Ep. 14 | Why Leadership Lee County Exists (And Where We're Going Next)

Ep. 14 | Why Leadership Lee County Exists (And Where We're Going Next)

This episode is a little different than our typical conversations and intentionally so. With applications now open for the 2026–2027 Leadership Lee County class, we wanted to pull back the curtain and share the heart behind the organization, where we're headed, and why leadership development matters now more than ever. In this exclusive conversation, Executive Director Kristen Reeder shares: • Why leadership isn't just for people with titles • The biggest leadership gaps she sees in our community • How Leadership Lee County is evolving beyond its annual leadership program • The vision of becoming Lee County's leadership resource • What participants actually experience during the nine-month Leadership Program • Who should consider applying and why Whether you're considering applying to this year's class, wondering if the program is the right fit, or simply curious about the future of Leadership Lee County, this episode offers an inside look at the vision driving everything we're building. If you've been on the fence about applying, we hope you'll spend the next 30 minutes with us!

Ep. 13 | The Leadership Lesson Found in Adventure Racing

In this episode of Leading Locally, Kristen Reeder sits down with Stewart Mills to discuss an unlikely leadership lesson that emerged through the world of adventure racing. Stewart shares how trust, humility, and a willingness to be led transformed not only his racing experience but also an important professional relationship. Together, they explore the power of finding common ground, working through conflict, building trust over time, and why some of the strongest leaders are those who know when to step back and allow others to lead. Whether you're leading a team, serving your community, or navigating difficult relationships, this conversation offers practical leadership lessons that apply far beyond the race course. Connect with Leadership Lee County Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/leadershipleecounty/] Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.leadershipleecounty.org/] Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here. [https://www.leadershipleecounty.org/resources]

Ep. 12 | The Power of the Pause: Leadership, Boundaries, and Emotional Intelligence

In this episode of Leading Locally, Kristen sits down with Auburn City Council member, Beth Witten, to explore what it truly means to lead with integrity, emotional intelligence, and healthy boundaries—especially in the often demanding world of public service. Beth shares candid reflections from her leadership journey, including the importance of managing expectations, setting boundaries in a 24/7 culture, and learning when to pause instead of react. From navigating difficult conversations to embracing the power of saying “I don’t know”, this conversation is full of practical wisdom for leaders at every level. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, conflict, or the pressure to always have the right answer, you'll appreciate this episode! Connect with Leadership Lee County Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/leadershipleecounty/] Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.leadershipleecounty.org/] Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here. [https://www.leadershipleecounty.org/resources]

Ep. 11 | “If You Want to Lead, You Better Be Ready to Serve” | Guest: Mark Coxwell

In this episode of Leading Locally, Kristen sits down with Mark Coxwell, founder of Butcher Paper BBQ, to unpack a leadership journey rooted in service, resilience, and community impact. From hosting backyard barbecue parties to building a food truck by hand, Mark shares how taking small steps (even before he had everything figured out) eventually led to something much bigger than a business. Mark’s vision goes beyond food. It’s about creating a space where everyone is welcome, where people from all walks of life can gather, and where leadership shows up through serving others well. Connect with Leadership Lee County Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/leadershipleecounty/] Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.leadershipleecounty.org/] Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here. [https://www.leadershipleecounty.org/resources]

Ep. 10 | Leadership Is the Great Equalizer: A Year-End Reflection on Leading Right Where You Are

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking time to reflect on what leadership really looks like in our community. In this special year-end wrap-up episode, we’re joined by Christina Kluttz, owner of MAK Media, for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the leaders we’ve heard from this year, and the lessons that stayed with us. From authentic leadership and stepping into discomfort, to the power of influence without authority, this episode highlights a simple but powerful message: leadership belongs to everyone. You’ll hear stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things, insights on discovering your personal leadership style, and encouragement to reflect on where you’ve grown—and where you want to grow next. Whether you’re leading a team, a business, a family, or simply yourself, this episode will leave you inspired to take intentional steps forward. As you head into a new year, we hope this conversation reminds you that small changes, rooted in purpose and authenticity, can make a big impact right where you are. Connect with Leadership Lee County Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/leadershipleecounty/] Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.leadershipleecounty.org/] Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here. [https://www.leadershipleecounty.org/resources]