Angela Harder (left) and Kevin King (right) are hosts of the Twin Cities Leaders podcast, which welcomes area leaders to share their expertise and stories. Photos: Chris Emeott
A new podcast highlights authentic leadership through stories from local professionals.
For Kevin King and Angela Harder, leadership isn’t about a title or certain responsibilities; it’s a journey created by values and the ability to foster an inspirational environment filled with trust and growth. Their passion for leadership extends beyond their careers, which led them to create the Twin Cities Leaders podcast.
Originally from a Detroit suburb, King, now a Woodbury resident, started his career in public relations within professional sports. It wasn’t until he was asked to become a professor of sport management at Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan, that he discovered his love for higher education. For the past 20 years, he has dedicated himself to the field.
King’s leadership journey began when he joined Central Michigan University as a consultant. He was asked to be the athletics director of the Leadership Development Program, where he created programs to help athletes grow as leaders on and off the field. He continued this work at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. There, he put together a leadership curriculum aimed at building culture, trust and communication.
As King’s leadership career evolved, opportunities in healthcare and large corporations opened up. In 2018, he founded Premier Team Building Solutions LLC, a leadership training agency designed to help organizations create a culture of success. In 2017, he expanded to the Twin Cities, and by 2019, he became a teaching specialist in the sport management program at the University of Minnesota, where leadership remains a focus.
Harder began in hospitality before transitioning into startups and talent management consulting. She has a passion for helping businesses identify the right people to drive their organizations forward. After COVID-19, she took on the challenge of building a talent acquisition department for the Minnesota Timberwolves, where she finds the right people to develop the business.
Last December, King dreamt of creating a platform where listeners could learn from experienced local professionals championing leadership. His vision was to provide approachable, actionable advice rooted in the Twin Cities community.
“I love building community,” King says. “When you listen to the podcast, our guests are your neighbors. We are doing so many great things in this market, and we just want to highlight the incredible leadership happening in our backyard.”
King invited Harder to co-host the podcast. On February 6, Twin Cities Leaders officially launched its first show on Spotify and YouTube.
“There isn’t one leadership recipe you have to follow. The leaders we have talked to all have their own style,” King says.
They have interviewed a variety of local leaders, which has given a broad range of perspectives. From executives and consultants to self-reflective coaches and educators, listeners can gain insights, discover research-backed strategies and take a deep dive into the real work of leadership.
“The podcast blends storytelling with actionable insights, making it valuable for both aspiring and established leaders,” says podcast guest Jeff Munneke, vice president of fan experience for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. Munneke, who has spoken in several of King’s sport management classes, was a natural fit for the podcast, given his 36 years of leadership experience.
Another guest was Bryan Harper, vice president of content and production for the Minnesota Vikings. Harper has been with the team since 2004 and has continually developed his leadership throughout the years, with a focus on being an active listener and showing up in the most productive way possible.
“My experience on the podcast was authentic. I love the local nature of it,” Harper says. “There is a lot of pride and talent across the Twin Cities, so the podcast has a hometown feel.”
King and Harder also interviewed Kelly McGrath, a career employee at the Xcel Energy Center since 2000. In 2023, she took on the general manager role. McGrath leads with compassion, making it known that every role is valued.
“I think the podcast is a great opportunity for the Twin Cities to hear from different leaders that are talking specific to leadership and look at how people are leading and building great teams,” McGrath says.
As King and Harder continue their journey, they remain focused on how leadership can transform teams and environments. “Leadership is a catalyst for creating an environment where people feel valued, welcomed, heard and appreciated,” Harder says.
Looking ahead, the duo hopes to expand their reach and impact, continue highlighting remarkable Twin Cities leaders and foster meaningful conversations—all while infusing joy and intentionality every step of the way.
Instagram: @twincitiesleaders
Spotify: Twin Cities Leaders Hosted by Kevin King and Angela Harder
YouTube: Twin Cities Leaders
