Colorado Leadership Stories

Hosted by Boettcher Foundation

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation that tells the stories of everyday courageous leaders who have made transformational impacts in their communities and are building a better state for everyone. Join us for conversations with Coloradans from industries and communities throughout the state as we explore the idea that “Leadership is an activity that anyone can do.” Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts! ]]>

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60 recent

June 11, 202647 min

Chairman Melvin Baker: Preserving Place & Purpose

Join Boettcher Foundation Chair Michelle Lucero and President & CEO Katie Kramer for a conversation with Melvin Baker, who served as Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for nearly 15 years. In his last public interview before resigning due to health reasons, former Chairman Baker reflects on tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, economic development, and the values that guide leadership in the Southern Ute community. From protecting land and language to investing in future generations, this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories explores how respect, partnership, and a deep connection to place continue to shape the tribe’s purpose and vision for the future. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 21, 202635 min

Susana Cordova: Leading Through Learning

Meet Susana Cordova, Colorado’s 18th education commissioner and former Denver Public Schools superintendent, whose lifelong connection to Colorado public schools has informed her approach to leadership, learning, and service. A Denver native and DPS graduate, Susana’s deep Colorado roots continue to guide her dedication to public education across the state. Tune in to hear how her experiences as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and statewide leader continue to influence her work supporting educators, students, and families.Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 7, 202643 min

Becky Kourlis: A Life Shaped By Place & Purpose

Meet Becky Kourlis, a former Colorado Supreme Court justice, founder of the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, and Foundation Trustee. From her upbringing in the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion to building a life in rural Colorado, Becky's journey reflects the powerful influence of place on perspective and purpose. Tune in to hear how she approaches leadership through listening, collaboration, and commitment to using the law as a tool to strengthen and improve communities.Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 16, 202635 min

Josh Blanchard: Creating Through Place

Meet Josh Blanchard, director of Colorado Creative Industries and former Summit County Commissioner, whose work is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: place matters. From community theater to county leadership to statewide arts advocacy, Josh has spent his career partnering with rural communities to shape vibrant, creative places where people and ideas can thrive. Tune in to hear Josh's story and how he bolsters art as economic development.Learn more about the Colorado Tourism Office: https://oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-tourism-officeListen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 2, 202637 min

Brock Leach: Leaning Into Passion

In today’s episode, Dr. Brock Leach reflects on a career spanning business, ministry, and nonprofit service.A 1976 Boettcher Scholar, Brock shares how his early years in Colorado shaped a lifelong commitment to service and led him from PepsiCo, where he served as CEO of Frito-Lay, to spiritual leadership, teaching, and social justice work.He offers insights on innovation, purpose, and leadership that helps others grow, including one memorable story about how a simple question sparked an idea that helped Tostitos salsa became a billion-dollar brand.At the center of the conversation is a clear belief: leadership is not about charisma, but about creating the conditions for people to discover what they do well, what they love, and what matters to them, and apply those strengths to something larger than themselves.Watch this episode on our YouTube page.Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

March 12, 202626 min

Dr. Lisa Roy: Assets Over Obstacles

In this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, Katie Kramer sits down with Dr. Lisa Roy, executive director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, to explore her remarkable leadership journey and the transformative work shaping Colorado’s youngest learners.From her deep family roots in education to her personal experience navigating the high cost of child care as a young mother, Dr. Roy shares how her life experiences fuel her commitment to expanding access, advancing universal preschool, and strengthening early childhood mental health supports statewide.She reflects on launching a new state department, elevating Colorado from 27th to 3rd in national preschool access in just one year, and building bipartisan momentum around family-friendly policy. Grounded in a passion for equity, community voice, and paying it forward, Dr. Roy offers candid insights on leadership, resilience, rural innovation, and why the early years matter most for Colorado’s future.Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Find more information:This platform is the source for help raising healthy, thriving Colorado kids: raisingcoloradokids.comColorado Department of Early Childhood: cdec.colorado.gov | 1-800-799-5876Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

February 19, 202625 min

Kristin Todd: The Trusted Neighbor

In today’s episode, Kristin Todd, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, reflects on what it means to be an invested neighbor and community member. Drawing on more than three decades in Colorado philanthropy, Kristin shares insights on building trust, convening unlikely partners, and creating space for collaboration in an increasingly complex world.Kristin discusses the unique role community foundations play as neutral, trusted conveners that bring civic leaders, nonprofit partners, and residents together to tackle shared challenges across both urban and rural communities.At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: leadership starts with showing up. Kristin explores how authentic relationships, regional thinking, and a willingness to listen can unlock solutions that no single organization can achieve alone.Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

February 5, 202634 min

Deidre Johnson: Find a Need, Fill a Need

In today’s episode, meet Deidre Johnson, a “daughter of Denver” whose leadership is advancing health equity and strengthening community across the Metro area. Deidre shares about her early roots, how she was shaped by a family grounded in service, and the impact of her father's entrepreneurial mindset. Since stepping into leadership at the Center for African American Health in 2015, Deidre has helped transform the organization into a trusted hub for connection, prevention, and support. She reflects on growing the Center’s reach through community-led programs, partnership-driven care, and a new facility that brings neighbors together for everything from wellness resources to parenting support and mental health services. At the heart of her approach is a simple commitment: meet people with dignity, listen closely, and build solutions alongside the community.Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

January 22, 202628 min

Lisa Reid: Amplifying Western Voices

In today’s episode, hear 2010 Scholar Lisa Reid’s inspiring story of creativity, courage, and community impact. From Brighton, Lisa co-founded The Showtimes, a national livestock magazine, with her siblings as a teenager after seeing a need for more representative storytelling in Western agriculture. Lisa gives advice to other entrepreneurs and shows how business can be a force for good, emphasizing that values-based leadership and perseverance are the tools to build a lasting, uplifting enterprise. What started as a 32-page local publication has grown into a respected nationwide media and marketing company celebrating people, place, and purpose in agriculture. Now, Lisa's work helps a nationwide audience understand ag through the authentic voices of agriculturalists and industry leaders.Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

January 8, 202628 min

Wes Allison: Steering a 120-Year Legacy

In this episode, meet Wes Allison, president and CEO of the National Western Stock Show and Complex. From West Texas 4-H and youth rodeo to leading the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo and now Colorado’s iconic Stock Show, Wes’s path reflects a lifelong commitment to agriculture, education, and community. As we all gear up for the 2026 National Western Stock Show, Wes offers a timely, behind the scenes look at what it means to lead a 120-year tradition forward. He shares how his team is honoring Western heritage while expanding year-round impact at the growing National Western Center, and spotlights programs like Catch-a-Calf, where hands-on youth ag experiences shape experiences shape lifelong advocates.Learn more about the National Western Stock Show, which runs from January 10-25, at https://nationalwestern.com/.Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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