Lead Up Podcast

In this episode, Lead Up host Renato sits down with Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) alumnus Silverio Rizo for a reflection on his journey before joining IYT, during his time in the program, serving within IYT as a mentor, and into his current career. This episode highlights how mentorship, education, and service shaped his path, and how young men of color can find purpose and belonging through communi...

On this episode, I sat down with the Executive Director of the Sacramento Youth Center (SYC) - Raquel Shipp. Raquel and her husband, Adam, are the co-founders of SYC but before that they served together in East Africa supporting a learning center. In honor of women's month, Raquel shared important women in her life that helped along her leadership journey as well as take some of the leaps for...

In this milestone episode (#50) , I sat down with a mentor and friend - Damien Giacchino. Damien serves as Associate Pastor at Real Life Church (RLC) in Sacramento and is the co-founder of Don't Awaken Love Too Early aka DALTE Conference. He shares the importance of healthy relationships in our lives and how we can better navigate interact with those we serve and interact with in and out of the wo...

On this episode I sat down with Dwight Taylor Sr. aka "The Encouragement Expert" and he dropped so many gems in regards to effective communication and raising our level of awareness. Dwight also shared about this experience doing a TED Talk and how he keeps himself motivated and continuosly learning to build the life that he wants for himself and his family. Dwight shared several resources that ca...

On this episode I sat down with Bel Reyes & Brit Irby with Innovation Bridge, a consulting firm with the goal to deliver high quality technical assistance aimed at bridging  innovative practices and collaborative partnership for more just and equitable communities and schools. Bel & Brit reflect back on their individual and collective journeys to how they got to where they are today a...

On this episode, I sat down with Tiffani Harter who is a professional coach who supports people to tap into their own whole hearts so they can make the contribution they're here to make, and live a life they are proud of. Speaking from personal experience, I can attest that she definitely supported me and has helped me to get to another level in my own personal and professional journey #LeadUp&nbs...

On this episode I sat down with Dr. Clarence Lee Jr. aka the PERSISTence Coach. Dr. Clarence Lee Jr. is the founder and CEO of the PERSIST Institute , a thriving business development coaching firm that helps entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale their businesses online. A former flight surgeon in one of the USAF's most elite squadrons, Dr. Lee has a unique background in leadership, medicine, and o...

On this episode I sat down with my colleague and friend Neil Brown, a Finance Specialist at Intel and part-time pilot for the Air Force. Neil had always dreamed of flying and through some good luck and fortune in his adult years he was encouraged to get lasik done and finally pursue his childhood dream.  Connect with Neil on LinkedIn here (linkedin.com/in/neilcbrown/)

On this episode I sat down with Caliph Assagai. Before embarking on a journey of self-discovery and renewed identity, Caliph had dreams and aspirations of in the political world and was doing everything necessary to make that happen from attending law school and having his own firm. Today, Caliph serves as a Clarity & Fulfillment Coach helping successful but unfulfilled professionals create a clea...

On this episode I sat down with the incredible Courtney Beal aka CB (as I call her). Courtney serves as a Senior DEI Analyst at SMUD in Sacramento and is an advocate for equity as well as a chammpion for change. Reflecting back on her journey, Courtney recognizes how important her story and voice is and now uses her voice to help bring hope and change for the next generation #LeadUp Connect with h...

*Support Uvalde victims here: https://sites.google.com/view/carmenxcharm/links   On this episode I sat down with my colleague and friend Chris Cooper. Chris is a Sacramento, specifically South Sacramento, native and an advocate for his community and beyond. He shares how past experiences shaped his priorities and influenced his leadership. His main goal is to be the best father he can be for his n...

On this episode I sat down with my good friend Joel Ramos aka Barbergospel. Joel is a man of God, a husband, a father and an entrepreneur. He grew up in street gang culture but over time left that life behind and has committed himself to Christ, his wife and kids #LeadUp

On this episode I sat down with Katie McCleary, a socially driven entrepreneur and storyteller who trains leaders, creatives, and humanitarians to launch big ideas that heal and uplift communities. She is the founder of 916 Ink, a nonprofit that has transformed over 4,500 vulnerable youth into confident authors who know the power of story and their voice.  More recently, she co-authored a new...

On this episode I sat down with Johan Cardenas, born and raised in Mexico then moved to the US to start high school. Not knowing any English, Johan began a new chapter in his life and had aspirations to go to college. After being told that his English wasn't proficient enough to get him to college he was discouraged for a moment...until he was extended an opportunity that ignite a motivation that...

On this episode, I sat down with Vilien Gomez - Sales Engineer with tray.io - who has entrepreneurship running through his veins. At a young age he sold candy and science fair projects and even in college continued tapping into entrepreneurial endeavors with a tailgate business at LSU. He's all about investing and making an impact with the end goal of generational wealth. Thoroughly enjoyed this r...

On this episode I sat down with my friend and NELP colleague Ray Harrington Jr. aka Mad Scientist. Ray is a father, husband, entrepreneur and overall team player wanting to see everybody around him win at life. He loves his family, life, and choosing 'violence' - more on that as you tune in #LeadUp

On this episode I sat down with my guy Brandon Cheathon who shares about his and family's journey to being debt free and experiencing financial freedom. If you're currently in debt and/or looking to experience financial freedom this is the content for YOU! #LeadUp

On this episode I sat down with my good friend Anthony Ziba who has been on an incredible journey understanding and refining who he is as a leader. He pursued one vision and made it to the destination but after some time realized he was not where he belonged and took a new course... Follow him on Instagram: @zibabeats

On this episode, I sat down with the "big energy" man himself Nehemiah Goudeauxx. Although he grew up in the church and as Pastor's Kid, a mega church at that, life wasn't just streets paved with gold for him...it was complex to say the least. Nehemiah uses his gifts of communication and influence to make an impact not only in his community of Sacramento but also beyond. Grab a notebook or your no...

On this episode I connected with Nyheim Hunter, Sac State graduate and former employee for the State but decided to take a leap of faith and pivoted to software engineering. Nyheim breaks down his bootcamp experience and the hustle he had to eventually land a job in the industry at Workit Health. Lots of practical gems to make connections and level up in your professional journey! Follow him on IG...

I had the privilege of sitting down with the very talented Carmen Ross. She is a creative artist, photographer, eneagram nerd, and empathetic leader in her community. Carmen shares about a challenging leadership decision early on in her young professional career, eneagram breakdown, and a very helpful leadership hack - informational interviews.

On this episode, I sat down with the "legend" himself - Keylen Newsome. Keylen is a young but mature leader who stands by his convictions and values and looks to serve his community through servant leadership. He took a leap of faith to transitioning to a new industry such as insurance after 5 years of doing youth-focused nonprofit work.  

After an 8-month hiatus, we are back with new episodes!  Kicking us off is none other than the lovely Jade Rodgers (formerly know as Parker). Jade is a good friend and colleague of mine who has gone through several life transitions in a short span of time - loss of her mother, getting married, becoming a mother, leaving her job and starting her own consulting business Jadesiree Consulting foc...

On this episode, I sat down with Marcus Strother. Marcus is a husband, father of three kids, an award winning educator, a community and youth advocate and currently serves as President/CEO of Mentor California, which serves to be the unifying champion for expanding quality youth mentoring relationships in California.

On this episode, I sat down with Jonni Redick, a retired Assistant Chief for the California Highway Patrol and founder of JL Consulting Solutions . She has over 29 years of experience within state government and public safety from an organization with over 11,000 employees. She holds a Master of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership (LEPSL) from the University of San Diego...