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Next Level Leader

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Rating
★★★★★
4.9
from
70 reviews
This podcast has
51 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Craig Pratt
Explicit
No
Date created
2019/04/27
Latest episode
2026/08/07
Average duration
50 min.
Release period
91 days

Description

Host Craig Pratt is on a mission to highlight ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help others live on the next level.

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Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Next Level Leader podcast


Holes Fore Hope - Abundance Above All
2026/08/07
Craig is joined by Holes Fore Hope Board members, past scholars & club leaders as we take a trip down memory lane…Holes Fore Hope was officially launched in December of 2018. Since that time we've hosted 3 galas, 6 golf events, 7 scholarship breakfasts. In the last 7 years we awarded 200 educational scholarships while fulfilling 60 benevolence requests. This economic impact is approaching a $500k reinvested back into the game we all love and most importantly the incredible team members who make the clubs so special!    This episode will pull on your heart strings if you love the game of golf and helping others…2026 is a breakout year for the mission as we celebrate our largest scholarship class and our 3rd "Spirit of the Game " award winner Minneapolis Golf Club. This is another proof point that our "Abundance Above All" mindset is best served when investing in human capital!
Family, Friends and Fairways
2026/01/13
Marty Lass, PGA Head Golf Professional — Edina Country Club • Ferris State University PGA Golf Management Graduate • Respected PGA Leader Marty Lass is a distinguished PGA Professional and seasoned leader in the golf industry, currently serving as the Head Golf Professional and Director of Golf at Edina Country Club in Edina, Minnesota, one of the region's premier private clubs. With a career spanning more than three decades at Edina Country Club, Marty has become a cornerstone of the club's golf culture, known for his commitment to player development, championship-level standards, and fostering a welcoming golf environment for members and guests alike.  A graduate of Ferris State University's PGA Golf Management Program, Marty earned his Bachelor of Science while completing the rigorous requirements for PGA of America membership — a foundation that has shaped his professional philosophy of blending strong business acumen with exceptional golf operations and instruction. He also served in the early 1980s as one of the first officers (Secretary/Treasurer) of the PGA Golf Management Alumni Association, indicating long-standing engagement with the PGA and support of future golf professionals.  Marty is recognized not only for his operational leadership but also for his contributions to the broader golf community. Among his honors, he received the Steve Weidner Award from the Minnesota PGA Section, a prestigious distinction celebrating individuals whose contributions to the game go "beyond normal day-to-day activities" and reflect exemplary service, leadership, and impact within the golf industry.  Throughout his career, Marty has been deeply involved in professional development, mentorship, and community engagement — helping grow the game at all levels and nurturing the next generation of PGA professionals. His legacy at Edina Country Club and within the Minnesota PGA remains influential, respected for its blend of competitive spirit, educational commitment, and genuine love for the game.
Goshen meets Mankato
2025/08/22
Angie & Dan Bastian were looking to put aside some money for their kids' college fund when they started a small kettle corn business out of their garage.  Initially selling popcorn at outdoor events, including Minnesota Vikings games, the couple soon took their popcorn to Trader Joe's, Target, and Costco – gaining a crash course in how to operate a business along the way.   Angie retired from being a nurse practitioner and Dan from a history teacher and baseball coach to run their company full time.  And after years of commitment and sacrifice, the Bastian's sold their business Boom Chicka Pop in 2017 to Chicago-based Conagra Brands for $250 million. In this candid conversation, you will get to learn more about their childhood, what has shaped their beliefs, lessons learned about life and business…Both Angie & Dan have generous hearts and continue to share their time, talents and treasures helping others reach for the stars.
The Real Girls Guide to Midlife, Marketing, and Making It Happen Your Way
2025/08/18
Angela Burk is an award-winning high-tech marketing leader, author, and the fierce voice behind The Real Girls Guide to Over 55. With three decades of experience scaling companies from scrappy pre-IPO startups to Fortune 500 powerhouses, she's built a reputation for strategic acumen, creative drive, and delivering results that actually move the needle. At Confluent, ServiceNow, NetApp, and beyond, she's led high-performance teams across corporate marketing, revenue operations, demand generation, and strategic communications - always with the courage to ask the questions no one else will. In midlife, Angela pivoted from the C-suite to consulting and storytelling, channeling her leadership chops into a mission: reclaiming the narrative for women navigating hot flashes, career shifts, hormone havoc, empty-nest chaos, long-distance love, reinvention after divorce, and identity redrawn post-55. Her Substack and forthcoming book blend gritty memoir with expert insight, creating a no-BS guide for women who refuse to shrink. Speaking to a generation that's held it all together - for kids, partners, and careers - Angela champions the unapologetic pursuit of a life directed on your own terms. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she splits her time between there and Australia. Mom to three boys and stepmom to four more, she's building a movement for women who want hot takes, true stories, and fearless advice - served with wit, grit, and zero apologies from those who've lived it.
Writing my story one chapter at a time
2025/05/12
Beth Kieffer Leonard is a distinguished national leader in the accounting profession, recognized for her trailblazing role as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.    In this episode, Beth emphasizes the importance of making intentional choices in both her professional and personal life. She believes in the power of leadership to impact people, clients, and communities positively. Her approach to leadership is centered on providing opportunities for others and giving back to the community. This is evident in her service to the University of MN, a co-founder of the  Minnesota chapter of the Women's Business Development Center, several leadership positions within the Jewish community, including past President and Campaign Chair for the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. She also serves on the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel.
You Wouldn't Believe Me if I Told You (with Jay Delsing)
2025/05/09
Born on October 17, 1960, Delsing grew up in the North County area of St. Louis. His father, Jim Delsing, was a Major League Baseball outfielder who played for several teams, including the New York Yankees, from 1948 to 1960. Jay learned golf at the now-demolished North Shore Country Club near the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge. Delsing attended UCLA, where he played alongside future PGA Tour stars like Corey Pavin and Duffy Waldorf. He became a two-time All-American and ranks third in UCLA men's golf history with seven tournament victories. He graduated in 1983 with a degree in economics.  Turning professional in 1984, Delsing competed in nearly 700 PGA Tour events over 25 years. While he didn't secure a victory on the PGA Tour, he had two runner-up finishes and earned over $3.6 million in prize money. His best finishes were a tie for second at the 1993 New England Classic and the 1995 FedEx St. Jude Classic . Delsing also made significant achievements on the Nationwide Tour, winning twice, and set course records with rounds of 61 and 62 .  After retiring from competitive golf, Delsing transitioned into broadcasting. In 2014, Fox Sports added him to its broadcast team, where he contributed to coverage of major golf tournaments, including the U.S. Open .  Since 2019, Delsing has hosted Golf with Jay Delsing, a radio show and podcast airing on 101 ESPN in St. Louis. The show features interviews with prominent golfers and sports figures, offering insights into the game and its personalities . Delsing has been inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to golf and the community.  He is also deeply involved in youth golf initiatives. In 2005, he helped establish The First Tee of Greater St. Louis, a program aimed at introducing young people to golf and its core values. Through his Jay Delsing Golf platform, he offers corporate entertainment and hospitality experiences, further promoting the sport .
Fatherless No More
2025/03/31
Tim Johnson is a former NFL Super Bowl champion, Sports Illustrated All-Pro, NCAA Football All-American, and Penn State national champion. Previously named National Faith-Based Leader of the Year by the John C. Maxwell Organization, he serves as senior pastor of Orlando World Outreach Church, president of the Orlando Serve Foundation, and founder of the Fatherless No More initiative. Tim travels the globe speaking to thousands in churches, pro athlete facilities, jails and prisons. Johnson is husband to Le'Chelle, and father to Christa, Kayla, Karrah and Shaun.
When life sends you a message that leads to your calling….
2024/01/24
Matt Buresh is a fourth generation funeral director in a family business that began in Detroit, MI in 1897. He currently owns and operates six locations in Northeast Michigan as one of the oldest family owned funeral homes at 127 years.  This is his story about facing adversity at a young age and how it helped him to find his calling, define his character and build a foundation for how to care for others. A former athlete and medical student found that God would lead him to the family profession he now treats as a ministry.  The path evolved into foster care to continue his mission to give a life, share a life, change a life and save a life.
The Power of Love
2024/01/16
When you are dealt with the extraordinary in life, the people in your corner truly do matter.    Nick Oprish tells his story from growing up in Bloomington, MN to a degree at the University of St Thomas, meeting his wife Melissa and being blessed with 3 beautiful kids and a career in corporate America.     In 2019 his journey took an unexpected turn that made him double down on his determination and resilience not only to survive but to make the most out of the next chapter of his life.     This is his story of life, love, gratefulness, hope and resilience of the mind and body.
Two Hands on the Broom
2023/08/31
From bricklayer to the CEO of a thriving National IT Consulting firm, Richard shares his lessons learned through his Forbes published book, "Relationship Equity." His no nonsense, common sense approach to life will undoubtedly inspire you to challenge the way you think.
Chandler Withington: Stand and Deliver
2023/06/12
In 2021, Chandler Withington had a life many would envy. He had achieved his dream of becoming a PGA Head Professional at Hazeltine National, had hosted a victorious Ryder Cup in 2016 and had another Ryder Cup scheduled to return to Hazeltine in 2029. When Chandler suddenly resigned from his position in the fall of 2021, many wondered why. Chandler visits with us to share his perspective on life, family and pursuing a career, along with what he is doing now.
Miracles happen on Mondays
2023/05/01
Ryan French, better known as Monday Q Info on Twitter, is a golf writer and journalist who pride himself on telling the stories of players chasing the top tours in the world and the dedication and sacrifice it takes to get there. French became particularly well-known for his coverage of "Monday qualifiers," which are events held on the Monday prior to a professional golf tournament where golfers who are not otherwise exempt can try to earn a spot in the field. He started a Twitter account, Monday Q Info, which quickly gained a following among golf fans and professionals alike for its timely and accurate information about these qualifying events. Ryan currently hosts several podcasts and runs the Monday Q Info website.
Grace, Gratitude and Giving
2023/04/18
In this episode, host Craig Pratt talks with Jeff Mader about his life, career, and motivations.  Jeff Mader retired at the beginning of 2023 from the CIO position at Sun Country Airlines. Jeff started working in IT in 1980. Most significant was his nearly twenty- four years at Target where he progressed to a senior level VP reporting to the CIO. Jeff also served as the first CIO of Imagine Companies prior to joining Sun Country Airlines. He has significant background in retail, transportation, and manufacturing. Jeff received his BS degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Computer Science, Finance, and Business Management. He received his MBA from University of St Thomas and completed a Mini-Master of Information Technology also at the University of St Thomas. Jeff's signature strengths are developing IT leaders, improving IT performance, IT cost rationalization, and business and IT strategy development. Jeff is widely regarded as a top IT leader that has helped to develop many of the people who are currently in executive level IT positions today. Jeff is a very active volunteer leader in the battle against cancer. He chairs the MN Chapter of the American Cancer Society and is co-founder and chair of CIOs Against Cancer. CIOs Against Cancer mission is to fund early stage cancer researchers who have been vetted by the American Cancer Society. Jeff formerly served on the board of United Through Reading, a non-profit organization that supports deployed military families by helping deployed Moms and Dads read bedtime stories to their children at home. He was the board chair for a term. His 12 year tenure on the board concluded at the end of 2021. Jeff lives in Prior Lake, MN with his wife Judy and enjoys boating, hiking, hunting, and anything outdoors. They have one son, Sam who is a medical device engineer working at Boston Scientific.
Power of Connection: Colleagues, Family, Friends & Cause
2023/03/14
Nick Hernandez is a St. Paul native who co-founded 3 advisory firms after starting his career at IBM. Alongside his wife, Mary Alice, they have four grown children, three of whom are parents, and six energetic grandchildren. In 2020, he founded Adelante Advisors with Jackie Hartman, a guide service helping people navigate life transitions and find deeper meaning and purpose.
Wake-Up Call
2023/02/20
Wade Wyant is a recovering serial entrepreneur and business coach…He has helped multiple businesses significantly increase their revenue and valuations. In this book you will learn the multiple lessons Wade has learned along the way. Key learnings include how to lean into conflict, embrace the grind, make tough decision and it's all about the team at the end of the day.

Podcast reviews

Read Next Level Leader podcast reviews


4.9 out of 5
70 reviews
★★★★★
Gazpad1 2024/03/15
Great listen
Real people doing great things. Always a great reminder that adversity builds strength and can be your greatest asset … if you use it correctly.
★★★★★
andyberg 2019/11/13
Engaging, Inspiring
One of my favorite things Craig does is capture the personal background of the people he interviews. Hearing their stories and how their journey evol...
★★★★★
gsugarchicago 2019/11/11
Worthy
Craig has a diverse network for sure, but all of his guests live interesting lives who add insight into what leadership looks like in spaces like educ...
★★★★★
MikeBinNC 2019/10/25
Great inspirational podcast
Just listened to the interview with ReBecca Koenig Roloff. So many inspirational and courageous nuggets to take away from it. And it culminates with s...
★★★★★
Lake Sally 2019/08/21
Great podcasts!
Easy listening and very inspiring! Thanks
★★★★★
lukewyckoff 2019/08/07
I needed to hear .......
This podcast has real people, with real stories, and very timely for business owners and others who need to hear raw stories!
★★★★★
bhstl39 2019/07/24
Episode 12
I enjoyed the emphasis on Tony’s journey to Ferris state and how this journey has shaped his message. It’s interesting to talk through the definition ...
★★★★★
pfo14 2019/06/26
Feel Good Positivity
I love the passion Craig displays with all of his guests. Real day, next level leaders!!!!
★★★★★
jbnumber6 2019/05/23
Inspiring!
Incredibly well done; great guests, great host, top notch...inspiring stories...makes me want to be better!
★★★★★
srslylame 2019/05/04
Valuable, inspiring and very interesting!!
This is a great example of “real” leaders relaying powerful lessons in a down to earth podcast. The host keeps it moving and brings out the stories w...
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