Becoming Bridge Builders

Leadership isn't just about strutting around like you own the place; it's more about having the guts to jump into the deep end when you're not even sure if there's water in the pool. In a world where tough conversations often feel like navigating a minefield, Tess Fialka, a leadership coach and author, joins us to spill the beans on her new book, "Walking the Leadership Ledge." We dive into the nitty-gritty of why those awkward cha...

What if the ultimate test of leadership isn’t your ability to win an argument, but your capacity to build a bridge in the middle of a crisis? In this masterclass episode, we sit down with Doug Noll, a lawyer turned professional peacemaker, who has spent over two decades mediating high-stakes disputes and even training maximum-security inmates to de-escalate violence. Doug pulls back the curtain on how a true Bridge Builder st...

What happens when you must build a bridge across one of the most complex intersections of modern life: where cutting-edge reproductive science meets deeply personal faith? In this profoundly moving episode, we explore the role of a Bridge Builder when navigating the turbulent, often taboo waters of infertility and IVF. Joining us is Dr. Oluyemisi Famuyiwa, a seasoned reproductive endocrinologist with over 25 years of experience and...

How does a leader stand firm when modern culture feels increasingly fragmented and chaotic? In this powerful episode, we explore the core of the Bridge Builder persona through the lens of radical resilience and inner strength. Joining us is John Krotec—an author, speaker, and advocate who survived a traumatic brain injury and intense personal struggles—to share why the ultimate mantra for navigating adversity is simply ...

How do you build a bridge from feeling left behind to leading a movement of empowerment? In this inspiring episode, we dive into the heart of what it means to be a Bridge Builder by reframing one of the most misunderstood cognitive differences: dyslexia. Joining us is advocate and strategist Willie Blake to share his journey from being a six-year-old kid struggling to keep pace in school to becoming a leader who champions neurodive...

Workplace culture is often misunderstood as a list of perks, casual Fridays, and free lunches. But true organizational culture isn't a fluffy concept—it's the daily heartbeat of how people treat one another, build trust, and drive results.

In this powerful episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, we sit down with leadership and cultural transformation expert Brett Hoogeveen. Brett breaks down why culture is a strategic powerhouse ...

Before we can bridge the gaps in our teams, families, and communities, we have to address the gap within ourselves. In a world filled with constant noise, how do we maintain clarity, peace, and balance?

Join host Dr. Keith Haney as he sits down with Erin Treacy to talk about the power of emotional intelligence in modern leadership. Erin shares her journey through a life-altering health scare that taught her the critical necessity of...

We're diving into the art of storytelling today, and let me tell you, it's all about finding those gems in your life that connect us all. Our guest shares some solid wisdom: when you meet folks whose talents you admire, don’t just admire from afar—team up and create something awesome together.

We chat about the beauty of storytelling as a means to foster understanding and kindness in a world that can feel a bit chaotic a...

What happens when high-performance success meets complete spiritual surrender? In this profound episode, we explore how a true Bridge Builder navigates the delicate intersection of professional achievement and personal brokenness. We are joined by Shilo Creed, a seven-time award-winning and best-selling author, whose riveting journey from a life-threatening heart condition to a radical spiritual awakening provides an essential mast...

What does it actually take to prevent mass violence and cultivate lasting peace in a divided world?

In this episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, we sit down with Jai Ayla Sutherland, a brilliant program officer at the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, to unpack how we can tackle structural violence right from the ground up. Jai brings an incredibly refreshing perspective on how local communities can move away from division and ...

Ever feel like your calendar is lying to you? You say your family, faith, or personal growth is a top priority, but a quick glance at your weekly schedule tells a completely different story.

In this episode, we sit down with Reed Nyffeler to unpack one of the ultimate struggles of modern life: striking a harmonious balance between your professional obligations and your deeper, divine calling.

Reed challenges us to stop chasing the fl...

Is your social media feed draining your team, your family, or your personal peace? In a digital landscape dominated by polarization, outrage, and anxiety, a true Bridge Builder steps in to construct a healthier alternative. In this episode, we sit down with Gerald Jones, the visionary co-founder of the Blessn app, to discuss how we can actively bridge the gap between toxic online environments and spaces of genuine encouragement.

Dri...

Let’s be honest: embarking on a career journey right now can feel like trying to solve a maze in the dark. Between shifting global events and the unwritten rules of corporate etiquette, many young adults are entering the workforce feeling completely ill-equipped.

In this episode, we sit down with author Christianne Meneses Jacobs to unpack the vital blueprint laid out in her book, "Professional Life Skills for Young Adults."

Ch...

What if the deepest conflicts in your closest relationships could be traced back to two simple but powerful human needs: love and respect?

In this episode, we sit down with renowned marriage counselor Dr. Emerson Eggerichs to explore how emotional distance forms and, more importantly, how a Bridge Builder step in to repair it. Drawing from over 30 years of clinical insight, Dr. Eggerichs breaks down the "Crazy Cycle"—the destr...

What happens when the greatest threat to your leadership isn’t your strategy, but the unseen spiritual battles shifting beneath the surface?

In this episode, we sit down with Athena Dean Holtz—a venerable figure with over four decades of experience in ministry and the founder of Redemption Press. Athena pulls back the curtain on her powerful new book, "No Longer Hidden: You Can't Resist What You Don't Recognize," to expo...

What does it truly mean to be a Bridge Builder in leadership, faith, and family? In this episode, we unpack the extraordinary journey of Denny LaVe—a Catholic entrepreneur, former monk, and father of six—who embodies the Bridge Builder persona by seamlessly connecting deep spiritual conviction with gritty, real-world leadership.

Central to our conversation is the art of building a bridge between the noise of contemporary...

What does it mean to move past modern polarization and become an active Bridge Builder in your community? In this episode, we sit down with leadership mentor Chip Webster to explore how civic engagement and intentional volunteerism can heal societal fragmentation. As the founder of Unity and Service, Inc., Chip has dedicated his latest chapter to a powerful mission: rekindling trust and bridging deep cultural divides through the tr...

How does a leader maintain their guiding presence when navigating the tumultuous waters of a major crisis like a cancer diagnosis? In this powerful episode, we explore the role of a Bridge Builder when the divide that needs bridging is between professional responsibility and deep personal turmoil. We are joined by the remarkable Deb Krier—an extraordinary entrepreneur, certified integrative cancer coach, and stage 4 breast ca...

What happens when the bridge you must build is between the parent who raised you and the dependent they have now become? In this deeply moving episode, we explore the role of a Bridge Builder when confronting the devastating realities of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. We are joined by Sarah Vosburgh, author of the memoir Who Will Name the Bees?, who shares her raw, transformative journey of stepping into the role ...