The Leadership Crucible Podcast

Dr Mosher is the Blue Origin Director of Customer Experience for Orbital Reef, a commercial space station to replace the International Space Station later this decade. He was previously a Senior Manager at Amazon leading the Project Kuiper Technical Program Management team. Project Kuiper is one of the more ambitious commercial programs consisting of a constellation of 3,236 satellites to provide low-latency high-speed broadband connectivity around the world. Before that Dr. Mosher also worked on Project Santa to restore Amazon’s global fulfillment network capacity during the pandemic. Dr. Mosher has 32 years of experience working in industry and serving as a faculty member at three universities (Utah State University, University of California at Los Angeles, and the International Space University). He has directed the design of both human spaceflight and robotic spacecraft projects (Tyvak, SNC and Lockheed Martin). He has provided technical authority and successful execution from end-to-end of the product lifecycle, including manufacturing and launch. Entrepreneurial, he has helped two small companies (Microsat Systems and Syncroness) exit to acquisition and contributed to a third going public (Tyvak). He led and wrote successful proposals resulting in opportunities valued at over $5B from defense, civil, and commercial space customers. Other past employers include The Aerospace Corporation and General Dynamics. Dr. Mosher has a Ph.D. and M.S. in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado, an M.S. in systems engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and a B.S. in aerospace engineering from San Diego State University.He is a National Academies recognized expert serving on seven different panels including presenting results of a review of NASA’s technology portfolio to high-ranking government officials at NASA, Congress, and the Executive Branch. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where he is also an Associate Fellow. Since relocating to Washington from his home in Colorado, Dr. Mosher has started serving as the Chairman of the State of Washington Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation (JCATI) Board and at The Museum of Flight as a member of the Spaceflight Committee. He was also a past Mentor for two companies in the Techstars Starburst Aerospace Accelerator program. He is an Alumni Guide for the Sigma Chi Horizons Leadership Program from 2009 to the present. When he lived in Colorado, he served on The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Rocky Mountain Chapter Board of Trustees and helped raise over $200,000 to help support blood cancer research and patients. He is a 2016 graduate of the Denver Chamber of Commerce Leadership Denver program. From 2013-2018, Dr. Mosher served on the University Alumni Association Board serving two different leadership positions as Chair of Student to Young Alumni Transitions Committee (2016-2018) and Vice Chair Business Development Committee (2014-2015). He was the 2012 University of Colorado Kalpana Chawla Outstanding Recent Alumni Award Winner.For more resources, visit: theleadershipcruciblefoundation.orgTo watch the video podcast on Youtube, click here.To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here.

Rudy Jackson serves as the Chief Nurse Executive of UW Health. He is an experienced healthcare leader with broad knowledge in large integrated academic health systems and a successful history of improving nursing outcomes and engagement as well as hospital operational performance.Rudy previously served as Chief Nursing Officer for Buffalo General Hospital and Gates Vascular Institute in Buffalo, New York, the largest healthcare system in Western New York. He has previously served in leadership roles at University Hospital in San Antonio, Texas along with over 20 years of US Army experience.Rudy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from The University of The Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, his master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, and his doctoral degree of Nursing Practice from Yale, New Haven, Connecticut. He is also certified in Executive Nursing Practice from the Association of Nurse Leaders.For more resources, visit: theleadershipcruciblefoundation.orgTo watch the video podcast on YouTube, click here.For the Team Discussion Guide, click here.

Stephen is a financial services and insurance executive and attorney with an extensive background in innovation, strategy, governance, and transactions. He currently serves as the Chair of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, a public-private partnership between the Bermuda Government and the private sector helping lead Bermuda’s engagement on, among other things, digital assets, fintech, insuretech and climate finance economic development. From 2002 until 2021 he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (RNR: NYSE). During his time with RenaissanceRe, Stephen served as served as a member of firm’s Executive Committee, and as Chair of the RenaissanceRe Risk Sciences Foundation, the company’s charitable vehicle committed to researching and developing risk-mitigation techniques and raising awareness through conferences and outreach events, including the award-winning Risk Mitigation Leadership Forum series. Prior to RenaissanceRe, Stephen worked for Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, a leading international law firm.<p>Stephen serves on the boards of several industry and charitable groups including the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), an independent U.S. non-profit scientific research and educational organization which he serves as Chair, and the R Street Institute, a leading US non partisan policy organization. He also serves on the President’s Advisory Counsel for the National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest non-profit conservation organization, and is a member of Bermuda’s COVID-19 Economic Advisory Committee. He previously served as Chair of the Reinsurance Association of American Extreme Events Committee, and Chair of the Policy Committee of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers. Stephen is a graduate of Columbia College, NY, and Harvard Law School. He is a frequent speaker on insurance industry, financial sector, climate and resiliency, and governance issues.<p>To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here .<br>To wa tch the Video Podcast on Youtube, click here .

Russell A. Jackson, born in Birmingham, Alabama, is a proven nonprofit leader and innovator with a sound history of developing and implementing new nonprofit programs and community initiatives. His life journey began as a firefighter for the City of Hoover in Alabama. In 1992, a tragic medical call and death of a two-year old boy would redirect Russell’s career path. Shortly after, he founded Kid One Transport, a nonprofit medical transportation program that became a national model and to-date has served more than 50,000 children and expectant mothers via a partnership with Mercedes-Benz U.S. International.<p>Russell has been responsible for the formation of dozens of startup nonprofit organizations, programs, and initiatives across the nation. Because of his due diligence in developing the concepts, 81% of these organizations and programs continue today, and are raising millions of dollars annually to continue their important missions.<p>Russell is an accomplished professional in the areas of Nonprofit Startup, Leadership, Operations, Board Governance, Strategic Planning, Grant Writing, Major Gifts, Annual Campaigns, Special Events, Donor Relations, Public Relations, and Cause-Related Marketing. He has a strong acumen in financial, policy, operations, and regulatory oversight. His strong leadership skills to build, strengthen and champion a team to exceed its goals has earned him several nonprofit leadership awards from state, local and national groups. Russell’s ability to effectively educate, inspire and engage the public even caught the attention of the International Association of Business Communicators who presented him with their highest award: Communicator of the Year.<p>He has received more than 200 community and national awards, with the more notable ones being named CNN HERO, Tiger Woods Foundation Hero, Johnson and Johnson Healthcare Hero, Costco’s National Making a Difference recipient and the Mercedes-Benz Drive for Excellence award. However, his most cherished award was being named one of AOL’s Amazing Dads of 2008, because family means more to Russell than anything else.<p>Russell has been the keynote speaker and trainer at more than 250 conferences and/or events, and has served on numerous national committees and nonprofit boards. His ongoing commitment to nonprofit excellence and proven record have made him one of the most sought-after nonprofit specialists in the nation.<p>Russell has been married to his incredible wife and best friend for 24 years, Mary, and has two amazing children – Harrison Parker and Mackenzie Grace, along with three absolutely rotten pets: Byron, Bernie, and Bailey.<p>To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here.<br>To wa tch the Video Podcast on Youtube, click here .

Mike Howard, Former Chief Security Officer (CSO) for Microsoft Corporation, held global responsibility for vital security functions including; operations, investigations, risk mitigation, crisis management, executive protection, security technology, strategy, intelligence, and employee awareness. Mike was the CSO of Microsoft for 16 years.<p>Mike led the development of Microsoft’s interconnected Global Security Operations Centers (GSOCs), which oversee Global Security monitoring and response, and have become well known in the security field as a leading model for conducting operations globally.<p>Mike spent 22 years with the Central Intelligence Agency, finishing as a Chief of Station. Mike also worked in the CIA’s Office of Security and served on the security staff of the Director of Central Intelligence.<p>He worked in the Counterterrorism Center, ran global programs, and served in assignments around the world. He was executive officer for the Office of Military Affairs and a special investigator for the Office of Inspector General.<p>Mike also served as a law enforcement officer with the Oakland, California, police in the late 1970s. He holds a BS in criminal justice administration from San Jose State University with a minor in Sociology.<p>To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here .<br>To watch the Video Podcast on Youtube, click here .

Don Lombardi is the founder of DW Drums and Drum Channel. Don is also a dedicated educator and inventor with more than 30 patents registered to his name. Don's mission is to improve the quality of a drummer’s life through education and by making quality products. Don was inducted into Guitar Center's Rock Walk on Sunset Blvd. in 2018 and was most recently honored with the Percussive Arts Society President’s Industry Award for 2020.<p>In the early 70’s Seeing an ad for Drum Workshop in the Yellow Pages, John Good, now DW's Vice President, signed up for lessons at age 17 to improve his drumming and reverse what he refers to as "bad drumming habits."<p>"After three months of lessons, Don approached John and said, "You know, I've had lots of successful students. I don't think you're going to be one of them"; John says laughing. "So I said, "Great…now what."<p>Realizing that overhead was eating up his profits, Don brought in investors and additional teachers and began selling sticks, books, and drums to help subsidize the expenses. Hiring John as a part-time sales manager, the two spent hours discussing different ways to improve the art of drumming through improving drum products.<p>"That's how the spark and enthusiasm got started," John recalls. "We would talk for hours about our ideas for creating better products. Before we knew it, we were working together."<p>Out of these brainstorms came the first DW product: Don's new design for a height-adjustable trap-case seat. Selling about a dozen seats a month, John quit his day job and went to work full- time for Don.<p>"After teaching all day, we would move the drum sets to the side and bring out the tables to make the seats," Don remembers. "Then I'd usually leave for my playing job, and John would stay into the night to build the seats and fill the orders. I even bought a sewing machine to sew on the top of the seats, but John put his foot down and said, "No sewing: I don't do sew”.<p>In 2022 Don and John Good were presented with NAMM’s Milestone Award for 50 years of excellent service in the music products industry. At Drum Workshop, The Drummer's Choice® is more than a slogan, it's a fact. After more than thirty years of innovation and tireless dedication to improving the way drum products are made, DW drums, pedals and hardware are the standard by which all others are measured. To get here, it takes more than a working knowledge of the instrument or a few good ideas; it takes a true passion for designing and manufacturing the absolute best.<p>To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here .<br>To watch the Video Podcast on Youtube, click here .

Tony Jenkins is the Market President for the Central Florida region where he provides strategic oversight and leads a team in developing business plans to increase and retain membership, enhance brand visibility, and coordinate employee engagement.<p>Tony was instrumental in establishing Florida Blue’s diversity efforts in 2001. Prior to joining Florida Blue, Jenkins served as Director of Diversity for CSX Corporation, the largest rail network in the eastern United States, and he spent 18 years with the Walt Disney World Company in various leadership roles, specializing in Hospitality Management and Human Resources.<p>Under Tony’s leadership in Central Florida, Florida Blue has been recognized as a Best Place to Work, an Outstanding Diverse Organization and a Corporate Philanthropy honoree. Tony is an advocate for several causes throughout the Orlando Community. He is the past Chair for United Arts of Central Florida and The Florida Commission on Human Relations. He currently serves on the board of Florida Citrus Sports, and he is a Board Trustee at Stetson University. Tony is Chair Elect for the Orlando Economic Partnership board, where he also serves as Chair for their DEI Task Force, engaging Orlando’s business leaders across varied industries.<p>Tony has been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as one of Central Florida's Top 10 Businessmen to Watch and as CEO of the Year. Most recently, he received the publication’s Diversity in Business Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also an i4 Business Magazine Business Leader of the Year recipient. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Ga.<p>To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here .<br>To watch the Video Podcast on Youtube, click here .

To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here .To watch the Video Podcast on Youtube, click here .Bio:Bruno Serato arrived in the U.S. from his native Italy speaking no English with only $200 in his pocket. Through hard work and determination, he worked his way up from busboy to owner of the critically acclaimed Anaheim White House restaurant, But it’s his work with children that has earned him an international reputation. Bruno launched a nonprofit in 2005 after he and his mother, Caterina, visited a local Boys and Girls Club. There, they saw a 7-year-old boy eating a bag of potato chips and when she learned that the snack was all he had for dinner, she instructed her son to head back to the restaurant and feed the children pasta. What started with 1 meal has turned into now feeding some 5,000 children daily, more than 3 million meals have been served, and the need keeps growing. Caterina’s Club is currently serving 90 sites in 30 cities.He has extended his mission by moving “motel families” into permanent housing. While many of the families are working and able to pay the monthly rent for their own apartments, they cannot afford the first, last and security deposit required at the onset. He has already helped over 220 families escape motel living by finding them apartments of their own and their lives have improved considerably.For his humanitarian work, Bruno has earned local, national, and international publicity including profiles in major media outlets throughout the world. His many honors include CNN Hero, knighted by the Italian government, knighted by the Royal House of Savoy, Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient, papal blessing from Pope Francis, humanitarian award on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Anaheim Key to the City, and has received hundreds of proclamations and awards all over the world.

Kim specializes in the area of Identity Attunement. She has a passion to help others to reclaim their authentic selves, embrace their unique attributes, and walk in the fullness of who they were created to be as leaders in the workplace, at home, and in everyday life.<p>While with Athletes in Action's Pro Ministries Staff, Kim worked with wives of NFL players, head coaches, and executives for 20 years, serving as Chaplain for the Miami Dolphins wives for 10 years and holding various leadership positions at Athletes in Action’s international headquarters. As an AIA affiliate, she is continuing to have an ongoing impact in the world of sports.<p>Kim’s mission includes aiding women of all backgrounds in overcoming past pain, working through issues of self-worth, and fulfilling their purpose. With this mission in mind, in 2018, Kim launched Athletes in Action’s All-Star Moms Outreach. This community-focused event took place in conjunction with the All-Star Breakfast hosted by Athletes in Action and the NBA Retired Players Association during the NBA All-Star Weekends in Los Angeles, Charlotte, and Chicago. Through these outreaches she was able to celebrate close to 150 single moms and connect them with local organizations who could provide ongoing resources and support.<p>Kim’s message is not only impacting women. Through her speaking at corporate events, universities, AIA’s Pro Leadership Summits, and NFL Team Chapels, her message is impacting men as well. Kim Anthony has worked as a sports reporter for ESPN and hosted three television shows in Miami, Florida. She has appeared as a guest on TV and radio programs like, Focus on the Family (A 2012 Best of the Best broadcast), Family Life Today, 700 Club, 100 Huntley Street, and Full Circle.<p>Kim has written an inspiring story detailing her journey from pain to purpose, in her memoir, Unfavorable Odds. In it, she shares how she overcame growing up in an environment surrounded by drugs, violence and financial hardships and went on to become a member of the US National Gymnastics Team and the first African-American female to receive a scholarship to compete for UCLA gymnastics.<p>There, she became a 6-time All-American and 4-time National Champion. Kim was inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame in 2000, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 and was listed as one of the legends making up the Pac-12 All-Century Gymnastics Team in 2016. Unfavorable Odds is a book that crosses social, economic and cultural barriers. It feeds the soul of the reader with inspiration to persevere and courage to overcome.<p>Kim Anthony has two adult children and currently resides in Southwest, Ohio with Corwin, her husband of 29 years.<p> To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here .<br>To watch the Video Podcast on Youtube, click here .

This is Part 2 of our interview with Chief Merkison. If you haven't done so already, be sure to listen to Part 1 first.<p>Chief Merkison was born and raised in Clayton County where his family has made their home for over 50 years. After graduating from North Clayton High School, Chief Merkison attended and graduated from Griffin Technical Institute where he majored in Architectural and Engineering Drafting. He furthered his education at Columbia Southern University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration and a Master’s Degree in Business.<p>Chief Merkison began his firefighting career as a volunteer with the City of Jonesboro in 1992. In 1993, he was hired by the City of Riverdale and In March of 1996, he began his career with Clayton County Fire &amp; Emergency Services. He was promoted through the ranks serving as a Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain within the Fire Marshal’s Office and in 2008 was promoted to Battalion Chief and charged with creating the Technical Services Division. From 2010 through 2013, he served as a member of the Fire Chief’s Executive Staff as the Assistant Fire Chief and Deputy Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. On November 5, 2013, he was appointed the sixth Fire Chief of Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services where he also serves as the EMS Director and Director of Emergency Management. In January of 2021, Chief Merkison was appointed to head the new Office of Resilience and Sustainability.<p>In addition to his roles within the department, Chief Merkison serves as Chairman of the Clayton County Citizens Corps Council and as a member of the Region III EMS Council. In October of 2014, the Board of Commissioners appointed him to serve on the Board of Directors for Southern Regional Medical Center and in 2020 Governor Brian Kemp appointed him to serve on the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.<p> To download the Team Discussion Guide, click here .<br>To watch the Video Podcast on Youtube, click here .