Leadership Cafe

The Leadership Cafe
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Biweekly

Leadership Cafe Podcast is where marketing leaders in nonprofits, rural health, and small businesses gather to brew bold ideas and roast the competition. Hosted by Marketing Strategist and CEO, Sally Mildren, this show delivers bite-sized strategies, candid conversations, and industry insights for leading with confidence and making real impact. Whether you’re a solo marketer or part of a small team, pull up a chair…your community is here.

  1. Jul 23

    What If Your Nonprofit Stopped Acting Like One?

    What if running like a typical "nonprofit" is actually working against you? What if trying to please every donor, appeal to every audience, and say yes to every opportunity is the very thing keeping your organization stuck?  In this episode of the Leadership Cafe Podcast, Sally Mildren continues her conversation with Maryanne Dersch of Courageous Communication and Influential Nonprofit Podcast to unpack how nonprofits can move beyond scarcity, become more authentic, and build stronger donor relationships. The way forward for nonprofits isn't more content, more events, or more appeals. It's more courage, more authenticity, and a willingness to stop being everything to everyone.  Episode Highlights: Why the language of "nonprofit" shapes self-perception and limits organizational confidence. How scarcity thinking affects your fundraising, communication, and donor relationships. Why younger generations respond to values, connection, and emotional resonance — and what that means for how you show up. The Donor Flow Framework: how to move people from awareness to action without a big budget. How smaller teams can simplify everything by telling one story, one call to action, and repurposing it everywhere. About our guest:  Maryanne Dersch is the founder of Courageous Communication and creator of the Donor Flow Framework. She helps nonprofit leaders communicate more authentically, build stronger donor relationships, and align their messaging with their values. Resources Mentioned: Courageous Communication: https://courageouscommunication.com  The Donor Flow Framework: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/donor-flow-framework  Influential Nonprofit Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-influential-nonprofit/id1551595769  Why Codependence Is Making Your Nonprofit Boring — Maryanne's book: https://www.amazon.com/Courageous-Communication-Codependence-Making-Nonprofit/dp/1732276714/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=dersch&qid=1551206001&s=gateway&sr=8-1  The Leadership Café - a free online community for marketers to connect, learn, and grow: theleadershipcafe.com Listen to the Leadership Cafe Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

  2. Jul 9

    Great Leadership Starts with Curiosity…and Kindness

    What do cotton fields in rural China have to do with building trust in a biotech startup? More than you'd think. In this episode, we sit down with Shujian Zhang: PhD molecular plant pathologist, Executive MBA, founder of Nexus BioStrategy, and one of the most thoughtful voices on leadership and communication in the AG-biotech space.  Shujian's story starts in a small farming village in China, where watching a transgenic cotton plant save his family from a summer of pesticide spraying sparked a lifelong passion for plant science and what technology can do for the people who feed the world. But this episode isn't just about science. It's about how you lead, how you communicate and what it means to be genuinely kind to the people around you. About our guest: Shujian Zhang is an AG-biotech innovation leader, strategist, and communicator with more than 20 years of experience translating science into real-world impact. As the Founder and Principal Consultant of Nexus BioStrategy, he helps organizations bridge cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology with business strategy, drawing on deep expertise in biological-based crop protection, plant health, and innovation partnerships. Beyond his work in science and strategy, Shujian is deeply passionate about leadership, communication, and lifelong learning. He is the creator and host of AgBio Dialogues, a platform featuring conversations on science, leadership, innovation, and personal growth, and the writer behind Cultivated Insight on Substack, where he shares reflections on leadership, communication, scientific advances, and industry trends, shaped by curiosity and lifelong learning. Shujian holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Pathology and an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. He believes that great leadership starts with curiosity, communication, and the ability to connect people around a shared vision. What We Cover: How growing up on a farm shaped Shujian's leadership philosophy  Why communication is a leadership tool, not a soft skill  The difference between kindness and niceness in leadership, and why avoiding tough feedback is actually the unkind choice The gap Shujian identified between lab science and real-world ag application — and why he founded Nexus BioStrategy to bridge it How trust travels through the value chain Where AI genuinely helps in AG-biotech  The representation vs. recognition gap in science and healthcare marketing  Resources Mentioned: Shujian Zhang Website- https://www.shujianzhang.com/  Shujian Zhang Substack -https://cultivatedinsight.substack.com/  Shujian Zhang Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgBioDialogues  Shujian Zhang Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agbio-dialogues/id1872376765 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jSzIIRvZ7Ecgl0FHKZUd7  Shujian Zhang LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nexusbiostrategy  The Leadership Café - a free online community for marketers to connect, learn, and grow: theleadershipcafe.com Listen to the Leadership Cafe podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

  3. Jun 25

    Navigating Ethics in Healthcare Marketing

    What does it mean to market honestly when people's lives are on the line? In this episode, we sit down with Ariella Shoham, C-level marketer with 30 years of global B2B marketing experience and CMO of C8 Health, to explore one of the most important and underexamined conversations in our industry: the ethics of healthcare marketing. From vaccine misinformation during COVID to competitive attack campaigns in the medtech space, Ariella shares real stories from the front lines of regulated healthcare marketing, and what she believes every marketer owes their audience when the stakes are this high. We also dig into how AI is reshaping clinical workflows, why "augmentation not replacement" is still the right message, and why we think it's time for a formal code of ethics for healthcare marketers!  What We Cover: Why comparative/attack marketing in healthcare crosses an ethical line How to lead with patient value instead of technology claims Why honesty in marketing is not just ethical and how it's actually a competitive advantage The AstraZeneca vaccine campaign that became a case study in dangerous marketing  AI and patient safety Regulatory challenges in healthcare AI Resources Mentioned: A-Doc - https://www.aidoc.com/  C8 Health - https://c8health.com/  Ariella Shoham on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellashoham/ The Leadership Café - a free online community for marketers to connect, learn, and grow: theleadershipcafe.com Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

  4. Jun 11

    Uncover Your Red Thread: The Key to Finding your Genius Offer

    Join us to hear from Humaira Akhter — also known as Maira — a Signature Offer Architect who helps entrepreneurs and leaders stop hiding behind a menu of scattered services and find their ONE genius offer. We are talking about excavating your story, turning points, and uncovering the red thread that has been there all along.In this insightful conversation, Maira and Sally explore the importance of authenticity, personal branding, and finding your 'red thread' to build a meaningful and sustainable business. They discuss how to stay true to yourself in a world increasingly influenced by AI and societal expectations, and share practical tips for uncovering your core purpose.What We Cover: The concept of the 'red thread' and its importance in branding How societal influences challenge personal authenticity Practical steps to discover and stay aligned with your core purpose The role of storytelling and emotional connection in branding Balancing business growth with personal values Resources Mentioned: Humaira Akhter on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/humairaakhter/  Red Thread Worksheet & Quiz - https://humairaakhter.com/quiz  The Leadership Café - a free online community for marketers to connect, learn, and grow: theleadershipcafe.com Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

  5. May 28

    Mastering Your Personal Brand with Alan Shoebridge

    In this episode, Sally sits down with healthcare marketing expert Alan Shoebridge for a conversation about personal branding. Alan shares practical strategies for building a personal brand, navigating organizational dynamics and leveraging social media for career growth. Learn about the importance of your personal brand and how to balance that with your organization’s brand  What We Cover: Why everyone needs a personal brand, not just people looking for their next job Why your internal brand (inside your organization) is the most important place to start Building a Personal Branding framework Whether AI has a place in building an authentic personal brand (Alan has thoughts!) The simplest, lowest-lift way to build your brand on LinkedIn  About our guest: Alan Shoebridge is the Associate Vice President for National Communications at Providence, a national nonprofit Catholic health system spanning the entire West Coast. Alan leads a multi-state team responsible for internal communications, PR, issues management, and thought leadership. He's held senior marketing leadership roles at Kaiser Permanente and Salinas Valley Health, and has 20+ years of direct experience in healthcare marketing and communications. He's a sought-after speaker, writer, and one of the most generous voices in the healthcare marketing world. Resources Mentioned: Alan Shoebridge's blog and website - alanshoebridge.com Connect with Alan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoebridge/  The Leadership Café - a free online community for marketers to connect, learn, and grow: theleadershipcafe.com Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

  6. May 14

    Misinformation is officially a global public health crisis

    What starts as a conversation about misinformation becomes one of the most relevant discussions we've had on the podcast about trust, truth, communication, and what all of it means for leaders and organizations navigating today's noise. Join us to hear from Pauline W. Hoffmann, Ph.D., a scholar practitioner. Pauline is an associate professor in the Jandoli School of Communication at St. Bonaventure University and is a New York State senior public health fellow with the Cattaraugus County Health Department. She has a LinkedIn newsletter titled WTF? (What the Facts?) which delves into all things infodemic. She is the author of Fake News, Witch Hunts & Conspiracy Theories: An Infodemiologist’s Guide to the Truth, and she opened a bookstore – The Beekeeper’s Bookshop - in March 2026. Oh… and she dives with sharks.  What We Cover: Pauline's non-linear path from aspiring marine biologist to infodemiologist, professor, public health fellow, and bookstore owner. The difference between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. Why people who believe fake news aren't stupid, and what's actually behind it: group identity, personal values, cultural and historical trauma, and distrust earned over time. Why the infodemic has been declared a global public health crisis by the World Health Organization, and what vaccines, measles, and polio have to do with it.  The practical framework Pauline uses to fact-check anything, and the tools she recommends. What communicators, marketers, and nonprofit leaders can do to become a trusted source. The power of community ambassadors and local trust networks.  Why collaboration between nonprofits and community organizations is the way forward, especially in rural communities facing funding cuts and growing needs.  Resources Mentioned: Fake News, Witch Hunts, and Conspiracy Theories by Dr. Pauline Hoffman.  Beekeeper's Bookshop — Pauline's bookstore in western New York. Connect with Pauline on her: website, LinkedIn, Substack, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube. AllSides.com — a tool for seeing how different outlets cover the same story. The Leadership Cafe — a free online community for marketers to connect, learn and grow.

  7. Apr 22

    Amplifying Brand Through Storytelling and Authentic Marketing Leadership 

    Welcome to the Leadership Cafe podcast, where emerging marketing leaders come to brew new skills, gain confidence, and make an impact. In this episode, Sally Mildren sits down with Jen Rittenhouse, Director of Brand and Marketing at Sitecrafting, to explore the power of storytelling in building authentic brands. Jen Rittenhouse, a journalist-turned-brand marketer, shares her journey from the newsroom to the world of marketing, offering insights into how narrative and purpose can elevate organizational culture and audience engagement. Together, they discuss bridging the gap between messaging and real-world experience, the challenges of content overload and AI-driven shortcuts, and practical strategies for small teams looking to create more meaningful, human-centered communications. Grab your favorite mug and join us for an inspiring conversation about leading with authenticity and making your brand story matter. Today’s guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenrittenhouse/

  8. Mar 26

    Closing the Gap in Rural Healthcare Access Through Strategic Communication

    Welcome back to the Leadership Cafe! In this episode, host Sally Mildren sits down with rural health marketing leader Khrista Boster, recognized as both a Community Star and Rising Star in her field. Khrista shares her powerful journey from growing up in a small farming town—where firsthand experiences with healthcare access shaped her passion—to leading strategic marketing efforts at Woodlawn Health. They dive deep into the unique challenges faced by rural health organizations, from limited resources and access issues to the importance of marketing being seen as a strategic driver—not just the team that “ties bows and delivers cookies.” Khrista unpacks innovative campaigns like “Close the Gap” and “Local Like You,” highlighting the importance of community trust, creative problem-solving, and using data to secure buy-in from leadership. Whether you’re part of a small, under-resourced organization or just want to hear best practices for building impact-driven strategy and earning your seat at the table, this conversation is packed with insights, practical advice, and inspiration for marketers, leaders, and anyone striving to make a difference in challenging environments. Grab your coffee and get ready for another rich conversation at the Leadership Cafe! Learn more about the Leadership Cafe at theleadershipcafe.com Today’s guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khrista-b-74363811/

See All (20)

About

Leadership Cafe Podcast is where marketing leaders in nonprofits, rural health, and small businesses gather to brew bold ideas and roast the competition. Hosted by Marketing Strategist and CEO, Sally Mildren, this show delivers bite-sized strategies, candid conversations, and industry insights for leading with confidence and making real impact. Whether you’re a solo marketer or part of a small team, pull up a chair…your community is here.

Information

  • Creator
    The Leadership Cafe
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Leadership Cafe
  • Show Website
    Leadership Cafe