Episode 47: Writing my story one chapter at a time
Next Level Leader
Beth Kieffer Leonard is a distinguished national leader in the accounting profession, recognized for her trailblazing role as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. In this episode, Beth emphasizes the importance of making intentional choices in both her professional and personal life. She believes in the power of leadership to impact people, clients, and communities positively. Her approach to leadership is centered on providing opportunities for others and giving back to the community. This is evident in her service to the University of MN, a co-founder of the...
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Episode 46: You Wouldn't Believe Me if I Told You (with Jay Delsing)
Next Level Leader
Born on October 17, 1960, Delsing grew up in the North County area of St. Louis. His father, Jim Delsing, was a Major League Baseball outfielder who played for several teams, including the New York Yankees, from 1948 to 1960. Jay learned golf at the now-demolished North Shore Country Club near the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge. Delsing attended UCLA, where he played alongside future PGA Tour stars like Corey Pavin and Duffy Waldorf. He became a two-time All-American and ranks third in UCLA men's golf history with seven tournament victories. He graduated in 1983 with a...
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Episode 45: Fatherless No More
Next Level Leader
Tim Johnson is a former NFL Super Bowl champion, Sports Illustrated All-Pro, NCAA Football All-American, and Penn State national champion. Previously named National Faith-Based Leader of the Year by the John C. Maxwell Organization, he serves as senior pastor of Orlando World Outreach Church, president of the Orlando Serve Foundation, and founder of the Fatherless No More initiative. Tim travels the globe speaking to thousands in churches, pro athlete facilities, jails and prisons. Johnson is husband to Le’Chelle, and father to Christa, Kayla, Karrah and Shaun.
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Episode 44: When life sends you a message that leads to your calling….
Next Level Leader
Matt Buresh is a fourth generation funeral director in a family business that began in Detroit, MI in 1897. He currently owns and operates six locations in Northeast Michigan as one of the oldest family owned funeral homes at 127 years. This is his story about facing adversity at a young age and how it helped him to find his calling, define his character and build a foundation for how to care for others. A former athlete and medical student found that God would lead him to the family profession he now treats as a ministry. The path evolved into foster care to continue his mission...
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Episode 43: The Power of Love
Next Level Leader
When you are dealt with the extraordinary in life, the people in your corner truly do matter. Nick Oprish tells his story from growing up in Bloomington, MN to a degree at the University of St Thomas, meeting his wife Melissa and being blessed with 3 beautiful kids and a career in corporate America. In 2019 his journey took an unexpected turn that made him double down on his determination and resilience not only to survive but to make the most out of the next chapter of his life. This is his story of life, love, gratefulness, hope and resilience of the...
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Episode 42: Two Hands on the Broom
Next Level Leader
From bricklayer to the CEO of a thriving National IT Consulting firm, Richard shares his lessons learned through his Forbes published book, “Relationship Equity.” His no nonsense, common sense approach to life will undoubtedly inspire you to challenge the way you think.
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Episode 41: Chandler Withington: Stand and Deliver
Next Level Leader
In 2021, Chandler Withington had a life many would envy. He had achieved his dream of becoming a PGA Head Professional at Hazeltine National, had hosted a victorious Ryder Cup in 2016 and had another Ryder Cup scheduled to return to Hazeltine in 2029. When Chandler suddenly resigned from his position in the fall of 2021, many wondered why. Chandler visits with us to share his perspective on life, family and pursuing a career, along with what he is doing now.
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Episode 40: Miracles happen on Mondays
Next Level Leader
Ryan French, better known as Monday Q Info on Twitter, is a golf writer and journalist who pride himself on telling the stories of players chasing the top tours in the world and the dedication and sacrifice it takes to get there. French became particularly well-known for his coverage of “Monday qualifiers,” which are events held on the Monday prior to a professional golf tournament where golfers who are not otherwise exempt can try to earn a spot in the field. He started a Twitter account, Monday Q Info, which quickly gained a following among golf fans and professionals alike for its...
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Episode 39: Grace, Gratitude and Giving
Next Level Leader
In this episode, host Craig Pratt talks with Jeff Mader about his life, career, and motivations. Jeff Mader retired at the beginning of 2023 from the CIO position at Sun Country Airlines. Jeff started working in IT in 1980. Most significant was his nearly twenty- four years at Target where he progressed to a senior level VP reporting to the CIO. Jeff also served as the first CIO of Imagine Companies prior to joining Sun Country Airlines. He has significant background in retail, transportation, and manufacturing. Jeff received his BS degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato...
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Episode 38: Power of Connection: Colleagues, Family, Friends & Cause
Next Level Leader
Nick Hernandez is a St. Paul native who co-founded 3 advisory firms after starting his career at IBM. Alongside his wife, Mary Alice, they have four grown children, three of whom are parents, and six energetic grandchildren. In 2020, he founded Adelante Advisors with Jackie Hartman, a guide service helping people navigate life transitions and find deeper meaning and purpose.
info_outlineTim Johnson is a former NFL Super Bowl champion, Sports Illustrated All-Pro, NCAA Football All-American, and Penn State national champion. Previously named National Faith-Based Leader of the Year by the John C. Maxwell Organization, he serves as senior pastor of Orlando World Outreach Church, president of the Orlando Serve Foundation, and founder of the Fatherless No More initiative.
Tim travels the globe speaking to thousands in churches, pro athlete facilities, jails and prisons. Johnson is husband to Le’Chelle, and father to Christa, Kayla, Karrah and Shaun.