MEDIA: PODCAST
CHARGING UP LEADERSHIP
Energizing YOU from the inside out!
Welcome to the Charging Up Leadership Podcast, where the main focus is, you guessed it, LEADERSHIP. Ultimately, you are first and foremost a leader of yourself. Leadership starts with you, knowing yourself, stepping into your power, and while standing in that power—with full awareness—BE-ing the best version of YOU at your core. Personally and professionally.
With a variety of guests spanning from leaders with experience on various issues, topics, and aha’s, to experts in the field of leadership, development, motivation, health, and well-being. I promise, fun and insightful conversations to spark new thoughts, perspectives, and suggestions to help you to plug into your core.
Topics include transformation, change, accountability, people problems, emotional intelligence, action, strategy, and bottom-line results, as well as a few personal favorites like inspiration, energy, and intuition.
Listen here!
Access your episode of choice by accessing (and clicking on) the:
Recent Spotify/Anchor episodes on the right, or
The complete list of episodes and Special Guest Podcast Cover links provided below (highlighting bio’s!)
Special Guests & Topics:
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Ep. 24 - Mariah Walton: “HER CEILING IS NOW HER FLOOR”
Join me for an insightful conversation with the very authentic Mariah Walton, City Manager of East Pointe, as we discuss leadership, internal bias, the glass ceiling, personal power, and the journey of navigating local government. Mariah shares her personal and professional transformation, from participating in the MML 16/50 program to stepping into leadership roles with confidence and clarity.
Key Takeaways:
The Power of Validation: How seeking external validation shaped Mariah’s leadership journey and how she learned to own her value.
Breaking Internal Biases: The realization that self-imposed limitations can act as an internal glass ceiling.
Navigating Leadership as a Young Woman of Color: Insights into the challenges and triumphs of leading in local government.
The Role of Mentorship: How mentorship from key figures shaped her career and gave her the push she needed to take on leadership roles.
Embracing Change and Growth: Lessons from stepping into the unknown and trusting the journey.
Balancing Operations and Emotion: The importance of making fact-based decisions while managing emotions.
Taking Ownership of Your Career Path: Understanding that personal and professional growth starts from within.
Leadership Beyond the Workplace: How personal development plays a role in becoming a strong leader.
Looking Ahead: Mariah’s new role as Deputy City Administrator in Ann Arbor and what she hopes to bring to the position.
How the Michigan Municipal League's 16/50 Project program has impacted growth & development, leadership, new opportunities, and municipalities.
Listen & Learn: 🎧 Tune in to hear how Mariah Walton navigated leadership challenges, overcame internal biases, and embraced opportunities that led her to where she is today. #Leadership #WomenInLeadership
#LocalGovernment #PersonalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #EmpoweredLeadership #ChargingUpLeadership
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Ep. 23 - Tim Volkema: “The Percs of Authentic Leadership”
Tune into The Percs of Authentic Leadership podcast for an engaging conversation with Tim Volkema, President of Schuil Coffee, Sparrows Coffee, and Joven Group. Tim shares his journey of leadership in the coffee industry, offering key insights on how authentic leadership, integrity, and building strong relationships have shaped his success. Discover how Tim navigates the challenges of managing diverse teams, implementing change, and scaling businesses organically. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about fostering a values-driven company culture, this episode provides valuable lessons on how authenticity and trust can drive both personal and organizational growth. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with a leader making a lasting impact in the coffee industry!
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Ep. 22 - John E. Abele: “VISION & INNOVATION: Revolutionizing Surgical Procedures”
Tune into the Charging Up Leadership podcast for an inspiring interview with John Abele, co-founder of Boston Scientific, as he shares his journey of innovation in the medical device industry. Discover key insights on leadership, the importance of innovation a,d collaboration, and the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, engineer, or physician, or curious about the history of groundbreaking medical advancements, this episode offers valuable lessons and motivation. Don't miss this chance to hear from a pioneering force in healthcare!
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Ep. 21 - Michael P. Phalen: “The CULTURE that turned BSC into BSX”
Michael Phalen, retired Boston Scientific Executive Vice President (& Executive Committee member) and President, Medical Surgery (MedSurg), discusses the BSC culture, how it has evolved over the last 30+ years, and its legacy. With a nod to founders John Abele and Peter Nicholas, Mike discusses the BSC vision, core values, and key leadership attributes that propelled the private BSC start-up into the very public BSC medical giant it is today. Drawing on his vast experience—including heading up Endoscopy, Urology/Pelvic Health and the Neuromodulation businesses, and operations in Canada and Latin America—Phalen brings a unique perspective to “the BSC magic”.
Stay tuned for the end of the podcast to find out why former employees have reunited three times!
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Ep. 20 - Stephanie Seneff, Ph.D.: “ORGANICALLY HERSELF” - Decoding Glyphosate, GMO’s, and the Impact on Metabolic Health
Dr. Stephanie Seneff speaks out! She is (as always) authentically herself--passionate and compassionate--discussing the harmful effects of toxic chemicals.. She shares her incredible mind and perspective regarding glyphosate and GMO's, impacting metabolic, autoimmune, neuro, and mental health.
As a leader in her field (M.I.T. grad), she is doing her part to make this world (and the people on it!) a safer, healthier place.
Click on the cover photo to find out more—including her rich bio, an Amazon book link, and the YouTube and Audio links!
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Ep. 19 - Julie Parks & Kristi Haik, PhD: “A.I.101: INTRO TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE”
Class is in session! Join in a thought-provoking episode as we dive into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with two trailblazing leaders, Julie Parks and Kristie Haik. Join us for a captivating dialogue that explores the vast horizons of AI, its impact on education, the workplace, and the transformative possibilities it holds.

Ep. 18 - Lisa Nichols: “UNLOCKING POTENTIAL” - Tapping for Freedom using E.F.T.
Lisa Nichols, transformational business coach and certified Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner, helps clients unlock their potential— giving them the freedom to be the best versions of themselves—using various techniques and practices from Energy Psychology and Thought Field Therapy. Lisa’s niche is working with women entrepreneurs.
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Ep. 17 - Anthony Chaffee, M.D.: “RAISING THE STEAKS”
Surgeon, Athlete, Speaker, Humanitarian, and Podcaster Dr. Anthony Chaffee, MD uses hard facts and a science-based approach to “optimize performance and health” as the Plant-free M.D. and a hardcore Carnivore.

Ep. 16 - Carlos Manzano, PhD.: “New York State of Mind—the Glass Ceiling, Communication, and Leadership Bias”
Join in for a rich and moving conversation on a variety of topics including the glass ceiling, bias in leadership, striving for equity, the impact of policy changes, communication, the power of words, public health, New York, and more.

Ep. 15 - Tracy Brower, PhD., MM, MCRW: “Happiness at Work”
Everyone wants to be happy at work, and in this episode, sociologist, Dr. Tracy Brower shares her research, stories, experience, and advice on how to make that happen!
Join in for this deep and meaningful conversation with Tracy.
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Ep. 1 - Julie Novak, MHSA, Principal: “Transition, Growth, and Leveraging Leadership”
Julie Novak's experience as a public policy executive helps her create cohesive teams, identify collaborative solutions, and lead organizational transformation. She brings a wealth of experience to HMA in policy development, strategic partnerships, organizational restructuring, culture and team building, leadership development and change management.
Julie previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan State Medical Society, a statewide professional association representing physicians and the patients they serve. During her 14 years in this role, she built teams that effectively served members through policy and advocacy work, education, and products and services delivered by three wholly owned subsidiaries, as well as leveraged the work of the staff to address reimbursement issues, regulatory requirements, quality and safety, and physician leadership development.
Julie earned her master's degree in health services administration from the University of Michigan, and her bachelor's degree in international relations from Michigan State University’s James Madison College. She was recognized in 2009 as one of Crain’s Detroit Women to Watch and received the Michigan State Medical Society Presidential Citationin 2007.