Sam Odle and Mike Smith on the Seven Essentials to End Poverty, Faith, Leadership, and Friendship

12/10/2025 1h 0min
Sam Odle and Mike Smith on the Seven Essentials to End Poverty, Faith, Leadership, and Friendship

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Episode Synopsis

At this Citizen 7 After-Hours Fireside Chat, civic leaders Sam Odle and Mike Smith share powerful stories of leadership, faith, and friendship that have shaped Indianapolis for decades. Odle, former COO of IU Health and IPS board member, reflects on his 76 years in the city—from growing up in segregated Indianapolis to helping build one of the nation’s leading health systems. Joined by longtime friend and former Anthem CFO Mike Smith, the two discuss poverty, mentorship, healthcare reform, civic renewal, and the importance of cross-racial relationships and community trust.



Hear their wisdom on the “seven essentials” to rise out of poverty, how faith shapes their leadership, and why building social capital is the key to helping Indianapolis flourish.

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