Expressions of Leadership
Expressions of Leadership is a conversation-driven podcast hosted by executive coach Michele Kawamoto Perry, founder of The Forward Project. Each episode features people from widely different backgrounds — startup founders, teachers, healthcare practitioners, artists and changemakers — talking about how they lead, what shaped them and what they have learned. The show treats leadership as a practice rather than a title, and aims to give listeners practical ideas and real stories they can apply at any level of an organization. It airs on CKMS-FM in Waterloo, Ontario, and is also available as a podcast.
Episodes
From Lawyer to Art Historian: The Unexpected Leadership Journey of David Bardeen
Dr. David Bardeen, Assistant Curator of European Painting and Sculpture at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), joins Michele Kawamoto Perry on Expressions of Leadership to explore an unexpected career journey from corporate law to art history. After building a successful career in finance and law, David began to question whether the path he had chosen was the one he wanted to continue pu
The Power of Giving Kids a Voice: Katie Stone on Leadership, Agency & Inclusion
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Katie Stone, Executive Director and Executive Producer of The Children's Hour, a nationally syndicated public radio program created with and for kids. Katie shares her unconventional path from teenage radio producer to a career in technology and eventually back to radio, where she transformed a local volunteer pr
Never Stop Creating: From Music to Film and Beyond with Henri Yonet
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Henri Yonet takes us through a remarkable creative journey shaped by two very different influences: an artistic mother and a scientific father. From experimenting with chemistry, music, and photography as a child to studying classical music, songwriting, and arranging at Santa Monica College and Berklee, Henri learned to see both creative possibilities
From Actor to Artistic Director: Nike Doukas on Leadership, Creativity & Resilience
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Nike Doukas, actor, director, teacher, accent coach, and Artistic Director of Antaeus Theatre Company in Los Angeles. A member of Antaeus for roughly 35 years, Nike shares her journey from artist to artistic leader and reflects on what theater, directing, teaching, and coaching have taught her about leadership. W
What Happens When You Stop Waiting? Singer/Songwriter & Actor TT on Leadership, Resilience & Purpose
What happens when you stop waiting and start pursuing what truly matters? On this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with TT for a deeply personal conversation about resilience, leadership, purpose, and finding the courage to follow a new path. From growing up in Colorado with a Broadway singer and actress as his mother, to facing a rare kidney disease at age si
The Power of Reinvention: Sheila Cutchlow on Leadership, Creativity & Connection
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Sheila Cutchlow, a producer, classically trained chef, business development executive, actor, and storyteller whose remarkable career has spanned entertainment, media, culinary arts, live event production, and entrepreneurship. Sheila shares how growing up in Iowa and stepping into student leadership at the Universi
From Refugees to Runways: Leadership, Human Dignity & the Story Behind Fabric | Maya Persaud & Sanam Hasan
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Maya Persaud, founder of Espero Atelier in Paris, and Sanam Hasan, documentary filmmaker and Sr. PR Manager at BFI Festivals, for a conversation about leadership, human dignity, confidence, trust, and the power of meaningful work. Maya shares how Espero evolved from its origins during the refugee crisis into a soci
How Linda Smiley Built a Stronger Community Through Leadership & Communication
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Linda Smiley, a researcher, educator, speech-language pathologist, and community leader whose career has centered on helping people communicate, connect, and create meaningful change. Linda shares lessons from an academic career that included more than 200 peer-reviewed research publications, work with children and
From Deadliest Catch to Kinshē: Ethan Prochnik on Leadership, Reinvention, and the Courage to Evolve
What does it take to lead under extraordinary pressure, and how do our greatest setbacks become the catalyst for becoming a better leader? In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, writer, entrepreneur, and inventor Ethan Prochnik for a captivating conversation about curiosity, courage, and continuous reinvention. From reporting
Nona Bayat on Leading Through Strength and Empowering Women's Health
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Nona Bayat, fitness entrepreneur, content creator, and host of the Her Health Podcast. What began as sharing workout videos during college has evolved into a global platform dedicated to helping women build strength, confidence, and lifelong health through evidence-based information. In this conversation, Nona shares her journey from aspiring physician to trust
Leading with Kindness in Hollywood | Melinda Hsu on Showrunning, Storytelling & Culture
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Emmy-nominated writer-producer, showrunner, author, and podcast host Melinda Hsu to explore her remarkable journey from growing up as an aspiring storyteller in Bangor, Maine, to leading some of television's most acclaimed series, including Lost, The Vampire Diaries, Nancy Drew, and FOX's The Interrogator. Melinda reflects on the influence of her immigrant p
Helping Teams Embrace AI: Corey Brown on Leadership, Trust, and Human Expertise
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Corey Brown, entrepreneur, technologist, musician, and author of The Expert Prompt, to explore a career built on curiosity, continual reinvention, and a passion for helping others succeed. Corey shares how growing up in a third-generation graphic arts family, teaching himself HTML in the early days of the internet, working alongside Seth Godin, and launch
Timothy White: Life Through My Lens | Creativity, Leadership & the Stories Behind Hollywood's Most Iconic Images
Award-winning photographer Timothy White has spent more than four decades creating iconic images of some of the world's most recognizable figures. In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry explores the remarkable journey behind the camera, discussing Timothy's new memoir, Life Through My Lens, his unconventional path into photography, and the creative mindset that h
Certified Sommelier Erika Parjus on Leadership, Hospitality, and Creating Opportunities for Others
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Certified Sommelier Erika Parjus to explore her remarkable journey from a painfully shy child to a respected leader in the hospitality and wine industries. Erika shares how curiosity became her greatest strength, leading her from working in restaurants at fifteen to building award-worthy beverage programs, working harvest in Oregon's Willamette Valley, an
Creating Opportunity Where Others See Risk: Leadership, Community Investment, and Economic Opportunity with Saurabh Narain
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Saurabh Narain, President and CEO of the National Community Investment Fund (NCIF), to explore his journey from a successful career in global banking to leading an organization dedicated to strengthening underserved communities through innovative finance. Saurabh shares the values that shaped him, the pivotal les
Kristina Denton: Leadership Lessons from Vulnerability, Healing, and Human Connection
Content Note: This episode includes candid discussions about men's sexual health, vulnerability, relationships, and family dynamics. It also references the title of Kristina Denton's memoir, You Don't Know D**k: How I Healed My Daddy Issues Fixing Broken D***s. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Kristina Denton, author
Singer-Songwriter Mairéad Mac Mullan: Finding Your True Voice, Reinvention, and the Courage to Blaze Her Own Trail
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Mairéad Mac Mullan for a deeply personal conversation about authenticity, courage, creativity, and the lifelong journey of finding your true voice. From her early days in Dublin to touring alongside legendary artists such as Van Morrison, Natalie Merchant, Elvis Costello, and
E.J. Fortenberry on Wealth, Trust, Leadership & Life-Changing Decisions
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Errol (E.J.) Fortenberry, financial advisor at Bernstein, former Boston College football player, and trusted advisor to founders, executives, professional athletes, and families navigating pivotal life transitions. E.J. shares the lessons that shaped his journey, from overcoming setbacks and learning the importance
Dr. Jack Haynes on the Ethics of Leadership, Trust, and Human Behavior
What can decades of studying human behavior teach us about leadership, trust, and ethical decision-making? In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with psychologist, ethics expert, author, and educator Dr. Jack Haynes. Over a remarkable career spanning more than 35 years, Jack has conducted hundreds of child custody evaluations, served in leadership roles focuse
Dali Rivera on the Leadership Lessons Behind Bullying Prevention
Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Dali Rivera—U.S. Army veteran, immigrant, author, speaker, and founder of DaliTalks—to explore how a deeply personal experience transformed into a mission to create safer, more compassionate communities. After witnessing her young daughter endure bullying, Dali began advocating for stronger prevention efforts and ultimately built a career helping parents, educ
Turning Wastewater Into Drinking Water: Ashish Shah on Leadership, Innovation & Reimagining Infrastructure
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Ashish Shah, Founder and CEO of Revida Water, about reimagining one of the world's most overlooked infrastructure challenges: industrial wastewater. Drawing on a career that spans Wall Street, private equity, operations, and consulting, Ashish shares how firsthand experience with fragmented wastewater systems inspired him to build Revida Water, a vertically
Andy Ruben on the Future of Retail, AI, and Leadership
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with entrepreneur, innovator, and former Walmart executive Andy Ruben for a conversation about leadership, reinvention, and building what doesn't yet exist. From his early days at Procter & Gamble to leading strategy, sustainability, and omnichannel innovation at Walmart, Andy shares the experiences that shaped his approac
From Wall Street Trader to AI Advisor: Lauren Cantor on Leadership, Risk, and Reinvention
Lauren Cantor's career journey defies convention, from studying astrophysics at Columbia and working in an observatory in Chile to managing billion-dollar portfolios on Wall Street, earning an MFA in her 40s, and becoming an AI advisor and educator. In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Lauren shares how curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks shaped her path across financ
Turning Pain Into Purpose: Brad Wolfe on Leadership, Grief, and Healing
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with musician and social entrepreneur Brad Wolfe about how a deeply personal loss shaped his life's work, from creating music to founding Reimagine, a global community centered on healing, connection, and meaning. Together, they explore how people can move through grief and transform it into purpose through storytelling, c
Leading Beyond the Stage: Rachel Moore on Leadership and Transforming Communities
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Rachel S. Moore, President and CEO of The Music Center of Los Angeles—one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States. Rachel's leadership journey began on stage as a professional ballet dancer with American Ballet Theatre before a pivotal turning point set her on a new path into executive leadership.
Building Schools That Matter: Leadership, Equity, and Impact with Bob Riddle
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Bob Riddle, a lifelong educator whose nearly four-decade journey, from math teacher to Head of School, offers a powerful perspective on what it means to lead with purpose, courage, and authenticity. Together, they explore the defining moments of Bob's leadership, including coming out and leading with greater authen
From Railroads to Reinvention: Katie Mednick on Leadership, Values, and Building What Matters
In this episode, Michele Kawamoto Perry interviews Katie Mednick, a founder and TEDx speaker who bootstrapped Spark TS into a North American rail industry leader before successfully exiting in 2025. Katie shares how she navigated complex regulations, built trust across unionized teams and regulators, and scaled a product under intense pressure. This conversation goes beyond entrepreneurship into t
Leading with Courage: Ellie Shapiro on Reinvention, Resilience, and Becoming a Mother at 57
Ellie Shapiro has spent her career bringing imagination to life for iconic brands like Barbie and Disney Princess, but her most powerful story is about the life she chose to build. In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Ellie to explore her journey from corporate marketing to independent toy inventor, including the moment she took on a multi-billion-d
Love as Leadership: Dr. Kerry Neal on Reinvention, Community, and Doing the Uncomfortable Work
What does love have to do with leadership? For Dr. Kerry Neal, everything. In this episode, Michele Kawamoto Perry traces the arc of a remarkable journey, from hospital orderly to Doctor of Education, from a devastating personal moment to the founding of Black Love Reimagined, a movement that has been quietly transforming how communities talk about love, accountability, and connection for 15 years
Leadership and Design Literacy: Erica Rife on Equity, Community, and the Future of Architecture
In this episode, Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Erica Rife, Executive Director of the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, about her journey from the startup world to nonprofit leadership, and how design literacy can expand who has a voice in shaping the built environment. They explore Erica's path into design-focused work, her decision to return to school to deepen her understanding of equity a
Leading with Curiosity: Michelle Bacharach on Building FindMine and the Future of AI in Retail
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Michelle Bacharach, CEO and Board Chairman of FindMine, about her journey from UC Berkeley to acting, product leadership, and ultimately founding an AI platform that helps brands translate their creative expertise into inspiring, shoppable experiences for consumers. Michelle shares how burnout led her to step back and rethink what she wanted to build, the le
Cathy Derksen on Leadership, Reinvention After 50, and Empowering Midlife Women
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry interviews Cathy Derksen, founder of Inspired Tenacity, to explore her remarkable journey from medical genetics and financial planning to becoming a publisher, international speaker, and 23-time #1 bestselling author. Cathy shares how a midlife reinvention led her to discover the power of authorship and community as catalysts for leadership, visibility, and purpose. In
Dr. Sarah Zappe on Academic Leadership, Innovation, and the Arts in Engineering
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Dr. Sarah Zappe, Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning and Director of the Leonhard Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Education at Penn State, about what it means to lead with authenticity at the intersection of engineering, innovation, and the arts. As the first non-engineer to serve in her role within the College of Engineering, Dr. Sarah Zappe
Changing the System: Leadership and Healthcare Reform with David Silverstein
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry interviews David Silverstein, founder and CEO of Amaze Health, former nuclear submarine officer, strategist, entrepreneur, and healthcare reform advocate, about his 25+ year journey leading organizations, challenging broken systems, and driving meaningful change in healthcare. From military discipline to helping advance federal healthcare price transparency rules, David
Leadership Through Storytelling: Filmmaker Meredith Yinger on Media, Resilience and Change
On this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with award-winning filmmaker and SheTV Media founder Meredith Yinger to explore how storytelling becomes a powerful act of leadership. Through documentaries like Scars Unseen, now used in hundreds of educational institutions nationwide, Meredith spotlights domestic violence survivorship, resilience, and the power o
Chad Patterson on Leadership Rooted in Trust and Experience
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes serial entrepreneur and technologist Chad Patterson to Expressions of Leadership for a conversation on leadership rooted in humility, service, and trust. Chad shares how his upbringing influenced his commitment to creating access and dignity for overlooked talent, and how he builds systems that support small businesses around the world. Together, they explore t
Leading in Wine and Life: Amy Christine, Master of Wine
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Amy Christine, Master of Wine and winemaker, to explore her unexpected journey from performer to winery co-owner, and how leadership can emerge through curiosity, creativity, and courage. In this episode, Amy reflects on how acting, wine sales, and the rigorous Master of Wine program shaped her leadership style, from listening deeply and reading the room
Innovation with Heart: Holly Uber on Creating Technology That Elevates People
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Holly Uber, a human-centered technologist, product leader, and innovation catalyst whose career spans education, AR/VR, and healthcare technology. From her early days as a teacher to launching products in highly regulated environments, Holly reflects on how curiosity, systems thinking, and inclusive design have s
Leadership On and Off the Air with Radio Host Jeremiah Higgins
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry explores leadership through storytelling, trust, and creative courage with Jeremiah D. Higgins—radio host, executive producer, and director of programming at Radio Evolve Santa Barbara. With more than 20 seasons behind the microphone and a global audience through Radio Evolve Santa Barbara and the Evolve Entertainment Networ
Creative Leadership in Practice: Artist Flora Kao on Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with artist Flora Kao to explore a nontraditional leadership journey shaped by courage, persistence, and creative risk. From studying environmental science and public policy to working in strategy consulting—and ultimately choosing a life rooted in art—Flora reflects on redefining success, navigating rejection and perso
Dr. Diana Hoppe on Leadership and Women's Health After 40
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Dr. Diana Hoppe, board-certified OB/GYN, founder of Amazing Over 40, breast cancer survivor, and women's health advocate, for a powerful conversation about leadership, self-care, and reinvention at midlife. Drawing from nearly 30 years in medicine — and a personal wake-up call that reshaped how she lives and l
Leading with Joy: Leadership, Resilience, and Well-Being with Scientist of Happiness Health Edie Higby
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry talks with Edie Higby, Scientist of Happiness Health, author of Joy by Design, and founder of Practicing Joy, to explore where joy and leadership intersect. Edie shares her powerful journey from profound personal loss to resilience, reframing happiness not as a fleeting feeling, but as serious, intentional work. She introduc
Leading Learning: Rethinking Education with Michael Hernandez
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry is joined by educator, author, and storyteller Michael Hernandez to explore what learning can, and should, look like in an AI-driven world. Drawing on his background in film, journalism, and media arts, Michael challenges traditional systems built on control, standardization, and "right answers," and offers a more human-cent
The Leadership Behind the Label: Marian Kopp on Wine, Culture & Global Markets
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Marian Kopp, CEO of Lauffener Weingärtner eG, to reflect on his three decades of leadership across the international wine and FMCG industries. Together, they dive into what it takes to lead authentically across cultures, balance heritage with innovation, and steer teams through disruption with empathy and resilience. From empowering local expertise to emb
Where Vision Meets Runways: Daniel Kebede on Systems, Storytelling & Leadership in Aviation Design
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Daniel Kebede, co-founder of Abstract, in a conversation centered on leadership in complex systems. Together, they explore how reimagining airports requires not only good design but the ability to lead through ambiguity—aligning dozens of stakeholders, creating shared rituals, and using storytelling and empathy to move people toward a common vision. Daniel r
Building, Pivoting, and Evolving: Julie Hurwitz on Leadership in the Music Business
In this episode, host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Julie Hurwitz, Founder and CEO of Songbird Creative, to explore her journey from early record-label roles to building a boutique music licensing and strategy firm. Julie reflects on what it takes to hire well, build scalable systems, embrace automation, and pivot into new opportunities — including launching a recruiting arm to meet emerging ind
Heidi Ridley on Leadership, Integrity, and the Future of Finance
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry interviews Heidi Ridley, a 35-year veteran of the financial services industry who has redefined what leadership looks like in finance. From pioneering ESG integration to co-founding Radiant Global Investors, Heidi has led global teams with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to mentoring others and advancing inclusion a
From Policy to People: The Leadership Journey of Deputy Treasurer Khaim Morton
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry is joined by California Deputy Treasurer Khaim Morton, who traces his path from a file clerk at Warner Brothers to a seasoned public servant and strategist. Khaim shares the leadership lessons he's learned across politics, coaching, and community-building — lessons rooted in curiosity, adaptability, and connection. He discus
Redefining Leadership Through Humor and Humanity with Marc Engel
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Marc Engel — comedian, qualitative researcher, facilitator, and creative strategist — for a lively and insightful conversation about how improv, humor, and play can transform the way we lead and connect. Marc shares his unconventional career journey, from comedy stages to corporate boardrooms, and how his Out of Focus Groups® and Blocks + Clay methods hel
The Rhythm of Leadership: From Drumming to Storytelling with Christopher Fielden
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry talks with Christopher Fielden — award-winning author, drummer, and entrepreneur — about leading with empathy, adaptability, and creativity across music, business, and publishing. Chris shares how respect, deep listening, and composure under pressure have guided his leadership, from navigating change to mentoring thousands o
Powering the Future: Kara Demirjian Huss on Clean Energy, Communication, and Leadership
In this conversation, host Michele Kawamoto Perry talks with Kara Demirjian Huss — Founder and President of DCC Marketing, Sr. Vice President and Global Marketing Director of TCCI Manufacturing, and President of DemirCo Properties and Real Estate Portfolios — about leading at the intersection of business, policy, and innovation. Kara discusses taking on a $20M downtown revitalization at 27, turnin
Data, Decisions, and Democracy: Leadership Lessons from Sucharita Kodali of The Election Hub
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Sucharita Kodali, retail analyst, civic innovator, and the driving force behind The Election Hub, a SEED20 initiative designed to help voters make informed choices in local elections. Sucharita shares her journey from shaping consumer insights in the private sector to championing data-driven civic engagement. She o
Runaway Girl to Relentless Advocate: Carissa Phelps on Leadership and Change
Disclaimer: This episode contains adult subject matter, including discussion of child sex trafficking, which may be distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. Carissa Phelps, a survivor of child sex trafficking, shares her remarkable journey from the streets to law school, filmmaking, and founding Runaway Girl. In this episode, she reflects on transforming personal trauma into
Leashes, Lessons, and Leadership with Shakinah Brzezinski and Molly Leevan of Wunder dog Training
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with canine behavior specialists and Wunderdogs co-founders Shakina Brzezinski and Molly Leevan. From their early days training horses to leading groundbreaking dog behavior programs, Shakina and Molly share how they're challenging outdated dominance models with science, compassion, and connection. Together, they explore what leadership looks like when it's ro
Leading Through Rest and Rebellion: Laurie Hang on Redefining Leadership
In this episode, Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Lori Hang, founder of Hike to Yoga, about her journey from a refugee camp to community leader, yoga therapist, and creative director. Lori shares how her immigrant upbringing, personal healing, and a passion for nature shaped a leadership style rooted in rest, creativity, and collective care. Laurie offers candid insights about navigating burnout
Ron Jenkins on Leadership, Healing, and the Power of Story
Disclaimer: This episode contains adult subject matter, including discussion of sexual abuse and homicide, which may be distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Ron Jenkins, who shares his journey from a difficult childhood in foster care and the devastating loss of family, to discovering p
Leadership, Longevity, and Lasting Change with Dr. Milan Chavarkar
In this episode, Dr. Milan Chavarkar shares her 25+ year leadership journey in women's health — from serving as a nurse midwife and family nurse practitioner to founding Lotus Integrative Health and Nursing. She reflects on how deep listening, longer patient visits, and root-cause care inspired her move into functional and integrative medicine, and how the pandemic accelerated her leap into entrep
Catapulting Change: Leadership, Equity and Career Readiness with Dr. Pamela Donnelly
Dr. Pamela Donnelly has spent her career opening doors—first as a teacher and education entrepreneur, and now as the founder of the American Access Institute. In this episode, she shares the story behind Catapult, an AI-powered career readiness platform designed to equip vulnerable youth, including those in foster care, with the skills and pathways to thrive in trades, tech, military, and entrepre
Resilient Leadership: Kenneth Hartman's Journey from Incarceration to Impact
This episode contains adult subject matter, including discussion of violence and homicide, which may be distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Kenneth Hartman, award-winning writer and prison reform advocate, who spent more than 37 years serving a life-without-parole sentence before receiving a commutation. In this conversation, Ke
Leading Through Change: Staying Human in an Age of Transformation with Jennifer Wilde
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry talks with Jennifer Wilde about leading in times of volatility and change. From emergency responses in Haiti and the Philippines to building AI tools for families and organizations, Jennifer brings clarity, empathy, and innovation to the conversation. She shares practices like act–sense–respond, staying grounded under pressu
Leading from the Heart: A Graceful Revolution with Dr. Melissa Bird
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Dr. Melissa Bird—descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes, lay preacher, healer, activist, and educator—shares her inspiring journey from personal loss to leading policy change. She offers profound insights into soulful leadership, emphasizing intuition, compassion, and the power of asking better questions. Together, we explore how acknowledging grie
The Chemistry of Leadership with Mumbi Dunjwa
In this enlightening episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Mumbi Dunjwa, the visionary founder and CEO of Naturaz, a pioneering vegan haircare brand for curly hair. Mumbi shares insights from her remarkable journey that spans chemistry, nuclear medicine, and technology, revealing how her scientific roots have shaped her leadership style and entrepreneuria
Tackling Leadership from the NFL to Finance: The Journey of Luther R. Broughton Jr.
From leading his younger siblings to becoming an NFL tight end, Luther R. Broughton Jr. has always understood what it means to show up with purpose. In this episode, he shares how early lessons in responsibility, resilience, and mentorship shaped his leadership style—on the field and beyond. He reflects on his time at Furman University, his journey through the NFL, and the influence of key figures
Elevating Education Through Connection, Courage, and Leadership with Principal Ricardo Hernandez
In this episode, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Ricardo Hernandez, principal of Seneca Valley High School and a dynamic voice in education leadership. A native of Puerto Rico, Ricardo shares his journey from an emerging multilingual learner—who picked up English by watching soap operas—to leading one of the largest high schools on the East Coast. He reflects on his transition from a ca
Leading By Becoming: From MTV to Museum Walls with Rob Grad
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Rob Grad, a renowned multidisciplinary artist whose path is marked by creativity, reinvention, and resilience. From his early days as a member of a rock band signed to RCA Records to his bold leap into visual art—sparked by a life-changing trip to Europe—Rob shares how following his intuition led to profound t
Stewarding Legacy: John Elliott on Leadership, Culture, and Community
In this episode, Michele Kawamoto Perry is joined by John Elliott, CEO of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, for a compelling conversation about leadership rooted in purpose, growth, and legacy. John shares how he's helped shape a resilient and values-driven culture across Chumash Enterprises — from navigating the pandemic to launching innovative sustainability efforts like a zero-waste-certi
Storytelling, Sisterhood, and Social Change with the Founders of the Passionistas Project - Amy and Nancy Harrington
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, we explore the inspiring journey of sisters Amy and Nancy Harrington, founders of The Passionistas Project. After successful careers in Hollywood, they shifted their focus to a new mission—amplifying women's voices through storytelling, advocacy, and community-building. Amy and Nancy share how their experiences in the entertainment industry and their r
Rooted in Nature: Brent Green on Leadership by Design
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry talks with Brent Green, founder of Green Art Landscape Designs. From gardening with his grandmother to crafting serene outdoor retreats for clients like Lionel Richie and Ozzy Osbourne, Brent shares how his early connection to nature blossomed into a career rooted in creativity, service, and leadership. Brent reflects on how
Planning with Purpose: Estate Attorney Debra Koven on Life, Law, and Leadership
Join host Michele Kawamoto Perry in a compelling conversation with attorney and international best-selling author Debra Koven, as they explore her transition from litigation to estate planning. Drawing from her book 100 Percent Mortality: 15 Stories of Excuses, Mistakes, and Misunderstandings in Estate Planning, Debra shares how her leadership philosophy—rooted in empathy, education, and authentic
From Dreams to Deadlines: Dean Arrindell's Journey of Storytelling and Leadership in News Media
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Dean Arrindell, senior producer at Yahoo News, who brings nearly 30 years of experience in media production. Dean shares his journey — from aspiring to work at NBC to becoming a seasoned leader in the fast-paced world of news media. Dean reflects on the role of authentic leadership, the demands of producing live tel
From Silence to Service: A Journey into Heart-Centered Leadership with Aaron Stryker
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Aaron Stryker, co-founder and executive director of Dharma Gates, a nonprofit making deep meditation retreats accessible to young adults. Aaron shares how his journey—from discovering Ashtanga Yoga at 18 to practicing at a Zen monastery—inspired him to create spaces for young people to explore meditation as a too
Beyond the Applause: Mimi Donaldson on Powerful Speaking and Authentic Leadership
Join us on this episode of Expressions of Leadership for a compelling conversation with renowned speaker and TEDx coach Mimi Donaldson. With over 20 years of experience, Mimi has captivated audiences from the Fortune 100 to the just plain fortunate. Now, she's sharing her journey from acclaimed keynote speaker to sought-after speech coach. Host Michele Kawamoto Perry explores Mimi's unique approac
Empowering Patients, Transforming Care: Dr. Kate Hernandez's Leadership Journey
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Dr. Kate Hernandez, founder of Therapy In Motion, a mobile physical therapy practice redefining elderly care with personalized, at-home treatment, and co-founder of K.I.C.K. (Knowledge Is Cancer's Kryptonite), a nonprofit dedicated to providing genetic counseling and testing for those impacted by cancer. Dr. Kate shar
The Power of Passionate Leadership: Student Adam Dempsey's Journey
Join us on this episode of Expressions of Leadership as we delve into the inspiring journey of Adam Dempsey, a senior at Loyola High School in Los Angeles. Adam shares his passion for youth development and systemic reform, with a focus on the foster care system and legal advocacy. Discover how Adam's leadership style fosters dialogue, inclusivity, and a shared vision among peers and foster youth.
Leading with Vision: Emmy-Nominated Producer Sam Sokolow on Creativity, Integrity, and Building Community
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, two-time Emmy Award-nominated producer Sam Sokolow—best known for his work on the acclaimed series Genius—shares his insights on leadership, creativity, and community-building in the film industry. He explores the core principles that guide his approach, including being solution-oriented, honest, and a good listener. Sam also reflects on his journey fr
Zen and the Art of Leadership: Christopher Keevil on Trust, Mindfulness, and Mission-Driven Work
Join us for an inspiring episode of Expressions of Leadership as Christopher Keevil, founder of Wellspring Consulting, shares his journey from the Boston Consulting Group to building Wellspring Consulting, a mission-driven firm dedicated to helping nonprofits address strategic challenges and achieve results. He opens up about authentic leadership, creating a thriving organization, and how Zen prin
Leading with Humor and Strength: Shayla Height on Authenticity, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, entrepreneur Shayla Height shares how authenticity, humor, and courage shape her leadership and creative ventures. She discusses the inspiration behind WTF Mama, her bold comic series celebrating outspoken women, and how her streetwear brand Full Bloom Savage redefines menopause with style and confidence. Tune in for an engaging conversation on leaders
Redefining Leadership in the Age of AI and Web3 with Deborah Perry Piscione and Josh Drean
In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, we speak with Debra Perry Piscioni and Josh Drean, cofounders of Work3 Institute and authors of the upcoming book Employment is Dead: How Disruptive Technologies Are Revolutionizing the Way We Work. Together, we explore the future of work, the power of emerging technologies like AI and Web3 and how embracing empathy and innovation can transform workpla
Katie Chin: Celebrity Chef, Award-winning cookbook author, and Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
In today's episode, we sit down with celebrity chef Katie Chin, an award-winning cookbook author and culinary ambassador. She's also an inspiring leader who has made appearances on platforms like The Today Show and even at the White House. Katie brings her unique perspective on leadership, influenced by her rich experience in corporate roles and her journey in the culinary world. From being an exe
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Sea of Lies
Radio Amour
Walk Good: African and Caribbean Folktales
The Data Fix
FEMME
Christian Life Centre Sermons
Nutrition for Noobs: Nutrition Science, Plant Based Eating and Beginners Nutrition Tips
The Dead Do Not Podcast: A Lexx Rewatch
Made For Us
Rain or Shine | Marketing & Entrepreneurship Podcast
