What if leadership isn’t about confidence or visibility—but about building systems that expand access for others? In this episode, you’ll meet Jiayuan Tian, a social entrepreneur and graduate student at Columbia University SIPA, whose journey through global education reshaped how he understands inequality, opportunity, and leadership. After studying at Minerva University and living across cities around the world, Jiayuan discovered a paradox: the more global his education became, the clearer it was how inaccessible global learning remains for many, often due to invisible barriers like language fluency, insider knowledge, and financial flexibility.

That realization led him to co-found OneXplore, a youth-led organization designed to make global learning accessible and humane. Jiayuan shares how his view of leadership has evolved—from personal visibility to leadership as infrastructure: platforms, systems, and cultures that continue to serve people even when the founder steps away. You’ll hear why access itself is a leadership issue, why storytelling carries responsibility, and why leadership is always relational. This episode will invite you to rethink how you design opportunities, support young people, and build organizations that endure through shared ownership and trust.

Under Jiayuan’s leadership, OneXplore has grown into a community of more than 100,000 young people, with partnerships spanning universities, international organizations, embassies, and global nonprofits.

You’ll discover:

• How leadership can function as infrastructure, not personality
• Why access—not talent—is often the real barrier to opportunity
• What young leaders need most from mentors and employers
• How trust and storytelling shape sustainable organizations
• Why community is foundational to effective leadership

Connect with Jiayuan Tian

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What if the future of leadership isn’t about choosing between people or technology, but learning how to lead both with intention? In this episode, you’ll hear from Gena Hoxha, PhD, Chief People & AI Officer at Ignitium, who is helping organizations embrace AI in a way that strengthens—not replaces—the human side of work.

You’ll discover how Gena’s own leadership journey shaped her belief that AI transformation must be human-first, grounded in trust, clarity, and shared values. She explains what AI leadership really looks like in practice, how leaders can address fear and uncertainty with honesty, and why developing human skills like emotional intelligence and strategic thinking is more important than ever as AI becomes part of everyday work.

Gena is an organizational strategist and leadership expert focused on shaping a future where AI doesn’t just automate what we do, but elevates who we become. Her work is grounded in a simple belief: AI is here to stay, and if we want it to benefit humanity, we have to design for it on purpose. Originally from Albania and now based in San Francisco, Gena has built her career at the intersection of leadership, transformation, and technology. Her work at Ignitium ensures that AI is implemented responsibly and strategically, while empowering people to stay skilled, connected, and inspired.

You’ll discover:

• What it truly means to lead AI with foresight, not fear
• How to connect AI initiatives to your organization’s values
• Why transparency builds trust during AI transformation
• The human skills leaders must strengthen alongside AI
• How proactive leadership can shape your career path

Learn more about Gena Hoxha, PhD on LinkedIn.

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What does it really mean to thrive, especially when success still doesn’t feel satisfying? Kamin Samuel, PhD, brings a grounded, deeply human perspective to thriving—one rooted in self-leadership, self-trust, and releasing the quiet belief that you’re “not enough.” You’ll hear why so many capable leaders, particularly women, undervalue their experience and resilience, and how that habit quietly drains confidence, ambition, and joy.

You’ll also learn how language reveals hidden beliefs, how regulating your nervous system helps unfamiliar situations feel safer, and why small, intentional steps create lasting momentum. This episode invites you to redefine thriving—not as striving or proving—but as living from wholeness, creativity, and the freedom to pursue what truly fulfills you.

Kamin is a trailblazing entrepreneur, international rapid transformational coach, and inspirational filmmaker. Her mission is to uplift, inspire, and empower people everywhere, proving that it’s never too late to thrive. As the US Navy’s first African American woman to serve as a helicopter pilot, Kamin served her country for nine years before transitioning into corporate America, where she rose to become the Vice President of Global Website Operations at a billion-dollar corporation.

Kamin is the co-author with Steve Chandler of the book, Wealth Creation for Coaches, which is an excellent read for anyone who wants to grow their business. She’s also the creator of the documentary film, Courage to Thrive. It tells a universal story of underserved and underestimated women and veterans.

You’ll discover:

• How the belief “I’m not enough” quietly limits growth
• Why language reveals more about beliefs than you realize
• Simple ways to normalize fear in unfamiliar situations
• How small steps build momentum and confidence
• A more fulfilling definition of success and wealth

Kamin's Resources

Websites

Kamin Samuel Media

Kamin Samuel

Courage to Thrive Documentary

Book

Wealth Creation for Coaches

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