The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman

IBJ Media Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Indianapolis attorney Angela B. Freeman talks with guests about how the business community is tackling issues related to race, equity, gender and inclusion—in the workplace, the C-suite and in decisions about funding.

  1. Dr. Nicole Harper, Vice President of Revenue Cycle Services and Chief Financial Officer at Eskenazi Health

    MAR 25

    Dr. Nicole Harper, Vice President of Revenue Cycle Services and Chief Financial Officer at Eskenazi Health

    Nicole D. Harper, Vice President of Revenue Cycle Services and CFO at Eskenazi Health, joins host Angela B. Freeman to talk about her unconventional path from health administration at Indiana University to the C-suite, shaped by mentors like former CFO Sharon Rogers, a non-linear academic journey through Walden University and Wharton, and a belief that asking outside questions is an asset rather than a liability. She reflects on bridging the divide between revenue cycle and finance teams, the stubborn underrepresentation of women in healthcare leadership, why failure is something to mine for data rather than fear, and how Eskenazi Health's mission to serve vulnerable populations drives every budget decision, making a direct case that passion, empathy, and a willingness to fight for your position are strategic assets, not soft skills.

    1h 3m
  2. Kristian Little Stricklen, President and CEO of the Madam Walker Legacy Center

    FEB 25

    Kristian Little Stricklen, President and CEO of the Madam Walker Legacy Center

    In this Black History Month episode of The Freedom Forum, Angela B. Freeman talks with Kristian Little Stricklen, president and CEO of the Madam Walker Legacy Center, about Indiana Black history and the story behind one of Indianapolis’ most iconic landmarks on Indiana Avenue. Stricklen shares her Indianapolis roots, her HBCU experience at Jackson State University, and how a path from radio into public relations shaped her career across nonprofits, corporate communications and Indianapolis Public Schools. She explains how those roles prepared her to lead the Walker through major moments, including renewed community engagement, headline performances, expanded programming and long-term sustainability efforts. The conversation also traces the life of Sarah Breedlove, known as Madam C.J. Walker, from her early years to building a national business and philanthropic legacy, and why the Walker building was designed as a hub for entertainment, Black enterprise and community life. Stricklen closes with ways the community can support the center through time, talent and treasure as the Walker approaches its centennial.

    1h 8m
  3. Mario Rodriguez, CEO of Indianapolis Airport Authority

    JAN 28

    Mario Rodriguez, CEO of Indianapolis Airport Authority

    Mario Rodriguez, executive director and CEO of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, joins Angela on IBJ’s Freedom Forum to talk about his path into aviation leadership, his Cuban immigrant family story, and how a people-first culture shapes the passenger experience at Indianapolis International Airport. Rodriguez explains his focus on collective wisdom, a flatter organization, and empathy in hiring, plus how the airport invests in the community through local spending, workforce education support, and opportunities for local artists. He also shares what is ahead for the airport and why he plans to stay in Indiana.

    58 min
  4. Jackie Gessner, JD Finish Line Vice President of Talent Management and HR Compliance

    12/31/2025

    Jackie Gessner, JD Finish Line Vice President of Talent Management and HR Compliance

    JD Finish Line Vice President of Talent Management and HR Compliance, Jackie Gessner, joins host Angela B. Freeman on The Freedom Forum to share her career journey from Fort Wayne to Purdue, the Indiana Statehouse and IU McKinney School of Law. Gessner reflects on early pivots, retaking the LSAT, lessons from private practice at Barnes & Thornburg and why people matter when choosing a workplace. She explains her transition from law firm life to in-house leadership, managing teams across HR and talent, and supporting employees through leave, life events and change. The conversation also explores women in law, authentic leadership and how Indiana employers can retain talent by promoting from within and building strong workplace culture.

    1h 32m
  5. Darrell Johnson, President and CEO of Diversity Press

    11/26/2025

    Darrell Johnson, President and CEO of Diversity Press

    On this episode of the Freedom Forum, Indianapolis native Darrell Johnson shares his path from playing basketball at the University of South Florida and overseas in Turkey to becoming President and CEO of Diversity Press. He explains how he discovered the printing industry, why the fast pace drew him in, and how he built a company grounded in service, relationships, and diverse capabilities. Johnson reflects on nearly 20 years of entrepreneurship, growing from small print jobs to partnerships with organizations like the Indianapolis Colts, and leading a multibuilding campus with a family oriented culture. He also discusses mentorship, giving back, and why the name Diversity Press remains central to the company’s mission.

    50 min
  6. Dr. DaWana Stubbs, Regional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Humana

    10/29/2025

    Dr. DaWana Stubbs, Regional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Humana

    Dr. DaWana Stubbs, Regional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Humana, shares her inspiring journey from growing up on Indianapolis’s west side and graduating from Crispus Attucks High School to leading in one of the nation’s largest healthcare organizations. She reflects on being motivated by strong family roots, her faith, and early role models who showed her what was possible for women in medicine. In this episode, Dr. Stubbs discusses the importance of diversity in healthcare, how social determinants of health impact patients, and why representation and servant leadership are vital to equitable care.

    1 hr
  7. Dr. Nneka Breaux of Corteva Agriscience

    09/24/2025

    Dr. Nneka Breaux of Corteva Agriscience

    Host Angela B. Freeman welcomes Nneka Breaux, Ph.D., U.S. Regulatory Policy Leader at Corteva Agriscience, for the 50th episode of the Freedom Forum. Dr. Breaux shares her journey from Mississippi to Spelman College, her pursuit of a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at Purdue, and her career path leading to leadership in regulatory affairs. She discusses the influence of her HBCU education, her parents’ legacy as college professors, and her experiences navigating STEM as one of few Black women in the field.

    1h 37m
  8. Burnell Grimes, director of Legal for North America Energy Solutions at Carrier

    08/27/2025

    Burnell Grimes, director of Legal for North America Energy Solutions at Carrier

    On this episode of the Freedom Forum, Angela B. Freeman talks with Burnell “BJ” Grimes Jr., director of Legal for North America Energy Solutions at Carrier Global Corporation. A lifelong Hoosier, Grimes shares his path from IU Bloomington and IU McKinney Law School to big law, government service and corporate counsel. He also discusses the criticality of intellectual property and legal operations on innovation and growth for any company, large or small.  Burnell further describes the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and the importance of community involvement for all leaders to have legacy impact.

    43 min
See All (57)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Indianapolis attorney Angela B. Freeman talks with guests about how the business community is tackling issues related to race, equity, gender and inclusion—in the workplace, the C-suite and in decisions about funding.

Information

  • Channel
    IBJ Media Podcast Network
  • Creator
    IBJ Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All Rights Reserved

More From IBJ Media Podcast Network

You Might Also Like