Off the Rak

As human beings, we crave purpose. Ask any pastor, priest, monk, imam, rabbi, politician, philosopher, or psychologist. We also expect it of our organizations — in today’s transparent world, businesses are expected to stand for more than just profits if they are to attract top talent and influential stakeholders. Carol Cone is a pioneer in cause marketing, widely regarded as the creator of the purpose movement in business. For more than 35 years, she has helped brands integrate social impact into their core strategies, proving that doing good is also good for business. She joins Off the Rak to share her front-row insights into how purpose drives innovation, impact, and success.About the GuestCarol Cone is internationally recognized as a pioneer in purpose-driven business strategies, often hailed as the “Purpose Queen” by the BBC. For over 35 years, she has been at the forefront of linking companies and brands with social issues to drive both business and societal impact.​In 1980, Carol founded Cone Inc., where she introduced the innovative concept of integrating corporate interests with social causes. Her groundbreaking campaigns include the creation of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which expanded to 50 countries and raised over $1 billion, and the development of My Special Aflac Duck, a social robot designed to comfort children undergoing cancer treatment, recognized by Time Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2018. As the founder and CEO of Carol Cone ON PURPOSE, her third enterprise dedicated to purpose, Carol continues to educate, inspire, and accelerate purpose strategies for corporations, brands, and nonprofits worldwide. Her extensive body of work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the world’s seven Sustainability Pioneers by Sustainable Brands and “arguably the most powerful and visible figure in the world of ‘Cause Branding'” by PRWeek.Beyond her professional achievements, Carol is an avid equestrienne, embodying the courage and freedom symbolized by the horse, which she considers her personal power symbol. Her passion for purpose extends into her personal life, reflecting her belief in aligning one’s work with deeper meaning and societal contribution.​Links in this EpisodeCarol Cone ON PURPOSEPurpose 360 PodcastFollow Carol on LinkedInBreakthrough Nonprofit Branding: Seven Principles to Power Extraordinary Results by Jocelyne Daw and Carol ConeCharityCharms.comLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Finding an agent, getting an audition, nailing the callback, having a great performance — show business can seem full of crowded paths with few roles and that means hearing a lot of no’s before you hear a “yes!” Veteran stage character actor, singer, dancer, composer, writer, and coach Robert Creighton joins Off the Rak to share his insights on staying resilient through the ebb and flow of opportunities, honoring your dreams and talents, and creating your own success.About the GuestROBERT CREIGHTON most recently revisited the role of Timon in Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway (2022). Also for Disney on Broadway he originated the role of the Duke of Weselton in FROZEN. Other Broadway credits include: THE LION KING (Timon), THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (Durdles), ANYTHING GOES (Purser/Moonface), CHICAGO (Amos), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Chef Louis), CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, and JACKIE MASON’S LAUGHING ROOM ONLY.  He is co-author and starred in the hit off-Broadway musical CAGNEY which ran in 2016-17 for over 500 performances and is headed toward a London production in their  2022-23 season. For that role he won the Fred Astaire Award for Outstanding Male Dancer and was nominated for the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards as best Lead Actor in a Musical. Other New York highlights include Angelo in COMEDY OF ERRORS for the Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park, starring roles in several New York City Center ENCORE SERIES productions and two seasons playing Njegus in THE MERRY WIDOW and Koko in THE MIKADO for NYC OPERA at Lincoln Center.  He was a recurring guest star on the CBS series The Good Fight as Clarence Kolb. Other guest-starring roles include Elementary (CBS), Law & Order (NBC), The Family (ABC), and Life on Mars (ABC). For his cabaret AIN’T WE GOT FUN! he won NYC’s prestigious Bistro Award for “Outstanding Entertainer.” His debut album Ain’t We Got Fun! was released in 2012 on the LML music label.Links in this Episode@rcreightonnyc on Instagram@RobertCreightonOfficial on FacebookRobertCreightonNYC.comLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Disasters are getting bigger and more complex. How do you prepare an organization—and its people—to respond quickly, effectively, and with humanity?Let's challenge the idea that crisis leadership is all about command. Instead, this episode of Off the Rak explores showing up with steadiness, trust, and humanity. Join us as we welcome Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross, a leader who steers one of the nation's most trusted emergency response organizations through disasters with speed and compassion. We discuss building resilience, empowering volunteers and staff, and balancing compassion with operational excellence under pressure. Tune in for practical insights about stepping into a highly visible public role, navigating public opinion, and keeping faith in people when the stakes are high. About the GuestCliff Holtz serves as the president and chief executive officer of the American Red Cross, the nation’s largest provider of lifesaving blood products and leading emergency response organization. Holtz joined the Red Cross in 2011 and assumed his role as president and CEO on July 1, 2024, following the retirement of Gail McGovern.Prior to his current role, Holtz held the position of chief operating officer for seven years where he oversaw the execution of all mission delivery and operations comprising Biomedical Services, Disaster Services, International Services, Training Services and Service to the Armed Forces. During his tenure as COO, Holtz worked closely with his predecessor, Gail McGovern, in leading the Red Cross to achieve financial stability while also growing critical investments in mission, people and infrastructure.As part of his vision for the Red Cross, Holtz is building on the organization’s strong foundation to adapt to the growing frequency and intensity of disasters and develop sustainability efforts with a focus on underserved communities across all mission delivery. His commitment to humanitarian efforts and operational excellence has been instrumental in the organization’s service to millions of people in need.Before joining the Red Cross in 2011, Holtz held executive leadership positions at for-profit companies including Pelco (a Division of Schneider Electric), Nortel Networks Corp, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Qwest Communications and Gateway Corporation. He also spent 16 years at AT&T working in sales, marketing, new business development, operations and engineering, and human resources. His tenure culminated with his role as the president of Metro Markets, a $4.5 billion unit.Holtz earned a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York at Albany and Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. He has served on the boards of LHC Group (recently sold to United Health Care), the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the National Jewish Hospital.Links in this EpisodeFollow Cliff on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-holtz/Learn more about the work of the American Red Cross and help those affected by disaster at https://www.redcross.org/. Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

If you know your Steelers history then you know how Rocky Bleier was an essential player for the team’s first four Super Bowl victories, serving as its fourth all-time leading rusher. But do you know the odds he overcame to get there? He wears more honors than his Super Bowl rings — as a Vietnam veteran, he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his brave service, which almost cost him the game forever. We sit down with the Steelers legend to talk about how a positive outlook made him stronger, and how he’s still serving today.About the GuestRocky Bleier’s story – a gripping tale of courage on both the football fields of America and the battle fields of Vietnam – has held audiences in rapt attention for years. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century.With the same optimism, sense of humor and steadfast determination that were his trademarks as a Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Rocky Bleier takes audiences from his early years through his professional career and talks about the lessons he learned along the way…lessons from which we can all benefit.Not falling within the ideal of what a running back should look like, Bleier had to run harder and play smarter to be able to stand out. Despite his drive and ability to make the big play, the Pittsburgh Steelers only considered him a late round pick. But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted again…this time by the United States Army. At the height of the Vietnam War, Bleier was thrust into combat early and was seriously wounded when his platoon ran into an ambush. Receiving wounds from both rifle fire and grenade fragments in his legs, he was barely able to walk and his professional football career seemed to have ended before it began…For more than two years, he drove himself. Little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. He not only made the Pittsburgh Steelers, but also eventually became a starting running back on a team that won four Super Bowls and became the greatest football team of the 20th century.The hard lessons Rocky Bleier learned early in his life that helped him overcome adversity and reach his goals, have paid off after football. These lessons are seen between the lines in the popular book on his life, “Fighting Back” and on stages of speaking appearances around the country.Links in this EpisodeRockyBleier.comRocky Bleier on Facebook@officialrockybleier on InstagramLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

On this episode of Off the Rak, Dr. Christian Ntizimira — a Rwandan palliative care physician, Harvard-trained researcher, and Executive Director of the African Center for Research on End-of-Life Care — shares how prioritizing compassion, dignity, and community can redefine how we lead, especially in moments of crisis. We explore practical ways to design empathy into institutions, honor presence over quick fixes, and recognize how much culture matters to nurturing trust. From personal stories in Africa to addressing global health challenges, Dr. Ntizimira’s work at the intersection of medicine, culture, faith, and leadership invites you to rethink what it means to care at the collective level and to lead with humanity at the center. About the GuestDr. Christian Ntizimira is the Founder and Executive Director of ACREOL and an International member of the Faculty of The Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education (PalC).He is a Fulbright alumnus and graduated from Harvard Medical School, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, and former City Manager, Kigali, City Cancer Challenge Foundation, and the former Executive Director of the Rwanda Palliative Care and Hospice Organization (RPCHO), a non-profit organization focused on home-based care in the City of Kigali.Dr. Ntizimira pioneered the integration of palliative care and end-of-life care into health services rendered to Rwandan cancer patients and in community settings. Through his program (2008-2013), more than 1500 health care providers and community health workers learned the principles of cancer prevention, control & palliative care, leading to a five-fold increase in the prescription of morphine, an essential pain medication. In 2016, he was awarded as a young cancer leader and a world cancer regional lead in 2018 for his outstanding contributions to cancer control in Rwanda and Africa.In 2018, he became the first advocacy/policy champion among extraordinary individuals who are making a significant contribution to developing palliative care in low and middle-income countries for the World Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA). From 2010 to 2013, he was the director of Kibagabaga Hospital in Kigali. He has advised several governments on national palliative-care policy, including Burundi, Rwanda, and Senegal, on access to palliative care services. He was a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Lancet Commission on Global Access to Palliative Care and Pain Control. Ntizimira graduated in medicine from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Rwanda in 2008. In 2011, he received a scholarship to study palliative care education and practice in the United States of America at Harvard Medical School’s Center for Palliative Care. He also trained as an African Pain Policy Expert at the University of Wisconsin. Ntizimira was named Young Cancer Leader by the Union for International Cancer Control in 2016 and Distinguished Young Leader by the Harvard Global Health Catalyst in 2017. He was named by OncoDaily to The 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oncology in 2025.Links in this Episodewww.acreol.orgDr. Christian Ntizimira's LinkedInLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Sitting on a stoop conjures up summer weather, friendly neighbors, and good conversation. It’s a place of community, purpose, and safety. Join a stoop chat with the founder of The Soul Purpose.Culture change doesn’t happen from the outside, but from within. Advisor, coach, and facilitator Tina DeSalvo has worked with leaders from household names such as Comcast, Google, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, Goodyear, HBO, and many more to build effective teams and transform cultures, and she starts by holding up a mirror. That honesty breaks through barriers, builds trust, and finds a way forward to success. Tune in to our chat to learn more about her strategy, called “Living Life on Purpose,” on the next Off the Rak.About the GuestFor more than 25 years, clients consistently comment on Tina’s uncanny ability to provide the exact guidance their leadership teams need at precisely the right moment to build a psychologically safe environment and break through interaction barriers.Clients also tell her that she makes it faster and easier to speak the truth; name the issues; and, yes, cough up the hairballs that clog potential—all while working in partnership to design a more wholehearted, effective, and trusting way forward that has a direct impact on EBITDA.Tina brings a vast and unique array of “culture-change credentials” to the table. These experiences are grounded in systems thinking, collective intelligence disciplines, container building, personality assessments, and typologies, neuroscience, conversation, event and meeting design, and devoted practices of compassion, bearing witness, and mindfulness.Her tenure of successful client outcomes is layered by her love of interdisciplinary learning, her holistic obsession with how to bring about cultural change, and her formative years in a tight-knit community that she fondly remembers as The Stoop—where conversation and community came together. Learn more about her affiliations, credentials, client offerings, and outcomes at thesoulpurpose.com. And if you’d like to join The Stoop community, you’ll learn insights, enjoy musings, see what she’s reading, and more.Links in this Episodehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thesoulpurposehttps://www.thesoulpurpose.com/https://www.instagram.com/thesoulpurposehttps://www.facebook.com/thesoulpurposeLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Is it possible to honor traditions and still embrace a growth mindset? Wayne Peacock’s 35-year tenure as USAA’s CEO has demonstrated that an entrepreneurial spirit can not only be nurtured at a 103-year-old company, but it can also be successful. Providing insurance and financial services to millions of veterans and their families, USAA’s singular focus has helped the organization, founded in 1922 by military veterans who were struggling to get car insurance, remain innovative. Respecting tradition in serving military families exclusively while embracing early tech and staying competitive in turbulent climates is no easy feat. A purpose-driven leader committed to honoring military families, Peacock joins Off the Rak to share insights on fostering innovation and making a lasting impact.About the GuestFor 36 years, Wayne Peacock is proud to have served USAA, including five years as President and Chief Executive Officer. USAA is a Fortune 100, privately held financial services association serving 14 million members – including active-duty service members, veterans and their families – with a wide range of financial products and personalized advice across banking, insurance and retirement. Known for industry-leading financial strength, exceptional customer service, a leader in customer experience design and a deep commitment to military families, USAA is consistently recognized as a top employer and one of the world’s most admired companies.Peacock extends his expertise to several external organizations. He is a member of the Business Roundtable (BRT), an association of CEOs at America's leading companies, and he serves as a board member for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. Wayne is also vice chair of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Board of Directors, a member of the CNBC CEO Council, and serves as an advisory board member at The Fuqua/Coach K Center on Leadership and Ethics (COLE) at Duke University. He is also active in the San Antonio community, with a focus on workforce development and downtown revitalization, and is a proud Eagle Scout.Wayne graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and has completed executive education programs at Harvard, Duke, and Stanford.Links in this EpisodeFollow Wayne on LinkedInRead Wayne's acceptance speech for the Hiring Our Heroes President's Award for Lifetime Achievement from U.S. Chamber of Commerce FoundationLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Insights from a people guru who’s hired over 6,500 employees in 23 countries!Employment used to be transactional. But companies don’t just go out and hire people, especially talented people. They need to attract them. It seems that more and more these days, the war for talent will be won by purpose. HR guru Jennifer Trzepacz joins Off the Rak to share what she’s learned in her two decades of experience in HR. As the Chief People Officer at SymphonyAI (and now Transcarent), she knows how to make HR a value within an organization and aligned with the business bottom line. AI — how it’s perceived and used — is transforming how we manage people and company culture, now and in the future. You don’t want to miss this!About the GuestJennifer Trzepacz has more than 20 years of experience implementing operational and talent strategies at transformative, industry-leading companies.Now Chief People Officer at Transcarent, she was previously at SymphonyAI and Wildcat Venture Partners, where she was an HR operating partner for over 20 B2B and B2B2C technology portfolio companies. Previously, she was the executive vice president of HR and business operations at Rocket Fuel, a role she took on following the AI-driven predictive marketing SaaS platform’s 2013 IPO.Prior to that, Trzepacz held talent leadership positions with Salesforce, Yahoo, and LivingSocial, among other fast-growing technology companies. During her career, she has been an early adopter of HR technology and supported many start-ups to build out their product offerings for mainstream markets. Trzepacz was selected as one of the Top 100 most influential HR leaders in the tech industry. Trzepacz earned her MBA from Simmons Graduate School of Management in Boston and her undergraduate degree from Bryant University.Links in this Episodehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jetrzepaczLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Are you prepared for the future of work? Off the Rak welcomes Rishad Tobaccowala, a global business advisor, author, and futurist, to explore what transformative leadership looks like in a fast-moving, AI-enabled world. Drawing on four decades of helping leaders reinvent themselves, Rishad shares insights from his book Rethinking Work on how leaders must evolve to thrive in a dramatically transforming modern age, and how creativity and meaningful connection become true competitive advantages. It’s more than theory; reimagining work, purpose and progress offers critical and practical actions leaders can take today to rethink how they lead and live tomorrow.About the GuestRishad Tobaccowala is the author of “Rethinking Work: Seismic Changes in the Where, When and Why” and “Restoring the Soul of Business: Staying Human in the Age of Data.” Additional writings can be found in the “The Future Does Not Fit in the Containers of the Past” read by 30,000 leaders around the world. Rishad most recently was the Global Strategist and Chief Growth Officeer of the 80,000 person marketing and business transformation Publicis Groupe and has been named by BusinessWeek as one of the top business leaders for his pioneering innovation and TIME magazine dubbed him one of five “Marketing Innovators. He regularly presents keynotes at industry conferences and speaks at well-known global organizations, such as Kellogg’s, IBM, Amazon, Google, and Facebook.Links in this EpisodeSubscribe to Rishad’s SubstackLearn more about Rishad at his website, rishadtobaccowala.comLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Learn what it’s like being a professional female athlete from the recently retired LPGA golfer and two-time U.S. team captain. Lewis announced that she will be stepping away from full-time competitive golf at the end of the 2025 season — let's look back at her conversation. Can adversity help you find your greatest strengths? That’s just one of the topics we’re exploring as I welcome one of my favorite professional golfers, Stacy Lewis! The LPGA golfer and two-time Solheim Cup captain is here to talk team leadership and managing success, women in professional sports, and the transformative influence we can have on communities, in our backyard and around the world. Golf is not a game of perfect — neither is being a leader — but we can still train to be great. And it’d be great if you joined us!About the GuestStacy Lewis is an American professional golfer in the U.S.-based LPGA Tour. She has won two major championships: the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2011 and the Women’s British Open in 2013. She has ranked number one on the Women’s World Golf Rankings for 25 weeks throughout her career, and has 13 career wins.Lewis was diagnosed with Scoliosis when she was 11 and was treated with a spinal fusion when she was in high school, missing her first collegiate golf season to recover. Lewis was a decorated All-American at the University of Arkansas and redshirted her first year while in recovery. She won the Southeastern Conference Tournament and was named SEC Freshman Golfer of the Year. Lewis turned professional in 2008 and has played in nearly 400 tournaments throughout her career, including the 2016 Rio Olympics.Links in this EpisodeStacy Lewis’ LPGA profileLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

How do you make the journey from being given last rites in a hospital bed to founding an organization that has saved thousands of lives through medical innovation? Dr. David Fajgenbaum is a physician-scientist, Castleman disease survivor, and the co-founder of Every Cure. From medical student to patient to leader, David shares how he turned personal health challenges into a driving force for innovative research, drug repurposing, and AI-driven discovery to help rare-disease patients. Tune in to explore what resilient leadership looks like and what future breakthroughs he’s hopeful to see on his purpose-driven mission to cure the incurable.About the GuestDavid Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc, is Co-Founder & President of Every Cure as well as a groundbreaking physician-scientist, disease hunter, speaker, and national bestselling author of Chasing My Cure: A Doctor’s Race to Turn Hope Into Action.Best known as the ‘doctor who cured himself’ (Doctor Cure Thyself, NY Times), Fajgenbaum went from being a beast-like college Quarterback to receiving his last rites while in medical school and nearly dying four more times battling Castleman disease. To try to save his own life, he spearheaded an innovative approach to research through the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN) and discovered a treatment that is saving his life and others.Now, he is spreading this approach to other diseases (His method could save millions, CNN) and co-founded Every Cure in 2022 to unlock the full potential of every drug to treat every disease possible. He has advanced 14 repurposed treatments for diseases they weren’t initially intended for. Fajgenbaum also continues to share lessons he learned about life, hope, and resilience from nearly dying through his national bestseller, Chasing My Cure, which has been profiled by Good Morning America, CNN, NPR’s Fresh Air, and BBC News, among others, translated into over five languages, and named one of the “Best Non-Fiction Books.”Links in this EpisodeDonate to Every Cure at everycure.orgWatch David'd TedTalk here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb34MfJjurcLearn more and connect with David at davidfajgenbaum.comLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Michael Lee Stallard is president of E Pluribus Partners, and a speaker, teacher, and consultant on leadership, employee engagement, productivity, and innovation. He is the primary author of "Fired Up or Burned Out: How to Reignite Your Team's Passion, Creativity and Productivity" and a contributor to The ASTD Management Development Handbook. He joins me to discuss how leaders must fostering more human connection and empathy, and humanity in the workplace: why we need it and how to foster more human connection and empathy through leadership.About the GuestMichael is an author, thought leader, speaker and a widely recognized expert on how effective leaders boost human connection in cultures to improve the health and performance of individuals and organizations.   He is the author of Connection Culture: The Competitive Advantage of Shared Identity, Empathy and Understanding at Work and Fired Up or Burned Out: How to Reignite Your Team’s Passion, Creativity and Productivity, and a contributor to other books.Articles by or about Michael’s work have been in the media worldwide including The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Leader to Leader, Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, FastCompany.com, HR Magazine, Human Resource Executive, Talent Management, SmartBrief, Rotman (Canada), Shukan Diayamondo (Japan), Developing HR Strategy (UK), The Economic Times (India),LiveMint (India), Outlook Business for Decision Makers (India), Smart Manager (India), and Capital (Dubai).Michael has spoken at many organizations and conferences including the Association for Talent Development, Center for Creative Leadership, Costco, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, General Dynamics, General Electric, Google, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NASA, Northwestern Medicine, Qualcomm, Turner Construction, University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and U.S. Department of Treasury. He is a faculty member at the Institute for Management Studies. Texas Christian University created the TCU Center for Connection Culture to advance Connection Culture at TCU and in higher education generally.Prior to founding E Pluribus Partners, Michael was a managing director on Wall Street. Earlier in his career he worked in the technology sector. Michael is married to Katharine Stallard. They have two grown daughters.Links in this Episodehttps://www.michaelleestallard.comhttp://connectionculture.com/bookLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Ready to discover what separates truly effective CEOs from those who just look good on paper?Seasoned CEO advisor Steve Graves shares hard-won insights from three decades of coaching executive leaders. With 20 books on strategy and leadership under his belt, Steve has developed over 100 frameworks specifically designed for CEOs navigating the complex intersection of personal growth and professional demands. In this episode, Steve breaks down leadership through his unique lens of age, miles, and address, introduces his “three H’s” framework for sustainable leadership, and reveals his reverse-engineered approach to the five essential CEO tasks. Tune in for Steve’s battle-tested frameworks that could transform your leadership approach.About the GuestSteve Graves is a strategist, CEO advisor and author. At any given time, Steve is working with a handful of remarkable executives leading large global organizations and young, hungry entrepreneurs just starting out. He has authored twenty books and worked with thousands of leaders weaving themes of strategy, leadership and faith hoping to help people flourish in their life and work. Additionally, he co-owns a half-dozen companies ranging from next gen travel to sports media to consumer goods (CPG) ventures. When Steve is not steering notable leaders or creating fresh content and frameworks, you might find him back-casting in the cold clear rivers of Northern Arkansas or chasing an epic fishing adventure somewhere on the planet.Links in this EpisodeConnect with Steve:stephenrgraves.comFacebookLinkedInRead SteveOn his blogGet his booksLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

“When I think about the value proposition of higher education… I think about the essence of leadership where they call it the knowing, being, and doing.”Featuring the first female president of Penn State University, Neeli Bendapudi, we discuss what it means to be a Nittany Lion, how to create “customer” loyalty, and three time-tested leadership practices that have served my guest well at organizations like Proctor & Gamble, the U.S. Army, and, of course, Penn State.About the GuestAs Penn State’s first woman president, Neeli serves the University’s modern land-grant mission of teaching, research, and public service across 24 campuses and the online Penn State World Campus. She has built a 30-year-career in higher education and business bolstered by her purpose-driven, people-first leadership style. She’s committed to student success, academic excellence, and creating opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to thrive.Even as a child, Neeli always valued education. For her family, like so many others, education is so much more than a degree—it’s a pathway to a better life. She’s delighted to have the opportunity to help every Penn State student succeed academically, begin a meaningful career, and benefit their family and community.After earning her bachelor’s degree and MBA from Andhra University in India, Neeli came to the U.S. to pursue her doctorate in marketing from the University of Kansas (KU). She launched her teaching career and is proud to have earned national and university recognition for her contributions in the classroom.Prior to coming to Penn State, Neeli was president of the University of Louisville. She has also served as provost and executive vice chancellor at KU, dean of the School of Business at KU, and as founding director of the Initiative for Managing Services at The Ohio State University.Her research—focused on how organizations can best serve their customers—has appeared in Harvard Business Review, Journal of Academic Medicine and Journal of Marketing, among other publications. With a background in customer loyalty and consumer behavior, Neeli has consulted some of the world’s largest companies and organizations—from Procter & Gamble to the U.S. Army—and became the executive vice president and chief customer officer for Huntington National Bank.Links in this episodeDr. Bendapudi's profile on LinkedInPenn State profileLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Let's tackle a broader disease that needs eradicating: entitlement.Joe Sanders is a thoughtful and focused leader who brings a wealth of experience serving youth to Colorado Uplift as its CEO. Not only is he a retired Air Force Colonel and Director of the Air Force Academy’s Leadership and Character Development activities, but he has also shaped the moral and ethical growth of more than 13,000 cadets and staff. He joins Off the Rak to talk about his new book,  Unreasonable Responsibility: Eradicating the Disease of Entitlement. His new project is here to help free us from the traps of our self-focused desires that blind us to the higher purpose opportunities right in front of us.About the GuestJoe Sanders is a renowned character leadership development expert. He is a retired Air Force Colonel and the former Director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development, United States Air Force Academy. Joe earned his PhD in Leadership and Human Resource Development from Colorado State University in 2003. He has authored and published several articles and book chapters on topics ranging from transformational leadership and servant leadership to organizational spirituality and moral development. In addition, Joe has delivered over 2,000 lectures and workshops on these topics to a variety of audiences.Joe has served his community in multiple capacities. In addition to currently serving as CEO of Colorado UpLift, Joe is an adjunct professor at UCCS. He is also the founder of Touchstone Leadership Academy, which focuses on creating new possibilities for current and future leaders in underserved communities. He has regularly hosted and keynoted church conferences and retreats, taught Bible classes, and led a local ministry for the homeless in Colorado Springs, CO. However, Joe’s most significant contribution to the community is his family. He and his wife, Lourdes, are the proud parents of Isaiah, Jasmine, and Josiah.Links in this EpisodeVisit Joe Sanders website at www.drjoesanders.comOrder Joe’s new book, Unreasonable Responsibility, on AmazonLearn more about Colorado Uplift at coloradouplift.orgLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

In honor of Stacy Lewis' retirement at the end of the 2025 LPGA season, Off the Rak rewinds to a special minisode from September 2024 honoring TEAM USA's win in the Solheim Cup — the first since 2017! You don't want to miss these two inspirational stories from a Season 3 episode about success and influence with team captain Stacy Lewis — LGPA pro and leadership role model.About the GuestStacy Lewis is an American professional golfer in the U.S.-based LPGA Tour. She has won two major championships: the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2011 and the Women’s British Open in 2013. She has ranked number one on the Women’s World Golf Rankings for 25 weeks throughout her career. Lewis was diagnosed with Scoliosis when she was 11 and was treated with a spinal fusion when she was in high school, missing her first collegiate golf season to recover. Lewis was a decorated All-American at the University of Arkansas and redshirted her first year while in recovery. She won the Southeastern Conference Tournament and was named SEC Freshman Golfer of the Year. Lewis turned professional in 2008 and has played in 341 tournaments throughout her career, including the 2016 Rio Olympics.Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Two good friends and two icons in the world of baseball talk creating a positive cultureColorado Rockies legends Clint Hurdle and Dan O’Dowd join Off the Rak to share their experiences leading diverse teams, the Colorado Rockies trip to the 2007 World Series, leadership lessons learned on the diamond and beyond, and more!About the GuestsClint HurdleThe cover of the March 20, 1978, annual baseball preview issue of Sports Illustrated featured a picture of Kansas City Royals rookie Clint Hurdle looking ready for action, with the caption “This Year’s Phenom” in bold yellow letters right next to his smiling face.Appearing in 515 games over 10 seasons for the Royals, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals, Hurdle batted .259 with 32 home runs and 193 RBIs. In only three of those seasons did he make more than 200 plate appearances in major-league games.Hurdle made more of a mark in baseball as a successful manager, for both the Colorado Rockies and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Both teams were in the midst of prolonged periods of losing at the time Hurdle took over. He led each to a level of success including postseason play — once with the Rockies in 2007, when they went to the World Series, and three times with Pirates in 2013 through 2015.Dan O’DowdDan O’Dowd was a baseball man from the beginning. A nose-shattering line drive during his sophomore year virtually ended his playing days and by his senior year he had transitioned into a coaching position assisting Rollins coach Boyd Coffie and soaking up every ounce of baseball knowledge and nuance available.After graduation, O’Dowd was accepted into the executive development program with Major League Baseball and from there secured employment in the Baltimore Orioles’ front office in 1983 and more importantly with his baseball mentor, Orioles general manager Hank Peters. He instantly got to savor the sweet taste of victory as the Orioles won the 1983 World Series.Dan O’Dowd’s foundation was built in Baltimore, where he learned the business and sales functions of a major-league organization before moving into the baseball operations/player development side of the house. Moving to the Cleveland Indians with his mentor Hank Peters, his career blossomed; he gained acclaim as one of the top baseball operations minds as part of the historic Indians teams of the ’90s. Success in Cleveland allowed O’Dowd to leverage his substantial reputation into a 15-year stint as the general manager and eventually president of the Colorado Rockies. The overall body of work can be scrutinized by detractors but the 2007 World Series appearance and 2009’s incredible second-half run can be noted as key highlights. In the end, Dan O’Dowd’s analytical mind and opinionated persona found a great fit at the MLB Network as he became a top analyst who speaks his mind and draws upon his life as a baseball man to provide wonderfully insightful commentary.Links in this EpisodeClintHurdle.comLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

What does it take to build high-trust organizations and cultures through your leadership? The former chairman of JetBlue Airways and professor at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, Joel C. Peterson tells us that the high trust leader is one who can be influenced. In this look back at season one, Off the Rak features an insightful discussion about being at a critical juncture of trust in our professional lives, in our public and private institutions, and in our politics — and how to overcome it.About the GuestJoel Peterson is the former chairman of JetBlue Airways and the founding partner of Peterson Partners, a Salt Lake City-based investment management firm.Joel has a long history of successful growth capital investments in a variety of industries. He currently teaches Entrepreneurial Management at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, is the Chairman of the Board of Overseers at the Hoover Institution at Stanford as well as the Chairman of the Board at JetBlue Airways, and serves as a Director of Franklin Covey. He served formerly as Managing Partner of Trammell Crow Company. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Joel is the author of The 10 Laws of Trust: Building the Bonds that Make a Business Great.Links in this EpisodeJoel Peterson’s TwitterJoel Peterson’s LinkedInLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Exploring what collaboration and positive influence look like in the workplace with a former P&G executive!Can collaboration and disruption unite to positively influence a workplace and grow the bottom line? This Off the Rak guest built a venerated career at P&G doing just that. As the sales lead to Walmart, Tom Muccio and his team revolutionized how retailers and their supplies did business together. The story of that reinvention — and some advice on how to be an agent of change when you face incredible resistance — are why you’ll want to tune in!About the GuestTom spent 35 years at Procter & Gamble, where he held several key roles, culminating as President of Global Teams. He was also the initial architect and team leader for the P&G Walmart relationship. Throughout his career at P&G, Tom held various sales and marketing assignments across every product division, both domestically and internationally. Beyond P&G, he served on the boards of The Blanchard Company and Cardone Industries.After retiring, Tom became CEO of a start-up BioBased Company from 2003 to 2009, which was eventually sold to Cargill Industries. He has since provided consulting services and delivered speeches for global companies across diverse industries. As a thought leader in leadership development and collaborative growth strategies, he has taught and lectured at numerous universities both in the U.S. and abroad. A keynote speaker and author of Collaborative Disruption, Tom continues to influence leaders, fostering strong teams and driving innovation through collaboration.Links in this EpisodeTom Muccio on LinkedInCollaborative Disruption on AmazonLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

"Some occupational categories might disappear, but many more will simply evolve, requiring new sets of skills over time and providing new opportunities for workers."Named by Fortune as one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business,” former Guardian CEO / Board Chair Deanna Mulligan joins Off the Rak in this look back to season one for a chat on purpose, talent, and the work of leadership to foster both for organizational success. Tune in to the conversation for an insightful look at overcoming tech disruption and how investing in people fuels growth.About the GuestDeanna M. Mulligan is President and Chief Executive Officer of Guardian. She is a member of Guardian’s Board of Directors and a Director on the Board of Arch Capital, a Bermuda-based re-insurer.Ms. Mulligan was named Chief Executive Officer in July 2011 and previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer since 2010. She joined Guardian in 2008 as Executive Vice President in charge of the company’s Individual Life & Disability business. In this role, she was responsible for developing and leading Guardian’s product and business strategy to drive the company’s continued growth in these markets.Ms. Mulligan’s background is in both strategy consulting and operational management. She founded DMM Management Solutions, LLC, a life insurance consultancy, and was a Principal at McKinsey and Company. While at McKinsey she also served as co-leader of the North American Life Insurance Practice and was a member of the firm’s Organizational Performance Practice. Ms. Mulligan has held senior positions at AXA Financial, New York Life Insurance Company, and ChannelPoint, a technology enterprise, throughout her career.Active across the industry and in the community, Ms. Mulligan is currently a member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council. She is also a Board member of the Partnership for New York City, the Economic Club of New York, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), and the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT. Ms. Mulligan was appointed to, and served on, the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans from 2014 to 2015, and was Chair of the Board of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) from 2015 to 2016.In 2013, Fortune named her one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” and, in 2015, Crain’s New York Business recognized her as one of “The 50 Most Powerful Women in New York” for the third time since 2010.Ms. Mulligan graduated from the University of Nebraska with High Distinction and holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.Links in this EpisodeDeanna’s LinkedInLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

You’ll influence approximately 80,000 people in your lifetime, according to this bestselling author, leadership speaker and coach.World-renowned keynote speaker and bestselling author Tommy Spaulding estimates that you’ll influence about 80,000 people in your lifetime — that’s 2 or 3 people you interact with every day. How you choose to interact with them can have a lasting imprint — good or bad. Tommy joins Off the Rak to explain his math and why the power of influence is a gift for building your personal and professional legacy. Come for the insight, stay for the humanizing stories, and leave inspired to redefine the word “influencer” to mean a positive impact on those you lead.About the GuestTommy Spaulding is the founder and president of the Tommy Spaulding Leadership Institute, a leadership development training organization based in Denver, CO, and the NYT bestselling author of “It’s Not Just Who You Know” and “The Heart-Led Leader.” The former president of Up With People, Spaulding consults, trains, and speaks to hundreds of businesses and organizations across the country each year. He lives with his wife, Jill, and children in Colorado and Minnesota.Links in this EpisodeFind Tommy Spaulding and his books on the web at https://linkin.bio/tommyspaulding/Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Bestselling author of “Love Is Just Damn Good Business,” “The Radical Leap,” and “Greater Than Yourself” and founder of The Extreme Leadership Institute Steve Farber talks leadership, empathy,and influence. The Extreme Leadership Institute is an organization devoted to the cultivation and development of extreme leaders in the business, nonprofit and educational communities. He’s one of Inc’s top 50 global leadership and management experts. He’s a true thought leader and incredibly inspirational speaker.About the GuestSteve Farber is the president of Extreme Leadership, Incorporated, and the founder of The Extreme Leadership Institute, organizations devoted to the cultivation and development of Extreme Leaders in the business community, non-profits and education. His third book, Greater Than Yourself: The Ultimate Lesson In Leadership, was a Wall Street Journal® and USA Today® bestseller. His second book, The Radical Edge: Stoke Your Business, Amp Your Life, and Change the World, was hailed as “a playbook for harnessing the power of the human spirit.”  And his first book, The Radical Leap: A Personal Lesson in Extreme Leadership, is already considered a classic in the leadership field. It received Fast Company magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award and was recently named one of the 100 Best Business Books of All Time. Farber’s much-anticipated new book, Love Is Just Damn Good Business, was listed by Book Authority as one of the top Business Strategy books for 2020.A subject-matter expert in business leadership and one of Inc’s global Top 50 Leadership and Management Experts, Farber is a leadership speaker and a senior-level leadership coach and consultant who has worked with and spoken to a wide variety of public and private organizations in virtually every arena, from the tech sector to financial services, manufacturing, health care, hospitality, entertainment, retail, and government. His accessible, deeply inspirational, and eminently practical Radical LEAP framework is widely used across the business, non-profit and education spectrum. Farber has been credited with redefining leadership in deeply personal yet practical terms and re-energizing thousands of people to make a significant difference in their businesses, lives, and the world around them.In 1989, after having run his own financial services company, Farber devoted his professional life to the field of leadership development and has been at it ever since. He was director of service programs at TMI, an international training consultancy, and then worked for 6 years as Vice President and Official Mouthpiece (that’s what it said on his business card) of The Tom Peters Company where he met several of his mentors including author/gurus Tom Peters, Jim Kouzes, and Terry Pearce. In 2000, Farber established his own company, Extreme Leadership, Inc, where he is president and CEO. He is a member of The Transformational Leadership Council and has served as Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors of the world-renown, Up with People, global leadership program for students from 18 to 29 years old.Coaching and inspiring Extreme Leadership at all organizational levels is Steve’s passion, and he does so with a style that is part strategist, part social commentator and all energy.Links in this Episodestevefarber.comLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

In this look back from season 2, Off the Rak sits down with the CEOs of Denver Scholarship Foundation and Colorado UpLift to explore what makes their partnership tick, how they’re teaching servant leadership fundamentals and the subtle practices that fuel their motivation every day.About the GuestsLorii Rabinowitz is the CEO of Denver Scholarship Foundation and has been with the organization since 2017. With a heart for nonprofits, Lorii has found herself in executive roles with the entrepreneurial venture Denver Center for Arts & Technology, and Rebound Solutions, a local consulting firm specializing in strategy and change for public, private, and nonprofit clients. Lorii has a passion for learning and invests much of her time to Denver Scholarship Foundation and volunteering in her community. Dr. Joe Sanders is a retired Air Force Colonel and the former Director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development, United States Air Force Academy. Joe earned his PhD in Leadership and Human Resource Development from Colorado State University in 2003. In addition to currently serving as CEO of Colorado UpLift, Joe is an adjunct professor at UCCS. He is also the founder of Touchstone Leadership Academy which focuses on creating new possibilities for current and future leaders in underserved communities. Links in this EpisodeColorado UpliftDenver Scholarship FoundationLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Off the Rak welcomes Cheryl Bachelder, restaurant industry executive and former CEO of Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. She’s the author of “Dare to Serve,” and a passionate advocate of servant leadership. When she took over the company in 2007, the company had been through four CEOs in the previous seven years. And the stock had slid by over 60% during that time. Ten years later, the stock had risen by over 500% under her leadership and the rest is history — she shares more of the story in this riveting conversation about the importance of serving others in leadership.About the GuestCheryl A. Bachelder served as CEO of Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. from 2007 to 2017. Ms. Bachelder led a remarkable turnaround of the company’s financial results with a compelling strategic roadmap for growth and an inspiring purpose and set of principles. The results – industry leading performance for the franchise owners and the shareholders.Ms. Bachelder has more than 35 years of experience in brand building, operations and public-company management at companies like Yum Brands, Domino’s Pizza, RJR Nabisco, The Gillette Company and The Procter & Gamble Company. At the time of Ms. Bachelder’s 2007 appointment to CEO, Popeyes guest visits had been declining for years, restaurant sales and profit trends were negative. The company stock price had dropped from $34 in 2002 to $13. The brand was stagnant, and relations between the company and its franchise owners were strained. Ms. Bachelder and her team created a workplace where people were treated with respect and dignity yet challenged to perform at the highest level. Silos and self were set aside in favor of collaboration and team play. And the results were measured with rigor and discipline. By 2014, average restaurant sales were up 25 percent, and profits were up 40 percent. Popeyes’ market share had grown from 14 percent to 21 percent, and the stock price was over $40.In 2012, Ms. Bachelder was recognized as Leader of the Year by the Women’s Foodservice Forum and received the highest industry award, the Silver Plate, for the quick service restaurant sector, presented by the International Food Manufacturer’s Association. She was also recognized as a 2012 Nation’s Restaurant News’ Golden Chain Award recipient.Ms. Bachelder holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She is married to Chris Bachelder and they have three grown daughters.Links in this EpisodeLearn more about Cheryl at her website at cherylbachelder.comLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Garry Gilliam played football for the Nittany Lions, the Seahawks and the 49ers before putting his Penn State degree to work by launching The Bridge Eco-Village, a purpose-driven organization that transforms abandoned commercial properties in urban centers into self-sustainable mixed-use communities. They’re building bridges to opportunity by integrating affordable housing, education, food security and arts and culture. I’m thrilled to welcome this fellow Pennsylvania native to talk about the formative experiences in his childhood that shaped his career growth — on and off the field — and how we, too, can become bridge builders in our own communities.About the GuestGarry Gilliam is the Founder and CEO of The Bridge Eco-Village, a sustainable, mixed-use community ecosystem in Harrisburg, PA. The Bridge Eco-Village will feature solutions to many of the problems facing underserved communities: housing, retail, co-working spaces, education opportunities, entrepreneurship incubators, urban agriculture, sports, and entertainment. Prior to launching the Bridge, Garry played in the NFL for five seasons for the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers. He graduated from Penn State in 2013 with degrees in business development, psychology, and advertising.Links in this EpisodeGarryGilliamJr.comTheBridgeEcoVillage.comLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

As lead solo pilot for the legendary Blue Angels flight team, John “Gucci” Foley mastered the art of flying at an elite level — flying among the top 0.01% of US military pilots and earning recognition as a “Top Ten Carrier Pilot” six times. He brings that same elite energy to his keynote presentations and coaching major organizations on exceptional performance and gratitude. John has helped Fortune 500 companies like Google, Microsoft, BMW, and Coca-Cola apply the same high-trust, high-performance principles of flight mastery to inspire leadership, master teamwork, and embrace change with innovation. As a visionary leader, John joins Off the Rak for a conversation on what it takes to soar beyond excellence.About the GuestJohn Foley is a former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, a Sloan Fellow at the Stanford School of Business, and an expert in the “how” of High-Performance teams. As a Blue Angel, John consistently performed in an extreme, high-stakes environment, flying at speeds of more than 500 miles per hour and in formations as close as 18 inches apart. To survive in those circumstances, he relied on a culture of high trust and leadership that turned inherently unforgiving flight into extraordinary experiences.In John's post-Naval experiences as an entrepreneur, a venture capitalist, and a business consultant, he employs the intense realities of his aviation career as a metaphor to motivate teams to reach for their highest potential and sustain excellence under dynamic change.For over a decade, John has shared his exciting, rare journey with audiences around the world, becoming one of the most in-demand leadership and performance experts. John has worked with some of the world's top organizations, such as Microsoft, Hitachi, Intel, Cisco, Mercedes-Benz, Chevron, Marriott, Hilton, Penske Racing, the LA Kings, the Mayo Clinic, Merrill Lynch, Mass Mutual, Bank of America, GE, P&G, Gillette, and Google.John graduated from the US Naval Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering. As a defensive back for the Midshipmen, he played in two bowl games and helped Navy to one of the best four-year records at that time. As a pilot, John was a ''Top Ten Carrier Pilot'' six times before becoming a Marine instructor pilot and a Blue Angel. He holds master's degrees in business management from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, in international policy studies from Stanford University, and in strategic studies from the Naval War College. In 2016, John was awarded an honorary PhD from UNAM in Mexico.In 2011, John founded the Glad To Be Here Foundation. Through the foundation, John donates 10% of all his speaking fees to charity. To date, the foundation has raised over 1 million dollars for over 100 charities around the globe.Links in this EpisodeFollow and connect with John online:Website: https://johnfoleyinc.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnguccifoley/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnguccifoley/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnGucciFoleyLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Clarity is a process that helps make sense of the chaos, change, the ambiguity that we’re leading from. We’re joined today by Brad Deutser, the founder and CEO of Deutser, an award-winning management consulting firm and the Deutser Clarity Institute, a think tank, an idea accelerator, and an innovative learning center. He’s helped individuals and organizations navigate through transition and through chaos. And we all know what the last 12 months has looked like, it’s been a tough year, it’s been chaotic. And so we are very eager to learn about leading with, what Brad calls, clarity and why that’s important. About the GuestThe CEO of Deutser, Brad Deutser is a trusted counselor and executive coach, as well as a leadership guru for CEOs, Board Chairs, and top corporate management. His unique insight and original approach to affecting change through organizational clarity have transformed many prominent businesses and cause-based organizations. Brad is recognized for his ability to navigate complex, ambiguous business and people challenges inside organizations. He is sought after as a speaker and authority on matters of organizational change and leadership. He is the author of “Leading Clarity: The Breakthrough Strategy to Unleash People Profit and Performance” and is an active contributor to many national media outlets. Brad has incredible experience leading Deutser and helping a multitude of companies and organizations navigate change and align your organization with your leadership.Links in this EpisodeBrad’s websiteBrad’s LinkedInBrad’s FacebookLearn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Finding and recruiting talent is an art. Mollie Plotkin founded her namesake keynote speaker and entertainment booking agency in Philadelphia in 2005 within a day of discovering a gap in the market. She cultivated that art into a successful business representing some of the biggest names in the sports, media, and entertainment industries. With innovative strategies for cultivating talent and using a team approach to connect speakers with the right audience, Mollie joins Off the Rak to chat about the art of connection, the power of storytelling, and the gift of impactful relationships.About the GuestMollie Plotkin is the founder and principal of The Mollie Plotkin Group (MPG), a keynote speaker agency based in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Established over 20 years ago, MPG connects clients with a diverse roster of keynote speakers, including professional athletes, business leaders, and entertainers. The agency's mission is to inspire and educate audiences by bringing engaging and meaningful stories to events worldwide.Mollie is passionate about connecting people and helping them share their stories. She enjoys getting to know her speakers, listening to their experiences, and finding the right audiences for them. This dedication has been a driving force behind MPG's success in the live events industry.The agency represents a wide range of talent, including motivational speakers, business experts, and celebrities. Notable figures in their roster include Super Bowl champions Tom Brady and Saquon Barkley, best-selling author and business speaker Seth Godin, and Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses. MPG also offers services for event emcees, moderators, and corporate entertainers like mentalists and magicians.Mollie leads a dedicated team that shares her passion for connecting audiences with inspiring speakers. The team includes professionals like Operations Manager Nic Pirhalla and Content Marketing Manager Derek Victor, who contribute to the agency's mission of delivering exceptional experiences for clients and audiences alike.Under Mollie's leadership, MPG has built strong relationships within the live events industry, earning a reputation for reliability and excellence. The agency's commitment to personal connections and understanding clients' needs has made it a trusted partner for event planners seeking impactful keynote speakers.Links in this EpisodeFollow and connect with Mollie and the Mollie Plotkin Group online:Website: https://mollieplotkingroup.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MolliePlotkinGroup X: https://x.com/MPGKeynoteAgent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollieplotkinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollieplotkingroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mollieplotkingroupkeynotes5587Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

On radar, mentors, and accountability with the world’s premier expert on women’s leadershipCited in Forbes as the world’s premier expert on women’s leadership, Sally Helgesen is the bestselling author of “How Women Rise.” She has been inducted into the Thinkers 50 Hall of Fame, which honors those whose ideas have shaped the field of leadership worldwide. She is credited with bringing the language of inclusion into business and in this wide-ranging chat, shares the challenges — and solutions —faced by leaders today.About the GuestSally Helgesen is an internationally best-selling author, speaker and leadership coach. She has been inducted into the Thinkers 50 Hall of Fame, which honors those whose ideas have shaped the field of leadership worldwide. She is ranked Number One in leadership by Global Gurus, and has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute for Management Studies.Sally’s latest book, Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace, offers practical ways to build more effective relationships with people we may perceive as different from ourselves. Rising Together builds on Sally’s remarkable success with How Women Rise, co-authored with legendary executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, which examines the behaviors most likely to get in the way of successful women as they move forward in their careers. Rights have been sold in 24 languages.For 35 years, Sally has delivered seminars, keynotes and master classes for companies, partnership firms and associations around the world, working in 37 countries. She is a contributing editor for Strategy + Business magazine and a member of the 100 Coaches Network and the New York and International Women’s Forums. She lives in Chatham, NY.Links in this EpisodeVisit Sally Helgesen’s website at https://sallyhelgesen.com Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

“My life’s purpose has been to improve the lives of others.” Bob McDonald spoke those words after being nominated to become the 8th U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Bob’s career exemplifies service-driven leadership as a distinguished graduate of West Point, a U.S. Army captain, and the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Procter & Gamble through and beyond the Great Recession. Join us for a deep dive into the pursuit of purpose through service, transformative leadership through character, and innovation through growth strategies on the next episode of Off the Rak. About the GuestRobert A. “Bob” McDonald exemplifies service-driven and innovative leadership, with deep roots in values forged early in life. Born in Gary, Indiana, and raised in Chicago, Illinois, McDonald’s disciplined foundation began at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in the top 2% of his class with a degree in engineering. Following his graduation, McDonald served as a U.S. Army Captain in the 82nd Airborne Division, earning the Ranger tab and Airborne wings during his military career.As the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Procter & Gamble (2009–2013), McDonald was at the helm during one of the company’s most transformative periods. He led efforts to expand P&G’s reach, adding nearly one billion new customers while achieving consistent organic sales growth of 3% annually. Under his leadership, the company prioritized innovation, focusing on customer-centric product development and geographic expansion. McDonald championed sustainability, embedding environmental responsibility into the company’s strategy, and streamlined operations to drive efficiency. His visionary approach ensured P&G maintained its status as a global leader in consumer goods while adapting to changing market dynamics.In 2014, President Obama appointed McDonald as the eighth United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs. During his tenure, he enacted critical reforms, including halving veteran homelessness, reducing the disability claims backlog, improving same-day access to primary and mental health care, and modernizing the VA’s medical supply chain. His leadership significantly enhanced the veteran experience and the operational efficiency of the VA.A West Point Distinguished Graduate (2017), McDonald’s contributions extend internationally. He was honored with the Public Service Star by the Republic of Singapore for his work in developing Singapore as a global hub. Beyond his accolades, his unwavering dedication to service and leadership continues to inspire, as witnessed in the global McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character held annually at West Point. Bob McDonald’s career is a testament to purposeful innovation, transformative leadership, and a lifelong commitment to service.Links in this EpisodeFollow Bob McDonald online here:https://www.robertmcdonald.com/https://www.facebook.com/people/Bob-McDonald/https://x.com/Bob_McDonald75https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-mcdonald-188b2a193/Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Filmmaker Elliot V. Kotek first came to our attention by being the writer and director of “The Hidden Power of Purpose,” a moving documentary that affirms living with purpose can improve your health and longevity. Since then, we’ve learned about a career that’s stretched from mergers and acquisitions law to tech innovation and storytelling, driven by the idea that purpose, passion and meaning align to bring about real impact. Elliot believe ideas + empathy = impact — tune in to hear why and how from an award-winning filmmaker (Emmy, Cannes, SXSW) and founder of The Nation of Arts, Beyond Cinema and the Not Impossible Foundation. About the GuestElliot Kotek is an Emmy-winning, Cannes-recognized Australian producer, filmmaker, poet, photographer, nonprofit founder, and editor-in-chief. He is the founder and CEO of The Nation of Artists, the founder of Beyond Cinema, and the co-founder of Not Impossible.A former mergers and acquisitions lawyer specializing in biotech, Kotek holds a law degree and a BS in pharmacology and toxicology from Monash University. After moving to the U.S. in 2000, he studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and completed UCLA's Professional Program in Screenwriting. Kotek is passionate about the power of content and campaigns to create meaningful change and takes pride in projects that deliver real impact. As the producer of groundbreaking work, he has created documentaries and virtual reality content for major brands, including Qualcomm, Intel, HP, Sony, LEGO Education, and Participant Media, with global distribution. His work has earned seven Emmy nominations, five South By Southwest Innovation Awards, five Cannes Lions, 50+ Tellys, and numerous other accolades, including a Gold Stevie Award and the Kellogg School of Management’s Innovation Fellowship.As a leading voice in purposeful content, technology for good, and storytelling for social impact, Elliot has spoken at TEDMED, the United Nations, the US Institute of Peace, and other prominent forums. His strategic “4P” philosophy emphasizes Passion, Purpose, People, and Possibility as keys to creating change.Links in this EpisodeWatch "The Hidden Power of Purpose" documentary on YouTube, Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV or at AARPLearn more about The Nation of Artists hereFollow Elliot Kotek online here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotkotekhttps://www.instagram.com/nationofartistshttps://x.com/ElliotKotekhttps://www.facebook.com/elliotkotek/Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

For the last few years Off the Rak podcast interviews have ended with the same question: What in life are you most grateful for?The answers have been so revealing, encouraging, inspiring, and thought-provoking that they led to a new capstone question for all Off the Rak as a new season launches: What purpose are you most passionate about pursuing?For Walt Rakowich, gratitude and purpose aren’t just ideas—they’re the guiding principles of his life and leadership. Don’t forget to follow Off the Rak on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a little purpose-infused inspiration. And if you’d like to continue watching on LinkedIn Live or YouTube, you’re still welcome to join in there! Until the next episode, ask yourself "What purpose am I most passionate about pursuing?" Then listen to what others have to say on upcoming shows. You’ll be inspired by what you hear.Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads

Walt Rakowich's passion to help shape a generation of leaders who lead with honesty, humility and heart inspired him to launch Off the Rak: Conversations on Transformative Leadership. Featuring rich and raw conversations with notable leaders across different industries, every episode inspires curious leaders to embrace challenges, seize opportunities and become positive influences in their world.After three seasons as a live monthly video interview series, Off the Rak is now available as a podcast. Tune in for new episodes and re-releases of some of our best interviews. Highlights in this introduction include:Anita Moorjani, New York Times bestselling author and speakerCheryl Bachelder, former CEO of Popeyes Louisiana KitchenSusan Packard, co-founder of HGTVTommy Spaulding, bestselling author, leadership speaker, and coachJoel Peterson, former chairman of JetBlue AirwaysWalt Rakowich brings a real-world perspective to leadership that’s based on experience, not just theory. Walt was CEO of Prologis, the world’s largest owner of industrial warehouses and a critical partner to companies distributing products throughout the global supply chain. The company was near bankruptcy when Walt took over at the height of the Great Recession. While leading Prologis back to prominence, and in the years since, Walt realized leaders today must lean into timeless values and principles, but with a fresh perspective on the new realities of our leadership climates. He is the author of TRANSFLUENCE: HOW TO LEAD WITH TRANSFORMATIVE INFLUENCE IN TODAY'S CLIMATES OF CHANGE.Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherakFollow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads