Being Open to Unexpected Opportunities with Portia Roberson
Denise Ilitch show
In this episode of The Denise Ilitch Show, Denise sits down with Portia Roberson, the dynamic CEO of Focus: HOPE, to delve into the incredible work she does with the organization and her inspiring journey to where she is today. Portia shares her passion for her current role but reveals that one of her proudest moments was being appointed by President Obama after working on his successful campaign. Despite never envisioning a career in Washington, D.C., Portia's experience taught her a valuable life lesson about being open to unexpected opportunities. Throughout their conversation,...
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Mary Sheffield-Showing Up
Denise Ilitch show
Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Denise Ilitch podcast! Today's episode, titled "Showing Up," features an extraordinary guest who embodies the spirit of Detroit's resilience and progress. Join us as Denise sits down with Mary Sheffield, the youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council and its current President. Mary's journey is a testament to the power of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community. In this captivating conversation, Mary shares her inspiring story of discovering her gift in public service, her deep love for Detroit, and the crucial...
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Looking at the Big Picture with Carrie Leahy
Denise Ilitch show
Have you wondered what it takes to be on the partnership track at a law firm? What kind of preparation and leadership it takes to achieve top success in private practice? Denise talks to Carrie Leahy, attorney and chair of Bodman PLC. Carrie provides tangible and useful advice about working your way up in a large firm and career development. She talks about balancing interests, being creative with solutions, and learning to listen and actually hear colleagues and clients. This episode will be very helpful to those aspiring to the legal field as well as those interested in general...
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Success Begets Success: A Conversation with Henry Ford Health's Robert Riney
Denise Ilitch show
In the latest episode of the Denise Ilitch Show, we're joined by an inspirational figure in healthcare leadership, Robert Riney. After an impressive 45-year journey with Henry Ford Health, Riney has ascended to the role of President and CEO, embodying the very essence of dedication and perseverance. Riney's story is a testament to the power of commitment and adaptability in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. His involvement in multiple boards showcases his expansive influence and deep understanding of the industry. But it's his proudest career accomplishment that truly sets him apart -...
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A Voice for the Voiceless
Denise Ilitch show
Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Denise Ilitch Show. Today, we have the privilege of hosting a remarkable guest who embodies the spirit of compassion and advocacy - philanthropist Cynthia Ford. In this powerful conversation titled "A Voice for the Voiceless," Cynthia shares her journey of becoming a champion for children's causes, sparked by her own family's experience with diabetes. Prepare to be moved as Cynthia reveals how she discovered her calling to be a voice for those who often go unheard - our children. Her story is one of empathy, determination, and the profound impact...
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A Partner with Parents - Dr. Herman Gray
Denise Ilitch show
Don't miss the latest episode of the Denise Ilitch Show, featuring an inspiring interview with Dr. Herman Gray. This compelling conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in healthcare, social progress, and the future of pediatrics. Dr. Gray, Chair of the Wayne State School of Medicine and a renowned pediatrician, shares his remarkable journey and insights. He discusses his proudest accomplishment - serving as President of the Children's Hospital - a position his father, also a doctor, couldn't even dream of due to racial barriers. This powerful story showcases the incredible strides...
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No Such Thing as a Typical Day with Mayor Bryan Barnett
Denise Ilitch show
Just as the 92nd Annual Meeting of The United States Conference of Mayors wraps up, we introduce this episode that addresses issues of local involvement and priorities of local governments. Denise speaks to Bryan K. Barnett, the longest serving Mayor of Rochester Hills, MI. Bryan was America’s Mayor while he served as the 77th president of The US Conference of Mayors right as the pandemic started. “There is no such thing as a typical day” - He shares his experiences, unique path into local politics, and perspective on daily challenges. In our days of deep polarization, he talks about...
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Civic Leader Inspiration with Shirley Stancato
Denise Ilitch show
Shirley Stancato is known for her leadership in Detroit and enduring commitment to social justice. She talks with Denise about the New Detroit coalition, race relations, and dealing with adversity. “Having conversations about race helps leaders in their organizations”. Top down, leaders and educators must set standards for interaction and rules of engagement. For an honest and productive discussion we need a no fault environment and a focus on the issue rather than an individual. She also poignantly reminds us that even if you are alone in your opinion, it doesn’t mean that you are...
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There is No Finish Line with Karen McDonald
Denise Ilitch show
In this hard-hitting episode, Denise talks with Karen McDonald, Oakland County Prosecutor, about the recent convictions of the Oxford High School shooter and both of his parents, as well as gun violence as a public health crisis, and lessons we need to draw for crime prevention. The sobering fact is that gun violence is the number one cause of death in children in the US, with over half of those deaths being from suicide. Prosecutor McDonald, who has established the Commission to Address Gun Violence, talks about learning from the experts on factors and warning signs of a shooter, and...
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Never Give Up! Discussion on Perseverance with Arn Tellem
Denise Ilitch show
Denise talks to Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman of the Detroit Pistons basketball franchise. They discuss many lessons from his distinguished career as one of the top player agents in professional sports. Arn gives tangible advice for both people starting out in their careers as well as seasoned professionals. In particular, he talks about personal lessons of perseverance after losing a player as an agent, and gives suggestions to young people about education and career management. Arn talks about his decision to join the Pistons and how the opportunity to contribute to the region’s revitalization...
info_outline“Don’t Dull What Makes You Special.” Lindsay Verstegen
Denise talks to Lindsay Verstegen, Senior VP and Chief Diversity Officer for the Detroit Lions. Prior to joining the world of sports, Lindsay worked in corporate America, scaling companies like ShopRunner, one of the toughest situations she faced professionally at a time when so many businesses were suffering during the pandemic. The experience taught her to muster the courage to show up and write the playbook on the unprecedented.
Lindsay during the time when she doubts herself, she’s learned to show herself compassion, and accept that she CAN do. At times she assembles her own personal knights around the table, so to speak, to get advice from those both inside and outsider her immediate circle. She values being authentic because she says it allows others to come of out of their shell.
So, what would she say to her younger self? “Trust the universe my friend. Do the work and it’ll pay off.”
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Lindsay Verstegen is Chief People and Diversity Officer for the Detroit Lions where she leads the quest to build an open, equitable and transparent organization. Prior to working for the NFL, Lindsay worked for over a decade helping to scale organizations and build winning cultures at Groupon, Braintree, Venmo and ShopRunner. In February of 2021, she was recognized as one of Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Leaders in HR. She is also a speaker and guest lectures at the Chicago Booth School of Business and the Kellogg School of Management. She holds a BFA in musical theatre from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. After 18 years in Chicago Lindsay now lives with her family in the Detroit metropolitan area.
Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School.
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