Denise Ilitch show Denise Ilitch

Just as the 92nd Annual Meeting of The United States Conference of Mayors wraps up,
we introduce this episode that addresses issues of local involvement and priorities of
local governments.

Denise speaks to Bryan K. Barnett, the longest serving Mayor of Rochester Hills, MI.
Bryan was America’s Mayor while he served as the 77th president of The US
Conference of Mayors right as the pandemic started. “There is no such thing as a
typical day” - He shares his experiences, unique path into local politics, and perspective
on daily challenges. In our days of deep polarization, he talks about his approach to
build bridges and broaden his reach. While Bryan is involved in national leadership
issues, he insists that there is no greater way to make an impact than on a local level
and encourages young people to get involved in their community.

Bryan K. Barnett has served as Rochester Hills’ (MI) mayor since 2006. His
administration has received local, national, and international recognition for innovation,
fiscal responsibility, operational excellence, and environmental leadership. Mayor
Barnett is a frequent national speaker on topics including innovative government, long-
term sustainability, and economic development. Mayor Barnett continues to advocate
nationally for the priorities of local government.

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises,
has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.
As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate
for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of
contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education
stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s
degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of
Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. FOLLOW
DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow

Shirley Stancato is known for her leadership in Detroit and enduring commitment to
social justice. She talks with Denise about the New Detroit coalition, race relations, and
dealing with adversity. “Having conversations about race helps leaders in their
organizations”. Top down, leaders and educators must set standards for interaction and
rules of engagement. For an honest and productive discussion we need a no fault
environment and a focus on the issue rather than an individual. She also poignantly
reminds us that even if you are alone in your opinion, it doesn’t mean that you are
wrong. Shirley shares personal stories of growing up and having responsibilities of an
adult while still a child herself. Tune in to hear about empathy, ethical decision-making,
inclusivity, and a vision for positive change.

Shirley Stancato is a seasoned executive, a prominent civic leader, expert on race
relations and social justice advocate. She serves on the Board of Governors for Wayne
State University as well as on the boards of Fifth Third Bank of Eastern Michigan, Teach
for America Detroit, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Zoological
Commission. She received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Wayne State
University. In 2017, she received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of
Michigan. Stancato's recent honors include the Champion of Justice Award from the
Michigan Delegation of the Congressional Black Caucus, and City Year Detroit's Idealist
in Action Award. Additionally, she has been recognized as a Woman of Achievement by
the Anti-Defamation League, Regional Power Broker by Crain's Detroit Business and
Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News.

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises,
has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.
As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate
for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of
contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education
stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s
degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of
Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. FOLLOW
DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow

In this hard-hitting episode, Denise talks with Karen McDonald, Oakland County Prosecutor,
about the recent convictions of the Oxford High School shooter and both of his parents, as well
as gun violence as a public health crisis, and lessons we need to draw for crime prevention.
The sobering fact is that gun violence is the number one cause of death in children in the US,
with over half of those deaths being from suicide. Prosecutor McDonald, who has established
the Commission to Address Gun Violence, talks about learning from the experts on factors and
warning signs of a shooter, and advocates for educating the public and kids about guns. Listen
for the importance and urgency of teaching our children the tools to navigate through intense
emotional experiences and build distress tolerance.

Documentary Sins of The Parents The Crumbley Trials is now available on Hulu.

Karen McDonald was elected to be the Oakland County Prosecutor in 2020. Prior to that, Karen
has worked in private practice specializing in civil and family law and served as a family court
judge. Since taking office Karen formed a Trafficking Unit, Hate Crimes Unit, and Conviction
Integrity Unit. She was appointed to the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, where she was
instrumental in getting their recommendations approved. Currently, Karen is working diligently to
enact change through the Gun Violence Commission she established in September 2022.

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been
a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. As a mother,
lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and
children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.
Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a
first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she
currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law
School. FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow

Denise talks to Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman of the Detroit Pistons basketball franchise. They discuss many lessons from his distinguished career as one of the top player agents in professional sports. Arn gives tangible advice for both people starting out in their careers as well as seasoned professionals. In particular, he talks about personal lessons of perseverance after losing a player as an agent, and gives suggestions to young people about education and career management. Arn talks about his decision to join the Pistons and how the opportunity to contribute to the region’s revitalization was a key factor for him. To that end, he discusses several community partnerships that earned the organization national recognition as he works to strengthen the connection between the Pistons and the community. They discuss the impact of bringing the franchise back to the city of Detroit after a 39-year absence and as well as the organization's growing relationship with Henry Ford Health. 
 
Arn Tellem has represented more than 500 professional athletes in his career. He joined the Detroit Pistons organization as Vice Chairman in 2015, where he has broad responsibility for business and basketball strategy, planning, and development. Over the years, Arn has been recognized as the most influential Sports Agent by the Sports Business Journal, The Sporting News, and Forbes. He has written for numerous national publications, including the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and the Japan Times, and is frequently invited to lecture on issues related to sports law and business. He received his bachelor’s degree from Haverford College and his J.D. degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He is active in the Detroit business and philanthropic community.
 
Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School.
FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow

Denise speaks with actor, musician, and playwright Jeff Daniels to discuss his long and
thriving film career and upcoming projects. Careers in showbusiness rarely last, but
Daniels, a native Michigander, who chose to live in Chelsea, MI rather than Hollywood,
has enjoyed incredible longevity in his career. The key was creating a wide range in his
acting, spanning from Dumb & Dumber to Ghettysberg, and “not settling for good...it’s a
close cousin to good enough”. They touch on his philosophy and sense of humor. He
reminds us that it feels good to laugh, so forget about being important and self righteous
- laughter is one thing that unites us in our polarized world. Listen for valuable advice
on dealing with rejection, outworking the competition, and just believing in yourself.

Jeff Daniels is an actor, playwright, musician and songwriter. Alongside his extensive
screen work, Jeff has many stage credits to his name, including starring as Atticus Finch
on Broadway. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Purple Rose Theater
Company in Chelsea, Michigan. He is an Emmy winner for Newsroom and Godlless,
and a Three-time Tony Nominee. Currently, he has two tv series coming out, American
Rust on Prime Video and A Man In Full, which airs on Netflix on May 2nd.

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises,
has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.
As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for
women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of
contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education
stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s
degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of
Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. FOLLOW
DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow

Denise kicks off Season 4 talking with Karen Drew, an investigative reporter at WDIV. They discuss the challenges of projecting an image of a strong independent woman, while coping with adversity and insecurities. Denise and Karen offer important advice to women to remind themselves that they are worthy and have the right to speak up. They discuss the importance of having a trusted group of people as a support system that will also call you out when needed. Karen talks about her approach as a broadcaster: “Be curious, ask questions”, and gives great advice on how to ask questions to get the most out of anyone. Uplifting, personal, and fast paced, in this episode we are reminded to give ourselves the same grace as we offer others.
 
Karen is an integral part of the news team at WDIV-TV and can be seen Monday through Friday on Local 4 News. She spends her time busting the bad guys during her investigative reports. She has a degree in Radio TV Communications from Southern Illinois University, and worked around the country as a reporter before finally finding a place she could really call home at WDIV-TV in Detroit. Karen has won numerous awards including Emmy's, awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Society of Professional Journalists, as well as awards and recognitions from a variety of non-profits she works with volunteering her time.
 
Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School.
 
FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow