On this episode of Leadership Level Up, Ty Lewis joins Jeff Williamson for an inspiring conversation about leadership, mentorship, and personal growth. As a transformative leader passionate about empowering communities, Ty shares his comprehensive journey from working at Chick-fil-A to becoming a consultant with Next Generation Consulting.

Ty weaves a narrative showing the pivotal mentors who’ve shaped his path, highlighting how his future father-in-law at Chick-fil-A and John Anderson from a local community bank modeled exceptional care and leadership. These early influences sparked Ty’s leadership journey and showcased the importance of investing in others.

The episode takes a deep dive into Ty’s education and career path. Choosing Blackhawk Community College over larger institutions proved fortuitous, offering scholarships and leadership roles that propelled Ty into finance and real estate. Through a series of serendipitous events, including a full ride to St. Ambrose University and invaluable community involvement, Ty’s story exemplifies trusting the process and embracing opportunities.

Listeners will also be introduced to Ty’s passion for the CliftonStrengths assessment, a tool that not only helped him better understand his unique strengths but also guided a career transition that felt authentic and fulfilling. Jeff and Ty explore the profound impact of using strength-based approaches for personal and professional development.

Join Ty and Jeff as they delve into nurturing emerging leaders, the intricacies of leadership motivation, and the significance of exposure to new experiences. Ty’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience, and staying open to life’s unexpected opportunities.

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Meet The Guest

Ty Lewis is a dynamic leader making a significant impact in the world through speaking, real estate investing, coaching, and mentoring. Ty was the former Director of Emerging Leaders and the African American Leadership Society at United Way Quad Cities, Ty has helped invest $100,000 to support BIPOC academic success and launched an Emerging Leaders program for young professionals. He has also led advisory committees, hosted major events, and raised substantial funds.

 In 2023, Ty received the Quad Cities Outstanding Young Philanthropist Award and was selected for the St. Ambrose Alumni Association Board. He has attended transformative conferences, helped launch a young professionals group, and was a back-to-back national sales competition winner. 

 Ty graduated from St. Ambrose University with a B.A. in Finance, serving in multiple leadership roles. He has spoken for various organizations, including John Deere, NABA, and the Quad City Chamber of Commerce. 

 Ty is also a real estate investor who owns 2 multi-family units and is currently developing single-family homes. CliftonStrengths: Futuristic, Competition, Woo, Strategic, Significance

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. Jeff shares about the ups and downs of the 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, they explore all aspects of good leadership.

Meet The Host

Dr. Jeff Williamson

Dr. Jeff Williamson is the Founder of Converge Group Inc. an executive coaching and people development practice. Prior to launching his business in 2017, he was a Dean, Executive Director, and Professor of Organizational Leadership serving in higher education for over 30 years.

He holds a bachelor’s, and master’s degree in Speech Communication, and a Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and was a post-doctoral student at The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business. He is the host of “Leadership LevelUp” podcast and is also a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach.

He regularly teaches and speaks to business and industry on topics such as: Personal Leadership, Leadership Paradigms, Leading Change, Discover Your Strengths, Building a Strengths-Based Organization, Coaching, Mentoring & Conflict Resolution.

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.