Compete to Win. Outwork Your Competition. | Leah Turner, Ph.D.

In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Leah Turner, Ph.D. shares how BMX racing with her brother and playing sports in north central Ohio helped shape the resilience, determination and competitive mindset that have defined her journey.Dr. Turner reflects on earning a volleyball scholarship to West Virginia State University, helping her team go from last place in the conference to winning a conference championship and embracing the underdog mentality. She discusses the importance of mentorship, lifelong learning and developing diverse skills to create new opportunities. She also opens up about earning her Ph.D. while raising two children under the age of two, navigating a divorce and becoming a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Those experiences strengthened her leadership, resilience and commitment to helping others succeed.Today, Leah Turner, Ph.D. leads with purpose through her work at Broader Impact Partners, where she helps organizations build stronger partnerships, strengthen communities and create lasting social impact. Outwork your competition, embrace the underdog mindset and Prepare For Takeoff.00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Leah Turner02:55 - Early Life and Sports Background06:43 - Transition to Volleyball and College Experience07:41 - The Impact of West Virginia State University11:27 - Joining Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated19:02 - Mentorship and Pursuing a Ph.D.21:11 - Navigating the Unknown: Career Paths and Education22:15 - The Ph.D. Journey: Challenges and Triumphs25:47 - Personal Challenges: Balancing Family and Education28:28 - The Power of Perseverance: Don't Quit29:11 - Winning Others Over: The Art of Woo34:32 - Transitioning to Texas: New Opportunities40:17 - Launching Border Impact Partners: A New Venture43:30 - Key Takeaways for Success: Preparing for Takeoff49:40 - Prepare For Takeoff ClosingThe future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj⁠⁠.Start recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started.