Building Community: Ethical Leadership with Zak Olsen

Join Blake on this episode of 'Walk the Talk' as he sits down with Zak Olsen, President of Ronco Construction, a multi-generational family business with deep roots in Omaha. Zak shares how his journey began, from working alongside his parents, Ron and Linda Olsen, who founded the company in 1976, to leading Ronco through challenging economic times and his father’s passing. His take on modernizing construction in the midwest with Ronco's 'people-first' culture and commitment to a community and how that has shaped their recent successes.A deep look into Ronco's unique approach to ethical leadership in the 21st Century, to supporting smaller contractors, promoting the trades, and fostering a safe and collaborative work environment. Zak discusses the importance of adaptability, navigating industry changes, and maintaining a strong company culture through generational transitions.Zak’s deep down belief of 'let's not let life pass by.’ We can have a balance of professional life and fulfill our love of family and everything around us, without sacrificing our own personal happiness. Tune in to the latest episode, brought to you by the Business Ethics Alliance.Send us a text

In this episode of 'Walk the Talk,' Blake interviews Leslie Little, the founder and CEO of Ethical Decision Making Limited (EDM). Leslie, an Omaha native now based in London, and Ethicspace morning keynote speaker, shares her fascinating career journey, from her early days in finance to her current work in ethical leadership.Leslie introduces her company's groundbreaking product, which aims to measure and develop 'ethical fluency' in leaders. Based on ten years of research from James Madison University, EDM uses a proprietary methodology to assess ethical decision-making and provide valuable insights to organizations.Blake and Leslie discuss the alarming rate of CEO failures due to unethical behavior and the need for a shift from short-term profit maximization to long-term value creation. They also explore the challenges of navigating ethical dilemmas in the digital age and the importance of genuine dialogue.We’re so thankful Leslie was able to sit down with us on such short notice! Enjoy an even deeper look into the science of the future of business ethics!Send us a text

In this episode of Walk the Talk, host Blake Peterson sits down with a true Omaha icon — Willy Theisen, founder of Godfather’s Pizza and lifelong entrepreneur.Willy shares stories from launching one of the fastest-growing pizza chains in the country to building a legacy rooted in vision, determination, and saying “yes” to opportunity. But his influence didn’t stop at pizza. From serving on boards like Creighton University, the Omaha Airport Authority, and the Business Ethics Alliance, to mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting countless community initiatives, Willy’s commitment to Omaha has shaped the city’s growth and spirit.Together, Blake and Willy explore what it means to lead ethically, stay grounded in your values, and create a lasting impact in both business and life.Should you tune in? As the Godfather of Pizza would say: “DO IT!”Send us a text

In this episode of "Ethics: Walk the Talk" with our host Blake Peterson, Dar Andrews visits the Webberized Studio. As a seasoned Senior Technology Leader with extensive experience in IT operations, Dar shares his insights on how organizations can achieve operational excellence through effective communication and ethical team building at all levels of a business.We also discuss his new book, "Total Experience," which presents an innovative approach to aligning the voices of customers, employees, strategic partners, and business operations to create seamless and efficient enterprise solutions.Dar gives us a glimpse into his life as a lifelong resident of Nebraska and how he passes on his values to his family. With a background that includes leadership roles at IDEX, Gateway, PayPal, and currently NEI Global, along with an education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a study abroad experience at Cambridge, Dar offers a unique and holistic perspective on business, technology, and life.Tune in for a fascinating conversation about business strategies, leadership insights, and a touch of ethical wisdom on this episode of the "Ethics: Walk the Talk Podcast," brought to you by the Business Ethics Alliance!Send us a text

This episode was recorded on December 7, 2024. We'd like to dedicate this episode to honor the memory of Howard Hawks, co-founder and chairman emeritus of Tenaska, who passed away in December 2024. A visionary leader and philanthropist, Mr. Hawks recognized both business opportunities and community needs.  His generosity and leadership shaped Omaha’s growth, enriched countless lives, and left a lasting legacy, like the upcoming Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement.Our hearts go out to his wife, Rhonda, his children, and all who knew him. We dedicate this episode, focused on ethical business partnerships and community impact, to Howard Hawks and the profound influence he had on our community.This week on "Walk the Talk with Blake Peterson," we're joined by Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts, and Ron Quinn, Executive VP at Tenaska, a local energy company that has quietly been  leading in their industry for years. These two remarkable guests are deeply involved in the exciting upcoming opening of the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement in early 2026.This groundbreaking project represents a remarkable collaboration between Omaha Performing Arts and Tenaska Inc., demonstrating a powerful model of corporate social responsibility. Joan will share her vision for this transformative project, which will further amplify the already significant impact of Omaha Performing Arts, reaching over 600,000 people annually and generating a staggering $61 million in economic impact.Ron opens up on the importance of this partnership and how it demonstrates a commitment to ethical and impactful corporate citizenship. Together, it’s a unique and insightful conversation about the power of collaboration, the importance of social responsibility, and the lasting impact of supporting the arts in our community.Send us a text

In this episode of Walk the Talk with Blake Peterson, we dive into how Chad Mares, Founder and CEO of The Work Lab, is transforming the way companies support their employees. As a nonprofit, The Work Lab offers innovative services like WorkLife Coaching and Resource Navigation that go beyond traditional internal HR functions, providing personalized guidance for employees facing life’s challenges.Even in organizations with robust HR teams, employees may hesitate to discuss personal matters with supervisors or HR personnel. The Work Lab provides a safe, confidential space for employees to address their concerns without fear, respecting the boundaries of professional relationships while prioritizing well-being. By building resilience and developing strategies for managing disruptions to their personal lives—The Work Lab enhances employee benefits, creates connections to resources in our community, and fosters a healthier, more engaged workforce.Chad shares insights on creating an ethical work environment that values both personal and professional support. Join us as we discuss how The Work Lab is redefining employee care, making well-being a cornerstone of success in the modern workplace. Discover how this ethical, people-centered approach could lead to a brighter, healthier future in the latest episode of Walk the Talk, brought to you by the Business Ethics Alliance.Send us a text

Armando Salgado is an old school entrepreneur, that is to say, when the question “Why is nobody out here doing this?” would come up, his immediate instinct was to say “Well, looks like it’s gonna be me!”Now, with over 15 years of experience in real estate, marketing and advertising, and a growing expertise in fundraising for nonprofits, publishing, creating a shipping and distribution enterprise, construction contracts and more, add to Armando’s ever growing list to answer the question, “So, what do you do?”What he does this week is join Blake in the Webberized studio to talk about his role as creator and president of the Latino Economic Development Council and the ideas they are laying out for not only south omaha but for the whole city’s economic future. Looking at the ways  to attract more business, and how companies must be flexible and willing to change their approaches. Through his experience, Armando challenges the old methods and why they won't work in a fast-evolving market. And how some of the big, older companies will resist change due to their current success, and miss why that adaptability is crucial for staying competitive and tapping into the fastest-growing markets, especially in finance and life insurance, among the folks that may speak a different language than you. A talk about looking ahead isn’t complete without recounting the path that led us here. Armando breaks down the beginning of his journey, from times he had to get by while completely alone, to having the outreach he needed to see the correct path forward for him and the community.Catch the latest episode of the BEA’s Walk the Talk Pod, with your host Blake Peterson.Send us a text

Do you feel worried that the super smart and capable robots are coming to take over your workplace? In this episode of the Walk The Talk Pod with Blake Peterson, we explore the relationship between Generative AI and the future of jobs with Laurel Oetken, executive director of the newly created Tech Nebraska, an organization focused on building connections in our tech community, while advocating for pro-growth, and pro-business tech policies with an eye on growing Nebraska’s innovation future.We talk to Laurel about how AI is actually being used in companies today, and why it might create more opportunities than it eliminates. We also discuss the skills you'll need to thrive in the age of AI, and what schools and businesses can do to prepare the next generation for the changing workforce. Break through the overblown conspiracy-brained fears and approach the real issues that we will have to tackle sooner rather than later.  A new skill base, next generation of education and STEM careers, and how businesses must remain cautious but have to get themselves involved not before they get left behind. Myths, truths and realities of how AI can be your powerful partner, not your replacement on this episode of Walk The Talk, a podcast brought to you by The Business Ethics Alliance.Send us a text

AnnMarie Marlier, Executive Director of the Business Ethics Alliance visits the podcast studio to talk with Blake about her insights into what ethics is about, her journey that led her to the Alliance and Omaha, and the future of the organization and what it means to be mindful of creating an ethical future.The Business Ethics Alliance is dedicated to building Support systems and professional partnerships. The BEA believes in fostering a culture of business ethics within organizations and encompass principles of integrity, fairness, and responsibility.AnnMarie is a volunteer for several organizations and board memberships, with a doctorate in Urban Education, and a Master of Adult Education degree, and a green belt in Taekwondo.Send us a text

Welcome to the premiere episode of Season 4 of Walk the Talk, The exclusive business Podcast about ethics presented by the Business Ethics Alliance, hosted by the amazing Blake Peterson!John Fulwider, PhD joins us on our inaugural episode of 2024 to reveal to us the world of Executive Coaching and how to build the proper leadership team to get you to your next, next , NEXT big goal.Entrepreneurs often find  they wind up wearing too many hats. John helps business owners get their freedom back,  to grow in the direction they want, at the speed they want, to get the three things every business wants, to get work, do work, and get paid.John has written five books with his sixth book shortly on the way, his experience with business with a small group of employees to businesses with over 6500 employed, John shows us how we can grow our business and safely move to the next and stay successful every step of the way.Send us a text