Shows
CharacterPlusAnchored Ambition: How Values Fuel Vision and Victory Brick by BrickToday, we’re joined by a leader who embodies what this series is all about—leading with purpose, values, and deep personal conviction. Keith Poettker is the Chairman and CEO of Poettker Construction Company, a nationally respected firm known not just for what it builds, but how it builds—with integrity, trust, and heart.Under Keith’s leadership, Poettker Construction has grown in both reputation and reach. He was recently named the 2025 Most Admired CEO by the Charlotte Business Journal—an honor that reflects more than just business performance. It reflects character.Poett...
2025-09-0351 minCharacterPlusThe Power of Kindness with Danielle Brown and Michelle GreeneMichelle Greene, EVP and CIO of Cardinal Health, a Fortune 15 global leader in healthcare, and Danielle Brown, SVP and CIO of Whirlpool Corporation, a Fortune 500 innovator in home technology, join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership rooted in kindness, empathy, and responsibility. Greene shares how servant leadership and strong relationships have shaped her approach to navigating challenges with empathy and kindness while Brown reflects on integrity and adaptability as key drivers of her success in global IT leadership. Together, they explore how character-driven leadership empowers teams, fosters collaboration, and drives innovation in industries that touch millions of lives.
2025-01-3140 minCharacterPlusMoments That Matter: Dave Peacock and Lisa Nichols on Leading with Character and KindnessIn this special episode of the CharacterPlus C-Suite Series, released in honor of World Kindness Day, we’re thrilled to feature two exceptional leaders, Dave Peacock, CEO of Advantage Solutions, and Lisa Nichols, CEO of Technology Partners. Through their remarkable careers, Dave and Lisa have led their organizations with unwavering values and compassion, demonstrating how character is a driving force behind both personal and organizational success.Together with our host, Mike Park, CharacterPlus CEO, they discuss the profound impact that "moments that matter" have on shaping culture, whether through small, kind gestures like a young employee offering fl...
2024-11-1238 minCharacterPlusProtecting Culture & Climate with Roxanna Mechem and Rachael WilcoxIn this episode of the Character Plus Podcast, host Mike Park is joined by two distinguished educators, Roxanna Mechem and Rachael Wilcox, to discuss the vital role of protecting positive culture and climate in schools. Drawing from their extensive experience as leaders in the education field, Roxanna and Rachael share actionable strategies for fostering environments where both students and staff thrive. They explore how schools can safeguard their core values, strengthen community trust, and create lasting, positive change that goes beyond academic success.Tune in to hear inspiring stories, practical insights, and proven techniques to build and...
2024-10-0532 minCharacterPlusBuilding Equitable Futures: The Role of EJACE in Character Education - Part 2In part two of our series on the Equity and Justice Academy in Character Education (EJACE), Mike Park, CEO of Character Plus, continues the conversation with Dr. Grace Lee, Dr. Jeremy Mapp, and Michael Barolak. This episode shifts focus from the foundational principles of EJACE to the practical, real-world impact it has had in schools.Dr. Jeremy Mapp shares how the program has been successfully integrated into the Kirkwood School District, resulting in a more positive school culture and a stronger sense of belonging among students and staff. Dr. Grace Lee discusses the tangible improvements in social-emotional...
2024-08-3027 minCharacterPlusBuilding Equitable Futures: The Role of EJACE in Character Education - Part 1Join us for an insightful episode of the Character Plus podcast, where we explore the significant impact of the Equity and Justice Academy in Character Education (EJACE) on schools. Hosted by Mike Park, CEO of Character Plus, this episode highlights how EJACE is helping schools create cultures that prioritize respect, dignity, and positive character traits for every student, teacher, parent, and staff member.This episode features discussions with education leaders who are at the forefront of EJACE: Dr. Grace Lee, Director of the Equity and Justice Academy in Character Education; Dr. Jeremy Mapp, Co-Director of EJACE and...
2024-08-3025 minCharacterPlusPartners in Character: Dr. Tyler Archer and Nicole Diehl on Building a State School of CharacterJoin us for a powerful exploration of leadership with Dr. Tyler Archer, the distinguished Principal of Nance Elementary, recently named a State School of Character . In a compelling interview with special Guest-Host Nicole Diehl, Director of Programming at CharacterPlus, they share insights on the heart of character education's role in molding not only academically successful students but also individuals who are empathetic, well-rounded, and compassionate. Dr. Archer shares insights on how educators are committed to serving students beyond conventional educational paradigms, striving for transformative change that transcends mere academic achievement. This conversation highlights the crucial...
2024-02-1722 minCharacterPlusTeacher Academy in Character EducationIn this special episode of CharacterPlus, join us as we highlight the Teacher Academy in Character Education (TACE), led by the inspiring Dr. Julie Sperry, Director of Innovation, Leadership, and Program Expansion at CharacterPlus. Explore an insightful conversation on TACE's profound impact on educators and their students. Hear Dr. Sperry share her expertise and the inspiring outcomes from this innovative program. Learn how TACE equips teachers to be catalysts for transformative change, fostering learning environments where every student is inspired, understood, and motivated to excel. Learn more at:www.characterplus.orgHost:Mike...
2023-12-0133 minCharacterPlusBeyond Grades: Fostering Grit and Growth Part IIWelcome back to the Character Plus Podcast for Part II of Beyond Grades: Fostering Grit and Growth. In this transformative discussion hosted by Mike Park, the CEO of Character Plus you'll hear special commentary from Dr. Rene Sommers and guest Alexia Georges. Together they discuss the impact of character education at Green Trails Elementary.In this continuation, expect a rich exploration that goes beyond conventional educational benchmarks, revealing the essence of a supportive community and actionable guidance for Parents, Teachers, and Principals desiring to cultivate an environment ripe for nurturing remarkable growth in children.Guests:
2023-10-2231 minCharacterPlusBeyond Grades: Fostering Grit and Growth Part IDo you ever wonder how some schools manage to excel not just academically, but also in shaping the character of their students? Are you a parent, seeking to understand how you can make a real impact in your child's educational journey? Then this episode of the Character Plus Podcast is a must-listen for you!Join host Mike Park as he converses with Dr. Rene Sommers, an educational consultant with a rich history of transforming schools into character-building powerhouses. They're joined by Alexia Georges, a parent whose active involvement in her children’s school has led to some tr...
2023-10-0527 minCharacterPlusThe Foundations of CharacterToday we are truly humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to share insights from Dr. Marvin Berkowitz and Kristen Pelster as they discuss the “Why” behind character education and practical steps you can take within your character leadership journey personally and professionally! In 1999 Dr. Marvin Berkowitz was the inaugural Ambassador H.H. Coors Professor of Character Development at the US Air Force Academy. He served as Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Ethics Studies at Marquette University. He was also founder and Associate Director of the Center for Addiction and Behav...
2022-12-0532 minCharacterPlusFrom Education to the SenateToday you'll hear leadership lessons on listening, empathy, patience, and deep personal care. This episode of the CharacterPlus Podcast features Senator Karla Eslinger. She's a lifelong educator with more than 30 years of experience in a variety of educational settings. She most recently served as a senior analyst for education services with the AEM Corporation and provided technical assistance to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. Previously, she served as an assistant commissioner of education for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and went on...
2022-11-0428 minCharacterPlusTrue Wealth Is CharacterThis week’s guest of the CharacterPlus Podcast is a marketplace leader, Marvin Anderson, Senior Vice President and Private Client Advisor with U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, in St. Louis. Marvin leads the design and development of tailored financial strategies for individuals, families and institutions. He works closely with business owners, senior executives of public and private companies, and endowments and foundations to identify their long-term goals and pursue those objectives with forethought and care. Marvin believes in treating clients as he would like to be treated. Prior to joining Bank of America Private Bank, Ma...
2022-09-0937 minCharacterPlusThe Principles of Character with Erika NilesWelcome to the first episode of the Character Plus Podcast. Our first guest is Erika Niles, Principal at Green Trails Elementary. She holds a master’s in education administration from Southwest Baptist University, a master’s in education from Lindenwood University, and a bachelor’s in education from Maryville University. She is currently a doctoral student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she is working on her doctorate in character education and servant leadership.Erika Niles Twitter. Click HereCharacterPlus.org Credits: Host & CEO of Character Plus: Mike Park Execu...
2022-08-0833 min
Beyond The Class: From Knowledge To Action057 - Character EducationIn this episode, Mike Desparrois and Teresa Vineyard, welcome in fellow educator, Dr. Emilie Johnson.Dr. Johnson is a Professor of Education at Lindenwood University in Missouri. She also has 13 years of experience in public school teaching, administration, and teacher training. Dr. Johnson was awarded the St. Charles County 40 Under 40 Award, St. Charles County Ring of Excellence in Teaching Award, and The Missouri Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.In the Fall of 2017, Dr. Johnson became a School Consultant and Coach for CharacterPlus of St. Louis. Dr. Johnson is most proud of her title of "mom" to two incredible...
2020-10-1546 minBeyond The Class: From Knowledge To Action057 - Character EducationIn this episode, Mike Desparrois and Teresa Vineyard, welcome in fellow educator, Dr. Emilie Johnson.Dr. Johnson is a Professor of Education at Lindenwood University in Missouri. She also has 13 years of experience in public school teaching, administration, and teacher training. Dr. Johnson was awarded the St. Charles County 40 Under 40 Award, St. Charles County Ring of Excellence in Teaching Award, and The Missouri Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.In the Fall of 2017, Dr. Johnson became a School Consultant and Coach for CharacterPlus of St. Louis. Dr. Johnson is most proud of her title of "mom" to two incredible...
2020-10-1546 min