VOE Podcast Articles

Chris Dawson says he’s always been attracted to big challenges—and he certainly found one when he became CEO of Arcimoto earlier this year. The Oregon-based electric vehicle company was floundering: its worth had plummeted, production was at a halt and the staff was reeling from layoffs. On this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, Dawson describes his approach to turning around a struggling organization, including his decisions to make deep cuts and how he regained the trust of those who kept their jobs. Plus, he explains how his leadership style shifted to one of implicit trust and weighs in on the future of the electric vehicle industry.

Table of contents • 1:01 “Right-sized” electric vehicles • 3:37 Using “fun” to sell a greener future • 8:22 The future of the electric vehicle industry • 10:53 Taking the helm at a challenging time • 13:31 Cutting staff and regaining trust • Leading with “implicit trust” • 21:11 “Decide it is possible. Make it so.” • Show notes and credits

In a thick, well-loved, black sketchbook, Kirsten Benefiel keeps the lessons she’s learned over her career as an executive. Benefiel’s resume includes stops at Accenture, Newmont Mining, ViaWest and HSS, where she recently served as CEO. On this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, Benefiel cracks open her notebook and shares her advice for stepping off the corporate ladder, communicating and selling a vision, navigating an unfamiliar industry, and the importance of the word “and” in leadership.

Table of contents • 1:14 Using PR in a non-PR career • 3:02 Selling your ideas to your employees • 5:24 Becoming CEO in an unfamiliar industry • 9:05 It’s lonely at the top • 11:14 The future of manned security • 12:26 Creating equity through Colorado Inclusive Economy • 14:49 Stepping off the corporate ladder • The power of “and” • 18:09 The entrepreneurial mindset—and what people forget about it • 23:08 Inside Kirsten’s notebook • 26:13 “You can choose your own career” • 27:40 Show notes and credits

Lauren Guthrie wasn’t much of a trekker or backpacker, but there she was, climbing 9,000 feet to reach the base camp at Mount Everest. The opportunity to join an all-Black team of climbers was too good to pass up—plus, it taught her valuable lessons about diversity in the corporate space. Guthrie is the vice president of global inclusion, diversity, equity and action (IDEA) and talent development at VF Corporation, the company behind big-name outdoor brands like The North Face and Smartwool. On this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, she explains what it takes to create DEI initiatives that work and how to practice DEI on a global scale.

1:16 Adding “action” to DEI • 4:26 From merchandising to the IDEA sphere • 10:24 DEI work at home • 12:19 “Global” DEI work vs. domestic DEI work • 15:50 What makes a DEI initiative work? • 19:04 Climbing Mount Everest • 22:06 Extending an “invitation to participate” • 26:06 The power of partner dancing • 28:36 “Don’t be fearful of being expansive” • 30:00 Show notes and credits

Leigh Hitz is a strategic advisor in the hospitality industry that retired as CEO of Stout Street Hospitality in 2016. Hitz worked at Stout Street for nearly three decades, learning to manage all aspects of the hotel space, from the front of the house to the penthouse. In 2008, Hitz and her husband, James, established a scholarship fund for female students pursuing a hospitality degree at the University of Denver’s School Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management.

Table of Contents

1:04 How growing up in Aspen led to a hotel career
2:25 The changing tides of the hospitality industry
4:45 Building relationships first
8:48 Learning to become a leader
9:44 Differentiation in a competitive market
11:48 Rebranding a historic hotel
13:43 “If I had a crystal ball”
16:15 Scholarship for female students in the hospitality industry
18:21 Becoming one of the first female GMs
24:39 Show notes and credits

It was once the stuff of sci-fi stories, but in 2023 the metaverse is very real. Virtual reality, mixed reality and extended reality come together for an immersive experience that an increasing number of businesses are dipping their toes into. Colleen Reilly, senior vice president of business development for ImmersiveWorlds, explains how the metaverse works, how companies are putting it to use and what it means for the future.

Table of Contents

1:10 What the heck is the metaverse?
2:16 “You could be wherever you want”
6:11 VR vs. AR vs. MR vs. XR
7:26 Metaverse in business
11:06 Trouble in (virtual) paradise?
12:23 The future of metaverse technology
15:43 Show notes and credits

Watching George Floyd’s murder on TV shook Rob Cohen to his core. He was well aware of racial injustices and inequities; he had already implemented diversity, equity and inclusion policies at IMA Financial Group, where he serves as chairman and CEO. But he realized he needed to step up to create even greater change. On this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, Cohen explains the “listen, learn, then lead” approach he used in response, the best way for a company to build a healthy culture, how he juggles competing priorities and how he keeps things interesting, 34 years into a job.

Table of Contents

1:14 “No Way in Hell”
3:02 Keeping it interesting after 34 years
6:15 Reacting to George Floyd’s murder
8:59 Approaching DEI as a white person
12:34 What’s next for DEI at IMA
14:47 Creating a good culture
20:34 Balancing life’s “platter”
24:08 Attracting today’s new, talented workers
27:54 “Write your dreams down”
29:54 Show notes and credits

When people think of philanthropy, they often think of wealth—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Alan Frosh (BA 2005, JD 2011, MBA 2020) calls himself a “next-generation philanthropist,” and he’s spreading the word about how to make an impact on a smaller budget. Frosh is co-owner of Denver’s Tattered Cover Book Store and the Denver market director at Notley Ventures, where he supports people, businesses and nonprofits striving for social change. On the Voices of Experience podcast, Frosh explains his philanthropic philosophy and how he’s rebuilding the community’s trust in Tattered Cover.

Table of Contents

0:59 Three tours of DU-ty
2:57 A not-dirty or not-flirty 30th birthday
4:34 What is a “next generation philanthropist?”
6:28 Where to start your philanthropic journey
7:03 “American-style” philanthropy
8:42 Taking over at Tattered Cover
11:28 Rebuilding trust in Tattered Cover
15:27 How to support social change
16:57 Serving communities as an “outsider”
19:26 Keys to career success
22:18 Show notes and credits