Layers of Leadership

In this episode of the Layers of Leadership podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews entrepreneur Chris Johnson, founder and CEO of Pro Flow Technology. Chris shares his journey from playing basketball and running teen dance clubs at 16, to building multi-million dollar companies and appearing on Shark Tank. He discusses pivoting his recruiting firm into an AI-driven hiring platform, the im...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership , host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Dr. Francisco Rodriguez, retired chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District. Dr. Rodriguez reflects on his upbringing in San Francisco's Mission District, crediting family, faith, and community as his foundation. He shares his 39-year journey through California's public higher education syste...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with veteran journalist Rob Stewart, a two-time Emmy Award winner and host of PBS's Rob on the Road. Rob shares his 18-year journalism journey, from humble beginnings in South Carolina to major markets like New York and Philadelphia. He discusses the decline of media integrity, the role of AI, and the power of authentic...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with mentor and business leader Christi Black Davis. Christi shares her journey from growing up in the San Fernando Valley to becoming a respected marketing and communications consultant in Sacramento. She discusses her strong work ethic, the value of mentorship, and how informational interviews helped launch her career...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership , host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with mentor and business leader Christi Black Davis. Christi shares her journey from growing up in the San Fernando Valley to becoming a respected marketing and communications consultant in Sacramento. She discusses her strong work ethic, the value of mentorship, and how informational interviews helped launch her caree...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership , Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Bryan Washington, aka AB's-1 — DJ, fitness entrepreneur, and community leader from Sacramento. Bryan shares his journey from Richmond, California, where a near-fatal shooting redirected his life path. He discusses his passion for music, his unique 24-hour live DJ cycling event raising funds for the Boys and Girls C...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership , host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Pat Fong Kushida, President and CEO of the Sacramento and California Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce. Pat shares her journey from first-generation Chinese American and retail buyer to nonprofit leader, discussing how she grew the chamber into California's largest AAPI business organization. She reflects on...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership , Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Sacramento land use attorney Roy Brewer, whose four-decade career spans complex projects across three states. Roy shares how his military upbringing, track career at the University of Florida, and 50 years of rugby shaped his resilience and discipline. He discusses his path to law school, founding his own firm, and his...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Darrell Teat, CEO of Core X. They explore Darrell’s journey from his family-focused upbringing in Vallejo, California, to his leadership philosophy rooted in faith, resilience, and intentionality. Darrell shares insights on harnessing personal gifts, building trust, and maintaining high performance through self-...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Meghan Phillips, founder and CEO of Honey, a Sacramento-based creative studio specializing in storytelling for food, beverage, cannabis, and agriculture. Meghan shares her entrepreneurial journey, leadership during the pandemic, and commitment to marketing ethics and community impact. The conversation explores h...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Kasey Cotulla, who shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading a major commercial print and mail business in Northern California. Kasey discusses his experiences with business acquisitions, leadership philosophies, and the importance of partnerships. He offers candid insights on managing growth, overcoming challe...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Rhonda Staley Brooks, Director of Community Relations at SMUD. Rhonda shares her journey as a military brat, her rise in nonprofit leadership, and her authentic, people-centered approach to community impact. She discusses lessons from her time at Big Brothers Big Sisters and Nehemiah Community Foundation, the im...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Dr. Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer at Culture Partners and author of the upcoming book "Surrender to Lead." Jessica shares her leadership journey, personal transformation through sobriety and faith, and research debunking generational workplace stereotypes. She discusses the power of surrender...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Dr. Luke Wood, president of Sacramento State University. Dr. Wood shares his journey from foster care to university leadership, discussing the challenges he faced as a Black student, the transformative power of mentorship, and his commitment to racial equity in education. The conversation highlights Dr. Wood’s a...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. converses with Mona Pasquil Rogers, Director of California Public Policy at Meta. Mona shares her journey as a Filipino American in public policy, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community. She recounts her upbringing, the challenges of her career, and the lessons learned about empathy and accounta...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. converses with Alex Taghavian, managing partner at Capital Impact. Alex shares his journey from a culturally diverse upbringing to a career in education and social impact. They discuss his academic path, leadership lessons, and the importance of community engagement. Alex emphasizes resilience, risk-taking...

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," host Dr. Michael Maron converses with Alana Matthews, who shares her inspiring leadership journey. Alana discusses her educational background at Spelman College and McGeorge Law School, her career as a deputy district attorney, and her community involvement. She highlights the importance of mentorship, the challenges of balancing personal and pr...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion converses with Patrick Mulvaney, a key figure in Sacramento's culinary scene. Mulvaney shares his journey from bartending in college to becoming a prominent restaurateur and advocate for the farm-to-fork movement. He discusses the importance of community, mentorship, and resilience, recounting his challeng...

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. engages with Tiffany Frazier and Lisa Reisman, both deeply involved with Street Soccer USA. They discuss their transitions from athletes to professionals, emphasizing the transferable skills from sports to leadership roles. Tiffany shares her journey from volunteer to consultant, highlighting the impact of...

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...