Guiding Growth
Guiding Growth

Guiding Growth

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders So often, we define ourselves and others by a title or label. But, who is the person behind the success? Leaders are inspiring, memorable, and often a mystery to those whom they inspire. Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners.  We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Recent Episodes

Meg Stevens
MAY 5, 2025
Meg Stevens
<p>Meg Stevens joined Arizona Athletic Grounds in July 2024, following an eleven-year tenure at Averett University (AU). At AU, she served as Vice President and Director of Athletics and Campus Operations, leading the institution to remarkable athletic and academic achievements. Stevens significantly enhanced the student-athlete experience, spearheaded major capital improvements, and elevated the university's regional and national profiles. </p> <p>During her time at Averett, Stevens introduced the “3-2-1” philosophy, which aimed for all teams to achieve a 3.0 GPA, finish in the top two in their conference, and work together as "one team." This philosophy fostered a culture change that spread across the entire university. </p> <p>Before Averett, Stevens held multiple roles at Buffalo State, including Assistant Director of Athletics, Director of the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, and advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). She also served as the Senior Woman Administrator and head lacrosse coach for 11 seasons. Under her leadership, Buffalo State’s women’s lacrosse program became a consistent contender, achieving a 109-65 (.626) record, six conference tournament appearances, a 2012 NCAA Tournament appearance, and a top 20 ranking. Stevens was named SUNYAC Coach of the Year twice and U.S. Lacrosse Regional Coach of the Year in 2004. </p> <p>Stevens has also been active in leadership roles beyond her university positions. She served on the board of directors for Women Leaders in Sports, including a term as president from 2023-24, and on the board for the Boys and Girls Club of Danville. She is a strong advocate for women and minority leaders in sports. </p> <p>A native of Delmar, N.Y., Stevens earned her bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure management with a minor in sports management from SUNY Cortland and a master’s degree in student personnel administration from Buffalo State. As a student-athlete, she helped the Red Dragons’ lacrosse team win three conference championships and make three NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2024, Stevens was inducted into the Western New York Chapter of the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame.</p> <p>----------</p> <p><b>Guiding Growth</b>: <i>Conversations with Community Leaders</i></p> <p>Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.</p> <p>Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.</p> <p>This podcast is brought to you by the <a href="https://gilbertaz.com/" target="_blank">Gilbert Chamber of Commerce</a> and <a href="https://modernmoments.com/" target="_blank">Modern Moments</a>. Learn more about our show at <a href="https://guidinggrowth.co/" target="_blank">https://guidinggrowth.co</a>. View our Privacy Policy at <a href="https://modernmoments.com/privacy" target="_blank">https://modernmoments.com/privacy</a></p>
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40 MIN
Jen Wahl
APR 21, 2025
Jen Wahl
<p>Jen Wahl is a reporter, meteorologist, and traffic anchor for 12News. Jen joined 12News in February 2016. Prior to joining Team 12, Jen worked at KSNV, the NBC Las Vegas affiliate as a reporter and meteorologist. Earlier in her career, she worked as reporter and weather anchor at KBOI, the CBS affiliate in Boise, Idaho and morning weather anchor at KRNV, the NBC affiliate in Reno, Nevada. </p> <p>Over the years, Jen has covered everything from immigration and drug smuggling stories at the Arizona-Mexico border to wildfires raging across Arizona and Nevada. She was also recognized with Emmy Awards for her reporting and producing roles in a documentary on border and immigration issues in South Africa, breaking news coverage at 12News and reporting on the 12News morning newscast.</p> <p>----------</p> <p><b>Guiding Growth</b>: <i>Conversations with Community Leaders</i></p> <p>Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.</p> <p>Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.</p> <p>This podcast is brought to you by the <a href="https://gilbertaz.com/" target="_blank">Gilbert Chamber of Commerce</a> and <a href="https://modernmoments.com/" target="_blank">Modern Moments</a>. Learn more about our show at <a href="https://guidinggrowth.co/" target="_blank">https://guidinggrowth.co</a>. View our Privacy Policy at <a href="https://modernmoments.com/privacy" target="_blank">https://modernmoments.com/privacy</a></p>
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33 MIN
Gena Jones
MAR 31, 2025
Gena Jones
<p>A CPA and attorney dedicated to protecting taxpayers, a classically trained chef, and a devoted wife, mother of six, and grandmother of three.</p> <p>Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, she learned resilience early. At just 15 years old, becoming a mother changed everything—instilling a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. She and her husband, Gerald, are on a mission to see the world with their family while building a legacy together.</p> <p>She is full of wisdom, and her journey has provided her with lessons and insights.</p> <p>----------</p> <p><b>Guiding Growth</b>: <i>Conversations with Community Leaders</i></p> <p>Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.</p> <p>Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.</p> <p>This podcast is brought to you by the <a href="https://gilbertaz.com/" target="_blank">Gilbert Chamber of Commerce</a> and <a href="https://modernmoments.com/" target="_blank">Modern Moments</a>. Learn more about our show at <a href="https://guidinggrowth.co/" target="_blank">https://guidinggrowth.co</a>. View our Privacy Policy at <a href="https://modernmoments.com/privacy" target="_blank">https://modernmoments.com/privacy</a></p>
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40 MIN
Daryl Chester
MAR 17, 2025
Daryl Chester
<p>Daryl Chester (62), Owner Manager of Jester's Billiards (2010) and Rino D's Pizza and wings (2016). He has been in the Food and Beverage business since 1979. He is married to Kenda vonHamm for 19 years. They have raised 5 children and have 2 grandchildren.</p> <p>Daryl Was born in Tacoma Park Maryland in 1962 and Moved with his family to College Station, Texas in 1965. H graduated from A&amp;M Consolidated High School in 1981 and Texas Lutheran College in 1987. His BA degree is in Biology. Daryl Moved to Arizona in 1990 to open a new Clicks Billiards. He was awarded Manager of the year in 1994.</p> <p>----------</p> <p><b>Guiding Growth</b>: <i>Conversations with Community Leaders</i></p> <p>Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.</p> <p>Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.</p> <p>This podcast is brought to you by the <a href="https://gilbertaz.com/" target="_blank">Gilbert Chamber of Commerce</a> and <a href="https://modernmoments.com/" target="_blank">Modern Moments</a>. Learn more about our show at <a href="https://guidinggrowth.co/" target="_blank">https://guidinggrowth.co</a>. View our Privacy Policy at <a href="https://modernmoments.com/privacy" target="_blank">https://modernmoments.com/privacy</a></p>
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37 MIN