Mission Matters

About Mission Matters

This is the Mission Matters podcast, where we feature successful, mission-driven leaders committed to creating a positive change in the world. Our mission with this channel is to inspire other leaders by providing industry insights, new ideas, and inspiring stories from the pros!

Publisher

Paul Feith

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Aug 2023

Latest episode

20 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

62 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Jul 2026

   Dan Leahy – Western DuPage Special Recreation Association

   Dan Leahy is the Executive Director at Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA), a nonprofit organization that provides inclusive recreation programs and therapeutic services for individuals with disabilities across nine communities in DuPage County. He leads a team of 39 full-time employees dedicated to creating high-quality recreational experiences and expanding access to adaptive programming. Before joining WDSRA, Dan spent more than 20 years in public-sector leadership, including communications roles with the City of Elmhurst and the Fox Valley Park District. He holds a Master of Public Administration, is a Certified Public Recreation Professional, and is passionate about strengthening inclusive communities through recreation. In this episode… Many families of individuals with disabilities face uncertainty about recreation, social connection, and daily support, especially when school-based services end in adulthood. Communities also struggle to meet growing demand for inclusive programs, trained staff, and volunteer support. How can organizations create lifelong opportunities that promote independence, belonging, and meaningful experiences for people of all abilities? Dan Leahy, a leader in therapeutic recreation and public administration, shares how inclusive programming, adaptive sports, and community partnerships help individuals with disabilities thrive throughout every stage of life. He explains the importance of designing recreation around participants' unique needs, expanding programs to meet increasing demand, supporting families through major life transitions, and building strong volunteer and staffing pipelines. Dan also discusses the value of Special Olympics, fostering independence through adult day programs, and creating welcoming communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Dan Leahy, Executive Director at Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA), about creating inclusive recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Dan discusses Special Olympics partnerships, supporting adults transitioning out of school services, and expanding volunteer and community engagement.

2. 

   7 Jul 2025

   Rick Lochner – Connecting the Work to the Mission

   Paul Feith interviews Rick Lochner, President and CEO of RPC Leadership Associates, who highlights how nonprofit leaders connect daily operations to their core mission through strategic thinking and measurable impact.

3. 

   24 Mar 2025

   Karen S Wells: Make-A-Wish America

   Karen S. Wells is the Chief Operating Officer at Make-A-Wish America, a nonprofit creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. With over 30 years of distinctive career experiences, Karen has successfully held key leadership roles in a Fortune 500 company, multiple C-suite roles in nonprofits, and as an entrepreneur and small business owner. Before joining Make-A-Wish in January 2023, she served as CEO of Bridge Communities, a nonprofit organization supporting families experiencing homelessness. A renowned keynote speaker, guest lecturer, and panelist, Karen connects with audiences by openly sharing her diverse professional leadership journey shaped by courage, hope, and resilience. In this episode… Navigating a career transition can be overwhelming, especially when shifting from corporate leadership to the nonprofit sector. The challenges of managing financial sustainability, engaging volunteers, and staying mission-focused while leading an organization can feel daunting. How can leaders leverage their past experiences to create meaningful impact in a mission-driven role? Karen S. Wells, an experienced executive leader, shares how her background in corporate leadership helped shape her approach to nonprofit management. Drawing from her journey through operations, strategy, and entrepreneurship, she emphasizes the importance of adaptability, servant leadership, and maintaining a clear mission focus. Karen also highlights the critical role of volunteers, the power of storytelling in donor engagement, and the impact of fostering a strong organizational culture to drive success. In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Karen S. Wells, Chief Operating Officer at Make-A-Wish America, about leadership, nonprofit management, and the transformative power of granting wishes. Karen shares her journey from corporate leadership to the nonprofit world, offering insights on adapting to a mission-driven environment. She also discusses overcoming leadership challenges, the emotional impact of a wish, and how nonprofits can engage communities more effectively.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

666,193

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

65

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

27

Contact Mission Matters

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.