Shows
Brand in the Making by ThinkTank Thought LeadershipBuilding Experiences and Writing Stories with Carla Flanders and Lauren KoetjeCarla Flanders, founder of CMF Marketing and Events, shares her journey of entrepreneurship in West Michigan, from creating large-scale community events to launching her own children’s book. Carla talks about balancing visionary thinking with execution, the importance of trying new things, and the inspiration behind On the Day You Graduate. Plus, hear about her exciting upcoming project—Girlfriend’s Getaway.Chapters:(00:00) Introduction and Summer Life(02:31) Journey to CMF Marketing and Events(09:22) Life and Career in West Michigan(16:50) Balancing Vision and Execution in Business(22:43) Staying Grounded and Personal Rhythms(28:05) Creative Inspir...
2025-10-1436 min
Brand in the Making by ThinkTank Thought LeadershipLeadership Lessons from the Asphalt Business with Anthony Bison and Lauren KoetjeAnthony Bison, leadership and influence coach and owner of Anony's Asphalt, shares his journey of starting a business from less than $1,000, surviving early challenges, and growing into a leader who inspires others. From managing teams in the heat of asphalt work to building a lasting legacy of mentorship, Anthony reveals hard-won lessons on leadership, faith, and scaling a business beyond just "owning a job."Chapters: (00:00) Welcome & Anthony’s Background (04:20) Leadership Lessons from the Job Site (10:15) Early Challenges in Business (16:40) Self-Leadership and Character Growth (22:30) Scaling a Business Beyond Survival Mode (28:50) Leaving a Le...
2025-10-0737 min
Brand in the Making by ThinkTank Thought LeadershipBehind the Mic with Jonathan Tasman & Lauren KoetjeJonathan and Lauren flip the script to share the untold story of Think Tank and how Brand in the Making was born. From spontaneous podcast ideas to inspiring founder stories, they reveal why every leader is a brand in progress—and how this series aims to capture the raw, real process of building something that matters.Chapters: (00:00) Welcome & Table-Turning Banter (02:10) What Is Think Tank? (06:40) The Birth of Brand in the Making (11:20) Why Every Brand Is “In the Making” (14:45) Inspiration for Future Leaders (18:00) Closing Thoughts
2025-08-0812 min
Brand in the Making by ThinkTank Thought LeadershipHow Brutal Honesty Misses the Mark with Grace Gavin, Ken Bogard, and Lauren KoetjeKen Bogard and Grace Gavin dive deep into what real communication looks like in leadership. They share the emotional backstory behind Know Honesty, explain why “brutal honesty” is the wrong goal, and introduce a better path: 100% honesty paired with 100% openness. Plus, they break down how to deliver feedback with love, not fear.Chapters: (00:00) Meet the Authors Behind Know Honesty (03:15) The Childhood Moments That Shaped Communication (11:10) From Daycare to Business Partners (18:50) What It Really Means to Be Open and Honest (29:03) Why Brutal Honesty Doesn’t Work
2025-07-2941 min
Brand in the Making by ThinkTank Thought LeadershipFrom Corporate Grind to Creative Freedom with Chelsea Hartner and Lauren KoetjeChelsea Hartner opens up about her leap from corporate marketing to building a life rooted in creativity and authenticity. She shares the mindset shift that helped her stop chasing external success and start designing a brand that actually feels like her. If you’ve ever felt stuck in someone else’s version of success, this one’s for you.Chapters: (00:00) Leaving Corporate to Find Freedom (03:12) Learning to Trust Her Creative Voice (06:45) Navigating Self-Doubt and Redefining Success (10:29) Building a Brand That Feels Personal (14:55) Advice for People on the Edge of Change
2025-07-2531 min
2022-12-2239 min