On this episode of Learning to Fly, host Bruce Mittman sits down with Dr. Charlotte de Brabandt– an accomplished businesswoman who’s had success in supply chains and technological procurement, philanthropist with a PHD, and author. Tackling all this and a breast cancer diagnosis at the young age of 35, the episode takes a deep dive into how she’s been able to achieve so much.

They discuss how she broke into a male-dominated field working across brands like Volkswagen, Johnson & Johnson, and Amazon. She details her rise in the ranks and the challenges she overcame to get there. Charlotte shares about her battle with a rare form of breast cancer while maintaining full-time work, writing books (14 in total), and engaging in public speaking. Now cancer-free, she talks about her role as a board member of the American Cancer Society and her transition into work centered around servant leadership and intentionality rather than milestone-driven success. She wrote her latest book focused on the themes of empathy, agility, and digital fluency in modern leadership.

They wrap up the podcast with Dr. Charlotte de Brabandt encouraging young women and comparing the path to success with the mountains she used to climb as a mountaineer guide. Offering the advice to bring your work sack– no matter how heavy it might be– and to put your head up, chin up, and eyes forward.

On this episode of Learning to Fly, host Bruce Mittman talks with Steven Tompkins, who has served as Suffolk County’s Sheriff for the past 12 years. Sheriff Tompkins shares his humble beginnings, describing how he earned a full scholarship to Boston College through a diversity outreach program. They explore his unconventional career path—from working as a TV producer to transitioning into public service.

Appointed Sheriff in 2013, Tompkins saw the role as a way to ‘pay it forward’ for the life-changing opportunities he had received. He explains his focus on rehabilitation, detailing programs designed to support inmates and prevent youth incarceration. Together, he and Bruce examine the systemic challenges inmates face and discuss potential reforms. Sheriff Tompkins reflects on how his unique journey has shaped his leadership and prepared him to tackle these pressing issues.

The episode wraps with Sheriff Tompkins emphasizing the power of role models, relationships, and second chances.

On this episode of Learning to Fly, host Bruce Mittman sits down with one of the biggest names in sports history, Joe Theismann. They discuss Joe’s small-town upbringing and how it paved the way for his football career. Theismann shares the story behind the marketing campaign at Notre Dame that led to a pronunciation change of his surname to rhyme with ‘Heisman’, college football’s most coveted trophy. He reflects on his post-college career and how he seized opportunities, and negotiated his own contracts. After leading Washington to a Super Bowl win in 1982, Joe recounts the good, the bad and the ugly during his playing days, including the challenges of strike seasons and his infamous career-ending injury in 1985. They explore his perseverance and the transition of his career from active player to successful broadcaster, where he launched a second act lasting over 20 years. The episode wraps with Joe reinforcing the importance of resilience and gratitude on the road to success.