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#58: Author Derrick Barnes On Being Inspired By His Son To Write "The Blackest Book Ever"
Derrick Barnes, an award-winning children's book author, discusses the early influences on him growing up in Kansas City, the early challenges in his writing career, and the inspiration from one of his son's to write the "blackest book ever."
#57: Jesse Washington On The Influences And Inspirations In His Journey As A Multi-Faceted Storyteller
Jesse Washington, journalist, author and documentary filmmaker, shares what's shaped and inspired him throughout his fascinating career, which includes award-winning pieces for ESPN's Andscape and books with luminaries such as Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson and sports agent Rich Paul.
#56: Susan Bass Roberts On How Her Inspiring Childhood Experiences Drew Her To Leadership In Philanthropy
Susan Bass Roberts, the President of the Pohlad Family Foundation, discusses the profound influence of her grandmother and mother in shaping her experiences, and her journey to become the first non-family member to lead the influential foundation of the Pohlad family, whose varied interests include the Minnesota Twins.
#55: Khanh Nguyễn On Her Refugee Experiences And Insights, And Rethinking The American Dream
Khanh Nguyễn, an associate dean at Bethel University, shares about experience as a refugee from Vietnam, and her growth in faith and her work in serving people from diverse backgrounds.
#54: Laurel Bunker On Her Experiences And Insights Into Future Challenges In Higher Education
Laurel Bunker, a pastor, educator, writer and motivational speaker with 30 years of broad leadership experiences, shares the impact of growing up in the Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul, and her groundbreaking roles in many areas, including higher education.
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#53: Clifton Ross On Having A 1.3 GPA In High School To Owning And Building His Business
Clifton Ross, President and CEO of Guardian Resources, shares how he took ownership of his life after struggles growing up in Chicago and graduating with a 1.3 G.P.A., to becoming a business owner.
#52: James Burroughs On Persevering Through Challenges To Make A Massive Impact On Diversity And Inclusion In Minnesota
James Burroughs, Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations, and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Children's Minnesota, shares how growing up in Detroit and graduating from Morehouse College prepared him for his pioneering work in Minnesota.
#51: Erin Horne McKinney On Overcoming Discrimination In Tech And Advertising And Empowering The Next Generation
Erin Horne McKinney, the National Executive Director of the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, on growing up in North Minneapolis and how a broad range of professional experiences prepared her for her current role.
#50: John D'Agostini Shares Perspectives On Race And Reframing Masculinity
John D'Agostini, a high-performance coach, speaker and author of Aimless: A Journey to Constructive Masculinity, highlights challenges in his childhood in Pennsylvania that inspire and shape his work with young men and reframe masculinity.
#49: Ron Johnson On Growing Up In Detroit And Raising His Family In Minnesota
Ron Johnson, an All-Big Ten, record-breaking receiver for the University of Minnesota, reflects on growing up in Detroit, his experiences as a Gopher and raising his two daughters in the Twin Cities.
#48: Steve Wyche On His Trailblazing Path To Becoming an NFL Insider For NFL Network
Steve Wyche, the Chief National Reporter for NFL Network and NFL.com, shares about growing up in Minneapolis and St. Louis, and his journey transitioning from playing football to becoming one of the most respected reporter's and broadcaster's focused exclusively on the NFL.
#47: Jovonta Patton On The Challenges Of Building His Music Career As An Independent Gospel Artist And The Impact Minneapolis Has Had On Him
Jovonta Patton, a six-time #1 chart-topping Billboard recording artist, composer and producer, discusses pursuing his passion for music, growing up in North Minneapolis, and the keys to succeeding as an independent gospel artist.
#46: C Willi Myles On Tapping Into His Own Fascinating Stories To Power His Comedy Career
C Willi Myles, known as America's Everyday Comedian, shares stories from his inspiring life, which started in Africatown and shifted to St. Cloud, Minnesota, and why having open conversations about race is so important to fostering positive change.
#45: Abe Woldeslassie On His Remarkable Rise As A College Basketball Head Coach
Abe Woldeslassie, the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Macalester College, reflects on how his parents fled what is now Eritrea amidst a Civil War for Minneapolis, and how his passion for basketball has led to his ascension to lead a program.
#44: Alicia Belton On Addressing Disparities In Architecture And Balancing Faith, Family And Work
Alicia Belton, founding principal of Urban Design Perspectives, a mission-driven architecture firm based in Minneapolis, shares about her faith, her family and becoming an architect, despite the overwhelmingly discouraging numbers in the profession for people of color.
#43: Sheletta Brundidge On Pouring Into Her Family, Business And Community
Sheletta Brundidge, the founder of the multi-media podcasting and production company Sheletta Makes Me Laugh, shares about her upbringing in Houston, her pioneering work in media and autism advocacy, and how she uniquely and colorfully balances her family and growing media empire.
#42 Tru Pettigrew On How His Life Changed After The Murder Of Michael Brown In 2014
Tru Pettigrew, the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer with the Minnesota Timberwolves, shares how the trajectory of his life changed after the killing of Michael Brown, including the start of deep and meaningful friendship with a police officer.
#41: Jazz Hampton On How The TurnSignl App Was Inspired After George Floyd's Murder
Jazz Hampton, Co-Founder and CEO of TurnSignl, discusses why he left a national law firm to create a startup with his two co-founders, and how their app is impacting its users and law enforcement.
#40: Jim Hollis On Sharing His Love For Math And Science With The Younger Generation
Jim Hollis, the Founder of The Calculus Roundtable, shares how his passion for math and science were nurtured and how his nonprofit works to accelerate the math and science skills of students of color.
#39: Duchesne Drew Shares Insights On Media And Diversity
Duchesne Drew, Senior Vice President of American Public Media Group and President of Minnesota Public Radio, discusses the challenges of leading a news organization and his family after the murder of George Floyd.
#38: De'Mon Wiggins On Engineering And Key Career Opportunities
De'Mon Wiggins, Executive Vice President and President of Industrial & Flow Technologies at Pentair, shares the emphasis and impact of his school teacher mother on his education and the programs and mentors who were key throughout his career.
#37: Anton Vincent On Growing Up in Mississippi and Career Leadership Keys
Anton Vincent, President of Mars Wrigley, North America, discusses the many highlights growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, and some of the experiences and keys that have helped in executive leadership roles at Mars Wrigley and General Mills.
#36: Ayo Idowu On Wealth Management And Who Motivates Him
Ayo Idowu, a financial advisor with Integrate Wealth Management, highlights his journey, which includes playing football at the University of St. Thomas and becoming a financial planner with ambitious goals.
#35: Martin Nance On His Journey From Player To Senior Leader With The Minnesota Vikings
Martin Nance, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Minnesota Vikings, shares about his remarkable career, which included playing in the NFL and now serving as an executive with the Vikings.
#34: Dianne Haulcy On Why She Commits Her Career To Serve Community
Dianne Haulcy, the President & CEO of The Family Partnership, discusses her experiences growing up in and raising her children in the Twin Cities, and the highs and lows of spending her career in human services and early childhood development.
#33: Alex Tittle On Cultural Humility And Why DEI Must Remain A Priority
Alex Tittle, the senior director of DEI and Community Engagement At Medica, shares how his military upbringing and service impacted his career, and why the continued investment in DEI is essential as some companies are returning to business as usual.
#32: Donnie Brooks On Empowering Athletes At Macalester College
Donnie Brooks, the athletic director at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, discusses the impact of growing up in Houston and his ascension to becoming an college athletic director and how he empowers students and feels about Name, Image Likeness.
#31: Ruben Rosario On Spotlighting The Forgotten And Ignored In Society
Ruben Rosario, who was a local columnist for the St. Paul Pioneer Press for over two decades, shares what inspired him to utilize his platform to spotlight issues like immigration, social justice, sex trafficking and child abuse and neglect.
#30: Jesse Ross On His Pride And Hope In And For North Minneapolis
Jesse Ross, an entrepreneur, consultant and community leader in North Minneapolis, discusses his experience growing up in North Minneapolis and who and what inspires him as he visualizes and witnesses the beauty of his community.
#29: Ricky Smith On Hitting Rock Bottom And Rebounding Through The Power Of Kindness
Ricky Smith, a comedian and influencer from Cleveland, shares how he was down to his final $20, after being homeless and having his bike stolen, and he rebuilt his life by leaning into kindness.
#28: Patience Ferguson On How Humble Beginnings And Oklahoma Lessons Influence Her Internal Compass
Patience Ferguson, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Inclusion at Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, reflects on her humble roots in Oklahoma propelled her throughout her life and the lessons along the way have influenced and shaped her internal compass.
#27: Charles Adams III On The Complexities Of Policing And Coaching In North Minneapolis
Charles Adams III, the head Varsity Football Coach at Minneapolis North Community High School, highlights growing up in North Minneapolis, his family's legacy as Minneapolis police officers and the challenges of coaching the Polar football team.
#26: Cherise Ayers On Attending An HBCU And Now Leading Her Historic St. Paul Alma Mater
Cherise Ayers, the principal at St. Paul Central High School, shares her experiences growing up in St. Paul Public Schools, and the joy and challenges of tackling disparities as a leading educator in the state.
#25: Leigh Steinberg On Inspiring The Movie Character Jerry Maguire And Maintaining Sobriety
Leigh Steinberg, a super agent who has represented over 300 athletes and inspired the movie character Jerry Maguire, reflects on his remarkable career, rebuilding himself, his family and his business after struggling with alcoholism, and the hope and inspiration that fuels him now at 73 years old.
#24: Michelle Edgerton On Finding Her Purpose And Being Her Authentic Self In Her Job
Michelle Edgerton, the executive vice president of advancement and development at the YMCA of the North, discusses what led her to pass up medical school for ministry and her reflections on race and her role as a leader and fundraiser.
#23: Kevin Warren On A Life-Changing Accident That Propelled His Pursuit Of Life
Kevin Warren, the Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, shares how a life-changing accident as a child impacted and propelled him to pursue with passion his life, career and legacy.
#22: Carolyn Moos On Tapping Her Intrinsic Desires To Be Her Best And Helping Others Pursue A Healthy Lifestyle
Carolyn Moos, a former Stanford and professional basketball player who is now a certified personal trainer, yoga instructor and nutrition consultant, discusses what keyed her phenomenal prep basketball career and what inspires her to motivate and help others live healthier lives.
#21: Lee A. Hutton III On Who And What Inspired Him To Become A Lawyer
Lee A. Hutton III, the managing partner and founder of the Hutton Firm, discusses how he ended up playing football at the University of Minnesota from Galveston, Texas, how he became a lawyer, and his insights on the profession, given his extensive and unique perspective.
#20: Henry Lake On Growing Up In Minneapolis And Slow Strides In Diversification Of Twin Cities Media
Henry Lake, host of his own show on WCCO Radio, reflects on growing up in Minneapolis, attending Morehouse College and being a high-profile figure in Twin Cities media.
#19: Jorge Perez On The Impact Of Being A First-Generation American And Rethinking The YMCA's Present And Future
Jorge Perez, the President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, discusses the lessons he learned growing up the son of Mexican-born immigrants, his diverse family and his perspectives on the present and future of the YMCA.
#18: Amelia Hardy On How George Floyd's Murder Inspired Her To Change Her Career Focus
Amelia Hardy, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at Best Buy, shares why she decided to shift from marketing to diversity, equity and inclusion work after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
#17: Reverend Elijah McDavid III On Transitioning To Minneapolis And Engaging Young People
Reverend Elijah McDavid III, the senior pastor at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis, discusses his remarkable family history and the impact it's had on his journey as a leader and man.
#16: Greg Coleman On The Cost Of Being A Pioneering Athlete And Ministry As A Foundational Part Of Life
Greg Coleman, the first African-American punter in the NFL and a longtime Minnesota Vikings player and broadcaster, shares some of his experiences growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, when it was racially segregated, and the lifelong lessons he's leaned on to help him thrive — and minister to others — in all areas of his life.
#15: Tonya Allen from the McKnight Foundation
Watch and listen as Glen Gunderson interviews McKnight Foundation’s Tonya Allen, where they have a conversation on race. Tonya heads an all-women, majority people-of-color senior leadership team. Allen is a well-regarded and thought-provoking public speaker, author, media contributor, and advisor. Check it out!
#14: Sean Jensen on How Growing Up an Outsider Helped Develop a Community through Connection
Sean Jensen, former NFL reporter who is now an author and speaker, discusses the challenges of growing up on military bases as a Korean boy and the connection skills that helped him foster and find a community.
#13: Ben Johnson, the head men’s basketball coach for the University of Minnesota’s Golden Gophers
Watch and listen as Glen Gunderson interviews Ben Johnson, the head men’s basketball coach for the University of Minnesota’s Golden Gophers. Glen and Ben discuss how his life lessons shaped his road map for building a successful team.
#12: Todd Tibbits on Vulnerability and Authenticity As Keys In Navigating Challenges
Todd Tibbits, President and CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County, discusses the impactful leaders who helped shape him in his more than three decades working with the YMCA, and what he believes are keys to leading the Y through present challenges and obstacles.
#11: Shelley Carthen Watson On The Support She Received To Become A Pioneering Attorney And Lifting Up The YWCA
Shelley Carthen Watson, President and CEO of the YWCA Minneapolis, shares keys in fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming an attorney and the passion she has in leading the YWCA Minneapolis.
#10: Dr. Courtney Jordan Baechler, program director for the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation's emerging science center
Watch and Listen as YMCA of the North's CEO Glen Gunderson interviews Dr. Courtney Jordan Baechler, where they have a conversation on race. Dr. Baechler serves as program director for the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation's emerging science center. She is a general cardiologist who is a passionate leader in integrative medicine and wellness.
#9: Bill George On The Challenges Of CEOs Today Compared To When He Led Medtronic
Bill George, who led the transformation of Medtronic from a midsize heart-device maker into one of the world’s largest med-tech corporations, shares a heartbreaking early lesson in leadership that shaped him, how the role of CEOs is harder today and what he thinks is essential for leaders to be mindful of into the future.
#8: Tony Sanneh On How A Simple Yes Turned Into A Foundation Impacting Thousands Of Youth
Tony Sanneh, a 17-year professional soccer player and founder of the Tony Sanneh Foundation, highlights his experiences growing up in St. Paul, playing soccer at the highest levels (including for the U.S. Men's National Team), and his passion to step up to serve youth in the Twin Cities and beyond.
#7: Alex Rodriguez, former pro baseball player and businessman
Glen Gunderson has a conversation with Minnesota Timberwolves' Alex Rodriguez, former pro baseball player and businessman. Learn about his views on race growing up and more!
#6: James White On The Courage To Lead During A Time Of Great Polarization
James White, the YMCA of the North's new vice president of leadership and curriculum development, shares on his nurturing community and environment growing up in rural North Carolina, his perspective on racism and micro-aggression, and and what inspired him to join the YMCA of the North.
#5: St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter On Leading The City He Grew Up In
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter shares what it was like growing up in St. Paul, what drives him to be the leader inside his city, and how he’s working within the community to eliminate disparities.
#4: George McCrary On The Resilience Of Minneapolis As The Community "Bounces Back"
George McCrary, the YMCA of the North's executive vice president for People and Culture, discusses his journey from being adopted and raised in Ohio to attending college in Maine and working throughout the United States, including for Walmart in Bentonville, Arkansas.
#3: Tony Dungy On Life Lessons And What Gives Him Hope
Tony Dungy, a Hall of Fame football coach who led the Indianapolis Colts to a victory in Super Bowl XLI, reflects on the lessons of his life, including one on humbleness from his father, why he retired from coaching early and what gives him hope.
#2: Larry McKenzie on Speaking Up and Coaching as Ministry
Larry McKenzie, a Hall of Fame high school basketball coach in Minneapolis, shares the importance of "mirrors" in his life, why he views his coaching as a ministry and how police killings of Black men in the Twin Cities was a "wake up" for him to speak up more.
#1: Nate Burleson On Social Justice, Parenting, and Policing
Nate Burleson, former NFL player and current co-host of CBS Mornings, discusses learning a few years ago of his grandfather being killed during an interaction with police, and providing his insight on raising his four children and juggling his work as a broadcaster and entrepreneur.
