No One Starts as a Great Leader | William G. Kelly

No One Starts as a Great Leader | William G. Kelly

In this episode, we sit down with William G. Kelly for a powerful conversation on leadership, mentorship, service, and personal growth. Drawing from nearly four decades of military and public service, President Kelly reflects on the lessons that shaped him from his time in the U.S. Coast Guard to leading Christopher Newport University. Together, we discuss the importance of trust, resilience, empathy, humility, and why no one starts out as a great leader. This episode explores how leaders can empower others, build strong communities, navigate adversity, and create environments where people are able to grow and succeed. From leadership during COVID to the value of mentorship and strategic vision, this conversation is filled with thoughtful insight and practical wisdom for leaders at every level. Learn More About William Kelly: https://cnu.edu/who-we-are/president/ Chapters 00:48 Introduction to Leadership and Background 07:58 Transitioning from Military to Education 16:14 Building Trust and Resilience in Leadership 21:40 The Importance of Kindness in Leadership 26:39 Setting the Mood for Leadership 28:07 The Reset: Leadership Lessons from COVID 31:33 Reflecting on Growth and Improvement 37:17 The Importance of Mentorship 43:16 Strategic Vision in Higher Education 48:15 Empowering Others in Leadership 49:08 Empowering Your Team for Success 53:04 The Importance of Connection in Leadership 54:24 Navigating Challenges and Finding Support 59:48 Building a Supportive Community 01:04:12 The Power of Empathy and Humility in Leadership 01:08:21 Reflections on Leadership and Service

Breaking Barriers and Building Leaders with guest JoAnne "Jo" Bass

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass joins the conversation to share leadership lessons drawn from the highest enlisted position in the United States Air Force. From mentorship and professional development to communication, influence, and navigating social media, this episode explores what it truly means to lead in complex and evolving environments. The discussion covers the importance of flat communication, training and development in the military, empowering the next generation of leaders, and the responsibilities that come with influence. Chief Bass also offers perspective on personal growth, mentorship, and trailblazing as a female leader in one of the world’s most demanding institutions. Learn More About Jo Bass: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/2314276/joanne-s-bass/ Follow The Colonel and The Coach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Colonel-and-The-Coach-LLC/61574148098223/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecolonelandthecoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106794699 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PwaqNdtEijgwMYh3aShzZ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-authentic-leadership-podcast/id1815956469 BlueSky: @colonelandthecoach.bsky.social‬ TikTok: @thecolonelandthecoach thecolonelandthecoach.com leadership@thecolonelandthecoach.com (802) 203-3371 Schedule A Meeting with The Colonel and The Coach https://calendly.com/d/cs26-dq6-f73/meeting-with-tcatc Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Authentic Leadership 06:59 Navigating Social Media as a Leader 09:12 The Importance of Flat Communication 15:15 Training and Development in the Military 21:59 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership 28:40 Trailblazing as a Female Leader 31:07 The Importance of Leadership and Influence 32:03 Personal Influences and Lessons Learned 33:02 Navigating the Dark Side of Social Media 37:12 Empowering Women in the Military 42:01 Adapting Education for the Younger Generation 46:04 The Future of Military Leadership 49:31 The Journey Ahead and Personal Growth

Make-A-Wish CEO on Finding Purpose Through Helping Others

In this episode of The Colonel and The Coach, we sit down with Jamie Hathaway to explore a powerful journey from service and conflict to compassion and nonprofit leadership. Jamie shares how his experiences in Vietnam and humanitarian work shaped his values, sense of integrity, and commitment to helping others find hope and purpose. The conversation dives into the heart of Make-A-Wish, highlighting the lasting impact of kindness, community support, and servant leadership. From lessons learned through children and families to insights on leadership, motivation, and love over fear, this episode offers meaningful reflections for anyone striving to lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose. Follow The Colonel and The Coach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Colonel-and-The-Coach-LLC/61574148098223/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecolonelandthecoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106794699 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PwaqNdtEijgwMYh3aShzZ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-authentic-leadership-podcast/id1815956469 BlueSky: @colonelandthecoach.bsky.social‬ TikTok: @thecolonelandthecoach thecolonelandthecoach.com leadership@thecolonelandthecoach.com (802) 203-3371 Schedule A Meeting with The Colonel and The Coach https://calendly.com/d/cs26-dq6-f73/meeting-with-tcatc Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jamie Hathaway and Make-A-Wish 03:42 Jamie’s Journey: From Vietnam to Nonprofit Leadership 06:01 The Impact of War: Unexploded Ordnance and Humanitarian Work 08:40 The Challenges of Nonprofit Work and Integrity 11:09 Transitioning from Clear Path International to Make-A-Wish 13:54 Finding Purpose in Helping Others 15:24 The Power of Kindness and Community Support 17:15 Personal Reflections on Leadership and Integrity 19:44 The Lasting Impact of Make-A-Wish on Families 22:13 Building a Personal Brand in Nonprofit Work 28:08 The Impact of Make-A-Wish on Families and Communities 30:17 The Essence of Make-A-Wish: Love Over Fear 33:42 The Role of Donors in Making Wishes Come True 38:50 Understanding Human Motivations in Leadership 43:13 Servant Leadership: Empowering Others for Success 50:51 Lessons from Life: Wisdom from Children and Community This Episode is Sponsored by Cloche Hockey Proud supporters of leadership, teamwork, and giving back. Authentic leadership meets championship culture. Founded by Colonel Matt Smith (USAF, Ret.) and Coach Cam Ellsworth, The Colonel and The Coach bring decades of military command and elite coaching experience to help build authentic leaders who create lasting impact. Our apparel carries that mission forward — representing resilience, authenticity, and team spirit. 20% of all sales are donated to AirPeyton and child cancer research. https://the-colonel-and-the-coach-apparel.itemorder.com/shop/home/ Learn More About Cloche: https://clochehockey.com/

On Authentic Leadership Podcast | Ep. 21 Brian Daliege on Leadership in the Fire Service

Join us in this powerful episode as we sit down with Brian Daliege, Fire Captain of James City County Fire Department, to explore the realities of modern firefighting, the evolution of leadership in fire services, and the life-changing impact of mentorship in high-stress professions. Brian opens up about his early life, his path into fire service, and the intense world of wildland firefighting. He breaks down how climate change is reshaping fire seasons, why community support matters more than ever, and the critical role volunteer firefighters continue to play. This episode also dives deep into leadership. How to guide teams during crisis, connect with the next generation of firefighters, and build a culture rooted in trust, resilience, and accountability. Whether you're interested in firefighting, public service leadership, emergency response, or the power of mentorship, this conversation delivers valuable insight from a leader who lives it every day. Follow The Colonel and The Coach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Colonel-and-The-Coach-LLC/61574148098223/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecolonelandthecoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106794699 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PwaqNdtEijgwMYh3aShzZ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-authentic-leadership-podcast/id1815956469 BlueSky: @colonelandthecoach.bsky.social‬ TikTok: @thecolonelandthecoach thecolonelandthecoach.com leadership@thecolonelandthecoach.com (802) 203-3371 Schedule A Meeting with The Colonel and The Coach https://calendly.com/d/cs26-dq6-f73/meeting-with-tcatc Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brian Daliege 01:20 Brian's Journey: From Childhood to Firefighting 05:02 Wildland Firefighting: A Different World 09:52 The Impact of Climate Change on Fire Seasons 13:59 Family Life and Community Service 15:43 The Rigorous Path to Becoming a Firefighter 21:06 The Role of Volunteer Firefighters 24:39 Challenges Faced by Volunteer Firefighters 26:32 Understanding Emergency Response 28:41 Management Styles in Fire Services 34:14 Connecting with the New Generation 38:03 Acknowledging Mentorship and Support This Episode is Sponsored by Cloche Hockey Proud supporters of leadership, teamwork, and giving back. Authentic leadership meets championship culture. Founded by Colonel Matt Smith (USAF, Ret.) and Coach Cam Ellsworth, The Colonel and The Coach bring decades of military command and elite coaching experience to help build authentic leaders who create lasting impact. Our apparel carries that mission forward — representing resilience, authenticity, and team spirit. 20% of all sales are donated to AirPeyton and child cancer research. https://the-colonel-and-the-coach-apparel.itemorder.com/shop/home/ Learn More About Cloche: https://clochehockey.com/ Keywords firefighting leadership, fire captain interview, wildland firefighting, fire service mentorship, emergency response, volunteer firefighters, first responder leadership, climate change fire season, leadership podcast, public service leadership

On Authentic Leadership Podcast | Ep. 20 Rich Schneider on Leadership That Endures

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Richard W. Schneider, Rear Admiral,(Retired) and President Emeritus of Norwich University. He shares his journey from the U.S. Coast Guard to higher education leadership, along with the lessons he learned about emotional intelligence, values, mentorship, and preparing future leaders. Dr. Schneider reflects on the challenges of guiding an institution through change, building strong teams, and maintaining a culture rooted in service. Follow The Colonel and The Coach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Colonel-and-The-Coach-LLC/61574148098223/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecolonelandthecoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106794699 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PwaqNdtEijgwMYh3aShzZ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-authentic-leadership-podcast/id1815956469 BlueSky: @colonelandthecoach.bsky.social‬ TikTok: @thecolonelandthecoach thecolonelandthecoach.com leadership@thecolonelandthecoach.com (802) 203-3371 Schedule A Meeting with The Colonel and The Coach https://calendly.com/d/cs26-dq6-f73/meeting-with-tcatc Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Background 02:40 Journey to Norwich University 05:14 Transitioning from Military to Higher Education 07:40 Leadership Lessons from Experience 10:09 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 12:38 Navigating Challenges in Higher Education 15:12 Building Relationships and Mentorship 17:26 Understanding Institutional Values 20:01 Preparing Future Leaders 22:16 The Role of Every Employee in Success 24:34 Conclusion and Reflections on Leadership 25:44 Vision and Resources: The Foundation of Leadership 29:01 Building Relationships: The Importance of Team Dynamics 32:19 Values and Consistency in Leadership 39:02 Navigating Change: Overcoming Resistance in Culture 45:54 Streamlining Operations: The Path to a Unified Campus 47:14 Building Community and Morale 48:38 Cultural Transformation in Education 49:46 Promoting Gender Equality in Sports 50:59 Leadership and Tradition 52:43 The Importance of Hope in Leadership 54:43 Flexibility and Adaptability in Leadership 57:24 Advice for Aspiring Leaders 01:01:47 Gratitude and Acknowledgment of Mentorship This Episode is Sponsored by Cloche Hockey Proud supporters of leadership, teamwork, and giving back. Authentic leadership meets championship culture. Founded by Colonel Matt Smith (USAF, Ret.) and Coach Cam Ellsworth, The Colonel and The Coach bring decades of military command and elite coaching experience to help build authentic leaders who create lasting impact. Our apparel carries that mission forward — representing resilience, authenticity, and team spirit. 20% of all sales are donated to AirPeyton and child cancer research. https://the-colonel-and-the-coach-apparel.itemorder.com/shop/home/ Learn More About Cloche: https://clochehockey.com/