Dr. Veronica Motley – Superintendent, Sylvania Schools Artwork

In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

What makes leaders tick? In the Arena podcast delves into the inner workings and personal dynamics of leadership. We’ll shine a light on the life-shaping experiences and perspectives of leaders who have navigated adversity and moved their organizations and themselves forward. Defining moments, lessons learned, and points of inspiration provide a roadmap for these conversations of a lifetime. The podcast title In the Arena has historical roots. In 1910, a year after leaving the presidency, Teddy Roosevelt gave a rousing address in Paris in which he chastised cynics and grenade-throwing critics who lambasted leaders as they worked valiantly to improve the human condition. Over time TR’s “The Man in the Arena” became indelibly linked to the nobility and struggles of leadership. In the Arena host Brad Rieger is the chief executive officer at Cooper-Smith, a full-service marketing and advertising agency headquartered in Toledo, OH with a satellite office in Stamford, CT. Prior to working in the private sector, Brad enjoyed a meaningful 31-year career in education serving in the roles of teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He is a student of the complexities and nuances of leadership and admires the strivers, trailblazers, and influencers who lead with conviction, courage, and resilience. Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

All Episodes

In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

Dr. Veronica Motley – Superintendent, Sylvania Schools

June 29, 2022 • Season 2 • Episode 29

Elizabeth and Wallace Motley always encouraged their daughter to believe in herself and pursue stretch goals. One of Dr. Motley’s early mentors advised her to “walk through the door” when an opportunity presented itself. She became a teacher in order to create meaningful learning experiences and life-shaping opportunities for students. Prior to becoming superintendent, Dr. Motley served in a wide variety of building-level and central office leadership roles. She has navigated discrimination and survived an abusive relationship, both experiences forging a sense of purpose, perspective, and resilience that fuel her leadership approach.

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023