Ep. 13 | The Leadership Lesson Found in Adventure Racing

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]

Ep. 9 | Leading With Love: How One Leap of Faith Became a Legacy

In this inspiring episode of Leading Locally, we sit down with Rene Waldrop — Executive Director of Our House, former attorney, teacher, community advocate, and a leader fueled by purpose. Rene shares her journey from a 20-year law career to following a calling she could no longer ignore: serving children and families in Auburn’s public housing communities. What began as a small, heartfelt dream — buying a house next door to public housing and opening the door to neighbors — has grown into a thriving, relationship-centered ministry that now serves dozens of families and partners with countless volunteers. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about influence, courage, and choosing love in every step. 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]