Uncategorized – The Mentors Radio

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Peter Banko, CEO of Baystate Health and author of “The Necessary Goodbye: How Great Leaders Fire with Clarity, Confidence and Compassion“. In this conversation, Peter joins Dan to explain why firing the right people is not only ethical, but often necessary for the well-being of the company and especially for its employees. Peter is the CEO of Baystate Health, which is a connected ecosystem of 13,000 caregivers who individually and together are on a mission to redefine health and health care.  Baystate Health is a not-for-profit, integrated health system serving more than 800,000 individuals in western Massachusetts with a service area stretching from Connecticut to Vermont. Baystate’s mission is to deliver compassionate, quality and accessible care. Listen to episode below, or on ANY PODCAST PLATFORM here. BE SURE TO LEAVE US A GREAT REVIEW on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share with friends and colleagues!

PETER BANKO:

In today’s episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Ben Swire, former Design Lead at IDEO, about the power of creative work, “safe danger”, the importance of staying inspired and more. It’s the ultimate toolkit for those who crave meaning and purpose in every aspect of their life. Guest Mentor Ben Swire shows us the way to achieve it. Most of us have a “wish list” for our lives: we want inspiring experiences, deep relationships, and work that truly matters. But there is a massive chasm between that list and our reality. As Joseph Campbell once noted, the rewards we seek are not “easy pickings”—they require sacrifice, struggle, and the courage to be vulnerable. Our guest today, Ben Swire, has found an unexpected way to bridge that chasm. Ben is the founder of Make Believe Works and the author of Safe Danger. A former Design Lead at IDEO, Ben was famously told that his most important job wasn’t just to be a designer, but to stay inspired. Today, Ben uses a suite of creative activities to help leaders move past “forced achievement” to find their authentic soul. In this episode, we discuss why creativity is the “oven mitt” that allows us to handle the heat of our own pain, why AI may be flattening our diversity of ideas, and how one small, creative risk can change your life. You will learn about “Safe Danger,” the creative risks that transform teams, and why your most important job as a leader is to simply staying inspired.   LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

BEN SWIRE:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with motorsport legend Danica Patrick who discusses her remarkable career racing against the men and how her program–which combines mental conditioning, physical fitness and a Paleo-inspired diet–can lead to a healthier and happier life. Racing legend Danica Patrick broke barriers and set records through her on-track performance in the male-dominated world of professional motorsports. Danica was named to TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” list, has graced the cover of many prestigious publications, and she has appeared in a record-setting 14 Super Bowl commercials. In 2005, Danica stunned the world by leading 19 laps and finishing fourth in her first Indianapolis 500. In 2008, Danica made history again, becoming the first woman to win a major-league open-wheel race with her victory in the IndyCar Series Indy Japan 300. In 2013, as Danica transitioned to the NASCAR Cup Series, she made headlines with her record-setting performance in the 55th Daytona 500 race when she became the first woman to win a NASCAR Cup Series pole. She holds the record for most top-10 finishes of any female in the NASCAR Cup Series, and in 2018, she shattered another glass ceiling when she became the first female host of the ESPY’s – ESPNs Sports Award show. Retired from racing, Danica’s focus has shifted to her role as an entrepreneur and business owner. She launched the clothing line – Warrior by Danica Patrick, she entered the home space with the launch of VOYANT by Danica, she authored the book Pretty Intense, describing how focusing on the mind, body and the food we eat leads to success in life. Danica is also the sole proprietor of Somnium, a vineyard in Napa Valley. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

DANICA PATRICK:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with David Robson, an award-winning science writer specializing in the extremes of the human brain, body and behavior. Robson reveals surprising science-backed secrets to creating lasting, meaningful connections. In this episode, he will share practical tips for strengthening relationships in every part of your life—from family and friends to career success. Don’t miss this powerful conversation. Discover why connection matters more than ever and how to make it work for you! Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, just click here!

DAVID ROBSON:

In today’s episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Sheila Eneix, one of the top hair stylists in the San Francisco Bay Area. They talk about resilience, strength, and the power of learning from the people around you. Sheila shares lessons she learned from her clients over the past 40 years and the life-changing advice that helped her to grow personally and professionally. This episode showcases by real-world example that wisdom can come from unexpected places, but only if a person is open to receiving that wisdom. Sheila has been cutting and styling hair since she was 19, and over the decades, her clients have not only shaped her career but also mentored her in the most profound ways. Raised essentially by her grandmother after being adopted, Sheila navigated the complexities of a challenging family, a long and joyful marriage, and a deeply emotional journey to reconnect with her biological mother and siblings. In this episode, Sheila shares the lessons she’s learned from her clients, the life-changing advice that helped her grow personally and professionally, and her reflections on family, marriage and the meaning of mentorship. Her story reminds us that wisdom can come from unexpected places, and that through resilience and the support of others, we can create a life full of purpose and joy.  Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, just click here!

SHEILA ENEIX

In today’s episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Marilyn Gist, PhD, professor emerita at Seattle University where she served as the Alber’s School of Business and Economics’ Executive Director of the Center for Leadership formation and best-selling author of a groundbreaking book, The Extraordinary Power of Leader Humility. Marilyn’s extensive research and real-world insights reveal that true leadership isn’t about power or authority; it’s about fostering relationships built on mutual respect and dignity. Whether you’re a CEO, a manager, or someone aspiring to lead, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and hopefully inspire you to lead with humility and integrity. Discover how humility can transform leadership, inspire teams, and drive remarkable results. This compelling conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and success, in ANY endeavor you undertake throughout your life. Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, just click here!

MARILYN GIST, PhD