The Leadership Lounge

What happens when someone gets promoted into a leadership role... and then left to figure it out on their own? In this episode, we’re talking about the all-too-common experience of becoming a manager without the training, tools, or support to succeed — and what organizations can do about it. Host Paul Bolton, Director of Business Development at the Leadership Louisville Center, is joined by Adrian Davis, global leadership trainer and founder of Momentum University, and Don Woolridge, Sr., Director of Leadership Development at the Leadership Louisville Center. Together, they explore how to close the gap between promotion and preparation — with real-world stories, practical insights, and some much-needed truth-telling about what it takes to build confident, capable leaders. Whether you're stepping into leadership for the first time or realizing it's time to sharpen your skills, this conversation is for you. Support the show

In this episode of The Leadership Lounge Podcast, we have the pleasure of introducing our new Director of Leadership Development, Donald Woolridge Sr., MBA. As an expert in learning and development, Donald is passionate about helping organizations and individuals grow and thrive. He oversees the LeadingBetter™ brand, which is dedicated to fostering leadership excellence across various sectors. We dive into the LeadingBetter™ approach, exploring how we support organizations in building strong, effective leaders. Donald shares his vision for the future of leadership development and how LeadingBetter™ helps organizations drive meaningful change. Additionally, we give you an exciting sneak peek into the 2025 LeadingBetter™ Summit—an event you won’t want to miss! Donald talks about what participants can expect, the value of attending, and how the Summit will empower leaders to take their skills to the next level. Support the show

In celebration of Women's History Month, this special podcast episode highlights the work we do at the Leadership Louisville Center and LeadingBetter™ to empower women leaders. Join us as we are joined by two powerhouse guests: Lisa Zangari, our in-house Executive Coach, and Cynthia Knapek, President and CEO of the Leadership Louisville Center. Together, they dive into the importance of women’s leadership, share insights on how we’re shaping the future for women in leadership roles, and discuss the impact of our work at LeadingBetter™. Plus, we’re offering an exclusive promo code for our listeners to access upcoming LeadingBetter™ open courses designed to elevate women in leadership. Support the show

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re extending our recognition with a special two-part podcast series. In part 2, we are featuring Ashley Duncan, Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity at Republic Bank and a member of our Board of Directors. Ashley’s career has been dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Ashley reflects on the key lessons she’s learned about influence, resilience, and how black leaders can have an impact in predominantly non-Black spaces. She dives into the challenges and triumphs of fostering inclusive environments and offers actionable insights for organizations. Support the show

This Black History Month, we’re extending our celebration with a two-part podcast series. In Part 1, we speak with Dr. Douglas Craddock, Vice President of Community Engagement at the University of Louisville and Leadership Louisville Center board member and alum. Dr. Craddock shares his experiences as a Black leader, discussing key lessons on leadership, resilience, and making an impact in predominantly non-Black spaces. Dr. Craddock’s perspective offers a powerful model for leadership in the modern world. Support the show

In this episode of The Leadership Lounge , we're joined by our Director of Business Development, Engagement Manager, and Talent Development Leader to discuss the power of intentional leadership in the new year. Together, they explore how leaders can be purposeful in their approach to guiding teams, share their personal intentions and aspirations for 2025, and offer valuable tips for leaders who are setting goals for themselves and their teams. Whether you're looking to refine your leadership style or set meaningful objectives for the year ahead, this conversation is full of actionable insights to help you lead with intention and make 2025 your best year yet. Support the show

In this inspiring episode of the Leadership Lounge Podcast, we’re joined by Pattie Dale Tye, COO for Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. Pattie Dale shares her insights on what it means to show up authentically in your job and the importance of being a woman in leadership. She reflects on the mentors and individuals who helped shape her journey and discusses how she’s paying it forward in her career today by giving back to others and supporting them along their leadership paths. We also dive into her new book, Ordinary to Extra-Ordinary , where she highlights her personal journey, and the lessons learned along the way. Pattie Dale offers valuable advice on resilience, mentorship, and the power of authenticity in leadership. Don’t miss this empowering conversation on leadership and how we can all support the next generation of leaders. Support the show

In this episode of The Leadership Lounge , we’re joined by the new Executive Director of YPAL (Young Professionals Association of Louisville), along with current and past YPAL presidents, to discuss the importance of creating spaces for emerging leaders in our community. We dive into the strong connection between YPAL and the Leadership Louisville Center, exploring how both organizations collaborate to support leadership development and foster growth in Louisville. Listen in as we share valuable insights on leadership, mentorship, and the power of community-driven impact. Support the show

The ability to have civil conversations across differences is essential for effective leadership. This episode delves into the challenges and opportunities that happen when we seek to understand - not only for ourselves, but for our workplaces, our communities, and beyond. We'll explore strategies for fostering understanding, building empathy, and navigating difficult conversations with grace and respect. Join us as we discuss the importance of active listening, the power of perspective-taking, and the art of finding common ground. Discover how to turn potential conflict into opportunities for growth, innovation, and stronger relationships. Support the show

You need a network of strong women. We've put them at your table. Join us as we share Jennifer Green, Chief Legal Officer at Yum! Brands Digital & Technology, and Judge Jessica Green's inspiring journeys and pearls of wisdom. Support the show

You need a network of strong women. We’ve put them at your table. Join us as we share Kim Baker, President and CEO of the Kentucky Performing Arts- the first woman and first Kentuckian to serve in this capacity's story and lessons that she has learned throughout her life! Support the show

In our inaugural episode, we explore the essence of social impact leadership through the lens of the Leadership Louisville Center. Join us as we uncover the ah-ha moments that inspire and transform individuals into impactful leaders. Discover why the Leadership Louisville Center stands as the largest leadership organization in the country and learn about our new brand, LeadingBetter™. We also introduce you to our groundbreaking initiative, The National Community Leadership Collaborative, featuring insights from Aaron Miller, Vice President; Holly Prather, Chief Operations Officer; and Cynthia Knapek, President and CEO of the Leadership Louisville Center. Hear firsthand how this collaborative effort aims to redefine community leadership on a national scale, fostering innovation and driving positive change. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to make a difference, this episode promises to illuminate the power of leadership in creating a brighter future for communities everywhere. Support the show

Carolyn Tandy, the SVP and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Humana, Inc., has had an amazing career, spanning from the White House to the Fortune 500. In this conversation we learn more about her journey, her mentors, and her vision for our community. The Leadership Louisville Podcast is possible with support from PNC Bank. Support the show

Dr. Tom Owen is a Louisville legend. An archivist with the University of Louisville for decades, a former member of the Louisville Board of Alderman, a former Metro Council member from district 9, a mayoral candidate, and a partner with the Leadership Louisville Center for over 40 years. Tom has enthralled audiences with his stories of Louisville history, and now we talk about his own leadership journey. Support the show

Aaron is joined by his friend (and former Leadership Kentucky classmate) Amy Luttrell, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. Amy came to Louisville to lead Goodwill in 2014 after decades with the organization in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Tennessee. They talk about the real work of Goodwill, which is often different than the perceived mission, and how Goodwill goes beyond jobs and into housing, education, transportation, and felony expungement. Support the show

Dan Mann is the Executive Director of the Regional Airport Authority, and he shares his journey from the military to airport management, the importance of building networks, and how to lead a critical piece of infrastructure through a global crisis. Special thanks to PNC Bank for supporting episodes of the Leadership Louisville Podcast Support the show

Mike Moll, SVP of PNC Bank, takes on the role of interviewer in this conversation with Cynthia Knapek, President of the Leadership Louisville Center. Topics include the science of leadership, the power of confidence and courage, and something about "leap and the net will appear." The Leadership Louisville Podcast is supported by PNC Bank Support the show

David Lopez came to Louisville in 2018 as the Chief Development Officer at Metro United Way. A Mexican-American originally from San Diego, David brings a fresh perspective to our city, and it's reflected in this conversation. We talk about his career, how he came to Louisville, and in particular what it's like to be an "only" in an organization. Support the show

Jerry Abramson is a legend in Louisville leadership. As a mayor for 21 years, a Lieutenant Governor, and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs to President Obama, he has seen our government work at all levels, and he brings those experiences to this conversation. We learn why he got into Public Service (versus "politics") and what he sees as his vision for the city of Louisville in the future. Support the show

Louisville Public Media President and General Manager Stephen George stops by the podcast to discuss his career journey - across multiple cities and multiple forms of media - to eventually come back to his hometown and lead an organization that has continued providing news throughout the pandemic and racial justice movement in Louisville. Despite challenges, the organization is expanding the newsroom in 2021. Join Aaron and Stephen for a great conversation on leadership, pivoting, and growing into the future. Towards the end of the episode, Stephen mentions the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (https://www.cnpe.org/) and Young Authors Greenhouse (https://www.youngauthorsgreenhouse.org/) Support the show