Explore every episode of the podcast Business Ethics, Walk the Talk

In this episode of 'Walk the Talk,' Blake interviews Leslie Little, the founder and CEO of Ethical Decision Making Limited (EDM). Leslie, an Omaha native now based in London, and Ethicspace morning keynote speaker, shares her fascinating career journey, from her early days in finance to her current work in ethical leadership.

Leslie introduces her company's groundbreaking product, which aims to measure and develop 'ethical fluency' in leaders. Based on ten years of research from James Madison University, EDM uses a proprietary methodology to assess ethical decision-making and provide valuable insights to organizations.

Blake and Leslie discuss the alarming rate of CEO failures due to unethical behavior and the need for a shift from short-term profit maximization to long-term value creation. They also explore the challenges of navigating ethical dilemmas in the digital age and the importance of genuine dialogue.

We’re so thankful Leslie was able to sit down with us on such short notice! Enjoy an even deeper look into the science of the future of business ethics!

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In this episode of Walk the Talk, host Blake Peterson sits down with a true Omaha icon — Willy Theisen, founder of Godfather’s Pizza and lifelong entrepreneur.

Willy shares stories from launching one of the fastest-growing pizza chains in the country to building a legacy rooted in vision, determination, and saying “yes” to opportunity. But his influence didn’t stop at pizza. From serving on boards like Creighton University, the Omaha Airport Authority, and the Business Ethics Alliance, to mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting countless community initiatives, Willy’s commitment to Omaha has shaped the city’s growth and spirit.

Together, Blake and Willy explore what it means to lead ethically, stay grounded in your values, and create a lasting impact in both business and life.

Should you tune in? As the Godfather of Pizza would say: “DO IT!”

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In this episode of "Ethics: Walk the Talk" with our host Blake Peterson, Dar Andrews visits the Webberized Studio. As a seasoned Senior Technology Leader with extensive experience in IT operations, Dar shares his insights on how organizations can achieve operational excellence through effective communication and ethical team building at all levels of a business.

We also discuss his new book, "Total Experience," which presents an innovative approach to aligning the voices of customers, employees, strategic partners, and business operations to create seamless and efficient enterprise solutions.

Dar gives us a glimpse into his life as a lifelong resident of Nebraska and how he passes on his values to his family. With a background that includes leadership roles at IDEX, Gateway, PayPal, and currently NEI Global, along with an education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a study abroad experience at Cambridge, Dar offers a unique and holistic perspective on business, technology, and life.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation about business strategies, leadership insights, and a touch of ethical wisdom on this episode of the "Ethics: Walk the Talk Podcast," brought to you by the Business Ethics Alliance!

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This episode was recorded on December 7, 2024.

We'd like to dedicate this episode to honor the memory of Howard Hawks, co-founder and chairman emeritus of Tenaska, who passed away in December 2024. A visionary leader and philanthropist, Mr. Hawks recognized both business opportunities and community needs.  His generosity and leadership shaped Omaha’s growth, enriched countless lives, and left a lasting legacy, like the upcoming Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement.

Our hearts go out to his wife, Rhonda, his children, and all who knew him. We dedicate this episode, focused on ethical business partnerships and community impact, to Howard Hawks and the profound influence he had on our community.

This week on "Walk the Talk with Blake Peterson," we're joined by Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts, and Ron Quinn, Executive VP at Tenaska, a local energy company that has quietly been  leading in their industry for years. These two remarkable guests are deeply involved in the exciting upcoming opening of the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement in early 2026.

This groundbreaking project represents a remarkable collaboration between Omaha Performing Arts and Tenaska Inc., demonstrating a powerful model of corporate social responsibility. Joan will share her vision for this transformative project, which will further amplify the already significant impact of Omaha Performing Arts, reaching over 600,000 people annually and generating a staggering $61 million in economic impact.

Ron opens up on the importance of this partnership and how it demonstrates a commitment to ethical and impactful corporate citizenship. Together, it’s a unique and insightful conversation about the power of collaboration, the importance of social responsibility, and the lasting impact of supporting the arts in our community.

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In this episode of Walk the Talk with Blake Peterson, we dive into how Chad Mares, Founder and CEO of The Work Lab, is transforming the way companies support their employees. As a nonprofit, The Work Lab offers innovative services like WorkLife Coaching and Resource Navigation that go beyond traditional internal HR functions, providing personalized guidance for employees facing life’s challenges.

Even in organizations with robust HR teams, employees may hesitate to discuss personal matters with supervisors or HR personnel. The Work Lab provides a safe, confidential space for employees to address their concerns without fear, respecting the boundaries of professional relationships while prioritizing well-being. By building resilience and developing strategies for managing disruptions to their personal lives—The Work Lab enhances employee benefits, creates connections to resources in our community, and fosters a healthier, more engaged workforce.

Chad shares insights on creating an ethical work environment that values both personal and professional support. Join us as we discuss how The Work Lab is redefining employee care, making well-being a cornerstone of success in the modern workplace. Discover how this ethical, people-centered approach could lead to a brighter, healthier future in the latest episode of Walk the Talk, brought to you by the Business Ethics Alliance.

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Armando Salgado is an old school entrepreneur, that is to say, when the question “Why is nobody out here doing this?” would come up, his immediate instinct was to say “Well, looks like it’s gonna be me!”

Now, with over 15 years of experience in real estate, marketing and advertising, and a growing expertise in fundraising for nonprofits, publishing, creating a shipping and distribution enterprise, construction contracts and more, add to Armando’s ever growing list to answer the question, “So, what do you do?”

What he does this week is join Blake in the Webberized studio to talk about his role as creator and president of the Latino Economic Development Council and the ideas they are laying out for not only south omaha but for the whole city’s economic future. Looking at the ways  to attract more business, and how companies must be flexible and willing to change their approaches. Through his experience, Armando challenges the old methods and why they won't work in a fast-evolving market. And how some of the big, older companies will resist change due to their current success, and miss why that adaptability is crucial for staying competitive and tapping into the fastest-growing markets, especially in finance and life insurance, among the folks that may speak a different language than you.

 A talk about looking ahead isn’t complete without recounting the path that led us here. Armando breaks down the beginning of his journey, from times he had to get by while completely alone, to having the outreach he needed to see the correct path forward for him and the community.

Catch the latest episode of the BEA’s Walk the Talk Pod, with your host Blake Peterson.

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Do you feel worried that the super smart and capable robots are coming to take over your workplace? In this episode of the Walk The Talk Pod with Blake Peterson, we explore the relationship between Generative AI and the future of jobs with Laurel Oetken, executive director of the newly created Tech Nebraska, an organization focused on building connections in our tech community, while advocating for pro-growth, and pro-business tech policies with an eye on growing Nebraska’s innovation future.

We talk to Laurel about how AI is actually being used in companies today, and why it might create more opportunities than it eliminates. We also discuss the skills you'll need to thrive in the age of AI, and what schools and businesses can do to prepare the next generation for the changing workforce. Break through the overblown conspiracy-brained fears and approach the real issues that we will have to tackle sooner rather than later.  A new skill base, next generation of education and STEM careers, and how businesses must remain cautious but have to get themselves involved not before they get left behind. Myths, truths and realities of how AI can be your powerful partner, not your replacement on this episode of Walk The Talk, a podcast brought to you by The Business Ethics Alliance.

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AnnMarie Marlier, Executive Director of the Business Ethics Alliance visits the podcast studio to talk with Blake about her insights into what ethics is about, her journey that led her to the Alliance and Omaha, and the future of the organization and what it means to be mindful of creating an ethical future.

The Business Ethics Alliance is dedicated to building Support systems and professional partnerships. The BEA believes in fostering a culture of business ethics within organizations and encompass principles of integrity, fairness, and responsibility.

AnnMarie is a volunteer for several organizations and board memberships, with a doctorate in Urban Education, and a Master of Adult Education degree, and a green belt in Taekwondo.

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Welcome to the premiere episode of Season 4 of Walk the Talk, The exclusive business Podcast about ethics presented by the Business Ethics Alliance, hosted by the amazing Blake Peterson!

John Fulwider, PhD joins us on our inaugural episode of 2024 to reveal to us the world of Executive Coaching and how to build the proper leadership team to get you to your next, next , NEXT big goal.

Entrepreneurs often find  they wind up wearing too many hats. John helps business owners get their freedom back,  to grow in the direction they want, at the speed they want, to get the three things every business wants, to get work, do work, and get paid.

John has written five books with his sixth book shortly on the way, his experience with business with a small group of employees to businesses with over 6500 employed, John shows us how we can grow our business and safely move to the next and stay successful every step of the way.

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Do you know how to navigate the line between a non-profit organization and finding ways to create revenue? In this episode of "Walk the Talk," Blake sits down with the remarkable Steve Warren, a true pioneer in addressing the needs of kids here in Omaha. Both a Husker and an NFL Player, Steve has spent his life pushing the boundaries of what he was capable of, both physically and now as a business leader with no “formal training.”

Learn about the human spirit that has led to nearly 20 years of kids being able to live the DREAM. Join Blake as we listen to the challenges, and profound insights that have shaped his successes and how to balance Non-Profit and For-Profit organizations together.

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Makayla McMorris and Kristi Andersen are the beating heart at the core of Moxie 16, a boutique integrated communications marketing firm focused on public & media relations, crisis communications, social media, content development, and more. With decades of the Highest-Level Experience, from guiding UNO through the minefield of covid precautions and addressing disinformation, to key role in defining Omaha Metro’s Entertainment growth. 
Communications, event management, journalism and more, from a powerhouse of two boss women, leading in and leading the way on this episode of ‘Walk the Talk’ hosted by Blake Peterson, and brought to you by the Business Ethics Alliance of Omaha.

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What is the Future of Work?

The Covid Pandemic forced lots of business to change how they worked with theri personnel, to adapt or potentially lose everything.
Now that the initial shutdown quarantining is over, business are trying to go back to... well.... business as usual, but now the workforce is in a completely different place, with some preferring work-at-home, hybrid, or a Job Share program.

The BEAPod welcomes Jina Hwang, Ph.D. this week to talk to Blake about the new solutions her organization, Job Share Connect, brings to the new work experience.

So, what do you think is the Future of Work? Listen in and find out!

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Daniel Padilla came to America almost 30 years ago looking to get into hospitality and his chance at the Dream. Instead, he worked in banking and finance in a position that was created overnight to address the fast-growing immigrant population in the city. In that time, he saw, and experienced, the exploitive and manipulative practices that targeted immigrants and financially vulnerable people.

Wanting to provide better alternatives to combat unethical services, particularly the predatory ‘Payday Loan’ businesses, he along with others, created Lending Link, a unique enterprise to provide services to these financially vulnerable people with ways of breaking through money barriers and cycles of debt and reaching success.

Listen with our host Blake Peterson as we chart Daniel’s amazing journey from chasing the Dream to becoming the dream-maker for the community.

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Join us on this exciting episode as we sit down with Van Deeb, an accomplished real estate professional and founder of DEEB Realty in Omaha, Nebraska. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Van has established himself as one of the top brokers in the region, specializing in real estate investing, property management, and residential and commercial sales. We'll also explore Van's active involvement in the Omaha community, his charitable work, and his unwavering commitment to his clients. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with a respected and successful entrepreneur in the real estate industry.

#BEApod with Blake Peterson

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Many know Girl Scouts are home to the best cookies in the world! But it’s also one of the best leadership schools in the world and a successful business. Sarah credits their success with ensuring that everyone's voice is heard. “It’s vital,” she says. 

So, what can you learn about raising up every voice? Listen Now.

On the Next #BEApod with Blake Peterson.

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In this episode, Blake sits down with the current Director of Human Rights and Relations for the City of Omaha, Gerald Kuhn, to discuss the programs he manages with the goal of uplifting small businesses founded in low-income areas of the community. 

To learn more about Gerald and his position, follow this link: https://www.wowt.com/2023/01/06/mayor-appoints-new-human-rights-relations-director/

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This month, Blake is joined by Brian Peckrill of the McGowan foundation to discuss how they are teaching Business Ethics to a select group MBA students each year and the changes they hope it will bring to the C-Suite. 

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Tim Rexius sits down with Blake to discuss the current marketplace woes that Amazon has dealt to the small business community, and what that will look like in the future. 

Tim also discusses his method for attracting and retaining talent which has less to do with benefits and salary, and more to do with ownership and individual growth. 

Lastly, Tim discusses what a small business owner who is going through a recession for their first time can do to help ensure their business makes it to the other side. 

Rexius Nutrition- https://www.rexiusnutrition.com/
Omaha Protein Popcorn- https://vhifit.com/collections/opp-protein-popcorn
Iron Heaven Gym- https://ironheavenomaha.com/

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Blake sits down with Ted Bridges to discuss how his family was able to create a business that has lasted through three generations of CEO's and still maintain their core values along the way. Blake and Ted also discuss some of the ethical questions surrounding intergenerational wealth transfer and how it is seen in the United States today. 

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Blake sits down with Kevin Hensel, Director of Human Resources at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha,  to discuss the evolution of a leader in the workplace, and what it takes to cultivate a positive company culture from the top down. 

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Dale and Blake sit down to talk about the ethical environment of being a leader in the recycling industry, and the many new advancements that Firstar is bringing to Nebraska. 

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Blake sits down with Jasmine Deane to discuss the rapid growth of her business, “The Good Life Charcuterie,” and how she utilizes her core values when embarking on a new challenge or dealing with a setback.

Learn more about The Good Life Charcuterie here: https://thegoodlifecharcuterie.com/

About Jasmine and The Good Life Charcuterie:
Growing up in Virginia, my family expressed our love  for one another and the the community through food. GOOD FOOD.

I love continuing my family legacy through charcuterie, grazing tables, and catering.

Lasting Experiences
At the Good Life Charcuterie, I work with local artisans  daily to ensure you are able to taste, experience, and have a full understanding of how our best ingredients are sourced, packaged and prepared for you to enjoy.

My Mission
I thrive on building lasting relationships within the community. I strive to use  local sustainable foods while using practices that promotes a positive social impact that is based around a passion and craftsmanship.

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Blake and Josh sit down to discuss what he has learned throughout his time as a journalist, fundraiser, and business professional and how they all require communicating ethically. 

BBB Landing Page: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-in-nebraska-south-dakota-kansas-plains-and-sw-iowa
BBB Torch Award for Ethical Businesses: https://www.bbb.org/local/0714/torch-awards.html

About the guest, Josh Planos:

Josh Planos is the Director of Public Relations and Communications at the Better Business Bureau Serving Nebraska, South Dakota, the Kansas Plains and Southwest Iowa. He previously served as the Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at Grand Island Public Schools, the Assistant Director of Communications at the University of Nebraska Foundation, and the Digital Editor at KETV NewsWatch 7. Planos has an extensive background in strategic communications and marketing, and was captain of the speech team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations. 

His writing has been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated and FiveThirtyEight, among other publications.

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Blake sits down with security expert and CEO of Leonum Advisors, Bobby Brumfield, to discuss the ethical questions surrounding corporate security. You might be surprised by his position that corporate security doesn't start with cameras and alarm systems, but with your people and culture.

About Bobby Brumfield and Leonum Advisors:
Founder & Managing Partner at Leonum Advisors: Corporate Protection Management Firm, where we protect people, facilities, data and brands. 
Our cross-functional teams build safety & security programs and creates a culture of security that protects Small & Medium-sized Businesses and Vulnerable Communities.
We design facility safety & security plans, conduct workforce safety & security awareness training, as well as emerging leadership training, which focuses on building the human-centric skills that help create strong, sustainable security culture.
We can engage as Advisors to existing teams, project development or outsourced management.
Human Connection is our most sustainable security strategy and the key element of a collaborative and thriving workplace.
Feel free to message me for more information or send inquiries to: contact@leonumco.com

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Blake and Ralph Kellogg, the assistant vice president of HR at Lutheran Family Services, sit down to discuss the ethical questions surrounding vaccine mandates in the workplace.

Guest Bio: Ralph Kellogg serves as the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources for Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska. Mr. Kellogg has an extensive background in strategic planning, training, corporate communications, and human resources, to include the areas of employee relations and labor union management. Kellogg works as a human resources consultant for area small businesses and nonprofit organizations. 

Kellogg is an advocate in the areas of LGBTQIA rights and belonging at work, and frequently speaks to organizations on the subjects of authenticity, and how leaders can help team members who are challenged by anxiety and panic within the workplace.

Kellogg has had articles published in Forbes.com, the Society for Human Resources Management Blog, and the HR Gazette.

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Jamar and Blake sit down to discuss the role relationships play in business and community development, as well as the importance of people having equity in their work and communities. 

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In this episode, Blake sits down with Ifeanyi Onubogu to discuss the future of blockchain and how it will revolutionize the business world.

Visit Waltoria: https://www.waltoria.io/
Connect with Ifeanyi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifeanyi-onubogu/

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In this episode, Blake and Tony sit down to talk about the relationship between business and politics.

Visit Tony's website: https://www.vargasfornebraska.com/

About Tony:

Tony Vargas has served Nebraskans as an elected official for the last decade. Tony learned the values of community, hard work, and perseverance from his parents, who, coming from humble beginnings, sacrificed everything to provide their children with an opportunity for a brighter future. No matter how busy the family was, they had dinner together every night, where his parents encouraged Tony to “stay grounded, but reach for the stars.”

Tony devoted his career to public service and improving opportunities for all Nebraskans. He has served our community since 2013, first as a member of the Omaha Public Schools Board and then as a member of the Nebraska Legislature. As a senator, Tony has developed a reputation for civility and working with anyone to get things done for Nebraska workers and small businesses.

He has successfully passed legislation to strengthen our public schools, improve access to health care, encourage technology and innovation, and improve consumer protections.

Tony began his career as a public-school teacher, receiving “Most Outstanding Teacher” and “Teacher of the Year” awards, and has worked in the non-profit and education sectors, striving to improve the quality of life and educational opportunities for thousands of children across the United States.

The first generation of his family to graduate college, Tony earned his Bachelors of Arts degree at the University of Rochester and a Masters in Education at Pace University. Tony and his wife, Lauren, are raising their two young kids, Ava and Luca, in Omaha. They are proud parishioners of St. Frances Cabrini Church, where Tony and Lauren were married.

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On this episode, Blake and Van sit down to discuss reinventing yourself both in business, and personally.

Van's Website: https://vandeeb.com/
Van's new book: https://vandeeb.com/baxter-my-first-dog-at-59/
Book Van to speak at your company: https://vandeeb.com/speaking/
Big Omaha Realty: https://bigomaharealty.com/

About Van, 

Van Deeb is the country’s foremost expert on building relationships and is dedicated to helping others become successful in the sales and service industry. He has inspired tens of thousands of professionals throughout the country to succeed through his motivational and informative keynote speeches, workshops, speaking events, newsletters, and books.

Van learned from an early age that if he wanted something, he was going to have to work for it. Growing up, Van was nonconforming, rebellious and had his own agenda. A turning point in his life was making the football team at University of Nebraska-Omaha, after being told he was not “cut out for it.” Making the football team ahead of some of his all-state high school teammates gave Van the mindset that with drive, desire, and determination you can accomplish anything you want in life. That is Van’s main message.

After college, Van left his hometown to attend a real estate specialty school in Dallas, Texas and discovered his passion, the real estate business. Over the next 10 years, Van won more than 100 regional and national sales awards as a successful real estate agent in Dallas. Van decided to returnhome to Omaha, Nebraska. Three of the Omaha’s top real estate firms aggressively recruited Van, but he was determined to build his own firm. When he launched DEEB Realty in 1993, Van worked as the sole agent from the basement of his home. In just 15 years, Van grew DEEB Realty to over 350 agents, making it one of the largest independent firms in the United States.

The success of the company relied heavily on Van’s ‘people first’ philosophy. By providing superior training and setting agent-friendly policies, DEEB Realty flourished. With his leadership and direction, DEEB Realty developed a reputation as having a work environment and culture that was unmatchable in the industry. Van revolutionized the way real estate companies were managed and many firms have adopted the practices and procedures he created.

That same passion Van developed for real estate in 1983 has now shifted to helping others achieve the same success.  Over the last 20 years Van has been speaking to sales and servicepeople, business owners and leaders across the country empowering them to become successful and incorporating the attitude: “There is nothing I can’t do with the proper mindset, drive and determination.”

Van’s philosophy about focusing on the basics and fundamentals continues to motivate, inspire and guide professionals to realize their full potential. Van is one of the very few national speakers and trainers that has “been there and done that.”

Amongst his peers, Van is recognized as ‘The Real Deal’. He will connect with everyone in the audience and do it with a little humor, usually at his own expense. Van’s audiences rave about his enthusiasm, passion and ability to motivate others. Van truly cares about your success.

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In this episode, Blake and Brigitte sit down to talk about her experiences as a  founder and executive director of a non-profit, and how that relates to the business community.

They also touch on Brigitte's article in published on Medium, (link below) and how our world has changed in the past couple of years. Brigitte speaks on new-found corporate social responsibilities that are taking center stage, but questions some of their merit.

Be sure to check out her art collective, The Union, here: https://www.u-ca.org/about

Link to Brigitte's article: https://brigitte-mcqueen.medium.com/

About Brigitte:
 
Originally from Detroit, Brigitte earned her degree in Journalism from St. John’s University in New York City. She has worked in advertising, as a pastry chef and spent 10 years in publishing as a Production Manager with Teen People magazine. After adopting Omaha as her home in 2006, she opened a commercial gallery, called PULP. As its Curator, she showcased the work of local and international contemporary artists. Following her desire to better support Omaha’s arts community through non-profit work, Brigitte became the Manager of the Underground at The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in 2010. While there, she helped to develop exhibitions and programs that extended the organizations mission to support exceptional talent to the arts community of Omaha. In January 2011, she left The Bemis to further pursue her commitment to cultivating the arts in the community and founded The Union for Contemporary Art.

In addition to her life within The Union, Brigitte is actively involved with the Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts, Friends of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, The Joslyn Museum‘s Community Engagement Committee, Emerging Terrain‘s Events Committee and Filmstream‘s Community Development Committee. She also occasionally gets to bake, knit, quilt and renovate her 99 year old home in North Omaha.

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In this episode, Blake gets to know Casey, VP of Leadership Development with the Business Ethics Alliance. They talk about Casey's background, military career, and how he discovered his passion for leadership.

Casey also talks about the future of the alliance and what we can look forward to from their programing.

Connect with Casey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyputney/

Casey's leadership podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1DQyKP9hqQHl4kEuPTXDlQ

Business Ethics upcoming events: https://www.businessethicsalliance.org/

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