Safety First: Anna Reger's Innovative Approach to School Protection
Anna Reger’s journey from adversity to impact is a testament to perseverance and purpose. She overcame a challenging upbringing in Houston, dropping out of high school and working in foster care. A near-fatal car accident became her wake-up call, propelling her from GED classes to college success with the help of supportive mentors.Her true championship moment came when maternal instinct met entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the creation of FlipLok—a groundbreaking classroom safety device. Anna shares her experience building a company in a male-dominated industry, driven by the conviction that her innovation could save young lives.Now, Anna is on a mission to standardize active threat drills across America. Her story challenges listeners to become champions who create positive change and lift others as they climb. From tackling tough tasks at dawn to emphasizing the power of women supporting women, Anna's journey offers actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone seeking a second chance.
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The Joy Success Cycle: Finding Joy in Every Task with Kevin Surace
In this conversation, Kirk Spahn and Kevin Surace explore the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of passion, purpose, and joy in achieving success. Surace shares insights from his diverse career, highlighting the significance of teamwork, learning from others, and maintaining curiosity. He introduces the concept of the Joy Success Cycle, which ties joy to productivity and success, and discusses the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of challenges. The conversation concludes with key takeaways for young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to stay humble, curious, and focused on adding value to the world.
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Transforming Tragedy into Purpose with Heidi Johnson
In this conversation, Kirk Spahn and Heidi Johnson of Charity Matters explore the transformative power of passion, purpose, and service in the nonprofit sector. Heidi shares her personal journey from a life-altering tragedy to founding a successful nonprofit organization, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, teamwork, and resilience. They discuss the challenges faced in nonprofit work, the significance of finding one's gifts, and the joy of giving back to the community. The conversation culminates in promoting Heidi's book and podcast, which aim to inspire others to discover their purpose and make a positive impact.
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From Battlefield to Boardroom: Craig Andrews' Journey
In this conversation, Craig Andrews of Allies 4 Me shares his remarkable journey from a Marine veteran to a successful entrepreneur and author. He discusses his transition from engineering to marketing, the importance of lifelong learning, and the challenges he faced in business and health. Craig emphasizes the significance of trust, relationships, and creating positive experiences for others. His insights on perseverance and personal growth provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to become a champion in their own life.
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Mind Over Matter: Dan Jansen on Perseverance and Giving Back
In this moving episode of Building Champions for Life, host Kirk Spahn sits down with Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Dan Jansen to reflect on one of the most powerful journeys in sports history. From skating on frozen ponds in Wisconsin to heartbreak on the Olympic stage, Dan opens up about how the tragic loss of his sister Jane shaped his mental fortitude, fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence, and ultimately led to his unforgettable gold medal moment in Lillehammer. Together, they explore the foundational “6 P’s”, and how Dan's mindset and resilience continue to inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders. With humility, wisdom, and heart, Dan reminds us that true champions are built not by medals, but by how they rise, adapt, and serve beyond the arena.
Join host Kirk Spahn as he speaks with world champions about ways to elevate and equip tomorrow's champions and leaders. Drawing on his extensive background as a fourth-generation educator, founder of the Institute for Civic Leadership, and former competitive tennis player, Kirk explores the intersection of elite performance, character development, and lifelong success.In each episode, Kirk sits down with remarkable achievers across sports, business, arts, and education to uncover the hidden foundations of true championship mindsets. Through substantive dialogues, guests share the pivotal moments, mentors, failures, and principles that shaped their journeys—revealing insights that parents, coaches, educators, and aspiring leaders can apply immediately.Building Champions for Life goes beyond trophies and accolades to examine how exceptional performance in any field connects to deeper purpose and lasting impact. With Kirk's unique perspective spanning both traditional education and innovative learning approaches, listeners gain practical wisdom on nurturing not just skills and talents, but the character traits that create champions who thrive in all aspects of life.Whether you're a parent supporting a child's dreams, a coach developing the next generation of talent, an educator shaping young minds, or someone striving for personal excellence, this podcast delivers actionable insights from those who've reached the pinnacle of achievement while maintaining their core values and purpose.Subscribe to join the conversation about what truly makes a champion for life—in the arena and beyond.Donate to the ICL Foundation today! https://omella.com/tzfnb
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