Rebel Mindset

Culture Eats Chaos for Breakfast

Raise your hand if you worked in retail at some point. Our next guest is a retail management professional with over 22 years of experience, Michelle Telkes. Like many in retail, Michelle was initially drawn in by the allure of fashion but gained so much more. Michelle is currently the Store Manager of Michael Kors in Dallas, TX, and typically leads a team of over 20. She is responsible for everything from people development, including recruiting, hiring, training, and performance, to all facets of store management, including inventory and operations management, strategic planning, sales and marketing, and customer experience. She previously worked for Tesla, All Saints, Swatch, and Betsey Johnson. Listen to how Michelle has created a supportive, agile, and intentional team environment that consistently achieves goals while prioritizing the individuals who make it happen.

Lead like a Champion

USA USA USA!!! If you're anything like us, you've been in a haze of Olympics magic this summer. The power of sports to inspire and bring diverse cultures, countries, and beliefs together is undeniable, but what about the role of sports in developing organizational leaders? In this episode, we welcome Vanessa Zink, Chief Communications Officer for the City of Colorado Springs - fondly known as Olympic City USA - to The Upshot Leadership podcast. Colorado Springs is home to the US Olympic Committee, which supports the National Governing Bodies of each sport and is home to a renowned training center where countless athletes come to live and train as they prepare for the ultimate competition.
 
Managing a team of 14 directly responsible for the Mayor's communications, city-wide initiatives, and internal communications for 3,000 employees, Vanessa serves in a high-visibility and high-impact executive role in Olympic City. Previously, Vanessa served in various roles at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the U.S. Golf Association, where she served media at major events, including three Olympic Games and several USGA Championships. Vanessa is a passionate sports enthusiast and former college athlete - competing as a gymnast and track & field athlete at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and going on to become a graduate assistant gymnastics coach at Ball State.
Tune in to learn how her background in sports shaped her career and made her the communications leader she is today. She will discuss building a high-performance team, finding mentorship, setting boundaries, and building a support network in and out of work.

Find the Edge To Drive Change - Ask Why

Ah, the good, bad, and ugly of politics. It can make some people run for the hills and others run into the burning flames. So, what is it that makes someone want to put themselves in the line of fire? And what can we learn from leaders that are so bold? Learn how sales leader & local politician Jacq O'Connell uses sales and EQ skills to collaborate and drive change as a City Council member in a small Texas town. Walk away with strategies to find common ground in any group, even when you're considered an outsider.

Tapping into AI...Purposefully

"What sets humans apart from AI - our intuition, unexpected flashes of inspiration, and the disobedience to think about and do things differently." Listen in as Technology Chief Growth Officer Elizabeth Kiehner explores leadership and work in the age of AI. The technology is here to stay - and evolve - but it doesn't have to be doom and gloom. When thoughtfully applied, it can enhance our work and lives. 

DEIB Matters!

Your first thought is shaped by society; your second thought reflects your true perspective. In this episode with Industrial Organizational Psychologist Dr. Alex Zelin, we'll explore how socialization plays a role in DEIB and the workplace and how to meet people where they are at.