Formative

In this episode of Formative , Bruce Mosler of Cushman & Wakefield and Wendy Mosler of Global Holdings Management Group sit down with middle schooler Zariyah for a candid conversation about careers in real estate. They share the moments that shaped their paths, the hard choices that built their confidence, and what keeps them motivated every day. This episode is about how every choice, big or...

Victoria Jenn Rodriguez, mindset coach, business consultant, and host of the Banking on Cultura podcast, joins middle schooler Shania for a conversation about blazing your own trail. Victoria shares what it was like to be the first in her family to graduate college, the challenges of starting her own business, and how her identity has shaped her journey. This episode is all about bold beginnings,...

Jo Ann Secor, Director of Interpretive Services at Skolnick Architecture, joins middle schooler Dezyer for a conversation about crafting powerful museum experiences, and how her own career has been anything but linear. Jo Ann opens up about the challenges, mistakes, and surprises that shaped her journey, and how sometimes the most fulfilling careers are the ones you never saw coming.

Author Asha Aravindakshan joins Jacob for a conversation about discovering what you’re good at, and knowing how to show it. We talk about the power of transferable skills, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and why being a student can be a superpower. Whether you're just starting out or already chasing your goals, this episode is packed with insight on how to step into your strengths.

Season 10 kicks off with Aisha Jackson, a Broadway actress who’s lit up the stage in shows like Waitress and Frozen , joining middle schooler Jaylynn for a conversation about life in the spotlight. Aisha shares what it really takes to be a theater performer, beyond just singing and acting, and reflects on the importance of representation on Broadway. She also lets us in on the best career advice s...

In this season finale, we’ve got Keenan Hart with us! Keenan is the co-founder of Fransis, a company focused on integrating artificial intelligence technology within the healthcare sector. He’s joined by Zayra to  talk about why AI should not scare us, the importance of owning our mistakes and why it’s the most fun being in business with family!

In this episode, Tabitha gets a crash course on what it looks like to successfully reinvent yourself! Stephen Fascianella went from being an accountant to fostering community and engagement as the New York site engagement lead at Pfizer. Tabitha and Stephen also talk about what we get when we give and why it’s important to remain open to change.

On the show with us today is Mikki Hernandez. Mikki is an actress, voiceover artist and author of the book, Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients . Emma, middle schooler and co-host, joins Mikki to have a conversation about why you should pursue the career that you most feel called to and how to cultivate an abundance mindset in a creative field.  Oh, and why hiphop dancing rules!

Lee Skolnick visits us today on Formative. Lee is an architect who’s worked on remarkable buildings across the world, including our very own New York Edge Headquarters! Middle schooler, Olivia, joins him to ask questions about the challenges that come with being the boss, why it’s important to remain teachable and what life would look like if we’d chosen a different path.

Today, we’re joined by Carl Nassib. Carl is a former NFL player and currently the founder and CEO of Rayze, a social media app that connects nonprofits with donors and volunteers. With his career transition, Carl has learned a thing or two about reinvention and the imposter syndrome that comes with it. He talks to middle schooler, Sage, about that, plus  the misconceptions of being a professi...

In this episode of Formative , Roger Arrieux, New York Managing Partner at Deloitte, joins Jacob to talk about the power of building strong relationships in work and life. Roger shares how imposter syndrome fades when you find confidence in your skills and why success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about the people you meet along the way!

Dr. Deborah Heiser, developmental psychologist and founder of The Mentor Project, joins middle schooler Dezyer to talk about the power of mentorship. Dr. Heiser opens up about her most challenging moments as a CEO, how her mentors helped her along the way, and why it's crucial to have different mentors for different chapters of your life. Whether you’re the one giving advice or receiving it, this...

Dr. Monique Chism, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education, joins middle schooler Mia for a conversation about the power of learning. Dr. Chism reflects on the teachers who had a lasting impact on her, her love for dance and performance, and why she values being in rooms full of people who know more than she does. They also discuss how making tough decisions is a part of life and growth.

Marc Thompson Jr., the proud owner-operator of a Chick-fil-A in Queens, joins us on this episode of Formative ! Marc and middle schooler co-host Kianni dive into why giving your best at work matters, even if you’re just starting out. They chat about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, how to handle tough customers, and why learning how to learn is one of the best skills you can have.

Season 9 kicks off with Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT, as she sits down with middle schooler and co-host, Adesewa! In this episode, Janet shows us that confidence doesn’t always have to be loud. She opens up about her biggest career mistakes, her ongoing quest for more patience, and how she leads with kindness and accountability. Get ready to learn how quiet confidence can make a big impact!

We’re closing out this season of Formative with Erin Frankel. Erin is a children’s book author, speaker and teacher.  Joining Erin is middle schooler and co-host, Diogob, who learns that being weird only means being unique and special. Erin shares with Diogob how bullying played a prominent role in her childhood and how it taught her the importance of kindness and why we should all stand prou...

On this episode of Formative, Bill Carbone and middle schooler, Blake, talk about how we have to protect our greatest joys from becoming chores. Bill is the Executive Director at Teachrock and he’s loved music his entire life.  He shares with us the importance of remaining flexible in your career and how walking through the open doors can lead to beautiful unexpected experiences.

Susan Warner joins us on today’s episode. Susan is Vice President of Community Engagement for Mastercard's Center for Inclusive Growth. Susan also created a STEM program called Girls4Tech. Joining Susan is middle schooler and co-host, Sage, who learns that we should pursue our passions in full force because it’ll be the greatest gift we give ourselves. Susan shares with Sage what she would do diff...

From working in the kitchen and on the register to owning and operating seven McDonald’s franchises, Brian Hairston joins our co-host, Joy, to talk about growing up in an entrepreneurial family. Brian tells us about why his parents, despite owning McDonald’s franchises themselves, taught him the business from the bottom up, along with the importance of taking our time to grow and succeed.

On this episode of Formative, Sarah Rose Siskind and middle schooler, Blake, talk about how our world is full of wonder and silliness. Sarah is a science comedy writer and she’s fascinated by astrophysics and robots. She shares with us what happens to your body when you fall through a blackhole, why she’s optimistic about artificial intelligence and how being a huge fan of making mistakes has help...

On this episode of Formative, Desmond Jackbir and middle schooler, Christian, talk about how we can merge our passions and make dream careers for ourselves. Desmond is a Director of Network Field Engineering at Verizon. He shares with us how he got to be working at Verizon for the past 25 years and why he believes technology is a reliable career that can be paired with any passion, from cooking to...

On this episode of Formative, Eileen Lehpamer and middle schooler, Sage, discuss the importance of stories—the ones on the news and the ones we tell ourselves about who we are and what we’re capable of. Eileen has been a television and radio reporter for decades in NYC, and she loves to travel the world. We hear about Eileen’s favorite stories she’s reported and her favorite quotes that she likes...

On today’s episode of Formative, Larry Gallegos and middle schooler, Lyric, are joined in conversation. Larry is the Public Policy Manager at Lyft, and they bond over their love of law and debate. Larry and Lyric also talk about how one person can build a better future for generations to come, and how all it takes is someone who isn’t afraid of hard work.

Kathy Coughlin joins us today on Formative. Kathy is the Chief People Officer at Doherty Enterprises, a company focused on growing popular franchise restaurants like Panera Bread and Applebees. Joining Kathy is middle schooler and co-host, Gigi, who learns the importance of doing work with integrity. Kathy and Gigi talk about why we should enjoy the journey and not just wait for the reward and how...

Gregg Bishop  joins us today to kick off the eighth season of Formative! Gregg is the Executive Director of the Social Justice Fund, an organization with the ten year commitment to center its work around racial justice and economic mobility in Brooklyn. Joining Gregg is middle schooler and co-host, Viduni, who learns that doors close because other doors were meant to open. Gregg shares with V...