Best Leadership Podcast Ever

Episode 13 -- Heather Waltz '03

Heather is a longtime Portage County resident, nonprofit leader, community volunteer, and advocate for kindness, honesty, and service. In her conversation with Andra, Heather reflects on taking part in Leadership Portage County early in her career and how the program introduced her to people, places, and systems across the county that she otherwise may not have encountered. She also shares why Kent became home for her and her family, describing the community's deep sense of connection, natural beauty, local businesses, and people-centered spirit. Heather discusses her recent socially responsible travel experience in Cuba, where she joined a women's bicycling trip during a difficult moment in the country's history. She reflects on the humility and empathy that experience deepened in her, and how those values carry into her leadership. As she prepares to begin a new role as Divisional Director of Housing Services at Axess Family Services, Heather shares her commitment to listening first, understanding what people say and what they do not say, and helping teams work together from a place of trust, clarity, and shared purpose. In their conversation, Heather and Andra also explore the mentors and experiences that shaped Heather's leadership style, including lessons in professional development, policy, listening, and continuous improvement. Heather shares her belief in "chaotic good"—doing good in ways that may be unconventional but bring joy, kindness, and care to others. She also discusses her involvement with organizations such as the Kent Community Time Bank and the Kent Jaycees, her passion for service, and how she is evolving by focusing on what matters most: her children, community, friends, family, health, and living in alignment with her values. Check out Axess Family Services at https://axessfamilyservices.org. ----- The Best Leadership Podcast Ever is a project of Leadership Portage County in Northeast Ohio and showcases alumni from the program. Guests share stories of leadership successes and challenges. Follow The Best Leadership Podcast Ever wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 12 -- Dr. Jennifer Kulics '09

Jennifer is a longtime higher education leader, former student-athlete and coach, and current development professional with the American Heart Association. In her conversation with Andra, Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in Mahoning County to becoming a Division I student-athlete at Bowling Green, and how her passion for sports and mentorship led her to Kent State University, where she spent 25 years building a career in athletics, student affairs, and philanthropy. She reflects on how sports served as a "microcosm of life," shaping her leadership style and deep commitment to helping others grow. Jennifer describes the impact of influential mentors throughout her career, including leaders who demonstrated that it is possible to lead with kindness, authenticity, and attention to the "little things" that make people feel valued. She shares how her roles at Kent State—from working with student-athletes to serving as Ombuds, Dean of Students, and later in fundraising—allowed her to support students through both joyful and challenging moments. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and being present for others, recalling powerful experiences that shaped her ability to lead with empathy and resilience. Throughout the conversation, Jennifer highlights the importance of creating opportunities for others, whether by putting people in rooms where they can grow or simply helping them recognize their own potential. She and Andra also discuss the challenges of leadership during times of transition, including navigating new roles, leading teams through uncertainty, and learning alongside others. Now working with the American Heart Association, Jennifer continues her mission of service through fundraising and advocacy, while remaining deeply committed to mentoring and supporting others in their personal and professional journeys. She closes by sharing a guiding belief that happiness is not a destination, but a choice—one rooted in gratitude, presence, and connection. Check out the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/ohio. ----- The Best Leadership Podcast Ever is a project of Leadership Portage County in Northeast Ohio and showcases alumni from the program. Guests share stories of leadership successes and challenges. Follow The Best Leadership Podcast Ever wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 11 -- Ryan Shackelford '15

Ryan is the Director of the Portage County Emergency Management Agency and a lifelong Portage County resident whose career has been shaped by service, preparedness, and a deep commitment to community. In his conversation with Andra, Ryan shares his journey from growing up in rural Portage County to serving in the Air Force Reserves and working across the country before returning home to take on a leadership role in emergency management. He reflects on how a passion for weather, combined with military training and a willingness to seize opportunity, led him to a career focused on protecting lives and coordinating response efforts across the county. Ryan describes the unique nature of Portage County as a place that is "just right"—large enough to have meaningful resources, yet small enough to require strong collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He shares how his team has built extensive partnerships and detailed emergency plans that allow the county to respond effectively to crises, from tornadoes and severe weather events to public safety incidents. Ryan also discusses the importance of visionary leadership, emphasizing the need to communicate not just what needs to be done, but why it matters, in order to build trust and secure buy-in from diverse stakeholders. Throughout the conversation, Ryan highlights the role of continuous improvement in emergency management, noting that no organization is ever fully "ready" and that every incident offers an opportunity to learn and grow. He reflects on the mentors who shaped his leadership style, the balance between accountability and encouragement, and the importance of showing up for others—both in moments of crisis and in everyday community life. Ryan also shares how coaching youth sports and spending time with his family ground him, reinforcing the same leadership principles he applies in his professional work: teamwork, discipline, and supporting others to succeed. Check out the Portage County Emergency Management Agency at https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/emergency-management-agency. ---------- The Best Leadership Podcast Ever is a project of Leadership Portage County in Northeast Ohio and showcases alumni from the program. Guests share stories of leadership successes and challenges. Follow The Best Leadership Podcast Ever wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 10 -- Brian Adams '22

Brian is the Chief Operating Officer at UH Portage Medical Center and a longtime healthcare leader who has spent more than 20 years with University Hospitals. In his conversation with Andra, Brian shares his journey from growing up in Northeast Ohio to beginning his career as an occupational therapist, and how his clinical experience continues to shape his leadership approach today. He reflects on the value of staying with one organization over time, the importance of strong mentorship, and how seeking out leaders who align with your values can open doors for growth and advancement. Brian discusses the evolution of UH Portage Medical Center, including its transition from a standalone hospital to part of a larger health system, and the impact that change has had on access to specialized care, recruitment of physicians, and investment in advanced medical technology. He also offers an honest look at the challenges facing healthcare today, including insurance reimbursement, administrative burden, and concerns about access to care—issues that continue to weigh on him as a leader responsible for the health of Portage County residents. Throughout the conversation, Brian emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, community connection, and the responsibility healthcare professionals have to care for their neighbors. He reflects on his experience in Leadership Portage County as a way to better understand both the strengths and needs of the community, and highlights the power of relationships across sectors. Brian also shares personal insights into balancing leadership with family life, his passion for music as a drummer in a local band, and a guiding leadership principle—"WAIT: Why Am I Talking?"—as a reminder to listen intentionally and create space for others. Check out UH Portage Medical Center at https://www.uhhospitals.org/locations/uh-portage-medical-center [https://www.uhhospitals.org/locations/uh-portage-medical-center]. ---------- The Best Leadership Podcast Ever is a project of Leadership Portage County in Northeast Ohio and showcases alumni from the program. Guests share stories of leadership successes and challenges. Follow The Best Leadership Podcast Ever wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 9 -- Amanda Cole '24

Amanda is the first Executive Director of Plexus LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce and a dynamic advocate for inclusive workplaces and thriving small businesses across Northeast Ohio. In her conversation with Andra, Amanda shares what drew her to Leadership Portage County's inaugural Class of 2024, her journey to Kent through family and caregiving, and her deep commitment to building community where she lives—not just where she works. Amanda explains the mission of Plexus as one of only 55 LGBT chambers of commerce in the United States, describing its role as a connector between LGBTQ and allied-owned businesses, corporate partners, and individuals seeking affirming workplaces. She reflects on how the organization has evolved from a traditional chamber model to one that includes education, equity-minded leadership training, and workforce development initiatives designed to reduce barriers and increase belonging. Through personal stories—including navigating discrimination and visibility in her own career—Amanda highlights the importance of authenticity in leadership and the real-world impact of inclusive policies and culture. The conversation also explores Amanda's upbringing in a working-class family, her transformative experience at Antioch College, and her belief in claiming space in rooms where others may feel they do not belong. Recently named Cleveland Magazine's 2025 Community Leader of the Year, Amanda speaks candidly about generational growth, accountability, and the responsibility leaders have to create opportunity for others. She and Andra discuss balancing empathy with performance, advocating for oneself in the workplace, and the importance of protecting joy while leading with courage and kindness. Check out Plexus at https://www.thinkplexus.org [https://www.thinkplexus.org]. ---------- The Best Leadership Podcast Ever is a project of Leadership Portage County in Northeast Ohio and showcases alumni from the program. Guests share stories of leadership successes and challenges. Follow The Best Leadership Podcast Ever wherever you get your podcasts.