Surfacing Leaders

This might be one of the most important episodes of Surfacing Leaders we’ve released.

In this gripping conversation, host Marc Koehler sits down with Rashmi Airan, ex-felon, lawyer, keynote speaker, and self-proclaimed unapologetic truth-teller, whose fall from grace led her through the darkest chapter of her life and into the brightest clarity of purpose.

Rashmi doesn’t just talk about resilience, transformation, and ethics: she l...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler reconnects with Fire Chief David Parsons of the Oceanside Fire Department to explore what leadership looks like when the stakes are at their highest.

Chief Parsons shares the gripping story of the April 2024 Oceanside Pier fire, one of the most high-risk, high-visibility events in the city’s recent history, and how the department’s response became a case study in t...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler welcomes Lindsay Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Ink Factory Studio, to explore how visual storytelling transforms communication and leadership.

Lindsay shares her journey from military base beginnings to becoming a leader in visual note-taking and collaborative communication. She explains how visuals—what she calls “modern-day pictograms”—cut through noise, build cl...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with special guest and daughter, Sophie Koehler, a young engineer and emerging Gen Z leader who is reshaping what leadership looks like today—and tomorrow.

Sophie shares her experience growing up in the orbit of high-stakes leadership, only to realize that her generation is leading in different, quieter, and often more c...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Charlene Wheeless, former NFL cheerleader, women’s keynote speaker, best-selling author, and leadership expert.

Charlene’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and conscious choice. Through her experiences, she challenges the myths around success and leadership, offering a fresh perspect...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a compelling conversation about performance psychology with Paul McVeigh, a former professional football player (soccer, if you’re in the US) from Belfast, Northern Ireland, who competed at the highest levels of the English Premier League. 

After a decade-long career with clubs like Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur, Paul transitioned into the world of perform...

Some leaders talk about pressure—others have lived it. In this episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc Koehler sits down with Mark Fava—former naval flight officer, aviation lawyer, Boeing executive, and best-selling author—to uncover the hard truths about leadership when every decision matters.

They discuss the high-stakes world of Cold War submarine tracking and the invaluable leadership lessons Mark carried from the cockpit to...

What does it take to lead in an industry that’s evolving faster than ever? In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Lucas Silva, a dynamic operations leader in the construction industry.

They explore what it takes to lead in one of the most demanding and rapidly evolving fields. Lucas shares his journey—from getting hands-on experience in high school to overseeing major infrastructure proje...

What does it take to lead with confidence when you’re thrown into the deep end—whether in the military, a high-stakes veterinary clinic, or any leadership role? In this special episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc Koehler sits down with his niece and godchild, Dr. Petra van Moorsel, who is a former U.S. Army Veterinary Corps captain turned civilian veterinarian, to uncover the leadership lessons that translate far beyond the exa...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Kerim Kfuri, global entrepreneur and supply chain expert, author, and CEO of the Atlas Network. They explore the intricate world of supply chains, the mindset needed for success, and the leadership principles that drive sustainable growth in an interconnected economy.

Kerim shares his unique journey—from early entrepreneurial ventures to leading a gl...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Kevin Wathey, founder of Valara, a global resort portfolio redefining wellness, and Baseline, a health technology platform revolutionizing personalized health insights.

Kevin shares his inspiring journey, from navigating personal loss to finding his purpose in wellness and hospitality. They discuss his transition from a corporate career at Hyatt Hote...

Are You Waiting for Permission to Lead Your Best Life? In this week’s episode, host Marc Koehler engages in a powerful conversation with returning guest Heather Younger, a celebrated author, keynote speaker, and leadership and workplace culture expert, who calls out the habits holding us back—waiting, blaming, and avoiding responsibility—and shares the keys to breaking free. 

Heather shares insights from her latest book, The Art of...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with his former Executive Officer on the USS Pogy, Vice Admiral Joe Leidig, a distinguished leader with 39 years of service in the U.S. Navy and a wealth of experience in both military and business environments.

Joe reflects on his incredible journey from being Executive Officer of nuclear-powered submarines to serving as Deputy Commander of U.S. Africa C...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Elizabeth Yerecic Freedman, a leader in the family business world, to discuss leadership, sustainability, and the challenges of generational business transition.

Elizabeth, who is deeply involved in her family's business, Yerecic Label, as Co-Owner and EVP, shares how they've transformed their operations through cross-functional teams and lean pract...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler is joined by Dr. Scott De Long, a serial entrepreneur, seasoned leadership expert, educator, and author of I Thought I Was a Leader. Scott brings years of experience in coaching, corporate leadership, and personal development, offering a wealth of insights on how to cultivate strong teams and become a more effective leader.

In this episode, Scott shares powerful in...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with the renowned Coach Mark Gottfried, former NCAA Division I basketball coach and leadership expert. Together, they explore the evolution of Mark’s leadership over a 32-year coaching career and the timeless values that drive success on and off the court.

Mark shares insights from his experiences coaching at the highest levels of college basketball, high...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a conversation with Laura Hamill, a leader in organizational psychology and leadership development, founder of Paris Phoenix Group, and author of the just-released book The Power of Culture. Together, they explore the evolving dynamics of leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of generational shifts in the workforce.

Laura shares her unique insi...

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler talks with Eddie Pate, a seasoned inclusion, diversity, and equity expert. With a robust career spanning over two decades, Eddie has significantly contributed to leading inclusion initiatives at renowned organizations, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, which has equipped him with unique insights into teamwork and leadership in high-pressure environments. 

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a conversation with leading food and agriculture research expert and Holland-native, Anne-Marie Roerink. Together, they explore the intersection of leadership, industry evolution, and the importance of curiosity in driving meaningful change.

Anne-Marie shares her insights from years of research in the food sector, emphasizing the growing demand for trans...