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#40 (S5E2) How Leadership Development Pays Off

Kat Shanahan, Ellen Coatney, Steve Asp

JAN 20, 2026 | Test Kitchen

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In this episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA (Test Kitchen), host Kat Shanahan (VP, Marketing & Membership, IDDBA) sits down with Steve Asp (Meat & Seafood Category Manager, Lunds & Byerly’s) and Ellen Coatney (Education Coordinator, IDDBA) to unpack how leadership development translates into better communication, stronger teams, and real results on the job.

Steve and Ellen share what they experienced in the IDDBA Leadership Certificate Program, including hands-on exercises that sharpen negotiation skills and build confidence in everyday leadership moments. From the “gas station game” to practical lessons about defining “fair,” they explain why it’s okay to ask for more, and how preparation and mindset shape outcomes.

They also dig into two big leadership essentials: how to foster innovation through collaborative idea-building, and how to influence without direct authority by tailoring your message to what motivates the person across the table. Along the way, they connect these skills to a broader workforce challenge in fresh: developing people in a way that supports growth, engagement, and retention.

The conversation wraps with a look ahead at upcoming leadership development opportunities through IDDBA and why investing in your people can pay off for both the individual and the organization.

Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org.

To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership

Want to learn more about the IDDBA Leadership Certificate program and other educational and professional development resources? Head here: https://www.iddba.org/education

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Speaker Bios

Kat Shanahan

VP of Marketing & Membership

Kat-Shanahan

Ellen Coatney

Education Coordinator

Steve Asp

Lunds & Byerly

Meat & Seafood Category Manager

Steve Asp

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