Rise Up and Lead: Real Lessons, Real Stories, Real Talk

Have you ever realized that the best lessons in leadership come from both the great and not-so-great leaders you’ve experienced? In this replay episode, I’m joined by Kathleen Pietrasanta, a lifelong educator and leader, to talk about the powerful impact that real-life leadership examples can have on your own development. Kathleen shares stories from her years in education, including experiences t...

Ever found yourself at a crossroads, wondering what the next version of you might look like and if you’re ready for it? I’m taking you with me as I pause and reflect on the powerful stories, lessons, and leadership journeys from this season, exploring how leadership isn’t a destination but a process of becoming. From moments of transition and the evolution of identity to discovering how real leade...

Leadership doesn’t start with a title—it starts when someone sees something in you that you may not yet see in yourself. In this episode of Rise Up and Lead: Real Lessons, Real Stories, Real Talk , Dr. Kim sits down with Jonathan Coats, an elementary school principal whose leadership journey began not with ambition—but with enlistment. From an unexpected start in education to a life-changing conve...

In this episode of Rise Up and Lead: Real Lessons, Real Stories, Real Talk , Dr. Kim sits down with George Valetti to explore what happens when leadership finds you before you feel ready. George shares how his leadership journey didn’t begin with a title—it began with a tap on the shoulder. When a superintendent saw something in him he hadn’t fully recognized in himself, he was “enlisted to lead”...

In this episode of Rise Up and Lead: Real Lessons, Real Stories, Real Talk , Dr. Kim sits down with Dr. Shanae Herron , Director of Federal Programs, to explore what it truly means to lead with clarity, integrity, and data. Dr. Herron shares her unconventional journey from higher education to an uncertified high school English teacher—and how building strong relationships with students led to exce...

In this episode of Rise Up and Lead: Real Lessons, Real Stories, Real Talk , Dr. Kim sits down with Tonika McElvin , a clinical mental health counselor working with women in recovery. Tonika shares how she initially resisted the idea of being a leader. Like many professionals in helping fields, she entered her work simply wanting to support others. But over time, she realized that when people depe...

Ever felt like you didn’t set out to lead, but leadership found you anyway? In this episode, I sit down with Starlene Aydlett, whose journey from first-generation college graduate with a criminal justice degree to school counselor, and eventually to unexpected school leader, offers a powerful look at how growth often emerges from the moments we least expect. Together, we unpack the surprises, stru...

What happens when leadership finds you before you feel ready? In this episode, Ellarese Harvey opens up about her unexpected journey into leadership and how saying “yes” to a challenge she didn’t seek became the turning point for her personal and spiritual growth. Ellarese shares how being asked to serve as a worship leader forced her to confront self-doubt and imposter syndrome, ultimately reveal...

What if the courage to lead started with leaving your comfort zone and discovering your calling in the process? In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Barker, an experienced educator and teacher coach, to explore how the most impactful leadership moments often begin with unexpected opportunities and leaps of faith. Together, we dive into why leadership is about influence, not titles, and how pe...

What does it really look like to be enlisted into leadership from the beginning, and how do you find your place in an organization that helps you grow? In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Lewis as he shares his journey from being promoted at 18 to manage a department at Target, to launching a Starbucks on a Marine Corps base, and ultimately guiding talent development in a major healthcare sys...

What does it mean to lead from the middle, and how do everyday actions shape the leader you become? In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Sepe, a leader who has mastered the art of influence from the “middle out,” whether that’s in schools, on the baseball field, or in mentoring roles. We dig into why crafting your own mission, revisiting your values regularly, and acting with intentionality matter...

Ever wondered how a simple conversation can change your leadership path? In this episode, I’m joined by an amazing guest, Dr. David Gaston, whose journey shows that leadership often finds you. We share stories of mentors who saw leadership potential before we did, and discuss how personal identity and values shape our growth. We explore how emotional intelligence, rather than technical skills or a...

What happens when leadership isn’t tied to a title, but to who you are and the values you stand on? In this episode, I sit down with Monica Richardson, whose journey from health and wellness to federal contracting shows how embracing change can open unexpected doors. Monica shares what it’s like to step into a brand-new field, lead from the middle, and stay grounded through a major learning curve....

We know that real leadership isn't just about titles, and sometimes, the call to lead sneaks up on you before you feel ready! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Leon Edwards to explore his journey of becoming a truly impactful and transformational leader. His path through education, technology, and mentorship reveals how leadership grows when someone sees potential in you and gives you the chance...

Have you ever realized that the best lessons in leadership come from both the great and not-so-great leaders you’ve experienced? In this episode, I’m joined by Kathleen Pietrasanta, a lifelong educator and leader, to talk about the powerful impact that real-life leadership examples can have on your own development. Kathleen shares stories from her years in education, including experiences that tes...

In this episode of Rise Up and Lead , we are continuing to hear from incredible leaders who found themselves enlisted to lead. Today, I’m joined by Natalie Street to hear about her journey into leadership. With 17 years in education, Natalie has worn just about every hat, including teacher, coach, admin, and now instructional coordinator.  Natalie is sharing how her parents, mentors, and coll...

What does it really mean to be tapped for leadership before you feel ready? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. John Hodge to unpack real stories behind becoming a leader.. We dive into moments when others saw our potential before we did, the lessons learned from being handed responsibility, and why real influence goes beyond any title. We’re exploring how emotional intelligence grows with each new...

What if one conversation could shift your purpose and set you on a whole new path toward leadership? In this episode, I’m joined by Jesse Field, whose powerful story of being “enlisted to lead” by his beloved aunt reveals how those who truly know us can sometimes spark a lifelong calling we didn’t yet see in ourselves. We explore the turning points that shaped Jesse’s journey as a teacher and ment...

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to grow as a leader, beyond just improving your skills or chasing a new title? In this episode, I’m diving deep into what leadership development truly means, why it’s not just about what you do, but about who you’re becoming, and how shaping your identity is key to becoming someone who can truly inspire and influence others. I’ll be sharing personal stor...

Have you ever wondered if leaders are born or made? In this episode, I’m busting the myth that leadership is something you’re born with. Real leadership is built over time, through trial and error, reflection, and the courage to keep showing up even when it’s hard. I’m walking you through some of my own defining moments and what my research has uncovered about how leaders actually grow. We’re divi...

Let’s be clear about something, leadership is not about your position. I know that may go against much of what we have been told but I believe it is so important for us to recognize that leadership goes beyond your title. In this episode, I’m setting the record straight and empowering you to recognize the true power of influence and impact in any role, no matter your title or job description. I’m...

Leadership isn’t just about strategy or execution, it’s about emotional intelligence. In this episode, we’re digging into the real work of leadership including understanding yourself, managing your reactions, reading the room, and building trust through authentic relationships. I’m walking you through the four key components of emotional intelligence and sharing real, practical strategies that you...

So many of us have found ourselves leading before we felt ready. If you’ve been there, this episode is for you! I’m diving into what it means to be enlisted to lead, not because you signed up for it, but because someone saw something in you and passed the baton on to you. In this episode, we explore how leadership often begins in moments of uncertainty, the power of being seen before you see yours...

If you’ve ever wondered when you’ll finally feel ready to lead, this episode is a must-listen. I’m diving deep into the real journey of leadership, reminding us that the most valuable lessons don’t come from textbooks or titles, but from doing the actual work and learning in real time with real people. No matter where you are on your leadership path, these insights will resonate and inspire you to...

Have you ever found yourself stumbling over the question, “So what do you do?” at a party or networking event? Join me as I dive deep into the subtle yet powerful ways our professional identity shapes not only our conversations, but also how we see ourselves at work and beyond and how we can integrate our identity with our work. In this episode, I share the ways professional identity is shaped—thr...