In this episode of Leadership with Ed, host Ed McGill interviews Tiffany Tauscheck, a prominent leader in Iowa, discussing her journey from a news reporter to the President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. They explore themes of mentorship, work-life balance, community development, and the importance of leadership in driving economic growth. Tiffany shares insights on her family mission statement, the significance of collaboration among leaders, and her vision for the future of Central Iowa. The conversation emphasizes the power of saying yes, the challenges of leadership, and the collective effort required to enhance the community.

Takeaways

Tiffany's journey from a news reporter to a business leader is inspiring.

The importance of mentorship in leadership development cannot be overstated.

Having a family mission statement helps guide personal and professional decisions.

Leadership can be lonely, but it's crucial to remember you're not alone.

Finding a pathway to yes can open doors for others.

Community development is essential for economic growth.

Collaboration among leaders is key to success.

Effective leaders are generous with their time and resources.

Listening to community needs is vital for strategic planning.

The future of Central Iowa looks bright with ongoing projects and initiatives.

In this episode of Leadership with Ed (LED), Ed sits down with Mark Horwitch of Bain & Company to explore what truly makes leaders inspirational—and why authenticity matters more than imitation. Together, they discuss how the world’s most impactful leaders didn’t succeed by copying others, but by leaning into who they genuinely are. Mark explains why there are countless ways to inspire people, and why personal growth begins with self-awareness rather than comparison.

The conversation challenges the idea of a single “right” leadership style and encourages leaders to discover and develop their own strengths. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about showing up with clarity, integrity, and confidence in your unique voice. Takeaways There are thousands of unique inspirational profiles. No two inspirational figures are the same. The permutations of inspiration are vast and varied. Everyone has the potential to inspire others.

Authenticity is key to being inspirational. Finding your true self is essential for personal growth. Inspiration comes from within, not from imitation. The diversity of inspiration reflects individual uniqueness. Understanding one's authentic self enhances inspirational capacity. Personal growth is a journey of self-discovery.

LINK TO VISUALS! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lpO6Dek58dukL6NJ0XguvusBsN7lWhXJ/view?usp=sharing

00:00 – Introduction

02:30 – Mark Horwitch’s Background and Leadership Journey

03:30 – The Leadership Tool Mark Developed

05:00 – The Epiphany That Changed His Thinking

07:30 – What Bain & Company Actually Does

12:10 – What “Inspiration” Really Means

12:30 – Why Inspiration Is Personal (The Mother Teresa Example)

15:45 – The Archetypes of Inspiration

17:10 – How to Measure Whether Someone Is Inspired

18:15 – The Real Output of Inspiration

21:30 – From 76 to 33: Narrowing Leadership Strengths

24:45 – The Power of Distinguishing (“Spiky”) Strengths

25:50 – What a “Spike” Actually Is 27:32 – The Rock Pile Framework Explained

28:24 – Ed’s Results From the Leadership Survey

29:00 – How to Use the Data Effectively

29:55 – What If You Don’t Have Clear Strengths Yet?

32:03 – Visionary Thinking and Optimism

34:15 – Why Everyone Has the Ability to Inspire

36:40 – The First Step Toward Becoming Inspirational

38:12 – How to Get Others to Notice Your Leadership

40:15 – The Two Leadership Tracks They Teach

41:15 – “Take 5”: A Practical Leadership Exercise

46:00 – The Rock Pile Framework (Part Two)

48:17 – Learning How to Get Better Over Time

52:05 – The Power of Growing Within a Group

55:55 – What the Best Leaders Do Differently

In this episode of Leadership with Ed (LED), Ed McGill interviews Sara Kurovski, the Mayor of Pleasant Hill and CEO of Make-A-Wish Iowa. Sara shares her unexpected journey into leadership, the mentors who pushed her beyond her insecurities, and the lessons she learned while navigating both everyday responsibilities and extraordinary crises as a small-town mayor. She also reflects on the rewarding and often overlooked role of nonprofit leaders, the impact of volunteerism, and how serving her community shaped her approach to leadership. From managing adversity to inspiring others,

Sara’s story showcases how purpose-driven leadership can transform both organizations and communities.

Takeaways

Some of the most impactful leaders come from the nonprofit sector.

Mentorship played a crucial role in Sara’s decision to run for mayor.

Community involvement often leads to unexpected leadership opportunities.

Navigating challenges as a leader requires resilience, clarity, and support.

Transitioning to Make-A-Wish was driven by a passion for serving children and families.

Strong relationships are foundational to effective leadership.

Adversity can prepare leaders for greater responsibilities ahead.

Constructive feedback fuels personal and professional growth.

Encouraging volunteerism amplifies community impact.

Active participation in local government is essential for meaningful change.

Chapters (Corrected & Updated)

00:00 – Introduction to Leadership and Sara Kurovski’s Journey

02:52 – Becoming Mayor: The Unexpected Path

05:49 – Mentorship and Community Involvement

08:49 – Navigating Challenges as Mayor

12:04 – Building Relationships and Local Infrastructure

14:53 – Transitioning to Make-A-Wish: A New Mission

17:50 – Lessons Learned Through Crisis

21:01 – The Impact of Local Leadership on Community Well-Being

25:20 – Rallying a Team Through Adversity

26:00 – Understanding Wish Granting in Iowa

28:20 – Mentorship, Feedback, and Leadership Growth

34:23 – Bridging Political Divides in Local Government

36:57 – Future Aspirations and the Power of Nonprofits

40:37 – Encouraging Volunteerism and Community Engagement