Claim OwnershipLeadership Unplugged!
Subscribed: 1Played: 7
Subscribe
© 2025 Leadership Unplugged!
Description
Join Marion Economic Development Corporation for candid interviews with prominent business and community leaders.
30 Episodes
Reverse
This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Brook Fitzgerald of The Restoration Project to the podcast! Brook shares her incredible journey—from corporate banking to opening a downtown Cedar Rapids coffee shop (even though she didn’t drink coffee!) to co-founding a life and leadership coaching practice that’s all about helping people lead from alignment and intention. She gets real about entrepreneurship, faith, burnout, and what it really means to be a leader—not by title, but by how you show up. P...
Listen in to Ray Brown, CEO of ESCO Group, as he discusses his journey from accountant to CEO of a 100% employee-owned company. Ray dives into pivotal leadership moments, the mentors who shaped his approach, and the early challenges that drove his growth. Discover how Ray leads ESCO Group—a leader in electrical construction, automation, and safety consulting—through change, innovation, and community impact. Tune in to hear Ray's insights on why Marion is the ideal place to raise a family and ...
Listen in as Tom Pientok shares about leadership and what it means to him. You may be surprised as to what his super power would be!
In this episode of Leadership Unplugged, we sit down with Marion’s City Manager, Ryan Waller, and Deputy City Manager, Kim Downs, to discuss their journey in public service and their roles in driving positive change in Marion. Ryan, who became Marion’s 10th City Manager in 2021, brings over 20 years of experience from various Illinois communities and Indianola, Iowa. Kim, who joined the City of Marion in 2022, has over 24 years of experience and previously served as the City Manager of Hiawat...
Today, we have a very special guest: Mayor Nick AbouAssaly. His dedication to public service is unparalleled, as evidenced by his long list of accomplishments. From his early days on the City Council to his numerous community involvements and accolades, including being named Mayor of the Year, Nick's impact on Marion is undeniable. Join us as we delve into his journey and explore what it means to be a leader in this dynamic community.
Tune in for an engaging conversation with two distinguished educators, Superintendent Amy Kortemeyer of Linn-Mar and Superintendent Janelle Brouwer of Marion Independent, as they delve into their profound perspectives on leadership. Join us as they discuss the essence of leadership, drawing from their wealth of experience and dedication to shaping the future of education.
Join us as we chat with the team at Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion Mainstreet as they share how they're leading and making a difference in our community. You might even get to know what they wish their super powers were if given a choice!
Rapids Wholesale Foodservice Equipment & Supplies is your "one stop shop" for all things food related. If you serve food - they've got you! From their full lineup of commercial cooking equipment and refrigeration products to the plates and tables you serve your culinary masterpieces on, they've got it! Listen in as the Rapids team shares their story, where they've been and where they're going!
MEDCO’s Startup Spotlight hosted a conversation with Lesley Vossenkemper of Scale-Up Strategies. Lesley is the first woman in the Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Iowa City area to earn the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation. An individual who earns the CEPA credential assists business owners with the development of a strategy and plan for business succession. In a release from the CBJ in early September 2023, Lesley had the following to share, “As the daughter and granddaughte...
The Marion Independent School Board candidates are uncontested. This portion of the recording was an open house where candidates shared their thoughts and plans for the coming term. Candidates include Denise Allison (Incumbent), Jon Fitch (Incumbent), Carl Lantermans (Incumbent), and Michelle Rains. Please remember to vote in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 7th and enjoy listening to these individuals as they share updates and progress about the district!
This forum featured Linn-Mar School Board candidates. Candidates include Barry Buchholz (Incumbent), Justin Foss, Katie Lowe Lancaster, Tom Law, Brittania Morey (Incumbent), Kevin Slaman, Laura Steffeck, and Jodi Treharne. This forum followed a question and answer format of predetermined questions. Please remember to vote in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 7th and enjoy listening to these individuals as they share their perspectives and thoughts on the district.
Listen to the live recording of the 2023 City Council and Mayoral Forum. The Marion City Council and Mayoral races are uncontested. This portion of the event featured an open house where candidates shared their thoughts and plans for the coming term and answer questions from residents and business leaders. Candidates running for reelection are: Mayor, Nicolas AbouAssaly; At Large, Steve Jensen; Ward 1, Gage Miskimen; Ward 2, Grant Harper; Ward 3, Will Brandt.
Listen to the live recording of The Story of Farmers State Bank featuring FSB’s President and CEO Gene Neighbor, current FSB Chairman Kent Neighbor, current FSB Vice Chairman Doug Neighbor, and current Executive Vice President Steve Neighbor as they recount the family history of the bank.
Listen in to a live recording of our quarterly Startup Spotlight featuring Ben Davis. Together with his wife Katy, Ben owns the Marion Chocolate Shop in Marion, IA. He purchased the business two years ago after a twenty-year career in the National Guard. Ben shares his entrepreneurial journey and keys to his small business success.
In 1964, Wayne and Shirley Engle, started a small electrical contracting business in their Marion home. By the 1970s, ESCO had grown into one of the most successful electrical companies in the Midwest, working on both residential and commercial projects. Through multiple generations of family leadership, the ESCO Group has now grown to serve industrial markets across the United States including a client list of Fortune 500 companies. Marion Economic Development Corporation welcomes ESC...
Hey Marion! Get ready to meet Cowork 1107, the newest coworking space opening November 1 in Uptown Marion. Check us out at www.cowork1107.org
Would you consider your organization healthy? Maybe not in the physical sense, but do your team members understand their unique gifts, know how to apply them as part of your team, and then work cohesively to achieve true organizational health? Chad Greenlee with BerganKDV joins us to preview a cutting edge training series that launches April 14th powered by Marion Economic Development Corporation leveraging the curriculum of Patrick Lencioni and The Table Group. Registration is now open at ...
Hosted 10/20/21 by Marion Economic Development Corporation and the Marion Chamber of Commerce.
Hosted 10/20/21 by Marion Economic Development Corporation and Marion Chamber of Commerce.
Hosted 10/20/21 by Marion Economic Development Corporation & the Marion Chamber of Commerce.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States