The Leader Lunch Breaks take place every Wednesday at noon. Visit our calendar to see upcoming sessions.
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Root for Women at The W
Ally Eclarin, Co-Owner, The W Sports Bar & State Champs
Ally shared her background and her commitment to promoting women’s sports. She highlighted the successful pitch to investors that secured funding for the bar, emphasizing the growing interest in women’s sports and the demand for a dedicated venue in Cleveland. The bar aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for all sports fans, with a focus on community engagement and celebrating female athletes through its decor and events.
She provided insights into the bar’s family-friendly environment and inclusive menu that caters to various dietary needs. She discussed plans for interactive experiences inspired by other sports venues. Ally also shared the challenges faced during the launch, as well as the economic challenges the bar has encountered, particularly fluctuations in patronage during different months and the adaptations they are implementing as a result. She emphasized the importance of building authentic relationships with local sports teams and the community, which has fostered a supportive network.
Ally concluded with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for adaptability, effective time management, and the value of a support network in navigating the complexities of starting a business.
Recorded 08/20/2025
Public Media's Precarious Position
Kevin Martin, President & CEO, Ideastream Public Media
Kevin shared that Ideastream Public Media has experienced its strongest financial year yet, despite the challenges facing public media due to potential massive changes in government funding. This success came from local support and a healthy endowment fund—something Ideastream is enthusiastic about leveraging to build long-term financial sustainability.
He discussed the importance of collaboration and strategic planning within the media industry, the need for adaptability in content delivery, and highlighted both the significance of partnerships and the successful merger of WVIZ and WCPN as pivotal moments among independent stations.
Recorded 08/13/2025
Helping Seniors Live Their Best Life
Ann Conn, President & CEO, McGregor Foundation
Ann began by outlining the McGregor Foundation’s services, focusing mainly on the PACE program. This program integrates healthcare and support for seniors to ensure they have a quality life.
She voiced the importance of community engagement in order to reduce isolation for older adults, detailed the need for friendly and accessible centers for seniors, highlighted the array of living arrangements on the East Cleveland Campus, and communicated concerns about Medicaid and Medicare changes.
She told leaders in Cleveland about workforce shortages they are experiencing, and called on the community to push for aging services while also educating the public on available resources to make a change.
Recorded 08/06/2025
Charting CLC's Course: New Leadership, New Visions
Kip Bollin , Partner in Charge, Cleveland & Cleveland Leadership Center Board Chair, Thompson Hine
Kip reflected on his upbringing in a family that valued education and public service, emphasizing the importance of listening to clients and acknowledging his colleagues’ influence on his career. He discussed his involvement with the Free Clinic and Federal Bar Association, two organizations that allowed him to dive deeper into his leadership skills.
Kip also introduced Cleveland Leadership Center’s Strategic Vision 2035, which aims to enhance community engagement and address systemic challenges within the region. He emphasized the strong need for unity and collaboration among Cleveland’s organizations and the importance for mentoring our future leaders.
Recorded 07/30/2025
Hammers, Housing & Hope: Habitat for Humanity
John Litten, President & CEO, Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity
We apologize. The replay of this video is not available.
Recorded 07/23/2025
Unleashing Inner Superheroes
Lisa Kollins, Founder & Executive Director, The Superhero Project
Lisa spotlighted The Superhero Project, a nonprofit empowering youth facing illness, disability, and life challenges. Through personalized interviews focused on the child’s interest, and custom superhero art by over 800 artists, the project has supported more than 1,800 children worldwide— boosting confidence and resilience.
Lisa emphasized the importance of trust, inclusion, and representational justice, through work created by and for children of color. She emphasized that talking about kids’ interests builds trust and helps them open up to share their stories.
She also introduced Heroes Within, a new initiative supporting LGBTQ youth with mental health challenges. Lisa encouraged attendees to get involved through volunteering, fundraising, and advocacy, noting the vital role of grants and donations.
Recorded 07/16/2025