Grow There With Cheria

Cheria and amazing guest, Piera Gelardi, delve into a perspective we don’t often prioritize in the workplace: play.While many of us associate growth with pressure, performance, and constant output, Piera challenges that assumption by inviting us to consider what becomes possible when we reintroduce curiosity, creativity, and lightness into how we lead and live.-----Piera Gelardi is a creative entrepreneur and author that discusses how early experiences with play can shape how we show up as adults and how, over time, those instincts are often times suppressed in pursuit of professionalism. To learn more about Piera's philosophy on play, her book "The Playful Way" is out now.-----Follow us on socials!InstagramTikTok

What began as a personal interest in functional movement unexpectedly led Kim Nicol into teaching, facilitation, and eventually leadership coaching. Through experiences studying anatomy, massage therapy, and Reiki, she discovered her real gift. That gift is helping people shift how they relate to themselves with greater compassion and awareness.Cheria and Kim have a conversation discussing the value of “low-risk” exploration, why learning outside traditional business environments strengthens leadership, and how one person believing in you can change the trajectory of your growth.Follow us on socials!InstagramTikTok

Cheria sits down with her aunt, Mary Brown, President and CEO of the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation, for a conversation about legacy, advocacy, and what it truly means to serve a community over time.For Mary, the journey began decades earlier at just six years old when the death of a neighborhood child with a blood disorder left a lasting impression.Years later, a simple encyclopedia search led Mary to what was meant to be a short-term role at a sickle cell camp. That “temporary” position evolved into a 40+ year commitment to building programming, advocating for families, and expanding access to equitable care across California.Follow us on socials!InstagramTikTok

Grow There With Cheria is back!Cheria is joined by Juliana Arthuso, Senior Art Director at Ollie, for a thoughtful conversation about the intersection of work, health, and identity. Juliana shares about a time when a concussion forced her to slow down which had disrupted her relationship with productivity and challenging long-held beliefs about performance, self-worth, and success.Some topics Cheria and Juliana cover in this episode:How unexpected life events reshape how we workWhy empathy and flexibility matter in workplace cultureThe tension between doing more and being presentWhat supportive leadership looks like during hard seasonsHow growth can come from listening to your limits, not pushing past themSometimes in order to grow you need to pay attention to what actually sustains you over time.Subscribe to our YouTube!Follow us on socials!InstagramTikTok

Jeff Gelfuso, SVP & Chief Design Officer at Qualtrics, opens up and gives us a candid look at how sudden personal loss shifted his perspective on life and leadership. From stepping into new family responsibilities to rethinking the things that really matter at work, Jeff shares the lessons that helped him grow during one of the most challenging seasons of his life.Some topics Cheria and Jeff explore:• How life changes shape leadership behavior• The importance of presence and trust in team culture• Why curiosity remains essential in a rapidly changing tech landscape• How empathy leads to better decisions and better outcomesIf you’re leading teams or leading yourself through a transition, this conversation will help you reflect, recalibrate, and keep growing.

Cheria sits down with one of her favorite former bosses and dear friend, Rachel Russell, to take an adventure through how creativity, community, and grief can shape the way we grow.Rachel opens up about her transition from working with children and families at Camp Laurel to launching her own business, Stitch and Flourish, a creative venture born from resilience and her own self-discovery. Together, Cheria and Rachel reflect on the power of relationships, the courage it takes to start over, and how someone's passing can fuel deeper purpose.Follow us on socials!YouTubeInstagramTikTok

Cheria sits down with Evan Shapiro, the self-proclaimed “cartographer of the media universe”, for a candid conversation on growth, creativity, and reinvention. Together, they unpack how the archetype of the “villain” can actually be a force for transformation, what it means to continually shed your skin to evolve, and why knowing your superpower is essential to leading with authenticity.Evan shares stories from his winding journey. He talks about the likes of theater to television to teaching, revealing how embracing discomfort and change can ascend you to new levels of purpose and success. This episode is for the leaders, dreamers, and creators ready to grow through what challenges them most.Follow us on socials!InstagramTikTokYouTube

Welcome to Season 3 of Grow There with Cheria! This episode opens with reflection, renewal, and a powerful reminder that growth is never linear. Cheria kicks things off by sharing her September reflections and the idea of “Monday energy”, those moments in life that feel like both an ending and a new beginning.Joining her is Mita Mallick, bestselling author and corporate changemaker, who shares her deeply personal journey of losing her father in 2017 and how grief reshaped her confidence and leadership. Together, they take a journey through the intersections of loss, resilience, and growth, reminding us that leadership is about humility, vulnerability, and the courage to learn from even the hardest seasons.This episode invites leaders to reflect not only on how they lead others but also on how they care for themselves, showing that the personal and professional are always deeply connected.Follow us on socials!InstagramTikTok

Welcome Virginia Suliman, EVP and Chief Information & Digital Officer at Invitation Homes, for a raw conversation about what it means to lead with both humanity and heart.Together, they explore the crossroads of professional leadership and personal transformation—Cheria reflecting on her journey from singer to speaker, and Virginia sharing her experience navigating grief, caregiving, menopause, and motherhood while holding executive responsibility.This episode is a powerful reminder that the workplace is not separate from the real lives we lead—and that the strongest leaders are the ones who make space for vulnerability, voice, and compassion. Whether you're at the beginning of your leadership journey or carrying the weight of many seasons, this conversation will meet you right where you are.Follow us on socials!YouTubeInstagramTikTok

In this episode, we sit down with Puja Vohra—EVP of Ad Sales and CMO at Fox Corporation—for a conversation rooted in grit, growth, and the kind of wisdom only life experience can teach.Puja opens up about starting over in a new country, building a career from the ground up, and holding onto her belief in herself—even when things felt uncertain. From navigating cultural shifts to leading high-stakes teams, Puja shares how confidence, courage, and connection shaped her path.If you’re working to lead with intention, grow through challenges, or simply need a reminder that you are more than capable, this episode is for you!Follow us on socials!YouTubeInstagramTikTok

In this episode, we sit down with Kass and Mike Lazerow—serial entrepreneurs and investors—who take us through the real, raw, and sometimes messy journey of building and selling companies like Golf.com and Buddy Media.From childhood stories to hard-won business truths, this conversation explores what it means to grow something real—in business, in partnership, and in life. Kass and Mike talk about leading with radical transparency, prioritizing company culture, and why personal alignment matters just as much as profit.We also dig into their latest book, 'Shoveling Shit', a candid look at the behind-the-scenes grind of entrepreneurship. Plus, they share their passion for Cycle for Survival and what fuels them beyond the boardroom.This episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to build bold, human-centered businesses—and grow with intention every step of the way.Follow us on socials!YouTubeInstagramTikTok

We sit down with Stanley Lumax—a dynamic force in culture-driven marketing whose career spans from Nike to Complex to JP Morgan Chase. But his story is more than titles.Stanley shares how a moment of deep pause during the pandemic helped him realign not only with his passion but with his purpose. From building brands to building community—through ventures like African Chophouse and Teranga—he walks us through what it means to lead with values, anchor in culture, and stay committed to impact, even when the path is uncertain.This episode is a love letter to creative resilience, cultural pride, and the quiet power of choosing yourself—again and again.-----------------------------Follow us on socials!YouTubeInstagramTikTok

Cheria sits down with Rob Symes—serial entrepreneur, visionary, and proud dad. Rob opens up about the highs and lows of building and selling his first company, using AI for global good, and how his son’s autism diagnosis shifted everything.Together, they talk about the loneliness that can come with growth, the courage it takes to keep innovating, and what it really means to lead with heart. This is a story of purpose, pivoting, and staying human in a world that’s changing fast.If you’ve ever asked, “Can I succeed and stay true to myself?”—this conversation is for you.Growth is not just strategy. It's soul work.Follow us on socials!YouTubeInstagramTikTok

In this episode of Grow There with Cheria, Cheria sits down with the radiant Rha Goddess—entrepreneurial soul coach, changemaker, and author of Intentional Ambition. Together, they explore how growth in work and life are inseparable, and how true leadership starts from within.Rha shares the deeply personal story of how the passing of her father reshaped her relationship with work, and why renegotiating our ambitions with more intention and humanity is essential. Through their heartfelt conversation, you'll discover why intuition, connection, and liberation are not just nice-to-haves—they are necessary for real, sustainable growth.If you're ready to rethink what ambition means, build workplaces where people actually thrive, and lead from a place of freedom and joy—this conversation is for you.Growth is messy. It's human. It's beautiful. Tune in and grow there with us.Follow us on socials!YouTubeInstagramTikTok

In this episode, Cheria sits down with the brilliant Dr. Natalie Nixon—creativity strategist, global keynote speaker, and author—for a rich conversation on what it really means to grow. Natalie shares how ballroom dancing taught her the art of follow-through and how being a "clumsy student" can be a superpower in both life and leadership. Together, they explore how slowing down, embracing vulnerability, and weaving together wonder and rigor can unlock our most creative, most human selves. Whether you’re a team leader, a creative, or just someone trying to grow intentionally—you’ll find wisdom here. Tune in and let's grow there, together. 🌿💡

This episode is extra special. Meet the Mercado family - Marcie, Jeremy, and their incredible kids, Benjamin and Saige. Their journey to parenthood was anything but linear, leading them to foster-to-adopt Benjamin, who instantly filled their home with love. Then, just weeks later, Marcie found out she was pregnant with Saige.What makes this family even more remarkable? Their deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. Marcie, a lifelong educator in environmental sciences, doesn’t just teach it, she lives it. Jeremy runs Prickocereus, a thriving cactus business that has become a true family venture, with Benjamin and Saige actively involved.And now, for the first time ever, we’re bringing kids onto the podcast because these two have something to say! Benjamin and Saige aren’t just growing cactus; they’re growing wisdom beyond their years. If you really listen, you’ll hear their insights on life, work, and what it means to play hard and care deeply.

In this episode, Cheria sits down with Brigid Walsh—a powerhouse whose career spans entertainment, PR, and TV production, now leading the charge in environmental innovation. From working with Vogue and top-tier clients to founding 100 Miles North, Brigid’s journey is all about transformation, sustainability, and designing for a better future.She breaks down how permaculture—rooted in age-old agricultural and water management systems—offers a blueprint not just for the environment, but for thriving workplace cultures.Expect insights on continuous growth, the power of lifelong learning, and why sustainable, collaborative business practices are the way forward.

Join Cheria as she kicks off Season 2 of 'Grow There with Cheria' with an enlightening and authentic conversation with Nick Tran, former global head of marketing at TikTok. In this episode, Cheria discusses her journey from turning workplaces into growth spaces to reflecting on the success of Season 1. Nick Tran shares his unique story of personal and professional growth following his unexpected exit from TikTok, offering insights on leadership, the importance of taking a mid-career sabbatical, and reprioritizing life around family and self-discovery. Don't miss this inspiring episode packed with lessons on navigating challenges and fostering growth at the intersection of work and life.Follow us on socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grow_there/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@growtherewithcheria

In this heartfelt episode, host Cheria invites her mother, Dr. Josette Brown, to share her inspiring life story. From her dream of being a wife and a mom to her tenacity in navigating divorce and financial struggles, Dr. Brown opens up about her persistent pursuit of education and growth. This candid conversation highlights the importance of lifelong learning, resilience, and the impact of personal experiences on professional growth. The show also touches on moments of vulnerability, the significance of supportive relationships, and the joy found in teaching and helping others grow.Listen to full episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!

In this heartfelt episode, Cheria takes a journey through a deep conversation with her best friend, Karen. The duo shares their unique retreat practice, the intersection of work and life, and how grief profoundly shapes growth. Karen’s path led her to become a death doula, where she helps people navigate the end of life with dignity, reflecting on her own experiences and the deep connection between life, death, and growth.

In episode 7 of Grow There with Cheria, Cheria invites her friend Monique Cadle, founding partner of GoodWorks Consulting, to discuss their personal and professional growth journeys. Monique shares powerful insights on blending career objectives with personal joy and authenticity. They discuss the importance of self-love, community, and making space for creativity and self-discovery. This candid conversation explores the intersection of professional and personal lives, and how nurturing one's inner child can lead to profound growth and fulfillment.

In episode 6 of 'Grow There with Cheria,' Cheria introduces her guest, Laura Brunow. Laura, a multi-talented Reiki practitioner, brand designer, and community builder, shares her journey of navigating personal grief and health challenges, including a recent diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer. Laura discusses the intersections of her personal and professional life, her efforts to create accessible healing communities, and how these experiences have influenced her work and teaching. They dive into themes of resilience, personal growth, and the art of balancing generosity and self-care. Join Cheria and Laura for an inspiring conversation about transformation, healing, and the power of community.

In this episode of Grow There with Cheria, host Cheria discusses the importance of having a 'hype man' and introduces guest Lindsey Stanberry, the founder and CEO of The Purse, a newsletter first women's media company. Lindsey shares her journey from her corporate roles at Fortune, CNBC, and Refinery29 to starting her own publication. The conversation delves into the intersection of personal and professional life, the challenges and rewards of freelancing, and the importance of celebrating small successes. Tune in to hear Lindsey's inspiring story about following her passion and creating impactful content.

In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the transformative power of creativity, personal growth, and authentic connection. Featuring inspiring stories from Loren Smith, a renowned recording artist, the conversation spans topics such as overcoming shyness and the pivotal role of supportive mentorship. Through personal anecdotes and deep discussions, we explore themes of vulnerability, the power of being seen, and the importance of nurturing human connections both in the arts and corporate worlds. Join us for an intimate conversation about leading with kindness, embracing true selves, and creating a positive impact on the world.

In this episode of 'Grow There with Cheria,' we explore the intertwining paths of professional and personal development. Cheria and her guest, bestselling author Fran Hauser, share insights on transitioning from corporate roles to startups, the impact of motherhood on work-life balance, and the importance of self-actualization and authenticity. The conversation addresses key themes such as flexible work arrangements, community support, self-care, and navigating significant life transitions with intentionality. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on redefining values, effective time management, and the journey towards creating something meaningful independently.

In this episode of 'Grow There with Cheria,' Cheria shares the meaningful backstory behind the podcast and her consulting firm, 'Grow There.' Reflecting on personal growth, Cheria introduces her guest, Brit Barron, an empowering speaker and author. Together, they discuss the intersection of personal and professional growth, the liberation found in self-acceptance, and the importance of embracing one's true identity. Brit shares her transformative journey of coming out and how it influenced her career and personal life. They explore the fluidity of personal beliefs, the concept of 'progressive amnesia,' and the significance of trusting in one's own experiences. As Brit prepares to launch her upcoming book, 'Do You Still Talk to Grandma?' she emphasizes the power of empathy and inclusivity in fostering meaningful relationships. Join Cheria and Brit in a candid conversation about owning your truth and impacting the world through authenticity. Follow us on socials for more content! - Instagram: @grow_there TikTok: @growtherewithcheria YouTube: @cheriayoung

Welcome to the Grow There With Cheria podcast! In the debut episode of 'Grow There with Cheria,' host Cheria engages in a heartfelt conversation with Ross Martin, an Emmy and Peabody award-winning marketer and business leader. Ross shares his journey of growth and development. The episode explores the intertwining of personal and professional growth, the challenges of overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of listening and amplifying others' voices. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Ross reveals how unconventional thinking and a dedication to lifting others have shaped his career and leadership style. The discussion encapsulates the essence of growth at the intersection of work and life, offering insights and inspiration for anyone striving to evolve both personally and professionally.

Take 60 seconds(ish) to center down on something sweet at work.

Here's a new 60 second(ish) Center Down, where we offer something simple yet meaningful to consider for your work week.