the Spirit of Leading

097: Maggie Bond—ambassador for inclusion

[https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SOL-r23-3-Post-Header-Stones-1080w.jpeg?resize=1080%2C165&ssl=1] 097: MAGGIE BOND—AMBASSADOR FOR INCLUSION Maggie Bond advocates for people in the disability community to help them live a high-quality life. Her passion comes from her life experience as a quadruplet living with two brothers on the autistic spectrum. Now, she is a program lead for Best Buddies, International, an organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Maggie performs as often as possible, singing in productions and groups. She is involved in the Miss America Organization, having been a contestant in the Miss Oklahoma Pageant competition numerous times representing local titles of Miss Oklahoma City University, Miss Broken Arrow, Miss Tulsa, and Miss Bricktown. She remains active as a contestant coach and mentor to young women. Maggie joins me on this episode of the Spirit of Leading podcast to share her story of servant leadership and her aspiration to continue her mission to improve the quality of life for the millions who live with intellectual and physical disabilities. RELATED LINKS Best Buddies International, Oklahoma chapter [https://www.bestbuddies.org/oklahoma/] Miss Oklahoma Pageant [https://missoklahoma.org]   [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/M-Bond-post-1.jpg?resize=400%2C225&ssl=1] Maggie with her family at the friendship walk: (LR)- Tyler, Britt, Addy, Mak, Maggie, Carol, CJ, Brad.  Tyler and CJ are Maggie’s brothers who live with autism. [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/M-Bond-post-3.jpg?resize=1080%2C608&ssl=1] Maggie sang at an event honoring WW2 veterans. (L-R) Maggie, Dennis, a Vietnam veteran, and Vickie. Dennis received a quilt that doubled as a quilt of valor. [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/M-Bond-post-5.jpg?resize=400%2C225&ssl=1] Maggie with her two Miss Oklahoma Stars, Mek (left) and Kate (right) at a WW2 Veteran Parade with Junior, a WW2 veteran. [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/M-Bond-post-6.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1] Maggie served as a volunteer music director with “Stars on Stage,” an adaptive musical theatre group for kids who live with disabilities. Right, Maggie hugs Hope, one of the artists. The post 097: Maggie Bond—ambassador for inclusion [https://liveinpowered.com/097-maggie-bond-ambassador-for-inclusion/] appeared first on Live INPowered with Garland McWatters [https://liveinpowered.com].

096: OK Reps. Daniel Pae and Ajay Pittmann-overcoming partisan division

[https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SOL-20-Post-Header-1080-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C165&ssl=1] 096: OK REPS. DANIEL PAE AND AJAY PITTMANN-OVERCOMING PARTISAN DIVISION Most citizens are put off by the acrimony and pettiness of what has become political discourse. Younger elected leaders are seeking ways to overcome the negativity and have serious policy conversations about important issues. Rep. Ajay Pittmann (D HD99) and Daniel Pae (R HD62) have emerged as two leaders in this effort. Along with co-chairs, State Sen. John Michael Montgomery (R SD32)  and Jo Anna Dossett (D SD35), the Oklahoma Future Caucus is seeking ways to encourage a more collaborative atmosphere among lawmakers in both chambers. The future caucus is the state component of the national Millennial Action Project that touts their, “audacious mission: activate young leaders to bridge the partisan divide and transform American politics.” MAP’s stated vision is promoting, “A diverse democracy where the political culture is grounded in empathy and leaders pursue innovative policy solutions.” The OK future caucus team recently was recognized by MAP with the organization’s Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award recognizing an outstanding state caucus, “for their future-focused leadership and political bridge-building.” On this episode of the Spirit of Leading podcast, I catch up with Rep. Pittmann and Rep. Pae together, after first interviewing them individually when they were first elected in 2018, to get their update on the Oklahoma future caucus progress.   RELATED LINKS Millennial Action Project website  [https://www.millennialaction.org] Oklahoma Legislature website [http://oklegislature.gov] Rep. Daniel Pae 2023 House contact page [https://www.okhouse.gov/representatives/daniel-pae] Rep. Ajay Pittmann 2023 House contact page [https://www.okhouse.gov/representatives/ajay-pittman] [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Daniel-Pae-OK-HD62.jpg?resize=1080%2C1350&ssl=1]https://liveinpowered.com/052-daniel-pae-22-year-old-freshman-oklahoma-state-representative/ Click on Daniel’s image to listen to his 2018 Spirit of Leading podcast [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Ajay-Pittman-scaled.jpg?resize=1080%2C1350&ssl=1]https://liveinpowered.com/053-state-rep-ajay-pittman-governing-for-future-generations/ Click on Ajay’s image to listen to her 2018 Spirit of Leading podcast The post 096: OK Reps. Daniel Pae and Ajay Pittmann-overcoming partisan division [https://liveinpowered.com/096-ok-reps-daniel-pae-and-ajay-pittmann-overcoming-partisan-division/] appeared first on Live INPowered with Garland McWatters [https://liveinpowered.com].

095: Do Something for Sustainability Today—Corey Williams

[https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SOL-20-Post-Header-1080-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C165&ssl=1] 095: DO SOMETHING FOR SUSTAINABILITY TODAY—COREY WILLIAMS We can keep score on how we are doing to create more sustainable workplaces and homes. Corey Williams, executive director of the Sustainability Alliance has been working on, and improving, efforts to do so for twenty-plus years.  On this episode of the Spirit of Leading podcast, Corey talks about her journey since the days when former U.S. Vice-president Al Gore first brought up An Inconvenient Truth about the worsening condition of the global climate and the contributing factors that we can do something about. Corey decided to do something and encourages all who will listen to, “do something, ” with her. The Scor3card evolved out of that zeal, plus a little serendipity. Now, the Scor3card can document millions of dollars in energy savings for businesses and individuals while helping to lessen the impact of energy demand on the planet. RELATED LINKS The Sustainability Alliance  [https://thesustainabilityalliance.org]   [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Corey-explains.jpg?resize=900%2C1200&ssl=1] [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Garland-Corey-Williams-1.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1] Our appreciation to the Ross Group for hosting this episode of the Spirit of Leading podcast in their downtown Tulsa location. [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ross-Group-logo.png?resize=1080%2C216&ssl=1] The post 095: Do Something for Sustainability Today—Corey Williams [https://liveinpowered.com/095-do-something-for-sustainability-today-corey-williams/] appeared first on Live INPowered with Garland McWatters [https://liveinpowered.com].

094: Ken Busby-Rte 66 Alliance & Cultural Czar of Northeast Oklahoma

[https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SOL-20-Post-Header-1080-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C165&ssl=1] 094: KEN BUSBY-RTE 66 ALLIANCE & CULTURAL CZAR OF NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA Ken Busby has served the arts community as an advocate, staff professional, and executive for three decades. He has been in the trenches and on the mountaintops. Through it all, he has built a portfolio of experiences that make him an attractive counselor and consultant to arts organizations seeking to strengthen their programs. Ken has been honored by the arts community for his work and dedication. Leadership Oklahoma recognized him as a distinguished graduate of that program in 2015. Recently Ken was listed in the inaugural class of 55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans. Ken is the current Executive Director and CEO of the Route 66 Alliance, coordinating efforts among state-level Route 66 organizations to promote historical, tourism, and economic development projects. On this episode of the Spirit of Leading podcast, I talk with Ken bout his career and the lessons of leadership he has learned throughout.   [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ken-when-AHC-Director-scaled.jpg?resize=1080%2C810&ssl=1] Ken served thirteen years as executive director and CEO of the Tulsa Arts & Humanities Council RELATED LINKS Route 66 Alliance [http://www.route66alliance.org] Tulsa Arts Alliance [https://www.artstulsa.org] Tulsa Symphony [https://www.tulsasymphony.org] Tulsa Ballet [https://tulsaballet.org] Tulsa Zoo [https://tulsazoo.org] Gilcrease Museum [https://gilcrease.org]   [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ken-and-Michael-Benton-scaled.jpg?resize=1080%2C810&ssl=1] Michael Benton, the owner of Sky Gallery, presents Ken with a personalized wooden Route 66 shield [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ken-with-Sam-Extance-scaled.jpg?resize=1080%2C810&ssl=1] Sam Extance, chair of the Tulsa Route 66 Commission, and Ken point out one of the neon signs that the Commission helped fund. [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ken-with-Maestry-Gerard-Schwartz-scaled.jpg?resize=1080%2C1080&ssl=1] Ken with Maestro Gerard Schwartz at a Tulsa Symphony concert.  Ken interviewed the guest conductors prior to the Main Stage concerts at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ron-Prendl-Karen-Pennington-Ken-Vernon-Howard-scaled.jpg?resize=1080%2C810&ssl=1] (l-r) Ron Predl, former Dean of the University of Tulsa’s Henry Kendall College of Arts & Sciences Karen Pennington, and Vernon Howard.  Ron and Vernon are music faculty at the University of Tulsa. Ken serves with them as tri-chairs of the TU School of Music Advocates. Our appreciation to the Ross Group for hosting this episode of the Spirit of Leading podcast in their downtown Tulsa location. [https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ross-Group-logo.png?resize=1080%2C216&ssl=1] The post 094: Ken Busby-Rte 66 Alliance & Cultural Czar of Northeast Oklahoma [https://liveinpowered.com/094-ken-busby-rte-66-alliance-cultural-czar-of-northeast-oklahoma/] appeared first on Live INPowered with Garland McWatters [https://liveinpowered.com].

093: The democracy of football

[https://i0.wp.com/liveinpowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SOL-20-Post-Header-1080-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C165&ssl=1] 093: THE DEMOCRACY OF FOOTBALL Democracy is easily misunderstood. Political debate hasn’t been very helpful in clarifying the essence of what democracy means to how the American way of life makes the transition from concept to everyday practice. Sometimes an analogy helps. I think sports gives us that analogy, a way of considering the practical application of how our laws, borne out of political debate, turn into the actual processes and procedures of governance from the city council chambers to the U.S. Capitol House of Representatives and Senate. In this episode of the Spirit of Leading podcast, I discuss the rules of football as a way of pointing out why the rules of rules of the political process are so important. Listen to how I connect democracy and football.  The post 093: The democracy of football [https://liveinpowered.com/093-the-democracy-of-football/] appeared first on Live INPowered with Garland McWatters [https://liveinpowered.com].