Channeling a Death Investigator’s Mindset for Purpose with Barbara Butcher

Channeling a Death Investigator’s Mindset for Purpose with Barbara Butcher

Two decades-plus in the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner means hard-won insights many leaders can learn from: how to stay committed to the truth, find purpose, and build systems that last. In this candid chat, international forensics expert Barbara Butcher shares the high-stakes realities of being a death investigator, the ethical conflicts she navigates, and the crisis moments like 9/11 that tested her leadership. We explore how her investigative mindset (stay curious, rely on evidence, and remain open to learning) teams with humility, accountability, and gratitude. As only the second woman hired in her role as a death investigator in Manhattan, she reflects on surviving in a field where politics, gender, and pressure collide. And through it all, she explains how her work now — writing, consulting, and advocacy — is helping others understand both the science and the human cost of bringing closure to victims’ families. About the Guest Barbara Butcher is a former New York City Chief Medical Examiner, investigative leader, and author whose career unfolded at the intersection of science, service, and humanity. Over more than two decades at the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner, she led teams responsible for some of the city’s most complex and high-stakes death investigations—work that demanded clarity under pressure, ethical resolve, and deep respect for human dignity. Beyond individual cases, Barbara played a key role in shaping systems. She helped lead agency strategy, inter-agency coordination, and training initiatives, including the creation of a federally funded Forensic Sciences Training Program designed to strengthen standards and prepare the next generation of death-investigation professionals nationwide. Her leadership was tested most profoundly during moments of national crisis, including oversight of recovery efforts following September 11, where steadiness, accountability, and humanity mattered as much as expertise. Throughout her leadership journey, Barbara became known for cultivating resilient cultures in environments where decisions carry lasting consequences. She credits much of her leadership philosophy to an investigative mindset—staying curious, grounded in evidence, and open to learning—paired with humility, accountability, and gratitude. These principles shaped not only how she led teams but also how she navigated loss, adversity, and professional transition.After leaving public office, Barbara carried those lessons forward through storytelling, consulting, and advocacy. She is the author of What the Dead Know, a candid memoir that explores trauma, recovery, and purpose while illuminating the humanity behind forensic work and the lived experiences of first responders. Today, she continues to influence the field through teaching, advising, and media—modeling leadership as an ongoing practice rooted in service, curiosity, and the courage to evolve. Links in this Episode Official website: https://www.barbarabutcherofficial.com/ [https://www.barbarabutcherofficial.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butcher.barbara [https://www.instagram.com/butcher.barbara] X: https://x.com/OCMEForensics [https://x.com/OCMEForensics] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraButcherOfficialPage/ [https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraButcherOfficialPage/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraButcherOfficial [https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraButcherOfficial] Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak [https://waltrakowich.com/offtherak/] Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waltrakowich] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/waltrakowich/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Walt-Rakowich-109730513980375/] | X [https://twitter.com/waltrakowich] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@walt_rakowich] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@waltrakowich]

Rak Rewind: How to Measure Success in Business Through Love with Joel Manby

Can you lead with your heart first in corporate America? Or do the pressures of the c-suite leave little room for love and humanity? We’ve invited Joel Manby to Off the Rak to share what he’s learned from more than 25 years of experience as a CEO about how “love the verb” transforms cultures for success. After launching the automotive company Saturn and growing Saab at General Motors, Joel moved to the theme park industry, where his leadership principles about love were tested as he worked to lead a much-needed turnaround at SeaWorld. If you’re a fan of the reality TV show “Undercover Boss” you might recognize him from season 1! Tune in to uncover the timeless principles that prove “Love Works.” About the Guest As CEO of major corporations for over 25+ years, Joel Manbt have learned a number of lessons through experience during my tenure. He summarized these leadership principles in his book Love Works detailing how to integrate “love the verb” into the leadership ethos and philosophy of any organization.  This approach has been systematically proven to create: * organizations with higher employee engagement * lower turnover * more satisfied customers * stronger profits Prior to becoming an author, he was the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment [https://seaworldentertainment.com/], a $1.4 billion entertainment company with well-known brands such as SeaWorld Parks, Busch Gardens Parks and Discovery Cove.  For over a decade, he served as the CEO of Herschend Enterprises [https://www.herschendenterprises.com/], the largest family-owned theme park and entertainment company in the United States with popular brands such as the Harlem Globetrotters and Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park [https://www.dollywood.com/plan-your-visit/things-to-do/smoky-mountains] and dinner theaters. Before joining Herschend Enterprises, he spent 20 years in the auto industry in general management and marketing roles primarily in General Motors’ Saturn and Saab divisions. He served as CEO of Saab Automobile USA [https://www.saab.com/] from 1996 to 2000, during which Saab experienced the best sales result in its 50+ year U.S. history. In addition, he was CEO of Amazon’s car selling partner, which was sold to CarsDirect.com [https://www.carsdirect.com/] in 2001. Links in this Episode https://joelmanby.com [https://joelmanby.com] https://www.instagram.com/joelkingston09 [https://www.instagram.com/joelkingston09] https://www.facebook.com/joelmanbyofficial [https://www.facebook.com/joelmanbyofficial] https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-manby-3850b911b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-manby-3850b911b] Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak [https://waltrakowich.com/offtherak/] Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waltrakowich] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/waltrakowich/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Walt-Rakowich-109730513980375/] | X [https://twitter.com/waltrakowich] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@walt_rakowich] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@waltrakowich]

A World of Good: How Purpose Helps Business Succeed with Carol Cone

As human beings, we crave purpose. Ask any pastor, priest, monk, imam, rabbi, politician, philosopher, or psychologist. We also expect it of our organizations — in today’s transparent world, businesses are expected to stand for more than just profits if they are to attract top talent and influential stakeholders. Carol Cone is a pioneer in cause marketing, widely regarded as the creator of the purpose movement in business. For more than 35 years, she has helped brands integrate social impact into their core strategies, proving that doing good is also good for business. She joins Off the Rak to share her front-row insights into how purpose drives innovation, impact, and success. About the Guest Carol Cone is internationally recognized as a pioneer in purpose-driven business strategies, often hailed as the “Purpose Queen” by the BBC. For over 35 years, she has been at the forefront of linking companies and brands with social issues to drive both business and societal impact. In 1980, Carol founded Cone Inc., where she introduced the innovative concept of integrating corporate interests with social causes. Her groundbreaking campaigns include the creation of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which expanded to 50 countries and raised over $1 billion, and the development of My Special Aflac Duck, a social robot designed to comfort children undergoing cancer treatment, recognized by Time Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2018.  As the founder and CEO of Carol Cone ON PURPOSE, her third enterprise dedicated to purpose, Carol continues to educate, inspire, and accelerate purpose strategies for corporations, brands, and nonprofits worldwide. Her extensive body of work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the world’s seven Sustainability Pioneers by Sustainable Brands and “arguably the most powerful and visible figure in the world of ‘Cause Branding'” by PRWeek. Beyond her professional achievements, Carol is an avid equestrienne, embodying the courage and freedom symbolized by the horse, which she considers her personal power symbol. Her passion for purpose extends into her personal life, reflecting her belief in aligning one’s work with deeper meaning and societal contribution. Links in this Episode Carol Cone ON PURPOSE [https://www.carolconeonpurpose.com/] Purpose 360 Podcast [https://www.carolconeonpurpose.com/podcast] Follow Carol on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-cone-8651aa3/] Breakthrough Nonprofit Branding: Seven Principles to Power Extraordinary Results [https://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Nonprofit-Branding-Principles-Extraordinary/dp/0470286911] by Jocelyne Daw and Carol Cone CharityCharms.com [https://charitycharms.com/meet-carol-cone-the-queen-of-purpose/] Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak [https://waltrakowich.com/offtherak/] Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waltrakowich] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/waltrakowich/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Walt-Rakowich-109730513980375/] | X [https://twitter.com/waltrakowich] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@walt_rakowich] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@waltrakowich]

Rak Rewind: Nurturing Talent in a Business of “No” with Robert Creighton

Finding an agent, getting an audition, nailing the callback, having a great performance — show business can seem full of crowded paths with few roles and that means hearing a lot of no’s before you hear a “yes!” Veteran stage character actor, singer, dancer, composer, writer, and coach Robert Creighton joins Off the Rak to share his insights on staying resilient through the ebb and flow of opportunities, honoring your dreams and talents, and creating your own success. About the Guest ROBERT CREIGHTON most recently revisited the role of Timon in Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway (2022). Also for Disney on Broadway he originated the role of the Duke of Weselton in FROZEN. Other Broadway credits include: THE LION KING (Timon), THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (Durdles), ANYTHING GOES (Purser/Moonface), CHICAGO (Amos), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Chef Louis), CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, and JACKIE MASON’S LAUGHING ROOM ONLY.  He is co-author and starred in the hit off-Broadway musical CAGNEY which ran in 2016-17 for over 500 performances and is headed toward a London production in their  2022-23 season. For that role he won the Fred Astaire Award for Outstanding Male Dancer and was nominated for the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards as best Lead Actor in a Musical. Other New York highlights include Angelo in COMEDY OF ERRORS for the Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park, starring roles in several New York City Center ENCORE SERIES productions and two seasons playing Njegus in THE MERRY WIDOW and Koko in THE MIKADO for NYC OPERA at Lincoln Center.  He was a recurring guest star on the CBS series The Good Fight as Clarence Kolb. Other guest-starring roles include Elementary (CBS), Law & Order (NBC), The Family (ABC), and Life on Mars (ABC). For his cabaret AIN’T WE GOT FUN! he won NYC’s prestigious Bistro Award for “Outstanding Entertainer.” His debut album Ain’t We Got Fun! was released in 2012 on the LML music label. Links in this Episode @rcreightonnyc on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rcreightonnyc/?hl=en] @RobertCreightonOfficial on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/RCreightonNYC] RobertCreightonNYC.com [https://www.robertcreightonnyc.com/] Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak [https://waltrakowich.com/offtherak/] Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waltrakowich] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/waltrakowich/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Walt-Rakowich-109730513980375/] | X [https://twitter.com/waltrakowich] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@walt_rakowich] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@waltrakowich]

Steady in the Storm: Redefining Crisis Leadership with Cliff Holtz

Disasters are getting bigger and more complex. How do you prepare an organization—and its people—to respond quickly, effectively, and with humanity? Let's challenge the idea that crisis leadership is all about command. Instead, this episode of Off the Rak explores showing up with steadiness, trust, and humanity. Join us as we welcome Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross, a leader who steers one of the nation's most trusted emergency response organizations through disasters with speed and compassion. We discuss building resilience, empowering volunteers and staff, and balancing compassion with operational excellence under pressure. Tune in for practical insights about stepping into a highly visible public role, navigating public opinion, and keeping faith in people when the stakes are high.  About the Guest Cliff Holtz serves as the president and chief executive officer of the American Red Cross, the nation’s largest provider of lifesaving blood products and leading emergency response organization. Holtz joined the Red Cross in 2011 and assumed his role as president and CEO on July 1, 2024, following the retirement of Gail McGovern. Prior to his current role, Holtz held the position of chief operating officer for seven years where he oversaw the execution of all mission delivery and operations comprising Biomedical Services, Disaster Services, International Services, Training Services and Service to the Armed Forces. During his tenure as COO, Holtz worked closely with his predecessor, Gail McGovern, in leading the Red Cross to achieve financial stability while also growing critical investments in mission, people and infrastructure. As part of his vision for the Red Cross, Holtz is building on the organization’s strong foundation to adapt to the growing frequency and intensity of disasters and develop sustainability efforts with a focus on underserved communities across all mission delivery. His commitment to humanitarian efforts and operational excellence has been instrumental in the organization’s service to millions of people in need. Before joining the Red Cross in 2011, Holtz held executive leadership positions at for-profit companies including Pelco (a Division of Schneider Electric), Nortel Networks Corp, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Qwest Communications and Gateway Corporation. He also spent 16 years at AT&T working in sales, marketing, new business development, operations and engineering, and human resources. His tenure culminated with his role as the president of Metro Markets, a $4.5 billion unit. Holtz earned a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York at Albany and Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. He has served on the boards of LHC Group (recently sold to United Health Care), the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the National Jewish Hospital. Links in this Episode Follow Cliff on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-holtz/ Learn more about the work of the American Red Cross and help those affected by disaster at https://www.redcross.org/.  Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak [https://waltrakowich.com/offtherak/] Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waltrakowich] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/waltrakowich/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Walt-Rakowich-109730513980375/] | X [https://twitter.com/waltrakowich] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@walt_rakowich] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@waltrakowich]