The Rooted Leadership Podcast

Mark Davis, head coach of 2021 NJCAA men's soccer national championship team, joins the show. Not only is Mark an amazing soccer coach, but he is a dear friend of Chris'. Mark coaches the men's and women's soccer teams for the SLCC Bruins. His women's team were the 2021 national champion runners up and his men's team were the 2021 national champions. In this episode, we dive into the mindset required to become a very small percentage of people that have accomplished something as significant as being a national champion. If you are interested in motivation, this episode is for you.

If someone asked you what your why was--your vision for life, and how you live it--what would you say? Could you state it in 12 words or fewer? If you were asked to write your why down on paper, what would you write? These may sound like trivial questions but they are profoundly important for all of us to answer. Many of us may be living below our potential, not knowing that defining our why is one of the first steps to changing that. One of our local leaders and Groundwork alumni, Tony Frazier, joins us in studio and shares his "filter" for life. He is motivating and passionate; this is a must-listen episode.

Amy Thomas is an incredible example of someone who lives the idea of 'using your suffering well'--a principle taught in our leadership institute. In this episode, she shares her journey of being diagnosed and living with hydrocephalus. More than two decades and 31 surgeries ago, Amy made a choice that offers a prime example of finding peace in the midst of chaos. The way she talks about one's power to choose is inspiring and actionable.

The Founder of Withiii Leadership Center and dear friend, Jim Ferrell joins the show. Jim has spent decades working in the organizational development world, leadership world, and is a best-selling author. He brings a breadth of knowledge and intellect to any conversation. His ideas and experience have changed many lives over the years. It is a pleasure to know him and have him on the show. Enjoy this episode.

Chad Ford was in town as a guest speaker in our leadership institute and joined our show for the second time. Chad masterfully dives into the theory behind his book "Dangerous Love," specifically how it impacts leadership and community transformation. We also discuss the fallacy of the term "touchy feely" and perhaps why people are afraid of it. This is a must-listen episode; Chad is one of a kind.

Seth Elliott--leader ally, consultant, and author--joins us for this episode. He drops loads of knowledge regarding leadership development and what it means to be human. Seth clearly knows his stuff and was an amazing guest to engage in conversation with. No matter who you are or what you do, this episode will leave you with plenty of incredible takeaways.

Special guest and community leader Kim Lemman will be the boost of energy you need. She starts this episode by saying that the work she engages in is "cool"--not a descriptor most would use for her important but hard role in the community. It is challenging, emotional, and heavy. Kim is a great example of someone who actively applied the Rooted Framework to her own leadership and work. You will not want to miss learning how she did it.

A high school basketball coach and teacher of 42 years joined the show--and my goodness, was it enriching! Tom Johnson has been positively influencing people for several decades; in this episode, he shares 8 lessons learned over the years and so much more. You will want to listen from start to finish.

Special guest Mark Speckman, author of Figure It Out, joins the show. Mark has coached football from the high school level all the way up to the professional level. He is currently a coach at UC Davis. Mark has spoken all over the country and has a simple yet powerful story. "Figuring it out" became a motto for Mark as he was born without hands and for his entire life, has had to figure out how to do what most of us never even think about. Listen to this stimulating conversation on how we can be better people and leaders by adopting this mentality and--you guessed it--figure it out.

From being homeless to now serving as one of the youngest school board members ever in the Salem/Keizer School District, Jesse Lippold Peone has an amazing story to share. Jesse has had nothing short of a challenging life; if you want to be inspired and reminded of what's important, then this episode is worth your time. What Jesse has learned the hard way has helped him become the type of person who strives daily to "walk the walk" in his leadership.