SPARK: Inspirational conversations that will ignite your success.

Defeating Polio and Paralysis to Dance with Baryshnikov: David Christel

A dancer who has appeared on PBS's Great Performances and has performed extensively on three continents . . . an instructor who has taught at some of the most highly regarded schools of dance . . . a humanitarian who was on the front lines working with and comforting both those who were afflicted with AIDS and their loved ones during the crisis's darkest days in the 80's . . . a consultant in computer-based training who has worked with and led projects for Fortune 500 companies and the Top Gun School . . . a ghostwriter, editor and book coach for nearly thirty years.  In short, an incredibly impressive career by any measure, but when you learn all the formidable obstacles that David Christel had to overcome to accomplish what he has, you will have found a new and true hero.

Where Desire and Undaunted Determination Join Forces: SPARK welcomes West Point graduate and Washington (D.C.) Waldorf Head-of-School Lelia True

Lelia True has a spent a lifetime successfully navigating, leaping, or bulldozing challenges, or whatever else it takes with a steely resolve that has earned her amazing success. It started at the tender age of 13 when she became the first girl to ever play in an all-boys baseball league, earning all-star honors.  Success continued with an invite to the United States Olympic field hockey team tryout camp, and then an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where Lelia lettered in two varsity sports (softball and tennis) and excelled in other endeavors in a challenging male-dominated military environment. And it doesn’t stop there. She went on to a storied military career, earning a Bronze Star in Operation Desert Storm, commanding a company of 160 soldiers that installed, operated, and maintained tactical communications for the XVIII Airborne Corps Rapid Deployment Force.  Lelia continued success in the corporate world with leadership stints at McKinsey and Company, U.S. West, and COMCAST, before landing at her current position as Head of School of the prestigious Washington (D.C.) Waldorf School. “I was going to figure it out,” True explained her approach to life’s challenges.  “That is one of my strongest points—I’m gonna figure it out.  I’m looking, watching, and seeing.  It doesn’t matter what it is, I’m looking to win.  It may sound crass, but that’s what it is." Not crass, just bulldog determination we can all learn from. Join SPARK hosts David Udelf and Peter Lawson Jones for a scintillating discussion with Lelia True.

How Life Tragedies and War Forged a Leader: SPARK welcomes retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Leroux

Character, determination, composure. These are critical traits for any leader regardless of their team’s purpose or mission. Join SPARK co-hosts David Udelf and Peter Lawson Jones as they welcome retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Tim Leroux– who has studied, practiced, and taught the art and science of leadership for over 30 years. Tim overcame a host of challenges in his youth, including parental neglect, sexual assault, mental illness, and even a brief period of homelessness, to become an Apache Attack Helicopter combat commander, leading 100+ missions in the Iraq War, and a trusted member of the Army staff. He went on to become a professor and Chair of the Department of Leadership at the University of Virginia and now works in corporate America. You won’t want to miss this episode of SPARK as Leroux shares his hard-earned (and sometimes humorous) anecdotes that shaped his leadership philosophy.

A Story of Personal Redemption, A Lesson in Paying it Forward: SPARK Welcomes Beacon of Hope, Brandon Chrostowski

Some people learn from their mistakes; others grow.  Brandon Chrostowski received a second chance and is now internationally recognized for affording others the opportunity for redemption.  Join SPARK hosts Peter Lawson Jones and David Udelf as they interview Brandon, a Cleveland, Ohio, restauranter, who is changing the face of re-entry for those imprisoned.

SPARK Welcomes Susie Frazier

Emmy-winning artist, author, and biolithic pioneer shares her arduous, inspiring path to stellar success with SPARK hosts Peter Lawson Jones and David Udelf.  Susie will teach you how to navigate the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that show up in life. Let the journey begin!!