Leadership Cafe

The Leadership Cafe

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. 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.

    48 min

  2. 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/

    31 min

  3. 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/

    36 min

  4. MAR 12

    Elevating Healthcare Marketing: Strategic Leadership Insights from the Chief Dot Connector

    Welcome back to the Leadership Cafe podcast! In this episode, hosts Sally Mildren and Laila Waggoner dive into the transformative power of strategic marketing—especially within the healthcare sector, but with lessons that resonate across all industries. Laila Waggoner, Chief Dot Connector at Strategy for Hire, brings over 35 years of experience in strategic healthcare marketing and shares insights on why marketing is so much more than tactics, posts, and event planning. Together, Sally Mildren and Laila Waggoner unpack what it takes to move from being a “milk and cookies” order-taker to a truly impactful leader within your organization. They discuss the value of objective, outside perspectives, the importance of building strong cross-departmental relationships, and offer concrete advice for those looking to raise the strategic profile of their marketing role—no matter the size of their team or organization. If you’ve ever felt under pressure to “do more with less” or struggled to tie your day-to-day work back to your organization’s bigger mission, this episode is your permission slip to step back, get curious, and start connecting the dots for greater impact. Grab your notepad—these strategies will inspire you to think differently about your work, your influence, and the future of marketing leadership. Today’s guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lailawaggoner/ https://strategyforhire.com/ Learn more about the Leadership Cafe at theleadershipcafe.com

    40 min

  5. FEB 26

    Using Hollywood Techniques to Craft Compelling Brand Stories for Social Impact

    Welcome to another episode of Leadership Cafe! In today’s conversation, host Sally Mildren is joined by Brandon Wasserburger from Firetribe TV—a master storyteller, video producer, and brand strategist who’s worked with universities, technical colleges, nonprofits, and cause-driven organizations to elevate their storytelling through video. You’ll hear Brandon share insights from his Hollywood roots, explain why entertainment is the “currency of communication,” and break down the essential elements that make a story truly compelling—whether it’s for marketing, donor engagement, or inspiring your community. Together, Sally Mildren and Brandon Wasserburger discuss the power of transformation in stories, the importance of relatable and screen-worthy characters, and how to avoid the “bland trap” in content creation—especially when leveraging tools like AI. If you’re a nonprofit, rural health organization, or small team wondering how to approach video storytelling, when to DIY with your smartphone, or when to bring in a production team, this episode is packed with practical advice and new ways to use your stories for meaningful impact. Plus, get inspired by real-life examples and creative strategies for connecting with audiences across generations. Grab your mug, settle in, and enjoy this deep dive into the art—and magic—of brand video storytelling with Brandon Wasserburger. Today’s guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-wasserburger-70894a81/ www.firetribe.tv

    41 min

  6. FEB 12

    Unlocking Behavior Change: How Messaging Activates Culture, Connection, and Clarity

    Welcome back to another episode of Leadership Cafe! In this episode, hosts Sally Mildren and Ginger Zumaeta sit down for a deep dive into the art and science of effective messaging for leaders and organizations. Ginger Zumaeta, founder and CEO of Motive3, brings her expertise as a high-stakes messaging strategist who has worked with major names like Amgen, Xprize, Shell, Verizon, Disney, and more. Together, they explore why messaging clarity is more crucial than ever in a noisy world filled with AI-generated content and marketing “hacks." You’ll discover why traditional mission-vision statements and brand guidelines aren’t enough—and how a practical messaging playbook can empower every individual in your organization, from the C-suite to frontline staff. Ginger Zumaeta shares battle-tested frameworks for cutting through jargon, simplifying messaging, and building a compelling narrative that drives decisions and behaviors. Whether you’re in healthcare, a nonprofit, or a fast-growing business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on how leaders can communicate with genuine impact, avoid the dreaded “kitchen sink” trap, and turn storytelling into a true organizational engine. And don’t miss the lively discussion about bringing your message to life internally, aligning teams, and, most importantly, keeping things elegantly simple. Grab your mug and join us for a conversation that will help you (and your team) think clearer, communicate better, and lead with purpose! https://www.motive3.com/ https://www.gingerzumaeta.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gingerzumaeta/  https://www.gingerzumaeta.com/deckonomics Join our free, online community and learn more about the Leadership Cafe here: https://theleadershipcafe.com/

    41 min

  7. JAN 29

    How to Make Every Message Matter in Nonprofit and Rural Health Organizations

    Welcome back to Leadership Cafe! In this episode, hosts Sally Mildren and Aileen Gleizer (A-LEAN GLEEZER) dive deep into the art and strategy behind nonprofit communications and storytelling. Aileen Gleizer, a social impact and public health consultant whose career spans foundations, Fortune 50 companies, government agencies, and global NGOs, unpacks why authentic, strategic communication matters so much for mission-driven organizations. She shares insights on conducting effective communications audits, and explores the ethical dimensions of storytelling, especially in nonprofit and healthcare settings. You'll hear practical advice on building communication strategies that move beyond “doing more with less” toward “doing better on what really matters.” The conversation also explores the importance of consistent messaging, the power of origin stories, and how leveraging media thoughtfully can elevate your organization’s brand and impact. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader looking to hone your message or a communications professional searching for fresh perspectives, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you won’t want to miss. Links: mountainstrategies.org and aileen@mountainstrategies.org LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileengleizer/ Learn more about the Leadership Cafe at theleadershipcafe.com

    38 min

  8. JAN 15

    How to Strengthen Communication and Trust in Modern Healthcare Organization

    Welcome to another episode of Leadership Cafe! In today’s conversation, hosts Sally Mildren and Michael Marchand dive into the fast-changing landscape of healthcare leadership, strategy, and communication. With decades of experience rolling out transformative policies like the Affordable Care Act in Washington State, Michael Marchand brings unique insights from his work with Fortune 100 companies, nonprofits, rural healthcare organizations, and government agencies. Join Sally Mildren and Michael Marchand as they explore the practical realities of leading through change - especially around building trust with patients, navigating communication across different audiences, and strategically using tools like SWOT analysis. They tackle common challenges like unclear messaging, underused data, and rising costs, and offer actionable suggestions for healthcare leaders, communicators, and marketers. Whether you’re leading a rural hospital, driving nonprofit impact, or simply trying to keep up with today’s healthcare complexity, this episode is full of candid advice, real-world stories, and practical tools you won’t want to miss. marchandgroup.com

    37 min
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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
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Leadership Cafe
  • Show Website
    Leadership Cafe