Formative

Ashan Singh, correspondent for ABC News Nightline, joins middle schooler Kali to share how curiosity, asking questions, and being open to unexpected paths led him into journalism after initially pursuing law. Kali learns from Ashan why good storytelling starts with a question, how taking on hard things builds confidence, and why making mistakes (and owning them) can help you grow and keep moving f...

Elise Kirban, Global Chief Counsel of Competition at Aon, joins middle schooler Brielle to share how a path that began in theater led her into a career in antitrust law as her interests evolved along the way.. Brielle learns from Elise why asking questions early, staying curious, and breaking big problems into smaller steps can help you succeed in school and beyond.

Jackie Bravo, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary at BankUnited, joins middle schooler Maurice to share how her love of math, structure, and problem-solving led her to a leadership role in banking. Maurice learns from Jackie why leaning into challenges builds confidence, how being honest and accountable helps you grow, and why doing what you’re good at—and speaking up for yourself—can...

Alessandra Agarita, Director of Volunteerism at United Way of New York City, joins middle schooler Alondra to share how she built a career focused on helping others and making a difference in our communities. Alondra learns from Alessandra how confidence grows by stepping outside your comfort zone, why saying yes to opportunities matters, and how volunteering can create real impact.

Diana Arias, Director of Communications at the New York Jobs CEO Council, joins middle schooler Sarah to share how curiosity and creativity helped shape her career. From writing and storytelling to producing videos and social media content, Diana explains how a career in communications can open doors and help people connect. Sarah learns how trying new things, even in small steps, can lead to unex...

Steven Milner, founder of US Mortgage Corporation, joins middle schooler Jahlil to share how his career took unexpected turns, from engineering to teaching to entrepreneurship, and why taking risks played a key role in his journey. Steven also tells us about a tough experience that tested him and what he looks for in a strong team. Jahlil learns from Steven how planning ahead, staying motivated, a...

Divinity Roxx, bassist and music producer, joins middle schooler Izzy to talk about her journey in finding her unique voice as an artist.. She shares with us how she unexpectedly fell in love with the bass, the major setback that shifted her career path, and what it really takes to grow as an artist beyond what you see on social media. Izzy learns from Divinity how staying open, putting in the wor...

Lester Marks, VP of Strategy and Impact at the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, joins middle schooler Ariana to share how his career took unexpected turns, from a love of sports and sports broadcasting to a path in government and nonprofit work. Ariana learns from Lester why being prepared can open doors, how confidence grows over time, and why it’s important to speak up and take chances even whe...

Brian Boutte, Director of Government Relations at Chick-fil-A, joins middle schooler Olivia to talk about the power of relationships, the importance of staying connected to family even during busy times, and how early life experiences shaped his voice and confidence. Olivia learns from Brian why being patient, listening more, and putting others first can make a lasting impact, and how leading with...

Steve Stoute joins middle schooler Matthias to share how he got his start in the music industry, from working at the lowest level behind the scenes to managing major artists like Mary J. Blige and Nas. He reflects on the responsibility that comes with leadership, what he looks for in young creatives, and why long-term commitment matters more than instant success.

For our last episode of this season, Mary Choy, board-certified pharmacist and author, joins middle schooler Ashley to talk about the lessons she’s learned along her career journey. She shares how her mother planted the idea of becoming a pharmacist, how she pursued it with determination, and how her mistakes taught her valuable lessons. Mary also talks about blending science with creativity, her...

Dan DiClerico, Home Improvement & Outdoor Director at Good Housekeeping, joins middle schooler Angelica to talk about writing, leadership, and the power of learning how to fix things yourself. He shares why writing about what you know can make your work stronger, how to develop leadership skills, and how to take feedback in stride. Angelica learns from Dan how collaboration and staying open to...

Sahara Jones, Vice President of Affordable Compliance and Management at the Albanese Organization, joins middle schooler Noah to talk about the tough decisions she’s had to make over the years, why mistakes can be lessons in disguise, and how a moment from her teenage years helped shape her career path. She also shares her love of books and what she might be doing if she weren’t working in housing...

Blair Carl Smith, Senior Director of the Center for Financial Markets at the Milken Institute, joins middle schooler Kaitlyn to talk about career challenges, accomplishments, and what drives his work. Blair also talks about how he sets goals, works hard to make them happen, and proves anyone who doubted him wrong. Kaitlyn learns from Blair how perseverance, purpose, and believing in yourself can h...

David Fugate, entrepreneur and CEO of Akamai Construction in Hawaii and X-Golf in New York City, joins middle schooler Nicholas to talk about leadership, teamwork, and taking chances. He shares how he’s always envisioned being a leader, why building the right team is so important, and how moving around and taking risks has been one of the best gifts he’s given himself. Nicholas learns from David w...

Eliot Salome Diaz, graffiti and mural artist, joins middle schooler Dayvion to talk about life as a creative. Eliot shares how he navigates his interests in both art and business, what his work teaches about creating from the heart and with passion, and his love of hip hop. Dayvion learns from Eliot how making art from a generous, expansive place can open unexpected doors of opportunity.

Linda Anstendig, former English professor at Pace University, joins middle schooler Torlisa to talk about the joys of learning and teaching. Torlisa comes into the conversation admitting that English has always been her least favorite subject, but Linda shows her how reaching out to a teacher for guidance can really change the way you learn. Linda also shares why pursuing an English major is a wor...

Robert Barletta, Executive Vice President at Marino Public Relations, joins middle schooler Dayvion to share what it’s like to work as a publicist. He tells stories from his early days in government and politics, explains how he helps clients handle emergency situations, and shows why entrepreneurs need a publicist to be the voice of their brand. Dayvion learns from Robert why even after years in...

Ellen Kackmann, Senior Vice President of Affordable Housing at the Albanese Organization, sits down with middle schooler Aiden for a thoughtful conversation about what it means to build a career with purpose. Ellen talks about what inspires her to help create affordable housing, and why this work means so much to her. She also shares how creative writing became one of her go-to outlets, and tells...

Award-winning journalist and author, Clara Bingham, joins us to kick off the season with a powerful conversation about truth-telling. Clara shares with us what first pulled her toward journalism, why the work can be both demanding and deeply rewarding, and how her focus on social justice and women’s issues has shaped her career. She also reflects on the difference between seeking fame and seeking...

As we wrap up Season 10 of Formative , we hang out with Grizel Del Valle: a singer, actress, and all-around powerhouse with a knack for bold moves. Middle schoolers Shania and Dayvion jump into a heartfelt chat about spotting the perfect moments to take a leap and finding the guts to go for it. They also learn about the ways social media can open doors, what it’s really like being an independent a...

Kat Yeh has reinvented herself from sports marketer to beloved children’s author and poet, creating stories that inspire and delight. In this episode, middle schooler Briana talks with Kat about chasing sparks of inspiration, how she learned to overcome her own doubts, and which of her book characters she wishes she could be. Tune in for an introspective conversation about doubt, courage and chasi...

John Loeffler has spent nearly fifty years making music that moves the world, from crafting the unforgettable Pokémon sound to working with iconic bands like Cheap Trick and Earth, Wind & Fire. In this episode,  Jacob chats with John about how a few chance encounters in New York set him on a unique path, the many surprising directions a career in music can take, and why following your pas...

Marc Rosen, Senior Director of Corporate Sales & Concierge Services at FreshDirect, joins middle schooler Nya for a lively chat about what it takes to thrive in sales. Marc opens up about the skills that have shaped his career, what keeps his ambition burning, and the one thing he wishes he could do over. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth, goals, and getting better every day.

Dr. Laurence Aronstein, a lifelong educator and leadership coach, joins middle schooler Semaji to reflect on nearly five decades in public education. From his start as a teacher to his role as a superintendent and now a coach for school leaders, Dr. Aronstein shares what keeps him inspired to serve. They talk about the hardest moments in his career, what brought him out of retirement, and why the...