Secrets of Leadership - From Commune to Coaching Top CEOs - S3E1

Dr. Katharine Schmidt - Secrets of Leadership - How one woman went from a commune childhood to coaching top CEOsIn this episode of Better Together, we sit down with Dr. Katharine Schmidt — one of America’s top executive and strategic coaches, working with CEOs and senior leaders across business, nonprofit, and civic sectors.Dr. Schmidt shares a remarkable personal journey: growing up in a commune, navigating a radically different path into the business and leadership world, and eventually coaching some of the nation’s top CEOs. She also opens up about her beautiful marriage to Arne Arens (former CEO of The North Face and Boardriders), the challenges and hopes within their family story, and how hope was eventually answered.Through her story and work, we draw out transferable principles for unity and collaboration in any context — business, church, nonprofit, community, family, or relationships.You’ll hear Dr. Schmidt unpack:​ How curiosity and respect across difference unlock trust and unity​ What great leaders do to collaborate without fear of losing control​ How to lead people you disagree with without dividing​ Practical ways to create environments where people feel safe, seen, and empoweredIf you want to grow in leadership and learn how to build unity that actually transforms your context — this conversation is for you.

Sam Ashurst shares a profound story of her experience with homelessness. Sam is now an expert city leader, working from a place of passion and first-hand experience. She actively rallies the community around the housing insecure and has learned the value of togetherness through her incredible story. She teaches others around her how to effectively partner alongside unhoused individuals, instead of just providing relief or doing a simple good deed. #homeless #authentic #honest #selfhelp #addiction #relationships #community #unity #christian #jesus #leadership #non-profit

John and Chris are loads of fun!! Chris has been in movies like Forrest Gump, danced with the Laker Girl’s, co-raised a family and helped plant a few churches. John has played for the Buffalo Sabres, been successful in the business world, has pastored a few churches and co-raised a family along Chris, his wife! But they also bring profound wisdom on fighting for unity in marriage, family, church, sports and more. After their pro athlete careers, they experienced years of deep suffering and uphill battles, and they’ve both come out the other side closer to each other and to God. They share the principles of unity that they learned along the way! #unity #marriage #sports #hockey #buffalosabres #forrestgump #lakers #lakersgirl #family #parenting #suffering #selfhelp #christian #pastor #church

Falon and Justin Unger from Likewise Worship, a Non-Profit dedicated to preventative and restorative care for worship leaders, share their passion for united and healthy worship leaders. They give us insight into their marriage and family and share some powerful principles for health in these areas! #worship #christian #marriage #family #likewiseworship #music #unity #better together #love

Unity is modeled in nature! Authors Lucas Ramirez and Mike Devito offer powerful language and clear steps to achieve this natural phenomenon called unity in their book, Designed for More. Two unlikely friends partnered together to author a literary anthem for unity. We discover the fascinating analogy of murmuration and dissect critical pieces of this amazing book. #unity #nature #community #selfhelp #christian

You won’t get unity without mental and relational health. Marriage and family therapist, Mark Howerton, gives us practical steps toward health and deeper unity with those around us. This vibrant dialogue will help anyone in any situation, grow in their health! #mentalhealth #selfhelp #christian #podcast #unity #relationships #therapy

Glenn Pastor, Author of The Resilient Pastor and esteemed leader, shares the importance of resilient commitment to relationships and community, as the only way towards real unity. Along with some key principles on working better together, Glenn shares his experiences with a city wide movement of unity in Colorado Springs (COS I Love You) and what unity looks like as he leads in a new context! Listen in on this incredible conversation! #unity #church #marriage #commitment #leadership #growth #self-help #christian #pastor #theresilientpastor #glennpackiam #community

Eric Geiger is a well-known, credible leader and Pastor at Mariners Church in Irvine, CA, with remarkable wisdom and fresh perspective. Eric shares some transferable principles on his experience leading through COVID 19, re-establishing identity in his church community, and learning to lead and remind others of unity, rather than feeling the responsibility to create it.

Emily Brimlow is a well known, California based multi-genre musician with fresh music and deep insight on what it means to fight for unity and build bridges. Listen in on this light hearted but profound conversation, as we explore Emily's story, her journey with music and how she's learned to catalyze unity along the way. We talk through family life, marriage, living in community, song writing, producing an album with Zach Winters, speaking into culture as an artist, and more. We highlight the value of humility, selflessness, and partnership. Find Emily Brimlow on Spotify, iTunes etc. #unity #music #marraige #emilybrimlow #zachwinters #trellis #wearebettertogether #bettertogether #producing #songwriting #healing #harmony #humility #selflessness #community #podcast #selfhelp #Christian #emilybrimlow

We decided to invite ourselves as this months podcast guests! Ian shares the story of Trellis, the nonprofit he leads that catalyzes unity. He also shares some values and principles about unity in every context (marriage, community, the city, etc.) Kayton also shares on the beauty and value of relationship with diverse people, and how unity is expressed tangibly. #unity #marriage #work #leadership #prayer #diversity #christian #self-help #discipline