Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders

Atiba T. Edwards is the President and CEO of the Brooklyn Children's Museum. A former child visitor to the museum himself, Edwards now leads this cherished institution with a profound commitment to his community. His journey from a young visitor to the helm of such an important cultural space exemplifies his deep-rooted connection to Brooklyn and the impact he seeks to make for future generations....

Jason Feifer's journey to his current role at Entrepreneur was far from straightforward. From starting as a local community newspaper reporter to leading a major international publication, his path was characterized by unexpected opportunities rather than a rigid trajectory. He emphasized the importance of being open to experiences that may not initially align with one’s career goals. Feifer refer...

Deidrea Miller, a dynamic and accomplished media expert, joined us to discuss her remarkable journey through the world of communications, art, and social influence. Her experiences, spanning various sectors such as luxury, government, and the arts, provide a unique lens through which she views storytelling and representation. Miller’s insights into her role at Christie's, particularly relating to...

In celebration of Giving Tuesday, the latest episode of Motivational Mondays revisits some of the most inspiring stories of generosity and impact from past interviews. This special compilation features five remarkable guests: Tom D’Eri, Pam Cusick, Dr. Cynthia Hickman, Carly Broderick, and Adam Lowy. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their communities through their ph...

In a captivating live interview during the 2024 NSLS Virtual Leadership Summit , we spoke with the legendary Janice Robinson, the iconic voice behind the international dance anthem "Dreamer." Known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Janice's career has spanned over three decades, marked by resilience and authenticity. From topping the charts to taking a hiatus for her family, and making...

Drawing inspiration from her observations of bee colonies, Siobhan McHale offers actionable ways leaders can leverage “group intelligence” to build dynamic, adaptive workplaces. Her very insightful drawn parallels between bees and humans help to uncover practical steps for aligning teams, reframing roles, and harnessing collective strengths to drive meaningful, sustainable change. In her extensive...

When tragedy strikes, it can be difficult to know how to move forward. A positive outlook and determination to keep going can make all the difference in the recovery process. This week’s guest has lived through tragedy and triumphed despite serious challenges. Retired Staff Sgt. Travis Mills is a quadruple amputee who founded the Travis Mills Foundation to help others learn to live life bigger by...

Kevin Wilkins, the visionary founder and CEO of Trepwise, has carved a remarkable career by focusing on community-centric, purpose-driven leadership. With over 35 years in strategy and management across various sectors, Wilkins has shifted from the corporate landscape to a mission-driven path, ultimately founding Trepwise in 2013. His company is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of nonprofi...

In this episode of Motivational Mondays , we interview Dr. Darrell Martin, a renowned figure in maternal healthcare. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Martin co-founded Southern Crescent Women’s Healthcare, dedicating his career to the well-being of women. His specialties include obstetrics, gynecology, and gynecological surgery, and his impact on healthcare has been immense. Dr. Martin’s jour...

On this week's episode of Motivational Mondays, we are joined by Marsha Perry — a military veteran whose personal story of facing adversity is a testament to strength and adaptability. From her military career to a breast cancer diagnosis, Marsha’s journey highlights how unexpected challenges can be met with grace, determination, and the support of loved ones. Marsha’s path began with military ser...

In this Motivational Mondays episode, we dive into the art of non-obvious thinking with Rohit Bhargava, best-selling author and marketing expert. Having spent years in the creative industry, Rohit noticed how often "creative" ideas fell flat, leading him to champion the importance of embracing the non-obvious.   Rohit emphasizes how creativity often involves embracing both small and big risks...

On this week's Motivational Mondays, we take the opportunity to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. We invite you to revisit the impactful stories and contributions of six remarkable Hispanic leaders who have appeared on the podcast.  We’re thrilled and honored to feature Stephanie Shojaee, Jose R. Costa, Shadille Estepan, Hugh Jones, Angel Martinez and Peter Orozco, to share their unique perspect...

What does it take to lead successfully in today’s complex world? Willie Pietersen, former CEO of multi-billion-dollar companies and a professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, has spent his life answering this question. In this episode of Motivational Mondays , Pietersen delves into the essence of leadership, sharing profound insights from his upcoming book, Leadership: The I...

In today's competitive job market, internships have become an essential part of launching a successful career. Fischer emphasizes the importance of internships as a way to gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and develop marketable skills. She provides practical advice on how interns can differentiate themselves by making a lasting impact during their short-term roles. Through...

In this episode we sit down with Bernie Borges, an experienced podcaster and entrepreneur with a passion for helping people discover fulfillment in their midlife years. After an impressive career in B2B sales and marketing, Bernie recognized that despite his professional success, something was missing. This revelation led him to launch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast in 2022, where he tackles the of...

Alexa Curtis is a former Disney Radio host and serial entrepreneur with a fearless approach to life and business. Curtis, who started a fashion blog at just 12 years old, shares how she built her personal brand and transitioned into entrepreneurship. With back-to-school season in full swing, her message is timely for young professionals, particularly Gen Z, looking to carve out their own paths. Cu...

Andrea Lefkovits journey into the skincare industry was not a typical one. It all began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many people found themselves in isolation and reevaluating their careers. For Andrea, this period of reflection and innovation led her to take on a completely new challenge. Her connection to skincare was personal and familial. Andrea’s father-in-law, a respected dermat...

Dr. Woo’s personal journey in emotional intelligence began at a young age. As an immigrant to the United States who didn’t know English or even the alphabet, she quickly learned the importance of non-verbal communication and social cues. The challenges of adapting to a new culture, living without her parents for five years, and adjusting to an entirely new environment shaped her understanding of E...

Unlock the secrets of a powerful memory with Chester Santos, the “International Man of Memory.” In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Chester shares practical techniques that will help you sharpen your mind and elevate your leadership skills. Whether you’re looking to ace exams, remember names, or simply improve your daily productivity, Chester’s tips are a game-changer. Listeners will be amaze...

Self-reflection is not just a buzzword; it's a powerful tool for personal growth. Dr. Lisa Summerour emphasizes that understanding where you've been is crucial to determining where you're going. When going through a breakup or divorce, take the time to reflect honestly on your experiences, identify your patterns, learn from past mistakes, and make better informed decisions for your future. This pr...

Peter Orozco reflected on the critical moment that changed his life. He described how his reactionary decision to increase his medication, driven by desperation rather than wisdom, led to severe consequences. This became an important lesson about making thoughtful decisions and the value of community support in overcoming life's challenges.  Peter's journey from a near-fatal health crisis to...

At just 19 years old, Raven Saunders, also known as "The Hulk," achieved an impressive fifth-place finish in the shot put event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. This remarkable accomplishment catapulted them into the spotlight, marking them as one of the youngest female shot putters to compete at the Olympics. Despite the exhilaration of their Olympic success, Raven's return home was marred by a...

In this week’s episode, we delve into the life and work of Yunus Chkirate, an extraordinary Montreal based contemporary painter and sculptor. Known for his captivating portraits and innovative handwoven galvanized steel sculptures, Chkirate's journey is a testament to the fusion of raw emotion and artistic skill with a sensibility in social issues of the day. Yunus was born and raised in Montreal...

Sammy Peralta decided to venture into acting, driven by his photographic memory and love for well-crafted stories. He recounted an early experience where he mistakenly sat with union actors on set, eventually using that mistake to his advantage. Through perseverance and a strategic approach, Sammy became a union actor within three months, a remarkable feat given the usual lengthy process. Sammy’s...

Bethany Hubert is proud of her work helping families navigate the expensive costs of higher education. As she explains, the co-founders of Going Merry launched the brand as a project during their time at Stanford as a solution to centralize and simplify the financial aid process. It has grown to assist hundreds of thousands of students across the U.S. in navigating this complicated landscape. Thro...