No Boxes: Just Verses

How does a shy kid from the DMV who hid behind his parents’ legs grow up to lead one of the most influential accounting organizations in the country? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, we sit down with Calvin Harris Jr., CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA). Calvin shares his incredible journey of resilience, starting with a challenging college experience where he lost his sc...

From a difficult childhood marked by tragedy to leading a genomic revolution and championing diversity in corporate boardrooms, Dr. Thane Kreiner’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and making a plan to be someone. Thane takes us through his incredible career arc—from writing the business plan for DNA chip pioneer Affymetrix as an intern to becoming a four-time CEO and leading the...

Is your career a ladder or a jungle gym? How do you transition from reporting the numbers to being the one who drives them? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, we sit down with Daryl "DB" Butler, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Trusted Voices at Google. DB takes us on a masterclass journey through his jungle gym career—starting in finance and accounting before making a bo...

How do you keep moving forward when life forces you to grow up at age 11? Can you maintain your integrity when your job conflicts with your values? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, we explore the incredible journey of a leader who turned early personal tragedy into a lifetime of resilience and service. We go beyond the bio to discuss how to lead through loss, the power of divine order in...

Are you afraid to start over? Do you feel like it’s too late to pursue a creative passion or pivot your career because you didn't start young enough? Whether you are navigating a competitive industry, recovering from a personal setback, or simply feeling the itch to try something new, this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses is your blueprint for resilience. We go beyond the bio to explore how t...

Are you feeling stuck in a wilderness season, unsure of your next move, or afraid to pivot? Whether you are navigating a career transition, facing financial uncertainty, or simply trying to rediscover your voice, this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses is the inspiration you need. We go beyond the resume to explore how to turn rock bottom into a launchpad for reinvention. Join us as we explore the i...

Are you a high-level manager struggling to make the leap to "unboxed" leadership? Many professionals hit a plateau where they focus solely on vertical status rather than the diverse skills needed for the C-Suite. This common pain point can lead to career stagnation and burnout. In the conclusion of our Season 1 Recap, No Boxes: Just Verses explores the five final pillars of leadership th...

Are you feeling stuck on a secure career path that no longer sparks curiosity? Do you feel like you have to wear a mask to be respected in the C-Suite? Many leaders face the grueling pressure of maintaining a perfect image while navigating personal trials or professional stagnation. This episode of No Boxes: Just Verses addresses the specific pain point of boxed-in leadership. In this special Part...

As we wrap up an incredible Season One, join us for a special countdown of the Top 5 most-chosen songs that shaped the journeys of our leaders! This episode goes beyond the rankings to explore the common musical threads that connect incredible leaders across business, culture, creativity, and community. We revisit the powerful stories behind the anthems of resilience, joy, strategy, and strength t...

Are you an executive struggling with the isolation of high-level leadership? Have you faced a personal crisis that forced you to re-evaluate your entire career path? In this powerful Authentic and Strategic episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with the two Lisas—Lisa DeCarlo and Lisa Shallet—co-founders of Extraordinary Women on Boards (EWOB). They share deepl...

Are you feeling stuck in a predictable career path? Do you struggle to make a strategic lateral move because you're afraid to lose status? In this highly Strategic episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with Melonie Parker, VP of Employee Engagement at Google. Melonie shares her authentic story of navigating a 17-year career at Lockheed Martin through later...

Are you a creative professional who struggles to gain control behind the camera or above the line? Do you need courage to pivot from performing to directing? In this unforgettable episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with the incomparable cultural icon, Debbie Allen. Debbie shares the courageous, unconventional journey—from facing segregation in Texas to tripl...

Do you worry that pursuing a passion like the arts can't lead to stable, global success? Do you need inspiration to keep grinding through the long years of unemployed fun? In this highly Inspirational episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with Chloé and Maud Arnold, powerhouse sister duo and founders of the viral Syncopated Ladies tap dance troupe. Learn t...

Are you feeling guilty about taking a career pause? Do you wonder if you're too old or too late to make a major professional pivot? In this highly Inspirational episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with Shannon Watts—Founder of Moms Demand Action, Time's 100 Most Influential People, and author of Fired Up . Shannon shares her authentic story of leavi...

Are you feeling stuck on the rigid corporate path? Do you need permission to define success outside of titles, prestige, and compensation? In this powerful episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with legal trailblazer Michelle Banks, former Global General Counsel of Gap, Inc., and executive leadership coach. Michelle shares her "unboxed" strategy for t...

Do you feel pigeonholed in your career? Do you struggle to see how your diverse experiences across corporate, government, and non-profit sectors connect? In this inspiring episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with Desirée Rogers—renowned strategist, connector, and co-owner/CEO of Black Opal and Fashion Fair. Desirée shares her "unboxed" playbook for...

Do you feel defined by a major career setback? Are you questioning your path after a pivotal layoff or a venture that didn't take off? In this powerful episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles to explore the unconventional leadership journey of Equilar Founder and CEO, David Chun. David shares the intimate story of weathering both a major early-career layoff...

In this dynamic crossover event on No Boxes: Just Verses, we're joined by finance expert, CPA, and podcast host, Ravi Kumar. Are you a leader trying to pivot your career, find passion outside of public accounting, or build a powerful global network? Ravi's journey is a powerful testament to immigrant grit, relentless perseverance, and why you should "Don't Stop Believin'&q...

In this dynamic Verses in Service episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we're joined by sisters-in-law, sorority sisters, and business partners, Felicia Mayo and Mica Mayo. Are you a leader trying to align personal values with wealth creation, navigate a major corporate pivot, or figure out how to fund the next generation of founders? Felicia and Mica's journey is a powerful testament to wor...

In this critical Verses in Service episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we sit down with cybersecurity pioneer and quantum expert, Debbie Taylor Moore. Are you a leader trying to manage the security risks of the future, balance a demanding career with family life, or looking to overcome the fear of unconventional pivots? Debbie’s story is a powerful testament to the value of unconditional support, pe...

In this empowering Verses in Service episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we sit down with Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope, CPA, documentary filmmaker, and fraud expert. Are you a leader trying to understand risk management, curious about how fraud works, or looking for the blueprint to scale your research into a globally consumable business? Dr. Pope's journey is a powerful testament to resilience, the...

In this incredibly insightful episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we sit down with technology executive and operator, Panya Lei Yarber-King. Are you a leader trying to manage high-pressure situations, advocate for your worth, or find a deeper connection between your faith and your career? Panya’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, the strength of faith and independence, and the mindset t...

In this powerful Verses in Service episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we sit down with visionary global CTO and corporate board director, Lakecia Gunter. Are you a leader battling imposter syndrome, seeking to master the calculated risk, or looking to build a career that is truly purpose-driven? Lakecia's story is a profound testament to the value of sowing good seeds, owning your brilliance,...

In this inspiring Verses in Service episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we celebrate the journey of Elicia Pegues Spearman, CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut and a true trailblazer. Are you a leader trying to make a bold career pivot from law to operations, or looking to build a career defined by service and joy? Elicia's story is a powerful testament to the value of kindness, strategic network...

In this special Verses in Service miniseries episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we sit down with powerhouse operator and servant leader, Nichole Jordan. Are you a leader battling imposter syndrome, navigating traumatic personal loss, or looking for the blueprint to authentic leadership in corporate America? Nichole's journey is a powerful testament to adaptability, resilience, and the core bel...