Surfacing Leaders

Some leaders talk about pressure—others have lived it. In this episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc Koehler sits down with Mark Fava—former naval flight officer, aviation lawyer, Boeing executive, and best-selling author—to uncover the hard truths about leadership when every decision matters.

They discuss the high-stakes world of Cold War submarine tracking and the invaluable leadership lessons Mark carried from the cockpit to the corporate boardroom. Mark shares gripping stories from his time flying P-3 Orions, the intense cat-and-mouse games with nuclear submarines, and his experience navigating crisis leadership—including his time as Chief Operations Attorney for Delta Airlines on 9/11.

Throughout the conversation, Mark reveals the core principles that shaped his leadership approach: clear communication, trust in your team, and the ability to adapt under pressure. He also discusses his bestselling book, Lessons from the Admiral, offering practical takeaways on how to lead with confidence and resilience in any environment.

Listeners will walk away with valuable insights, including:

• Why execution, trust, and mentorship are critical in leadership.
• How military leadership principles translate to business success.
• The importance of preparation and training in high-pressure situations.

Join us for this fascinating discussion and learn how to sharpen your leadership skills from someone who has led in the air, in the courtroom, and the corporate world.

Connect with Mark Fava:

Website

LinkedIn

Book

What does it take to lead in an industry that’s evolving faster than ever? In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Lucas Silva, a dynamic operations leader in the construction industry.

They explore what it takes to lead in one of the most demanding and rapidly evolving fields. Lucas shares his journey—from getting hands-on experience in high school to overseeing major infrastructure projects at Lucas Builders. He reveals how leadership in construction is shifting, emphasizing adaptability, trust, and fostering a culture of curiosity.

Lucas discusses key leadership lessons, including the power of listening, the importance of hiring for values over experience, and how to create a workplace where employees feel invested and motivated to stay. He also dives into the future of construction, touching on AI, sustainability, and the growing need for modernization in an industry often resistant to change.

Listeners will gain valuable insights from Lucas’s approach to leadership, including:

• How to build trust and credibility, even as a young leader.
• Why curiosity and adaptability are essential in a fast-changing world.
• The secret to retaining top talent in a demanding industry.

Join us for this conversation to learn how to surface the leader within yourself—whether you're in construction or any other field where strong leadership is needed.

Connect with Lucas Silva and Lucas Builders:
 Lucas Builders Website
 Lucas Builders Instagram
 Lucas Silva Instagram

What does it take to lead with confidence when you’re thrown into the deep end—whether in the military, a high-stakes veterinary clinic, or any leadership role? In this special episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc Koehler sits down with his niece and godchild, Dr. Petra van Moorsel, who is a former U.S. Army Veterinary Corps captain turned civilian veterinarian, to uncover the leadership lessons that translate far beyond the exam room.

Petra’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and learning to lead when you don’t yet have all the answers. She shares how she navigated imposter syndrome as a newly commissioned officer, earning the trust of seasoned soldiers, and how those same leadership principles now shape how she builds strong teams, makes critical decisions under pressure, and empowers those around her.

In a world where leadership is often associated with titles and authority, Petra reveals why real influence comes from humility, action, and the ability to connect with people—whether they’re fellow officers, employees, or pet owners facing difficult decisions.

If you’re a leader in any field, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to step up, take responsibility, and inspire trust. Don’t miss this powerful discussion on leading with confidence, even in the face of uncertainty.

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Kerim Kfuri, global entrepreneur and supply chain expert, author, and CEO of the Atlas Network. They explore the intricate world of supply chains, the mindset needed for success, and the leadership principles that drive sustainable growth in an interconnected economy.

Kerim shares his unique journey—from early entrepreneurial ventures to leading a global supply chain enterprise. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, resilience, and maintaining a limitless mindset to navigate challenges. His three key pillars for supply chain success—choosing the right suppliers, ensuring visibility, and third-party attestation—offer valuable takeaways for business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Throughout the conversation, Marc and Kerim discuss the broader implications of leadership, including the role of curiosity, continuous learning, and combating complacency. Kerim also provides insights into the future of AI in supply chains and the delicate balance of flexibility in today’s workforce.

Tune in to discover:

• The key mindset shift that separates successful leaders from those who struggle in uncertain environments.
• How to build a supply chain strategy that mitigates risk and maximizes efficiency—whether you’re a startup or a multinational company.
• Why complacency is the biggest threat to leadership—and how to combat it in your business.
• The future of AI in supply chains and how emerging technologies are transforming industries.
• The one leadership trait that will set you apart in a rapidly changing world.

Join us for this engaging discussion on leadership, innovation, and the ever-evolving world of supply chains.

Connect with Kerim Kfuri:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerimkfuri/ 
• Website: KerimKfuri.com
• Atlas Network: TheAtlasNetwork.com
• Book: Supply Chain Ups and Downs

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Kevin Wathey, founder of Valara, a global resort portfolio redefining wellness, and Baseline, a health technology platform revolutionizing personalized health insights.

Kevin shares his inspiring journey, from navigating personal loss to finding his purpose in wellness and hospitality. They discuss his transition from a corporate career at Hyatt Hotels to creating transformative experiences that blend luxury hospitality with cutting-edge health science. Kevin reflects on how his mother's legacy shaped his mission and shares the pivotal moments that led to his current ventures.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• The key principle every leader must master to build trust and credibility.
• How to uncover and harness your inner compass to navigate uncertainty.
• The daily practices that create alignment and move you closer to your purpose.

Tune in to discover how Kevin's unique approach to wellness, leadership, and connection can inspire your journey toward greater fulfillment, impact, and discovering your true North.

Learn more about Kevin and his work:

Website: GetBaseline.com

LinkedIn

Are You Waiting for Permission to Lead Your Best Life? In this week’s episode, host Marc Koehler engages in a powerful conversation with returning guest Heather Younger, a celebrated author, keynote speaker, and leadership and workplace culture expert, who calls out the habits holding us back—waiting, blaming, and avoiding responsibility—and shares the keys to breaking free. 

Heather shares insights from her latest book, The Art of Self-Leadership: Discover the Power Within You and Learn to Lead Yourself, which explores how personal accountability and empowerment are the cornerstones of effective leadership. She reveals why self-leadership is essential for achieving clarity, building resilience, and fostering meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally.

Listeners will gain profound takeaways from Heather's stories and frameworks, such as:

• Moving from waiting and blaming to taking ownership of your growth.
• Embracing the power of listening as a transformative leadership tool.
• Aligning decisions and actions with core values to create a purpose-driven life.

Discover why self-leadership is the ultimate game-changer and how aligning your actions with your values can transform your life and leadership.

Join us for this inspiring episode and learn how to take charge of your life, lead with integrity, and leave a lasting impact on those around you.

Connect with Heather:

Website

LinkedIn

Book

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with his former Executive Officer on the USS Pogy, Vice Admiral Joe Leidig, a distinguished leader with 39 years of service in the U.S. Navy and a wealth of experience in both military and business environments.

Joe reflects on his incredible journey from being Executive Officer of nuclear-powered submarines to serving as Deputy Commander of U.S. Africa Command, where he led operations with 2,000 personnel and a $700 million budget. Throughout the conversation, Joe shares his insights on leadership, focusing on three timeless principles: integrity, leadership, and effort.

Listeners will be inspired by Joe's stories, including his unforgettable interview with Admiral Hyman Rickover, the father of the nuclear Navy, and how it shaped his leadership philosophy. He also discusses how these principles guided his efforts to transform an underperforming submarine crew into a top-performing unit and later helped him bridge gaps in the defense industry's supply chain in his current role in private equity.

Joe offers actionable advice for leaders of all levels, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself, building trust through integrity, and fostering a shared vision that unites teams. This episode is packed with lessons on how to lead in high-stakes environments and beyond.

Join us for this inspiring conversation to surface the leader within yourself!

Connect with Joe:

• LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Elizabeth Yerecic Freedman, a leader in the family business world, to discuss leadership, sustainability, and the challenges of generational business transition.

Elizabeth, who is deeply involved in her family's business, Yerecic Label, as Co-Owner and EVP, shares how they've transformed their operations through cross-functional teams and lean practices, enabling them to improve and thrive continuously.

Elizabeth delves into the importance of sustainability in business, particularly how her company is making significant strides in creating recyclable and eco-friendly products. She explains how their commitment to sustainability benefits the environment and positions the company as a leader in the packaging industry. With a strong focus on process improvement, Elizabeth describes how a continuous learning and collaboration culture has fueled their success.

Listeners will learn about the intersection of family business dynamics, sustainability, and leadership development. Elizabeth shares how saying "yes" to new opportunities can unlock potential, how to drive meaningful change in an organization, and the role of passion in leadership.

In this episode, you'll discover actionable takeaways for your own leadership journey:

• Embrace change and innovation with a strong purpose.
• Lead with passion and authenticity.
• Cultivate a sustainable mindset for long-term success.

Join us as we explore how Elizabeth and her family are shaping the future of their business and leading with purpose.

Connect with Elizabeth:

• Elizabeth’s LinkedIn
• Yerecic Label Website