LifeExcellence with Brian Bartes

Olivia Weaver is one of the most accomplished squash players in American history, and a fixture among the world’s elite. Olivia has won 10 PSA titles, represented Team USA at multiple World Championships, and contributed to a historic gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games. Currently ranked among the world’s top four, she is the current U.S. National Champion. Olivia discusses the demands of competing at the highest level of squash, and her pursuit of World No. 1 and Olympic gold.

Tom Kuczmarski is an internationally recognized innovation expert, founder of Kuczmarski Innovation, and co-founder of Chicago Innovation. He has advised hundreds of organizations – from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies, taught for over four decades at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and is the author of nine books on innovation and leadership. Tom discusses how to identify meaningful problems and turn them into successful innovations, and how leaders can create cultures that encourage creativity, intelligent risk-taking, and sustained growth.

Susan Stroman is a five-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer whose internationally acclaimed career spans Broadway, London’s West End, ballet, opera, and film. Best known for Crazy for You, Contact, The Scottsboro Boys, and The Producers, she is also a Theater Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the George Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement. Susan discusses storytelling through music and movement, and the deep fulfillment she finds in the creative world of Broadway theatre.

Dr. Derick “Sandy” Hulme is the Arthur L. Russell Professor of Political Science at Alma College, where he has taught since 1992. A nationally recognized leader in experiential education, Sandy directs Alma's award-winning Model United Nations, P-GLOBAL Fellowship, and Nationally Competitive Scholarship programs. Beyond the classroom, Sandy is perhaps equally well known for an extraordinary personal accomplishment: he has run at least one mile every single day since March 5, 1973 – a streak spanning more than five decades.

Lucy Thomas is a British singer whose remarkable career began at age 14 on “The Voice Kids” in the UK. Renowned for her pure vocal tone and emotional performances, she has released six acclaimed studio albums and built a worldwide following of more than one million YouTube subscribers. In 2026, Lucy made her West End debut in the title role of Rosie, further establishing herself as one of the most exciting young vocal talents of her generation.

Annie Kunz is a two-time U.S. champion, Olympian, and former professional heptathlete who represented Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics, where she finished sixth in the world. A two-sport All-American in college, she competed at track and field’s highest level for nearly a decade. Today, Annie is an entrepreneur and mentor helping athletes optimize nutrition, mindset, and performance through a holistic approach to health, wellness, and excellence – without sacrificing well-being.

Brad Beeler retired after a distinguished 25-year career with the United States Secret Service, where he served on the protection detail for President George H. W. Bush and various foreign heads of state. As a federal polygraph examiner for 17 years, he secured numerous confessions in high-profile investigations and conducted the most criminal polygraph examinations in the agency’s history. Brad shares what it’s really like to serve on a presidential protection detail, and reveals proven strategies for earning trust and communicating more effectively.

Brent Pease and Kyle Pease are co-founders of the Kyle Pease Foundation, an organization creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities in sports, employment, and everyday life. In 2018, they made history as the first push-assist brother team to complete the IRONMAN World Championship. Together, they’ve completed over 100 races, inspired global audiences, raised more than $12 million, and supported hundreds of athletes – proving that true victory extends far beyond the finish line.

Robert Emery is an award-winning conductor, pianist, composer and producer. He made his London piano debut at 13, first conducted at 17, and became the youngest conductor ever to work at the Sydney Opera House at 23. Robert has conducted leading orchestras worldwide and collaborated with artists including Meat Loaf, Russell Watson and Stewart Copeland. Robert shares the decision that changed everything – and how rejecting the status quo became the foundation of his success.

A former World #1, US Open and Wimbledon Champion, Stan Smith is Chairman of Stan Smith Events. His worldwide fame extends to the fashion world with the legendary Adidas Stan Smith tennis shoe, which has sold over 100 million pairs. Committed to giving back, Stan has been a driving force behind charitable efforts on Hilton Head, helping generate over $60 million for local causes through the Heritage Classic Foundation. Stan was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987.