Ronderings

In this episode of Ronderings, Ron sits down with Wenimo Okoya, educator, public health scholar, and founder of Healing Schools Project, for a conversation about why community itself is medicine and why the adults carrying the most trauma are the ones being asked to deliver wellness frameworks for kids.Wenimo's path runs from a Newark classroom (where she lost her job in the Christie-era budget cuts that brought the Zuckerberg money in) to a Master's of Public Health and doctorate at Columbia, to the Children's Health Fund, to the JED Foundation, and now to leading Healing Schools Project, a nonprofit born out of pandemic-era healing circles for educators of color.She introduces herself the way her colleagues at GirlTREK do, by her matrilineal lineage. She is Wenimo, the daughter of Grace, the daughter of Estolita, the daughter of Maude. The thread of women, entrepreneurship, and Caribbean healing wisdom runs through everything she builds.The conversation lands on a simple frame Wenimo brings into every circle she holds: three questions. How are you arriving? What do you need? What do you have the capacity to give? Ron calls it the simplest leadership tool listeners will hear all year. The back half of the episode unpacks why connection has been overcomplicated and why trust is the metric organizations refuse to measure even though they could.Tune in to hear why connection doesn't require innovation and why community is the public health intervention we keep walking past.Chapters:📚 01:23 Publish your book at www.leveragepublishinggroup.com🌍 02:35 Meet Wenimo Okoya: Newark teacher, public health scholar, founder of Healing Schools Project👵 03:32 Daughter of Grace, daughter of Estolita, daughter of Maude: introducing yourself by lineage🏫 05:40 Teaching in Newark during the Christie cuts and the Zuckerberg money🎓 08:11 Columbia, Carolyn Belell, and integrating public health and education when no one else was🦠 13:00 Pandemic healing circles, the JED Foundation, and how Healing Schools Project was born✍️ 15:14 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at www.booksthatmatter.org🧪 21:13 Peppermint in the backyard: Caribbean healing wisdom and what immigrants kept🪑 23:11 The three questions that beat any icebreaker🌟 32:03 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out www.geniusdiscovery.org📊 36:55 Trust is the metric organizations refuse to measure🏛️ 40:28 Why funders won't pay for what's in the middle💊 43:23 Wenimo's Rondering: micro-shifts beat massive change🎧 48:23 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out www.podcastsmatter.comLinks:Website: https://healingschoolsproject.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healing-schools-project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingschools Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healingschoolsprojectConnect with Dr. Wenimo Okoya and the Healing Schools Project team to learn more about their work bringing healing-centered practices and educator well-being into schools across the country.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.orgFor more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org

Revenue strategist and third-generation entrepreneur Amirah Raveneau-Bey has spent 25 years inside Citibank, Zillow, Trulia, NerdWallet, and Opendoor. The truth she keeps coming back to: you cannot scale a business you are not personally growing into.In this episode of Ronderings, Ron sits down with Amirah, founder of Grow Scale Develop, to talk about why what looks like a revenue problem is almost always a leadership problem.Amirah traces the entrepreneurial line that runs through her family. Her grandparents built a business on Long Island. Her father became a Broadway drummer who turned arts education into a calling when New York public schools started cutting music. She thought she wanted a nine to five and went to Citibank, where her boss told her to stay in the box. Tech said the opposite, so she built what wasn't there. It made her discover something she could never go back from. Leadership is 10% strategy and 90% emotional regulation.Ron and Amirah dig into why every sales problem is really a trust problem, why bosses who cannot regulate themselves are the bosses people quit, and how Amirah talks to her clients about rest. Rest is not a reward. It is a requirement for the level of leadership we are asking people to step into. And she lands on a Rondering that stops Ron mid-conversation. Every strong leader needs a space where they do not have to be strong. Coaching and mentorship are not luxuries. They are protection.Tune in to hear what 25 years across finance and tech taught Amirah about scaling a business while scaling the leader inside it.Chapters:🌱 00:36 Meet Amirah Raveneau-Bey: third-generation entrepreneur and revenue strategist📚 01:50 Publish your book at www.leveragepublishinggroup.com🎶 03:44 Nineties R&B, Jodeci, and the music that shapes who we become🏝️ 07:17 Long Island grandparents, a Broadway drummer father, and the entrepreneurial line she could not outrun💡 10:19 Saying no to entrepreneurship and getting in trouble at Citibank for thinking too creatively🚀 13:28 What tech taught her that a big bank could not: build the thing that is not there yet✍️ 18:46 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at www.booksthatmatter.org🤝 19:20 Why every revenue problem is really a leadership problem in disguise👋 23:33 People do not quit jobs, they quit bosses who cannot regulate🧠 26:48 Autonomy is the leadership move most leaders skip 🪞 35:22 Who you were as a leader five years ago is not who you need to be today🌟 37:29 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out www.geniusdiscovery.org😴 43:19 Rest is not a reward: it is a requirement for the leadership we are asking people to step into🛋️ 49:38 Every strong leader needs a space where they do not have to be strong🎧 56:35 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out www.podcastsmatter.comLinks:Website: https://www.growscaledevelop.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirahraveneaubeySubstack: https://amirah.substack.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/grow.scale.developConnect with Amirah on LinkedIn or visit Grow Scale Develop to follow her work helping founders and executives turn revenue problems into leadership breakthroughs.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.orgFor more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org

Education leader Jameelah Stuckey has built a career across finance, classroom teaching, school founding, and national education research, and she did it without losing the softness her father told her to protect.In this episode of Ronderings, Ron sits down with Jameelah, senior manager at TNTP and education chair of the Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission, to talk about identity, neurodivergence, advocacy, and what it actually takes to lead without hardening.Jameelah grew up in South Central LA, the ninth of ten siblings, raised between mosque and church by three parents who each taught her something different about how to move through the world. She started in finance, working her way up from a high school teller program at Washington Mutual to Bank of America to a stint at the White House during the Obama administration. That ended when she was sent home for two days for being too passionate about the people the policy was supposed to serve. The redirect pointed straight at education.She taught, became a founding principal of a non-traditional high school in Compton, and eventually landed in Tulsa, a city she describes as small enough to dream and implement in the same week. Now she serves nationally through TNTP while leading community work across Tulsa Young Professionals, the Tulsa Area United Way, and a few other tables in town.Ron and Jameelah get into the difference between assertion and aggression, how neurodivergence shaped the way she works and leads, and why her father's line, the same people you see going up you will see coming down, has carried her across every sector she has worked in.Tune in to hear why becoming who you are meant to be does not have to mean losing your softness along the way.Chapters:📚 01:40 Publish your book at www.leveragepublishinggroup.com🌴 02:30 Meet Jameelah Stuckey: South Central, TNTP, and the Ed homie connection🕌 04:03 Mosque, church, and three parents: an early lesson in inclusion🤝 11:33 The leadership ethic her father taught her: respect, assertion, and never the big I or little U💵 13:39 From Washington Mutual teller to Bank of America: a finance career that started in eighth grade🏛️ 16:38 Sent home from the White House for being too passionate🏫 19:02 How a substitute gig in Compton turned into founding a school✍️ 20:22 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at www.booksthatmatter.org🎓 21:03 Building a non-traditional high school for non-traditional students🌆 24:18 Why Tulsa is the place where dreams actually get implemented🏘️ 27:13 Black Wall Street, social capital, and what makes Tulsa different🌊 33:33 Be like water: the leadership ethic that meets the moment🧠 35:36 Why neurodivergence works better in remote, autonomous environments🤖 43:04 How AI became a real accommodation tool for ADHD leaders🌟 43:56 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out www.geniusdiscovery.org😊 47:02 Where Jameelah finds joy: progress, new things, and a purple suede coat🔁 48:43 Think, believe, release, receive: the mantra she lives by🎧 59:52 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out www.podcastsmatter.comLinks:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jameelah-stuckey-mba TNTP: tntp.org African American Leadership Academy: aalatulsa.orgConnect with Jameelah on LinkedIn to learn more about her work in education, leadership, and community impact across Tulsa and beyond.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org 

Dr. Abiodun Durojaye arrived in the United States at nine years old from Nigeria, and by fourth grade she had learned two things: she was Black in America, and the name her father gave her would not fit in the spaces she was trying to enter.In this episode of Ronderings, Ron sits down with Dr. Abiodun Durojaye, founder of AsidaLove and former CEO of Urban Alliance, to talk about identity, gratitude, motherhood, and why love belongs in leadership conversations that usually leave it out.Abiodun grew up the daughter of a Nigerian mother raising four children alone in a new country. Every one of those children now holds at least a doctorate. She went on to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, joined Delta Sigma Theta, and after graduation packed her bags for Nigeria to serve in the National Youth Service Corps. That year in camp, fetching water for a bath in front of thousands of strangers, is where she learned the line she still lives by. Authenticity is a privilege. Check yourself at the door. She also met her husband there.Then came the part of her story most people do not see. Two of her three daughters were born micro-preemie, one at 24 weeks and one at 23, each weighing about a pound. Five-month NICU stays. Holidays in the hospital. She finished her dissertation in those rooms because work became the only thing that kept her upright. Ron and Abiodun talk about what that kind of endurance costs, and the day she pulled her oldest out of school at 11 a.m. to go bra shopping because grace matters too.Now Abiodun is building AsidaLove, a movement rooted in the belief that love is a strategy, not a sentiment. She is planning a For Her, By Her convening in Chicago for women of color navigating transition, and writing a memoir about her NICU years and what kept her going.Tune in to hear why empathy is strength, why presence is the real work of leadership, and what it means to check yourself at the door. Chapters:📚 01:44 Publish your book at www.leveragepublishinggroup.com🌍 02:36 Meet Dr. Abiodun Durojaye, first-generation Nigerian🏫 07:22 Fourth grade at Reavis Elementary and the day Abiodun learned she was Black👩🏾 11:13 The women whose shoulders Abiodun stands on🎓 13:38 UIUC, the Deltas, and her line sisters✈️ 15:11 Bags packed for Nigeria at the end of college🏕️ 15:42 A year in the NYSC camp, pay little to nothing💍 16:41 The Nigerian man she swore she would never marry✍️ 19:21 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at www.booksthatmatter.org🚪 22:25 Authenticity is a privilege, so check yourself at the door📖 27:03 Three daughters, two NICU babies, and the book she is writing⏰ 30:34 Twenty-three weeks, one pound, and the decision no mother should make🏥 33:23 A mother's fight when the medicine cracked her daughter's ribs💪 34:39 The dissertation as a distraction from the NICU💗 40:02 AsidaLove: a movement rooted in community and love👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾 41:48 For Her, By Her, the Chicago convening Abiodun is dreaming up🌟 43:32 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out www.geniusdiscovery.org🍲 46:13 Asida, the warm dish that sticks to you🙏 49:23 Her year of yes and being obedient to what is next✨ 53:18 Love as strategy and empathy as strength🎧 01:03:27 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out www.podcastsmatter.comLinks:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adurojayeInstagram: www.instagram.com/duro_itsabi  Abiodun is someone you want in your corner. Follow her for AsidaLove, the For Her, By Her convening in Chicago, and the memoir that is coming. Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org 

From a special education classroom in West Philadelphia to corporate philanthropy at Vanguard, Nicholas Pascale has spent two decades building his career the same way he builds everything: through relationships. In this episode of Ronderings, Ron sits down with Nicholas, a former SPED teacher, principal, district leader, and nonprofit consultant who now works on Vanguard's Community Stewardship team. Nicholas grew up in a working class Italian family in New York with a twin brother and parents who both worked at JFK Airport. When he was a year and a half old, his father was diagnosed with terminal leukemia and given six months to live. He fought for ten and a half years. That early confrontation with loss shaped everything. Nicholas knew by first grade he wanted to be a teacher after Mrs. Kennedy knelt beside him on his first day apart from his twin brother and told him it was going to be okay. As a principal, he built school culture around reconciliation, insisting that adults model the same forgiveness they ask of thirteen year olds. When he pivoted to HR at a startup and got laid off, the relationships he had been building for years carried him into consulting with Bellwether, Albuquerque Public Schools, and DCPS. Ron and Nicholas also go deep on what it means to maintain relationships over time, why financial literacy belongs in schools alongside health education, and how a volunteer role at Vanguard led Nicholas back to education through corporate philanthropy. Tune in to hear why the only legacy that lasts is the way you make people feel. Chapters:📚 01:44 Publish your book at www.leveragepublishinggroup.com 🤝 02:34 Meet Nicholas Pascale: relationships as a way of life 🇮🇹 08:20 Growing up in a working class Italian family in Queens 🏥 09:55 Dad diagnosed with leukemia at one and a half: ten years of fighting 👩 14:12 Mom held the load as a single parent after dad passed 💰 16:45 Mentor, financial literacy, and how mom retired at 55 ✍️ 17:44 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at www.booksthatmatter.org 🍎 18:44 Mrs. Kennedy in first grade: deciding to be a teacher at seven years old 🏫 23:36 Building school culture around reconciliation: kids come first 🔄 33:27 From schools to ed consulting: Bellwether, DCPS, and Albuquerque 🌟 35:53 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out www.geniusdiscovery.org 🏢 42:32 How a volunteer role at Vanguard led back to education through philanthropy 📱 48:25 The simplest relationship strategy: just reach out and tell people you love them 💛 52:55 The Ronderings: life is measured in love and kindness through relationships 🎧 57:17 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out www.podcastsmatter.com Links:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-pascale-ab1701137Connect with Nicholas on LinkedIn to follow his work in corporate philanthropy at Vanguard and his continued commitment to education and community. Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org 

Leadership coach and former statewide education CEO Dr. Maya M. Faison knows what it looks like when organizations want your brilliance but not your voice, and she is done staying quiet about it. In this episode of Ronderings, Ron sits down with Maya, founder of Faison Advisory Group and creator of the UNMUTED coaching experience, to talk about what it actually costs black women to lead inside systems that were never designed for them. Maya grew up in Philadelphia, where a classmate once told her she was not smart enough to get into Masterman, the top-ranked magnet school in the state. Her parents went to the school to apply. The counselor hesitated. But a principal who chose to see her potential advocated for her admission. What Maya found out later was that her older sister had been turned away years earlier. Different principal, different outcome. One block separated Masterman from a school where a third grader could not read the words "press enter to start." That gap set everything in motion. She went from the University of Pennsylvania to Harvard to the classroom, then into policy work as one of the original teacher ambassador fellows at the US Department of Education. She eventually led a statewide charter school advocacy organization for nearly a decade, passing legislation at rates most policy shops only talk about. But behind those wins, the personal cost was compounding. Board members suggesting she hire a white man to run the organization she was already running. Colleagues undermining her team. The quiet, constant pressure to shrink. When Maya started attending EdLoC convenings and connecting with other black women in nonprofit ed reform, she realized her story was not an individual one. It was systemic. Women hospitalized from stress. Women blackballed for speaking up. Women who left the country entirely. That pattern is now the foundation of her research project, I Survived Ed Reform, and the reason she coaches women to stop muting themselves and start leading from wholeness. Tune in to hear why Maya believes your job will never love you back, and what it looks like to lead without giving away your soul. Chapters:📚 01:36 Publish your book at www.leveragepublishinggroup.com 🎒 02:42 Meet Dr. Maya M. Faison: Philly kid, educator, truth teller 🏫 06:19 The little girl who said "you're not smart enough" and the gloves came off📖 08:24 Tutoring a third grader who couldn't read the screen one block from the best school in the state 📻 13:33 Mavis Beacon, summer spelling lists, and a nerdy family dinner radio show 🎓 17:26 Traditional teacher licensure, Harvard, and the long route into policy ✍️ 21:45 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at www.booksthatmatter.org 😤 23:10 "There's this other guy": being told to hire someone to do the job you were hired for 🤝 26:19 Walking into EdLoC spaces and finding out it was all of us 📓 28:35 Interviewing women across the country for I Survived Ed Reform 🏥 30:23 Hospitals, Ghana, and the physical cost of leading under fire 💔 37:12 The biggest regret: putting off families for organizations that moved on without them 🌟 38:19 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out www.geniusdiscovery.org 📉 41:16 A love letter on LinkedIn and what 300,000 layoffs mean for black women 🧭 44:19 Negotiate from abundance, not desperation 💎 47:54 Maya's Rondering: you don't owe them your soul 👕 50:47 The shirt says healing over hustle and she means it 🎧 58:37 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out www.podcastsmatter.com Links:Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/mayabfaison  Website: www.mayafaison.com Faison Advisory Group: www.faisonadvisorygroup.comI Survived Ed Reform: www.isurvivededreform.com  Instagram: @mayabfaison Connect with Maya on LinkedIn or visit mayafaison.com to learn more about her coaching work with women in leadership and her upcoming book, I Survived Ed Reform.  Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org 

Hector Calderón grew up watching the South Bronx burn, taught himself English through Gilligan's Island tapes, and went on to co-found the first Human Rights High School in the nation. In this episode of Ronderings, Ron sits down with Hector Calderón, co-founder and former principal of El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice, educator, racial justice facilitator, and leadership coach with over 25 years of experience building liberatory spaces for leaders and communities. Hector traces his path from a childhood split between a burning South Bronx block and a one-room schoolhouse in the Dominican Republic, to landing at the epicenter of hip hop's birth on Banana Kelly Street, to finding his calling at El Puente in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 1993. El Puente was not a school dropped into a community. It was a community deciding what kind of school it deserved. He shares the three founding tenets that shaped it: education as liberation, disciplines in service of community needs, and integrated curriculum that mirrors how the real world actually works. The conversation moves into what Hector does today, coaching leaders through the eighteen inches between the brain and the heart, and holding firm to the Frantz Fanon charge he lives by: every generation must find its destiny, fulfill it or betray it. Tune in to hear how Hector Calderón turns every rupture into an aperture, and what that means for the rest of us.  Chapters:📚 01:49 Publish your book at www.leveragepublishinggroup.com 🌎 02:39 Hector Calderón's story: from the South Bronx to the Dominican Republic and back 🏫 08:55 Navigating dangerous schools and the move to Queens 🗣️ 10:06 Teaching himself English through Gilligan's Island tapes 🎵 15:18 Growing up at the birth of hip hop on Banana Kelly Street 🏗️ 19:45 Co-founding El Puente Academy: a community building its own school ⚖️ 22:58 The three founding tenets of El Puente ✍️ 25:29 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at www.booksthatmatter.org 🧬 29:42 Student asthma research published in JAMA and a vaccination clinic that beat the Department of Health 🔥 36:47 Coaching leaders today: the eighteen inches between brain and heart 🌟 42:35 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out www.geniusdiscovery.org 📖 44:29 Frantz Fanon and keeping justice alive right now 🎤 45:35 Hector's poem: in the beginning was the word 💡 52:10 Learn to turn ruptures into apertures 🎧 01:00:05 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out www.podcastsmatter.com Links:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hector-calderón-602b4124 Connect with Hector on LinkedIn and keep an eye out for his upcoming book of poetry, art, and educational reflections. Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org 

Mindfulness coach and professional development consultant Amanda Muhammad knows what burnout looks like from the inside, and she built a company to help organizations do something about it. In this episode of Ronderings, Ron sits down with Amanda, founder of Mako Mindfulness, to explore workplace stress management, psychological safety, and what it genuinely takes to build a culture where people can show up at their best. Amanda grew up in Kansas City in a family rooted in movement and faith. Her father ran a karate dojo, her mother became a certified yoga instructor, and a purple yoga mat from TJ Maxx is where her own practice began. She studied HR and organizational leadership, planned the corporate climb, but every workplace she moved through told the same story: people were quietly burning out, and no one was talking about it.When she finally decided to make the leap into entrepreneurship, she didn't announce it. She quit her job, told nobody, and spent a full year building Mako Mindfulness in the trenches before her family even knew she'd left. What carried her through was a daily faith practice and a prayer book she kept re-reading from the start. Every time she hit the halfway point, a new contract landed. Ron and Amanda dig into the gap between what organizations say about well-being and what their policies actually create, and why generational tension gets worse when leaders stop thinking beyond their immediate needs. They also get personal about why making your life bigger than your job might be the most underrated thing a leader can do. Tune in to hear what Amanda's story says about what conscious leadership actually demands. Chapters:📚 01:50 Publish your book at www.leveragepublishinggroup.com 🌱 02:41 Amanda Muhammad's Story: From Kansas City to Conscious Leadership 🧘 04:06 A Yoga Class, a Purple Mat, and a Practice That Stuck 🙏 10:20 Leaving Corporate, Telling Nobody, and Trusting the Leap ✍️ 22:15 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at www.booksthatmatter.org 💼 23:04 What Mako Mindfulness Actually Does 🪞 27:05 Collective Care vs Self Care: What Organizations Get Wrong 👥 31:52 The Leadership Mirror Check 🔄 32:52 Generational Tension at Work and Who Has to Move First 🚀 35:08 The Future of Work and the Gig Economy 🌟 39:39 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out www.geniusdiscovery.org 🎨 40:23 Art, Play, and Why Amanda Goes to Museums to Do Her Emails 🌍 51:35 Making Your Life Bigger Than Your Job 🎧 01:00:29 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out www.podcastsmatter.com Links:Website: www.makomindfulness.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/makomindfulness LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amandamuhammad Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn or visit Mako Mindfulness to learn more about her work in stress management, psychological safety, and professional development for schools and organizations. Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org 

From Silicon Valley innovator to neuroscience educator, Ellen Petry Leanse explores what happens when we stop separating creativity from analytical thinking and begin using the full capacity of the human mind.In this episode of the Ronderings podcast, Ron Rapatalo speaks with Ellen about her unusual path from a curious child interested in both science and art to a decade-long career at Apple during the company’s early years. She reflects on how curiosity, unstructured time, and even frustration with traditional schooling shaped her lifelong interest in the brain and human behavior.Drawing on more than 35 years of studying neuroscience with thinkers such as Dr. Iain McGilchrist and Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, Ellen explores how the brain’s hemispheres shape the way we pursue goals and make sense of the world. She also reflects on how modern technology may be reshaping attention and cognition in what she calls “mental climate change.”The conversation moves into leadership, habits, and intentional living. Ellen connects neuroscience with older traditions of wisdom, including Taoist philosophy and Indigenous perspectives, to explore how people can move beyond reactive thinking and develop a more integrated way of responding to challenges.If you are interested in neuroscience, leadership, and the deeper questions of how humans think and create, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective.Listen to the full conversation to hear how Ellen connects brain science, creativity, and lived experience to help us better understand ourselves and the world we are shaping. Chapters:📚 02:03 Publish your book at www.leveragepublishinggroup.com 🧠 02:54 Ellen’s Story: Curiosity, the Brain, and an Apple Break🌟 21:25 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out www.geniusdiscovery.org 💡 33:07 What Neuroscience Teaches Us About Leadership 🎯 36:16 Habits, Focus, and Training the Brain 🕊️ 38:44 When Brain Science Meets Something Deeper❤️ 43:29 From Heartache to Hope ✍️ 51:05 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at www.booksthatmatter.org 🔮 01:00:35 Ellen’s Big Idea: We Are More Than We Think 🎙️ 01:05:03 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out www.podcastsmatter.com Links:Personal Website: www.ellenleanse.comPodcast Website: www.thebrainandbeyond.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/chep2mFacebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093194381038LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ellenleanse If something in this conversation sparked your curiosity, explore more of Ellen Petry Leanse’s work through the links above. Her podcast The Brain and Beyond is a thoughtful place to keep exploring neuroscience, creativity, and what it means to be human. Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org 

What does it take to lead real change inside systems that weren’t built for you? In this episode of Ronderings, Dr. Natalie Neris shares how mentorship, faith, and integrity shaped her journey from Chicago classrooms to systems-level leadership helping organizations turn bold visions into lasting change. Natalie reflects on her upbringing in Chicago and how a life-changing mentor helped her navigate college and discover her purpose in education. She shares how her early experiences as a student who often felt unseen shaped her commitment to equity and fueled her work in systems change. Drawing on her time as an award-winning educator, a leader within Chicago Public Schools, and later at Kids First Chicago, Natalie explains why sustainable change requires aligning aspirational values with daily practices and building infrastructure that truly supports people.Natalie also opens up about the emotional weight of leadership, the role of faith in sustaining courage, and why integrity is a leader’s greatest asset. Through her work with Root and Reimagine Consulting Collective, she helps mission-driven organizations bridge theory, practice, and lived experience to create meaningful and lasting impact.Her story, from a student at Northeastern Illinois University to doctoral research at National Louis University, is a testament to the power of mentorship, healing, and purpose-driven leadership.Tune in to hear how Natalie’s journey reveals what it really takes to lead with authenticity and transform education systems from the inside out.Chapters:📚 01:52 Publish your book at www.leveragepublishinggroup.com📝 03:33 Natalie’s Chicago Story: Growing Up in Humboldt Park🎓 07:00 The Mentor Who Changed Her Life💔 12:02 Trauma, Poverty, and the Hidden Reality of Students🔥 17:30 Why Faith Matters in Leadership ✍️ 20:22 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at www.booksthatmatter.org💼 23:25 Leadership Burnout and Broken Systems🏫 30:53 Rethinking Change in Chicago Public Schools⚡ 34:22 Emergent Strategy vs. System Reality🎯 37:20  Finding Leverage Points That Actually Move Policy 🌟 43:56 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out www.geniusdiscovery.org🧬 46:01 Ancestral Wisdom and Systems Thinking🛡️ 55:29 The Most Important Leadership Trait: Integrity 🎧 59:52 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out www.podcastsmatter.comLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_neris LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/natalienerisLearn more about Natalie’s work through Root and Reimagine and her approach to helping leaders turn bold ideas into lasting systems change. Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org 

From strategic communication to leadership intelligence, Danielle Kristine Toussaint shares how saying what you mean can transform how leaders build trust, align teams, and lead through uncertainty.In this conversation, Ron sits down with Danielle Kristine Toussaint, founder and CEO of Purple Haus, to talk about how authentic communication shapes powerful leadership. Danielle reflects on how early encouragement from family and mentors helped her discover her natural ability to influence and inspire others, and how those experiences shaped her work supporting CEOs and social impact leaders today. From navigating elite academic spaces as a first-generation student to finding her calling in storytelling and strategy, Danielle’s journey is grounded in the belief that leadership is never a solo act.They explore how leaders can stay true to their values while communicating in complex times, why vulnerability does not mean oversharing, and how silence can send a message just as loudly as words. Danielle shares insights from her Say What You Mean framework, reframing communications as strategic intelligence that helps organizations build trust, move people to action, and stay aligned when the pressure is high. They also talk about mentorship across difference, the importance of creative intelligence in mission-driven work, and why the best leaders communicate with clarity, compassion, and conviction.If you’ve ever wondered how leaders can show up authentically while guiding organizations through uncertainty, this conversation is for you. Pull up a chair and tune in.Chapters:00:36 👩🏽‍💼 Meet Danielle Kristine Toussaint, Founder of Purple Haus 02:16 📘 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com 08:01 💬 Mentorship, Trust, and Leadership Development 14:42 🧭 Danielle’s Journey to Strategic Communications 21:43 🧠 What Purple Haus Does (Clarity + Compassion in Comms) 24:57 🛠️ Say What You Mean: The Communication Framework 30:16 😅 Unfiltered Moment & Leadership in Real Life 31:01 📈 Leadership in Complex Times & Comms Intention 34:30 🌱 Why Listening and Network Breadth Matter 41:54 🌱 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out https://geniusdiscovery.org 52:24 🎙️ Want a podcast just like this one? Check out https://podcastsmatter.org 53:22 🎯 Final Leadership Lesson: Team Sport, Not Solo Links:Website: www.purple.hausLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekristinetoussaintConnect with Danielle Kristine Toussaint and explore her work at Purple Haus to learn more about authentic leadership communication and how to say what you mean with clarity and purpose.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org 

From competitive dancer to higher education strategist, Dr. Chantelle George shares how discipline, ambition, and identity shaped her leadership journey. Raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Chantelle grew up in a family grounded in education and service. Today, she is the CEO and founder of CG Consulting, a national firm working across K-12, higher education, nonprofits, and workforce systems to expand access and economic mobility for underserved students. In this conversation, she reflects on navigating the VA system as a caregiver, redefining success beyond credentials, and why institutions must shift from asking if students are college-ready to becoming truly student-ready themselves. This episode explores student success, systemic change in education, leadership under pressure, and the power of reputation. As Chantelle reminds us, it’s not just who you know: it’s who knows you. Chapters:02:03 📚 Publish Your Book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com.03:45 🌿 Louisiana roots, French immersion, and growing up in an education-first home.09:42 🎖️ Supporting a veteran parent and navigating the VA system.13:02 💃 Fourteen years of dance, discipline, competition, and identity beyond achievement.23:49 ✍️ Find Support for Writing Your Impact-Driven Book at https://booksthatmatter.org.30:18 🎓 NYU hustle, higher education, work-study, and staying connected for life.32:22 🏫 Building real pathways from high school to career.37:45 🔗 When K-12, higher education, nonprofits, and employers actually align.42:54 📘 What student-ready really means in higher education: the reality of anti-DEI pushback.47:23 🌟 Leaders and changemakers can find support at https://geniusdiscovery.org.54:30 🧭 Not just who you know: reputation, access, and long-term mobility.01:02:18 🎧 Discover Podcasts Like This One At https://podcastsmatter.com Links:Website: https://chantellegeorge.comSocial Media: www.instagram.com/chantellegeorgeconsultingLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chantellegeorgeConnect with Dr. Chantelle George to explore CG Consulting’s work, follow her insights on higher education and workforce development, and learn how to create meaningful impact for students and communities.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org 

From corporate finance to education equity, Nick Freeman didn’t take the expected path. At 26, with an MBA and master’s in finance in hand, he walked away from the corporate world and stepped into Chicago Public Schools. What he saw there (school closures, resource disparities, and the weight of systemic inequity) reshaped his career and his calling. Today, Nick is the Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Innovare, where he works at the intersection of education leadership, edtech, and AI-powered tools. His team helps schools turn real-time data into action reducing administrative burden, streamlining school improvement planning, and giving educators time back to focus on what matters most: relationships. But this conversation goes beyond technology. Raised on Chicago’s South Side in Hyde Park, Nick grew up watching his parents run a neighborhood baseball league for twenty-five years out of their basement. They didn’t build it for profit. They built it for community. That example shaped how he thinks about leadership, trust, and responsibility. In this episode, Nick speaks candidly about being a Black founder in venture capital spaces where less than one percent of funding goes to leaders who look like him. He reflects on mental health, the pressure of representation, and the power of removing the mask: rejecting code-switching and leading in your authentic voice. This is a conversation about education reform, authentic leadership, community-driven innovation, and what it takes to stand firm in your values while building something that lasts. If you care about equity in schools, AI in education, or leading without shrinking who you are, this one’s for you. Chapters:00:40 👋🏾 From Finance to a Quarter-Life Pivot: Nick’s Journey into Education01:57 📚 Publish your book at leveragepublishinggroup.com03:44 🏡 Baseball, Basement Offices, and Growing Up in Hyde Park07:21 🏫 What School Closures and Inequity Look Like Up Close18:50 ✍🏾 Write your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org24:27 🤝 Co-Founding Innovare: Building with Community at the Center26:29 💰 Venture Capital, Representation, and Not All Money Is Good Money28:11 🧭 Removing the Mask: Authentic Leadership and Code-Switching34:31 🤖 AI in Education: Saving Educators Time to Focus on Relationships39:26 🌱 Support for Leaders and Changemakers at geniusdiscovery.org41:52 🔭 Legacy, Family, and Building Something That Lasts50:02 🎧 Launch your podcast at  https://podcastsmatter.com Links:Website: https://innovaresip.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovaresip LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickfreeEmail address: [email protected] Connect with Nick Freeman on LinkedIn and explore Innovare’s work to see how data, technology, and authentic leadership can help drive equity in education. Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org 

From a student activist placed on a no-fly list to White House policy leader to an equity-driven consultant in Canada, Chris Harley shares how a lifetime of intersectional leadership shaped her mission to help organizations lead with courage, clarity, and care.Chris is a nonprofit leader, fractional executive, and strategic advisor with more than fifteen years of experience guiding mission-driven organizations through growth and transition. A mixed-race Asian American and Indigenous woman of color with Korean and Piscataway heritage, she brings an equity-centered lens to everything she does. From her formative years at Oberlin College to earning her MPP at the University of Chicago, Chris’s leadership has always been grounded in justice, proximity, and lived experience. Her path has taken her from grassroots activism to the White House and now to her own consulting practice serving U.S. and Canadian organizations.She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership: organizing one of Ohio’s largest interfaith protests after 9/11, advocating for Asian Pacific American Studies as a student, and later leading health equity work at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders under President Obama. Chris recounts addressing toxic exposures for immigrant women in nail salons and ensuring millions could access the Affordable Care Act through culturally responsive outreach. Her journey continued as President & CEO of a national sex education nonprofit, where she led through the pandemic and racial reckoning while building a values-driven culture that doubled the organization’s budget and impact.Chris offers powerful insights for leaders navigating uncertainty: grounding yourself in your identity, prioritizing psychological safety, and focusing on what truly matters during change. She speaks candidly about the decision to relocate her family to Canada for safety and stability, and how getting comfortable with the unknown has been central to her leadership. Her story is a reminder that lived experience is not a limitation but a leadership asset.This conversation is a masterclass in values-aligned leadership, resilience, and building organizations that reflect the justice we hope to see in the world. Tune in to hear how Chris’s journey can inspire you to lead with greater authenticity and impact.Chapters:00:42 👩🏽‍💼 Meet Chris Harley and her courageous leadership journey01:48 📚 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com03:01 ✊🏽 Identity, activism, and finding her voice as a leader17:59 🏛️ Navigating policy work through a social justice lens22:55 🧭  Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org28:45 🧩 Understanding the foundations of racial justice31:55 💬 Leading through the challenges of sex education work35:43 🌈 Practicing intersectionality as a leadership strength43:04 🧠 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org44:33 🍁 Relocating to Canada for safety, values, and a new beginning58:51 🎙️ Want a podcast just like this one? Check out  https://podcastsmatter.comLinks:Website: www.csyharleyconsulting.com/home LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christine-soyong-harley  Connect with Chris Harley to explore her consulting work and learn how she helps organizations navigate growth, equity, and leadership with intention. Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org 

From broadcaster to ADHD advocate: Dave Delaney shares his journey of turning lifelong curiosity, comedy, and communication expertise into a mission to help others understand and manage ADHD. With over two decades of podcasting experience, Dave has explored everything from parenting with his wife on Two Boobs and a Baby to solo musings on Walking with Dave, and now educates audiences through his podcast ADHD Wise Squirrels. His storytelling blends humor, empathy, and insight, making complex topics approachable while celebrating authentic human connection.Dave’s path was shaped by discovery and adaptability. Majoring in radio and television broadcasting, his hyperactive, class-clown personality led him to study improv at Second City in Toronto, honing skills that would inform his podcasting, public speaking, and networking work. Recently diagnosed with ADHD at fifty, Dave reframed decades of personal and professional experience, realizing that his innate curiosity and energy could empower others. Along the way, he navigated the evolving landscape of social media, podcasting, and live performance, learning to balance technology’s benefits with its potential to dilute human connection.Based on his knowledge and experiences, Dave shares practical strategies drawn from improv, communication theory, and ADHD research. He emphasizes the “yes and” mindset for authentic leadership and networking, the importance of mastering material to allow genuine improvisation, and how long-term, empathetic engagement outweighs transactional connections online. He also addresses ADHD management, offering resources like free screenings on wisesquirrels.com and insights into coaching oneself to stay focused and productive.Listeners will gain a nuanced perspective on leadership, creativity, and resilience. Dave highlights how embracing neurodiversity can enhance collaboration and innovation, and why in-person relationships remain irreplaceable even in a digital-first world. His reflections on humor, storytelling, and human connection invite audiences to see both personal challenges and professional opportunities in a new light.Tune in for a conversation filled with laughter, insight, and actionable advice, and discover how Dave Delaney transforms curiosity and creativity into tools for connection and understanding.Chapters00:49 🎙️ Meet Dave Delaney the Podcasting Pioneer01:45 📚 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com02:39 🎧 Explore Dave Delaney’s Podcasting Adventures06:44 🎭 Discover the Power of Improv and Networking19:45 💡 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 29:05 📝 Dave’s Struggles with ADHD and Writing30:15 🌐 Tracing the Evolution of Social Media32:21 ⚠️ Understanding the Dark Side of Social Media42:34 🤖 AI and the Future of Networking00:46:17 🌟 Leaders and Changemakers Can Get Support at geniusdiscovery.org 47:01 🧠 Understanding ADHD through Personal Insights01:03:06 🎙️ Want a Podcast Like This One? Check out  https://podcastsmatter.com LinksWebsite: https://davedelaneyspeaks.comSocial Media: https://davedelaney.me/linkage  Connect with Dave Delaney to explore his ADHD resources, follow his podcast ADHD Wise Squirrels, and learn how improv, storytelling, and authentic networking can transform your communication and leadership skills.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org 

From classroom teacher to leadership architect, Nautrie Jones shares her journey of transforming educational systems and workplaces by helping people recognize their value, develop their potential, and create meaningful impact.Nautrie Jones, co-founder of Empact Work, has spent over two decades shaping people-centered leadership across education and organizational consulting. Beginning her career in Atlanta Public Schools, Nautrie quickly distinguished herself as a thoughtful educator and mentor, known for her empathetic approach with middle school students and her ability to create structured, engaging classrooms. Her dedication extended beyond academics, providing students with basic needs and fostering a sense of belonging, which became a cornerstone of her professional philosophy.Her path wasn’t without challenges. After over a decade of teaching, Nautrie recognized her contributions were undervalued when a modest raise was denied, prompting her to reassess her career trajectory. Mentorship, reflective practice, and a pivotal recommendation from a former colleague eventually led her to Teach For America, where she honed her skills in teacher coaching, leadership development, and team strategy. Each transition, from educator to instructional coach to organizational consultant, was marked by courage, curiosity, and a commitment to seeing potential in others.Through Empact Work, Nautrie and co-founder Travonnie Mackey address systemic gaps in talent development and workplace alignment. They equip managers with the tools to support teams effectively, clarify value propositions so employees understand their path to success, and ensure strategic plans translate into measurable performance. Nautrie emphasizes that leadership is as much about understanding people’s motivations as it is about strategy, and she encourages reflection, curiosity, and deliberate practice as keys to lasting impact.Nautrie discusses recognizing opportunity, cultivating empathy, and translating experience into scalable frameworks for growth. Listeners will walk away inspired to embrace persistent callings, build compassionate communities, and lead with clarity. Tune in to hear Nautrie’s insights and discover how cultivating human-centered leadership can transform both organizations and lives. Chapters00:38 👋 Meet Nautrie Jones, From Classroom to Co-Founder01:29 📚 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com02:20 🏫 Nautrie’s Early Career and Teaching Philosophy23:35 ✍️ Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 24:24 💼 Transitioning to Talent Strategy and Empathy in Leadership30:59 💖 Spiritual Currency and Abundance31:59 🎓 Navigating Challenges in Education35:38 🚀 Transition to Teach For America47:20 🌟 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 48:07 🤝 Founding Empact Work54:26 🔮 Final Reflections and Future Plans01:00:06 🎧 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.com LinksWebsite: www.empact.workLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nautrie-jonesConnect with Nautrie Jones to explore her approach to leadership, discover Empact Work’s professional development offerings, and learn how to create workplaces where people feel valued, empowered, and clear about their contribution.   Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org

From a childhood shaped by crisis in the Bronx to leading one of New York’s most influential juvenile justice organizations, Dr. Gisele Castro shares how lived experience became the foundation for systemic change and courageous leadership.In this episode, Ron welcomes Gisele Castro, CEO of Exalt, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to supporting court-involved youth through education, paid internships, and cross-sector collaboration. Recently earning her Distinguished Doctoral Degree from NYU Steinhardt, Dr. Castro reflects on her journey as a scholar-practitioner who bridges research, policy, and on-the-ground impact. With more than two decades in the juvenile justice field, she is widely respected for building ecosystems that center young people while transforming how institutions work together.Dr. Castro traces her purpose back to a defining moment at age fourteen, when her older brother was shot and became entangled in the juvenile justice system. Witnessing her family navigate a broken system without adequate resources reshaped how she understood inequality, poverty, and opportunity. Though she once imagined a career in journalism, that same curiosity evolved into a deeper question: what could she build to change outcomes for young people facing the same barriers her family did?Throughout the conversation, Dr. Castro unpacks the philosophy behind Exalt’s success, from cultivating internal self-reflection and coaching to uniting judges, prosecutors, educators, nonprofits, and youth who rarely sit at the same table. She shares insights from her doctoral research, Innovation Versus Incarceration, and introduces the emerging 2030 Project for Juvenile Justice—a blueprint designed to close the gap between scholarship and practice while centering youth voice. Listeners will also hear how Exalt approaches leadership development, talent mobility, and intentional scaling as it expands from New York City to Syracuse.At its core, Dr. Castro’s journey is a powerful example of legacy, environment, and responsibility. She challenges leaders to reject scarcity mindsets, invest deeply in people, and model wellbeing so young people can truly thrive. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how proximity to adversity, paired with disciplined leadership, can reshape systems and create lasting impact.Chapters🌱 00:39 Meet Dr. Gisele Castro and Her Journey of Resilience📘 01:53 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ ✨ 01:53 The Spark Behind a Lifelong Mission🏛️ 02:46 Building Exalt and Transforming Systems and Lives🔮 04:43 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations✍️ 17:12 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🧠 26:25 Intellectual Inspiration and Family Legacy📍 29:45 Exalt Expands Its Impact to Syracuse📈 32:16 A Methodical and Strategic Approach to Scaling🏙️ 35:09 Building the Next Generation of Leadership in New York City🚀 38:24 Inside Exalt’s Leadership Development Model🌐 40:52 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🎙️ 52:29 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.com LinksWebsite: www.exaltyouth.orgExalt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exalt_2/Socials: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisele-castro-9860b8b/ Connect with Dr. Gisele Castro’s work through Exalt and follow her journey as she continues to reimagine juvenile justice, leadership development, and systems built to help young people and communities thrive.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org

From learning differently to leading differently, Josh Feldman shares how a childhood shaped by learning disabilities became the foundation for redesigning work culture around rest, humanity, and sustainable impact.Josh Feldman is the Founder and CEO of R&R: The Rest of Our Lives, a practice dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations build cultures where people can actually thrive. With over 20 years of experience as a master facilitator, coach, and community builder, Josh has worked across nonprofits and social impact spaces, bringing deep empathy, creativity, and systems thinking to leadership development. His work challenges the assumption that productivity and exhaustion must go hand in hand, especially for changemakers doing meaningful work.Josh traces this philosophy back to his childhood, sharing a formative fourth-grade memory of seeing beauty in New York City buildings while struggling to read. Navigating a learning disability with the support of thoughtful parents and teachers taught him early on that there are many valid paths to success. Those experiences shaped his belief that differences can become superpowers—building collaboration, empathy, and inclusive leadership skills that would later define his career.The conversation explores why so many leadership programs fail to create real change: people are simply too burned out to absorb what’s being offered. Josh explains how this realization led to founding R&R and advancing practices like sabbaticals, Break Weeks, and redefining rest as organizational infrastructure rather than individual self-care. He emphasizes that leaders must model rest themselves, normalize practices like naps and meeting-free time, and reject false urgency that keeps teams trapped in constant sprint mode.Josh is calling to redesign work around life, not the other way around. Josh and Ron reflect on hustle culture, nonprofit scarcity narratives, and the opportunity to use this moment of technological change to re-center humanity at work. Listeners will walk away with a more expansive understanding of rest, permission to experiment with what restoration looks like for them, and a vision for building workplaces that can sustain impact for generations to come. Tune in for a thoughtful, restorative conversation that just might change how you think about leadership, productivity, and what really matters.Chapters🎙️ 00:39 Meet Josh Feldman and His Mission to Transform Work and Leadership📚 01:24 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🌱 09:45 Founding R&R the rest of our lives🛌 13:37 Why rest belongs at the center of leadership and work culture✍️ 22:40 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🧭 29:26 Reflections on leadership maturity and personal growth⏰ 31:23 Flexibility, autonomy and trusting people at work❤️ 32:55 Redefining rest and well-being beyond self-care🏗️ 39:13 Redesigning work culture for long-term sustainability🤝 47:44 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org ✨ 52:17 Final reflections and an invitation to rethink work🎧 57:09 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.comLinksWebsite: https://restofourlives.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-josh-feldman-4a84297/Explore Josh Feldman’s work at R&R: The Rest of Our Lives to discover research, tools, and practical frameworks, like Break Weeks, sabbaticals, and glimmers, that help organizations and individuals build more humane, sustainable ways of working.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/

From first-generation Pakistani American immigrant to national leader in educational equity, Dr. Sana Shaikh shares her journey of using identity and lived experience to transform communities and advance opportunity for all.Sana Shaikh is a nationally recognized expert in education, policy, and economic development, currently serving as a Business Development Specialist at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. With over 14 years of experience spanning K–12 education, nonprofit leadership, and public policy, she has dedicated her career to building systems that center equity, inclusion, and authentic human connection. Her journey began as a Teach For America corps member teaching high school in Baltimore, where the realities of systemic barriers reshaped her understanding of opportunity and inspired her to pursue a PhD at Brandeis University.Sana’s path has been marked by pivotal turning points, from teaching in under-resourced schools to leading cross-sector initiatives in economic development. She reflects candidly on the challenges of navigating higher education, professional spaces, and personal life as a mother and immigrant. These experiences highlighted that meaningful change is not just about credentials but about authentic relationships, curiosity, and connecting deeply with others to understand their real needs.Throughout the conversation, Sana shares practical insights on fostering trust, cultivating empathy, and leveraging personal and professional privileges to create systemic impact. Her frameworks emphasize authentic engagement, cross-cultural understanding, and the power of intentional collaboration. She also explores how exposure to diverse communities and perspectives strengthens leadership, broadens empathy, and equips individuals to address inequities thoughtfully.Listeners will leave inspired by Sana’s message that impactful work requires both courage and vulnerability, and that each person can use their unique identity and experiences to make a difference. Tune in to hear her stories, lessons, and actionable advice on turning lived experience into leadership and lasting community impact.Chapters👋 00:38 Meet Dr. Sana Shaikh and Her Journey of Sacred Synthesis🔗 01:32 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🌍 02:27 Dr. Sana Shaikh’s Immigrant Experience and Career Path🤝 06:14 Building Authentic Connections and Impactful Policy🎓 24:08 Balancing Life While Pursuing a PhD💪 26:24 The Emotional and Physical Labor of Academia🗣️ 27:01 Navigating Relationships and Negotiations During Doctoral Work📖 28:43 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 💼 30:30 The Art of Building Connections🚀 36:17 Empowering Entrepreneurs and Strengthening Communities🌟 38:41 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🎧 44:24 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.comLinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananaeemshaikh/Check out Dr. Sana Shaikh’s LinkedIn to explore her work in educational equity, economic development, and cross-sector collaboration, and discover how she turns lived experience into meaningful impact.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/

From middle school teacher to Ironman athlete and DC State Board of Education president, Jessica Sutter shares how endurance, youth voice, and values-aligned leadership can transform both systems and lives.Jessica Sutter is the founder of EdPro Consulting and a longtime education leader whose career spans classrooms, state policy, nonprofit consulting, and elected office. Beginning as a middle school teacher in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, she built a reputation for thoughtful systems design and deep respect for young people as civic actors. Her work has included serving as the elected Ward 6 Representative, and later President, of the DC State Board of Education, alongside advising organizations nationwide through EdPro Consulting. Across every role, Jessica brings a rare blend of policy expertise, community listening, and whole-person leadership.A defining throughline in Jessica’s journey has been endurance athletics, which began unexpectedly when her students invited her to join Girls on the Run. What started as road running grew into triathlons and Ironman training, providing mental clarity, resilience, and structure during demanding seasons of leadership. She credits athletic discipline along with friendships and communities outside of work for helping her complete her doctorate, run for office, and navigate public leadership without burnout. The conversation also highlights how coaching in sports reshaped her belief that no meaningful challenge is solved alone.Throughout the episode, Jessica shares practical insights on authentic youth engagement, emphasizing that young people immediately sense inauthenticity. Drawing from Jesuit principles of working “for and with others,” she describes how real change happens when adults listen first and create structures where youth voices genuinely matter, including on decision-making committees. She also challenges assumptions in education leadership by reframing organizational mergers as opportunities for resilience, growth, and legacy rather than failure.At its core, Jessica discusses alignment between body and mind, values and work, service and sustainability. Jessica reflects on what she calls “sacred syncretism,” the integration of personal, professional, and spiritual dimensions that allows leaders to show up fully for others. Listeners will walk away inspired to rethink leadership, community, and the many ways their unique gifts can serve the world. Tune in for a grounded, hopeful conversation on building resilient systems, and a resilient self.Chapters🎙️ 00:39 Meet Jessica Sutter educator and policy leader📘 01:27 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🛤️ 03:11 Jessica Sutter’s journey from accidental educator to policy leader🏃‍♀️ 09:16 How athletics shaped professional growth and resilience✍️ 14:49 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🤝 19:16 Why community and coaching matter for leadership🗳️ 27:25 Engaging young people in the political process🎓 29:23 Lessons on authentic youth engagement from classrooms to school boards⚖️ 31:10 Challenges and opportunities in youth civic engagement🌱 34:50 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🏫 37:22 Consulting work and mergers in the education sector🧭 46:54 Aligning personal values with professional life🎧 54:14 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.com  LinksWebsite: https://www.edproconsultingllc.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasutter/Explore Jessica Sutter’s work through EdPro Consulting, connect with her on LinkedIn, and dive deeper into her writing and leadership to see how values-driven systems change can take root in communities.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/ 

From educator to organizational designer and education advocate, Jenai Emmel shares how a life shaped by service, spirituality, and public education led her to reimagine leadership, storytelling, and systemic change in schools.Jenai Emmel is the founder of Byrd and the Center for Education News, where she works at the intersection of organizational design, culture, and public education advocacy. With a 25-year career spanning roles as a teacher, school and district leader, and consultant, Jenai brings a rare blend of lived experience and strategic insight to the education sector. Her work centers on listening deeply to stakeholders, including students, educators, families, and communities, to design systems that truly serve those closest to the work.Throughout the conversation, Jenai reflects on formative influences that shaped her leadership, including her military family heritage, multicultural background, and Buddhist upbringing. She shares how these experiences instilled a strong sense of service, growth, and accountability, and how adversity has consistently served as fuel rather than a barrier. Rather than chasing endless achievement, she emphasizes integration by aligning personal, professional, and spiritual dimensions to create sustainable impact.Jenai also discusses her transition into independent consulting and media work, including merging her ventures under one organization and launching the Center for Education News after discovering how little and how negatively K–12 education is covered in the media. Drawing from Buddhist principles of cause and effect and continuous improvement, she explains how personal transformation and community change are inseparable. Her leadership approach prioritizes reflection, feedback, and the courage to engage complexity instead of oversimplifying it.This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on purpose-driven leadership, the responsibility that comes with independence, and the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices in education. Tune in and get inspired to ground your work in values, and care for yourself while serving others.Chapters👋 00:39 Meet Dr. Jenai Emmel and her vision for reimagining education📘 01:19 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/🌍 02:09 Dr. Jenai Emmel’s story of identity values and multiculturalism🧘 05:18 How Buddhism shapes Dr. Jenai Emmel’s leadership approach✨ 11:20 Exploring spirituality and personal belief systems✍️ 29:04 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org❤️ 30:49 Empathy and learning how to manage emotional weight🌱 34:23 Balancing self-care with professional growth🚀 45:04 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org🎓 45:39 Advocacy work and the future of compulsory education🎙️ 51:23 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.comLinksExplore Jenai's work through Byrd and the Center for Education News to engage more deeply with thoughtful, inclusive conversations shaping the future of public education.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/  

From first-generation student to transformative education leader, Oscar Wang shares his journey of reshaping college access in Philadelphia while building a life defined by curiosity, empathy, and impact.Oscar Wang, the founder of College Together, is an Asian-American social entrepreneur dedicated to creating flexible, student-centered pathways to higher education. A graduate of Haverford College, he has spent over a decade addressing systemic barriers faced by first-generation students, blending mentorship, advocacy, and innovative programming to make college attainable for learners of all ages and backgrounds. Known for his humor, candor, and thoughtfulness, Oscar also embraces the small joys of life, from playful wordplay to discovering the city’s best cheesesteaks.His journey wasn’t linear. Initially choosing a college based on proximity to the White House, Oscar realized the importance of aligning decisions with purpose rather than appearances. As the sole transfer student at Haverford, he navigated isolation and self-doubt, eventually founding Mentor for Philly to connect college students with high school mentees. Early nonprofit ventures highlighted a gap between popular programs and real-world outcomes, leading him to pivot repeatedly until founding College Together, an institution that combines project-based learning, flexible credit pathways, and personalized student support.Oscar shares frameworks and principles that guided his leadership: prioritizing mission over ego, embracing collaboration, and learning from “happy hour” conversations to uncover authentic problems. He emphasizes that ideas can evolve, but values remain constant, and that meaningful change comes from empathy, listening, and proximity to the communities served. Through College Together, students earn credits, gain work experience, and complete degrees on timelines that reflect real-world constraints, challenging traditional notions of the college experience.Listeners will take away insights into leadership, innovation, and the power of culturally attuned mentorship. Oscar’s story underscores the need for representation, persistence, and adaptability in creating educational models that meet learners where they are. Tune in to hear how one leader is redefining college, bridging gaps between aspiration and access, and inspiring a new generation of students and social entrepreneurs.Chapters👋 00:38 Meet Oscar Wang on Resilience and Innovation📚 01:14 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🌎 05:08 Oscar's Journey from California to Philadelphia🏫 06:59 Founding College Together with Challenges and Triumphs💡 17:54 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🤝 27:18 Reflecting on the Mentorship Program🍹 31:39 Learning from the Happy Hour Principle🔄 32:41 Pivoting to a New College Model🎓 38:02 Adapting Education to Modern Students' Needs🌟 43:38 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🚀 45:41 Advice for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs🎧 51:54 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.com LinksWebsite: collegetogether.org Instagram: @collegetogetherInstagram: @oscarkirschwangCheck out Oscar Wang’s website, follow him on Instagram, and explore his innovative approaches to higher education and mentorship to see how students of all ages can access meaningful, flexible learning opportunities.  Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/ 

From surviving early loss to building mission-driven strategies, Cecilia Paz Aguilar shares how turning pain into purpose shaped her leadership, creativity, and commitment to sustainable growth.Cecilia Paz Aguilar is the Founder of Rozas Rising, a business development and event strategy firm that helps leaders and organizations bring ideas to life through connection, clarity, and execution. With a background as an educator and founding school leader across California, Texas, and Louisiana, Cecilia has spent her career bridging mission-driven partners with the tools and relationships they need to thrive. She also serves as a PT Business Development Consultant with Stronger Consulting, expanding partnerships across education and social impact spaces. Known for blending strategy with heart, Cecilia brings a deeply human approach to leadership and growth.In this conversation, Cecilia reflects on growing up in Stockton, California, navigating the loss of her mother at a young age, and how survival instincts shaped her relentless work ethic. She shares how humor became a family healing tool, while achievement became both a shield and a strain. As the daughter of immigrants, Cecilia explains how the drive to prove oneself can fuel success but quietly block true thriving. Over time, burnout and reflection pushed her toward a slower, more intentional pace rooted in self-trust rather than external validation.Cecilia offers powerful insights on purpose-driven building, nervous system health, and sustainable ambition. She speaks candidly about overworking as a trauma response, the importance of self-awareness, and how neuroscience, psychology, and intuition intersect in leadership. Meditation, music, and meaningful relationships now anchor her wellness practices, allowing her to show up more fully as a founder and partner.At its core, this episode is a conversation about legacy, healing, and redefining success on your own terms. Cecilia reminds listeners that pain is not an ending, but a redirection. One that can lead to clarity, peace, and aligned impact when honored intentionally. Tune in to hear a grounded, inspiring discussion on growth that doesn’t cost you yourself.Chapters✨ 00:43 Meet Cecilia Paz Aguilar and her journey of resilience📚 01:16 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🌱 02:09 Cecilia’s story from Stockton to becoming an educator💡 04:22 Finding purpose and meaning through adversity✍️ 15:33 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🧠 26:01 Exploring neuroscience and emotional intelligence🧘‍♀️ 28:02 Meditation practices and tools for grounding🎶 29:18 Musical influences and the stories they carry🚀 33:38 Launching a new business venture with Rozas Rising🌹 38:05 Reflections on loss resilience and personal growth🌍 40:56 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🎙️ 47:38 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.com LinksWebsite: https://www.rozasrising.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliapaz11/ Email: [email protected] Rozas Rising, connect with Cecilia on LinkedIn, or reach out directly to learn how her work in strategy, leadership, and relationship-building can help your vision rise with clarity and purpose.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/ 

From immigrant roots to industry-leading influence, Nicole Smart shares how purpose, identity, and intentional leadership shaped her journey into DEI, executive coaching, and transformative workplace culture.Nicole Smart, Founder and Principal Consultant of Smart EDI Solutions LLC and the coaching platform Purpose Tracks, brings over a decade of cross-sector experience rooted in advancing equity, leadership excellence, and intentional culture-building. As a daughter of Trinidadian immigrants, she credits her parents’ service-driven careers for instilling the work ethic, integrity, and sense of purpose that continue to define her approach today. Now an adjunct faculty member at NYU’s Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport, Nicole integrates her professional sports background with her passion for developing leaders who create environments where people and performance thrive.Nicole reflects on pivotal moments that redirected her path, from experiencing early discrimination after immigrating to New York, to pursuing law school before ultimately discovering her place in professional sports. A crucial conversation with a WISE mentor helped her see that purpose doesn’t require a predetermined roadmap, leading her to pursue a master’s degree at Cornell rather than a traditional legal route. Through these experiences, she learned that nonlinear journeys often reveal the most authentic destinations.Nicole shares a wealth of insights, including her “smart intention” practice centered on intentionality, redirection, and positivity. She reframes DEI as an inclusive, identity-aware framework that benefits everyone, emphasizing the competitive advantage that diverse perspectives bring to leadership and organizational success. With research showing that over 90% of women in the C-suite played sports, she highlights how athletic environments offer powerful case studies in resilience, teamwork, and leadership development.She also speaks to the evolving landscape of workplace culture, noting how globalization, AI, and shifting societal expectations require leaders to adapt and act with greater self-awareness. Despite political pressures and DEI rollbacks, Nicole remains focused on tangible, human-centered practices that cultivate belonging, value, and psychological safety. Listeners will walk away inspired to rethink traditional career paths, embrace identity as a leadership strength, and approach their work with purpose-driven intention.Tune in to hear Nicole’s powerful story and her practical wisdom on leadership, identity, and shaping equitable workplaces that help people thrive.Chapters👋 00:47 Meet Nicole Smart and Her Journey from Crown Heights to NYU🔗 01:26 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/🌟 02:23 Nicole’s Story of Family, Integrity, and Hard Work🎯 06:00 Nicole’s Career Path from Law Aspirations to DEI Leadership📝 12:46 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org🏈 21:27 The Business of Sports and Fan Engagement🏆 22:15 Leadership and the Cultural Impact of Sports🤝 24:08 Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Sports🏢 32:20 Navigating DEI Challenges in Today’s Workplace💡 34:50 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🌱 37:40 Personal Growth and the Journey of Professional Development🎙️ 44:02 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.com LinksWebsite: https://www.smartedisolutions.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nssmart/Check out Nicole Smart’s work at Smart EDI Solutions and connect with her to deepen your leadership journey and build more intentional, inclusive environments. Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/ 

From journalist-in-training to nationally recognized employment strategist, Natalie Holder shares how a lifelong instinct to protect others evolved into a career dedicated to equity, courage, and transformational allyship.Natalie Holder, President and CEO of QUEST Employment Initiatives, LLC, joins Ron to share the journey that shaped her into one of today’s most respected voices in employment strategy and workplace inclusion. Originally drawn to journalism and marketing during her time at NYU, she discovered that the law offered a powerful path to advocate for underrepresented communities. After earning her law degree from Tulane, she worked across human rights agencies and major law firms before realizing that her true calling was educating organizations on how to build cultures grounded in respect and accountability.Her path took a pivotal turn when she created QUEST Diversity Initiatives, transforming traditional compliance training into experiential, story-driven learning. But the most profound shift came when she accepted the role of Chief Diversity Officer for the U.S. Capitol Police, a decision inspired by the Michael Brown tragedy and fueled by a desire to influence systemic change from within. Through candid stories about allyship, including the CFO who gave up his office so she could lead effectively, Natalie illustrates how real support requires sacrifice, visibility, and action.Throughout the conversation, Natalie breaks down the frameworks that guide her work today: practicing courageous allyship, cultivating a personal board of directors, and understanding employment as the foundation of human stability. She offers practical advice on negotiating severance packages, protecting workplace rights, and monetizing long-term skills without compromising professionalism. Her reflections on childhood, leadership, and the moral obligation of those with privilege underscore a powerful message: inclusion is built through everyday choices, not policy alone.Listeners will walk away inspired to speak up, build stronger support networks, and lead with integrity—whether in their communities, companies, or personal lives. Tune in for a conversation that blends wisdom, candor, and a call to be a more intentional ally.Chapters👋 00:39 Meet Natalie Holder, a Trailblazer in DEI📚 01:23 Publish Your Book At https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/🚀 02:17 Natalie’s Career Path and DEI Initiatives🤝 13:18 The Importance of Allyship and Inclusive Leadership✍️ 24:54 Find Support for Writing Your Impact-Driven Book At booksthatmatter.org🌱 27:27 Reflecting on Early Career Struggles🤖 27:59 The Role of AI in Human Rights Commissions⚖️ 31:19 Natalie’s Sense of Justice and Early Influences🧭 35:02 Building a Personal Board of Directors💼 39:55 Career Advice and Employment Law Tips🌟 45:38 Go From Expert to Thought Leader With the Help Of geniusdiscovery.org 🎙️ 51:14 Want a Podcast Just Like This One? Check out podcastsmatter.comLinksWebsite: QUEST Employment InitiativesLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/natalievholderCheck out Natalie Holder’s work, explore her resources through QUEST Employment Initiatives, and connect with her on LinkedIn to continue learning how to cultivate truly inclusive workplaces.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/ 

From fourth-generation New Yorker to nationally recognized education leader, Dr. Rahesha Amon shares how her identity, heritage, and lived experiences shaped her purpose-driven journey in transforming schools and developing the next generation of teachers.In this episode, Dr. Amon reflects on her deep New York City roots, describing how Harlem, her family’s African lineage, and the energy of the city molded her resourcefulness, directness, and authentic leadership style. She and Ron revisit the cultural richness of their hometown and the early influences, from museum work to arts education, that sparked her love for history, storytelling, and service. Even as her career expanded beyond New York, she remains grounded in the people and places that raised her.Dr. Amon opens up about pivotal turning points, including the profound impact of her “Black Mitzvah” trip to West Africa at age twelve and how her mother intentionally cultivated ancestral pride. She shares lessons learned from career shifts, from her early days as a fifth-grade teacher at PS 107 in the Bronx to founding Frederick Douglass Academy III and later serving as a superintendent. Moments of challenge, including being fired, became catalysts for clarity, faith, and resilience that ultimately guided her toward her current role.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Amon breaks down the realities of systemic inequities in education and why comprehensive teacher preparation, like the model she leads at City Teaching Alliance, is essential for long-term student success. Her insights offer a powerful blend of personal history, practical leadership wisdom, and a call to remember that investing deeply in people is both cost-effective and transformational. At every step, she emphasizes purpose, community, and the belief that there is abundant space for everyone to thrive.This episode is a rich meditation on identity, leadership, community, and legacy—inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys while learning from Dr. Amon’s remarkable path. Tune in to hear a conversation filled with heart, history, and hope for what’s possible in education and beyond.Chapters🗣️ 00:39 Welcoming Dr. Rahesha Amon🔗 01:08 Publish Your Book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/🌆 02:02 Dr. Rahesha Amon on New York Roots and Identity🌍 04:52 Exploring Heritage and Family History💡 11:02 If You're a Leader or Changemaker Looking for Support, Check Out geniusdiscovery.org 🎓 30:16 Lessons in Leadership🏫 31:33 Founding a School and the Power of Mentorship✍️ 37:40 Support for Writing Your Impact-Driven Book at booksthatmatter.org 🏢 38:26 Current Role at City Teaching Alliance✨ 47:20 Trust the Process and Final Reflections🎙️ 51:54 Want a Podcast Like This One? Visit podcastsmatter.com LinksWebsite: cityteachingalliance.orgLinkedIn: Dr. Rahesha Amon LinkedIn: City Teaching AllianceConnect with Dr. Rahesha Amon on LinkedIn and explore the work of City Teaching Alliance to learn more about her mission to uplift educators and transform student outcomes.Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/ 

From professional athlete to principal to purpose-driven founder, Kash Hameed shares how his journey from basketball courts to classrooms led to creating a movement that’s redefining how communities approach youth mental health and wellness.Growing up in Schenectady, New York, Kash found his way out of limited opportunity through basketball. His talent took him from Iona College, where he earned Hall of Fame honors and led the team from record-breaking seasons to professional leagues across Europe. Yet, even after experiencing global success and acclaim, Kash felt a deeper calling. The drive that once fueled his athletic career transformed into a desire to give back, leading him to education and, eventually, to reimagining how sports can serve as a vehicle for healing and growth.His transition wasn’t easy. Teaching in New York City public schools tested him in new ways, including long days, emotional fatigue, and the humbling challenge of connecting with students from underserved backgrounds. But it was there, amid the chaos of his first year, that Kash discovered profound purpose. Over seven years as a principal at Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy, he witnessed firsthand the growing mental health crisis among youth, especially post-pandemic. That realization sparked Klinic Kids, a nonprofit bridging the worlds of athletics and emotional wellness by pairing professional athletes with licensed clinicians to deliver mental health support through sports.In this conversation, Kash unpacks his holistic framework for youth development—centered on self-worth, resilience, and intentional community building. He shares how techniques like breathwork, positive affirmations, and wellness practices help children and athletes alike redefine success beyond performance metrics. His message is clear: true victory lies not in trophies, but in the ability to grow through life’s challenges with grace, grit, and groundedness.Listeners will leave inspired by Kash’s unwavering commitment to service, his belief in mentorship, and his vision to make mental health as integral to sports as physical training. Tune in to hear how Kash Hameed and Klinic Kids are transforming the game both on and off the court.Chapters🏀 00:40 Guest Introduction and Kash Hameed’s Journey📚 01:17 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/🎓 03:03 From Professional Basketball to Education💬 07:26 Klinic Kids Bridging Sports and Mental Health🌟 07:42 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org🌍 14:25 Expanding the Impact of Klinic Kids🤝 27:58 The Importance of Social Capital✍️ 29:48 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🏆 30:35 Basketball Journey and Overseas Experience👨‍🏫 33:34 Transition to Teaching and Principalship🧘 36:33 Mental Health Practices and Cold Therapy❤️ 44:01 Klinic Kids and Final Reflections🎙️ 47:30 Want a podcast just like this one? Check podcastsmatter.comLinksWebsite: www.klinickids.comYouTube Channel: Klinic KidsInstagram: @klinickidsCheck out Kash Hameed’s work with Klinic Kids, follow their journey on social media, and explore how you can support their mission to make mental health support accessible, empowering, and transformative for every young athlete. Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/ 

From immigrant daughter to hospital CEO, Helen Arteaga Landaverde shares her remarkable journey from translating her father’s leukemia diagnosis as a young girl to leading one of New York’s most vital hospitals with courage, purpose, and heart.In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Helen joins host Ron to reminisce about their NYU days in the 1990s, when two first-generation college students bonded over late nights, campus activism, and dreams that felt far beyond their reach. Today, Helen stands as the CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst as the first woman and first Latina to lead the 192-year-old institution. Her story begins in an Ecuadorian immigrant household in Queens, where ten family members shared one bathroom but never felt poor, surrounded by love and determination.A defining moment came when Helen’s father fell gravely ill, and a young Helen found herself translating life-altering medical news for her mother — an experience that exposed the inequities of healthcare and ignited her lifelong mission. Decades later, she leads the very hospital where her father passed away, transforming it from a symbol of loss into a beacon of healing and equity. During the pandemic, Elmhurst became a global emblem of resilience, developing protocols adopted worldwide. Under Helen’s leadership, the hospital has raised over $140 million, expanded women’s and pediatric services, and redefined what compassionate, community-centered healthcare looks like.Helen’s insights extend far beyond medicine, touching on leadership, cultural identity, and perseverance. She speaks candidly about facing bias as a Latina leader, about turning pain into purpose, and about the quiet power of everyday acts of kindness. For Helen, success means staying rooted in community and using every challenge as fuel to make life better for someone else.Tune in to hear how Helen Arteaga Landaverde transformed hardship into healing, proving that true leadership begins where compassion meets conviction.Chapters 👋 00:40 Meet Helen Arteaga Landaverde and Her Journey from Ecuador to CEO📚 01:20 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/🗣️ 01:21 Ron Shares His Publishing Journey👩‍👧 02:14 Helen’s Early Life and Family Struggles💪 04:09 Overcoming Adversity and Helen’s Path to Leadership✍️ 20:22 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🏥 24:55 Pride in Transforming Elmhurst Hospital🌎 25:43 Leadership and Transformation During the Pandemic💡 27:27 Fundraising Success and Technological Advancements❤️ 29:10 Community Connections and Personal Stories⚕️ 35:22 Challenges in Modern Healthcare🚀 45:27 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🎙️ 50:52 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.org  LinksWebsite: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/locations/elmhurst/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-arteaga-landaverde/Check out Helen Arteaga Landaverde’s work at Elmhurst Hospital and connect with her on LinkedIn to follow her mission of building healthier, more equitable communities for all.Rapatalo Group: [email protected]  Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.orgConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 For more podcasts that matter, check out https://podcaststhatmatter.org/ 

From science classrooms to the C-suite, Shakira Petit’s journey embodies what it means to lead with purpose, humility, and strategy. A former educator turned CEO of SKP Consultants, Shakira joins Ron to unpack how organizations can identify and develop the leaders already within their walls, before crisis forces their hand. Her story bridges the worlds of education, operations, and executive leadership, proving that the best leadership pipelines are grown, not hired.Shakira shares how divine timing redirected her from a pre-med track to a transformative teaching career at Newark Public Schools, Harlem Children’s Zone, and beyond. What began as a temporary substitute assignment turned into a lifelong calling to develop others. From teaching middle school science to leading district turnarounds, and raising graduation rates from 39% to 95%, her path reflects a deep belief in the potential of people when given structure, trust, and stretch opportunities.Through her leadership journey, Shakira experienced firsthand how mentorship and intentional development shape strong teams. Drawing from mentors like Geoffrey Canada and Shavar Jeffries, she learned that effective leaders multiply their impact by reproducing excellence in others. Her Antarctica research expedition, corporate leadership at Democrats for Education Reform, and tenure as Chief of Staff at the KIPP Foundation all reinforced a single truth: leadership is both art and discipline, cultivated through reflection, accountability, and courage.In this conversation, Shakira breaks down her succession planning framework: how organizations can proactively prepare for change, assess internal depth, and strengthen team dynamics. Her “positionless leadership” philosophy, inspired by basketball greats, encourages fluid collaboration and cross-functional strength. Listeners will walk away with a renewed understanding that true leadership is not about titles or tenure, but about nurturing talent and building legacy.Tune in to hear Shakira’s inspiring perspective on leadership, legacy, and the power of investing in the people you already have.Chapters👋 00:51 Meet Shakira Petit and Her Unexpected Journey into Education📘 01:26 The Power of Publishing and Personal Growth🔗 01:32 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/🎓 02:16 From Substitute Teacher to Educational Leader🏫 06:55 Leadership Lessons and Challenges in Education Today🌐 23:10 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org🧭 32:26 The Importance of Succession Planning⚖️ 33:44 Challenges of External Leadership🤝 34:29 Building a Strong and Aligned Team🏀 39:12 Leadership Lessons Inspired by Sports📚 43:31 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 💡 49:45 Creating an Effective Leadership Development Program🎙️ 59:04 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.org LinksWebsite: https://skpconsultants.com/Check out Shakira Petit’s website to explore her leadership development programs, connect with her consulting firm, and learn how to build strong, sustainable teams from within your organization.Rapatalo Group: [email protected]  Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 

From hospitality manager to leadership coach, Leslie Wade shares her extraordinary journey of transforming lessons from the classroom into a people-centered framework that redefines how leaders grow, communicate, and connect.Leslie Wade’s story begins in Brooklyn’s "Bed-Stuy" neighborhood, where an early love of learning and a fearless curiosity set her on a path of self-discovery. From being the student who always raised her hand to attending Brooklyn Tech, one of New York’s most prestigious specialized high schools, she found both challenge and belonging among equally driven peers. Her experiences there, and her mother’s fierce intellectual curiosity, sparked a lifelong belief in the transformative power of education.After studying food service administration at the University of Maryland and working in high-end hospitality and event production in Los Angeles, Leslie found herself unfulfilled by work that dazzled but left no lasting impact. The aftermath of 9/11 became a turning point, prompting her to seek purpose-driven work. Her next chapter in nonprofit and educational leadership, including a pivotal tenure with KIPP New Jersey, immersed her in environments where she could see, firsthand, the profound difference caring adults make in young lives.Leslie’s evolution into a leadership coach emerged from those classroom observations and her years guiding school leaders. She developed the “What Would A Teacher Do?” framework, revealing that great educational leaders already possess the empathy, structure, and feedback systems needed to manage adults effectively—they simply need to reconnect with their teacher instincts. Her approach challenges conventional leadership training by bridging head and heart, theory and practice.In this inspiring conversation, Leslie and Ron explore authenticity, curiosity, and the art of leading with humanity. Listeners will walk away seeing leadership through a new lens—one where teaching and management share the same foundation: empathy, structure, and belief in human potential. Tune in to discover how Leslie Wade is helping leaders unlock their inner teacher and transform organizational culture from the inside out.Chapters 🎙️ 00:49 Meet Leslie Wade and Her Journey from Food Service to Education📚 01:14 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/💬 02:09 Ron and Leslie Share Personal Stories🎓 03:36 Leslie’s Educational Journey and Early Challenges🏫 07:32 Transition into Charter Schools and Leadership🌐 29:50 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🧭 32:29 Steps Toward Effective Leadership🪞 33:18 The Power and Value of Coaching🏅 33:57 Building Multi-Sport Leaders🧩 36:14 Discovering the “What Would A Teacher Do?” Framework✍️ 42:47 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 💡 57:50 Embracing Human-Centered Leadership🎧 01:02:10 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.org Links Website: https://lesliedianewade.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliedianewade/Check out Leslie Wade’s website and connect with her on LinkedIn to explore her coaching work, leadership resources, and practical tools for building stronger, more human-centered organizations.Rapatalo Group: [email protected]  Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473

From engineer to ethical luxury founder, Lola Banjo shares her extraordinary journey of building Silver & Riley, a purpose-driven brand redefining what it means to lead, create, and give back with integrity.Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents and raised across three continents, Lola’s path has been shaped by audacity, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in possibility. As a child in Lagos, she witnessed the realities of poverty and privilege side by side, vowing early to use her opportunities for impact. An academic father who pushed her to master calculus as a child and an entrepreneurial mother who modeled empathy and grit set the foundation for her global outlook and relentless drive. Those lessons would later inform both her leadership and the ethos behind Silver & Riley.After earning degrees in engineering, math, and finance, Lola built a stellar career as a global strategy executive at Salesforce, Deloitte, and Accenture. Yet the spark of entrepreneurship never faded. A freezing flight during business school planted the seed for a new kind of travel company — one that would blend functionality, beauty, and purpose. Today, Silver & Riley stands as a global ethical luxury brand known for Italian craftsmanship, timeless design, and its groundbreaking Buy 1, Give 5 initiative, through which Lola aims to award 1,000 grants to women entrepreneurs by 2030.Lola opens up about scaling a mission-led company without losing its soul — from learning to delegate and lead with trust, to protecting her energy and well-being amid the pressures of entrepreneurship. She shares the daily practices that keep her grounded, from prayer and exercise to reframing mindset and embracing joy as a discipline.This episode of Ronderings is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t built overnight — it’s cultivated through character, courage, and consistent generosity. Tune in to hear how Lola Banjo is shaping the future of ethical luxury and inspiring a new generation of leaders to build with heart.Chapters 👩🏾‍💼 00:41 Meet Lola Banjo and Her Entrepreneurial Journey🎙️ 01:13 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🌍 03:15 Early Life and Inspirations That Shaped Lola Banjo💡 20:42 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 👜 21:30 The Birth of Silver & Riley💖 26:49 Living Out Values Through Social Responsibility✨ 35:00 Authenticity in Branding and Leadership🤝 36:05 Leveraging Relationships and Social Capital for Success📈 39:41 Scaling a Business with Strategy and Grit📚 45:14 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🌿 47:41 Finding Joy and Maintaining Wellness🔥 50:04 Lessons in Entrepreneurship and Sacrifice🎧 01:05:40 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.org LinksWebsite: www.silverandriley.comSocial Media: Instagram @silverandrileyCheck out Lola Banjo’s work at Silver & Riley, follow her brand on Instagram, and explore how her Buy 1, Give 5 mission is transforming luxury into lasting impact.Rapatalo Group: [email protected]  Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 

From uncovering a hidden family history to empowering a new generation of AAPI leaders, Eddie Shiomi shares how reclaiming his past reshaped his purpose and deepened his approach to leadership, storytelling, and civic engagement.In this heartfelt and historically rich conversation, Eddie joins host Ron to trace a remarkable lineage stretching from Okayama, Japan to the United States and beyond. He reflects on his great-grandfather Kaishi’s immigration in 1883, his family’s harrowing wartime experiences across Manchuria and Tokyo, and the extraordinary Senate bill that eventually reunited them. These revelations, discovered through his grandmother’s autobiography and a decades-old family binder, transformed Eddie’s understanding of identity and reminded him that “who we are is who we were.”What began as a personal exploration evolved into a professional philosophy. Drawing from years in public service, including work with the California State Assembly Speaker and leadership roles at Coro New York, Venture for America, and Apex for Youth, Eddie learned that effective leadership begins with curiosity and empathy. Now as Chief Operating Officer of AAPI LEAD, he helps cultivate that ethos at scale by spotlighting the stories of local and municipal AAPI officials and reminding listeners that character development is not just for fiction; it is the heart of authentic leadership.Together, Ron and Eddie reflect on the intersections of ancestry, politics, and creative expression, exploring how storytelling humanizes civic life and strengthens communities. They discuss the growing visibility of Asian Americans in culture and politics, the challenges of sustaining inclusion across diverse identities, and the urgent need for solidarity amid global uncertainty. Through Eddie’s lens, understanding history becomes not an act of nostalgia but a roadmap for resilience and unity.Tune in to hear an inspiring journey through generations that bridges art, activism, and ancestry, and rediscover why knowing each other’s stories may be the most powerful form of leadership we have.Chapters 🎙️ 00:38 Meet Eddie Shiomi and His Journey of Resilience and Activism📘 01:08 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/🌏 02:54 Eddie’s Family History from Japan to America🌿 15:26 Discovering Family Roots and Reconnecting💡 20:32 Lessons in Leadership and Character Development🖋️ 23:27 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org🏛️ 25:12 Exploring the World of State Government✨ 26:07 Spotlighting Local Elected Officials🤝 27:36 Personal Stories Shaping Political Impact🌪️ 30:40 A Personal Journey Through Political Turmoil🌍 40:24 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org🎧 53:06 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.orgLinksWebsite: https://www.aapilead.org/Instagram:@aapi_lead Instagram: @eddieshowme Check out AAPI LEAD’s work, follow Eddie Shiomi on Instagram, and explore how his leadership journey continues to shape a more connected, story-driven future for AAPI communities everywhere.  Rapatalo Group: [email protected]  Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 

From education reformer to grassroots organizer, Justin Cohen shares how his journey from privilege to protest shaped his mission of mobilizing fathers for social change.Justin Cohen grew up in New Jersey surrounded by educators, with a teacher for a mother and a superintendent grandfather who exposed him early to the inequities baked into the school system. After building a successful career in education leadership and policy, Justin faced a turning point during the national reckoning on race and policing following the deaths of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. What began as technical policy work evolved into a deeper calling toward community organizing, where Justin sought to pair grassroots energy with clear demands for justice.That shift led him to work with Campaign Zero and New York’s abolitionist movement, including the No New Jails campaign, experiences that reshaped how he viewed the balance between movements and policy. In 2024, while helping organize support for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, Justin launched Dads for Kamala, an experiment in organizing fathers around political engagement with authenticity, humor, and vulnerability. That effort has since grown into Dads for All, an apolitical organization dedicated to tackling universal challenges like childcare, housing, and family economic security.In this conversation, Justin unpacks the role of masculinity in social change, arguing that fathers represent an untapped force for collective action. He discusses why men often struggle with vulnerability and communication, and how simple practices like side-by-side connection or small acts of organizing can help combat isolation. With honesty and humor, Justin shares how his own fatherhood journey grounds his activism, from advocating for universal childcare to modeling gentler, more restorative ways of being a man.Listeners will walk away inspired by Justin’s clarity, authenticity, and determination to build a culture where fathers are not only present in their families but also powerful agents of community transformation. Tune in to hear his story and learn how Dads for All is reframing what leadership and care can look like.Chapters🎙️ 00:38 Meet Justin Cohen, Co-Founder of Dads for All📚 01:07 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/👨‍🏫 02:52 Justin’s background and early career⚖️ 05:01 From education to social justice👨‍👩‍👦 08:35 The birth of the Dads for All movement🏠 14:05 Universal childcare and family economic security✍️ 23:54 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org🌸 28:58 Honoring generations of women’s work👩‍💼 29:13 The modern family workforce🌞 30:51 Finding joy and rest in daily life🧘 34:00 The power of meditation💬 37:50 Emotional vulnerability in men🚀 40:58 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org🎧 53:44 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.orgLinksJustinCcohen.comInstagram - @juscohenHomepage: https://dadsforall.com/Bluesky: @dadsforall.bsky.socialThreads: @dadsforallInstagram: @dadsforallLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dads-for-all/Dads for All: https://dadsforall.substack.com/Spinning Plates: https://spinningplate.substack.com/Check out Justin Cohen’s work at Dads for All, connect with him on Instagram, and explore his writing on Substack to engage with his vision for family, community, and social change.Rapatalo Group: [email protected]  Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 

From immigrant to bestselling author and global keynote speaker, Sheena Yap Chan shares her journey of reclaiming identity, building confidence, and amplifying Asian women’s voices through media, leadership, and visibility. Growing up Chinese-Filipino and moving to Toronto at just seven years old, Sheena faced cultural shame and a painful lack of representation in the media. For years she tried to conform to Western standards, only to realize that denying her heritage kept her small. By reclaiming her identity, she found the courage to launch The Tao of Self-Confidence podcast, which has since become a top-ranked show with over 1.3 million downloads and 800+ interviews.Her story is one of bold pivots and transformative resilience. Leaving behind a 12-year office job, Sheena followed a calling to create meaningful work, even when that meant challenging cultural and family expectations. The pandemic became another turning point, when she co-created Asian Women Who Boss Up and landed a Wiley book deal, despite battling imposter syndrome. The result was The Tao of Self-Confidence and later Bridging the Confidence Gap, both written against the odds and now widely recognized for their impact.In this conversation, Sheena offers practical wisdom on confidence-building, from reframing failure to embracing her “ready, fire, aim” approach. She dives into the cultural conditioning and gender norms that often silence women, and explains why visibility is not vanity but necessity, especially for those navigating leadership and entrepreneurship. Her insights on healing intergenerational trauma, saying yes to opportunities, and using AI as a tool for growth provide a roadmap for women to reclaim agency and step into their own power.Listeners will walk away inspired to challenge outdated narratives, embrace visibility, and start taking bold steps toward their own version of leadership. Tune in to hear Sheena’s remarkable story and gain the tools to bridge your own confidence gap. Chapters 👋 00:39 Meet Sheena Yap Chan Empowerment Leader and Author📚 01:26 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/🌏 03:20 Sheena’s Journey Embracing Identity and Overcoming Challenges🌟 05:54 The Power of Representation and Visibility✍️ 07:03 Writing and Publishing Sheena’s Book Journey💡 08:48 The Importance of Confidence and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome🎤 11:21 Sheena’s Career Arc From Office Job to Public Speaker🌱 12:52 Cultural Challenges and Personal Growth🧒 16:18 The Impact of Early Experiences on Confidence🔑 21:09 Bridging the Confidence Gap Key Takeaways👩‍💼 26:28 Empowering Women Leaders📖 26:45 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org🚺 27:31 Cultural Challenges for Female Leaders🤝 31:32 Women Supporting Women in the Workplace🌐 35:02 Support for Leaders and Changemakers at geniusdiscovery.org📝 35:43 The Book Writing Process🤖 39:28 Embracing AI and Technology⚖️ 46:01 Finding Joy and Balance✈️ 47:29 Travel and Culinary Adventures🎙️ 53:25 Start your own podcast with podcastsmatter.orgLinks Website: sheenayapchan.comSocial Media & Resources: All Sheena’s linksCheck out Sheena Yap Chan’s website, explore her books The Tao of Self-Confidence and Bridging the Confidence Gap, and connect with her across platforms to start building your confidence through visibility today. Rapatalo Group: [email protected]  Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.org Genius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.org Podcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 

 True leadership is the ability to bridge gaps, translate perspectives, and foster respect, ensuring that every voice—from the visible to the unseen—is valued and heard.William (Bill) Murphy is the Chief Operations Officer for Indianapolis Public Schools, where he drives operational excellence to support academic success in one of Indiana’s largest districts. He previously led Enroll Indy, served as Vice President of Louisiana Schools for IDEA Public Schools, and was Chief School Support Officer for Jefferson Parish Public Schools, where he helped raise the district's state rating from a D to a B. With experience as a school principal, teacher, and consultant, Bill has shaped educational systems and founded programs like the Center for Resilience, supporting children with severe mental health needs in New Orleans.Bill shares his journey from upstate New York, his transition to Indiana during the pandemic, and his upbringing in a loud Irish Catholic family, which shaped his direct, loving communication style in both his work and family life. He shares the happiness of being the dad of three Black boys and how his wife’s quieter Southern upbringing contrasts with his. He notes that being in a biracial marriage means constant learning and adapting.Bill is grateful for the loving people in his community because they are crucial for the support he receives in raising his sons, particularly Black male mentors who step in to guide his children in areas he cannot. Learning humility and navigating the challenges of interracial marriage is crucial for his family, and they foster open communication about everything. His story about adopting his middle son is a miracle in itself.In work, Bill is a universal translator between departments, so all can have a mutual understanding. Cultural and professional differences between teams can be huge, but decency, respect, and appreciation for each other—especially in silent roles—work like a charm. K-12 education reform, in his opinion, has challenges on the ground versus rhetorical lobbyists and commentators’ way of doing things rather than taking care of students and systemic solutions. The heart of justice is truth-telling—justice on the smallest or largest scale can’t happen without truth. Let’s be more truthful in our relationships and societal progress.  Show notes:🇮🇪 Loud dynamics within Irish Catholic families: love language is conflict – protecting and moving each other forward. 01:02👰🏽‍♀️ Living in New Orleans and learning between spouses in biracial families: the loving group of Black men who helped his sons. 08:55😤 Important conversations and strategic planning in a multicultural marriage: comments on the streets and bad experiences. 15:40😅 Bill’s unusual “Why Teach for America” story: being split 50/50 between charter schools and district schools. 25:03🤩 The value of invisible roles: treating all people with respect. 31:32🧞‍♂️ Communication across departments and being a universal translator: preventing chaos and being a strategic fixer. 36:29😩 Education and career pathways in K-12 reform: is the same thing happening in education as it is in the working class? 40:37😇 The Anam Cara – spirit friend: Bill’s adopted son Kiran and the miraculous flow of events. 47:08💎 Bill’s RONdering: The heart of justice is truth-telling – go to therapy and find what is thriving for you. 51:52🎨 Bill’s love for tattoos: Black and Irish culture, pop culture, and Game of Thrones tattoos.💙 Show love for people in operations work: make someone’s day. 57:10  LinksWeb:  www.myips.orgLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/william-murphy-edd-64857390 Rapatalo Group: [email protected]  Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473  

 It’s not about perfection out of the box—it’s about learning to learn and growing through the process.Dr. Donnell Butler is the Founder and President of Prelude, a nonprofit that partners with employers and schools to create work-based learning experiences, helping students from lower-income backgrounds gain professional skills, explore careers, and achieve economic freedom through paid internships. With over 20 years of experience, he has focused on improving college and career outcomes for underserved communities, previously serving as a dean at Franklin & Marshall College, where he co-led initiatives that significantly increased diversity and graduation rates. A first-generation college graduate from the South Bronx, Dr. Butler holds a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall and a Ph.D. from Princeton University. He serves on the board of the Relay Graduate School of Education and is a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow.Growing up in the South Bronx, combined with a love for learning and academic success, shaped Donnell’s path into the K-12 education world. Living abroad as an "army brat" (thanks to his stepfather's military service) exposed him to different cultures and educational systems. Donnell embraced his love for learning and was determined to create a better life. His mentors—teachers and other adults—guided him and his passion for education and mentorship eventually led him to shift from accounting to working in higher education, particularly at Franklin & Marshall College, where he focused on helping students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed.One challenge newer generations face is the lack of early work experiences, and for both Ron and Donnell, many of the skills needed for success came from on-the-job experiences rather than formal education. That’s why Donnell is so passionate about teaching both employees and young people the value of combining education with real-world experience. He believes in the transformative power of this combination, which is why he founded Prelude—a nonprofit that provides paid work opportunities to high school students.Skills like interpersonal communication, time management, and problem-solving can only truly be learned in a real-world context. Building supportive environments where students can learn, make mistakes, and grow is essential for their development and confidence. Let’s keep moving forward—let’s show them they have the power to change the world. Show notes🗽 EdLoc members and friends: Ron and Donnell share the same passion for sports. 02:20🪖 Donnell is originally from the South Bronx: He moved frequently and traveled the world until he was 10 years old. 04:55🏫 Learning in Department of Defense schools: being different but not shy to put in extra effort. 08:10👦🏾 His first beating was due to his success in school: building a path that would be different from working for the army. 11:00🏆 Being drawn to mentors and adults: double majoring in college in sociology and accounting. 14:30🧠 College access and success guru: all the amazing people who changed his mindset. 23:20🥅 Two-thirds of teenagers had a paid job in the eighties: today, most internships are unpaid, and there’s a lack of work-based learning experiences. 27:24💰 Ron’s experience as a pharmacy assistant for $4 an hour in 1988: The superpower of learning through trial and error. 32:54🤑 Structure and regime of working and learning: the power of a paycheck and developing young people. 43:40💎 RONdering: Understand kids and encourage mistakes—keep moving forward, just like babies learning to walk. Celebrate all the wins. 48:00  Links:Web: www.joinprelude.orgLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/school/connectwithprelude Rapatalo Group: [email protected] Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473  

 Well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.Lea Crusey is the co-founder and Head of U.S. Expansion for WOOF, a well-being tool for students and teachers. With a career in public policy, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, she works to expand opportunities for marginalized communities. A former Teach For America corps member, Lea has focused on improving public education, founding Allies for Educational Equity, and designing an innovative pooled giving model. She has also held leadership roles at Democrats for Education Reform, StudentsFirst, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Chicago Transit Authority.Mathias Probst is the co-founder and CEO of WOOF, a Denmark-based startup providing digital tools to enhance student and teacher well-being in classrooms. He was always part of innovative projects, including launching Detroit's first full-circle aquaponic system, creating a biodiversity-focused business for Danish farmers, and founding CePI. Inspired by their experience as Teach First Denmark educators, Mathias and his co-founder, Amalie Dankert, developed WOOF to promote effective and meaningful student wellbeing solutions.Lea Crusey and Mathias Probst share their personal and professional journeys that led to the creation of WOOF, tools for students and teachers. Mathias reflects on his early life from being a competitive gymnast in Denmark, his career in philosophy and consulting, and his pivotal experience as a Teach For Denmark educator, where he recognized the urgent need for tools to address student well-being. Lea shares how her upbringing was shaped by her mixed-race heritage and her family's dedication to service, her time as a Teach For America corps member, and her transition into education advocacy. WOOF has started innovation in education and demonstrated measurable improvements in student outcomes, such as increased attendance and engagement. There is a huge importance of staying connected to the needs of educators and students while normalizing emotional awareness in schools cannot be overstated.Let’s transform education in the best possible way, using perseverance, humility, and prioritizing human impact over numbers!Show Notes:🇩🇰 Mathias grew up in Denmark and he was a purpose-driven person his whole life: from business and eco-consulting to teaching. 03:38👨‍🏫 Having no tool for teaching children in need: founding WOOF and supporting the well-being of his students.  07:20👩‍🏫 Lea’s experience with the power of community and serving: Teach For America and teaching in Singapore. 11:27🤯 Working in StudentsFirst: state-level advocacy – decentralization issues and seeing many districts are K-8, not K-12. 15:53🐘 Allies for Educational Equity work: the elephant analogy and WOOF work. 18:44🧠 We learn from opportunities to make mistakes: anonymous input of 70,000 kids globally is an important asset for learning.  25:24🏆 Growing and scaling of the product is sometimes not easy to predict: Allies for Educational Equity and Innovation of 2025. 29:03💊 Well-being as a ‘means to an end’ in the US: students are reporting anonymously how they are doing and the results are shocking. 34:05😇 Lack of meaning in our life: finding a deeper connection and what drives your classroom. 39:54🫂 Emotions need to be validated. 43:51🤓 Preventing the loss of new generations: create space for safe learning. 47:03💎 Episode Ronderings: Find a way or make one: it is possible with the right tools. 50:43Links:Website: www.planetwoof.ioLinkedIn, Lea: www.linkedin.com/in/leacruseyLinkedIn, Mathias: www.linkedin.com/in/mathias-probst-25510b12Rapatalo Group: [email protected] Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 

 Mohan Sivaloganathan is a founder of Harmonious Leadership, a keynote speaker, consultant, and coach. He is also known as the “Batman of Social Impact” and at night he is a hip-hop artist. Throughout his career, Mohan has supported local and national organizations in orchestrating sustainable transformation and systems change across corporate social responsibility, education, civic engagement, and philanthropy. He is passionate about breaking down the false choice between well-being and performance - an antiquated leadership ideology that inhibits people and organizations from advancing their boldest social impact ideas.Mohan shares his incredible journey from a fierce, driven leader to a "kingmaker" who uplifts others. Rooted in his Sri Lankan parents' immigrant story and legacy of service, Mohan realized that maturity, humility, and joy in seeing others succeed are pathways to becoming a mature leader and overcoming his anxiety. For Mohan, traditional notions of masculinity require deep conversations. Vulnerability and empathy are essential to redefining what it means to be a man today. His concept of Harmonious Leadership is different. For him, true impact comes from balancing self-care, purpose, and performance.Don’t wait for others to create opportunities for you; instead, take the initiative to create your own spaces—places where you can be authentic, connect with others, and express yourself fully.  Show notes timestamps:🇱🇰 Growing up in Sri Lankan immigrant family: finding success through service but not forgetting their roots. 02:06🦸🏽‍♂️ The journey from becoming “a hero” and “king” and becoming a “kingmaker”. 10:01🏀 Basketball and leadership: I’m not only here to score - alpha males and shifting his view. 14:29🏆 Archetypes of people to learn from for Mohan: Justin Cohen and solidarity in “Dads for Kamala” campaign. 24:11💪🏽 Redefining masculinity and challenging traditional stereotypes of masculinity: Silly Sensitive Men playing Uno event. 31:14⚖️ Balance of self-care, purpose, and performance to survive or to thrive: the concept of harmony in Harmonious Leadership. 38:10🫂 Reflecting on wisdom and consciousness: important keynotes, coaching, and acts of love with people. 44:64💎 Mohan’s Rondering: Being in the rooms where everything happens and creating your own spaces for connection and expression. 48:23  Links Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/msivaloganathanWebsite: www.harmoniousleaders.comRapatalo Group: [email protected] Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo  

Niloy Gangopadhyay, is a passionate educator, and leader who for over 20 years has been addressing inequities in public education as a systems, school, and nonprofit leader. He began his career as a 2002 Teach For America corps member in San Jose, California, and now serves as TFA’s Vice President for the 35th Anniversary Summit. Previously, he led state-level initiatives for at-risk students at the Texas Education Agency and co-founded Success Preparatory Academy, a K-8 charter school in New Orleans. His upbringing rooted in his parents' immigrant values of education and service—shaped Niloy’s commitment to becoming a leader in public service. Sports taught Niloy the importance of teamwork, culture, and data-driven decision-making. Our education system expects first-year teachers to perform at the same level as seasoned educators, and feedback compared to other professions is minimal. Feedback is essential to help teachers grow and improve, and Niloy shares how a strong culture in schools is directly connected with student success.How to redesign feedback systems in education to better support teachers? Technology, such as AI and video analysis, to provide asynchronous feedback and help educators reflect on their practice might be the key. Niloy is passionate about the importance of ensuring people feel appreciated, supported, and valued (ASV) in their work, and how understanding what motivates individuals can unlock their potential. Let’s connect with our team members on much deeper levels to discover the hidden powers.  Show notes timestamps:☃️ The impact of trauma and the feeling of not having a home: holidays are challenging for educators. 01:56🇮🇳 Niloy immigrant parents who placed a premium on education. 04:51👨🏽‍🏫 He knew he wanted to work in public service early on: gaining experience with Teach For America. 07:08🏫 Moving to New Orleans: facing the initial challenges of taking over a failing school. 12:27😍 His parents were very focused on community service and education. 21:15🏈 Sports teams and leadership are similar: starting quarterback and first-grade teacher. 27:51👂🏽 Coaching and feedback are critical in life, sports, and education. 30:24📈 The importance of using exemplars to showcase the impact of coaching and feedback on teacher growth. 40:11🆒 The positive impact technology can have on culture, organizational success, and individual growth in education. 48:03🌸 Teach For America’s Summit: a well of inspiration for K-12 education. 49:21💎 Niloy’s Ronderings: Making sure people are appreciated, supported, and valued to unlock the potential of individuals by understanding and addressing their unique challenges. 55:21 Links: Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/niloy-gangopadhyay-76a438159Rapatalo Group: [email protected] Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473   

 We need to create a high bar where the bar is to care about both people and performance. They are not dichotomies; they support each other.De-Lea Deane-Allen is the founder and CEO of Higher Bar Leadership LLC, dedicated to helping organizations create transformational work environments where all people can thrive. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, school leader, and C-level executive, she specializes in leadership development, change management, and equity, driving significant improvements in representation, engagement, and performance. She is a Pahara Fellow, ICF-certified coach, and adjunct coach with The Management Center.Raised by her father from Guyana and her mother from Barbados, De-Lea experienced two contrasting approaches to education that shaped her. Her experience in sports and athletic running, helped her find her confidence and shaped her belief that the power of mindset is more than half of the success.Her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion is huge. She took on roles focused on creating leadership pipelines and systems for advancing leaders of color. Supporting leaders of color and creating the conditions for them is something she is very passionate about. De-Lea advocates for a "higher bar" in leadership: performance with care for people and long-term sustainability. She is urging leaders to trust their intuition and recognize that the environments they create are just as crucial as the results they aim to achieve.Show notes: 👫🏽 Child of Caribbean immigrants: the influence her parents had on her education is huge. (01:59)☀️ A high bar and mindset, combined with love, is the perfect combination for good leadership. (04:06)🏫 Private school education in a diverse community: Her experience as an athlete and the power of mindset on sports results. (05:39)The power of connections: When she realized her passion lay in education. (10:55)🌟 De-Lea's changes and results in leadership: The different environments people build. (13:30)❓ Why people of color are underrepresented in leadership positions: Her DEI work and success in retaining leaders. (18:30)👩🏽‍💼  Starting her own company: A combination of executive coaching and supporting leaders in small and large groups. (20:52) 🏃🏽‍♀️ Motherhood and challenges with the lack of teachers: The level of stress and getting back to running. (22:30)🧘🏽‍♀️ Connection between wellness and leadership: Prioritize wellness, even in small ways, and business success will be affected too. (26:35)⚡ Higher bar and a need to redefine success: Not thinking short-term, but focusing on long-term sustainability and care for people. (32:18)🎯 Providing space to identify your foundational values from your early years: Leaders need to share vulnerability and find their strength. (40:26)💎 De-Lea's Rondering: Conditions matter, so pay attention to them just as you do for performance. (49:10)Links:Website www.higherbarleadership.comSubscribe https://dda.kit.com/a0568c379eGet in touch www.linkedin.com/in/ddeaneallenRapatalo Group: [email protected] Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo  

True success isn’t just about individual achievement; it’s about the collective rise of our communities.Analiza Quiroz Wolf, CEO of Women of Color Rise, coaches diverse leaders, including social entrepreneurs and C-suite executives. She recently published The Myths of Success: A Woman of Color's Guide to Leadership, drawing on research and stories from her podcast, Women of Color Rise. Analiza is a former non-profit CEO, U.S. Air Force Captain, Fulbright Scholar, and graduate of the Stakeholder Leadership Governance Institute. Analiza has experience serving on nonprofit boards and hopes to serve on a corporate board.As a daughter of Filipino immigrants, she shares three major phases in her life: assimilation, self-discovery, and healing. Chasing the "American Dream" and facing cultural pressures to fit into a predominantly white society took a toll, causing her to hide her true self. Then, Analiza’s self-discovery led her to deep healing and specific experiences from which she now sees the world.Her analogy of babies in the river and the value placed on demographics highlights the flaws in our system’s thinking and approach. In K–12 education, Analiza advocates for a system that encourages critical thinking, empathy, and communication, allowing students to explore their identities and beliefs. That is why she is so focused on coaching leaders of color and creating supportive communities.Collective success, community, and empathy are fundamental for creating equitable and inclusive environments for all of us to thrive in, and Analiza is a great showcase of that.Show Notes🇵🇭 Analiza's story is a typical Filipino immigrant story: it was all about assimilation. 04:05🎭 It was also a traumatic story of hiding behind a mask: she lost herself. 06:18👧🏻 Growing up, it was all about being seen but not heard: following orders and achieving perfect grades. 09:56👧🏻 How Analiza got from the number one brand school in the world to working in education. 14:53🏫 She used her education to work on starting and scaling schools. 19:16👩🏻‍🏫 Analiza is a multi-sector leader: education systems need to get stronger. 22:26👉🏻 The system isn't broken; it's designed to be this way: the K-12 ed system is about exploiting poverty. 27:12🏷️ When the system sees a person, based on demographics, there's automatically a value placed on them. 30:45⚠️ When we are enough, it provides critical thinking, communication, and creativity to solve whatever issue we're facing in our community. 34:03😇 It's much easier to survive when you're in a community. 38:26🤓 Today, Analiza is in coaching: she approaches it with a cultural lens, as a woman of color and minority. 41:52📙 She named her book, The Myth of Success: A Woman of Color's Guide to Leadership. 45:04🌺 Her faith has opened up so much for her, personally, but also as a leader: it allows her to take risks and really go for what she believes. 46:31💎 Analiza's RONdering: no matter what challenges you face in life, come back to yourself. 52:25Links:• Myths of Success Book: bit.ly/mythsbook• Podcast: analizawolf.com/womenofcolorrise• Website: analizawolf.com• LinkedIn (Analiza): www.linkedin.com/in/analizawolf• LinkedIn (Women of Color Rise): www.linkedin.com/company/bossmamasRapatalo Group: [email protected] Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo 

Summary: Language has the power to connect people, to move hearts, and to do good in the world.David Nungaray is a co-founder of Gente Empowerment Network but is actually a forever dual language teacher and principal at heart no matter what his current work title is. The children and families he worked with as an educator are one of his guiding forces in the work he continues to do in education. As a son of Mexican immigrants, a native Spanish speaker, a gay educator, and a first-generation college graduate, he felt on his skin the lack of the system.David’s story begins with his family’s immigration from Tijuana, Mexico, to the U.S., where they faced challenges due to being undocumented. After a car accident at a young age that left David in a coma, his family’s struggles continued. Despite these obstacles, David excelled in school, thanks to the support of key teachers. He is very passionate about the importance of bilingualism as an asset, not just for students like him who grew up speaking Spanish and struggled during Proposition 227. It is very sad to see that nothing changed for generations in the USA and that  92% of our students are still experiencing programs that are not going to help them. David hopes to continue making an impact on multilingual education policy and practice, advocating for increased access to bilingual education programs and helping students like him thrive.Language brings cultural exchange, understanding, and power to the community. We should all respect different cultures and the enrichment they are brining to our lives. Show notes: 🪄 David is a magician of LinkedIn: he is destined for big things. 1:11🧒🏻 He is the first child of an immigrant family from Tijuana, Mexico: a car accident completely changed his life. 03:45🗣️ Learning English was hard for him: he grew up during Proposition 227. 05:34😎 Teachers who poured faith, learning, and patience into David. 08:52⭐ The value of bilingualism and languages other than English: 12:13🤯 Political nature of language: some people were punished for speaking other languages besides English. 15:41🏆 Circle of champions around David: his parents, his husband, and various mentors and friends who have supported him throughout his career. 19:27😇 Learn to be direct with people: help from his amazing family and leveraging direct talk from them. 21:33🏡 Moving from San Antonio to California: harnessing time with his parents and family. 27:01👔 David’s coaching work around navigating job searches, interviews, and salary negotiations: Latiné often underestimate themselves. 31:07⚡ Power in asking for what you need: understanding advocacy for yourself. 35:36🆚 Job hopping and the negative attitude towards it: blaming the individual rather than looking at the system. 37:36🤓 Shifted to a leader role at 17, becoming a principal at 25: David took all opportunities given to him. 40:37🌈 Take that leap: being a queer man in Texas without protection. 46:06💎 David’s RONdering: You can’t pour from an empty cup – take care of yourself and find balance. 54:48LinksConnect: www.linkedin.com/in/david-nungaray-a4a47115Gente Website: www.genteempowerment.com Gente Instagram: www.instagram.com/genteempowermentGente TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@genteempowerment Rapatalo Group: [email protected] Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo 

Raj Thakkar is the author, Founder & CEO of Charter School Business Management (CSBM) as well as FOREsight Financial Services for Good. He is an expert on nonprofit and charter school finance and has presented countless financial best practices workshops across the country. He poured all his knowledge into the book Fiscally Secure: Prepare, Protect & Propel Your CHARTER SCHOOL with Responsible Financial Management to help people learn all the steps in handling finances properly.Raj is sharing his story from a helper in a family convenience store to a finance pro and how he transformed his career as an Indian immigrant into something he is passionate about. He is passionate about responsible financial management, both personal and professional, and Raj highlights the importance of surviving audits in the charter school finance landscape. His book is a detailed guide to fixing all the ‘symptoms,’ and he shares some of those in the episode.Like every entrepreneur with experience through hardships, Raj realized that having your circle of champions, surrounding yourself with smart people, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is the key. He loves yoga, Orangetheory, running, and being active. The power of great people and his community groups helped him during the most difficult times. Raj says that responsible financial management is possible for everyone and is eager to teach these principles to children from an early age.Show notes:👨🏽‍💼 Raj runs the finance and operations for many charter schools across the country: realizing he is a money guy and he landed in finance. 04:11👦🏽 He got interested in finance as a kid by helping his father run a convenience store. 05:58👂🏽 In his journey, he did a lot of listening: his first contract was with the New York City Charter School Center. 08:41💸 Finances in charter schools: you have to survive your audit. 14:44📘 Raj wrote a book called "Fiscally Secure: Prepare, Protect, and Propel Your Charter School with Responsible Financial Management." 17:28⚠️ Merging OPS and Finance departments in charter schools is the #1 symptom of a bad finance organization: Raj’s book is the solution for all symptoms in simple terms. 18:27⭐ Vision is nothing without execution; Raj has a fantastic leadership team and groups that are helping him. 27:39💪🏽 Advice Raj would give to young Raj: just keep learning and have huge dreams. 33:41🏃🏽‍♂️ Entrepreneurs have to take care of their bodies: Raj ran the NYC marathon four times and goes to Orangetheory regularly. 37:43💎 Raj's RONdering: responsible financial management is possible in your life if you know the components. 42:39LinksConnect: www.linkedin.com/in/raj-thakkar-135b172Get a Book: www.a.co/d/9RkcI4bWebsite:  www.csbm.comFiscally Secure: www.csbm.com/fiscally-secureRapatalo Group: [email protected] Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloTwitter: https://twitter.com/phenomeronInstagram: www.instagram.com/phenomeron

We know who we are, but we get away from it.Kendrick Harris is an NYU alumnus, retired Air Force officer, and former business leader with experience in real estate law, construction, and a former lawyer. He is a business owner of the Distinguished Chef and a top-notch chef.Kendrick is sharing with us his powerful testament to resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. After time spent at NYU, where Kendrick was deeply involved in student leadership and community service with Ron, he took an unexpected path, joining the Air Force as an officer. His military experience, earning a master's degree at Harvard, brought him to leadership positions. Still, his life took a dramatic turn when a series of poor decisions led to his disbarment and criminal charges. He realized that the only path was forward by confronting his mistakes and rebuilding his life from the ground up by pursuing his long-forgotten passion—cooking.His story of redemption, perseverance, letting go, and centering shows us that one's mistakes do not define them. During his difficult times, Kendrick found motivation in the stories of others who had faced and overcome their own challenges and hardships while becoming the best versions of themselves. His passion for bringing equity to culinary arts, learning the history of amazing Black chefs of America, and bringing the elegance of the cooking experience to everyone is just amazing.The recipe for finding the way out of the darkness or despair is waiting for you in this amazing episode.Notes🍎 NYU Alumni and CPS: helping kids, students, and serving the community. 02:17✈️ Starting active duty with the Air Force: Kendrick was sent to Harvard to get a master's degree even though he planned to go to law school.  05:15😇 We hold onto things we think we want: moments where you need to go in yourself and let go.11:07⚖️ After the military, he went to law school: rebuilding life after getting disbarred.  12:53⚡ Getting back to himself through serving others: his love of culinary arts. 16:41⭐ Clashing with your parents but pursuing their respect: working in Michelin-starred restaurants and being the only Black man in it. 21:29☯️ Virtual coaches that affected Kendrick’s change: inspiring stories from people who went through a lot. 25:33👨🏾‍🍳 Kendrick created The Distinguished Chef Lifestyle Brand: Hercules Posey and James Hemings were amazing Black chefs in the 1700s.  32:50☯️ His mission is to capture the elegance of the cooking experience: wanting amazing food to be tasted by minorities as well. 39:54💎 Kendrick’s RONdering: your identity is not defined by your mistakes or your flaws. 42:53Links:Connect with Kendrick: www.linkedin.com/in/kendrickharrisAbout Kendrick: https://about.me/kendrickharris Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedistinguishedchefFacebook www.facebook.com/distinguished.chef.9Rapatalo Group: [email protected] Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloTwitter: https://twitter.com/phenomeronInstagram: www.instagram.com/phenomeron

Why are we resting on proficiency in education?Tanji Reed Marshall CEO and Principal Consultant of Liaison Educational Partners. With more than 2 decades of experience in the classroom, district, and organization level, she has a lot of gems to share. The problem of educational inequities, and how certain groups of students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have historically been underserved and misinformed by ineffective teaching methods.The system has too many pockets and gaps - it has to change so it can serve all students suitably.  Dr. Tanji advocates for classroom leaders to have skills and tools, but also a mindset to provide the best possible education for all students. Dr Tanji provides a framework for transformative change in education, emphasizing learning, critical thinking about roles in education, planning, applying, evaluating, and integrating practices.The importance of literacy and the need for proficiency and mastery in education is a must and if all other industry has it, education should have it too because every student has the potential to achieve high results. Notes:📖 RONdering as a word in Merriam-Webster Dictionary. 01:54👩🏾‍🏫 Starting in retail and switching to education:  03:02😃🙍🏾 Why do we get so upset when we talk about numbers and education? 09:49🤯 Moving to North Carolina: changing the standards that are set so low.  13:23🏆 Going to a Catholic high school and having amazing teachers - Tanji’s circle of champions. 17:22😍 Literacy and power of reading is important for advanced math: becoming district literacy coach.   23:51🆚 Proficiency vs Mastery - proficiency is not enough and we need to put more effort into all kids. 25:00⭐ The three-queuing system is banned in some countries and literacy has to become a right in Massachusetts. 33:39⚠️ Tanji’s five strategies and four environmental types: integrating practices and changing the system. 39:37🤔 We are ok with kids being failed: a value disparity in education. 44:27⚖️ A nationwide misalignment between values and practices in education. 49:58💎 Tanji’s RONdering: naming the truth on where we are so we can go the way wa want to be. 51:22📙 Tanji’s book, free course and newsletter. 😇 Too many pockets in education and we don’t want that. 54:30Links:Newsletter: POWERfully Curious (newsletter)Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1416631453/ Rapatalo Group: [email protected] Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloTwitter: https://twitter.com/phenomeronInstagram: www.instagram.com/phenomeron

Jacquelyn Davis is a nonprofit leader and transformative advisor to philanthropies who dedicated her life to the education sector and social impact. Her life and career are led by constant learning and curiosity. She has launched many organizations and initiatives. EDVolution, a boutique consulting she founded has worked with many national foundations – including the Gates Foundation, the Overdeck Foundation, New Schools Venture Fund, the Wallace Foundation, the Walton Foundation, the Rainwater Foundation, the Alice B and James A Clark Foundation, and the Kern Foundation, among others – and numerous education social impact organizations – including Teach For America, New Leaders, and many more.Growing up in the South in a segregated community with socially conscious parents who taught her that not every family has the same opportunities, Jacquelyn learned from an early age to stand up for what she believes in and bear the cost of it. She witnessed systemic differences and inequalities, and while the changes her family wanted, began at home, Jacquelyn continued to carry the same passion for diversity in her life and work, moving forward.Today we are facing a national crisis because 70% of kids can’t read by third grade and over 60% of schools in America are not using curriculum based on science-based research on how the brain learns. Sadly, prison beds in this country are based on reading levels, and still, things are not changing. A new entrepreneurial journey for Jac started when her dyslexic son learned to read using a board game she created. Clever Noodle as an additional tool, can help kids around the country fix their reading issues. The public education system must provide education for all kids so they can become high-quality readers and open up the doors to their lives and possibilities for their future. We all have a call in this. Notes:🎙️ Being curious about people: learning from many experienced interviewers like Jacquelyn how to talk to people, helped Ron become a podcast host.  01:43⭐ Born and raised in Texas: her dad was a lighthouse of integrity.  02:45😍 No strangers - all were welcome in their house: nurturing acceptance, desegregation, and having very progressive parents.  05:00👎🏾 Growing up in the South: a difference and an inequality that was systemic being created. 11:22⚡ Don’t complain about it - do something about it: The family volunteered for homelessness and food insecurity. 18:06👧🏾 Jac’s educational path started with school rehabilitation and college for scholarships: when a girl plans her funeral. 20:11🤓 Startup is a very ambiguous space: you need to know if you are wired to learn everything about everything. 24:17🏆 Jac’s circle of champions: parents, English teacher, health teacher, and amazing friends who influenced her. 27:54🧠 Clever Noodle creation: her son was struggling with learning how to read during COVID so Jacquelyn learned how the sequential process in the brain works and created a board game for reading. 35:26🔥 National crisis on literacy: finding the sweet spot with supplemental products but also science-based reading curriculums in schools - we need multifaceted solutions. 40:07😇 “Mama, I know you are teaching me how to read but it is ok, because it is fun.” 46:20✍️ Summarizing and synthesizing complex brain functions are getting developed when we write. 50:38 🤯 Our prisons are full of people who were not taught to read: they are capable but the system is not interested. 55:11💎 Jac’s RONdering: Stay clever and stay curious to grow opportunities. 57:54⚠️ Spread literacy by donating games to families and schools. 58:40Links:Website: www.clevernoodle.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleverNoodleGamesInsta: https://www.instagram.com/clever_noodle/Rapatalo Group: [email protected] Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloTwitter: https://twitter.com/phenomeronInstagram: www.instagram.com/phenomeron

Our belief systems are often perpetuated by the members of our community.A 1991 Vassar graduate, Diane Robinson is a filmmaker and recognized education leader with over 25 years of experience working in the US and globally, helping start and grow social enterprises. Beginning her career through Teach for America, Diane holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, a Master of Arts in multicultural education from California State University, and a Doctor of Education Leadership from Harvard University.Diane made her first film, The Young Vote, which follows a group of students and activists through the 2020 election, unprecedented social unrest, and a global pandemic, which is now used for the civic development of young people at schools and colleges. Diane believes that films are a great way to change narratives that come out of beliefs and stories and that there is much power in films being used to cultivate new sets of beliefs.Everything we want in life - the things we want to achieve, our environment, and our beliefs - they all start with us!🇯🇲 Diane grew up in Jamaica in the 70's, in a very tumultuous time. 3:52👧🏽 She went to public school in NY and racial and socioeconomic justice became a part of her DNA. 8:12👩🏽‍🏫 Teach For America spoke more to her than the law she was studying. 10:19🍎 Growing up in NY means you have a very diverse group of friends. 15:56👉🏽 How important it is to believe in yourself: Diane's school counselor experience. 20:29⚠️ If you want to learn about America, you should teach in a low-income classroom. 27:12🤔 Belief is a huge part of change: our belief system is stuck. 30:55😥 Cultural competence: the available data is very intellectual, and it doesn't feel right. 33:43💲 Low-income kids oftentimes have to work twice as hard because their parents can't pay for them. 38:42🙃 Our belief systems are sometimes perpetuated by members of our own community. 40:02🧠 Diane went to Harvard in her late 30's: the importance of understanding the education systems, business, and government. 45:30🇨🇳 Her experience in China: the strength of their culture benefits education. 48:17🎥 Turning to film: creating a documentary about young people and voting. 50:32🎬 Her film made a big impact in schools and communities: we need engagement, voting is not enough. 55:51💎 Diane's RONdering: everything starts with us. 58:48🎯 Anything you want to create in the world, first you have to create it within yourself. 1:00:56 Links:The Young Vote: www.videoproject.org/the-young-vote.htmlConnect with Diane: www.linkedin.com/in/diane-robinson-6417255 Rapatalo Group: [email protected] Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloTwitter: https://twitter.com/phenomeronInstagram: www.instagram.com/phenomeron

Being able to step back and observe what is going on around us is often an undervalued skill!Surabhi Lai is rooted in the belief that we can create a better future of work that is rooted in our humanity and collective belonging. Multi-passionate with a strong sense of curiosity, Surabhi uses empathy and strategy when she coaches job-seekers, entrepreneurs, and organizations to help them create a better work future. Surabhi is pursuing a PhD in Leadership and Change, where her research is focused on understanding the ecosystem of belonging in the workplace.Fascinated by large group settings, Surabhi seeks out people who are not in a conversation with anyone and looks to introduce them to someone she knows. Surabhi will look to strike up a conversation at the bar or by the food table, becoming the connector at events, pursuing her goal of making people’s lives better, predominantly in the workplace.We spend so much time in workplaces - how can we make them better, for us to be able to give our best?Notes: 🍎 You can't navigate a big place like New York City without building your micro-communities. 3:04😇 Surabhi's connection with New York City: different people and languages. 5:29🗽 New Yorkers will move you out of their way, but also they will stop and help. 8:56👧🏽 Surabhi grew up in D.C. in a pretty diverse school. 13:13🍀 Surabhi was bridging spaces, doing some translation: being curious, and observing. 18:09🤓 Surabhi loves to be the connector at events: she is fascinated by large group settings. 23:35⚠️ Different social roles: the importance of name pronunciation. 27:55🤗 Her work is all about making people's work lives better. 31:54👉🏽 That laws and policies are written to incentivize businesses and organizations. 35:09🤯 If you don't feel good at work, then, you are not giving your best at work. 37:55📣 Efforts to diversify neighborhoods: we should all have a megaphone. 40:20💎 Surabhi's RONdering: how do we take all those megaphones to make it a movement? 44:12Links:Website: www.surabhilal.comIG: @slcollabventuresLI: www.linkedin.com/in/surabhilalSIPS & Leadership: www.surabhilal.com/sips-leadershipRapatalo Group: [email protected] Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloTwitter: https://twitter.com/phenomeronInstagram: www.instagram.com/phenomeron

Good leadership requires you to always be a student!From humble beginnings in golf caddying to becoming New Mexico’s Deputy Secretary and Secretary of Education under Gov. Susana Martinez (R) from 2016-2019, Christopher Ruszkowski is a social studies teacher by trade, recently appointed Distinguished Policy Fellow at the Hoover Institution.Having spent a year in South Africa, Christopher trained as a teacher, spending his first years first in and last out in the school, taking his responsibilities seriously, especially as a rookie. In his 20 years of working within education and education reform, Christopher has a wealth of experience in school systems, as well as figuring out how to develop expertise in all the moving pieces of the system. Believing that you must always remain a student, Christopher has worked under a mentor, working on being informed and gaining an understanding of why things are moving in the way that they are.The early bird catches the worm - there is value in a hard day’s work!Notes:🇺🇸 Christopher's family origin: first-generation American working-class story. 4:16🤓 The story of how Christopher got into golf caddying. 9:02🍀 His evolution from a caddy beginner to a trusted confidant and advisor. 13:43🧑‍🏫 The beginning journey with Teach For America: a transformative year in South Africa. 18:46🌍 Making the world a better place: he couldn't do it without some form of frontline service. 21:29🏫 Middle school experience: what went on in his classroom, was a microcosm of what was happening in the education sector. 25:41🎓 All the different education contexts Christopher was involved in. 29:15🎯 Always be a student to be good in a leadership position. 36:19🤯 There is such a dramatic difference in education in different cities today. 40:30👀 It often takes an outsider to see what's going on, but you need an insider to implement it. 46:31 💎 Christopher's RONdering:  it's still about the blue-collar day. 51:45Links:Connect: [email protected] Rapatalo Group: [email protected] Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloTwitter: https://twitter.com/phenomeronInstagram: www.instagram.com/phenomeron

Sharing our stories and spending time with each other can prolong our lives!Bryan Setser is a seasoned executive edupreneur with three decades of results in K-12, higher education, non-profit, and for-profit organizations. His expertise equips leaders, teams, and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be ready for any future. Having worked as a teacher, principal, and even as the inaugural Chief Quality Officer at the Baldrige Award-winning Iredell-Statesville district, Bryan has lent his expertise as a leader of solutions practices, operating as a partner and principal at 2Revolutions and RPK Group, collaborating with numerous higher education clients.Bryan believes strongly in creating a culture of belonging, which can come through sports, music and movies, but also through social experiences and diversity. Bryan focuses on helping men build more empathy and compassion to themselves first and foremost. There is evidence that suggests being on athletic teams can help one’s body and mind; working as a team and looking out for each other allows for connections to build.Today is the first day for whatever your purpose is - let’s reignite our purpose!Notes:🤔 Reflecting on the different identities we have as men of different generations. 4:20😇 Bryan is a Wayfinder: he helps leaders, teams, and organizations navigate their paths. 9:11🎓 He had many different roles in education: curiosity drove him in all the roles. 13:35👉 One of Bryan's drivers is a fundamental distrust of the status quo. 16:51🎦 Finding out people's core values through music and movies. 20:23🥘 How food connects people and creates the social experience. 24:13🌸 All the successful people believe that we have a chance to turn things around. 31:09🎯 Creating a culture of belonging through diversity. 35:52💪 Thoughts on the future of masculinity. 42:42🥋 Sports can also help create leaders and understand team relationships. 47:19🍀 Bryan has been using new technologies since 1995: amplifying tech with humanity. 50:05🤖 The value of AI: how to make it meaningful. 53:39🥅 In our lives, AI will be mostly applicable in biomedicine. 1:01:17💎 Bryan’s RONdering: we're going to have to reignite around purpose. 1:04:10Links:Website: www.setsergroup.comLI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryansetser/FB:https://www.facebook.com/SetserGroupTW: https://twitter.com/setsergroupIG: https://www.instagram.com/setsergroup/?hl=enRapatalo Group: [email protected] Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comConnect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloTwitter: https://twitter.com/phenomeronInstagram: www.instagram.com/phenomeron