In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime
Episodes
65 episodes
Kristie Martin – Superintendent, Washington Local Schools
Kristie Martin’s student-centered and people-centered leadership approach anchors who she is as superintendent of Washington Local Schools (WLS), a large public school district located in Toledo, Ohio. She has held a wide variety of school lead...
Bryan Blair – Vice President and Director of Athletics, The University of Toledo
A laser-focused servant leader who uses a “Rise Together” approach to elevate the culture and achievement levels of the University of Toledo Athletic Department. The road Bryan took leading-up to the University of Toledo included positions as D...
Jere Righter – Artistic Director, The Croswell
Jere Righter has been involved with the historic Croswell Opera House for 35 years. Located in Adrian, Michigan, The Croswell is the oldest theater in Michigan and one of the oldest operating theaters in the United States. Jere was hired-on to ...
Rev. Ron Olszewski – Educational and Servant Leader
Fr. Olszewski, a Catholic priest and Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, has been a positive force at St. Francis de Sales High School in Toledo, Ohio for over 51 years. Fr. O., as he is affectionately called, has served as a teacher, principal, an...
Ginny Boggess – Head Women’s Basketball Coach, The University of Toledo
After her mom passed away, seven-year old Ginny Boggess found solace in shooting baskets in her backyard. Basketball helped Ginny navigate a traumatic personal loss and created a pathway to life-shaping opportunities. She parlayed a successful ...
Kate Sommerfeld – President & CEO, Greater Toledo Community Foundation
By observing her parents’ kindness toward others and her own personal experiences with volunteering, helping people became a driving force early on in Kate Sommerfeld’s life. She is a mission-driven and collaborative servant leader dedicated to...
Matt Schroeder – Interim President, The University of Toledo
As an undergraduate student at the University of Toledo, Matt Schroeder worked three jobs to help pay his way through school and earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. He now leads the organization that put his life on a positive traj...
Robin Whitney – Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, SSOE
At an early age, Robin Whitney knew she wanted to be an engineer. Throughout an extensive career, Robin has utilized her engineering and people skills to shepherd large-scale community initiatives and building projects. She’s a person of vision...
Adam Levine - President, Director & CEO, Toledo Museum of Art
Since 2020, Adam Levine has served as the president, director, and CEO of the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA). His leadership efforts are focused on TMA’s world-class collection, visitor experience, organizational culture, and community outreach. He...
Jason Abodeely – President & CEO, Sunshine Communities
After 15 years of holding senior executive positions with several multinational companies, Jason Abodeely pivoted to the mission-based nonprofit Sunshine Communities. For the past 11 years he has led a team of compassionate caregivers - nurses,...
Amanda Held – Founder and Executive Director, H.O.O.V.E.S.
It’s been an amazing personal journey for the mission-driven Amanda Held. Overcoming significant odds, Amanda figured out how to merge her love/respect for horses with her military experience to found H.O.O.V.E.S., a nonprofit that provides equ...
Lee Conklin - Broadcast News Anchor
Through his straightforward approach to sharing local, national, and global news, Emmy award-winning TV news anchor Lee Conklin has been connecting with viewers and listeners for 40 years. His trustworthiness, respect for others, and humility a...
Brad Felver – Fiction Writer and Teaching Professor
In addition to being a teaching professor at Bowling Green State University, Brad Felver has been writing professionally for over 15 years. His short stories and essays have been published in a wide array of literary magazines. He was recently ...
Jeff Mielcarek – Ambassador for Youth Athletics
Jeff Mielcarek’s entire career has centered on elevating the positive, life-shaping impact that athletic experiences have on players, coaches, fans, organizations, and communities. He has excelled in multiple leadership roles including general ...
Susan Palmer – Community Leader, Educator and Philanthropist
At a very young age, Susan knew that she wanted to be an educator. After beginning her career as a high school teacher, she transitioned to the Toledo Museum of Art where she has served in the roles of docent, president of the docent program, d...
Christina Rodriguez – Executive Director, Mom’s House
For over 16 years, Christina has been leading a life-giving organization that helps low-income single moms pursue their educational goals and break the cycle of poverty. Her own harrowing experiences as a child growing up on the west side of Ch...
Eamonn Reynolds – Director of Football Communications, The Detroit Lions
Drawing upon his journalism background, love of athletics, and ability to connect with people, Eamonn guides the narrative for the Detroit Lions. He oversees a constant flurry of media activity involving local/national news organizations, repor...
Levi Stubbs III – Business and Community Impact Leader
For over 30 years Levi has held corporate leadership roles and been a strong supporter of numerous charitable organizations and worthy causes throughout the Metro Detroit area. As Vice President and Community Impact Officer for Systems Technolo...
Amy Chang – Associate Principal Cello, Toledo Symphony Orchestra
Amy Chang, who grew up in Taiwan and came to the United States as a high school exchange student, began playing the cello when she was 10 years old. She honed her musical skills at the Taiwan Academy of Arts, Music Institute of Chicago, and Eas...
Logan Sander - Co-Founder and Editorial Director @ Midstory
Entrepreneur Logan Sander joined like-minded young professionals to establish and run a vibrant nonprofit media thinkhub that highlights the unique qualities, opportunities, and challenges associated with the Midwest region. She has merged a lo...
Marco Molesini – International Sommelier and Owner of Molesini Wine Shop
Based in the Tuscan hillside town of Cortona, Italy, Marco Molesini owns and operates the internationally renowned Molesini Wine Shop. His vast knowledge of wine, deep connections with Italian winemakers, frequent wine tasting events in the Uni...
Dr. Bill Bisset – President, Lourdes University
Bill’s Boston area roots, hockey playing days, being up close to the devastating impact of the 9-11 attack, guidance from strong mentors, and a supportive, best friend spouse shaped his career path and leadership approach. His core belief: ordi...
Dan Creps – Superintendent, Rossford Schools
In his youth, Dan Creps wanted to be a disc jockey at an alternative rock station. Working with disadvantaged youth in a recreation program changed his career trajectory and pointed him in the direction of education. In every school position he...
Tim Selgo – Leadership Consultant, Speaker, and Author
Tim Selgo had an iconic two-decade run as the director of athletics at Grand Valley State University. The highly professional way that he led and fostered greatness in others is considered by many to be the gold standard for collegiate athletic...
Dianne Barndt – Executive Director, The Victory Center
Driven by the desire to do something meaningful for others, Dianne leads a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers as they provide therapeutic services to people going thru a cancer journey. Her enthusiasm, empathy, and compassion provid...
