Breaking the Cycle of Poverty - Interview with Cathe Dykstra, CEO of Family Scholar House
The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler
Release Date: 08/01/2025
Promoting Kentucky's Role in Global Trade
The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler
Episode 6: In this episode, Todd Schmiedeler speaks with Omar Ayyash, the CEO of the World Trade Center of Kentucky (WTCKY), about the role international trade plays in the state’s economy. The WTCKY is a nonprofit organization assisting businesses through training, matchmaking, and trade missions, such as the upcoming trip to Dubai. Todd and Omar explore how businesses can leverage the global World Trade Center network to generate leads and foster connections. They also emphasize the importance of global exposure and cross-cultural understanding, as building blocks for the grit...
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The Parent's Playbook: Practical Resources for Raising Thriving Kids
The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler
Episode 5: In this episode, Todd Schmiedeler speaks with Darrell Bramer, Executive Director of Operation Parent, about his personal journey and the vital mission of his organization. Darrell shares his transition from a 32-year career in corporate America to the nonprofit sector, a move he describes not as retirement, but as "rewiring" to align his work with his passion for helping families. The discussion explores Operation Parent's core mission: to empower parents to have "casual, courageous conversations" with their children about difficult topics like technology, mental health, and...
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Investing in Human Capital with Sarah Brady President FSH Works
The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler
Episode 4: This podcast episode features Sarah Brady, President of FSH Works, discussing her journey from starting work at age 16 to leading a statewide and multi-state organization focused on helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency. FSH Works, an upstream initiative of Family Scholar House, provides comprehensive wraparound services including academic and career coaching, with a particular focus on non-traditional students and entry-level workers. Sarah highlights the organization's data-driven approach, utilizing a custom database to track longitudinal impact and demonstrate...
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Restoring Hope and Dignity: Serving Families in Crisis with Parker Bartholomew, Angelic Ministries
The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler
Episode 3: Todd Schmiedeler interviews Parker Bartholomew about his path from business owner to board leader at Angelic Ministries in Knoxville. Parker describes Angelic’s origins, its growth to serving thousands of families each year, and its core programs, Families in Crisis, recovery support, and homeless outreach, focused on restoring dignity by letting people choose what they need. He explains how donations and partnerships (from local families to retailers and the University of Tennessee) fuel their work. He details an innovative push into modular tiny homes as a scalable,...
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Navigating the Future of Long-Term Care - Interview with Jason Squires, CEO of LeadingAge Kentucky
The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler
Episode 2: In today’s episode, host Todd Schmiedeler interviews Jason Squires, CEO of LeadingAge Kentucky, a Louisville-based, nonprofit member association. It serves approximately 70 nonprofit long-term care members across the state. They’ll discuss major industry changes and challenges, AI’s impact, and strategies to improve quality of care and funding. Chapters 00:31 Welcome and Jason's Journey to LeadingAge Kentucky 01:33 Understanding LeadingAge Kentucky's Mission and Reach 03:04 Core Member Services and Pressing Industry Challenges 05:49 Demystifying...
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Breaking the Cycle of Poverty - Interview with Cathe Dykstra, CEO of Family Scholar House
The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler
Episode 1: This is the inaugural Blueprint Strategy Podcast episode and features Cathe Dykstra, CEO of Family Scholar House. Todd’s discussion with Cathe highlights her unique leadership philosophy, the remarkable growth and impact of Family Scholar House, and their innovative approach to addressing generational poverty. Central to their success are a commitment to data-driven outcomes, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deeply empathetic, family-centered model that fosters belonging and self-sufficiency. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Blueprint Strategy Podcast and Cathe Dykstra ...
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Todd Comments on the Upcoming Launch
The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler
Hey, I’m Todd Schmiedeler, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to my new podcast, The Blueprint Strategy. This show is all about real, insightful conversations with — and for — leaders in healthcare and the nonprofit world. We’re digging into the pivotal moments, the breakthroughs, the setbacks, and the wins that shape great leadership. The Blueprint Strategy launches Friday, August 1st. You’ll be able to watch it on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube — and listen wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more. I’ll be sitting down with...
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We're Launching a Leadership Podcast
The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler
Do you lead a healthcare or nonprofit organization ? We're inviting you to the launch of a new leadership podcast, The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler, on Friday, 8/08/25. Todd is a recognized leader in healthcare, with a heart for the nonprofit world. He's the Founder and CEO of Thumbprint Consulting. Episodes will feature conversations with other leaders uncovering a wide range of key decisions, setbacks and triumphs those leaders experienced. You'll have a front-row seat for these candid discussions with professionals who are willing to share insights...
info_outlineEpisode 1: This is the inaugural Blueprint Strategy Podcast episode and features Cathe Dykstra, CEO of Family Scholar House. Todd’s discussion with Cathe highlights her unique leadership philosophy, the remarkable growth and impact of Family Scholar House, and their innovative approach to addressing generational poverty. Central to their success are a commitment to data-driven outcomes, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deeply empathetic, family-centered model that fosters belonging and self-sufficiency.
Chapters
- 00:00 - Introduction to the Blueprint Strategy Podcast and Cathe Dykstra
- 01:37 – Cathe’s Diverse Professional Background and Service Philosophy
- 03:27 - The Transformative Growth of Family Scholar House
- 06:16 - The Two-Generational Approach to Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
- 08:40 - Responsive Program Development Through Active Listening
- 11:48 - The Simple Brilliance of Different-Colored Doors
- 14:39 - Leadership Principles: Fostering a Blame-Free, Accountable Environment
- 16:39 - Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovative Initiatives
- 21:37 - The Power of Data and Return on Investment
- 25:55 - Family Scholar House as a Unifying Force and Personal Interests
- 29:34 - Conclusion
To Learn More about Cathe Dykstra and Family Scholar House:
· Website: https://familyscholarhouse.org/
· Website: https://www.familybrands.family
If you’d like to learn more about Thumbprint Consulting and the services we offer, click here. You can also call us at (502) 365-1791. We’ll be happy to speak with you.
