The Front Lines of Leadership: Stories to Inspire the Rising Generation of Leaders | Hosted by Jackson Taylor

Ep. 10: Leadership in College Athletics | Amy Folan - Central Michigan University

Amy Folan is proof that bold leadership can elevate an athletics department to extraordinary new heights. Since taking the helm at Central Michigan University in 2020, Amy has launched a $25 million fundraising campaign, secured a $5 million health partnership, and delivered the department's best-ever fundraising year. All while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the student-athlete experience. In this episode, Amy shares her journey from compliance professional to athletics director, the leadership philosophy that drives her decisions, and what she's learned about building culture and leading change at the highest level. A conversation worth hearing for anyone passionate about leadership and college athletics.

Ep. 9: "Living a Life That Inspires Hope In Others" | Byrd Baggett - TrueGrowth Leadership

In this episode of Front Lines of Leadership, we sit down with Byrd Baggett, founder of TrueGrowth Leadership and a lifelong champion of authentic leadership. Byrd shares what it truly means to lead from the inside out — how embracing who you really are isn't just a personal philosophy, but a competitive edge that transforms teams, cultures, and the people you lead. From his life purpose of inspiring hope in others to the practical principles behind TrueGrowth, this is a conversation for any leader ready to stop playing a role and start making a real impact.

Ep. 8: $0 to $225M - Building and Leading Elite Sales Teams | Kyle Spackman

In this episode of Front Lines of Leadership, we sit down with Kyle Spackman, a digital health executive who helped take Sword Health from $0 to $225 million in revenue. Kyle shares what it really takes to build and lead elite sales teams in one of the most competitive spaces in healthcare — from hiring and culture to the commercial strategies that drive results at scale.

Ep. 7: Lead As Your Authentic Self | Kevin Stark - Navy SEAL & Leadership Coach

In this episode of The Front Lines of Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Stark, retired U.S. Navy SEAL and founder of The Arete Path, to explore what it truly means to lead under pressure. Drawing from over 25 years of experience developing elite teams, Kevin shares powerful lessons from SEAL training, including his time as a lead instructor during Hell Week, and how those principles translate into business, athletics, and everyday leadership. We dive into building resilient teams, performing at a high level in demanding environments, and the mindset required to sustain excellence. Kevin also breaks down how leaders can blend discipline, purpose, and process to create lasting impact—both in their organizations and in their personal lives.

Ep: 6: Building Culture as a Leader | Gary Peterson - Executive VP, O.C. Tanner

In this episode of The Front Lines of Leadership, Gary Peterson—former EVP of Supply Chain and Production at O.C. Tanner—breaks down the foundation of high-performing teams: trust, relationships, and culture. He shares why leaders must create environments where people feel both inspired to perform and safe to make mistakes—and how that balance drives real growth. From the front line to the executive level, Gary explains how strong relationships aren’t just a “soft skill,” but a true competitive advantage in building lasting success.