Layers of Leadership

In this episode of Layers of Leadership , host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Sacramento hospitality entrepreneur Clay Nutting. Clay shares his journey from growing up on a Massachusetts farm and promoting music events to co-owning Michelin-recognized restaurantsCannon and Francesca's. He discusses how his upbringing shaped his work ethic and community-driven leadership. Clay also refle...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership , Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Lydia Ramirez, Executive Vice President and COO at Five Star Bank. Lydia shares her journey from humble immigrant roots to becoming one of the rare Latinas in the C-suite. She discusses starting as a bank teller at 20, rising through a competitive management training program, and balancing single motherhood with an ambitio...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership , Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Larry Lee, President of the Sacramento Observer Media Group. Larry shares his journey growing up in the family business, founded by his parents in 1963, and his commitment to continuing their legacy of serving Sacramento's African American community. He discusses navigating challenges like digital disruption and de...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Dr. Brice Harris, retired Chancellor Emeritus of the California Community College system. Drawing from his 55-year career, Dr. Harris shares leadership insights on building strong organizational cultures, surrounding oneself with capable leaders, and balancing professional demands with family life. He reflects on g...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership , host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Dr. Michele Foss Snowden, Executive Director for President Communications at Sacramento State University and host of The TV Doctor podcast. They discuss her 20-year teaching career, her new role in the president's office, and her Sacramento roots. Dr. Foss-Snowden shares how her love of television inspired her...

In this episode of Layers of Leadership , host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Nancy Brodovsky, founder of SAC Connect and a prominent community leader in Sacramento. Nancy shares her journey from hospitality and banking to nonprofit consulting, highlighting key lessons about resilience, volunteerism, and relationship-building. She discusses how her Jewish faith and the principle of tikkun o...

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...