The Perkins Platform

In this episode, I sit down with David C. Banks, former Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, to unpack what it really takes to lead a large, complex organization. Drawing on his experience leading New York City Public Schools, we explore decision-making under pressure, managing competing priorities, and building culture at scale. This is a candid conversation about leadership when the stakes are high, the spotlight is constant, and every move matters.

In this episode, I sit down with Andy Rotherham, co-founder and senior partner at Bellwether and the longtime voice behind Eduwonk, for a conversation about the uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence and its potential impact on education. Drawing on a recent essay, Andy compares the current moment with AI to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when signals of major disruption were emerging, but institutions had not yet fully grasped what was coming. We discuss what leaders in education should be watching for, how to separate meaningful developments from hype, and what lessons from the pandemic might help schools and universities navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

In this episode, I sit down with cybersecurity expert Suresh Sankaran Srinivasan to unpack what today’s organizational leaders need to understand about digital risk. We explore the different levels of the internet (what exists on the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web) and how those layers shape real-world threats. We discuss who should be concerned about cybersecurity breaches, why no organization is too small to be targeted, and the practical steps leaders must take to strengthen oversight, culture, and resilience in an increasingly connected world.

In this episode, Punya Mishra joins me to discuss his chapter, “Beyond Boundaries: Transdisciplinary Creativity with Generative Artificial Intelligence,” from the edited volume Generative Artificial Intelligence and Creativity: Precautions, Perspectives, and Possibilities. We explore what the rise of generative AI means for human creativity, moving beyond simplistic utopian or dystopian narratives. Punya explains how AI can serve as a creative partner while underscoring the essential role of human judgment. Through concrete creative examples, the conversation bridges theory and practice to examine how AI can expand, challenge, and reshape creative work across disciplines.

In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Brett Waggoner joins me to explore his work on legacy motivation.  Legacy motivation is defined as the psychological drive to leave a meaningful and lasting impact. We discuss why the desire to be remembered shapes decision-making, purpose, and identity, and how this motivation influences leaders across disciplines. Drawing on his research, Dr. Waggoner offers insights into how understanding legacy can help leaders align their values with long-term impact and build organizations that endure beyond any single individual.

Podcast DescriptionIn this episode, I sit down with acclaimed children’s nonfiction author Tanya Lee Stone to explore the power of telling the truth about history and elevating voices too often left out of the narrative. Known for uncovering little-known stories of extraordinary people, Stone shares how she approaches writing narrative nonfiction that is as gripping as fiction while remaining grounded in rigorous research. We talk about celebrating the uncelebrated, challenging simplified versions of the past, and trusting young readers with complexity. Drawing on her experience as a writer, former editor, and educator, Stone reflects on why honest storytelling matters, how history gets constructed, and what it means to write books that empower the next generation to see themselves and the world more clearly.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Soren Kaplan, bestselling author of Experiential Intelligence and one of today’s leading voices on innovation and leadership. We begin by exploring how life experiences shape a powerful form of intelligence that leaders can use to navigate complexity, strengthen culture, and drive meaningful change. The conversation then shifts to the psychology of influence, where Soren breaks down how leaders can use psychological insight to pitch ideas more effectively, build credibility, and inspire action. Together, we connect the inner work of understanding yourself with the outer work of persuading others and offer a practical and compelling roadmap for modern leadership.

In this episode, Dina Denham Smith, executive coach, leadership advisor, and author of Emotionally Charged, joins me to explore how understanding and harnessing emotion can transform the way we lead. Drawing on her work with leaders at Google, Netflix, and Adobe, Dina shares insights from emotional science that help leaders navigate pressure, build stronger teams, and shape healthier cultures. We discuss how emotions (often dismissed as distractions) are powerful sources of data, energy, and connection when used with awareness and intention.

In this episode, Dr. Shivam Dubey and Dr.  Salil Gupta join me to explore the neuroscience of the true self and why authentic leadership begins from within. Drawing on their groundbreaking work in mental health education and resilience, they explain how the brain responds when leaders operate from alignment versus performance mode, and what happens when we lose touch with our inner authenticity. Together, we unpack practical, science-based strategies for reconnecting with the true self, breaking cycles of burnout, and leading with greater clarity, compassion, and purpose.

In this episode, Dr. Gordon M. Sayre, Assistant Professor of Management at Emlyon Business School in Lyon, France, joins me to discuss his research on emotional dissonance and what happens when leaders feel one thing but must display another. We explore the difference between surface acting and deep acting in leadership, the toll emotional regulation can take on well-being, and how leaders can break the cycle of inauthentic expression. Drawing on his research featured in CNN, BBC, NPR, Forbes, and Fortune, Dr. Sayre offers practical, evidence-based insights on leading with authenticity while sustaining personal and organizational health.

In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer, psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author, joins me to discuss his groundbreaking research on how habits form and how we can change them. We explore what the science reveals about breaking unhelpful patterns and creating lasting change.  These insights are especially relevant for leaders seeking to shift behaviors, improve focus, and lead with greater awareness. Dr. Brewer offers practical tools for understanding the brain’s reward systems and using curiosity and mindfulness to build healthier, more effective habits.

In this episode, Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig joins me for a candid conversation about the real costs of changemaking in leadership. We explore the emotional toll, professional isolation, and personal challenges that often accompany the work of pushing for equity and transformation. Drawing from his own experiences as a scholar, advocate, and education leader, Dr. Heilig reflects on what it means to lead with conviction when the work itself can come at a price and how true leadership requires both courage and resilience.

In this episode, Dr. Janet Ahn joins me to discuss the complexities of power and influence in leadership, a conversation sparked by her viral post on LinkedIn. We explore how, in the age of social media, a single moment can overshadow a lifetime of work, and why it’s important to resist letting one’s worst moment define them. Janet also shares insights from her book Learning that CLICS!

In this episode, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum reflects on her journey in higher education, from her early career as a professor and author to her leadership as president of Spelman College. A nationally recognized authority on race relations and identity, she is the bestselling author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?, a groundbreaking book that has shaped national conversations for decades. Dr. Tatum also discusses her newest work, Peril and Promise, and explains why now is the critical moment to confront both the challenges and opportunities facing America’s multiracial democracy.

In this episode, Dr. David Creswell, Professor of Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, shares insights from his research on stress and the role of mindfulness in promoting resilience and well-being. Drawing on studies that link mindfulness training to reductions in stress-related inflammation, improvements in emotional regulation, and greater cognitive flexibility, Dr. Creswell explains how these practices can help leaders manage the pressures of their roles more effectively. He highlights how mindfulness not only mitigates the harmful effects of chronic stress on the brain and body but also equips leaders to remain clear-headed, adaptive, and grounded when guiding others through challenging circumstances.

This episode features a conversation with Salman Chowdhury, a student who was recently admitted to Harvard and took the time to chat in the middle of his orientation week. He reflects on the critical role his parents played in supporting his journey, the discipline and daily practices that helped him stay focused, and the unexpected ways technology shaped his preparation and opportunities (and it's not what you think). Salman also shares practical advice for other teenagers who aspire to pursue ambitious goals, offering insights into how determination, family support, and consistency can come together to make a difference.

Jack Barsky, former KGB undercover agent, IT executive and bestselling author, joins us to share the leadership lessons he gained through years in intelligence and a lifetime of observing people. Born Albrecht Dittrich in East Germany, Jack was recruited by the KGB after graduating summa cum laude in chemistry and was sent to the United States as an undercover agent. A decade later he severed ties with the KGB and later cooperated fully with the FBI, eventually building a successful career in information technology. His remarkable story has been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, in his memoir Deep Undercover and in the acclaimed podcast The Agent, and today he reflects on what true leadership looks like under pressure and what he has learned about human nature in the highest stakes situations.

Dr. Kentaro Fujita, a leading expert on motivation, self-regulation, and decision-making, joins us to talk about the science behind willpower. He is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Decision Sciences Collaborative at The Ohio State University, and earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard and his PhD in Psychology from NYU. His research explores why some people are better than others at resisting short-term temptations in pursuit of long-term goals, and what enables people to stay aligned with their intentions. His award-winning work has shown that people with stronger self-control tend to think more abstractly about their goals, which helps them overcome distractions and impulses. He also challenges the idea that willpower is simply a depletable resource, framing it instead as a dynamic process shaped by mindset, motivation, and context.

Jay Heinrichs, the New York Times bestselling author of Thank You for Arguing and Aristotle’s Guide to Self-Persuasion, has spent his career helping organizations from NASA to leading universities understand how to use the art and science of persuasion. He is joining us to explore how the timeless techniques of rhetoric can change the way we communicate, influence, and even the way we think about ourselves. In this episode, we talk about how the lessons of Aristotle can help us win people over, build stronger messages, and become more intentional in the way we persuade both others and ourselves.

Renowned psychologist and NYU professor Joshua Aronson, PhD, joins us to explore how research on stress, mindfulness, and mindset can transform how we learn and thrive. As director of NYU’s Mindful Education Lab, Joshua leads a team dedicated to helping students, teachers, and schools flourish under pressure. Known for his pioneering work on stereotype threat and Growth Mindset, his research has shaped education policy, influenced Supreme Court cases, and been featured in bestselling books including Blink, Mindset, Grit, and Whistling Vivaldi. In this episode, Joshua shares insights from decades of research on learning and well-being and practical tools for building resilience and unlocking potential.

Award-winning Executive Vice President of Communications and Change Management, educator, and globally recognized DEI leader, Amira Barger joins us to discuss her upcoming book, The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck—And 4 Actions for Real Change (out October 28, 2025). In it, she explores how “niceness” can perpetuate inequity and keep us stuck in surface-level comfort and shares four practical steps to help us create real, lasting change. With nearly two decades of experience advising brands like Genentech, Pfizer, and Kaiser Permanente, Amira is also a professor and globally recognized DEI and reputation management expert. In this episode, she brings her expertise to the table, offering insights for anyone ready to move beyond appearances and start leading meaningful change.

Christian Ortiz, also known as ZacaTechO, is an Afro-Indigenous, neurodivergent visionary whose work fuses ancestral knowledge with transformative technology, and he’s joining us to talk about his groundbreaking project Justice A.I. As the founder, CEO, and developer behind Justice A.I. and the Decolonial Intelligence Algorithmic (DIA) Framework, Christian has created a model that directly confronts and resolves AI bias at its root, something governments and tech giants have long failed to do. Born in Hollywood and raised between New Jersey and the Deep South, his lived experience of structural violence and radical awakening deeply informs his work, which is grounded in the traditions of the Chichimeca people of Zacatecas, the Borikén of Puerto Rico, and African lineages. This conversation explores what it means to decolonize technology, the origins of Justice A.I., and how Christian is building tools for liberation rather than control.

Dr. Pamela Buchanan, a veteran ER physician with over 20 years of experience, joins us to share her personal journey through burnout and work fatigue as a frontline medical professional. Having worked in high-stress environments including during the height of the pandemic, she brings raw insight into the emotional toll of the job and what recovery truly looks like. As the founder of Strong Medicine STL, she now dedicates her work to supporting healthcare professionals and high achievers through coaching, telemedicine, and wellness education. A TEDx speaker known for her talk "Emotional Flatline," Dr. Buchanan is also a mental health advocate and ambassador with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, working to normalize emotional support in medicine and prevent physician suicide.

Paul W.M. Fedak, MD PhD, is a cardiac surgeon, scientist, and writer who brings both clinical expertise and emotional depth to the world of modern medicine. Known for his thought-provoking work at the intersection of identity, excellence, and healing, Paul joins us to share his experiences through burnout and professional fatigue. As a leading voice in academic medicine and innovation, Paul has become an advocate for shifting the culture of healthcare—from performance-driven to purpose-centered. In this episode, he opens up about the silent cost of high achievement, the moral injuries that go unspoken, and the importance of reconnecting with the deeper meaning behind medical practice. Through his leadership, writing, and speaking, Paul invites a powerful conversation on how we can heal not only patients, but also the people who care for them.  And by extension, how leaders need the care they often provide.

Principal and global sustainability leader Geoff Tuff and U.S. sustainability practice lead Steven Goldbach join us to share their best leadership practices and why rethinking the rules is often the most powerful move a leader can make. We will dive into Detonate, the bold first book in their bestselling leadership trilogy, and uncover ideas that echo throughout Provoke and their highly anticipated new release, Hone.Geoff Tuff is a Principal at Deloitte and leads the Global and US Sustainability practice for Energy & Industrials. With over 30 years of experience in strategy, innovation, and growth, he helps organizations break free from conventional thinking to compete in new ways. Previously, Geoff led Doblin and was a senior partner at Monitor Group. A bestselling author and Harvard Business Review contributor, Geoff challenges leaders to adopt a beginner’s mindset and embrace disruption. His upcoming book Hone completes a trilogy that has transformed how leaders approach the future.Steven Goldbach leads Deloitte’s US Sustainability practice, guiding clients through complex challenges around climate and the future of business. Formerly the firm’s Chief Strategy Officer, Steve helped steer Deloitte toward a more integrated, future-focused model. Before that, he held senior roles at Monitor Group and Forbes. A bestselling co-author of Detonate and Provoke, Steve is known for encouraging leaders to rethink outdated strategies and act with bold purpose. He and Geoff Tuff will release their third book, Hone, this fall.

Chief Executive Officer of Aetna Better Health of New York, a CVS Health company, Kevin Nelson joins us to discuss healthcare and leadership. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Kevin has dedicated his career to advancing health equity and expanding access for underserved communities. Before leading ABHNY, he held senior roles at organizations like the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and Hudson Health Plan, where he combined policy expertise with operational excellence to drive meaningful change.Kevin holds a Master’s in Public Health from the Yale School of Public Health and a bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He’s been recognized as one of Westchester County’s Top Male Executives and honored with awards including the Yale Medal and the American College of Healthcare Executives Young Healthcare Executive Award. Kevin brings deep insight into the intersection of public health, policy, and innovation—and we’re excited to have him share his perspective on the podcast.

Impact investor, educator, and author James Rhee joins us to discuss his new book, Red Helicopter: A Parable for Our Times, a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of leadership, trust, and the power of choosing kindness. Best known for his transformative work as CEO of Ashley Stewart, James turned a struggling fashion brand into a thriving business by centering humanity, dignity, and long-term value. In this episode, he shares the inspiration behind Red Helicopter, a modern-day parable rooted in his lived experiences, and how it challenges conventional leadership models rooted in fear, control, and short-term thinking. Through his “Kindness and Math” philosophy, James invites us to imagine a different kind of success—one grounded in empathy, purpose, and collective well-being.

Two visionary leaders join us for this special episode on reshaping how we think about rest, resilience, and racial equity in professional spaces. Ngozi Cadmus and Ruth Abban—co-creators of The Black Woman’s Rest Revolution—share vital insights into the lived experiences of Black women in the workplace and the radical importance of rest as a form of resistance and healing.Ngozi Cadmus is a TEDx speaker, psychotherapist, and the founder of the UK’s leading anti-racist workplace mental health platform. Currently completing doctoral research on Black women's leadership strategies, Ngozi is pioneering a movement that centers rest as essential to liberation and renewal. Through her leadership, she’s challenging organizations to build culturally sensitive, accountable, and restorative environments.Joining her is Ruth Abban, an Integrative Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor who brings deep expertise in racial trauma, racial identity, and adultification bias. With years of experience working with youth and adults through an intersectional lens, Ruth now provides racial equity consultancy across sectors. Together, they are transforming organizational cultures through healing-centered approaches rooted in justice and rest.

Seasoned Salesforce strategist, thought leader, and Chief Growth Officer at Cloud Giants (a Salesforce consulting firm), Gay Thorne joins us to share her insights on customer experience and business development. With a strong background in customer relationship management (CRM) optimization, she has been instrumental in helping organizations maximize their Salesforce investments. Gay is also a prominent voice in the Salesforce community, frequently sharing best practices and insights through articles and social media. Her recent leadership in Cloud Giants’ Salesforce March Madness initiative reflects her passion for interactive learning and community engagement. Committed to empowering businesses through technology and continuous learning, Gay is a valuable resource in the ever-evolving world of customer relationship management.

Licensed psychologist, author, and educator based in Washington, DC, Dr. Samantha Sweeney joins us to share her work and discuss anxiety in children and some of the potential causes behind its rise. Dr. Sweeney has a private practice on Capitol Hill, where she supports children, families, and adults. She holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Maryland and a psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Her background includes work in both public and private schools, with experience as a preschool teacher, school psychologist, researcher, and university instructor. An expert in cultural competence, she is passionate about helping families raise confident, inclusive children. Dr. Sweeney is the author of Working With Worry: A Workbook for Parents on How to Support Anxious Children, and her upcoming book, Culturally Competent Kids, is designed to help families thrive in a diverse world. In therapy, she focuses on empowerment, connection, and honoring the whole person behind the challenges they face. 

Dr. Srini Pillay is a harvard-trained psychiatrist, brain researcher,executive coach and the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Reulay, a digital therapeutics company that uses AI and neuroscience to enhance well-being and prevent chronic illness. Dr. Pillay joins us to discuss his book, Tinker Dabble Doodle Try: Unlock the Power of the Unfocused Mind. In his work, he explores how strategic "unfocusing" can boost creativity, productivity, and mental well-being—essential skills in today’s age of burnout, disengagement, and AI-driven disruption. A former Harvard Medical School faculty member and top medical graduate, Dr. Pillay brings over 17 years of brain imaging research experience. He is also the CEO of NeuroBusiness Group®, a global leadership development firm, and a pioneer in transformational neurocoaching®. An international speaker and author of three books, Dr. Pillay has advised Fortune 500 companies, the UN, and The World Bank, and is a TEDx speaker on "The Science of Possibility."

This is a compelling conversation on the impact of children’s literature on identity formation.Dr. Ar brings a unique global and cultural lens to the study of literature, having earned her Ph.D. from Ege University in 2025 after completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in American Culture and Literature and a minor in Sociology from Hacettepe University. With a deep commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching, Dr. Ar explores how stories shape self-perception, racial identity, and belonging—especially among young readers.Her work has been recognized for examining how African American children’s literature contributes to the construction and affirmation of identity, challenging dominant narratives and offering empowering representations.

This is an engaging conversation with Scott Mautz, former senior executive at Procter & Gamble, where he successfully led several of the company’s largest multi-billion-dollar businesses. A renowned thought leader in leadership and personal development, Scott is the author of four multi-award-winning, bestselling books, including his latest, The Mentally Strong Leader: Build the Habits to Productively Regulate Your Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviors. Scott is faculty on reserve at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business for Executive Education and a highly sought-after instructor on LinkedIn Learning, where his courses have been taken over 2 million times. Recognized as a “CEO Thought-Leader” by the CEO Executive Guild, Scott contributes to CNBC and was named a “Top 50 Leadership Innovator” by Inc.com, where his column attracts 2 million readers monthly. A frequent guest in national media, Scott is dedicated to helping leaders unlock their full potential through his writing, speaking, and teaching.

Educator, author, and race and education scholar, Dr. OiYan Poon joins me to share her insights for engaging in discourse about race, affirmative action and family. She is currently serving as a consultant to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s office on higher education policy. Dr. Poon is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and co-director of the College Admissions Futures Co-Lab. She has focused on the racial politics of Asian Americans, education access, affirmative action, and admissions systems and practices. She is the author of Asian American Is Not a Color: Conversations on Race, Affirmative Action, and Family, which explores how Asian Americans are shaping the future of race relations through debates over education policies like affirmative action, using personal narrative and interviews of Asian Americans across the country. Her work has appeared widely in national media outlets including NPR, the New York Times, the Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The New Yorker.   This was an timely and informative conversation that will be insightful to many!

Human resources consultant with decades of experience creating and delivering workshops for supervisors on how to manage their employees, Robin Paggi joins me to share her insights on today's HR challenges for leadership managing Gen Z. In 2021, she co-authored the book Managing Generation Z: How to Recruit, Onboard, Develop, and Retain the Newest Generation in the Workplace as a guidebook for understanding and motivating the youngest generation in the workforce. Paggi is also a management and communications professor at California State University, Bakersfield, where, in addition to the subject matter, she teaches her students how to be good employees. Paggi has master's degrees in communication studies, interdisciplinary studies, and psychology, and is a life-long resident of California.

Tara Furiani isn't just a part of the people business; she defines it, revolutionizing HR and corporate culture with her unique blend of empathy, insight, and leadership. With a career that breaks the mold, Tara's expertise and influence are showcased in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Post, while her dedication to DEI shines through her work with NASA's DEI board. She’s redefining the standards of leadership and inclusion. As the driving force behind "Not the HR Lady," Tara tackles the industry's toughest challenges with wit and wisdom. Her book, "F*ck Your Office Snacks," along with her innovative initiatives like SAIL Leadership and Workcations, underline her commitment to transforming workplaces into environments where creativity, wellness, and productivity thrive. Tara's work is about inspiring a movement towards more humane, inclusive, and empowering professional ecosystems.

This is a compelling nutrition conversation with Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, as we explore the findings of the latest Gallup report on food satisfaction and mental wellbeing. In this discussion, we dove into the psychological and nutritional science behind how our diets impact emotional health, common misconceptions about "healthy eating," and the cultural influences that shape our food choices. Dr. Naidoo provides expert insights and practical strategies to help listeners make more informed, nourishing, and enjoyable dietary decisions. Don't miss this opportunity to rethink the connection between what we eat and how we feel!

Website description:Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education, Amanda Bickerstaff joins us for an exciting conversation sharing her work and insights on the use of AI in education. Amanda is a former high school biology teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.

This is a special panel episode of the Perkins Platform Podcast with Dr. Janice Gassam Asare and Sara Taylor in an important conversation on the latest on resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives currently underway across industries.  The discussion wraps up with practical strategies for leaders to support what's next in the fight for diversity, equity and inclusion.  A must-listen for leaders in all disciplines, HR managers and executives and consultants.Dr. Janice Gassam Asare, Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology, is a leading racial equity expert with over a decade of experience as a professor and facilitator. A LinkedIn #1 Top Voice in Racial Equity, two-time TEDx speaker, and MIPAD Global Top 100 Under 40 honoree, she has authored three Amazon best-sellers and written over 400 articles for Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Insider, and Fast Company. Dr. Gassam Asare teaches on LinkedIn Learning and Udemy Business and is an adjunct assistant professor at Columbia University. She has collaborated with major organizations like Google and Amazon and is recognized as a Top 30 Diversity & Inclusion Leader by LeadersHum and a Top 25 Workplace Expert by Gusto. She also engages her growing audience through a weekly LinkedIn Equity Newsletter.Sara Taylor, founder of deepSEE Consulting, is a cultural competence expert, speaker, and best-selling author. Since 2002, she has helped organizations like Walmart and Coca-Cola improve inclusion and leadership. She previously directed Diversity and Inclusion for Ramsey County and developed leadership programs at the University of Minnesota. Sara authored Thinking at the Speed of Bias (2024) and Filter Shift (2017). She is active in HR and diversity organizations and holds a master’s in Diversity and Organizational Development. Sara divides her time between the Dominican Republic and Minneapolis with her husband, Miguel.

This is an engaging conversation with Lisa Bodell, a global expert in simplification, collaboration, and innovation. Lisa shares her insights on how organizations can transform by reimagining the way they work and driving innovation at every level. She shows how reducing complexity sparks creativity, boosts morale, and improves employee engagement and retention. Lisa is the author of Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company, and ranks among the "Top 50 Speakers Worldwide," known for inspiring audiences to challenge the status quo and focus on what matters most.After earning her business degree from the University of Michigan, Lisa launched her career at Leo Burnett, later founding two businesses before focusing on simplification with FutureThink, a leading global source for innovation research and training.Lisa’s insights have impacted top organizations like Google, SAP, and Citigroup. A frequent media contributor, she has appeared in Forbes, Fast Company, WIRED, and more. She’s also taught innovation at American and Fordham Universities and delivered a popular TED Talk on the subject. Lisa serves on multiple advisory boards, including the World Economic Forum and the U.S. National Security Agency.

This episode features and informative conversation with Expert Psychologist, Dr. Susan Birch as she shares her research and discusses her article in Cognition on "curse of knowledge." Susan has a Ph.D. from Yale University in Psychology with expertise in Cognitive Science, Social Cognition, and Human Ontogeny. She is a tenured professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada where she has directed a research lab and published in top-tier journals for over 20 years. Her overarching research goal is to understand how children and adults make inferences about how others think, and importantly, how those inferences impact learning, decision-making, and social-emotional health. The American Psychological Association awarded her with the 2004 Dissertation Award in Developmental Psychology. She also received an Early Career Scholar Award from the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies, and several research awards from Canada’s Tri-Council Research Agencies. She has an immense love for learning which may explain her 3 additional Masters’ degrees: One in Science, another in Philosophy, and a third in Business specializing in Strategy, Business Communications, and Entrepreneurship. Dr. Birch is especially passionate about understanding biases in the way people think can be minimized to improve people’s psychological health.

Tune in to an exciting conversation with Leadership Expert and Author, James Morris as he shares his insights into a personal, spiritual reflection and how they intersect with personal development. James leads Westbury Consulting, LLC, where he provides executive coaching to senior healthcare leaders, offers spiritual mentorship to 30 entrepreneurial women (from the U.S., Canada, and St. Vincent) over the past two years, writes, and delivers keynote presentations. In 1999, James collaborated with Allan Church and Janine Waclawski at Merck to develop a leadership program for 3,500 global leaders, incorporating 360-degree feedback, leadership plans, and coaching. Warner Burke and Peter Cairo were key contacts. James also serves on the Board of Governors at the Center for Creative Leadership, where Bill Pasmore was affiliated. James’ forthcoming book will serve as a follow-up to his first work, Masterpiece. His third book will focus on aligning body, mind, and soul—a concept he has developed under the term Intuitive Agility. He emphasizes the importance of leaders focusing on the development of the soul and the whole self, as this will be increasingly critical in a world witnessing the rapid advancements of Artificial Intelligence. This work is not about religion, but about the power of relationship and leadership.

The creator and author of The Life Brief, a simple yet profound action-driving practice that helps people navigate life’s big decisions with clarity, creativity and courage, Bonnie Wan joins us to share her work. The Life Brief applies the art and science of brand strategy to how we live our lives. As a 30-year career Brand Strategist turned Life & Leadership Strategist, Bonnie not only helps some of the world’s most iconic companies innovate from a place of purpose, but also guides everyday people live with greater intention and imagination. She has been named Chief Strategy Officer of the Year and one of 100 Women to KNOW in America.

The creator and author of The Life Brief, a simple yet profound action-driving practice that helps people navigate life’s big decisions with clarity, creativity and courage, Bonnie Wan joins us to share her work. The Life Brief applies the art and science of brand strategy to how we live our lives. As a 30-year career Brand Strategist turned Life & Leadership Strategist, Bonnie not only helps some of the world’s most iconic companies innovate from a place of purpose, but also guides everyday people live with greater intention and imagination. She has been named Chief Strategy Officer of the Year and one of 100 Women to KNOW in America.

Listen in today for an exciting conversation with distinguished scientist and practitioner in human behavior, recognized by the U.S. Department of State as a top 1% expert, Dr. Abbie Maroño discussing body language, trust and influence in leadership. She has provided specialized behavior analysis training to elite units, including the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which comprises agents from the Secret Service, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and local law enforcement. Earning her PhD in Psychology, Abbie became a Professor of Psychology at 23 and now serves as Director of Education at Social-Engineer, LLC, specializing in behavior analysis. She contributes regularly to Forbes and Apple News and has been featured on BBC News, WIRED, and Forbes Breaking News. Abbie was honored as Reviewer of the Year for her significant contribution to the academic community. Additionally, she is an author, expert consultant, coach, and a TEDx speaker.

Join us on Wednesday, December 4 @ 6pm EST for an exciting conversation with professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, Elizabeth Klerman to discuss her research on the impact of humans being awake after midnight. Dr. Klerman’s research focuses on applying circadian and sleep research principles to human physiology and pathophysiology. She also uses mathematical analysis and modeling to study human circadian, sleep, and objective neurobehavioral performance and subjective (self-reported) mood and alertness rhythms.

On the next episode of The Perkins Platform, I am thrilled to welcome the brilliant sociologist Dr. Jennifer Patrice Sims! A trailblazer in the study of race, identity, and the social constructs that shape our world, Dr. Sims brings an unmatched depth of insight to our discussion.Dr. Sims is the author of three groundbreaking books, including the recently released, The Fallacies of Racism (2024), Mixed-Race in the US & UK (2020), and The Sociology of Harry Potter (2012). Her work has sparked conversations globally, challenging how we think about race, racism, and the ways these ideas are shared and reproduced.With accolades like the Stanford M. Lyman Distinguished Book Award and the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award, Dr. Sims’ impact on the field of sociology—and on her students—is nothing short of remarkable.  Join our conversation on Wednesday, November 27 (6pm) for what promises to be an amazing conversation! 

Get ready for an insightful episode of *The Perkins Platform*! Join us as we welcome Professor Collins, a renowned expert in race and ethnic politics, urban policy, and democratic theory. Together with our host, he dives into his groundbreaking research on public participation at school board meetings and tackles a pressing question: are school boards "broken"? Drawing on insights from his upcoming book, *Democracy Speaks: School Board Governance through Deliberative Culture*, Professor Collins reveals how democratic school board practices can reshape urban education policy. Don’t miss this compelling conversation about the future of school governance and what it means for our communities! Jonathan E. Collins is an assistant professor of political science and education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Professor Collins also serves as the associate director of the Center for Educational Equity. Before joining the Columbia University faculty, he was the Mary Tefft and John Hazen White Sr. Assistant Professor of Political Science, Education, and International and Public Affairs at Brown University.

Join us on Wednesday, October 16 @ 6pm EST for an exciting conversation with passionate advocate for women’s advancement and a key advisor for leaders tackling retention and growth challenges, Deepa Purushothaman. With over 20 years at Deloitte, she became the first Indian-American woman to make partner and led the US Women's Initiative. Her acclaimed debut book, The First, The Few, The Only, won multiple awards and was named a Financial Times best business book.Deepa founded re.write, a think tank promoting a new work narrative, and is an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School. She collaborates with the Aspen Institute on talent discussions and is launching a podcast series called The Leadership Rewrite. As a board member of Avasara and the Rutgers Center for Women in Business, she works to advance women in leadership.A sought-after keynote speaker, Deepa has addressed audiences worldwide, including at the United Nations and Disney. Her TED talks have garnered over 3 million views, and she regularly contributes to the Harvard Business Review. Deepa holds degrees from Wellesley College, Harvard Kennedy School, and the London School of Economics, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and four pets.

Senior policy analyst for K-12 Education at the Center for American Progress, Paige Shoemaker DeMio joins us to discuss her recent article about states reducing qualifications of teachers. As a former high school social studies teacher, Paige has a passion for designing inclusive and comprehensive curriculum and creating education policy that will ensure a more equitable education system in the United States. Shoemaker DeMio earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio University and a Master of Public Administration degree from The Ohio State University. Tune in for this broadcast on Wednesday, October 2 @ 6pm EST!