Elevate Podcast: Powered by Braden

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Welcome to the Elevate podcast, where we host local leaders, both from businesses that are for-profit and non-profit, and that have shaped our community. If you’re looking for leadership insights, wanting to learn more about elevating your skills in business, then Elevate was made for you.

  1. 1d ago

    Elevate Ep 68: The Relationship Advantage - Michael Millikan, Attorney & Partner at Ice Miller LLP

    In today's episode of the Elevate Podcast, we bring it back with another Ice Miller Partner, Michale Millikan. Michael shares his journey from growing up in Indianapolis and Carmel to studying history, business, and Japanese at Villanova. Just days before beginning law school, an unexpected opportunity took him to Japan for a year, an experience that ultimately influenced his perspective and career path. He later returned to Indianapolis for law school and began what would become a decades-long career at Ice Miller. The conversation also explores Michael's work in mergers and acquisitions and private equity, the growth of Ice Miller beyond Indianapolis, the changing role of technology in the legal profession, and why strong relationships remain one of the most valuable assets in business. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Elevate 00:36 Meet Michael Millikan of Ice Miller 00:55 Growing Up in Indianapolis and Carmel 03:48 Choosing Villanova and Studying History 07:16 Why Michael Studied Japanese 08:40 Discovering an Interest in Law 11:25 The Last-Minute Decision to Move to Japan 12:23 Living and Teaching in Japan 21:49 Returning to Indianapolis for Law School 22:53 Starting a Legal Career 24:12 The Advice That Led Michael to Ice Miller 41:26 Playing the Long Game 41:52 How Ice Miller Expanded Beyond Indianapolis 43:23 M&A and Private Equity at Ice Miller 44:03 How Technology Is Changing the Legal Industry 50:54 Why Relationships Matter in Business 51:52 Culture, Community and Giving Back Learn more about Ice Miller on their website at icemiller.com The Elevate Podcast is powered by Braden Business Systems, hosted by Jason Ulm, and produced by Lauren Knauer. Keywords: Michael Millikan, Michael Millikan Ice Miller, Ice Miller, Ice Miller LLP, Elevate Powered by Braden, Elevate podcast, Braden Business Systems, Indianapolis leadership, Indianapolis business, Indiana business leaders, Indianapolis law firm, business leadership podcast, leadership podcast, career development, career advice, professional relationships, networking, mergers and acquisitions, M&A, private equity, M&A attorney, private equity attorney, business law, corporate law, legal industry, law firm leadership, legal technology, Indianapolis community, community leadership, Villanova University, Indiana law, Indianapolis attorney, Midwest business, business relationships, leadership lessons, business podcast #MichaelMillikan #IceMiller #Leadership #Indianapolis #BusinessLeadership #MergersAndAcquisitions #PrivateEquity #ElevatePodcast #BradenBusinessSystems

  2. 3d ago

    Elevate Ep 67: Joshua Christie, Managing Partner at Ice Miller, LLP

    What happens when the career you build looks nothing like the one you originally planned? In this episode of Elevate Powered by Braden, Jason sits down with Josh Christie, Chief Managing Partner of Ice Miller, to talk about an unconventional journey that took him from studying chemistry to cultural anthropology, law school, M&A, and ultimately leadership of one of Indianapolis’ most established law firms. Josh shares why his anthropology background became an unexpected advantage as a lawyer, how trusting his instincts helped guide major career decisions, and what he has learned as Ice Miller has expanded well beyond its Indianapolis roots. The conversation also looks ahead. Josh discusses how technology is reshaping the legal profession, Ice Miller’s approach to AI adoption, and why taking practical, incremental steps can be more valuable than chasing every new technology that hits the market. Plus, Josh shares why community involvement remains an important part of leadership, including his work with organizations such as the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and Central Indiana Land Trust. It is a conversation about career pivots, growth, technology, community, and the paths we never expect to take. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Elevate Powered by Braden 00:39 Meet Josh Christie 00:56 Growing Up in Indianapolis and Milwaukee 04:01 Early Career Plans and a Love of Science 06:13 The Pivot from Chemistry to Anthropology 08:17 How Anthropology Became an Advantage in Law 09:18 Choosing Law School 11:35 Returning to Indiana and IU Bloomington 14:05 Entering the Legal Profession 18:22 Trusting Your Gut on Career Decisions 20:17 Building a Career at Ice Miller 29:17 The Growth and Expansion of Ice Miller 32:15 How Technology Is Changing the Legal Industry 35:02 Taking a Practical Approach to AI 37:00 Making More Room for Human Intelligence 40:51 Leadership and Community Involvement 43:17 Life Outside the Office 45:43 Closing Thoughts Subscribe to stay in the loop all the new Elevate episodes and Braden Business Systems updates! The Elevate Podcast is powered by Braden Business Systems, hosted by Jason Ulm, and produced by Lauren Knauer. Keywords: Josh Christie, Josh Christie Ice Miller, Ice Miller, Ice Miller Indianapolis, Elevate Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems, Indianapolis business leaders, Indianapolis leadership, Indiana business leaders, legal industry, law firm leadership, managing partner, Chief Managing Partner, leadership podcast, business leadership podcast, career development, career change, career advice, leadership lessons, trusting your gut, unconventional career path, anthropology and law, corporate law, M&A lawyer, mergers and acquisitions, legal technology, AI in legal industry, artificial intelligence in law, AI for lawyers, future of law, technology in law firms, law firm innovation, business transformation, professional services leadership, community leadership, Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Central Indiana Land Trust, Indianapolis business, Indiana business, leadership and technology

  3. Sep 30

    Elevate Ep 66: Giving Every Baby A Chance with Freedom Kolb, CEO of The Milk Bank

    What does it take to turn an unexpected career path into a mission that helps save the lives of infants? In this episode of Elevate, Powered by Braden, Jason sits down with Freedom Kolb, CEO of The Milk Bank, to explore her unconventional path to leadership and the life-changing work happening inside one of Indiana’s most impactful nonprofit organizations. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Elevate 00:38 Meet Freedom Kolb, CEO of The Milk Bank 01:14 Growing Up in Kokomo, Indiana 02:20 Choosing Ball State and Starting Pre-Med 03:00 The Unexpected Pivot From Medicine to English 04:02 Graduate School, Counseling and Clemson 05:16 Working in Victim Services and Pursuing an MBA 06:09 Moving Back to Indiana 07:07 Entering the Central Indiana Nonprofit Community 08:14 The Recruiter Call That Changed Freedom’s Career 08:55 Why You Should Take the Call 09:12 Networking Without an Agenda 10:30 Why In-Person Community Still Matters 11:29 Discovering The Milk Bank 12:20 How Donor Human Milk Can Help Save Infants 13:13 Freedom’s Personal Connection to Infant Nutrition 15:12 Why Some Babies Need Donor Human Milk 18:45 Infant Mortality and the Health of a Community 19:51 Technology’s Role at The Milk Bank 20:31 Using Automation to Maximize Every Ounce 25:22 How Our Communities Change Throughout Life 26:22 Becoming a Community Builder 27:34 Building Relationships That Can Handle Disagreement 28:34 How the Community Can Support The Milk Bank 29:17 Raising Awareness About Milk Banking 30:19 Ways to Get Involved With The Milk Bank 31:25 Why Seeing The Milk Bank in Person Matters 32:05 Life Outside Leadership 35:28 Final Thoughts With Freedom Kolb 35:41 Closing The Elevate Podcast is powered by Braden Business Systems, hosted by Jason Ulm, and produced by Lauren Knauer. Keywords: Freedom Kolb, Freedom Kolb The Milk Bank, The Milk Bank, The Milk Bank Indiana, milk bank Indiana, donor human milk, human milk donation, breast milk donation, milk donation, NICU babies, premature babies, infant mortality, infant health, maternal health, nonprofit leadership, nonprofit CEO, nonprofit organizations Indiana, Indiana nonprofits, Indianapolis nonprofits, Indiana leadership, Indianapolis leaders, women in leadership, CEO leadership, leadership podcast, business leadership podcast, Indiana business podcast, community leadership, community impact, professional networking, networking advice, career advice, career change, leadership journey, nonprofit technology, technology in nonprofits, healthcare nonprofit, public health, infant nutrition, community health, Ball State University, Central Indiana leaders, Elevate Podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems, Braden podcast

  4. Sep 29

    Elevate Ep 65: 60 Years of Reinvention | With Blake Fogelsong, Owner of Clancy’s Hospitality

    What does it take to turn a 60-year family restaurant legacy into a growing portfolio of modern hospitality concepts? In this episode of the Elevate Podcast Jason sits down with Blake Fogelsong, third-generation owner and operator of Clancy’s Hospitality, to explore leadership, entrepreneurship, restaurant innovation, technology, and the importance of staying connected to your community. Blake grew up in Noblesville, Indiana, working nearly every position in the restaurant business before eventually helping lead the family company into its next generation. Today, Clancy’s Hospitality operates multiple restaurant concepts while continuing to evolve its approach to dining, branding, technology, and guest experience. Blake shares the story behind the family business, his journey from restaurant manager to owner, the evolution of concepts such as Grindstone Public House and The Fountain Room, and the inspiration behind bringing a Hi-Fi listening lounge experience to downtown Noblesville. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Meet Blake Fogelsong and Clancy’s Hospitality 01:27 Growing Up in the Restaurant Business 03:19 Ball State, Mentorship and Choosing Hospitality 04:32 Starting at the Bottom and Working Up 05:57 Growing Sales and Launching Grindstone Public House 07:30 The Family Business Story Begins in 1965 10:12 The Origins and Growth of Grindstone Charlie’s 12:28 Creating New Restaurant Concepts 14:04 The Fountain Room and a New Hi-Fi Passion Project 15:27 Bringing a Hi-Fi Listening Lounge to Noblesville 17:09 Vinyl, DJs and Creating a Different Dining Experience 20:18 Bringing Big-City Experiences to Central Indiana 21:34 Advice for Future Restaurateurs and Entrepreneurs 24:07 How Technology Is Transforming the Restaurant Industry 25:28 AI, Scheduling and the Future of Restaurant Operations 27:39 Loyalty Programs and Restaurant Technology 28:40 What Community Means to Blake 30:33 Why Great Businesses Must Keep Adapting 31:41 Life Outside the Restaurant Business 33:07 Closing Thoughts About Elevate: Elevate brings you conversations with influential leaders who are shaping communities across Indiana and Illinois. Hear the stories behind their leadership journeys, the lessons they have learned, and how they are creating meaningful impact in business and their communities. The Elevate Podcast is powered by Braden Business Systems, hosted by Jason Ulm, and produced by Lauren Knauer. Keywords: Blake Fogelsong, Clancy's Hospitality, Clancys Hospitality, Blake Fogelsong Clancy's Hospitality, Indiana restaurants, Indiana restaurant industry, Noblesville restaurants, Noblesville Indiana, Indianapolis restaurants, restaurant leadership, restaurant business, hospitality leadership, family business, family business leadership, third generation business, restaurant entrepreneur, restaurant entrepreneurship, restaurant innovation, hospitality industry, restaurant technology, AI in restaurants, restaurant AI, restaurant operations, Grindstone Public House, Grindstone Charlie's, The Fountain Room Indianapolis, Noblesville Hi-Fi lounge, Indiana business leaders, Indiana entrepreneurs, local business leadership, community leadership, business growth, leadership podcast, business podcast, Indiana podcast, Elevate Podcast, Braden Business Systems #BlakeFogelsong #ClancysHospitality #RestaurantLeadership #FamilyBusiness #IndianaBusiness #NoblesvilleIndiana #HospitalityIndustry #RestaurantBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ElevatePodcast

  5. Sep 25

    Elevate Ep 64: Where Rejection Leads with Greg Jung, Chief Marketing Officer at Seven Corners, Inc.

    What does it take to turn rejection, career pivots, and unexpected opportunities into a successful leadership journey? In this episode of Elevate, Jason sits down with Greg Jung, Chief Marketing Officer of Seven Corners, to explore a career that has taken him from small-town Indiana to Purdue University, sales, global marketing roles, San Diego, and ultimately back home to Indiana. Greg shares the story behind being rejected by Notre Dame in 1989, why he kept the rejection letter for years, and the surprising full-circle moment that eventually brought him back to Notre Dame as an Executive MBA student. The conversation also explores Greg's path into marketing, his decision to walk away from his first post-college job after only six weeks, the transformation of Seven Corners' direct-to-consumer strategy, and how AI could reshape marketing and the customer experience. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Welcome/Intro 00:45 Meet Greg Jung and Seven Corners 03:13 Growing Up in Converse, Indiana 05:47 The Dream of Attending Notre Dame 07:31 Choosing Purdue and Finding a New Path 10:06 Starting a Career in Marketing 11:14 Quitting His First Job After Six Weeks 12:31 Learning Sales From the Ground Up 14:37 Going Back to School at Butler 21:14 Chicago, San Diego and a Global Marketing Career 23:00 The Career Break That Changed His Direction 23:26 Why Greg Joined Seven Corners 24:41 Helping People Through Travel Insurance 27:08 Transforming Seven Corners' Customer Experience 28:57 AI and the Future of Marketing 31:18 The Notre Dame Rejection Letter Comes Full Circle 32:29 Finally Getting Into Notre Dame 35:06 What Community Means to Greg 35:55 Greg's Approach to Servant Leadership 38:26 Why Words Matter in Leadership 40:25 Life Outside Work 41:16 Purdue Basketball and Notre Dame Football From career pivots to AI, marketing, education, community, and leadership, Greg's story is a reminder that the path you planned is not always the path that gets you where you need to go. Subscribe for more conversations with influential leaders shaping their organizations and communities. Keywords: Greg Jung, Greg Jung Seven Corners, Seven Corners, Seven Corners Inc, leadership podcast, leadership lessons, business leadership, servant leadership, marketing leadership, chief marketing officer, CMO leadership, CMO podcast, marketing podcast, career growth, career advice, career journey, executive leadership, leadership development, AI in marketing, artificial intelligence marketing, future of marketing, digital marketing, customer experience, direct to consumer marketing, DTC marketing, Purdue University, Purdue alumni, Notre Dame, Notre Dame MBA, Executive MBA, Butler University, Indiana business leaders, Indianapolis business, Indiana leadership, business podcast, Elevate podcast #Leadership #Marketing #GregJung #SevenCorners #ServantLeadership #CareerGrowth #AI #Purdue #NotreDame The Elevate Podcast is powered by Braden Business Systems, hosted by Jason Ulm, and produced by Lauren Knauer

  6. Sep 23

    Elevate Ep 63: Dr. Dara Berkhalter, CEO of Central Indiana Youth for Christ

    What happens when the career you said you would never pursue becomes your calling? Dara Burkhalter, CEO of Central Indiana Youth for Christ, joins Jason Ohm on Elevate, Powered by Braden to share her unexpected journey from Chicago to nonprofit leadership and the work her organization is doing to support young people throughout Central Indiana. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Elevate, Powered by Braden 00:58 Meet Dara Burkhalter, CEO of Central Indiana Youth for Christ 01:22 Growing up in Chicago and youth ministry 02:23 Studying communications at Taylor University 04:14 Starting a career working with young people 05:12 Discovering a calling to nonprofit leadership 05:55 Earning an MBA and becoming a nonprofit CEO 06:59 Moving to Indiana and returning to Taylor University 08:21 Pursuing a doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania 10:10 Returning to the nonprofit world 12:05 Finding Central Indiana Youth for Christ 12:40 Building momentum as CEO 13:17 How Youth for Christ serves young people 14:20 Automotive training and career opportunities 15:24 Supporting pregnant and parenting teens 15:52 Juvenile Justice Ministry 16:54 How the community can help 17:18 The impact of volunteers 18:08 Donating vehicles to Youth for Christ 19:05 Partnering with local churches 20:34 We Believe in Youth Week 22:25 Giving young people opportunities to succeed 23:08 How AI is changing nonprofit work 26:06 What community means to Dara 29:00 Basketball, the Pacers, Fever and Bulls 30:24 How to support Central Indiana Youth for Christ 31:14 Closing thoughts Keywords: Dara Burkhalter, Central Indiana Youth for Christ, Youth for Christ, Indiana Youth for Christ, Indianapolis nonprofit, Central Indiana nonprofit, nonprofit leadership, nonprofit CEO, youth development, youth ministry, youth mentorship, Indiana youth programs, Indianapolis youth programs, community leadership, community impact, youth leadership, nonprofit management, nonprofit career, nonprofit fundraising, volunteering Indianapolis, volunteer opportunities Indiana, juvenile justice ministry, youth job training, AI for nonprofits, nonprofit technology, leadership podcast, Indiana podcast, Indianapolis podcast, Elevate podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems #DaraBurkhalter #YouthForChrist #CentralIndiana #NonprofitLeadership #YouthDevelopment #Indianapolis #CommunityLeadership #ElevatePodcast #BradenBusinessSystems The Elevate Podcast is powered by Braden Business Systems, hosted by Jason Ulm, and produced by Lauren Knauer

  7. Sep 22

    Elevate Ep 62: Crystal Miller, President of the IU Health Foundation & SVP at IU Health

    What does it take to build a meaningful career, take a risk when the comfortable path is working, and lead change across one of Indiana’s largest healthcare organizations? In this episode of Elevate, Powered by Braden, Jason Onken sits down with Crystal Miller, Senior Vice President at Indiana University Health and President of the IU Health Foundation, for a conversation about leadership, philanthropy, sustainability, technology, and the career decisions that can change everything. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Meet Crystal Miller of IU Health 01:17 From Small-Town North Carolina to Leadership 03:26 Finding the Right Career Path 04:29 Becoming a Special Education Teacher 05:15 An Unexpected Introduction to Fundraising 05:57 Finding Your Professional “Superpower” 06:49 Building a Career in Philanthropy 08:24 Discovering a Passion for Healthcare 09:54 The Value of an Executive Coach 10:40 Why Indiana Wasn’t Part of the Plan 12:45 Becoming Comfortable Being Uncomfortable 14:24 Crystal’s Leadership Roles at IU Health 15:22 Building a Unified IU Health Foundation 17:23 Sustainability in Healthcare 19:27 Sustainability Leadership and Stewardship 21:29 AI and the Future of Healthcare Philanthropy 23:39 What the IU Health Foundation Actually Does 25:18 Creating Career Pathways Through the Mosaic Center KEYWORDS Crystal Miller, Crystal Miller IU Health, IU Health, Indiana University Health, IU Health Foundation, healthcare leadership, healthcare philanthropy, philanthropy leadership, nonprofit leadership, Indiana business leaders, Indianapolis business leaders, women in leadership, executive leadership, career development, career change, executive coaching, leadership advice, healthcare sustainability, sustainability in healthcare, AI in healthcare, AI in philanthropy, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, fundraising strategy, healthcare fundraising, community impact, workforce development, Indiana healthcare, leadership podcast, business podcast, Elevate podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems #Leadership #IUHealth #HealthcareLeadership #Philanthropy #Healthcare #ArtificialIntelligence #Sustainability #IndianaBusiness #CareerDevelopment #ElevatePodcast #BradenBusinessSystems The Elevate Podcast is powered by Braden Business Systems, hosted by Jason Ulm, and produced by Lauren Knauer

  8. Sep 17

    Elevate Ep 61: Dr. Holly Bernard-Bramblett, Freshman Academy Principal at Jeffersonville High School

    In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Jason sits down with Dr. Holly Bernard-Bramblett, Freshman Academy Principal at Jeffersonville High School, to explore her journey from student-athlete to teacher, coach, and school administrator. Holly shares how a torn ACL changed the way she saw basketball, leadership, and ultimately herself. What felt like a setback gave her an opportunity to observe the game from a new perspective and helped uncover an interest in teaching that would eventually shape her career. The conversation explores Holly’s path through the University of Kentucky, her early years teaching English and coaching basketball, the disruption of education during COVID-19, and the mentors who recognized her leadership potential before she fully recognized it herself. Jason and Holly also dive into how Jeffersonville High School’s academy model is changing the traditional high school experience. Students are exposed to career pathways in areas such as business and entrepreneurship, public service, engineering and manufacturing, and health services, helping them connect what they learn in the classroom with opportunities beyond graduation. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Elevate Powered by Braden 00:41 Meet Dr. Holly Bernard Bramblett 01:25 Growing Up and Finding Basketball 03:10 The ACL Injury That Changed Holly’s Direction 04:43 Choosing the University of Kentucky and Education 05:35 Becoming a Teacher and Basketball Coach 06:59 How COVID-19 Changed the Path Forward 07:36 Moving From Teaching Into Administration 09:22 Discovering a Passion for Educational Leadership 10:58 The Ripple Effect of Leadership 11:59 When Mentors See Something You Don’t 13:15 How Jeffersonville High School’s Academy Model Works 14:46 Connecting High School With Career Pathways The Elevate Podcast is powered by Braden Business Systems, hosted by Jason Ulm, and produced by Lauren Knauer. Keywords: Dr. Holly Bernard Bramblett, Holly Bernard Bramblett, Jeffersonville High School, Jeffersonville Indiana, school leadership, educational leadership, education leadership, high school education, high school principal, school administrator, freshman academy, career academies, academy model, career pathways, career readiness, student success, student leadership, teacher leadership, education podcast, leadership podcast, Indiana education, K-12 education, K-12 leadership, teacher to administrator, mentorship in education, career and technical education, student athlete, women in education, leadership development, Elevate podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems

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Welcome to the Elevate podcast, where we host local leaders, both from businesses that are for-profit and non-profit, and that have shaped our community. If you’re looking for leadership insights, wanting to learn more about elevating your skills in business, then Elevate was made for you.

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