter, a seasoned leader and consultant at Premier Sports Psychology, to discuss the evolving landscape of leadership and the human side of performance. Cathy shares her journey, emphasizing the importance of empathy, curiosity, and self-awareness in navigating team dynamics and fostering trust. She highlights the power of storytelling in leadership, the significance of psychological safety in building high-performing teams, and the growing awareness of mental health in the workplace.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on leadership, human motivation, and the impact of fostering authentic connections in the workplace.

In this episode, we explore the research of Dr. Elizabeth Campbell, Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, on high achievers in the workplace. We'll delve into the social dynamics, motivations, and challenges they bring to organizations.

Join hosts Kevin King and Angela Harder, along with Dr. Campbell, as they discuss the 10-80-10 principle, the balance between high performers and average contributors, and the crucial role of intentional leadership in cultivating a thriving team culture. Tune in to discover strategies for managing, developing, and learning from top talent.

This week on Twin Cities Leaders, we sit down with Brian Sprout, head varsity baseball coach at East Ridge High School, winners of back-to-back Class AAAA state championships. We dive into the challenges and rewards of coaching in today’s youth sports landscape. Brian shares his insights on managing expectations from parents and players, guarding against complacency after championship wins, and keeping the love of the game alive in an era of year-round sports.From his own experiences in the Dodgers system to his passion for competition—both on the field and in the classroom—Brian reflects on what it truly takes to develop young athletes without burning them out. Hit play and join us for this game-changing discussion! ⚾🎧

In this episode, Melissa Caruso, General Manager of the Minnesota Frost in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, shares her transformative journey in leadership, emphasizing the power of empathy and collaboration. Drawing on her extensive background in men's hockey, Melissa shares how she creates an environment where both staff and athletes feel respected, trusted, and empowered.

She highlights the importance of building a cohesive team by hiring forward-thinking individuals who thrive in challenging, startup-like conditions, and by giving her staff the autonomy to excel in their roles. Tune in to hear how her people-first approach and commitment to making tough decisions are driving success at the Frost.