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

LinkedIn

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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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What does it really take to lead with courage in environments that were not built for you? Gretchen Gagel, PhD, a trailblazer with four decades of experience in the construction industry, shares what she has learned about unconscious bias, the importance of male allies, and what it takes to create truly safe and inclusive workplaces.

We also explore Gretchen’s concept of grounded self-leadership, rooted in courage, humility, and critical thinking, and her bold vision for the International Institute for Women in Construction, a Global Institute dedicated to accelerating the success of women in construction, mining, and energy. This conversation is practical, hopeful, and deeply encouraging for leaders in any industry.

Gretchen has degrees in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, and a PhD in Leadership, Organization Culture, and Change. She’s the former Chair of Brinkman Construction and the author of a new book, Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction.

You’ll discover:

• The real barriers women still face in construction and similar industries
• Why male allies play a critical role in inclusive leadership
• How grounded self-leadership strengthens confidence and credibility
• What zero-tolerance cultures look like in action
• How research, storytelling, and convening leaders can drive lasting change

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What if the feedback you’re most hesitant to receive is actually a gift? In this solo episode, I share what 360-degree feedback really is—and what it is not—drawing on more than 30 years of experience helping leaders use feedback as a tool for growth rather than judgment. I explain how 360 feedback works, why it must always be developmental, and how it helps people see both their strengths and their blind spots through the eyes of others.

I also share a personal story about 360 feedback I once received that surprised me—and ultimately helped me become a better leader. When we take the time to reflect on the data, share it openly, and make a genuine commitment to change, that’s where the real power of this kind of feedback lives. Used well, it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and supports meaningful, lasting growth.

Since 1994, my company, Grow Strong Leaders, has helped organizations use 360-degree feedback to support leadership development—not performance ratings or termination decisions. If you’re curious about using this technology in a way that truly supports growth, connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out through growstrongleaders.com.

You’ll discover:

• Why 360 feedback should always be developmental, not punitive
• How honest input from others reveals blind spots and strengths
• The importance of sharing your feedback and your intentions
• Why commitment—not data—is where real change begins
• How 360s build trust when used with humility and care

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What if the greatest leadership breakthroughs begin with owning your truth? In this conversation with Joe Machicote about his book, Own Thy Stuff, we explore what it really means to take responsibility for your impact—on yourself, your relationships, and the culture at large. Joe shares deeply personal and practical insights from decades of leadership, all rooted in his lifelong commitment to leaving every person and situation better than he found it. You’ll hear stories that will challenge the way you think about communication, presence, and the stories you create in your own mind.

You’ll also discover the power leaders have to create spaces of trust, especially during grief, conflict, and moments of emotional strain. Joe’s candor about his own journey, including profound personal loss, opens the door to a compassionate and courageous view of leadership. He offers simple, meaningful practices that help you slow down, listen more deeply, and act with intention so you can strengthen culture, relationships, and your own self-mastery.

Joe is Chief Culture Officer at Premier, where he partners with the CEO, the Executive Team, and other stakeholders across the company. His role is to enhance and formalize a mission-driven culture of equal opportunity, high performance, and belonging. Joe has served in senior HR positions over the past 30+ years. His new book, Own Thy Stuff: The Continuous Improvement Journey to Becoming an Extraordinary Human Being, captures his most important insights and lessons from life and work:

You’ll discover:

• Why “owning your stuff” creates trust and credibility
• How to support team members experiencing grief with compassion, not fixes
• A simple mindset shift that transforms assumptions into clarity
• Practices for increasing presence and reducing distraction
• The difference between mentoring and sponsoring—and why both matter

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What happens when leadership development is built on ethics, values, and genuine human dignity, not just performance metrics? Brian Peckrill, Executive Director, describes how the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund is investing in leaders who want to make a meaningful difference. You’re invited to look at your own leadership through the lens of impact, responsibility, and the kind of intentional choices that move organizations—and society—forward.

You’ll learn how the Fund’s Fellows Program develops high-potential MBA students into values-driven leaders who can influence entire industries. Brian shares the core elements of their leadership model—stretch experiences, strong support, and deep reflection—and how this approach builds self-awareness, courage, and character. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories about the Ethical Leader of the Year Award and what today’s exceptional CEOs are doing to elevate people, uphold dignity, and lead with integrity.

Brian is the Executive Director at the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. He previously served as the director of their Fellows Program, where he was responsible for designing and implementing a forward-thinking, ethics-focused experience for top MBA students. Brian was also responsible for fostering an active and engaged alumni community of young business leaders as they embark on and manage their careers.

You’ll discover:

• How values-based leadership transforms both leaders and the communities they serve
• Why metacognition and self-concept matter in developing future executives
• The powerful role of stretch experiences, coaching, and reflection
• How alumni mentoring strengthens leadership capability and confidence
• What the Ethical Leader of the Year Award reveals about great leadership today

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Are your team members clear about what you really expect from them? In this compelling conversation, you’ll hear Megan Robinson share how confusion and unspoken assumptions can erode trust and productivity—and what leaders can do to prevent that.

You’ll hear how Megan helps leaders transform vague expectations into specific, teachable behaviors that drive growth. She also reveals why “professional guilt” often holds leaders back and how to replace it with curiosity and compassion. If you’ve ever wondered how to give feedback that builds confidence instead of defensiveness, this episode will give you practical insights and stories you’ll want to remember.

Megan is the Founder at E Leader Experience and works with individuals and teams to develop self-leadership skills that grow companies. She started her career in marketing and climbed her way through the corporate ladder at advertising agencies and Fortune 500 companies. Then she caught the entrepreneur bug and started her own marketing company.

After yet another “Business Therapy” session, Megan discovered her true passion was in coaching. Inspired by her own successful career in corporate and entrepreneurial environments, she makes leadership approachable for everyone, regardless of title, position, or experience. Megan is also the host of the Culture Connections Podcast and the Past President of ATD Chicago, the leading learning and development organization in Chicagoland.

You’ll discover:

• Why feedback fails when leaders assume understanding
• How to turn performance gaps into learning opportunities
• The role of clarity and language in setting expectations
• Simple ways to test assumptions and create shared meaning
• How self-awareness and intention make feedback transformative

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