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Building Champions for Life
Join host Kirk Spahn as he speaks with world champions about ways to elevate and equip tomorrow's champions and leaders. Drawing on his extensive background as a fourth-generation educator, founder of the Institute for Civic Leadership, and former competitive tennis player, Kirk explores the intersection of elite performance, character development, and lifelong success.
In each episode, Kirk sits down with remarkable achievers across sports, business, arts, and education to uncover the hidden foundations of true championship mindsets. Through substantive dialogues, guests share the pivotal moments, mentors, failures, and principles that shaped their journeys—revealing insights that parents, coaches, educators, and aspiring leaders can apply immediately.
Building Champions for Life goes beyond trophies and accolades to examine how exceptional performance in any field connects to deeper purpose and lasting impact. With Kirk's unique perspective spanning both traditional education and innovative learning approaches, listeners gain practical wisdom on nurturing not just skills and talents, but the character traits that create champions who thrive in all aspects of life.
Whether you're a parent supporting a child's dreams, a coach developing the next generation of talent, an educator shaping young minds, or someone striving for personal excellence, this podcast delivers actionable insights from those who've reached the pinnacle of achievement while maintaining their core values and purpose.
Subscribe to join the conversation about what truly makes a champion for life—in the arena and beyond.
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Building Champions for Life
Good Peopling: Elizabeth Bieniek on the Art of Leadership
Elizabeth Bieniek’s journey from English major to tech trailblazer is a testament to the power of curiosity. As the former Director of Innovation at Cisco, she shattered the mold of traditional tech leadership, proving that asking "why" can be more valuable than any coding skill. Her unconventional background became her secret weapon in the world of corporate innovation.
In the tech industry, where ones and zeros often take center stage, Elizabeth stands out by championing the human element. She's not just talking about user experience; she's redefining how we connect in the digital age. Her philosophy of 'good peopling' isn't just a catchy phrase—it's a revolutionary approach to leadership that's making waves across industries.
Elizabeth's crowning achievement, the WebEx Hologram, isn't just another tech gadget. It's a glimpse into the future of collaboration, born from her unique vision of merging technology with genuine human interaction. But perhaps her most powerful contribution is her rallying cry to embrace risk and failure. She's not just advising from the sidelines; she's leading the charge, challenging us all to step out of our comfort zones and into the exciting unknown of innovation.