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Gut + Science · April 21 · 30 min

In the Loop: Building a Culture that Connects and Inspires with Courtney Roberts

What does it really mean to lead with purpose when lives, communities, and futures are on the line? Katherine sits down with Courtney Roberts, President and CEO of the Riley Children's Foundation, to explore how storytelling, empathy, and bold vision can transform leadership into a force for lasting impact. Courtney shares her journey from small town curiosity and global health equity work to leading one of Indiana's most beloved philanthropic organizations. Together, she and Katherine unpack the powerful role leaders play as chief storytellers, bridging mission and meaning while building cultures rooted in trust, innovation, and inclusivity. From engaging the next generation of donors to navigating hard conversations with authenticity and clarity, this episode is a masterclass in people first leadership. If you are striving to connect purpose with performance and lead with both heart and strategy, this conversation will leave you energized and ready to act. Additional Resources: Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn Learn more about Riley Children's Foundation Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Purpose driven leadership fuels meaningful community impact Storytelling connects mission, donors, and organizational culture Values alignment strengthens internal and external communication Flex communication styles to meet audience needs Access and equity can guide lifelong leadership decisions

0:00-30:41

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show notes

What does it really mean to lead with purpose when lives, communities, and futures are on the line? Katherine sits down with Courtney Roberts, President and CEO of the Riley Children's Foundation, to explore how storytelling, empathy, and bold vision can transform leadership into a force for lasting impact.

Courtney shares her journey from small town curiosity and global health equity work to leading one of Indiana's most beloved philanthropic organizations. Together, she and Katherine unpack the powerful role leaders play as chief storytellers, bridging mission and meaning while building cultures rooted in trust, innovation, and inclusivity.

From engaging the next generation of donors to navigating hard conversations with authenticity and clarity, this episode is a masterclass in people first leadership. If you are striving to connect purpose with performance and lead with both heart and strategy, this conversation will leave you energized and ready to act.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn

Learn more about Riley Children's Foundation

Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn

Learn more about Borshoff

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

  • Purpose driven leadership fuels meaningful community impact
  • Storytelling connects mission, donors, and organizational culture
  • Values alignment strengthens internal and external communication
  • Flex communication styles to meet audience needs
  • Access and equity can guide lifelong leadership decisions

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