Sinikka Waugh and Helene Fein discuss 4 Things that I have Learned that are Most Important About Effectively Communicating and Coaching. Dr. Helene Fein is the Executive Director of the Iowa Literacy Council, a state association serving adult literacy professionals that are affiliated with COABE (Coalition on Adult Basic Education). Previously, Helene was the Data and Research Lead for United Way of Central Iowa and was a former Adult Literacy Director for the state of Iowa. She earned a Masters in School Administration and an Ed. Specialist degree in Adult Training and Development, both from Drake University. Helene earned her Ph.D. from Iowa State University and wrote her dissertation on why adults return to school to earn a high school equivalency diploma based on transition theory. In addition to her published dissertation, Helene has published a book, Necessary Conversations About English Language Learners, which combines coaching skills with ESL strategies. Helene is a trainer in Cognitive Coaching and Real Colors. She has three adult children and five grandchildren and lives in West Des Moines.

Sinikka Waugh and Joe Gonzalez discuss  5 Ways that Diversity Makes Us Better. Executive Director of Latino Resources Inc. Joe Gonzalez is a retired Lieutenant from the DM Police Department; he was hired as a Police Cadet in November of 1971. The program was started to recruit more minorities in the police department, he was promoted to Police Officer in January of 1975 and attended the Des Moines Police Regional Police Academy graduating in June of 1975. Joe was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February of 2004 and was assigned to the Community Outreach and Protective Services Division where he supervised officers that worked in community outreach. In April 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was then assigned to be the commander of the Neighborhood Based Service Delivery Unit. The unit had officers that worked with the neighborhood associations in the city, he also oversaw the Mobile Crisis Unit which responded to calls from individuals that were having mental health crises. In addition, he oversaw the Police Activities League and a boxing club for youth, this gave them a place to be involved in an activity and to stay off the streets. Joe graduated from DMACC earning an AA degree and worked at the police department soon after graduating from high school. Joe is a graduating member of the 2007-2008 Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and was awarded with the Community and Visioning award for connecting in 2012. Joe was fortunate to have a successful career and was recognized for his work as an advocate for crime victims, especially domestic violence victims. He was recognized by the United States Attorney's Office, Domestic Abuse Coordinating Council, Iowa Organization of Victim Assistance, and United Latinas for a New Dawn for his work in assisting victims of domestic violence. In 2003 the Des Moines Rotary Club selected him as the Police Officer of the Year. Upon his retirement in July of 2014 Chief Judy Bradshaw awarded him with the department's meritorious service award to honor his career. Joe has the honor of being the highest-ranking Latino in the history of the Des Moines Police Department. Joe currently serves on the Proteus and Police Activities boards and he’s a past board member for Variety, Chrysalis Foundation, Polk County Housing Trust Fund, and Broadlawns. Joe is also currently involved with the Inclusion and Diversity Council and the Equity and Inclusion Committee. He has also been a mentor for the Community Connect Program for 4 years.

Sinikka Waugh and Matt Arnold discuss 4 Ways Human-Centered Design Can Help You and Your Customers. Matt Arnold serves as principal for services strategies and solutions at Brightidea, whose mission is to transform the way the world innovates. Matt has over 25 years of experience leading innovation and design projects with many of the world’s top brands. Matt was the creator and host of The Iowa Idea Podcast which explored stories of creativity, craft, and innovation in long-form interviews with over 100 innovators and creatives.  He holds a BA in Communication Studies from The University of Iowa and an MS in Communication from Illinois State University.

Sinikka Waugh and Kristen Boldt discuss 5 Ways to Build Conscious Leadership. I don’t like thinking of myself as a lawyer. We all know the adversarial stereotype that label conjures up (absolutely not me!). Even outside the stereotypes, a lawyer works for the good of one side. That isn’t me either. My instinct always looks for the bigger picture, the story behind the story, and how all the different pieces work together because I know that it is in those nuances that our solutions usually reside. ​ I prefer to think of myself as a tensegrity artist with a law degree. In art and nature tensegrity refers to structures created through the balancing of different tension elements to create structural integrity. As a metaphor for relationships, tensegrity refers to the omnidirectional give and take dynamics at work in all our interactions. We exist in dynamic relationship to each other. We are autonomous individuals and interconnected through our relationships and community.  When we bring these dynamics into harmony everyone has what they need as an individual and the integrity of the larger system, whether a family, a business, or a community, is strengthened. ​ My work focuses on the system level. There is a great story about a guy walking through the woods who hears a baby crying in the stream. He pulls the baby out and starts to care for it and soon hears another. He rescues that one and calls for more help. Soon there are many people pulling the babies from the stream, setting up feeding stations, housing etc. Finally, one person asks, maybe we should go upstream and find out how they are getting in. ​ I am that person. ​ I work with systems because my instincts always take me “upstream”. What excites me about this work is the shift I see in individuals when the system is redesigned. When our systems are healthy it is easy for people to live into their highest selves, to use their gifts to be the contributions they are called to be. ​ All of my work, through Conscious Contracts®, collaborative facilitation, and mediation, is focused on how we can best create harmony through healthy systems and healthy people. I have learned over time that I am most effective when I work for the good of the whole. Some refer to this as serving as a neutral, but I like the term poly-partial. A neutral is not invested in anyone, a poly-partial is working for everyone. ​ I am an Iowa girl. I grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt before heading to Tennessee for college. My 4 years at Vanderbilt University gave me a bachelor’s in communication and taught me that I am truly a Midwesterner at heart, so I came back to Des Moines to work for the family business for a few years before going to law school at Drake.   I have two amazing daughters, also Roosevelt grads (go Riders!) and 2 goofy cats. The arts have always been a big part of my life. I love the theater, I play the harp and I have been singing in church choirs since I was a kid. I think I have always been drawn to the arts because that is how we tell our deepest stories. It is said that what is most personal is also most universal. Our stories are what bring us together, the shimmery thread woven through our human tapestry. Our stories connect us and these days we desperately need more connection.

Sinikka Waugh and April King discuss 5 Ways to Expand a Learning Mindset. I started my career during college in the retail space, which then led to a managerial role in the beauty industry.  Prior to my current company, I worked locally for a Global Beauty Brand as an Executive Director of Institute Development for Aveda schools in Iowa and Minnesota.  After 11 years in that role, I made a switch to a favorite IA industry…insurance.  I joined my current team with American Enterprise Group in November 2019.  Throughout the height of the pandemic and global turmoil and unrest, I found myself really appreciative of all the gifts I’ve been given in my life:  my health, my family, and my coworkers.  Through virtual connection, I built relationships and grew alongside teammates.  I am currently the Director of Employee Engagement and Development which allows me to combine my love of learning, culture, and business agility.  When I’m not at work, I am working alongside my husband to raise 2 human beings with the hope that they will give back to their communities as adults.

Sinikka Waugh and Damir Cavkusic discuss 5 Ways to Impact Through Inclusivity. My name is Damir Cavkusic, and I am a product engineer with John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa. I was born in the former Yugoslavia (currently Croatia) and came to the United States as a young child in 1997 as a refugee to escape the war and turmoil in the Balkans. Starting life over with next to nothing, I grew up as an only child in a single-parent household in Fargo, North Dakota. I had a magnificent role model in my mother, who worked multiple jobs to support us and achieved a master’s degree in business. This all while raising me on her own and instilling her work ethic and perseverance even against great odds. I went to school at North Dakota State University where I majored in Industrial Engineering and Management and had my first foray into involvement and learning the value of working with diverse people and projects. After graduating, I worked as an engineer in North Dakota and later moved to Iowa in 2017 to work for John Deere. Today as a Naturalized American Citizen, I feel comfortable stating that I have achieved the true American Dream. Although everything was earned, I live every day feeling very fortunate to be where I am in life. Through my engineering career, I have been able to obtain multiple US Patents, I am currently pursuing my MBA through the University of North Dakota, I am involved in my community, and I proudly serve as an ally of diversity and empowering voices at work and feel very grateful to work for a company as exceptional as John Deere. Things I like to do in my personal time include traveling and road trips, exploring nature, finding interesting places to eat, keeping up with science and tech news, working on my cars, and attending car shows and sports events.

Sinikka Waugh and Kathy Towner discuss 3 Life Skills for Better Living... and Better Marketing! The evolution of an entrepreneur often makes a great story, one involving personal sacrifice, intense highs and lows, and the drive to grow and to contribute. It's the entrepreneur's story that drives Kathryn as a business owner herself, and as a website developer and digital marketer. Serving small businesses for over 20 years, Kathryn relies on her sales experience and public relations training to assist small businesses with online marketing programs at all stages. Straight out of Iowa State University with her degree in journalism, Kathryn worked for McGraw-Hill Higher Education as a publisher's representative, where she trained and practiced the art of inquiry, learning something new every day. In 2001 Kathryn joined her late husband Greg Goaley in his start-up marketing company. Her goal was to add value, to build a new revenue stream and quickly doubled the size of the business. Today, Kathryn's company WinCommunications propels small businesses not only to stay current with online marketing trends, but also to find their unique voice, refine and re- establish their message, and develop trust online. WinCommunications provides WordPress consulting, content management, and website development. Kathryn is an expert in small business email marketing and offers social media marketing services. Her focus is on saving the business owner time and money while growing and retaining a strong customer base. And what she values most of all are the relationships. Kathryn stays involved in community groups and local business activities year-round. Currently she serves as Past President for NAWBO Iowa. She has served for many years in communications and leadership roles with the Iowa chapter of NAWBO, as well as the American Marketing Association, the Association of Women in Communications, the Iowa Society of Association Executives. Her volunteer work includes time on the boards at Opportunity On Deck and the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association.

Sinikka Waugh and Mel Worrel Johnson discuss 4 Questions to Ask to Help Get the Most of Your Assessments. Over her 20-year career, Melissa Worrel-Johnson has focused her efforts in leadership, talent development, and business strategy. Her diverse background includes entrepreneurial business start- ups as well as significant leadership roles in large corporations to now being a partner in Your Leadership Group – a people development organization focused on coaching, training, and facilitation to inspire, elevate and help leaders and organizations. Melissa believes we grow our businesses and profit through teamwork and people. One of our biggest assets are how we lead our teams, develop our people and roll up our sleeves with people leadership.

Sinikka Waugh and b. Robert Moore discuss the 2 Important Life Lessons with b. Robert Moore. Robert Moore (b.1983-) Des Moines, Iowa | Lakewood, California. Robert, a multidisciplinary contemporary artist started painting to counter drug addiction and alcoholism among mental and emotional health outlets. To Robert, he is constantly in pursuit of happiness, which in his current state is defined by fulfillment + purpose. He finds purpose in connecting narrative and opening doors for connection, relation, healing, and discussion. From up-cycled sculpture to abstract portrait and urban neo-expressionism, Robert has defined his genre or style as "narrative". He is purposeful with every word, brushstroke, and connection to the work with contention if intentional or accidental occurrences influenced the work. Like many human and human experiences, the exterior never truly tellS how the person was composed within the interior or influences/experiences that impacted them and so human nature typically has a subjective stance. Robert attempts to strip away those subjective "soft" assumptions of the narrative instead of calling it out directly. That is the goal of his work, to conflict and provoke thought of narrative of African and African American diaspora as well as social and civil experiences of underrepresented people + narrative.

Sinikka Waugh and Haley McElhinney discuss 3 Surprising Ways I have Grown by Editing a Podcast. Haley was born and raised in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. She attended Simpson College for her undergraduate degree in business management with a minor in human resources. Following her Simpson graduation, she attended Iowa Wesleyan University where she obtained her master's degree in management leadership with an emphasis on strategic leadership. Haley currently works as a full-time HR Specialist at Osage Healthcare, Inc., a part-time assistant golf coach for the men's and women’s teams at Iowa Wesleyan University, and she also works as our part-time Podcast Producer at Your Clear Next Step. Haley now lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband Thayne, and their golden retriever Storm. She enjoys all of her different professional outlets and the opportunities they provide her with to be even better!

Sinikka Waugh and Janet Fisher discuss 5 Words to Help Tell the Story to Living Full. Janet Fisher is a Development Officer for Mosaic. She graduated with a degree in Family Sciences: Child and Family Development from Truman State University and has over 25 years of personal and professional experience working with people with disabilities.  Janet has served with Mosaic for 11 years.  Her career with Mosaic started as Habilitative Manager, overseeing 25 group homes.  She transitioned into friend and fundraising as Resource Development Manager in 2019 and was recently promoted to Development Officer for the state of Iowa and the Kansas City area.  Janet is a member of Business Networker International - Morning Networkers, Truth Business Network, Urbandale Kiwanis and Chamber, Sisters of St. Luke, and 100 Women Who Care - Ankeny.  She has been married to Kevin for almost 27 years and they have three children: Joseph, Michael, and Maggie.

Sinikka Waugh and Claudia Schabel discuss 5 DEI Trends to Consider and Three Actions to Move DEI Forward. Claudia Schabel, Founder, President, and CEO of Schabel Solutions Inc., has been on a 20-plus-year mission to raise awareness and consciousness about social justice, race relations, and equity. The Schabel Solutions team has over 25 years of DEI and human resources practitioner experience, largely with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. As a diversity and inclusion strategic partner, we combine our expertise with significant international experience and multicultural backgrounds to help organizations address the dangers of unmitigated unconscious bias, untapped talent, missed market opportunities, and stagnant innovation. We are a Certified Virtual Facilitator™ (CVF™) by the International Institute for Facilitation. We are also Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) certified for conducting robust organization-wide cultural equity assessments, which we leverage to develop and implement diversity and inclusion strategies with our clients. Centrally located out of Des Moines, Iowa, we are a woman/minority-owned business that is certified as an Iowa Targeted Small Business (TSB), SBA Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) business. A former commissioner on the City of Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission, Claudia serves on the Iowa Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) State Council as the Director of Diversity. She also serves on the boards of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Science Center of Iowa and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. After growing up in Brazil and working in Japan, Claudia has made Des Moines, Iowa her home with her spouse, Brad, and their always playful English Golden Retriever, Stormy.

Sinikka Waugh and Terrie Kohl discuss 4 Things I Learned from My Great Adventure in Purging. Terrie Kohl came to Des Moines as a food service food broker and then a national food service buyer. Terrie then took her next visionary step by attending The New England Culinary Institute in Essex Junction, Vermont, in 1996. Chef Terrie interned at The Montauk Yacht Club in Montauk, Long Island, New York, Thyme & Again Catering, and South Hampton Bath and Tennis Club in South Hampton, Long Island, New York. Her second internship brought her back home to Des Moines where she was employed at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott Hotel, Embassy Club Capital Square, and Aramark/Pioneer Hi-Bred. She gained additional expertise as the Catering Chef at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Terrie dreamed of starting her own business, and she established Country Club Market in 2003. From there, Country Club Market has filled a unique niche in central Iowa, offering culinary arts classes, customized catering, and a bakery that produces some of the tastiest treats in town. Chef Terrie is a graduate of New England Culinary Institute in Essex Junction, Vermont – a school that was voted the 2004 Vocational Cooking School of the Year by the Institute of Culinary Professionals. Chef Terrie’s passion for food extends to her collection of more than 4,500 cookbooks. She is especially fond of regional Junior League cookbooks, and those found on vacation destinations.

Sinikka Waugh and Kim Gratny discuss 5 Tips for Not Letting Perfectionism or Control-Freak Tendencies Prevent Us from Being Good Influencers. Human Development Wrangler + Founder Kim Gratny is honored to be serving clients from a variety of industries based on their trust and confidence for more than 20 years. She’s humbled by and grateful for the word-of-mouth referrals earned. She is certified in Equine Guided Education (otherwise known as Horse Guided Coaching) and in Mentoring, Coaching + Leadership Development. Communication, relationships and horses are her lifelong fascinations. Her adventuresome spirit has taken her on a 20+-year journey in public relations, child rearing, homemaking, entrepreneurship, coaching, consulting and ranching - a distinct culmination of her heritage (a mixture of generations of cowboys and entrepreneurs). Kim and her husband Dusten are humbled by and grateful for what God has entrusted to them — a blended family with five children, family-like friends, horses, bucking cattle, sheep, dogs and land to steward. 

Sinikka Waugh and Ann Wright discuss 5 Things to Know About Volunteering. Ann Wright MBL, ACC Leadership and Team Coach Throughout Ann's 25-plus years of experience in leadership and talent development, she discovered and believes that people are an organization's most valuable asset. She partners with organizations and leaders to achieve their personal and professional goals by focusing on people, culture, and everyone's unique talents. Ann believes businesses grow by investing in their team members and embracing the talent each brings.   She is an ICF Credentialed Coach focusing on Leadership and Team Coaching, speaker, author, and facilitator. Through her workshops and coaching, she assists people in developing their interpersonal skills in areas such as Attitude, Communicating with Confidence, Life/Work Balance, Productive Conflict Resolution,  Meeting Management, Presentation Skills, and Teambuilding, so they can achieve their goals in life, as well as, help their organizations reach their outcomes.  Ann earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Business and Psychology and Masters in Business Leadership degree through Upper Iowa University. Ann is a licensed facilitator in Coach U's - The Coach Clinic where participants learn how to use the Coaching Conversation Model and develop strategic coaching skills which benefit them in creating a culture where performance is amplified and team effectiveness increases.

Sinikka Waugh and Becky Naderman discuss 4 Ways to Challenge your Unconscious Bias. R. A. Naderman (Becky) studied at St. Ambrose University, graduating with a degree in occupational therapy and psychology. Her career as an occupational therapist has allowed her to encounter people from all walks of life. In 2016 she began to visit a prison close to her home and developed a friendship with Aaron, a man who had been convicted of a despicable crime and given a lengthy sentence, who maintains his innocence. While they each came from very different walks of life, Becky, a white middle-class working mom, and Aaron, a Black man in prison for most of his adult life, found they had much in common. In 2019 Becky completed writing and published Walk With Me, the story of the transformative power of friendship and answering the call to love your neighbor as yourself. Becky speaks sharing the story of her book and is a voice for justice rooted in the fact that we are more alike than we are different. . Becky shared her story and message at TEDx Des Moines in May of 2021. Becky resides in Des Moines, Iowa with her husband and three teenage daughters. To contact and connect with Becky, www.ranadermanwalkwithme.com, [email protected], and on Facebook at Walk With Me R.A. Naderman.

Sinikka Waugh and Barb Ranck discuss the 3 Steps to Managing Stress Through Curiosity. Barb is a facilitator, coach, and Enneagram expert and has a passion for helping others find their purpose.

To access Ramona's Tool please use the following link: https://info.yourclearnextstep.com/the-dos-and-donts-when-someone-opens-up-about-their-mental-health When you access this page, fill out your information and you will be redirected to her tool. Thanks! Sinikka Waugh and Ramona Wink discuss 5 Things You Can Do When Someone at Work Opens Up About Their Mental Health. Ramona Wink is a licensed mental health counselor and motivational public speaker with 515 Therapy and Consulting in West Des Moines, IA. In her role as a therapist, Ramona enjoys working with both individuals and adults, helping to navigate problematic issues in their lives and lean into living as their best, authentic selves! As a motivational public speaker, Ramona is passionate about reaching audiences of all sizes because of the mental health crisis we face in Iowa due to the extreme shortage of mental health professionals. On stage, storytelling is Ramona's superpower and she quickly connects with the group as she shares her wisdom and knowledge that has come through countless hours in her therapist's chair and through her own personal and professional life experience. Ramona was recently appointed by the Governor to serve on the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences. She is also an Ambassador for the Make It OK Campaign as part of the Iowa The Healthiest State Initiative. She is a member of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association.   Before becoming a mental health therapist, Ramona was in ministry for 15 years and banking for 15 years. She is a mother and a grandmother and enjoys living her best life with her partner. 

Sinikka Waugh and Dawn Ealy discuss 5 Ways to Prepare for (Small Business) Growth with Clarity. Dawn Ealy is the Founder of Peak Cadence LLC. Dawn loves working with small, growing companies to optimize their organizations, processes, and teams around the natural ways they work. She helps leaders structure their teams and workflows to maximize clarity and efficiency while increasing engagement. Dawn’s background in leadership, technology, HR, operations, project management, and documentation within companies ranging from three employees to 30,000 provides a unique perspective for organizations preparing to scale.

Sinikka Waugh and Ann Wright discuss 5 Things Teams Can Do to Move from Good to Great. Ann Wright MBL, ACC Leadership and Team Coach Throughout Ann's 25 plus years of experience in leadership and talent development, she discovered and believes that people are an organization's most valuable asset. She partners with organizations and leaders to achieve their personal and professional goals by focusing on people, culture, and everyone's unique talents. Ann believes businesses grow by investing in their team members and embracing the talent each brings.   She is an ICF Credentialed Coach focusing on Leadership and Team Coaching, speaker, author, and facilitator. Through her workshops and coaching, she assists people in developing their interpersonal skills in areas such as Attitude, Communicating with Confidence, Life/Work Balance, Productive Conflict Resolution,  Meeting Management, Presentation Skills, and Teambuilding, so they can achieve their goals in life, as well as, help their organizations reach their outcomes.  Ann earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Business and Psychology and Masters in Business Leadership degree through Upper Iowa University. Ann is a licensed facilitator in Coach U's - The Coach Clinic where participants learn how to use the Coaching Conversation Model and develop strategic coaching skills which benefit them in creating a culture where performance is amplified and team effectiveness is increased.

R. A. Naderman (Becky) studied at St. Ambrose University, graduating with a degree in occupational therapy and psychology. Her career as an occupational therapist has allowed her to encounter people from all walks of life. In 2016 she began to visit a prison close to her home and developed a friendship with Aaron, a man who had been convicted of a despicable crime and given a lengthy sentence, who maintains his innocence. While they each came from very different walks of life, Becky, a white middle-class working mom, and Aaron, a Black man in prison for most of his adult life, found they had much in common. In 2019 Becky completed writing and published Walk With Me, the story of the transformative power of friendship and answering the call to love your neighbor as yourself. Becky speaks sharing the story of her book and is a voice for justice rooted in the fact that we are more alike than we are different. . Becky shared her story and message at TEDx Des Moines in May of 2021. Becky resides in Des Moines, Iowa with her husband and three teenage daughters. To contact and connect with Becky, www.ranadermanwalkwithme.com , [email protected], and on Facebook at Walk With Me R.A. Naderman.

Sinikka Waugh and Chef Terrie Kohl discuss 5 Ways that Living Her Mission at Work and Life has Brought Joy. Chef Terrie Kohl came to Des Moines as a food service food broker and then a national foodservice buyer. Chef Terrie then took her next visionary step by attending The New England Culinary Institute in Essex Junction, Vermont, 1996. Chef Terrie interned at The Montauk Yacht Club in Montauk, Long Island, New York, Thyme & Again Catering, and South Hampton Bath and Tennis Club in South Hampton, Long Island, New York. Her second internship brought her back home to Des Moines where she was employed at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott Hotel, Embassy Club Capital Square, and Aramark/Pioneer Hi-Bred. She gained additional expertise as the Catering Chef at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Chef Terrie dreamed of starting her own business, and she established Country Club Market in 2003. From there, Country Club Market has filled a unique niche in central Iowa, offering culinary arts classes, customized catering, and a bakery that produces some of the tastiest treats in town. Chef Terrie is a graduate of New England Culinary Institute in Essex Junction, Vermont – a school that was voted the 2004 Vocational Cooking School of the Year by the Institute of Culinary Professionals. Chef Terrie’s passion for food extends to her collection of more than 4,500 cookbooks. She is especially fond of regional Junior League cookbooks, and those found on vacation destinations.

Sinikka Waugh and Mike Rice discuss 5 Discoveries on the Detour from Success to Significance. Mike Rice, president of Aureon Consulting, is responsible for Consulting’s strategic growth, leadership, and business operations. Prior to being appointed President, Mike was the Vice President of Aureon Consulting (previously Midwest Project Partners), and a founding partner of Midwest Technical Partners. With over 23 years of experience in technology consulting and staffing, he is passionate about building relationships and focused on finding solutions to meet clients’ business goals. Mike serves on the Board for the Single Parent Provision. He is also active within the Technology Association of Iowa and dedicated to increasing STEM interest within the state to drive economic development.

Sinikka Waugh and Ramona Wink discuss 4 Things You May Not Know About Mental Health (in Iowa). Ramona Wink is a licensed mental health counselor and motivational public speaker with 515 Therapy and Consulting in West Des Moines, IA. In her role as a therapist, Ramona enjoys working with both individuals and adults, helping to navigate problematic issues in their lives and lean into living as their best, authentic self! As a motivational public speaker, Ramona is passionate about reaching audiences of all sizes because of the mental health crisis we face in Iowa due to the extreme shortage of mental health professionals. On stage, storytelling is Ramona's superpower and she quickly connects with the group as she shares her wisdom and knowledge that has come through countless hours in her therapist's chair and through her own personal and professional life experience. Ramona was recently appointed by the Governor to serve on the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences. She is also an Ambassador for the Make It OK Campaign as part of the Iowa The Healthiest State Initiative. She is a member of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association. Before becoming a mental health therapist, Ramona was in ministry for 15 years and banking for 15 years. She is a mother and a grandmother and enjoys living her best life with her partner.

Sinikka Waugh and Jeremiah Terhark discuss 4 Lessons Learned from Growing a Business from 1 to 60 Employees. With a talent for technology and an entrepreneurial spirit, Jeremiah founded Webspec Design in 2001. He is passionate about marketing online and working closely with clients to see their goals achieved. Jeremiah focuses his energies on managing upcoming website projects, interacting with clients, and programming. He graduated from Evangel University with degrees in accounting and political science. When not working, he and his wife enjoy doing activities with their four children.

Sinikka Waugh, Melissa Worrel-Johnson, Michelle Rembert, and Ann Wright discuss 4 Ways to Communicate More Effectively. Throughout Ann's 25 plus years of experience in leadership and talent development, she discovered and believes that people are an organization's most valuable asset. She partners with organizations and leaders to achieve their personal and professional goals by focusing on people, culture, and everyone's unique talents. Ann believes businesses grow by investing in their team members and embracing the talent each brings. Ann is an ICF Credentialed Coach focusing on Leadership and Team Coaching, speaker, author, and facilitator. Through her workshops and coaching, she assists people in developing their interpersonal skills in areas such as Attitude, Communicating with Confidence, Life/Work Balance, Productive Conflict Resolution, Meeting Management, Presentation Skills, and Teambuilding, so they can achieve their goals in life, as well as, help their organizations reach their outcomes. Ann earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Business and Psychology and Masters in Business Leadership degree through Upper Iowa University. Ann is a licensed facilitator in Coach U's - The Coach Clinic where participants learn how to use the Coaching Conversation Model and develop strategic coaching skills which benefit them in creating a culture where performance is amplified and team effectiveness increased. Over her 19-year career, Melissa Worrel has focused her efforts on leadership, talent development, and business strategy. Her diverse background includes entrepreneurial business start-ups as well as significant leadership roles in large organizations.  As an ICF credentialed coach and licensed facilitator of the Coaching Clinic, DiSC, and CCL’s 360 assessment, Melissa’s purpose is to support leaders to be the best leaders they can be. How we engage, communicate, and collaborate effects our workdays, team culture, and results. Melissa believes we grow our businesses and profits through teamwork and people. People + Passion + Purpose = Winning Teams. One of our biggest assets is how we lead our teams, develop our people and roll up our sleeves with people leadership. Melissa lives in Iowa with her husband Alan; they enjoy paddle boarding, biking, travel, and family. Drawing on more than 25 years in healthcare and non-profit leadership, coupled with her experience as a coach, Michelle helps individuals gain clarity on where they are now, where they want to be, and how they will get there Michelle Rembert is an ICF credentialed coach, speaker and workshop facilitator, who helps heart-centered leaders & entrepreneurs to stress less, live more, and lead well. With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Michelle is well-prepared and uniquely qualified to support individuals, teams, and organizations in workplace wellbeing. She has expertise in helping individuals to overcome overwhelm, stress and burnout. She believes that in order to show up fully and lead others, we must show up fully for ourselves first. Michelle is also passionate about empowering leaders and organizations to create a coaching culture. Michelle is a licensed facilitator in Coach U's - The Coach Clinic. She specializes in facilitating workshops and training emerging and seasoned leaders in coaching, mentoring and leadership skills to create better communication, build stronger teams, and amplify performance. Michelle is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaches Federation. Michelle is Past President of the ICF Iowa Chapter.  

Sinikka Waugh, Kim and Dusten Gratny discuss 6 Ways Your Life is Enriched by Stepping Into Discomfort.  Kim Gratny, Human Development Wrangler + Founder, is honored to be serving clients from a variety of industries based on their trust and confidence for more than 20 years. She’s humbled by and grateful for the word-of-mouth referrals earned. She is certified in Equine Guided Education (otherwise known as Horse Guided Coaching) and in Mentoring, Coaching + Leadership Development. Communication, relationships, and horses are her lifelong fascinations. Her adventuresome spirit has taken her on a 20+-year journey in public relations, child-rearing, homemaking, entrepreneurship, coaching, consulting, and ranching - a distinct culmination of her heritage (a mixture of generations of cowboys and entrepreneurs). Kim and her husband Dusten are humbled by and grateful for what God has entrusted to them — a blended family with five children, family-like friends, horses, bucking cattle, sheep, dogs, and land to steward. Dusten Gratny, Animal Behaviorist, is a lifelong horseman, cattleman, and stock dog breeder and trainer who has steeped himself in his passions in a way very few implement. His way of being makes him extraordinary with animals. His creativity and tenacity have taken him down a spectrum of roads - from the excavating industry to a custom jeweler, trainer of Biblical horsemanship, and large animal veterinarian technician. His favorite aspect of the animals he’s bred, trained, and competed with is the genetic strategy required for distinguished athleticism. He credits his ability to ebb, flex and flow to his family of origin. For nearly two decades, the family and their horses entertained audiences and ministered to event-goers as the only trick riding and roping family in America logging an average of 30 performances annually. He is grateful to be a steward of a ranch near Earlham and welcomes anyone interested in slowing down and building relationships.

Sinikka Waugh and Kim Gratny discuss 5 Qualities Associated with Leading by Serving. Human Development Wrangler + Founder Kim Gratny is honored to be serving clients from a variety of industries based on their trust and confidence for more than 20 years. She’s humbled by and grateful for the word-of-mouth referrals earned. She is certified in Equine Guided Education (otherwise known as Horse Guided Coaching) and in Mentoring, Coaching + Leadership Development. Communication, relationships and horses are her lifelong fascinations. Her adventuresome spirit has taken her on a 20+-year journey in public relations, child rearing, homemaking, entrepreneurship, coaching, consulting and ranching - a distinct culmination of her heritage (a mixture of generations of cowboys and entrepreneurs). Kim and her husband Dusten are humbled by and grateful for what God has entrusted to them — a blended family with five children, family-like friends, horses, bucking cattle, sheep, dogs and land to steward.

Sinikka Waugh and Missy Paxson discuss 5 Ways to Be Your Best Self at Work and Home. Missy is a passionate life coach that believes her spiritual calling is to help people live their best life. She is no stranger to difficult times and has learned how to transform those experiences as positive learnings within her own life story. Missy is the founder and owner of Greater Within. She believes what we have inside us is greater than our fears. Through her experiences & certifications as a Master Life & Master Mindset Coach, she has the tools to help inspire and motivate others to turn negativity into positive energy.

Sinikka Waugh and Jann Freed discuss 6 Components of the Breadcrumb Legacy. Jann Freed is a speaker and a leadership development consultant with the Genysys Group. Jann assists organizations in improving employee engagement, helping leaders navigate change, and developing employees to be leaders. She assists organizations in improving employee engagement, developing leaders, and helping employees find meaning and purpose. Jann is a Professor Emerita of Business Management at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where she held the Mark and Kay De Cook Endowed Chair in Leadership and Character Development. In addition to authoring and co-authoring books on leadership and continuous improvement, Jann hosts a podcast series titled Becoming a Sage. She also writes a column for Training Magazine titled, “Leading the Edge.” Jann is an adjunct professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa. She has a B.A. from Central College, an MBA from Drake University, and a Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Jann lives in Des Moines with her husband, John Fisher, and they have three adult sons. “Currently, I am writing a book about legacy. The focus of one of the chapters is how when one embraces death, it can inspire life. Ideas like that are what TEDxDesMoines is all about, and it is an opportunity for me to fulfill my personal mission to share what I’m learning with others.“ – Jann Freed

Sinikka Waugh, Dave Prior, and Jeff Howey discuss 5 Keys to Surviving Project Management.  Dave Prior, PMP, PMI-ACP, CSM, CSPO, CSP, CST, has been leading technology projects and teaching individuals and teams how to manage their work for over 20 years. He is a Certified Scrum Trainer and works for LeadingAgile where he leads CSM and CSPO classes. Dave has been podcasting about Project Management and Agile since 2008. His podcasts for ProjectManagement.com and LeadingAgile can all be found at drunkenpm.com. Dave is a member of the Scrum Alliance TAC, he lives in New York City, and his personal mission is "to make the transition from waterfall to Agile suck less for others than it did for me. Jeff Howey is an Accomplished Agile Transformation Expert with deep expertise in leading large cross-functional operations to their next level of growth and efficiency. For 14+ years, Jeff has followed a path to his calling as a business transformation leader, working to build high-performance environments, unleash the power of teams working together in a new way, inspiring and empowering people to grow and succeed. Jeff recognizes the way people work together, and value one another’s contributions, can make (or break) any company, so he leads with integrity, passion, and excellence with an open mind to hear, understand, challenge when needed, or adapt where fruitful. His heart and passion lie in supporting, leading, and mentoring people, a company’s biggest asset. He gives it his all and gets great satisfaction from impacting the lives of others each day.  

Sinikka Waugh and Daniel McCraine discuss 5 Things I Learned About Business From Conducting an Orchestra. Daniel is the founder of McCraine Associates, a business and marketing strategy company. Daniel's work has helped companies save or make over $22 million in capital and expenses. He has been called the Maestro of Business and the "Marcus Lemonis of Des Moines." Daniel is a leadership and business coach and a nationally recognized, award-winning training professional. 

Sinikka Waugh and Aaron Anderson discuss 4 Things I Learned on the Journey of Owning a Business. Aaron grew up in Clarion Iowa and graduated high school in 2012 and went on to Central College in Pella Iowa to wrestle and study Biology/Chemistry. Eventually changing to Business Finance graduating from Central College in 2016. During his work career he has taken on many different roles. -1st job out of college was selling insurance -Worked at Hy-Vee for 1 year for Assistant Management -Took a position as a General Manager for Fresh Fit Meals for 2 years -Took a position as Chief Operating Officer for Winterset Cidery for 1 year -Bought Fresh Fit Meals in August of 2020 -Present Business Director for our small business with goals of expanding and impacting people's lives in a better, healthier way

Sinikka Waugh and Faye Howard discuss 4 Things You Might Not Realize About Your Influence. Faye is currently a Marketing Support Specialist at Pella Corporation where she ensures the Pella brand is represented consistently and accurately across retail, trade, and commercial business segments. Faye has a master’s degree in Training and Development and has held multiple roles in training, curriculum design, customer service and marketing throughout her career. She is a native of Minnesota but has made her home in Pella with her husband Seth and their 3 boys for the past (almost) 16 years. Faye is a connector and is intentional about influencing those around her therefore, in her free time, you’ll find her in the stands cheering on her boys in various activities, enjoying a walk or cup of coffee walk with a friend or immersed in a good book pulling out nuggets of wisdom.

Sinikka Waugh and Matt Kiernan discuss 5 Realities of a Man's Life and the Positive Ways to Live Life at Full Volume.  Matt grew up on the family farm in Madison County, Iowa where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. He also learned the value of family and of giving back. Throughout his career, he had always sought out positions that allowed him to help people with various needs and issues. From his early days in the fashion industry to the hospitality and event industries, he was always pursuing solutions to the issues people had. In March of 2020, he found himself, like many, without work not knowing which way to go and how to move forward. Matt searched for new meaning in his life, how would he want to live from this moment on? How would he best serve others while still serving the needs of my family and myself? It was then that he found that he had a true desire to not only help people but to help them change their lives. Being a man that has struggled to find his place in the world Matt found himself wanting to be the man he needed when he was younger. To help men figure out some of the biggest challenges they face such as relationships, children, career, and their view of what success truly is. To help men live with passion and purpose to find their path and to live their values is his mission and his calling. Men in the world need a helping hand to figure out their lives and to push forward in a world that changes each day. Matt hopes to help and guide as many men as possible as we navigate the world together. Today, Matt lives in West Des Moines with his wife of 18 years and their two daughters Olivia and Ella. They enjoy fun family activities such as bike riding, traveling, and donating their time to our parish.

Sinikka Waugh and Kelly Webster discuss 6 Reasons Hiring a Professional Graphic Designer Can Make Your Work Day Even Better. Owner of Webster Creative | Graphic Designer 2020 Award Winner from Expertise.com - One of the Top 15 Graphic Designers in the Des Moines Area As a Freelance Designer, Kelly has a long history of creative design, layout and print expertise you can depend on to help you get noticed. Her primary goals are to deliver a quality product with excellent service, all in striving to assure your experience with Webster Creative is a great one. Specializing in print design, she can create most any print project you can imagine with individuality and flare. Her talents offer Branding, Logo design, Letterhead, Brochures, Posters (large format also available), Custom Invitations and Announcements, Flyers, Specialty Gifts, Set Photography and much, much more. Kelly has worked for small and large companies, and in positions pertaining to concept, design, production, and print. Her years of experience add invaluable insight and expertise for every project she creates. Says Kelly, “Drawing, painting, and making something out of nothing have all been natural forms of self-expression as long as I can remember. I enjoy using my talents to make others happy and providing designs created with heart. To me… it’s not work, it’s a privilege!"

Sinikka Waugh and Joe Van Haecke discuss 5 Things Improvisors Do to be Successful. Starting off in Kansas City’s Comedy City, Joe has been studying, performing, and coaching improvisation for over 20 years. During that time, he has studied with Comedy Sportz, Second City, and the IO Theater in Chicago. As an improvisation coach, Joe has worked with hundreds of students and the power of improvisation. Many of them have continued to study the art form in college and afterward. They have become actors, producers, directors, business executives, teachers, and politicians. With an unshakeable belief that anyone can learn and succeed with this art form, Joe’s mission is to bring improvisation to businesses, colleges, and the health profession. “I’m not looking to make the next Bill Murray or Tina Fey, I’m looking to insipre you to be the best you you can.”

Sinikka Waugh and Melissa Worrel Johnson discuss 5 Ways to Elevate Your Leadership. Over her 18-year career, Melissa Worrel has focused her efforts in leadership, talent development, and business strategy. Her diverse background includes entrepreneurial business start-ups as well as significant leadership roles in large corporations.

Sinikka Waugh and Amanda Zwanziger discuss 4 Focus Areas for Overcoming Paralysis in Our Lives.  Amanda is a dream chaser that is passionate about helping others chase their dreams and change their lives. She leverages her 45 years of life experience to inspire and motivate people to move towards their purpose, accomplish their goals and remove any barriers standing in their way. Through her business, Righthand Sales, Amanda consults, trains and coaches sales professionals and business leaders o strategies to reignite, reengage and rehabilitate their businesses so they achieve top performance and get opportunities moving through the funnel.

Sinikka Waugh and Blair Wagner discuss 6 Components of Business that are Strengthened by EOS. Blair Wagner is an EOS Implementer® located in Iowa City. With 20+ years of experience and strong business acumen, Blair is a natural relationship-builder skilled in maximizing the strengths of both organizations and people, with mastery in collaboratively implementing change. As an EOS Implementer®, Blair is passionate about helping businesses and organizations strengthen the Six Key Components of their business and helping leadership teams create a common vision, gain traction, and become a healthy and cohesive leadership team. EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), based on Gino Wickman’s book Traction, is a complete set of simple concepts and practical tools that has helped tens of thousands of entrepreneurs get what they want from their business.

Sinikka Waugh and Joel Smith discuss 5 Hurdles to Maximize Impact. Joel Smith is a Franchisee and co-owner of eight Papa Murphy’s Pizza stores in central and eastern Iowa. He is a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach and Trainer and Radio Co-host. He has a passion for helping business owners and leaders learn to work "on" their business and not just "in" it. He is the Founder and Director of The Truth Leadership Academy in Des Moines, Iowa

Sinikka Waugh and Paula Bell discuss 5 Steps to Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable. Paula Bell is the CEO of Paula A Bell Consulting, LLC for over 19 years. She is a coach, consultant, speaker, and author with expertise in the areas of: business analysis, project management, leadership, diversity, equity & Inclusion, career development and self development. Through her 5-tier consulting business model, Paula helps individuals find their passion, build their brand, and enhance their skill sets through consultations, coaching and customizable documentation to drive results. Her desire is to empower, and motivate others, through a structured journey of self reflection and awareness as a catalyst for unlimited success. Paula is a certified Business Analyst, Certified Life Purpose Coach, Certified Diversity & Inclusion Manager Coach, and Licensed Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator.

Sinikka Waugh and Melissa Worrel Johnson discuss 5 Ways to Demonstrate Leadership Presence. Over her 18-year career, Melissa Worrel has focused her efforts in leadership, talent development, and business strategy. Her diverse background includes entrepreneurial business start-ups as well as significant leadership roles in large corporations. Melissa started her career in franchising with two Curves for Women locations in Seattle, WA. She grew her membership to over 700 active members in her first location prior to purchasing her second location. While operating her franchise locations Melissa ventured into insurance. She began her scratch agency with Farmers Insurance in 2004, for three and half years she grew the operation, earned her FINRA 6, 63 and eventually 26, prior to selling her agency. Being asked to move into a corporate role, she helped develop and mentor new agency owners in low market share states within the operating territory. This experience to recruit, train and develop new business owners where the brand was not widely known was incredible learning to share with business owners buying into new franchises and/or building their brand in any marketplace. After six years of working with new agents; Melissa transitioned to established agencies to assist them in growing their current market share, revamping their marketing systems, increasing profits, lowering expenses and improving client retention. Her final corporate role was VP Agencies for a midsized Midwest insurance company, running their field operations and working with the regional vice presidents in charge of each state to achieve all growth and budget metrics. This role expanded Melissa’s knowledge of team culture, the success is thriving teams and how people, passion and purpose do impact the bottom line. Melissa believes we grow our businesses and profit through teamwork and people. People, purpose and passion will deliver profits. One of our biggest assets is how we lead our teams, develop our people and roll up our sleeves with people leadership. Melissa lives in Iowa with her husband Alan; they enjoy paddle boarding, biking, travel and family.

Sinikka Waugh and David Dubczak discuss 4 Ways to Activate the Genius Modes for You and Your Workforce. David Dubczak (pronounced Doob-chak) a.k.a Creative Dave, loves helping people be more creative. He believes everyone has their own secret “Genius Mode,” and creative thinking is the key to unlocking it. David has been a middle school teacher for 10 years, where his studies in creativity grew out of a desire to find out the reasons many students struggle to make creative ideas. His research led to his book, “Activate Your Genius Mode,” and the new “Genius Mode: School Edition” to help teach anyone the creative thinking skills that turn you into a genius. David is also an award-winning producer and playwright, and his video productions have won several awards with organizations such as the Iowa Motion Picture Association, Broadway World, and the Festigious International Film Festival Los Angeles. David earned his Bachelor of Science in Education at Drake University, and his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instructional Technology at Iowa State University. He loves to speak and workshop on creativity and productive failure.

Sinikka Waugh and Nancy Hanna discuss 4 Ways to a Happy Heart. Nancy Hanna has always been one to empower others to be the best that they can be with the best that they have. After 30+ years in the education world, she continues to inspire, challenge, motivate, and celebrate others. She is a certified Christian Life Coach, along with being a certified Laugh Instructor. Whether she is making you laugh or challenging you to meet goals, she will win you over with her zest for living and her love for learning. Nancy hasn’t met a stranger in her 60+ years and always enjoys connecting with those she meets. Nancy and her husband, Jeff, operate Happy Heart Resources, giving businesses and individuals alike the opportunity to find joy in living. Connect with Nancy if you are looking for the motivation and skills to continue to be a better you, or just wanting to laugh. She won’t disappoint.

Sinikka Waugh and Lynn Swanson discuss 4 Things Everyone Should Do Regardless of Where You are in Your Career. Lynn has over 25 years in the corporate world, including internal consultation, training, business analysis, project management and chief of staff (operations) in sales. She has pivoted to leading Operations for a tech startup and additionally is excited to launch a coaching product that she created while transitioning out of the corporate environment. On a personal level, she plays in (currently) four bands and has traveled extensively.

Sinikka Waugh and Kay Arvidson discuss the 5 Pieces of the Interview Strategy.   Kay’s career has focused on leading change. Her background includes project management and business analysis for eCommerce applications, training and website development for state and local governments, and coaching individuals through career changes. Kay earned a BA degree in psychology from the University of Iowa, and received a MBA from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Sinikka Waugh and Jamee Eggers discuss 4 Things About Being Prepared. Jamee Eggers serves as the Producer Education Director at the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Her responsibilities include facilitating the activities associated with producer-led committees in the areas of swine health, animal well-being, research, and producer education. She is involved in the development of resources, recognition programs for excellence in pork production, and furthering the vision of IPPA - successful farmers, enriched lives. Jamee received her Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University and her Master of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska. Both degrees were in the field of animal science. Jamee and her husband raise and sell show pigs throughout the US as well as farm corn and soybeans in central Iowa.