Layers of Leadership

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. converses with Dr. Angela Williams, Chief Deputy of First 5 California. Dr. Williams shares his journey from Los Angeles to Sacramento, discussing his educational background and professional experiences in education and politics. They explore the influence of Dr. Williams' father on his leadership style, th...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. converses with Doni Blumenstock, an expert in leadership and community development. Doni shares her journey, emphasizing the critical importance of diversity in leadership, particularly Latinx representation. She discusses her initiatives, including the Crescente program, aimed at addressing disparities in...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion converses with David Sobon, founder of Wide Open Walls. David shares his diverse journey from winemaking to radio and media, and his impactful work in fundraising and public art. He reflects on his upbringing, the values instilled by his parents, and his early leadership roles. The discussion highlights David's...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Anette Smith, CEO of Impact Group Enterprise LLC. Anette shares her leadership journey, from her early aspirations and corporate experiences to her transition into entrepreneurship. The discussion highlights pivotal moments such as the George Floyd incident and the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced her caree...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," hosted by Dr. Michael Marion Jr., the focus is on Peter Tateishi, CEO of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of California. Peter shares his journey into leadership, starting with his early interest in politics and local government. He emphasizes the importance of bipartisan collaboration and discusses the challenges facing the construction industry,...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Liale Jones, who has dedicated over 25 years to the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. As Lyle approaches retirement, he reflects on his career, the impact of COVID-19 on the arts, and his tenure as president of the Association of Art Museum Directors. They discuss the importance of community engagement, making a...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Cassandra Jennings, CEO of Saint HOPE. Jennings shares her inspiring journey from her early life in North Carolina and Maryland to her impactful career in community development. She discusses her education at the University of Maryland, her work in Oakland's urban redevelopment, and her lead...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, hosted by Dr. Michael Marion Jr., Chief Daniel Hahn, the first African-American police chief in Roseville and Sacramento, shares his journey in law enforcement. Hahn discusses his upbringing in Oak Park, the influence of his adoptive family, and the challenges he faced growing up. He reflects on pivotal moments, such as testifying in...

In this episode of "Letters of Leadership," host Dr. Michael Marion sits down with Preet Didbal, the first Sikh mayor and vice mayor in the U.S. Preet shares her journey from growing up in Yuba City, California, to her significant public service roles. She discusses overcoming cultural challenges, the importance of education, and her resilience in the face of personal hardships. Preet em...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion hosts Kenneth Johnson, CEO of Two Productions, to explore his leadership journey and experiences in media production. Kenneth shares his upbringing in New Orleans, emphasizing the influence of family and mentorship. He discusses transitioning from corporate America to filmmaking, highlighting the importance of star...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion converses with Gordon Fowler, founder of Threefold Communications. Fowler shares his unique upbringing, extensive career in marketing, and the philosophy behind his company. Emphasizing community involvement, he introduces "community tithing," dedicating 10% of time and earnings to local initiatives....

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion converses with Katie McCleary, a writer, entrepreneur, and founder of 916 Ink, a nonprofit empowering children through literacy. Katie discusses her journey, from her rural upbringing to her success in the nonprofit sector, and the challenges of feeling out of place. She emphasizes the importance of listening,...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Dr. Brian Bedford, President and CEO of B Better Consulting. Dr. Bedford shares his journey from growing up in a single-parent household in Sacramento, California, to achieving academic and athletic success, including a full scholarship to UC Berkeley and being drafted into the NFL. He discusses overcoming racia...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. converses with Dennis Mangers, a retired strategic advisor and former California State Assemblymember. Mangers shares his journey from his upbringing in Inglewood and Lawndale, California, to his service in the Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis and his extensive career in public service, education, and politics. The discussion hi...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. hosts Gina Lujan, a tech entrepreneur and founder of Hacker Lab. The conversation explores Gina's inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in Los Angeles to becoming a prominent figure in the tech industry. Gina shares her early exposure to technology, her struggles as a young mother, and her entrepreneurial ventures, includi...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Rev. Dr. Efrem Smith, a pastor, consultant, speaker, and author. Rev. Smith shares his journey from growing up in a predominantly Black church in Indianapolis to becoming a pastor. He discusses the influence of mentors, his initial aspirations in sports and theater, and his eventual calling to m...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. converses with Rachel Zillner, co-founder and CEO of RADZ Group. Rachel shares her transition from the banking industry to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges she faced and her commitment to empowering women in business. The discussion emphasizes the importance of support systems, mentorship, and self-ca...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, hosted by Dr. Michael Marion Jr., Pam Haynes, a distinguished leader in education and community service, shares her remarkable journey. Pam discusses her upbringing in Los Angeles, her academic achievements at Santa Monica Community College, UCLA, and Harvard, and her extensive work on educational boards. She emphasizes the critical role of ed...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, hosted by Dr. Michael Marion Jr., Amanda Blackwood, founder and CEO of Blackwood Strategies, shares her leadership journey. Amanda discusses her entrepreneurial upbringing in Kansas, her transition to California, and her experiences in various roles, including as the president of the National Supply Chain Council. She reflects on lea...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Jim Tabuchi, a serial social entrepreneur and retired Hewlett-Packard professional. Jim shares his transformative journey from a competitive corporate environment to a focus on mentorship and community impact. Key themes include the importance of relationships over competition, financial literacy, and the powe...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion interviews Nicole Howard, a veteran leader in the utility sector. Nicole discusses her extensive career, including National Grid, Southern California Edison, and SMUD roles. She shares insights on overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry, the importance of mentorship, and her commitment to community service. Nicole...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion converses with Scott Moak, a multifaceted professional in sports, media, and community service. Scott shares his journey from Kennedy High School to UC Davis, highlighting his roles as Vice President of Sacramento Republic FC, public announcer for the Sacramento Kings, and TV host for Studio Sacramento on Fox 40. The discuss...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion welcomes Mr. Scott Syphax, a renowned business leader, entrepreneur, and media commentator. Scott shares his journey from the entertainment industry to becoming a prominent voice in Sacramento. He emphasizes the importance of education, relationships, and working for free to build connections. Scott discusses his role i...