Episodes

  • Authentic Leadership with Vicki Gordan and Sherri Parks
    Jun 18 2025

    What if your next competitive edge isn't a new strategy, but a more authentic leader?

    In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, we explore how coaching can unlock untapped leadership potential and drive real business results. Vicki Gordan, Senior Vice President and Chief Auditor at Unum® (Retired), and Sherri Parks, Holistic Life Coach, share practical insights on how developing authentic, multi-dimensional leaders can transform teams and performance in today’s complex environment.

    What You'll Discover:

    • Unlock Hidden Leadership Potential - Learn how coaching helps uncover strengths that traditional development often misses.
    • The Business Case for Authentic Leadership - See how companies are achieving measurable improvements in performance and engagement.
    • What Authentic Leadership Really Looks Like - Understand how authenticity shows up in practice and why it matters.
    • Coaching Strategies That Work - Explore proven methods for building self-awareness, resilience, and trust.
    • Building a Coaching Culture - Find out how to create an environment that consistently develops authentic leaders.


    Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠


    Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

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    30 mins
  • The Chattanooga Future Fund: Investing in Hope with Keri Randolph
    Jun 17 2025

    In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, Keri Randolph, Executive Director of Chattanooga 2.0, dives into the game-changing Chattanooga Future Fund and its transformative impact on Hamilton County students. We explore the innovative financial solution designed to address educational and opportunity gaps, empowering the next generation of leaders.

    Key Topics Include:

    • What is the Chattanooga Future Fund? Discover how this new initiative is creating lasting change for students in Hamilton County by providing access to critical resources and opportunities.
    • Human-Centered Innovation: Learn how Bridge Innovate's approach of human-centered design is making this solution truly impactful, addressing the specific needs of students and empowering them to succeed.
    • Engaging Stakeholders: Understand how the traditionally slow-to-innovate financial services sector has come together to develop and launch this initiative, breaking barriers to create a more equitable future for all.
    • Closing the Opportunity Gap: Hear how the Chattanooga Future Fund is directly working to close the education and opportunity gap, leveling the playing field for students in the community.
    • Community Support: Find out how local businesses and organizations are partnering to make this initiative a reality and how their support is driving success.
    • What’s Next? Get a sneak peek at other innovative financial literacy solutions in the works that aim to further empower students and strengthen the community.
    • Leadership in Innovation: Gain valuable advice from leaders on how to drive innovation and inspire change in your own initiatives.

    • Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠


      Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

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    32 mins
  • Adaptive Leadership for Growth with Wendy Gibson and Tom White
    Jun 9 2025

    In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, hear an engaging and insightful session on how adaptability and continuous learning are key drivers of leadership growth. This episode with Wendy Gibson and Tom White, retired SVPs from Unum, is designed for both emerging and seasoned leaders who want to enhance their leadership skills and navigate change effectively.


    Discover practical strategies from experienced leaders on fostering growth, building resilience, and leading in a constantly evolving environment. You’ll leave with actionable tools and insights to drive success in your leadership journey.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Practical strategies for leading with resilience

    • How to foster a culture of adaptability in your team

    • Tools for navigating change and driving growth


    Wendy Gibson and Tom White dive deep into these five key topics during the session:

    1. Why is adaptability essential for leadership success?

    2. What strategies help build a culture of adaptability in teams?

    3. How do you balance innovation and change with team stability?

    4. What’s the biggest challenge leaders face in adapting, and how can they overcome it?

    5. What guidance would you give to leaders for their continuous learning and professional development, to lead in an adaptive environment?


    Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠


    Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

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    29 mins
  • Driving Talent Strategy Through Leadership Development with Carlene Blanding
    May 22 2025

    Engaging your leadership team in shaping and executing talent strategy is crucial to organizational success. In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, explore why leadership development is vital for inspiring and equipping talent at all levels.


    Join Us To Learn:

    • Why Leadership Development Matters: The ROI of investing in your leaders.

    • Engaging Leaders in Talent Strategy: How to get leaders actively involved.

    • Inspiring and Equipping Talent: Practical tips for developing and retaining top talent.

    • Aligning Leadership with Business Goals: Connecting leadership development to organizational success.


    This Session Will Explore:

    • Why is leadership development critical for business growth?
    • How can leaders be engaged in talent strategy?
    • What’s the best way to inspire and equip talent for success?
    • How do you align leadership development with business goals?
    • What challenges do organizations face in leadership development?
    • How does a strong talent strategy improve engagement and retention?


    Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠


    Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

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    27 mins
  • Navigating Leadership and Ethics with Dr. Mark E. Mendenhall
    May 20 2025

    In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, join Dr. Mark E. Mendenhall, J. Burton Frierson Chair of Excellence in Business Leadership at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, for a practical dive into leadership ethics. Dr. Mendenhall explores a fundamental framework to apply as leaders when making decisions and giving direction.

    Topics:

    • Breaking down the many ethical theories into a practical framework for everyday leadership

    • Principles to consider in making exceptions to rules as a leader.

    • The need to balance tradition and innovation in leadership.

    Questions We Will Cover:

      1. What challenges do leaders face in balancing ethical theories in their leadership?
      2. What type of ethical leader are you?
      3. How can I break through 50/50 “right vs. wrong” conundrums?
      4. Is leading ethically more of an art than a science? If so, how do I learn that art?

    • Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠


      Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

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    35 mins
  • Collaborative Strategy: Driving Success with Innovation with Chattanooga Tourism
    May 6 2025

    Success today requires more than just a solid strategy—it’s about collaboration that sparks innovation and insights. In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, hear from Susan Harris and Barry White from Chattanooga Tourism to learn how a unified approach can drive growth.

    In this session, you’ll learn how to:

    • Leverage diverse perspectives for stronger strategies

    • Make strategic planning a continuous process

    • Use innovation and insights for smarter, agile strategies

    • Align teams for seamless execution

    Whether you're a leader, strategist, or team member, this webinar will give you the tools to create strategies that deliver results.

    What We Will Cover:

    • What is collaborative strategy design, and why is it important?

    • How can organizations make strategy planning ongoing?

    • How can innovation reshape traditional strategy?

    • How can leaders ensure team alignment in execution?

    • What challenges do businesses face integrating innovation into strategy?

    • How can success be measured in a collaborative strategy?


    Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠


    Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

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    31 mins
  • Leveraging L&D for Business Growth and Innovation with Jonna Van Thiel, Ph.D.
    Apr 16 2025

    In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, join Jonna Van Thiel, Ph.D. for an in-depth exploration of how Learning & Development drives business success. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, L&D plays a crucial role in fueling organizational growth. In this session, we’ll examine how L&D initiatives can align with overarching business goals, strengthen teams, and foster a culture that supports long-term success.

    Topics Covered:

    • How can L&D initiatives align with an organization’s overall business goals to drive growth?
    • How to demonstrate the ROI of their L&D programs? How do these investments contribute to bottom-line results?
    • In what ways does L&D impact employee retention, engagement, and satisfaction, and how does this translate to business success?
    • How does fostering a culture of continuous learning through L&D help businesses stay agile and innovative in competitive markets?
    • What role does L&D play in building strong leaders, and how does this influence the growth and scalability of an organization?
    • How can organizations use L&D to prepare their workforce for future challenges?


    • Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠


      Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

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    31 mins
  • Winning Together: Why Investing in Team Development is Key to Success with Dr. Martha E. Rader
    Apr 7 2025

    In today’s competitive business landscape, strong, cohesive teams are the foundation of success. In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, Dr. Martha E. Rader explores why investing in team development is critical and how it can accelerate your organization’s growth.

    During this session, we’ll explore:

    • Why Team Development Matters: Understand how investing in your team can directly impact productivity, engagement, and overall success.

    • Team Assessments: What are they, and how do they reveal key insights that can propel your organization to the next level?

    • Effective Collaboration: Learn practical strategies for leaders to foster seamless communication and collaboration within their teams.

    • Leadership Strategies for Growth: Discover the most impactful ways leaders can guide their teams toward continuous improvement.

    • Guiding Decisions with Team Assessments: Find out how team assessments can help leaders make data-driven, strategic decisions.

    • Employee Retention: Explore how a focus on team development can improve retention and create a more engaged workforce.


    Learn More About Our Guest, Dr. Martha E. Rader:
    Dr. Martha E. Rader is a dynamic leader, executive coach, trainer, and consultant with over 30 years of experience in leadership, executive roles, and organizational development. She passionately advocates for leadership excellence and specializes in helping individuals and teams overcome challenges, unlock their full potential, and create thriving, inclusive cultures.

    With a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Dr. Rader is an expert in leadership and culture development, conflict management, and team-building strategies. She combines evidence-based practices with practical solutions to guide organizations in navigating change, enhancing performance, and fostering sustainable growth.

    Dr. Rader is a certified John Maxwell Trainer, Coach, and DISC Behavioral Analysis Consultant. She is an Authorized Partner of Denison Culture, Wiley-Lencioni Five Functions of a Cohesive Team, Everything DiSC, and The Leadership Challenge. Additionally, she is an independent UpShift and Bridge Innovate Trainer and Consultant, bringing cutting-edge methodologies to her work.

    Throughout her career, Dr. Rader has empowered leaders and organizations across diverse industries, including automotive, banking, legal, hospitality, non-profits, manufacturing, and higher education. She is known for her ability to translate complex leadership concepts into actionable strategies that drive results. Dr. Rader’s contributions to the automotive industry earned her a nomination for Automotive News’ 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry in 2010. She has served on the boards of non-profit organizations and remains an active community volunteer.

    Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠

    Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

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    31 mins