Lessons in Humility and Accountability with Marc Luiken

Marc Luiken has held leadership roles that span the skies, the state of Alaska, and the private sector—and in this episode, he brings a wealth of insight from all three. Marc began his career as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, later served as Alaska’s Commissioner of Transportation, and today directs business development at Michael Baker International. We … Read More

Every hero needs a guide (including you)

Luke Skywalker wouldn’t have saved a galaxy far, far away without Obi Wan Kenobi. Or Yoda. Neo wouldn’t have escaped the Matrix (and did whatever the hell he did in the second and third movies) without Morpheus. Do we really think Katniss and Peeta survive the Hunger Games without Haymitch – flawed as he was – as their guide? To … Read More

Coaching Your People For Grit And Growth with Anna Gould

In this episode, I sit down with Anna Gould, Director of Sales at GCI Communications and unofficial holder of the title “Person Most Likely to Know the Answer to Your Problem.” Anna’s career is a masterclass in growth through grit, humility, and relentless curiosity. From swapping physical tapes at her parents’ wireless cable company in Fairbanks to leading a statewide … Read More

One simple tweak, one very big difference

At the beginning of June I spent a week on a cruise ship, intentionally cut off from the internet. Before I left, I diligently tied up loose ends and set up my out of office email so that I wouldn’t leave anyone hanging. It was a blissful week of sun, sand, and sea. And naps. And then I came home … Read More

Leadership Lessons From A Marketing Mind with Dean Caravelis

This week on Leadership Huddle… I sit down with Dean Caravelis—Founder and CEO at Blezoo—to talk about what it really means to lead with intention, creativity, and a deep respect for both your team and your customers.  Dean has spent nearly two decades helping brands show up in unforgettable ways, and he’s just released his first book, The Experience in … Read More

Are you making it easier for them to win?

I can now get a Mountain Dew at Subway. The sandwiches are the same as they’ve always been, but now I can get a delicious, ice cold Mountain Dew to accompany the meal. That changes my calculus when choosing a spot to grab a quick bite to eat. In a similar way, your leadership can be the frosty Mountain Dew … Read More

Bridging Journalism and Leadership with Amy Nordrum

In this episode, I sit down with Amy Nordrum, Executive Editor at MIT Technology Review and one of the sharpest minds working at the intersection of journalism, technology, and leadership. Amy shares what it’s like to lead a newsroom that covers emerging tech while producing some of MIT Tech Review’s most influential projects — including the “10 Breakthrough Technologies” list … Read More

Fight the waves or learn to surf

I recently saw a video of a guy learning to surf. He was clearly very new to the sport and spent the majority of the video in the ocean instead of on his surfboard. Every attempt to stand was a battle between his body, his board, and a massive uncaring ocean. Stiff arms and wobbly knees, fighting for balance and … Read More

From Locker Room to Leadership with Brock Anundson

What do Michael Phelps, Pearl Jam, and Arctic engineering have in common? This conversation with Dr. Brock Anundson, Athletic Director at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, weaves them all together in the most delightful way. Brock shares stories from his early days working with Olympic athletes (including a great Phelps anecdote), playing in garage bands, and climbing the ranks of … Read More

It’s time to let go

On a recent camper adventure, Nicole and I were talking about what we enjoyed most about camping. My answer: having the explicit license to not be productive. I am often so compelled to be working on something that spending AN ENTIRE WEEKEND without a project is a rarity. It’s not that I can’t find a way to kill a rainy … Read More

The Art of Letting Go with Tara Landes

In this episode, I sit down with Tara Landes, founder of Bellrock Benchmarking and a master of making leadership development feel both human and doable. We talk about the hidden costs of not delegating, the difference between delegation and dumping, and why most leaders accidentally train their teams to depend on them. Tara shares a framework for understanding growth stages—from … Read More

It was never supposed to be original

In a recent 10 day span I attended 4 graduations.  From a 3-hour marathon, to a crisp 60-minute sprint, I saw four people I love graduate from four different schools with one common denominator: everything. I’m sure this is going to sound a little cynical and act as the perfect reminder that I am aging rapidly, but when you hear … Read More

Don’t you dare waste a mistake

Some of you will think I’m crazy, but focusing your effort on creating an environment in which mistakes never happen is impractical. It’s like trying to go for a swim without getting wet. Here’s a better alternative: create an environment in which no mistakes are wasted. Mistakes are inevitable. Growth is optional. The worst kind of mistake is one that … Read More

Creating an Army of Smart Risk Takers with Charlie Leonelli

Charlie Leonelli, the Chief Administrative Officer at MAC Federal Credit Union, joins Leadership Huddle to talk about leading with consistency, building trust through failure, and why he treats volleyball games like real-world social media. We explore the art of growing people at their own pace, embracing mistakes as data, and creating a culture where taking smart risks is safe—and expected. … Read More

You don’t have to be a perfect leader

When I was growing up – back in the dark ages before you could skip commercials – there were a series of ads on TV encouraging people to become foster parents. The message was simple: you don’t have to be a perfect parent to become a foster parent, you just have to care. It seems that a major impediment to … Read More