In this exciting episode of the Love Fort Wayne podcast, hosts Geoff King and Mitch Kruse chat with amazing guests Katie Kaiser, Dartanya Williamson, Jeremy McClain, and Rosalina Perez! Tune in to hear their inspiring stories about why they joined Ignite - plus explore the power of God's love. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the highs and lows of leadership, how to ask disruptive questions, finding a balance between work and life, and understanding the value of relationships and mentorship. Join us as we get an inside glimpse into their journey - you won't want to miss it!
In this exciting episode of the Love Fort Wayne podcast, hosts Geoff King and Mitch Kruse chat with amazing guests Katie Kaiser, Dartanya Williamson, Jeremy McClain, and Rosalina Perez! Tune in to hear their inspiring stories about why they joined Ignite - plus explore the power of God's love. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the highs and lows of leadership, how to ask disruptive questions, finding a balance between work and life, and understanding the value of relationships and mentorship. Join us as we get an inside glimpse into their journey - you won't want to miss it!
We're excited to launch season three of the love Fort Wayne podcast. The love Fort Wayne podcast connects to stories of leadership happening in northeast Indiana to imagine inspire and ignite transformation in leaders 20 to 25 minutes at a time. I'm Geoff King, CEO and Executive Director of love for way. I love Fort Wayne, we know that the pillars of a flourishing community are at schools, its leaders, churches, and families. Join us as we learn from leaders across the region on how to not just lead but love our city. Hey, everybody, welcome to the left Fort Wayne podcast. My name is Geoff King. And my co host today is the wonderful Mitch Cruz. I always add I never do that as well as Mitch does. He hypes me up y'all. And so Mitch is the guy who's my brother, and he's, he's an advocate. He's a shepherd. He's a friend. He's a leader. And yeah, and I'm gonna go ahead and patch you up real quick. We're we're excited that you're listening that you're that you're watching and tuning in, because this is a special episode. Oh, us today. We're so excited. This is a this is a love our leaders pillar episode. But it's unique because we have a friends that are emerging leaders in our community. And when we think about emerging leaders in our community, we think about multi generational leaders that are emerging, regardless of age or demographic. They are they are excelling, they have a desire to lead. They have a desire to make impact in the community in the places that they serve. And so we have some ignite Fort Wayne, which is our Emerging Leaders cohort at love Fort Wayne. We have some graduates of that program here from the 2020 to fall class. And so we've got Jeremy who's got Katie, we've got Dr. Tanya, we've got Rosa Lena. Welcome. Thank you. Thank you for being here. Oh, it's fine. It's fine. Awesome. Yeah. So we're excited to have you all with this here for our podcast today. And so could you just take a moment, and we're gonna start here because Rosalie and I feel like you can kick us off will just tell us a little bit about yourself, yourselves, excuse me, and where you serve. And yeah, just anything that's on your heart.
Rosalina Perez:Yeah. So yeah, I'm Rosalina Perez, and I am currently working at the northeast Indiana Innovation Center. So I work in the community navigator pilot program and within the WIAC Women's Business Center. So if no one knows what that is what they do there, they do one on one business coaching. They also do workshops and connections to resources for small businesses or anyone starting a business. And my focus is primarily on the Spanish speaking community. There are a lot of Hispanics here in Fort Wayne that are starting businesses. I've recently found out that we're one of the number one demographics opening up is and this is and I think that's really something where we needed to provide that support to them. So definitely for the Spanish speaking community here in Fort Wayne, and then I also help out in the rural communities out in northeast Indiana. So good. Thank you.
Dartanya Williamson:My name is Dartanya Williamson. I serve at Parkview health where I've been there for 25 years, and I serve in financial Clerici and police department and also financial counseling. So I have a little bit over what do you five staff members? I love it.
Geoff King:Love that. Congratulations and 25 years of service at Parkview that's that's huge. It's great
Mitch Kruse:which is basically pastoring your own church 45 milestone, people.
Dartanya Williamson:Yeah,
Geoff King:yeah.
Dartanya Williamson:Oh, yes.
Geoff King:Yeah, we'll dig into that. Katie, go ahead.
Katie Kaiser:My name is Katie Kaiser. I serve Parkview health as well. I'm at the Huntington Hospital location and I'm the supervisor of rehab and wellness. I'm a physical therapist. So more on the clinical side. And our department serves both inpatient and outpatient services for adults pediatrics through the lifespan and any specialty that you could want underneath that so I feel called to help be an advocate for our communities as well as our patients. And I'm just happy to be here.
Mitch Kruse:I asked Katie about some pains do you want me to wait until after?
Geoff King:whatever is most comfortable remedy or if it's right.
Jeremy McClain:I'm Jeremy McLean with Salvatore's restaurants here in Fort Wayne and we're a family owned and operated group of restaurants here in Fort Wayne in northeast Indiana.
Mitch Kruse:Oh I can taste the pizza, the ravioli, team, fettuccine, and a cinnamon roll that you order right before you leave.
Jeremy McClain:Can't leave without a cinnamon roll
Geoff King:Mitch has been there, obviously. So we're again we're grateful to have you all with us. We're here on today's episode. And yeah, we're excited to dig in. And so, first, again, I've mentioned that you all were participants in ignite our Emerging Leaders of leadership development cohort here in the Greater Fort Wayne area. And so that, that, that experience is a unique one. I think for us, it's really important at left for Wayne to pour back into emerging leaders with and we utilize a faith based leadership, you know, curriculum in that and we're not we don't shy away from that. And so, I guess our first question is, what made you interested in being a part of Ignite, when you saw that it was something specifically for emerging leaders in your specific areas, no matter the area, and, you know, it had this faith rooted foundation, you know, connected to it, what made you interested in being a part of Ignite Rosalina, I'm gonna start back with you. I'm gonna mix it up, though. So be ready.
Rosalina Perez:Um, so one of the things that I started this past year 2020, to 2022, was just getting involved more in leadership, and actually joined the wildland fire leadership before, and I just loved how just these leadership Institute's are created. I love being in this group of people who want to grow personally and professionally. So after I joined that, I was just kind of finding different things of like, Where can I keep going? I don't want this to stop. So then I came across the love for Wayne, during the Global Leadership Summit.
Mitch Kruse:We were probably translating the announcement right?
Rosalina Perez:Yeah, yeah, it was. Yeah,
Mitch Kruse:Was I hard to follow?
Rosalina Perez:Actually, there's a side story to that, but I don't know what you're talking about. But so there's Yeah, so we were obviously promoting it. And I was just like, Okay, this is another leadership institute that I can join. So that was one thing where I was just like, I want to keep going. And it, I looked into it, it was affordable. And the part of the faith based part I was I'm gonna be honest, it's I was a little hesitant, because I always worry as to what basis are you doing it off of? Is it just, you know, Christianity? Or is it Catholicism? What different religions are you basing it off of. But really, I was just really pleased to know that it was just, just general, it wasn't something that was specific. And that's really what helped me just enjoy, I didn't feel like I was being pressured into being a part of a different religion or something. I could just be who I was, and what I believed in, and was accepted in it. So there was those two parts to it. It was definitely just I just love being a part of the leadership growth. And yeah, just, that's really what got me into it.
Geoff King:Yeah, you know, I want to chime in before anyone else answers. And I really am excited that you said that because for me, as I lead Love Fort Wayne, and Mitch is a part of our board, our working board and our team, it's, for me, that's the essence of God's love is that those who believe those who are seeking those who are pre seekers feel loved in the spaces that we serve it and that and so the fact that you were able to come in and say, I didn't feel pressured into their beliefs at love Fort Wayne as a as a Christian rooted organization, I was there and I felt like I was being developed as a leader. I was accepted as I am. And we were still able to bring our authentic selves of what we believe in regards to the Foundations of Leadership. That makes me smile, it makes me happy that you felt like you were comfortable there in that setting. And I pray that's the same for other folks that were apart.
Mitch Kruse:And we feel that leadership is relational. Yeah. And so we come from the standpoint of a relationship with God rather than religion.
Rosalina Perez:Yeah. So yeah, yeah. Just starting off. Yeah. Yeah.
Geoff King:I'm glad that was your spirit. Thank you. Who's next? Who, what? Why Ignite? And, you know, when you applied for it, why why was it something for you in this particular season? I'll call you out.
Katie Kaiser:I'd have to say mine was pure divine intervention. Yes, it really was. Yeah. And I say that because I had just spent three years participating in the perky Leadership Institute, which was fantastic. And I was approaching graduation. And usually my thought is what's next? Because I just like you, Rosalina I love development. I love personal development, professional development, everything about it. I was at a point in time where I was trying to lead my team out of a pandemic, and we didn't know what that look like, and it was still turbulent waters for us. And so my goal at that time was to focus in on my team, and I focus in on my team. So then I got this email, and I read about the opportunity. I thought, Man, that's a really unique opportunity. You know, if I'm going to serve my community, I need to better understand my community. and surround myself with community leaders that would help me see what that vision is and what our paths should be. Nope, I don't have time. So then I thought about it for like a weekend and was like, Yeah, you know, what, what do I have to lose? I'm going to apply for it. So I applied. And then lo and behold, park, you had a certain number of spots that were held, and they were taken. And so I said, All right, well, there's God's answer for me, right? I'm just not ready for that commitment. Right? I get an email on that following Friday that says, Guess what? You're accepted. And so to me, I just I literally stood it off for a while. And I said, Alright, God, you're showing me something, you're showing me that I need to be here at this time. And so I was very happy that I did not ignore that door, which I almost did. Good.
Geoff King:So cool.
Mitch Kruse:What a story.
Geoff King:Dartanya, Jeremy, do you have anything to share in regards to why you stepped into it or,
Dartanya Williamson:Um, for me, I was at the GLS. and felt like I was being called. For me, this leadership is more of a passion for me. And it's for me to sit next to whether it's my staff with as a church member, whoever to allow them where they're at, to help them know, grow. But at the same time, how do I get that? And I have kept spraying and praying, I talked to my husband and GLS that information came and I was like, Okay, how can I do all of this is still get what I need, fill my bucket. And I filled out the application and information and also felt like it was a call upon me because part of you was blessing us. And I can say now, and what better way for me to receive what I needed to receive at this time and at its place. But to go through this.
Mitch Kruse:Jeremy, how about you?
Jeremy McClain:Yeah, some great answers, right, the only thing I would add I think is in there were some threads of it in other responses is that connectedness, right? Sometimes when you're leading, you can feel like you're out there kind of on your own trying to navigate the leadership journey. And you know, whether you're leading at home or leading, you know, in an education setting, or a business setting, who you're responsible for pouring into and leading other people, and you know, that if you don't invest in lead yourself, well, you can't continue to lead others well. And so sometimes it can feel you can feel a little isolated. And so I looked at this as an opportunity to here's, not only can I connect, but I can connect locally, you know, with other people. And so that was really intriguing. And then the faith element for me was just even more so, you know, I know the values and beliefs are gonna align, you know, there's some some great leadership material out there, a lot of it is secular based. And so I thought, you know, here is a, you know, a faith based leadership, local program that I can participate in, and I'm going to learn, I'm going to connect with others. And so I would say if somebody's hesitant about taking that step, you know, a couple of other people have already said it very warm, very welcoming. And right away, you know, I stay connected with, I still talk to, you know, two or three of the people that I went through the cohort with on a regular basis, my facilitator, you know, I have coffee with regularly he checks in with me regularly. And so not only was the material great, but the relationships was the icing on the cake. I wasn't expecting that first.
Geoff King:Wow, I love that really great responses. You guys, I'm just gonna cut that continually as we promote ignite in the different seasons, because I think you all had unique reasons of why you did it. And then some, some some of your responses talked about what you received once you stepped into the process. And that's, that's kind of what we want to where we want to go next, you know, question wise is, you know, Ignite is really focused on learning to lead yourself self leadership is a really big challenge. All of us are serving and working in this community in different ways. And for me, personally, it's, you know, I always look at my humility and the fruit of the Spirit basically my patience with people you know, there's this quote that says, walking slowly through the crowd to see people I really I desire that in myself, but it really starts with me, how what do I know about myself, my blind spots, you know, whatever it might my dark spots, whatever it may be. And so it was really focused on self leadership. And so I guess the one of the first questions is six months removed from it, you know, several months removed from it. What did you learn about yourself? Yeah. In your leadership, your your positives, the things that you do well with your gifts, but also like, I want to continue to grow in that, or I didn't know I was doing that well, and I need to give myself some credit and grace. What did you learn about yourself after those 12 weeks?
Dartanya Williamson:I can go I felt that I was doing something right. It actually put an exclamation mark on the end of the questions that I was asking. Because sometimes you feel when you're in leadership that you may be not leading the right way. Because base needs to stay over here. So it doesn't allow you to be your host cell. And every day, I always want to lock walk in as being me. At the beginning of my leadership, I struggled with that, because people were requiring me to be in this box. But I wanted to be over in this box where I could completely be from Sunday to Sunday, Dartanya. And so this, what I have started doing and going through this process allowed me to say, well, this is where God is calling me. And I'm doing it right. I'm meeting the need of my the people that I meet. So keep doing it. And it gave me some extra tools to continue on with the journey, where the books and everything so I appreciated that.
Geoff King:So good
Mitch Kruse:You lead 45 people at Parkview you and your husband, pastor a church, you probably disciple women disciple kids. How did this provide an environment for you to learn something you didn't already know, I guess?
Dartanya Williamson:Well, even our church is a smaller church. And I truly believe that you say love Fort Wayne love leaders, that L O V E, that's the greatest gift. And if I could just love and meet you where you're at, and accept you for who you are, in any capacity. That's okay. That's good. So that's me. And sometimes you found like, that's the wrong way. Because I can be the I can give you the best write up. And love, integrity, respect by but at the same time, sometimes you feel like that, no, that's not where you're supposed to be, must be hard and stern. And I don't think that you have to do that. Whether it was with in the church, or your job, talking to people one on one, and even what we're doing here today, you know, so that I just spirit.
Mitch Kruse:Everybody wants to know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served. And Paul says this really cool thing and Galatians it's like a parenthetical statement. It's so cool. He says now that you know, God, or rather, you are known by God. So there it is. And I think that's where self leadership begins. Is that intimacy with God? Like, you're
Geoff King:so good? Who else? Or is there some things that were solidified about yourself, or that were just I learned this new self.
Jeremy McClain:I think that one of the books that we read, The Dark Side of leadership really challenged each of us to identify characteristics of our own leadership. And so there were certainly ones that I identified with, but there were a couple that really challenged and really made me pause and reflect and think, okay, perhaps there's, you know, some unconscious reasons of why I react a certain way, why I behave this way, why I lead, why direct, why push whatever the scenario is. And so I was really able to uncover maybe some deep rooted thoughts or feelings. And so then now, now that I know that right now I can put a plan in place or Now I understand that when that surfaces and I react a certain way on why that is, so I can pause and step back and remember and be reminded of, of what I learned in the plan that I put in place. And so that was one really neat thing. And I think the other thing, oftentimes, sometimes you're early in the leadership journey, you know, you hear people say, How long will it take? How long will it take to get to the next leadership level? How long will it take, right? And one of the things that I was reminded of, through this program was instead of how long will it take, it's like, okay, how far can we go? How far can we go in our leadership? You know, I think John Maxwell said at some point, or somebody said that, but I was reminded of that during this time, and I thought, you know, even interacting with my my veteran leader, you know, they weren't talking, they were talking about what they're trying to accomplish and how the finish line never really is achieved. You continue to grow. No different than our relationship with Christ. Right. We continue to seek more intimacy, we continue to, to know him more. And so I was just reminded through the leadership journey that we don't know everything, there's always more room to grow and the finish line continues to move as you continue to grow.
Geoff King:It's great. It's really powerful.
Katie Kaiser:Yeah, to tag on that I had very similar moment to the dark side of leadership, I think and get taught me how to embrace that dark side. Whereas, you know, you think you have so much self doubt as a leader sometimes and you get in that dark place of am I enough? am I serving enough? Am I doing it correctly? And this just validated that it's okay. It's okay to not be perfect. The goal is progress. It's not perfection. And so that book really helped me there. But I think just as importantly, the first book that we covered, the innovators DNA, that disruptive questioning, I am one who asked 1000 questions, and anyone who has sat in a meeting with me, I always feel like a nuisance, and I always am bothering people, because I just want to know more and more and more. And that validated me it was like, Okay, maybe maybe that's a good thing. And, and, and there are times where I feel like maybe I shouldn't have asked that where. But now I am confident in my ability to ask those curious questions and to dive deeper.
Mitch Kruse:Yeah, she paraphrase John Wooden, he said, everyone should strive for perfection, the great UCLA basketball coach, he said everyone should strive for perfection. Perfection is unattainable. striving for perfection is attainable. So it's progress. It's progress, what we're really striving to do.
Geoff King:Yeah, and I love the notion of curiosity. One of one of my leaders that I look to, his name's Terry Linhart. He's a professor and an author. He's always talked about don't fit the fan the flame of curiosity, you see, it's okay to be curious. And sometimes asking questions is the way in which we continue to fan that flame of curiosity that leads to clarity that leads to certainty that leads to synergy that leads to positive collaboration. I'm a huge clarity person. And so I had to learn that it's okay for us to for me to be curious, but to also learn how to ask the right questions and questions in the right way. And so I love that you share that, and I'm on the same wavelength with you.
Mitch Kruse:And if we're not curious, I think it's the author of innovators DNA, that kind of the opposite. Is that like, I already know it all I've got and I and then you just put us put a lid on yourself?
Geoff King:Yeah, yeah. Good.
Rosalina Perez:I'm glad that you mentioned that, because that was something that I it wasn't a validation was more of that I needed to work on with the questioning part. So I mentioned it during our meeting, when we talked about that topic, as far as I'm someone who stays quiet all the time. And I don't know if it's because of cultural base, you know, on our culture, you know, the man is the patriarchy, they lead and women tend to stay more quiet. So it, it was something where it said it's okay, it gave me permission to start asking questions. And now since then, I have always been asking questions, even if it's a question that may just feel like it's a dumb question. It's something that I still ask every time to just keep that practice going. Because it was talking in there, how you have to keep using it, you have to keep doing it, so that it becomes a habit, and you're always constantly changing your mind to that. So that was something that I did see that it helped me to, it's okay to do it. And it's a good thing to do it. And you might, you know, be the only one asking the question, but it's okay. So that was really that just like, literally to this day, I even asked it in a wave like, what would that look like? Or, you know, asking that specific type of question now. So it's very, it's really helped me out to, not only in my professional role, but with my family and friends, because it's like, you're actually getting to understand like, what their problems are, and helping them out too. So definitely, it was good.
Mitch Kruse:One of our desires out of Ignite is to connect veteran leaders with emerging leaders, and they need each other, and they're thirsty for each other. Veteran leaders can learn from emerging leaders. And so we've built into ignite at least two encounters with a veteran leader, I'd love for each of you to share what those were like for you what you put into practice from that, what what energized you from that? Yeah.
Jeremy McClain:I'll jump in. I think the first the biggest takeaway, I think, from and Mitch just hit the nail on the head, I guess, you know, is not only do they give me the gift of time, right? And, but they were just very willing to meet me exactly where I was. And they, the thoughtfulness and, and how they answered questions, and they were open to it. And we probably went, I don't know, you know, we said 16 minutes. I think we were two hours, you know, with my veteran leader, and it just the conversation just kept going on and on. But the fact that what I really walked away with was these veteran leaders. They're the heart of a teacher, they have the heart of a servant, they want to give back they're looking for opportunities to give back and so I was really encouraged, by my time with my veteran leader, and then they were able to kind of, you know, help you shape and form some of your thoughts because they've their fire tested, you know, they've been down the roads that were going down and, and they can help us avoid some of the potential pitfalls, you know, again out in leadership, you can kind of feel like you're a little bit isolated, you know, you're going down and you bump into this wall, or you bump into that guardrail. And real quick, they said, Yeah, I've been there in this might not work for you. But this is what we did. And this is what worked for us. So to have that connection in that relationship, but just invaluable.
Mitch Kruse:I love what you said, because it's not getting a three point message or a three point lecture. It's coming, demand driven, saying, Hey, here's where I am, what would you do? And everything is applicable to exactly where you are. I love that it's great.
Rosalina Perez:To have been, so I got pretty tight, but I have actually asked them, like, what what their morning routines were, like how it's a dev can ask you about your life. And I think that's something that I always am curious about is like morning routines in their habits, because that really just shows like, what is the common then, you know, what's common within all of them. And one of the things that I definitely picked out from both of them, it's, you know, they're still working on themselves. They're still growing. And they're a lot older than me. So I'm like, okay, then they're not at that point, they're, you know, they're not done, they're still going. So that was validation that they are still growing within themselves. So I have to have that already, in my mind that there is no end point. The other thing that I was really curious about is how do they balance their life. Because as leaders or as someone who's trying to be more involved in the community, you feel like you're getting pulled in different directions. And I'm, I was getting to that point where I'm like, Okay, I'm constantly doing so many different things. How do you balance that. And one of them told me, there was seasons in life. And I see it as that now it's season. So maybe some seasons, it's only focused on the kids with school, maybe some seasons, it's just going to be relaxing, or maybe there's just different types of seasons. And that really helped me a lot to understand that not being busy all the time. Or maybe there might be a month you're gonna be really busy. Maybe there isn't. And that's okay, that you might not be able to pay attention to, you know, the time that you want with your family in these small moments. But it's just a season. So that was really one thing that I just took and continuously take it now.
Geoff King:Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Mitch Kruse:Was that you?
Geoff King:It wasn't, but I love the conversation on seasons. And Mitch knows, I've taught and written a lot with younger folks, about seasons of life, and there is a time for everything and to give yourself grace. But to also believe that biblical word, there is a time for everything, a season for everything. And so and I think, I don't know, I'm wondering, like, how much if that gave you peace when someone said to you their seasons for everything. So you don't have to feel guilt or shame about not being able to do this, or that or this or that because we, we put it in the equation of work and life balance. But and that's true. But there's, there's work balance, there's life balance there service balance. And I equate family, I put a fourth thing in there too, because life balance, I look at it about me, I matter and my wellness matters. And so yeah, hopefully that gave you peace and-
Rosalina Perez:Oh, yeah. And I actually like went straight, then I'm actually going to school full time now. And I know that that was going to take away time from being in the community more and having to say no to things. But it's because it's like, I know now in the next one or two years, this is the season school and education. And this is where I want to go. So I came to that piece of in economics. Yeah, yes. And I never finished and it was just because it's like, I don't have the time to balance all this. But it's it gave me that clarity. It's like it's okay. Yeah, I can do this.
Geoff King:Yeah, great work. Great work. Anybody else from the veteran leader connection between you and Katie that like,
Dartanya Williamson:I think for me, it was just for them, hearing them to trust the process. They I also asked them because as much stuff again, being so active, every day all day and having two children, I asked them, How do you do it. And once you get people in the right places, and you trust them, to do what you already put in them to do, you've taught them and you gotta let them go to try it to do it. And once they're put in us places you can release them. And that's one of the things that they shared with me trust the process, trust the system, that you're putting the people in the right places, the least the supervisors to do the work that you've already done. for them trained them to do. And that's one of the things that I struggle with. Sometimes it's letting go releasing, yeah, you know, going on vacation and not looking at an email, or not picking up the phone to say, how are you doing? You're trusting that they're doing it when you're there. They're gonna do it when you're away.
Mitch Kruse:Yeah, that's
Katie Kaiser:Right. That's good. Yeah. The veteran leader was probably my favorite part of Ignite, because that was my purpose of joining is to connect with the community connect with the leaders of the community to gain different perspective. I had two fantastic leaders. And if I'm allowed, I'd like to share the two quotes that I took from one from each of them, from what spoke to me the most from our conversations. And so the first one says, there's a high cost of belonging, don't say yes to the things that don't serve you in your mission. Be intentional with your time and always lead with curiosity. And the second one says, Don't let the system win or slow you down, work within the confines of your box. But don't ever close the lid. Let your gifts spill over to continue to serve with your strengths. Create your opportunity and fill your cup with the things that bring you energy. Let go of the things that don't.
Mitch Kruse:Woah!. I wish I said both of those. That is outstanding!
Geoff King:Yeah, I need for you to copy the bottom half. I gotta to put those up on my quote wall, that's really good. You know, you know, as we kind of wind down our time together, I'm going to ask a couple of questions and give you leeway to not answer both of them if you don't feel led to so here, here are the two questions is, you know, several minutes ago, we talked about, like, what you learned and how it shaped and sharpened you either would it clarified in yourself? I love that you share that. Dr. Tanya, or there's just some new things that you maybe learned about asking questions, and that it's okay to how have you maybe utilize some of the things that you learned in ignite when you were at the table with other leaders? How have you started to implement some of those things in your everyday? We've heard some of them what you've maybe learned from veteran leaders, but what are some of the things that you learned via ignite that you're implementing? And then also, as leaders, we always face challenges. And so as emerging leaders in your field, continually seeking to grow? What are the challenges you face? So again, what question one, what have you used from Ignite in your day to day? And question two? What are some of the day to day challenges that you face? And how to? How do you face those things head on? What you think and you go for it before big one.
Rosalina Perez:Um, so the day to day challenges is the one that really stuck out to me, because I already am working on the questioning part. And just asking questions when I'm in the table of whether it is meetings and not staying quiet. Definitely. I'm learning on that. So the day to day challenges for me has been is always the going to the question of saying no, and how do you say no, to all these things that you're getting, you know, involved wanting to get involved in, or people are asking you because you're that image of like, you're in a leadership role, this is great, we want you to be a part of that. So I really think that like the struggle of at it every day is just saying no, and making sure that I stick to what my personal goals are. Because if you can stick to those, it's so much more easier to say no to other things that don't necessarily align to them. And it's about also filling the cup. So was that you? I did think it was a YouTube video that we were looking at where he was saying, what fills your cup and what drains you? So really, that has helped me to see, okay, what are the things that I have to constantly do to make sure that I can get re energized every day again, because you do get drained out. So my thing is just spending time with my family to make sure not to forget that. Even if it is maybe a little bit of just like just cuddling time, I have to make sure to do that to be able to fill my cup. So that way, every day to day challenges are nothing they don't feel like an actual challenge anymore, because I come home to them. Yeah, so it's reminding myself, what are you going to fill your cup with. And then also, too, it's making sure to just stick with your personal goals. Because if you're in that right mindset, then it's just going to spill over to everyone else, and they're gonna want to reach that as well for themselves.
Geoff King:It's good. Jeremy, what about you? Is there anything that's that you've taken away that you're utilizing? Or is there there's something that you're experiencing challenge wise?
Jeremy McClain:Yes, yes, there is. But But I think just to kind of remark on what you just said, I think, you know, one of the things in this sometimes is a challenge, right is there's so many opportunities, you get pulled in so many directions. And I think we all have the heart of a server and we want to serve so we want to say yes and so how do you prioritize? And so that's a little bit of a challenge always saying you know, I constantly am saying to people, I'm with you, I want to make sure that we we reserve our yeses only for the great stuff. Because a lot of the yeses are a lot of good things right and they feel right and you're you're constantly praying and seeking and thinking, you know, I want to serve. This seems like the right thing. to do what's good, what's better, what's best or and so knowing when to say yes and when to say no, you know, oftentimes I think more will end up saying no more frequently and you have to be okay with. So that's a little bit of a challenge as especially as an emerging leader is, you don't want to be the no person. Yeah. Oh, don't call, don't call him or don't call her because they're the no person, right? You want to serve? You want to say yes. And so finding the right opportunities to say, Yes, I think and then taking the material that we've learned, and for me, it's all about learning it and then trying to teach it to the people that I lead. And I feel like I don't have to know it all. I don't have to know all the answers to continue to teach them and help them grow. And it helps solidify that and galvanize it, you know, and I strengthen that muscle even as I continue to take what I do have in teaching give back to them. And I think some of the other challenges people have hit on the work life balance, I think there's always the it's always unbalanced. Right? And so what season are you in? Right? You're looking for rhythm. And just knowing when that season is shifting?
Mitch Kruse:And industrial psychology, there's this grid of what you're good at. And what energizes you? And we can operate in things that we're good at, but they drain us? Yeah, or things. It's really bad. You're doing things that drain you and you're not good at them. Right? It's chaotic. But to be in that quadrant, this is what I'm good at. And this is what energize me or energizes me and I would say slash but my passion and purpose.
Geoff King:It's really good. Ladies, do you have anything to add? Or that you would share in regards to those things? Learned?
Dartanya Williamson:I just think for me, it's not going back. You know, because I think when once this over is done, it's so easy sometimes to go back to the way you used to be. And are sometimes people look for you to do that, as you were continuing to grow. They want you to do that. Because I also dealt with not asking the question at the table. So you would be in a meeting. And because I'm a quiet soul, people took that for negative. And it's not a negative, it's thoroughly just because I wasn't speaking during the time that you desire to write, I want to speak up what I needed to. And so that was helped me through this to learn that part. And once I achieved that part, me going into media now, I'm more laid back, still laid back their team, but at the same time more confident in myself to know when I'm speaking and how I'm speaking, I'm not speaking for everybody to necessarily really understand who I am today can meet me where I'm at. Because not everybody do I want to learn from either, you know, because there's different type of leaders. Sure. So that positive side has given me a little boost on going from this not to take it say that I'm off that. But to just say up enough.
Geoff King:Yeah. Yeah, you can you we can glean unfruitful seeds. So we plant some things within us that we've gleaned from and it's like, man, that's rotten fruit from there. And so I resonate with that. And I think the last thing is because I'm wired very similar to Moore's, I hear that it's, I hear like, I used to say, people are insecure with my securities. But that is not my problem. And I just kind of say how it is Mitch knows that. So I'm like, once you learn that, it's okay, that sometimes people are insecure with the things that you are secure with. And that's okay. So if I, if I need to get into a meeting, and listen, Laurie knows this, and I, and I need to crockpot it for a little bit. Before I share the thing that I think about it, that's okay. And I can bring my authentic self to the table. So that's really, really good. It's, yeah, it's good, thank you. Got anything.
Katie Kaiser:I think what I learned the most is how to deeper connect with people building that relationship. Because in healthcare in the past three years, as always, we see significant challenges and being a leader in healthcare makes that even more difficult. But the thing that helps us thrive and helps us work through that is that strong relationship building with our team, with our leaders, other leaders leaning on each other. I got, you know, when I came into this, I was hoping for an outsider perspective, from healthcare yet I had 16 Women in health care sitting around the table. And so I was like, Okay, well, I'm here for a reason. And I had something to learn from each of them. And so I think learning to lean on each other and learn those different perspectives, is helping me build deeper relationships.
Geoff King:Great. Well, Mitch, can you ask our closing question? For these folks here today?
Mitch Kruse:What would you tell your 20 year old self looking back? I would like to hear this where I am now.
Geoff King:We'll let you simmer on it.
Dartanya Williamson:I think for me not to be afraid to sit at the table. Because I think you lose time, precious time, opportunities to make the mistakes, and someone to help you along the way. I think that people during this season, put people in the right places in the right time to meet you at your need. And as long as you're receiving that you can accomplish anything.
Geoff King:So good. It's powerful.
Rosalina Perez:For me, it's stop trying to be like everyone else, and to be different. And it's okay to be weird. And it's okay to dress differently. Because that's something that I mean, I was always just trying to stick with the block. And yeah, if I could have known that, you know, 20 years, or 20 years old, or that was only 10 years ago. But it is more of just just, it's okay to be different, just be different. And like you said, like, that's not my problem if someone is projecting their insecurities, yeah, because after that, it's like, you can go anywhere, you can do anything.
Geoff King:It's good.It's good.
Mitch Kruse:We should get matching t shirts, we should be different. And on the backside, it's okay to be weird.
Geoff King:That's a really good encouragement for your 20 year old self. And for the 20 year olds list. Yeah, I'm glad that you shared that. So good.
Jeremy McClain:Yeah, if I could say something to my 20 year old self, I say, be courageous. Have the courage to step in who you believe God is calling you to be even if it's different from what the crowd is doing, right. And the other thing I would say, is, get a mentor. And get involved in things like this early on, so that you don't waste the time trying to go at it alone. You know, there's an ancient Chinese proverb or something that says, if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far go together, right? And so I would tell my younger self, get, find a group of people find a mentor and find a group of people that you can connect with and grow with like this, and have the courage to be who God called you to be.
Geoff King:Yeah. Well done. Well said.
Rosalina Perez:There's another shirt. Take a note,
Jeremy McClain:I see a merch store
Mitch Kruse:Love Fort Wayne merch
Geoff King:Wait a second, don't get me started on ideas. Or Mitch? Katie, take us home. Do you have anything that you would share with your 20 year old self?
Katie Kaiser:There are lots of things i could share. And each of them is exactly what you just said. But I think the biggest thing is, is to look inside myself and figure out what I want and who I am and who I want to be. I think I spent a lot of time meeting others expectations. And it served me well, you know, I have success. I'm very happy where I'm at in my life. But, but it took a long time to figure out who I am. And I think I lost that along the way.
Geoff King:The power of identity, and who we are who you've been made to be. It's yeah, for this generation coming up underneath this, this new emerging, Jim, that's powerful to know to be okay with who you are, know your identity, in pursue mentors, and all these rich things that you all have share with us. This is this is great, we have a lot of great Sit, sit, sit down. So this one has really filled me up. Thank you for sharing your experience with with Ignite and at Ignite. That's our hope for that that program for that cohort. But beyond that you shared more about yourself and about your leadership journeys. And that's really important. To all the folks that are listening, I know that for sure. So thank you for joining Mitch and I are honored to have you. So for those of you who are listening and tuned in, I pray that it was a blessing to you, I pray that you are filled up by it and that you've got something that you can take into your every day as you leave where you are. So thanks for tuning in, and we'll check you out next time at the next Love Fort Wayne podcast.
Mitch Kruse:Thank you so much for joining us this month we drop a new episode the first Monday of every month. Love Fort Wayne has some amazing episodes coming up. You don't want to miss a single one. So subscribe today, wherever you are listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share and leave a review we want to share your thoughts and comments with listeners on future episodes. Thanks again for joining us today. Join us next time as we hear from leaders that don't just lead but love our city.