Just Step Out On The High Dive | Leadership LevelUp Podcast Episode 6
Just Step Out On The High Dive
“And it can be something as simple as, like, this is going to be a good day. When I wake up and I don’t feel that, I will often say it over and over. You talk yourself into it. This is going to be a good day. This is going to be a good day.”
Our hosts, Dr. Jeff Williamson, CEO & Founder of Converge, and Brian Prairie, the Chief Creative Officer of Pathfinder, are joined by Nicole Smolkovich, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley. Their conversations hit on having the confidence and courage to know you’ve been asked to lead, seeking out mentors and leaders and asking for their advice, listening to your employees to understand where they need to grow and how the are growing, nurture the growth you see in others, understanding how and when to pivot, plans and goals are never a straight line, and more!
Nicole joined the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley in 2009 when she returned to her hometown of Kankakee after a 15-year career in business management with The Musicland Group and Delaware North Companies. Nicole quickly stepped into a program coordinator role where she led an early childhood coalition while also handling the day-to-day operations of the Foundation. She assumed the role of Executive Director in November 2014. Nicole also serves as the Vice President for the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations and is a board member for Kiwanis Club of Kankakee. She also serves on several committees throughout the region that focus on health, workforce development, economic development and children’s mental health.
About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast
Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.
Meet Your Hosts
Jeff Williamson
Brian Prairie
Show Sponsor
Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.
