Synergy Leadership Podcast

Ten years ago, a ruptured brain aneurysm changed our lives forever. On June 5, 2016, my son Raoul faced a life-threatening medical emergency that doctors warned carried overwhelming odds against survival. What followed was a 37-day hospital stay, months of rehabilitation, and a journey filled with uncertainty, perseverance, faith, and hope. In this special anniversary episode, Raoul and I sit down...

In this episode of the Synergy Leadership Podcast, Karen R. Jenkins sits down with Kenny Smith, Founder of Grace-Mar, for a powerful conversation on leadership, workforce development, economic mobility, faith, resilience, and community impact. For years, Kenny has dedicated his life and leadership to helping individuals and communities move forward through workforce initiatives, education, technol...

Growth doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens in rooms where vision is sharpened, strategy is refined, and leaders are stretched. This Month's Podcast is a Recording of our latest Virtual Eat. Learn. Grow. (ELG) experience — an intentional, high-impact mentoring and coaching event designed for small business owners ready to move with clarity and confidence. This is more than a session. It’s...

EAT. LEARN. GROW. Virtual Group Mentoring Experience Theme: Clarity in Motion — Leading & Growing in Today’s Climate Our February “podcast” is a recording of our recent virtual Eat. Learn. Grow. Inside, Karen continues to walk leaders through the Synergy Reset Framework: Notice. Name. Neutralize. Navigate. Because before you fix your strategy… Before you scale… Before you grow… You must regula...

Self-Mastery Under Pressure | The Synergy Reset™ The season is loud. Full calendars. Full expectations. Full noise. That’s exactly why this conversation matters. In the latest episode of the Synergy Leadership Podcast , I introduce The Synergy Reset™ — moving from awareness to self-mastery , especially when the pressure is high. This episode isn’t about doing more.  It’s about becoming more intent...

In this episode of the Synergy Leadership Podcast, Karen R. Jenkins tackles one of the biggest challenges leaders face in November: staying grounded, focused, and effective when the pressure hits its peak. Titled “Reclaiming Your Energy: Leading With Clarity, Confidence & Calm in Chaotic Seasons,” this episode delivers practical, timely guidance for navigating Q4 demands without losing your ce...

In this special episode of the Synergy Leadership Podcast , Karen R. Jenkins sits down with a panel of dynamic young professionals to explore a critical question: How prepared were they to step into the workforce after graduating college?  Our guests: McKenzie Israel- USC Grad with a Masters in Public Health Services Policy Management works as a Project Manager for various Research Foundations, Ra...

In this inspiring episode of the Synergy Leadership Podcast, host Karen R. Jenkins sits down with Major General Daryl Hood to explore the personal side of leadership—beyond titles, ranks, or roles. Daryl opens up about the life experiences, values, and lessons that have shaped him as a person and as a leader. From humble beginnings to a life of purpose-driven leadership, Daryl shares stories of re...

The Synergy Leadership Podcast with Karen R. Jenkins Featuring Patrice “PJ” Jenkins Bridging Generations: Leading with Energy, Vision, and Vulnerability In this deeply personal and powerful episode of the Synergy Leadership Podcast, we welcome a leader whose story is rooted in both legacy and transformation. Patrice “PJ” Jenkins, Director of Operations at KRJ Consulting, steps to the mic not just...

In this inspiring episode of the Synergy Leadership Podcast host Karen R. Jenkins- President & CEO of KRJ Consulting talks with Shelby M. Scales former Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) for the U.S. Department of Transportation, currently Vice President, Strategic Alliances at HMSHost about what it truly means to lead with purpose and drive impact t...

Major General Patricia Wallace shares her extraordinary 38-year military journey and insights on authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, and maintaining perspective during challenging times. • The importance of separating your title from your identity – "Major general is what I do, not who I am" • How transformational leadership means keeping "the main thing the main thing&quo...

Dr. Willie Jolley shares his transformative journey from a fired nightclub singer to becoming a Hall of Fame speaker and bestselling author, revealing how every setback can become a powerful setup for an incredible comeback. • Building resilience by avoiding panic during crisis situations • Refusing to willingly participate or commiserate in negative thinking • Implementing a daily routine of grat...

Charlene Keyes Bowen shares her dynamic leadership journey from military service through corporate America to entrepreneurship, revealing how personal growth and empowering others have been her guiding principles throughout her career. • Transforming perspectives by focusing on "what is this teaching me?" instead of "why is this happening to me?" • Building personal growth thro...

This episode examines how leaders can navigate uncertainty and fear, sharing strategies for personal and organizational growth during crises. We discuss embracing fear, prioritizing resilience, and fostering community engagement for effective leadership in challenging times.  • Embracing fear as a strategic opportunity  • Acknowledging the chaos in our lives  • Prioritizing mental and physical wel...

Discover the transformative power of energy in business leadership with Karen R. Jenkins, as she shares her journey through obstacles and successes. The episode explores key strategies for engaging teams, embracing innovation, and empowering individuals for a brighter entrepreneurial future.  • Importance of mindset in overcoming challenges  • Karen’s journey from banking to entrepreneurship  • Pr...

What happens when an ER doctor, battling the pressures of a global pandemic, transforms personal tragedy into a powerful movement for mental health awareness? Dr. Pamela Buchanan, a passionate physician and mental health advocate, joins us to share her story of resilience. From the grueling frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic to the heartbreaking loss of a colleague, Dr. Buchanan's experience...

What if the role of a coroner could extend beyond determining cause of death to becoming a beacon of public health education and community empowerment? This episode of the Synergy Leadership Podcast features the remarkable Naida Rutherford, Richland County’s first African-American female and first medical professional to serve as coroner. Her journey from homelessness to holding public office is n...

What happens when an unsuccessful car salesman transforms into a global leadership consultant? Join us as Jeff Black, the charismatic founder of Black Sheep Global, shares his incredible journey and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. From starting in a struggling sales career to helming a consultancy that spans 27 countries, Jeff reveals how simplifying complex information and...

From a young parking attendant to the President and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Tommy Stringfellow's career journey is as unexpected as it is inspiring. Join us for an intimate conversation with Tommy, as he shares the pivotal moments that led him from the world of entertainment to the heart of conservation and education. His story is a testament to the power of passion and the transfor...

From the distinct echoes of a shotgun house in the heart of Charlotte to the influential corridors of the City Council, Mr. Alvin Austin's narrative is one of tenacity, service, and leadership. As he sits down with us, Alvin, the esteemed management consultant from Carajay Consulting, unravels the tapestry of his life, revealing the threads of servant leadership that run deep through his pers...

Discover how trust shapes the foundation of great leadership as we sit down with the inspiring David Howard, a Charlotte native and community development virtuoso. Howard's eclectic career has taken him from aspiring architect to a key player in urban revitalization, and his tenure on the city council to a role under the Obama administration. Through this intimate conversation, we uncover the...

Tune in for the latest episode of the Synergy Leadership Podcast featuring Amelia B. McKie, committed community servo-leader. Harnessing the power of positive energy, she shines a light on the essential balance between communication and civility. Listen closely as Amelia articulates her experiences as a school board trustee, a state school board association board member, and her core motive, to le...

Tune in for the latest episode of the Synergy Leadership Podcast featuring Tanya Rodriguez - Hodges, Tanya is the Founder & Executive Director at Latino Communications CDC. Listen in as Tanya and Karen discuss the Importance of Cultivating Effective Intercultural Relationships Through Synergy. 

Tune in for the latest episode of The Synergy Leadership Podcast featuring Bob Morgan. Bob is the President and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Listen in as Bob and Karen discuss the importance of synergy leadership within our business community.

Tune in for the latest episode of The Synergy Leadership Podcast featuring Dr. Baron Davis. Dr. Davis is a former school district Superintendent, an experienced educator extraordinaire, Educational Consultant, and nationally recognized speaker. Dr. Davis currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Digital Promise.  Listen in as Dr. Davis shares how to live your purpose and passion through synergy.