In this powerful episode of Building Bridges, Amish sits down with Melissa O’Dell, Executive Director of Defy Ventures Illinois, a nonprofit redefining second chances for incarcerated individuals. Melissa shares her two-decade journey in criminal justice reform, the transformational impact of Defy’s entrepreneurship-based reentry programs, and what it means to truly build bridges between prisons and the broader economy.

From developing “CEO of Your New Life,” a robust curriculum taught inside prisons, to the real-world success stories of formerly incarcerated graduates, Melissa breaks down the barriers society places on people with criminal records — and how business leaders can be part of the solution.

For more information, visit: https://www.defyventures.org/

In this episode of Building Bridges, Amish chats with Kate Steury, owner of Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn in Goshen, Indiana. Kate shares her journey from discovering a passion for popcorn to launching her business at 25 and growing it into a beloved local brand.

Kate opens up about the challenges of being a young female entrepreneur, lessons in leadership, and how she’s built a business centered on community, mentorship, and meaningful connections. From pandemic pivots to literacy campaigns, her story is full of heart, hustle, and perspective.

Whether you're starting out or looking to lead with more purpose, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration.

Browse Shirley's website: https://www.shirleyspopcorn.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopEf7_dOD5e6MFuBGAlVyKoFilnAQDaXbhSRXGZ6-WPo8ysh8yl

In this powerful episode of Building Bridges, Amish sits down with Kari Lawry, Chief Human Resources Officer at North, to explore the evolving role of HR and how real leadership requires vulnerability, empathy, and intentionality. Kari shares personal stories about building a people-first culture—touching on mental health, the challenges of remote work, and how HR can act more like hospitality. From redefining PTO policies to managing outcomes instead of activity, this conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone leading teams today.

In this episode of Building Bridges, Amish sits down with Rohit Bhargava, the founder of the Non-Obvious Company, bestselling author, and renowned keynote speaker. Rohit takes us through his journey of building a business around non-obvious thinking—a mindset that empowers individuals and organizations to break free from conventional thinking and spot opportunities others miss.

We dive deep into the concept of diversity, why inclusion and belonging matter more than just representation, and how non-obvious thinking can fuel innovation. Rohit shares practical strategies for becoming more open-minded and expanding your perspective—skills that can transform how you lead, build your business, and connect with others.

With over a million readers of his Non-Obvious Trends series, Rohit has a unique perspective on what’s next in business and life.

Check out more of Rohit's work here: https://rohitbhargava.com/

Looking to connect with Kem Krest? Visit https://www.kemkrest.com/

In this episode of Building Bridges, we’re joined by Kevin Lawrence, a world-renowned entrepreneur, executive coach, and author of Oxygen Mask First. Kevin shares his journey—from hustling as a kid selling tadpoles to building a successful coaching business that helps leaders thrive both in their companies and their personal lives. He discusses the importance of resilience, mental health, and having a strong support system to avoid burnout, offering practical insights for CEOs, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to create a lasting impact. Tune in for an honest conversation about leadership, the coaching process, and how to grow sustainably—personally and professionally.

Make sure to connect with Kevin at: https://lawrenceandco.com/kevin-lawrence

Looking to connect with Kem Krest? Visit https://www.kemkrest.com/

In this episode of Building Bridges, Amish Shah talks with Adam Rodriguez about the moments that truly shape a life. From a career pivot after a baseball injury to a thriving journey in Hollywood, Adam shares how paying attention to the right opportunities made all the difference. He dives into the power of real relationships, why ego is the enemy of growth, and how staying grounded in family has been his greatest success. Beyond acting, Adam discusses his passion for investing in underestimated entrepreneurs and why betting on the right people matters more than anything.

Looking to connect with Kem Krest? Visit https://www.kemkrest.com/

What does it take to run a healthcare system in today’s world? Kreg Gruber, CEO of Beacon Health System, sits down to discuss the unseen complexities of hospital leadership, from physician partnerships to policy challenges. He breaks down what it truly means to be a non-profit hospital, why preventative care matters, and how culture shapes the health of a community.

Make sure to check out more of Beacon Health System at: https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/

Looking to connect with Kem Krest? Visit https://www.kemkrest.com/

In this episode of Building Bridges, Amish Shah sits down with Mike Maddock—entrepreneur, author, and founder of Flourish Advisory Boards. Known as a natural connector and “Idea Monkey,” Mike shares invaluable insights on leadership, innovation, and the power of surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives.

Make sure to check out more of Mike's work at: https://www.mike-maddock.com/

Looking to connect with Kem Krest? Visit https://www.kemkrest.com/