Life and Leadership Unplugged With Kelley Cornish

Tune into our final episode feature Dr. ShantaQuilette Deville!

Tune in to a new episode featuring Tracy "The DOC" Curry!

Watch another powerful episode featuring Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, City Manager of the City of Dallas. 

Tune into this amazing episode featuring Sid Barron. 

Tune in to this powerful episode featuring AI and digital media expert, Alquincia Selolwane.

Tune into this new episode featuring Alex Ebanks.

Turn into an amazing episode addressing burn-out and self-care while leading, featuring Dr. Alduan Tartt. 

Tune into this amazing episode featuring Brandi Harvey. 

SEASON TWO of Life & Leadership Unplugged is here!! In this episode, Kelley had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson as she shared powerful wisdom on the importance of setting boundaries. Protecting your peace is not optional, it is essential for leading well.Stay locked in because season two is BIGGER and BOLDER!!

In the Season 1 finale, Kelley Cornish sits down with executive leader and close friend LaSherrial Mallett for a vulnerable and powerful conversation. Together, they unpack what it looks like to lead while grieving, how to create space for mental clarity, and why even high-level leaders must learn to pause. This is a must-listen for anyone carrying heavy responsibility and quietly asking, “When is it my turn to reset?”

Summary:In this engaging conversation, Dr. Tasha Bradley, COO of Wiley University, shares insights into her daily responsibilities, the challenges of balancing various stakeholders, and her unexpected journey to leadership. She emphasizes the importance of passion, emotional intelligence, and the need for personal resets through quiet moments and travel. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding oneself and others in leadership roles, as well as the value of taking breaks to recharge and reflect on one's purpose.Keywords:COO, HBCU, Wiley University, leadership, work-life balance, emotional intelligence, personal growth, career journey, passion, resetTakeaways:- A COO's role is filled with joy and innovation.- Balancing responsibilities requires a mindset of going straight through challenges.- Dr. Bradley initially wanted to be a teacher, not a COO.- She believes in the power of education to change the world.- Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.- Finding quiet moments is essential for personal balance.- Traveling is a significant way to reset and recharge.- Understanding oneself and others is key in leadership.- Dr. Bradley encourages becoming a generalist in one's career.- Taking breaks is vital for maintaining passion and purpose.

In this episode, Kelley Cornish welcomes Emmy-nominated journalist Larry Spruill Jr., who shares his journey as a community storyteller and his experience covering monumental events, from Detroit’s Black Lives Matter protests to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kelley and Larry dive into what it means to “reset” from a career centered in media, maintain healthy routines, and redefine life beyond the news. Topic Areas:1. Navigating Today’s Media2. The Art of Resetting3. Finding Balance in the Chaos4. Creating Healthy Routines5. Pride in Impactful Stories6. Looking AheadA Keepsake From Kelley:In this inspiring conversation, Larry Spruill reveals what it takes to step back from the high-stakes world of media while staying true to his passion for storytelling. His commitment to excellence and self-care serves as a reminder to find balance and purpose in every role. Whether you’re in media or not, Larry’s journey reminds us to honor both our work and our well-being.

In this episode Dr. Herman Felton, President of Wiley University, discusses the unique challenges of visionary leadership in higher education, sharing how he balances demands, finds rest, and stays motivated.

Keywordsleadership, work-life balance, consulting, nonprofit, personal growth, career transition, self-care, change management, professional development, Turning Tide StrategiesSummaryIn this episode of Life and Leadership Unplugged, Kelley Cornish speaks with Courtney Johnson about her journey from a long-standing career in leadership to starting her own consulting firm, Turning Tide Strategies. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, work-life integration, and the challenges and rewards of transitioning careers. Courtney shares her insights on maintaining balance in life and work, the significance of personal growth, and her vision for the future of her consulting practice.TakeawaysCourtney spent 17 years in leadership before transitioning to consulting.The decision to leave her role was a result of deep self-reflection and conversations with others.Writing down thoughts and questions can aid in career decision-making.Work-life integration is essential for maintaining balance and well-being.Exercise is a critical component of self-care and productivity.Creating structure in daily routines helps manage work-life fit.Courtney emphasizes the importance of compassion in consulting work.She aims to help organizations navigate change effectively.Personal growth and professional development are intertwined in her consulting approach.Courtney feels a strong sense of gratitude for her mentors and supporters.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Unplugging01:23 Courtney's Journey in Leadership04:33 The Transition to Consulting07:15 Daily Life as a Consultant10:01 Finding Work-Life Integration13:31 The Future of Turning Tide Strategies17:34 Hopes and Aspirations

This episode of Life and Leadership Unplugged featuring Cassius Butts was recorded on November 9, 2024.Cassius Butts shares valuable lessons from his multifaceted journey through public service, private enterprise, and community leadership, offering listeners actionable insights into success, balance, and sustainable growth.

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Kelley Cornish and Tonya Ladipo explore the intricacies of leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of self-care. Tonya shares her daily routines, the significance of setting boundaries, and the lessons learned from challenging experiences. They discuss the necessity of clarity in decision-making and the role of solitude in effective leadership. The dialogue emphasizes the need for leaders to unplug and reflect on their personal and professional lives, ultimately leading to growth and transformation.TakeawaysTonya emphasizes the importance of self-care in leadership.Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining emotional well-being.Daily routines can help leaders stay centered and focused.Clarity in decision-making leads to healthier relationships.Dark experiences often provide the richest lessons in life.Leaders must be intentional about who they allow to influence them.Unplugging can lead to greater clarity and personal growth.Knowledge alone is not enough; action is essential for change.Solitude can be a powerful tool for reflection and growth.Personal growth is an ongoing journey that requires intention.TitlesUnplugging for Leadership GrowthThe Power of Boundaries in LeadershipSound Bites"Clarity brings boundaries.""Not all money is good money.""I am my next project."Keywordsleadership, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, boundaries, well-being, self-care, unplugging, personal growth, Tonya Ladipo, Kelley CornishChapters00:00The Journey of Leadership and Growth00:53The Power of Unplugging and Reflection01:00Introduction to Tonya Ladipo and Her Work01:30The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace01:56Strategies for Building Psychological Safety02:22A Day in the Life of Tonya Ladipo08:41Balancing Leadership and Wellbeing14:43The Importance of Boundaries20:52Clarity and Self-Preservation in Relationships24:11The Importance of Integrity in Leadership26:12Establishing Boundaries for Personal Peace29:23The Solitude of Leadership31:22Knowledge vs. Action in Leadership34:30Unplugging for Personal Growth37:20Aligning Purpose and Integrity42:38The Power of Authentic Storytelling43:10Sustainable Leadership and Self-Care43:24

Keywordsleadership, unplugging, self-care, personal growth, emotional well-being, mental health, transformative leadership, courage, authenticity, work-life balanceSummaryIn this conversation, Kelley Cornish and Tonya Ladipo explore the profound themes of leadership, the necessity of unplugging, and the courage it takes to prioritize personal well-being. Kelley shares her journey of navigating a successful career while facing personal challenges, emphasizing the importance of self-care and intentional living. The discussion highlights the transformative power of taking time off to recharge and the impact it has on leadership effectiveness. They delve into the need for leaders to cultivate a mindset that embraces vulnerability and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. About Tonya LadipoTonya Ladipo, LCSW is the founder and CEO of The Ladipo Group, specializing in workplace wellness, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety. With over 25 years of experience, she partners with mission-driven organizations to foster psychologically safe environments where people thrive. Her philosophy—Knowledge is Good, Behavior is Better—drives her approach to sustainable behavior change. A sought-after speaker, she has engaged audiences from Google to Black Enterprise and has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, and more. Recognized with awards like Titan 100 and the Pioneer Award, Tonya is a leader in cultivating emotionally intelligent workplaces. Takeaways•          Leadership is about authenticity and servant leadership.•          Unplugging is essential for mental and emotional well-being.•          Courage is required to pause and reflect on one's life.•          Transformative leadership involves personal growth and self-awareness.•          Navigating personal challenges is part of being a leader.•          Creating space for self-care is crucial for effective leadership.•          Intentional living helps maintain balance in life and work.•          Taking time off can lead to renewed energy and productivity.•          Surrounding oneself with positive influences is vital for growth.•          Leaders must learn to unplug as a necessary skill set.Titles•          Unplugging for Leadership Success•          The Courage to Pause: A Leader's Journey•          Transformative Leadership: Balancing Life and Work•          Navigating Personal Challenges in Leadership Sound Bites•          "You have to check out either proactively or reactively."•          "It is one of the most critical skill sets you can have."•          "You have to figure out how to unplug."•          "I made a vow to myself on the balcony."•          "This is what freedom feels like."•          "I hope that this will be a new platform for me."•          "It’s necessary to create space and time for it."•          "You are making a difference."