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Kris Kimel
Founder, IdeaFestival®, and President, Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC)
Interviewed: 08-27-2017
Kinsey Morrison
Political Activist, Cancer Survivor, and National Merit Scholar
Interviewed: 08-27-2017
Frederick “Fred” Booker Noe III
7th Generation Master Distiller, Jim Beam Distillery
Interviewed: 07-28-2017
Michael Dale "Mike" Huckabee is an American politician, Christian minister, author, musician and commentator.
Wes Henderson
Co-Founder and Chief Innovations Officer, Angel’s Envy® Distillery
Interviewed: 04-23-2017
Carlos Rivas
Director of Fitness and Wellness Operations, Proformance Fitness and Wellness
Interviewed: 04-23-2017
Dr. M. Bradley Calobrace, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgeon, Calobrace & Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery Center
Interviewed: 04-23-2017
For 20 years, Mike Berry has been at the helm of the Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF), one of the nation’s largest and most notable civic celebrations.
Technology entrepreneur Stacy Griggs is a high energy executive with strong leadership skills.
Creativity, curiosity and discipline define Delanor Manson’s accomplishments across many fields.
Delanor Manson
Senior Healthcare Executive, Manson and Associates LLC, and Retired U.S. Navy Captain
Interviewed: 03-24-2017
Chef Peng S. Looi
Partner/Executive Chef of Asiatique Restaurant and August Moon Chinese Bistro
Interviewed: 03-24-2017
The desire to serve her community and have a greater impact on more people fuels Theresa Reno-Weber to excel.
Theresa Reno-Weber
President and CEO, Metro United Way, and Lieutenant, U.S. Coast Guard
Interviewed: 03-24-2017
Jerry E. Abramson
Former Mayor of Louisville Metro (2003-2011) & (1986-1999), Executive in Residence at Bellarmine University, and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the White House for President Barack Obama
Interviewed: 03-24-2017
Tom Cottingham is a serial entrepreneur who builds successful publishing companies in the digital age.
Abby Drane leads Uspiritus, whose mission is healing the hearts and minds of vulnerable youth and their families.
Terry Forcht is a leading Kentucky entrepreneur and investor and the founder of Forcht Group of Kentucky.
Donald E. Lassere leads the Muhammad Ali Center and fosters its mission of building and expanding on the Center’s educational programs, partnerships, and other outreach initiatives.
Taylor Trusty
CEO, Blackstone Media, Digital Marketing Entrepreneur and Speaker
Interviewed: 11-20-2016
James O’Connor is a former professional soccer player and is head coach of Louisville City FC.
Conrad Bachmann
Founder, Louisville International Festival of Films, and Hollywood Actor
Interviewed: 10-14-2016
Amanda Duffy’s desire to break boundaries and her competitive spirit to succeed drive her every day.
Mitch McConnell has served as U.S. Senate majority leader since 2015. He is only the second Kentuckian to serve as majority leader in the Senate; the first, Alben Barkley, led the Democrats from 1937 to 1947.
Senator Mitch McConnell
United States Senator (1984-Present) Majority Leader (2015-Present)
Interviewed: 08-31-2016
Ingrid Hernandez delivers high quality design while building personalized client relationships.
Donald M. Vowels is a psychotherapist and spiritual counselor with Body, Mind, Spirit Health and Wellness in Louisville. He has an extensive resume in psychotherapy, theology and social work.
When Nina Moseley talks about her work helping those in poverty, her eyes light up with hope and her enthusiasm fills the room.
Mitzi Friedlander has spent much of her career bringing stories to life for the blind. After 50 years of recording books, Friedlander holds the record for most talking book titles narrated for the National Library Service.
Mitzi Friedlander
Narrator & Storyteller, American Printing House for the Blind
Interviewed: 04-01-2016
Dr. Barry Denton
Past Executive Director, Louisville Metro Police Foundation (2013-2016)
Interviewed: 12-04-2015
Joey Wagner, Owner of the J Wagner Group, has been putting on some of the biggest events in the city of Louisville and the midwest region for the past 10 years. J. Wagner Group, a full-service event planning, marketing, and promotions firm, serves many well-known and high-end clients.
Ankur Gopal’s desire to make an impact has fueled his success building a technology application company.
A competitive spirit drives Chris Morris in his pursuit for excellence as a master distiller.
Since Lee W. Robinson was seven years old and constructing scale models, he has had a passion for design and building beautiful homes.
Dan McDonnell loves to compete, loves to win, and loves seeing the growth in his players as he coaches the University of Louisville baseball team.
Tom Jurich cites his motivation to do things right and see results as he leads athletic programs at the University of Louisville.
Jeff Walz has a passion for excellence that drives him as the head coach of the University of Louisville Women’s basketball team.
Heather Howell’s desire to inspire her children and fear of failure power her in selecting her projects and in growing beverage brands.
Driven by conscience and seeing challenges as possibilities drive Jackie Ford as she leads the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana.
Vickie Yates Brown brings passion to all of her projects – from shaping health care policy to the Nucleus project.
Vickie Yates Brown
Kentucky Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Human Services, Former President and CEO of Nucleus: Kentucky’s Research and Innovation Center
Interviewed: 10-23-2015
David Nicholson learned the importance of community involvement from his late father, Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge S. Rush Nicholson.
Creativity in food, atmosphere and service fuel John Varanese in his career as chef and restaurant owner.
John Varanese
Chef and Restaurateur, Varanese, River House, and Levee Restaurants
Interviewed: 10-23-2015
Love for family drives both Patrick John Hughes and his son, Patrick Henry Hughes, to expand possibilities.
Love for family drives both Patrick John Hughes and his son, Patrick Henry Hughes, to expand possibilities.
Terri Foster knew from a young age she had musical gifts, and now seeks to use her gifts to help other young people develop theirs.
Michael Blowen’s fear of horses grew into a deep love for horses, and for saving their lives.
Michael Blowen
Founder and President, Old Friends Farm – A Thoroughbred Retirement Facility
Interviewed: 07-26-2015
Tyrone Cotton’s love of music and desire to create fuels his music and the songs he writes.
Robin Miller grew up in a family active in politics and the community, spurring her to serve in the public sector.
A love for horticulture inspired Lee Squires in his career managing the 300-acre Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Ky.
Diane Medley and her business partner founded their CPA firm to treat people in a way that they can achieve their dreams.
Fun and the challenge of creating a sense of wonderment drive Louisville-native Wayne Hettinger to create memorable events on a grand scale.
Major General (retired) Robert S. Silverthorn Jr. credits growing up in a military family as his inspiration and drive to achieve excellence.
Matt Jamie’s motto of “Slow. Small. Simple.” guides his company in producing high quality, bourbon-based sauces.
Matt Jamie
Founder and Owner, Bourbon Barrel Foods LLC and Bluegrass Soy Sauce Co., Ltd.
Interviewed: 03-27-2015
As the owner of Joseph’s Salon and Spa, Kelly Flint Campbell sees the growth of her staff and client relationships as her inspiration.
Terry Taylor’s drive to bring peace to communities, through understanding each other’s differences, powers his work.
Karen Morrison sees her job as president and CEO of Gilda’s Club as winning the job lottery.
Pam Darnall focuses her professional life on helping children and families facing abuse and violence.
A commitment to environmental responsibility as a principle of her faith powers everything Heather Warman does.
Judge Erica Lee Williams sees discipline and community service as core values grounding her career.
Judge Erica Lee Williams
District Court Judge, 30th Judicial District in Division 17
Interviewed: 12-12-2014
Elizabeth Kitzito sees her cookie business as a way to provide for her family here and in Uganda.
Summer Auerbach is committed to local independent businesses and leads Rainbow Blossom Natural Foods.
Dr. Donna Hargens’ unwavering belief that every child can learn serves her as she leads the country’s 28th largest school system, with more than 101,000 students and nearly 17,000 teachers and staff.
Donna Hargens
Former Superintendent, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS)-(2011-2017)
Interviewed: 10-10-2014
Matt Thornton cites his desire to win as the trait that drives him in his roles leading Thorntons and contributing to the community.
Cathy Fyock’s belief in being true to your heart sparked her career as an author and human resources consultant.
Christen Boone is a community connector, social entrepreneur, and leader in nonprofit development and strategic philanthropy.
Tom Partridge thrives on helping businesses secure capital for projects that will have a positive impact on their communities.
Dr. James Calleroz White wakes up every morning excited about how education constantly changes to stay relevant to a student’s future.
Marty Storch’s competitive nature and commitment to continual improvement shape his contributions at the Louisville Metro Parks department.
Saul Garcia followed his dream of seeing people enjoying themselves while sharing a meal at his own restaurant.
Saul Garcia
Co-Founder & Owner of the Los Aztecas & Sol Azteca Mexican Restaurants
Interviewed: 10-11-2013
Vincenzo Gabriele and his brothers grew up with a love for fine dining, inspired by their father, a captain in the Merchant Marine.
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz experienced the calling and desire to serve others through the clergy while in high school.
Theatre director Les Waters’ interest in contemporary art and new plays drives him in his career.
The mantra “You are pure potential,” from his improv mentor, Dr. Martin de Maat, motivates Chris Hartman in his work against discrimination.
Gill Holland’s curiosity has led to careers as an independent film producer, building developer, and former lawyer.
Robert Davenport
CEO, Kentucky Planning Partners & Founder, Louisville Concours d’ Elegance
Interviewed: 04-12-2013
Mark Johnson has a deep passion for the sport and spectacle of horse racing; He calls it the greatest theatre on earth.
Lynnie Meyer, a well-known civic leader and fundraising executive in Louisville, is fueled by her commitment to the community.
JK McKnight is the founder and captain of the Forecastle festival, a gathering of musicians, artists and activists.
Mandy Connell is a talk radio host who credits her competitive nature as a driver to be her best.
Troy Burden taps his inner drive to help others as the executive director of Highlands Community Ministries.
Driven by the opportunity to make a difference, DeeAnna Esslinger leads the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Deeanna Esslinger
Senior VP of Greater Kentucky & Southern Indiana Alzheimer’s Association
Interviewed: 12-02-2011
David Easterling is a software entrepreneur engaged in a labor of love to bring back an iconic Louisville beer brand.
Pat Gallagher creates visual art based on the connection he feels when talking with people.
Lora Tucker loves leadership responsibility – and making a difference – and has used that love from childhood through her military career and as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana.
Angela McCormick Bisig is a Jefferson County district court judge who is driven to get out into the community and make a difference.
Growing up Derek Anderson listened to the positives around him. This drove him through his NBA career and the founding of a successful business and charitable foundation.
Gerald Neal credits his parents’ commitment to the community as laying the foundation for his career in politics.
KY. State Senator Gerald Neal
Commonwealth of Kentucky Senate District 33 (1989-present)
Interviewed: 10-28-2011
Jeff Van Note played football eighteen years for the NFL Atlanta Falcons, the second longest for any player on one team.
Carol Haddad is driven by a desire to be a participant, not a spectator, in improving education for children.
Inspired by creativity, Bruce Simpson credits the joy of life for what drives him and fuels his career in ballet.
A consistent love for sports and entertainment drives Lynn Abramson-Saltzman in her career.
Lynn Abramson-Saltzman
Past General Manager/Exclusive Marketer of the KFC YUM! Center (2011-2013)
Interviewed: 05-20-2011
A passion for the arts and to make things better by introducing new generations to the art drives Stephen Klein in his career.
Over the years, Kent Oyler has started 19 different business ventures and created over 1,000 jobs.
Kent Oyler
President and CEO, Greater Louisville, Inc. (2014-present) & CEO, OPM Services & Entrepreneur (1992-2015)
Interviewed: 03-25-2011
Berk Bryant is fueled by a desire to bring bluegrass and traditional country music to the world to enjoy.
Madeline Abramson served as Louisville’s first lady for 21 years and is a tireless community volunteer.
Madeline Abramson
Former First Lady of Louisville Metro (1986-1999) & (2003-2011)
Interviewed: 03-25-2011
Hal Heiner served as a vice chairman of Greater Louisville, Inc., and in 2002, he was elected to the Louisville Metro Council. On the Council, he spent eight years focusing on finding efficiencies in services, shedding light on the inner dealings of Metro Government, and finding smart ways for the community to grow and prosper.
Louisville-born Greg Fischer is an entrepreneur and community leader. In 2008, Fischer ran for the Kentucky Democratic Primary for the U.S. Senate and finished second among the seven candidates.
Jackie Green, write-in candidate for mayor of Louisville, focuses on the local economy, central neighborhoods, education, energy, quality affordable housing, local food, safety, health, downtown, and transportation.
Living with a core of gratitude and an attitude of caring and sharing, Bernard Trager founded and built Republic Bank, always with a heart to serve.
John Y. Brown, Jr. credits his father as the prime motivator and confidence builder in his life, driving his later successes.
John Y. Brown Jr.
1979-1983 Governor of Kentucky & Kentucky Fried Chicken Entrepreneur
Interviewed: 07-16-2010
David Jones Sr. co-founded Humana Inc. and considers the good job opportunities and chance for success that the company ultimately provided as his greatest achievement.
A native of Ireland, Dr. T. Pearse Lyons is driven by making a difference in the world, and has built his company, Alltech, based on doing the right thing.
Dr. T. Pearse Lyons
President & Founder, ALLTECH, Inc. And 2010 Title Sponsor, FEI World Equestrian Games (held Lexington, KY.)
Interviewed: 06-11-2010
Matt Bevin’ intellectual curiosity and love of learning have led him through several career opportunities in his lifetime.
Matt Bevin
Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky (2015-2019) and Past CEO & Principal, Integrity Asset Management
Interviewed: 12-04-2009
A custom builder and remodeler, Joe Pusateri thrives on challenge and using his talents to the best of his ability.
Driven by a desire to give back drives Cathe Dykstra to lead the Family Scholar House and help families thrive.
Councilman Kevin Kramer’s compassion for people has led him to be a public servant and educator.
Joni Jenkins is a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives and serves as chairwoman of the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation.
As in-house counsel and corporate attorney for GE Consumer and Industrial, India Jewell serves on the employee community fund board at GE, supplying grants to non-profit service organizations.
India Jewell
Past GE Consumer & Industrial’s Counsel for Commercial Law (2006-2010)
Interviewed: 08-14-2009
Louisville-native and restaurateur Kent Taylor has a passion for the food industry and for skiing.
Louisville Metro Council president David Tandy is fueled by the desire to serve his community and to leave it a better place for his children.
David Tandy
Past Louisville Metro Councilman (2005-2017) & 2009 Louisville Metro Council President
Interviewed: 07-24-2009
Adventurer, educator and administrator Tori Muden McClure believes integrity is the hallmark of leadership.
Tori Murden McClure
World Class Rower & President, Spalding University (2010-present)
Interviewed: 07-24-2009
Louisville-native Scotty Davenport is enjoying a notable career as a basketball coach in his own hometown.
Coach “Scotty” Davenport
Head Coach, Bellarmine University Men’s Basketball Team (2005-)
Interviewed: 07-24-2009
Curiosity and a love for food drive Joe Castro, best known as “Chef Joe” in his career as a nationally renowned award-winning chef.
Connecting people and telling stories fuel Marc Masterson as the artistic director of Actors Theatre of Louisville (ATL).
Marc Masterson
Past Artistic Director, Actors Theatre of Louisville (2000-2011)
Interviewed: 12-05-2008
After watching a close family member go through a painful bankruptcy, Mark Lamkin decided to pursue his dream of becoming a financial planner and made a promise never to let bankruptcy impact someone in his life again.
Mark Lamkin
President, Lamkin Wealth Management & Former 2005 “The Apprentice” contestant
Interviewed: 12-05-2008
Angie Fenton is an award-winning and esteemed writer driven by a passion to serve her community.
A core believer in the servant leadership model, Greg Fischer is a successful businessman and civic leader in Louisville, Ky.
Driven by the need for, and impact of, arts education on young people, Paul Lenzi and his wife, Geraldine, co-founded the Blue Apple Players Theatre Group a children’s theatre company.
A driving curiosity about the world and the desire to be “a part of the solution” drive Denton Randall each day.
Bob Hill’s motivation to do the best he can at whatever he does culminated in a storied career that began with his decision to be a writer at age 25.
Dave Stone’s passion for excellence and sharing his faith with others drives him in his role as senior minister at Southeast Christian Church.
Bill McNulty is an actor and director who has performed internationally, and enjoys a grounded life with a love for his work and his family.
William “Bill” McNulty
Resident Actor & Director, Actors Theatre of Louisville
Interviewed: 09-26-2008
Dr. Jo Ann Rooney is an American educator, lawyer, businesswoman and public servant driven by seeing the achievements of students and the impact education has on their lives and their families.
Dr. Wayne Creighton prides himself in helping those trapped in addiction regain hope and reclaim their lives.
Brenda Light's desire is to help women not only look and feel their best but to empower them as well.
Jim King believes that success breeds success and that as he achieves more, he is able to do more things for more people.
Councilman Jim King (1951-2015)
Past President & CEO, King Southern Bank & 2008 Louisville Metro Council President
Interviewed: 05-30-2008
Georgia Davis Powers (1923-2016)
Former Kentucky State Senator (1968-1989) & Civil Rights Activist
Interviewed: 05-30-2008
PJ Cooksey believes you should find what you are passionate about in life and go and do it.
Michael Dalby is passionate about business and believes a strong and growing economy lead to a strong community.
John Yarmuth has dedicated his life to public service so that he can make a difference for others.
Ed Glasscock is motivated by three main priorities, love of family, dedication to clients, and commitment to the community.
Jack Conway rejects complacency and is driven to move forward and accomplish his next goal in life.
Jack Conway
Former Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Kentucky (2008-2016)
Interviewed: 03-21-2008
Dr. Kevin Cosby is driven to see people grow and see their mind, life, and relationships transformed.
Dr. Kevin W. Cosby
Senior Pastor, St. Stephen Baptist Church & President, Simmons College of Kentucky
Interviewed: 03-21-2008
Chris Thieneman is a competitor who loves to dream up new scenarios and strategies for success.
Denise Vasquez Troutman is passionate about her work and believes there is still so much to do.
Denise Vasquez Troutman
Past President & CEO, Center for Women & Families (2006-2011)
Interviewed: 12-05-2007
Terry Blackwell has devoted her life to helping people realize their potential and inner abilities.
Jennifer Bielstein loves the art form and experience of live theatre and believes that it can change people’s lives.
Jennifer Bielstein
Past Managing Director of Actors Theatre of Louisville (2006-2016)
Interviewed: 12-05-2007
Brian Quail
Past CEO, Louisville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross (2003-2009)
Interviewed: 12-05-2007
Steve Trager gets to make a positive impact every day in the lives of his associates and customers.
Glenn Hogan believes fear is a great motivator that will either paralyze you or drive you to success.
Dr. James Ramsey has a passion for public service and a vision for education and economic growth in Kentucky.
Diane McGraw loves to create a plan, gather the necessary resources, and watch it all come together.
Diane McGraw
Past Executive Director, Greater Louisville Sports Commission (2006-2009)
Interviewed: 09-26-2007
Teddy Gordon loves a good fight, especially where the underdog is denied fair access and equal opportunity.
Owsley Brown Frazier has dedicated his life and fortune to improve his hometown for future generations.
Owsley Brown Frazier (1935-2012)
Philanthropist & Founder/Chairman, Frazier International History Museum
Interviewed: 09-25-2007
John Asher loves the sport of horse racing and is driven to make everything about Churchill Downs the best in the world.
Christine Johnson likes to make things happen and connect people who see opportunities to move things forward.
Ben Richmond fills a responsibility to steward his parent’s work in the civil rights movement and to further the principles and values taught by Dr. Martin Luther King.
Maria G. Hampton
Past VP & Sr. Branch Executive, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (2005-2014)
Interviewed: 05-24-2007
Sandra Frazier starts each day thinking about how she can contribute something that will make a difference.
Barbara Day draws her inspiration from being told as a little girl that she wouldn’t amount to much.
Barbara Day
Radio Host & Past Publisher, Kentuckiana Health Fitness & Healthy Woman Magazines (1997-2010)
Interviewed: 05-24-2007
Cynthia Knapek has a tremendous amount of civic pride in her hometown of Louisville and loves doing work that will impact and improve her community.
For Chuck Denny, continuous self-improvement is a driving force that motivates him every day.
Omar Ayyash sees himself as an ambassador and is passionate about helping people understand that the world is a global village.
Omar N. Ayyash
Executive Director, Office for International Affairs, Louisville Metro Government
Interviewed: 03-07-2007
Tyler Allen began life with a great foundation and believes that he has a responsibility to give back to the community.
Steve Higdon orients his life and career around his family, striving to be the best husband and father he can be.
Steve Higdon
Past President & CEO of (GLI)-Greater Louisville, Inc. (1997-2005)
Interviewed: 03-07-2007
Bill Samuels, Jr., is wired to achieve and seeks opportunities that have a beginning, end, and outcome.
Ed Mannassah
Executive in Residence, Bellarmine University & Former Publisher of C.J.
Interviewed: 12-06-2006
Allan Cowen takes the long view of life and believes that life is as great as you choose it to be.
Heather French Henry is inspired by hard work and dedication and believes that everyone can choose to make a difference with the time they have.
Dr. Whitney Jones understands the preciousness of time and the need to take action on the things that are most important in life.
Growing up in Kansas, Steve Sexton learned a lot about the importance of a strong work ethic and goal setting.
Rowan Claypool is a social entrepreneur who believes that young knowledge economy workers are the future to prosperous communities.
Billy Reed believes in the power of the written word and its ability to influence people and events.
Joe Regan is motivated by seeing lives changed through improved education and expanded employment opportunities.
Kimberly Bunton is a strategic thinker and planner driven by the pursuit of excellence and personal best.
Kimberly Bunton
Past Director, Louisville Metro Government’s Policy and Strategic Planning Department (2004-2009)
Interviewed: 05-24-2006
Jonathan Blue loves finding new opportunities and growing them into successful enterprises.
Rebecca Jackson was the first woman ever elected Jefferson County, Ky. judge executive, the county’s highest ranking elected official.
Rebecca Jackson
CEO, Crusade for Children & Former Jefferson County Judge Executive (1998-2002)
Interviewed: 03-30-2006
At age 22, Bob Russell became the pastor of a small congregation of 120 people called Southeast Christian Church.
Debbie Scoppechio (1949-2017)
Founder, Scoppechio (formerly Creative Alliance) Ad Agency
Interviewed: 10-20-2005
Christopher 2X is driven by the plight of the poor and wants to help them transform their mindset.
David L. Armstrong (1941-2017)
Former Mayor of Louisville (1999-2003) (1941-2017)
Interviewed: 10-20-2005
