People and Places and How We Use Spaces

Episode 89: Building a Legacy that Matters with Marilyn Carlson Nelson

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with one of Minnesota's most influential business leaders, Marilyn Carlson Nelson [https://tcbmag.com/honors/marilyn-carlson-nelson-lifetime-achievement/], for a conversation about leadership, family, purpose, and the responsibility that comes with influence. Marilyn reflects on her remarkable journey from being one of the first women to serve on corporate boards to leading Carlson Companies through a period of tremendous global growth.   She opens up about balancing family and career, the importance of staying true to your values, and why purpose-driven leadership matters now more than ever.  This episode is filled with powerful stories, practical leadership lessons, and a reminder that true success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the lives we impact along the way. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

Episode 88: The Foundation of My Story; A Conversation with Mom and Dad

In this deeply personal episode, Lisa sits down with two of the most influential people in her life—her parents, Larry and LuAnn Fransen. Together, they reflect on the family stories, values, and experiences that shaped generations. From Larry's father's remarkable journey from Sweden to Minnesota and the transformation of a small corner grocery store into a thriving garden center, to Luann's unexpected success as a young musician and performer, this conversation is filled with stories of perseverance, hard work, and opportunity.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

Episode 87 - From Heartbreak to Harvest with Liz Fiedler Mergen

Liz's journey was never part of a carefully written business plan. A nurse practitioner by training, she unexpectedly found herself rebuilding a life she never imagined after the devastating loss of her husband. What began as a small roadside flower stand during the uncertainty of 2020 transformed into something far bigger: a thriving flower farm, event venue, educational platform, bestselling book, and a mission rooted in joy and resilience. In this conversation, Liz shares the remarkable story behind Sunny Mary Meadow [https://sunnymarymeadow.com/]—from growing flowers and growing a business to navigating grief, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and learning how to rebuild after life changes everything.  Liz’s story is a reminder that even when life doesn’t go according to plan, something meaningful can still bloom. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

Episode 86: From Newsroom to New Ventures: How Allison Kaplan Stays Ahead of the Curve

In this episode, Lisa sits down with journalist and innovator Allison Kaplan for a wide-ranging conversation on storytelling, retail, and the evolving way we experience the world around us. Allison shares her journey from traditional print journalism to becoming a leading voice at the intersection of media, entrepreneurship, and retail. From launching her own platform to spotlight local businesses to building Mother Of, a brand that brings meaning and storytelling into fashion, she reveals how curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve have shaped her career. Allison's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-kaplan-30aab73/] Mother Of [https://motherof.co/] Northstar Insider [https://www.startribune.com/business/north-star-insider] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

Episode 85: From the Hardwood to the Heart of Minneapolis: Rich Melzer’s Full-Circle Mission

From the hardwood to the heart of Minneapolis, Rich Melzer’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. A former professional basketball player, Rich now serves as CEO of YouthLink, supporting young people experiencing homelessness. In this episode, he shares the pivotal moments that shaped his life — from being expelled in high school to experiencing homelessness in college — and how those challenges now fuel his leadership. This conversation dives into accountability, empowerment, and how creating the right spaces can change the trajectory of a life. Rich's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richmelzer612/] YouthLink [https://www.youthlinkmn.org/] Get involved with YouthLink! [https://www.youthlinkmn.org/get-involved/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]