Cultivating Connections

OSU Leadership Center
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Cultivating Connections is a lesson in leadership journeys. We all have a unique path that has led us to the positions we hold in our organizations. Each with their own lessons learned along the way. Join us as we explore those lessons learned and paths taken of leaders across industries including food and fiber, higher education, and medicine. Cultivating Connections is brought to you by the OSU Leadership Center at The Ohio State University.

Episodes

  1. Oct 29

    Episode 20: Tadd Nicholson- Executive Director at Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association

    This month we take a look into how working for a non profit lead by a board can change the leadership path along with the changes COVID brought to how this leader in Ohio brings his team together. From the importance of trust to the concept of having a great team attracts great team members. Join us as Tadd Nicholson walks us through his leadership journey from high school to softball coach to Executive Director of Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers. Book Suggestion: Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fired.

  2. Sep 23

    Episode 19: Dr Cathann Kress: Vice President for Agricultural Administration & Dean, CFAES, The Ohio State University

    This month we stay a little closer to home and have a conversation with Dr Cathann Kress, the Vice President for Agricultural Administration & Dean, CFAES, The Ohio State University. From a discussion of how we need to push ourselves to try hard things to her philosophy about our coin, Dr Kress shares how her background and experiences have shaped her as a leader. Book Recommendation:Science of Becoming by Doctor Joseph Crespo

  3. Aug 19

    Episode 18: Devin Fuhrman: Chief Agriculture and Sponsor Relations Officer of Nationwide® Insurance

    ““Sometimes you got to slow down, you need to listen more than you speak, and really hone in on some priorities that ultimately at the end of the day are mutually beneficial to you, to your team, and to the partner you are working with.” Join us this month as Devin Fuhrman of Nationwide® Insurance tells us how his career and experiences playing college baseball have shaped him into the leader he is today. We have a rich discussion on having clarity in your team roles and working to help them have developmental plans as you look forward to your organization’s future. Book Suggestions: The American Story by David Barton and Timothy Barton. and Vice President in Charge of Revolution by Murray Lincoln

  4. Jul 15

    EPISODE 17 Lorraine Terry, Vice President, Beverage Systems at JobsOhio

    This month we have a conversation about going deep and understanding the importance of knowing more than just your role in your organization. We talk about what gets you to your role and what will then move you forward, and how those won’t be the same thing. As a woman who has seen several organizations, Lorraine also talks with us about women in leadership and the one thing they all have to stop doing, apologizing for everything. Book Suggestion this episode: What Got you Here Won’t Get you There- Marshall Goldsmith

  5. Jun 24

    Episode 16: Kirk Merritt, Executive Director of the Ohio Soybean Association and Ohio Soybean Council

    This month we dive into a discussion lead by a leader who has worked in policy, trade, banking, and agriculture. Experienced leading not only a staff but managing a board of directors, Mr. Kirk Merritt brings to our discussion some insight on how there are times as a leader we go in front, but there are also times we step back to let those we lead be the face of our organizations. From lessons from his parents early on to experiences leading trade missions across the globe, Kirk encourages working with your team to better themselves and for new leaders to look for opportunities to take leadership on small scales to build your skills. Book Suggestion This Episode: This month we have another podcast suggestion from Kirk. Check out the Wall Street Journal’s daily posts on business!

  6. May 20

    Episode 15: Chris Henney, Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Executive Director

    This episode we spend some time discussing the role of trusting your gut and taking chances with the Executive Director of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, Mr. Chris Henney. Chris talks about the passion you have as you are young and the wisdom you play on when you get older in your career. At times our best laid plans don’t work out as we process along our journey, but may times they put you in a position or role that is something positive and something you couldn’t have expected. So join us for another rich discussion full of laughs and great nuggets! Book Suggestion of this episode: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin

  7. Apr 21

    Dr. Nicole Stedman,Associate Provost and Dean of the University of Florida Graduate

    In this month’s episode, we talk with the Associate Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School for the University of Florida about her journey as a leadership scholar and now a university leader. Faced with two very different leadership styles by bosses early in her career, Dr. Stedman has found a way to use what she calls a “leadership buffet” approach to working with her team to find great success. Only 4 years into her role, she talks about being a partner with her team and helping them forge through when change is all around them. This is a fun conversation with a great leader who brings her Florida charm into the conversation!

  8. Mar 24

    Episode 13: Melissa McGhee Ohio State Dance Team Coach

    This month the OSU Dance Team Coach, Melissa McGhee, shares with us her strategy for coaching a team who holds 15 national titles since 2018. Under her leadership Melissa took a club sport and transitioned it into a powerhouse varsity sport that dominates each year. She reminds us that as a new leader you have to remember that you don’t know everything from the start and learning from the experts and accepting help is a great way to build trust in your team. We discuss how she leads with the philosophy that”clear is kind” and making sure that you understand your team members’ needs as you set out expectations early. Books suggested by Melissa include: John Gordon’s You Win in the Locker Room and Pat Summitt’s Definite Dozen

  9. Feb 18

    Tom Schmid: CEO and President of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

    This month we visit with Mr. Tom Schmid of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium about the role of the leader in empowering those around them. Tom takes us through how his background in the zoological industry has shaped him and his philosophies as a leader. “If you take care of your people and your animals, everything else will pretty much take care of itself.” Through moments of uncertainty, Tom shares how honesty and transparency is vital to give stability to the unknown. Spending the time to listen to your team early on can set the foundation for those moments of crisis. It is a great discussion with a wild flare!

  10. Jan 20

    Episode 11: Melanie Wilt- CEO of Shift-ology

    This month we spend some time with Shift-ology CEO, Melanie Wilt of Springfield, Ohio. From her time as communication director for the Ohio Department of Agriculture, to starting her award winning PR firm, to serving as a County Commissioner while her community found itself in the public spotlight during the 2024 Presidential election, Melanie has learned many lessons in and out of the boardroom. We have a great discussion on the importance of leaning into your principles even when it isn’t the most popular path and keeping emotional intelligence front and center. Curiosity and focusing on the small things are just a few of the tidbits we gather from Melanie’s successful journey as a political and communication leader in Ohio.

  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

Cultivating Connections is a lesson in leadership journeys. We all have a unique path that has led us to the positions we hold in our organizations. Each with their own lessons learned along the way. Join us as we explore those lessons learned and paths taken of leaders across industries including food and fiber, higher education, and medicine. Cultivating Connections is brought to you by the OSU Leadership Center at The Ohio State University.

Information

  • Creator
    OSU Leadership Center
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Cultivating Connections