FLF Advisory Council Gathering: Inspiring Leadership

It was a full house for the Forefront Living Foundation’s (FLF) Summer Advisory Council gathering, hosted at the Comerica Center in Frisco, home of the Dallas Stars’ Practice Facility. The afternoon featured a live taping of the At The Forefront podcast, with special guests Al Montoya and Dr. Patrick “Pat” Walsh who spoke on the topic of “Inspiring Leaders for a Changing World,” and who both model this legacy in action.

During the thirty-minute podcast conversation moderated by Tim Mallad, Forefront Living CEO, Al and Pat reflected on their personal leadership journeys and discussed who inspired them, what qualities shaped them and how they strive to use their influence to lift up others.

FLF Board member, Al Montoya, is a retired American professional ice hockey goaltender and the first Cuban American to play in the National Hockey League. Following a distinguished decade-long career in professional hockey, Al now serves as a passionate advocate for inclusivity within the sport. As Vice President of Cultural Growth and Strategy for the Dallas Stars, he spearheads initiatives aimed at developing a more diverse and inclusive hockey community, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to equity and accessibility in the sport.

Admiral (Ret.) Dr. Pat Walsh is a former Vice Chief of Naval Operations and brought a global perspective to the conversation shaped by decades of military service and leadership at the highest levels. Today, Pat serves as President of Cristo Rey Dallas, a college preparatory school for students from under-resourced communities. He demonstrates how leadership is ultimately measured by the opportunities it creates for others.

Following the recording, Al and Pat took questions from the audience, offering personal insights on the responsibility of leaders to pave the way for future generations.

By Amee McGough