Building a Business Through Passion With Shauna Ryder Diggs, MD

Denise talks to Santa Ono, PhD, who was recently inaugurated as the 15th President of the University of Michigan, the third of his proudest accomplishments. The first two? Being married for 33 years to his wife Wendy and raising two daughters. 

Dr. Ono cherishes his family, but also knows how difficult it is growing up in a family that is less than nurturing. In fact, it can be life-threatening. As a teen, he spiraled into depression, living with parents who had unimaginably high standards and being compared to siblings who more easily met their expectations. At age 14, dealing with an overwhelming sense of inadequacy, he tried to take his own life. Fortunately, he got the help he needed to heal and has gone on to enjoy an exciting and fulfilling life. 

As a result of his childhood experience, Dr. Ono is a true champion of survivors. His advice to those who are suffering is to talk to someone you can trust, even if that person is outside your family. He wants everyone to know, “In the outside world, beyond the narrow boundaries of your nuclear family, there are other people who will appreciate you.”  

Meeting his wife was a turning point for him as well as starting to go to church. With a trusted partner and a faith community he found the much-needed support and guidance he deserved. He describes himself as the black sheep of his family, and it took him years to understand, “It doesn’t matter what others think about you…You are special. Everyone is special. Everyone has different attributes and strengths and gifts.” 

These days he meets a lot of perspective students, and he wants them to know that getting into the college of your choice is a lot harder than it was when he was applying! Remember there are a lot of schools, and none are bad. Pick the one that feels right. And if you don’t get in, don’t beat yourself up. 

Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and you can’t know who’s going to win the race by judging the first few miles. Denise couldn’t agree more; getting an education is what’s important. As an adult, many people don’t even ask where you went to college! 

Stay tuned to find out Dr. Ono’s two favorite Detroit moments, two favorite U-M moments and the two things he, as a man of many accomplishments, is surprisingly NOT good at. 

*** 

Santa J. Ono, PhD is the 15th President of the University of Michigan and professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences in the Medical School. A recognized leader in higher education, Dr. Ono’s pioneering work in experimental medicine focuses on the immune system and eye disease. Previously, he served as president and vice chancellor at the University of British Columbia. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, the National Academy of Inventors, USA and the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars. In 2022, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Ono has served on numerous educational, advisory, editorial, and non-profit boards and won many distinguished awards in his field. He holds honorary doctorates from Chiba University and the Vancouver School of Theology. He earned his BA from the University of Chicago and PhD in experimental medicine from McGill University. He and his wife, immunologist and lawyer Wendy Yip, have two daughters. 

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. 

FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow 

TO LEARN MORE about all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.  

Denise talks to Shauna Ryder Diggs, MD, who’s earned many accolades as a highly acclaimed, board-certified dermatologist with her own practice and skincare line, CosmedicDerm, admired among her staff, clients, and peers—all of which she accomplished through heartbreak.

In 2019 she suffered the devasting loss of her husband, Detroit businessman and real estate developer Douglass J. Diggs. Losing much more than a life partner, he was her best friend, biggest champion, and an incredible father. While others were telling her when she was pregnant with their second child to take time to focus on herself, Douglass was her sole supporter in starting her practice.

Despite opening her business just before a recession, it grew year after year. She credits her commitment to personable customer service and offering the best medicine and recalls the wisdom of her late husband who told her, “If you’re good at what you do it will not matter.”

If you were hoping you’d learn some skincare secrets from the expert—you’re in luck! And you’ll be happy to know that Dr. Diggs uses her own products daily and tests them on her daughters. 

Stay tuned to find out…

• The number ONE thing everyone can do to protect their skin
• The THREE daily product types to use to care for your skin
• Which common skin care product is NOT required
• What the latest lasers, microneedles, intense pulse light, and radiofrequency heat techniques can do for your skin

Not only does Dr. Diggs have a passion for her business, but also for Detroit. She enjoys advocating for the city and enthusiastically serves its philanthropic community.

What would she say to her younger self? “Have more confidence. You know a lot more than you think.” 

To learn more about Dr. Diggs and her products visit www.drshaunadiggs.com. She invites listeners to email her with questions hello@drshaunadiggs.com.

***

Shauna Ryder Diggs, MD is an American Board of Dermatology certified dermatologist, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a Fellow of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Diggs is a leading expert in using the latest advancements in dermatology for skin rejuvenation and has created CosmedicDerm Professional Skin Care. A graduate of University of Michigan’s distinguished Inteflex program, she completed an intensive and accelerated program of combined undergraduate and medical training in just seven years. She has been featured as a guest expert on Fox News and in Styleline, The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press. This is the fourth year running she was voted a Top Doctor by her peers. Dr. Diggs plays an active role in the Detroit community and serves on many non-profit boards. She was married to the late Douglass J. Diggs and has two daughters.

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. 

FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow 

TO LEARN MORE about all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.  

Denise talks to Carrie Weiner, co-founder and CFO of The Little Black Box, who is most proud of her ability to strike a balance between running a business and being a dedicated single mom. She says she’s a good planner and practicing stellar time management skills allows her to put her kids first while providing for the family. 

Like many entrepreneurs, Weiner saw a need, and during the pandemic in 2020, along with her friend now business partner Michelle Scerbo, created a company that redefines the gift giving industry by making giving back a part of the business model. Her desire to support communities and women-owned vendors stems from her value of relationships and support, something she lacked at a pivotal moment in her life. 

It was the toughest situation she’s ever had to face as a single mom. At age three, Weiner’s son was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Fragile X. Both of her parents had recently passed away, and she found herself without the emotional support of a loving community close by. So, she set out to make one. 

Learning to trust her gut—the “visceral” feeling inside—has paid off. The Little Black Box is not only a luxury gifting service that’s totally customizable, it’s also an economic engine for the nonprofit community, with a portion of every purchase donated to charities for women like Alternatives For Girls, benefiting homeless and at-risk girls in Detroit. The range of gifts covers everyone from classroom teachers to corporate executives for any occasion at just about any price point. 

Like her company’s products, Weiner’s advice to would-be entrepreneurs is thoughtful and timeless. 

• Hire an attorney 
• Write a business plan
• Clearly define roles
• Manage expectations 

What would she say to her younger self? “You can do it!” Ask for help and help others.  

Stay tuned for her two favorite Detroit moments, one with her dad and one with her mom, both of which may have foreshadowed her future. 

Web | www.thelittleblackbox.com 

IG | the_littleblackbox   

Facebook| Little Black Box, LLC 

 

*** 

Carrie Weiner is co-founder and CFO of The Little Black Box®, a bespoke gift-giving company offering luxury, customizable, curated and affordable gifts for anyone desiring to give a meaningful gift. The company uplifts women and small business by sourcing unique products and donating a portion of each purchase to charity. To further the philanthropic arm of The Little Black Box®, Weiner and her business partner created Citizen Society, their own product line and activism hub. Weiner is a graduate of the New York School of Interior Design and previously used her creative talents in the design of homes and restaurants and her own women’s clothing store. She is the proud mom of two amazing children. 

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. 

FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow 

TO LEARN MORE about all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.  

Denise talks to Joshua Cascade, a former private equity investor with over 25 years of industry experience. Cascade has led or co-led leveraged buyout transactions representing over $2 billion in aggregate acquisition value. These days you’ll find him back on campus, educating the next generation of MBA candidates at the Yale School of Management and undergraduate business students at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. 

Having rubbed elbows with thousands of founders and CEOs in 48 states, he’s proud to have learned so much from such a diverse group of people. His experience—and his mistakes—along the way have taught him the importance of knowing what your blind spots are. When he was starting out, his answer to overcoming adversity was to put his head down and work harder. Now he asks himself, “Am I being too risk averse? Am I making this decision out of fear?” 

Cascade is happy to be back in his home state of Michigan, and happy to be teaching for both Yale and his alma mater, University of Michigan. The wisdom he would offer his younger self is the same he offers his students. Slow down. Embrace the “I don’t know.” Apart from crediting his wife as the real secret to his confidence, he stresses having an open mind and humility. Learn before you leap. 

Cascade is super impressed by his students’ curiosity and intelligence. The next generation is incredibly data savvy and their ability to gather better information faster will undoubtedly be a game changer. 

Not surprisingly his favorite Detroit moments are sports related. With the city’s sports teams getting better and better, much like the revival of the city itself, he believes when one of those teams wins a championship again, the party will take to Detroit’s downtown streets like never before. 

Both Denise and he agree, that is something to look forward to. 

*** 

Joshua Cascade is a former private equity investor with over 25 years of industry experience, most recently as a Managing Partner at Wellspring Capital. Prior to Wellspring, Cascade was a member of the investment team at Odyssey Investment Partners. He began his career at The Blackstone Group in 1994, after earning an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Michigan. Since 2018, Cascade has been teaching a private equity course to MBA candidates at the Yale School of Management and undergraduate business students at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He resides in Michigan with his wife and daughters. 

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. 

FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow 

TO LEARN MORE about all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.  

Seeing Adversity as a Gift with Robert Paylor 

Denise talks to professional motivational speaker Robert Paylor, who inspires millions with his message of hope, courage, and unwavering determination. Paylor is living proof that with discipline and a strong support team, we can achieve the impossible. He uses the story of the best day of his life, also the day of his greatest tragedy, as his driving purpose to help others. 

At 6’ 5” the Sacramento native was naturally strong and a gifted athlete. His love for contact sports led him to rugby, first as a student at Jesuit High School, the number one ranked team in the nation. A natural born leader, captain of the team, Paylor and his team won a lot of hardware. As a college student at UC Berkeley, he earned a starting position on the legendary Men’s Rugby Team, which has won 33 national championships. 

May 6, 2017 his team was competing in the Collegiate Rugby National Championship against Arkansas State. As a big guy, Paylor was accustomed to being in a maul where three or more players push against one another. There are strict rules about mauls, one being that players are not allowed to join from the side. As the opposing team continued to make illegal moves, Paylor found himself in a tight headlock and was pushed to the ground. He heard a “snap” and in an instant was face down, in the dirt, unable to move. 

He suffered severe injuries to his spinal cord and doctors told him he’d never walk again, let alone move his hands. Faced with whether to have a potentially life-threatening surgery he contacted his priest. A devout Catholic, Paylor wanted to make sure he could receive the Sacrament of Last Rites. He was given 30 minutes to decide. 

In this inspirational conversation, Paylor pays forward the advice he’s been given, and the strategies he uses to keep making progress. As his priest told him right before his surgery, “The one thing you have control over is your mindset…Your willingness to wake up every day and fight this is up to you and this injury can’t take that away from you.” 

Paylor found the courage to face his fear of a body—and a future—he didn’t recognize. He says he sleeps peacefully knowing he gives every day all he has. When he doesn’t feel like exerting the effort to simply get out of bed in the morning, he remembers that millions of people feel just like he does. When he faces difficulty, he asks himself, “Compared to what?” not to dismiss his challenges but to overcome them. 

The single best catalyst to leaping those mental hurdles comes from knowing that when he stays strong, others can stay strong too. Instilled by his faith and engrained by athletics, Paylor is inspired by the words of his UC rugby coach and friend Jack Clark, “Be grateful for everything and entitled to nothing.” 

To book Paylor and follow him on social media go to www.robertpaylor.com.  

Setup by a friend to pay for uncovered medical expenses, visit his healing and rehab GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/robertpaylor. 

*** 

Robert Paylor is a motivational speaker who shares the skills he uses to overcome quadriplegia and go from paralyzed to powerful. The former 2017 UC Berkeley Men’s Rugby Team player uses a life-changing injury to fuel his purpose of inspiring others to reach their full potential. Four years after he was told he would never walk again, Paylor walked with assistance across the stage to receive his diploma from UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business. Paylor still resides in California, enjoys the outdoors, barbequing, hikes, the water—and still loves rugby.  

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. 

FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow 

TO LEARN MORE about all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.  

“You gotta walk away from the elephant to see that sometimes adversity opens up new opportunities.” Brooke Lites 

Denise talks to Brooke Lites, a woman with an established love of learning about to embark on a new career path, and Denise’s daughter! Brooke says her experiences in higher education have been a great foundation for approaching problem solving. Her love of justice and fair-mindedness initially drew her to study law. 

The toughest situation she’s faced was her divorce in 2018, which she wasn’t as equipped to handle as she thought. She’s learned that whether the problem is personal or professional, keeping a sense of humor and rolling with the punches help get you through. Stressing the importance of asking for help, she’s grateful to have a strong tribe to lean on; having an emotional support animal was a plus. 

She says maintaining confidence is a daily exercise—that and going to the gym to get her endorphins going. She knows herself well enough to see the signs of self-doubt; that’s when she leans into the present moment, changing what she can and accepting what she cannot. Instead of comparing herself to other women who seem like they have it all together, she honors all parts of herself as making her whole.  

Brooke credits her mom for always making time for her and staying connected and the two enjoy a wonderful, loving friendship now. Growing up with a mom who ‘did it all’ Brooke knows now that moms are more than the sum of the hats they wear. Seeing her siblings and their spouses enjoy parenthood is a privilege she hopes to one day share. 

She says that working on big problems makes room for the opportunity to create big solutions and she reminds us of the words of Thomas Edison, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” 

Brooke’s sage advice to her younger self is good medicine for everyone: 

• Be more accountable. 
• Be softer and kinder with yourself. 
• Remember your worth. 
• Establish boundaries.
• Put yourself out there; make friends.
• Hit the travel button more! 
• Laugh at your mistakes. 

Brooke says she’ll proudly represent Detroit forever; stay tuned to learn some of her favorite Motor City moments. 

*** 

Brooke Lites, currently studying to become a certified personal trainer, previously owned and founded Boudoir B a luxury and vintage clothing store after working as a substitute teacher in Oakland and Washtenaw County, Michigan. Lites was an anti-bullying educator for Defeat the Label, a nonprofit aiming to end bullying by putting the power to do so in the hands of students. Lites earned a BA at the University of Michigan, a JD at the University of Detroit Law School and a master’s in psychology at the Michigan School of Professional Psychology. She resides in Jacksonville, Florida. 

 

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. 

FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow 

 

“Locate your confidence in what you’re great at, in what you love.” Dan Mulhern 

Denise talks to Dan Mulhern, award-wining teacher at the Haas School of Business and Goldman School of Public Policy at University of California, Berkeley, public speaker, radio personality, and acclaimed writer. With all his accomplishments he’s very proud that he learned to be a “different kind of man” to support his wife’s role as Governor of Michigan. Being Michigan’s First Gentleman was not a role that he ever expected to play. 

Like Denise, Mulhern is one of seven children, the firstborn son to his Italian, Irish Catholic parents. When he was only three, already with three sisters, he was elated to learn that his fourth sibling was a baby brother. Two months after his birth, his brother died, and Mulhern suffered his first trauma—a broken heart. He says that much of his life since then has been mending hearts, starting with his own. 

His second bout with adversity was facing his own failure as a campaign manager for a congressional campaign. It took him years to learn that it wasn’t his strength. Eventually he found his sweet spot, teaching. Mulhern says he works to be a good teacher, not just of content, but of people. And so, his advice for cultivating confidence is to find what you’re good at. 

The best kept secret to confidence, he says, “is forget about you,” and focus on others. Research on psychology and resilience supports that serving others is one of the best sources of satisfaction. He also says it’s important to “stay in your zone of control” where you can make the biggest difference.  

He remembers fondly growing up in a family that valued kindness and inclusiveness. But he also recognizes that we pass along less desirable values, like workaholism, by virtue of the way we live. Denise sees in her own children, a strong work ethic, balanced with the desire to spend time with family.  

Mulhern realized along the way that he’s also naturally good at something else, encouraging others and having faith when the chips were down. But he wasn’t very good at doing it for himself. Now, he knows he can trust himself to give the gift he has so readily offered to others—the gift of grace. 

*** 

Dan Mulhern is a nationally recognized expert in the fields of leadership, gender, and organizational culture. He teaches courses on leadership, organizational behavior, and public policy at the Haas School of Business and Goldman School of Public Policy at University of California, Berkeley. He has won numerous awards for his teaching and leadership mentoring and writes an acclaimed blog, “Reading for Leading.” Mulhern, an honors graduate from Yale University and Harvard Law School, is the Co-Founder of LeadingX2 and founder of Dan Mulhern Inc. In addition to his books on leadership, Mulhern co-authored A Governor’s Story: The Fight for Jobs and America’s Economic Future with his wife, former two-term Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. The couple have three children. 

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. 

FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow 

TO LEARN MORE about all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.  

“I would not go back and second guess the choices that I made back then, or now.” Carol Cain 

Denise talks to Carol Cain, journalist, broadcaster, and Emmy award-winning producer, who earned her stripes in the business without the benefit of a news department at CBS. Since her third-grade teacher tasked her with being editor of the school paper, her course was set, and she’s loved both the print and television sides of her professional career. She’s been a reporter, columnist, editor, and host, on just about every major network there is. And she says none of it would have been possible without the loving support of her family and life partner Jim Stapleton. 

Cain learned a valuable lesson early in her career when she turned down an opportunity because she didn’t want to work with someone who had a wanton reputation. Rather than be labeled as a “troublemaker” had she tried to do something about it, she took a pass. “Sometimes you just have to say no.” 

One right decision led to another as her career moved from journalist to broadcaster organically. Cain admits she was naïve in thinking that she’d be rewarded simply because she worked hard. Now she knows, and advises, the importance of networking and finding good mentors. Sometimes knowing the right person leads to opening doors you never thought of walking through. 

Like Denise, Cain is one of seven children. Although unlike Denise, she is the youngest of her siblings and therefore, “listened a lot!” Cain says she’s naturally inquisitive but has honed her interviewer skills over many years, putting herself into her audience’s shoes—asking what she believes they most want to know. 

Not surprisingly having worked in news media for so long, Cain’s favorite Detroit moment weaves together the 1967 Detroit Riots and Detroit Tiger Willie Horton’s courage and kindness. 

Stay tuned to hear the one question Carol, ever the investigator, can’t keep herself from asking Denise! 

*** 

Carol Cain, 13-time Emmy award-winning senior producer, is the host of "Michigan Matters," Detroit’s highly-rated weekly public affairs show on CBS. She also hosts and produces CBS Detroit's "Eye on The Future" TV specials and has been nominated for a Peabody Award. Cain began her career at United Press International, the Toledo Blade and was a nationally syndicated columnist at The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press, where she continues to write a Sunday column. Cain has received numerous awards for her work and steadfast focus on diversity. A native Detroiter, Cain attended city public schools and earned a BA from Michigan State University and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. 

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. 

FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow 

TO LEARN MORE about all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.  

 

Denise talks to KC Crain, President of the privately held media giant, Crain Communications. Navigating the global transformation of the media industry and building a technology company around media is something he’s proud of, with good reason. The family business produces news across publications, lead generation, research and data products, digital platforms, custom publishing, and events, reaching 78 million readers globally; the company’s portfolio consists of 24 brands. 

Crain sites two tough situations he’s faced that have helped him to grow. The first was an absolute failure to launch a new business. The second was starting over. He’s learned the art of communication, in an environment that provides opportunities to hone his skills, exercising the courage to be honest. 

“Confidence,” he says, “is learned.” Crain has a passion for learning, investing his time and effort into diving deeply into his subject matter. It makes sense. With increasing knowledge and expertise comes increasing confidence. 

His advice to those who are thinking of joining a family business is as wise and humorous as it gets, “Go work somewhere else for a while.” He credits his ability to follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps to understanding that no one person has all the answers. You can learn from anyone on the team, older or younger, at any time. Be open-minded and open to change. 

As a husband and father of five children, he’s taken his mom’s words to heart—I don’t care what happens with the family company, I care what happens at Thanksgiving. 

Like many Detroiters, Crain has fond memories of the city’s sports wins, and the energy its teams bring to the city. But having been in Detroit for over 50 years, Crain has enjoyed seeing the Riverfront and Central Business District come to life. 

Denise enthusiastically agrees with her guest, “I think we’ve got one of THE most generous cities in America.” 

*** 

KC Crain is President and CEO for Crain Communications, Inc. His previous roles include COO, EVP and Director of Corporate Operations, VP and Group Publisher. He started as a reporter for Automotive News. Crain is board chair for the Detroit Children’s Fund and sits on the boards of the Young Presidents Organization, and the College for Creative Studies. He is dedicated to Detroit’s economic development with investments and partnerships in real estate and restaurant ventures. Crain earned a BA in Communications from Denison University. He and his wife, Ashley, live in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, with their five children. 

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents. 

FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow 

TO LEARN MORE about all our inspiring podcasts visit https://www.lifestough.com/.  

“One of the things I emphasize to my staff is that I want you to tell me when you think I’m wrong. I want you to tell me when you think we should do something else.” Warde Manuel 

Denise talks to Warde Manuel, Director of Athletics for the University of Michigan since 2016. Manuel has won too many awards to list, but of all his accomplishments he’s most proud that the student athletes under his leadership excel academically and on the fields of play. Rather than take credit for all his accolades, including six NCAA national championships during his three-year tenure at University of Connecticut, Manuel recognizes those around him have helped determine his success. 

Manuel puts the students first. For that reason, the most difficult situation he’s had to face in his entire career, was the death of a student by suicide. When students are away from their families, Manuel says, “We are the caretakers.” Facing the fact that he couldn’t help with counseling or coaching is heart-breaking for him. It’s this aspect of his character that drives him to connect with students to ensure they know how much he cares. “Nothing,” he says, “is more important than a person’s life.” 

Manuel sites four key secrets to confidence: (1) Preparation, (2) A great support system, starting with his wife, (3) A great staff at work, and (4) Humility. As a leader he’s been able to skillfully navigate what is a highly emotional field—sports. When the scoreboard doesn’t come out in your team’s favor, Manuel says a lot of people will want to tell you what to do, so you need the confidence to believe you know the best way forward. 

Stay tuned to learn what Manuel would say to his younger self—and his only regret in a career that he finds joy in each day. 

Being from New Orleans, it’s not surprising that Manuel loves southern soul food. However, he reveals an unusual fact about a career he chose NOT to pursue, which would have changed the course of his life forever. 

Aside from winning moments in Detroit’s storied sports history, Manuel’s favorite thing about the city are the people. “The people of Detroit are amazing,” the city’s biggest asset. 

*** 

Warde Manuel is University of Michigan’s Donald Shepherd Director of Athletics since 2016, overseeing 31 teams, more than 950 student athletes, a staff of 400 and a budget of $197 million. Prior to coming to Michigan, Manuel was the Director of Athletics at University of Connecticut. Manuel was a two-sport athlete, playing football under Bo Schembechler at University of Michigan where he earned a BA as well as his MA and MBA. Manuel has served on several national and athletic conference committees and boards and has won numerous awards. A native of New Orleans, he and his wife Chrislan have two children, Emma and Evan. 

 

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years.  As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world.  Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents. 

 

FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow 

 

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