Indianapolis attorney Angela B. Freeman talks with guests about how the business community is tackling issues related to race, equity, gender and inclusion—in the workplace, the C-suite and in decisions about funding.
Site
RSS
Apple
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Discover shows related to The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
There is no related content for this show.
No links shared by this podcast
RSS feed quality
To improve
Score global : 42%
Kaye Vitug, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Roche Diagnostics
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 01:20:56
Our guest on this 46th episode of the 2025 season—celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—is Kaye Vitug, senior vice president and chief financial officer at Roche Diagnostics. Vitug shares her powerful personal and professional journey from growing up in the Philippines to becoming a top financial executive in the global pharmaceutical and diagnostics industry.
She reflects on the values of education, service, faith and community that shaped her leadership style, and discusses the challenges of immigrating to the United States and navigating a corporate career as a Filipino American woman. Vitug also speaks about the importance of cultural agility, drawing from her global experiences in California, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Switzerland and now Indiana.
She offers valuable insight into the responsibilities of a CFO, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and the role that mentorship, coaching and sponsorship play in developing emerging leaders—particularly those from diverse backgrounds. She emphasizes resilience, humility and strategic thinking as essential qualities for success, and shares how her career has been shaped by leaders who took a chance on her potential. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on inclusive leadership, global experience and the importance of creating environments where all professionals can thrive.
Leon Williamson, Market President at iHeartMedia Indianapolis
Episode 45
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 • Duration 34:19
Our guest on this 45th episode is Leon Williamson, Indianapolis market president for iHeartMedia. Leon shared his career journey from his Jamaican roots to leading one of the largest media organizations in the world. Leon reflected on the cultural shifts he experienced moving from Miami to the Midwest, and the importance of building local community and cultural connection both personally and professionally. Leon also discussed how his sales background and authentic leadership style have shaped his approach to managing diverse teams and fostering organizational success. Finally, he offered thoughtful insights on the evolving discourse around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how individuals—particularly young or underrepresented professionals—can develop the confidence and clarity needed to lead with purpose and conviction.
The Freedom Forum: Kristin Weeden, Penske Entertainment Corp.
Episode 36
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 • Duration 01:07:13
Kristin Weeden is the Chief Talent Officer at Penske Entertainment. As we continue our focus on sports organizational leadership in Indianapolis this year, we wanted to check back in with Penske, including Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR, and IMS Productions, to learn about what they are doing from a Human Resources perspective to continue to make the track an inclusive environment for its employees, interns, and fans. Kristin came by the studio and provided great insight into some of the wonderful programs, initiatives, and thought leadership that she and others on the Penske leadership team are implementing to effectuate and drive real change, real fast. Kristin also provided great transparency regarding some of the pragmatic challenges that women face when in positions of leadership in sports, particularly male sports organizations.
The Freedom Forum: Jamie Riley, Chief Operating Officer, USA Football
Episode 35
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 • Duration 33:03
Jamie Riley is the Chief Operating Officer at USA Football. In keeping with our focus on professional sports organizations in our community, Jamie came by the studio to tell us about all the amazing things happening with football at the Olympic level and at the grassroots - not the kind you watch on Sunday - in light of their notably increased participation across the country. Jamie also described her experiences as a female executive in arguably one of the most male-dominated of sports. Particularly in light of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and the USA Swimming trials happening this summer in Indianapolis, Jamie shed some light and exciting news on the evolution of flag football for all amongst the Olympic Games.
The Freedom Forum: Halston Mavrick, Director of Partnerships at Indy Fuel Hockey Club
Episode 34
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 • Duration 42:57
Halston Mavrick is the Director of Brand Partnerships at Indy Fuel Hockey Club. In continuing with our focus on sports organizations in Indianapolis, Halston dropped by the studio to provide some unique insights as to the origin of hockey in Indiana. She also discussed the sport’s growing following and fandom in the Hoosier state, and what exciting opportunities are on the horizon for this sports club, including a new venue and football team. Importantly, Halston described how Indy Fuel is intentionally and continually focused on ensuring that a diverse fan base has exposure and access to the sport of hockey.
The Freedom Forum: Dr. Niya Blair Hackworth, Director of Inclusion at NCAA
Episode 33
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 • Duration 44:11
Dr. Niya Blair Hackworth is the Director of Inclusion of the NCAA. In keeping with our sports focus and their organizational forces in Indiana, Dr. Niya came by the studio to discuss her career path in higher education administration and its evolution over many years at multiple universities prior to joining the NCAA. With an evolving focus on what is now called “diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB),” Dr. Hackworth shared some of her experiences, challenges, and successes in doing “the work” that has fueled her passion for impacting and improving the student experience for all, and especially the over 500,000 student-athletes at the 1100 member schools that the NCAA governs.
The Freedom Forum: Dr. Allison Barber, President & COO at Indiana Fever
Episode 32
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 • Duration 39:21
Dr. Allison Barber is the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Indiana Fever. On this Women’s History Month episode, Allison discusses her career ascension to her current role at the Indiana Fever by way of 8 previous roles in education, government, communications, and more. Allison also discusses her leadership role of the Indiana Fever, her day to day tasks, and her influence in business and women’s sports, such as the WNBA. Importantly, Dr. Barber also provides some vignette of what excitement may lie ahead for Indianapolis with the possibility of the Indiana Fever having the first-round draft pick and how that opportunity will only provide another tool in our strong toolbelt of talent at The Fever and in our city’s noteworthy sports landscape.
The Freedom Forum: Max Siegel, CEO of USA Track and Field
Episode 31
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 • Duration 45:32
Max Siegel is the CEO of USA Track and Field. In this episode, Max discusses his experiences and lessons learned over the course of his wide array of professional endeavors. Max also touched on his contributions and investments to diversify the racing industry and so many other industries and organizations he has engaged in and impacted through his historical leadership. Finally, Max provided some insights into what we can expect for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and the Olympic swimming trials being held in Indianapolis in June.
The Freedom Forum: Mel Raines, President and COO at Pacers Sports & Entertainment
Episode 30
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 • Duration 01:02:35
Mel Raines is the president and COO of Pacers Sports & entertainment. In this episode, Mel discussed her current position resulting from a career transition from politics to sports and her leadership of the Pacers organization in that role. Importantly, Mel also touches on all the things our community should know about NBA All-Star weekend coming up in Indianapolis next month, particularly how the organizing committee is encouraging maximum community participation and involvement as the world’s eyes are on our city. Mel was particularly transparent about the intentional incorporation of our diverse Indianapolis food, arts, and culture scene in the NBA All-Star weekend to ensure this event is inclusive of all people who will be attending.
The Freedom Forum: Robert Shegog, CEO at Recorder Media Group
Episode 29
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 • Duration 51:39
Robert Shegog is the President and CEO of a historically diverse media organization based in Indianapolis, Recorder Media Group. In this episode, Robert discusses how he has been perfectly positioned for his current role. Robert specifically describes how his unique experiences of being raised in the Deep South, being a Navy veteran, graduating from a HBCU, and overcoming a speech impediment have all collectively worked to develop his leadership skills, build his confidence, provide transferable skills, and drive his current passions around giving “a voice to the voiceless”! Robert also gives us a snippet of what may be expected from the 17th Annual Champion of Diversity awards program coming in January, 2024.