Celeste Cuffie sits down with Dr. Eve Hall, President and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Urban League, to explore what keeps leaders moving forward in turbulent times. If you're searching for fresh insights on staying encouraged and impactful—despite setbacks—this episode gives real stories and actionable ideas.

Dr. Hall unpacks the powerful influence of her family legacy, the lessons of resilience learned from her grandparents, and why embracing opportunity over fear can transform anyone’s journey. She also reveals strategies for collaboration that crush the myth of competition on your team—so everyone thrives.

Ever wonder what keeps a changemaker inspired—and how you can spark the same momentum in your own life? Hit play and learn what fuels Dr. Hall’s optimism and trailblazing leadership.

Episode Highlights:

09:57 – I would say not to be fearful. There were opportunities. There have been moments in time where I could have, or I'm not going to say I should have, but I could have said yes, and I didn't because of fear, because of thinking maybe I couldn't handle something.

25:16 – We just stay focused on that message. We have watched our semantics, but at the same time, we've always served everyone and anyone who comes to the door. Make no mistake, our primary clientele historically has been African American. That's what we were founded back in 1910, nationally, in 1919, here locally, was to help African Americans become self-reliant, you know, get jobs, be in quality housing, etc, during the Great Migration.

42:12 – It's that you're encouraged. You know, for me, it's what drives me, Celeste, is that as a result of someone having an interaction with me, that they walk away feeling better, that they walk away feeling more encouraged or uplifted, if maybe that was a point of the conversation... But that's what I always want to do. Like, are you better as a result of our interaction, of our conversation?

Guest Bio
Dr. Eve M. Hall, PhD, is the President and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Urban League, where she leads initiatives that drive economic empowerment and educational advancement for African Americans and underserved communities across Wisconsin.

A proven leader in both business and education, Dr. Hall previously served as President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, strengthening the foundation for Black entrepreneurship statewide. She is also the co-founder of the African American Women’s Project Fund, which supports organizations serving women and girls.

Dr. Hall holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University, a Master’s from UW–Milwaukee, and a Bachelor’s from Florida A&M University. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her numerous honors, including recognition among Wisconsin’s Most Influential Business Leaders and Milwaukee’s Power Players Class of 2025.

A dynamic speaker and respected thought leader, Dr. Hall continues to inspire transformation through her commitment to opportunity, equity, and community leadership.

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Celeste Cuffie sits down with Ginny Finn, attorney, philanthropy executive, and Chief Development Officer for the MATC Foundation. With an unconventional career spanning law, leadership, and community work, Ginny shares her journey of embracing authenticity, seizing unexpected opportunities, and finding purpose through connection.

She opens up about learning from early mistakes, saying “yes” and “no” with intention, and how growing up in Milwaukee shaped her perspective on kindness and humanity. Tune in for an honest conversation on authentic leadership, personal growth, and finding joy in the path that’s uniquely yours.

Episode Highlights:

05:55 – And the question is, how do you handle that opportunity? And that's kind of like all of life, right? I mean, you don't really know. That's the thing, I guess, is about "growing up," right? When you're 22, you think you can script absolutely everything. And I don't think that's a bad thing because it gives you drive and it gives you a sense of curiosity, et cetera.

12:50 – 37th and Lloyd was a great place to grow up, despite the fact that it wasn't a perfect place to grow up. And you are gonna be more prepared for life than most adults that you meet... We had a parish priest who apparently sat down, the families, including my parents, and said, please don't leave. And I didn't understand any of this till later on when it was explained to me.

41:38 – I think it's embracing is simply being open to the human being you cross paths with today... And I really think sometimes empowering is recognizing when it's the right time to step to the side. That doesn't mean you don't take pride in your own work. It doesn't mean that you are always on the side or that if it's inappropriately and you've been pushed, that's not the same thing.

Guest Bio
Ginny Finn brings over 20 years of experience in business and nonprofit leadership, with expertise in healthcare, higher education, and the arts. A corporate attorney by training, she has advised healthcare systems, physician practices, and numerous nonprofits.

Ginny has served in key leadership roles including Executive Director of ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, CEO of YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, and Interim Executive Director of Present Music. Her consulting work spans organizations like the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Arts@Large, and Legal Action of Wisconsin.

Currently, she serves as President of the Board for Professional Dimensions and Renaissance Theaterworks, and as a board member of the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Ginny holds degrees from Coe College, Purdue University, and the University of Wisconsin Law School, with additional studies at Harvard Business School and George Washington University.

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Celeste Cuffie sits down with Joseph Franz, Fire Captain with the Milwaukee Fire Department at Engine 16, to unpack the messy truth behind personal growth, bouncing back from failure, and why loving people is always better than loving stuff. If you’re tired of playing it safe or stuck after a setback, Joe’s hard-earned wisdom feels like guidance from someone who’s truly been there.

Joseph shares unfiltered stories of losing it all, rebuilding, and learning to ask for help sooner rather than later. He talks about teaching courage to the next generation, building a marriage on friendship, and shifting from selfishness to service—without getting preachy.

Ever wondered how a “fearless” firefighter finds strength after failure and keeps building a life of meaning? Find out what’s changed for Joe and how you can build resiliency that lasts.

Episode Highlights:

14:51 – You're going to make mistakes. You're gonna fail, but don't let the failure define you. Continue to push hard and anything work hard at. Nothing we've ever been given or have that's been given to us easily do we even value or have anymore. But the things that you work hard for, and that you're paying for or you're invested in. You take care of it. You cherish it. You nourish it like you do all the things. Because you're invested in that thing that you're doing.

25:50 – It's important not to lose yourself in all. All of this stuff. And so I think when I lost all that stuff before, I think I loved stuff and I used people in that moment in my life, and now I love people and I use stuff. That's really what it's about. It's being good to people.

36:27 – One is don't be afraid to fail. That's the number one. Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to step out... For you and the stuff you do, and for my wife to watch her step out of her comfort zone. My wife likes to be very comfortable. And one thing I think she likes about me is I'm always kind of like, hey, let's get to that edge.

Guest Bio
Joseph (Joe) Franz is a dedicated and experienced fire service professional currently serving as a Fire Captain with the Milwaukee Fire Department at Engine 16, located on Fon Du Lac Ave. On the city’s northwest side. With a career spanning over two decades, Joseph has held various roles, including Heavy Equipment Operator, Fire Lieutenant, and Interim Health and Safety Manager. He has been instrumental in training and mentoring new recruits and has played a significant role in the department's peer support and safety initiatives.

As a proud MPS graduate of James Madison Highschool. Joe’s commitment to serving his community started at an early age when he joined the Fire Cadet program right after graduation. He is also actively involved in his community, serving as a Deacon at Greater New Birth Church and coaching youth softball teams. His commitment to public service and community well-being is evident in his extensive experience and ongoing contributions.

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Let’s be honest: the myth of work-life balance is holding us back. Dr. Laci Robbins joins Celeste Cuffie for a conversation about designing life on your own terms, leaning into intentionality, and giving yourself permission to pivot—even when everyone’s watching. If you’ve ever felt guilty for outsourcing help, worn out by juggling too many roles, or uncertain about changing direction in business or life, this episode is going to bust some myths wide open.

Dr. Laci unpacks how she and her husband built systems that blend marriage, parenting, ministry, and leadership without losing themselves. She tells the story of how a moment of crisis led her to ask, “What would I do if I couldn’t fail?” The result: a career and family life that thrive through rhythm, grace, and the courage to start over.

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pivot confidently or buy back your time without apology? Tune in for tips on designing a life and a legacy you actually want.

Episode Highlights:

20:55 – What's the one thing that you are going to be able to buy back your time with? So for some people, it may not be getting their house clean. They don't mind it. It's therapeutic for them. But maybe it's like, you don't want to take the time to get your car washed, so you get the little monthly subscription to get your car washed, whatever it might be. I encourage everybody, just take that, pick that one thing, find your thing, and then double down on it.

24:12 - Choice is the most powerful thing in the world. And so I choose me. I choose to show up authentically, which I find ironic is one of your words that you listed for me. And I also choose to, when I am someone's friend, like, we love you and Sheldon, as you know. And so when I am someone's friend, I am 100% love hard. I'm the one that's in the corner cheering what is happening. I'm there and I think I have received that in return, and I'm grateful for that. Because the seeds we plant today become the harvest we receive in the future.

37:13 – I think the biggest thing I want people to walk away with when it comes to legacy, it's one that can be created. So we all are creating a legacy, be it good or bad. Just with the choices we're making now. And my mother often says that she wants her ceiling to be my floor. And so I've taken the same position. So the experiences that I'm creating... That's legacy. We are living legacies.

Guest Bio
Dr. Laci Robbins is a Leadership & Workplace, Culture Expert, Keynote Speaker, who helps leaders design systems for life and business success. Anchored by a strong foundation in faith, she is also celebrated as a wife, mother, friend, and first lady. As the founder of Robbins' Nest Consulting, Dr. Robbins empowers women and organizations through intentional leadership, work-life design, and culture-focused strategies. Her journey of resilience, embracing pivots, and commitment to building legacy inspires others to pursue growth, authenticity, and well-being in every area of life.

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Celeste Cuffie sits down with Ed Hagopian, a true renaissance thinker, to explore why curiosity—not credentials—may be your strongest asset for career and life success.

In a world obsessed with degrees and fast answers, Ed’s story is proof that being interested in everything is a superpower. Whether he’s running a tech startup, building with his hands, or mentoring future leaders, Ed never stops learning.

Ed’s approach touches on more than just skills or titles. He breaks down the value of life experience, the wisdom of failure, and why building relationships is just as critical as racking up expertise. What if letting go of “one right path” could move you forward faster?

Ever wondered how someone balances being a tech expert, a family man, and still makes time to pursue new passions? Hear how Ed shapes his own version of success—and how you might, too.

Episode Highlights:

07:53 - I think there's something innately powerful about having a natural curiosity and really wanting to know how does something work? How does this, this work? Why does it work the way it does? What can I learn from that? Oh, that's interesting. Oh, that takes me down a different road.

13:06 - I'm one of those people where the degree wasn't the thing that I needed to get gateway into my professional life. I was already doing it professionally beforehand, but it was something that my father really wanted for the family. I was the first one to actually get the degree in my family.

20:48 - I think education is more than just kind of learning things. It's understanding how to interact with people, it's understanding how to problem solve, it's understanding how to do time management. It's understanding there's a huge facet of life skills that comes from absolutely from that, that can be really important beyond just getting a particular degree in something.

Guest Bio
Ed Hagopian is the Vice President of Product Security at Cream City Cyber, where he leads the charge in developing innovative security strategies to protect organizations from increasingly sophisticated threats. With a deep understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, Ed is committed to fortifying defenses and ensuring that businesses can operate securely and efficiently. Prior to his role at Cream City Cyber, Ed served as Director of Enterprise Security Architecture at Dell Technologies. There, he was instrumental in pioneering AI-enabled defenses within the Secure Development Life Cycle and creating frameworks like “Subzero Trust.” By integrating industry standards such as NIST, MITRE ATT&CK, and OWASP ASVS, he significantly enhanced Dell’s risk mitigation efforts and strengthened its global security posture. Before his impactful tenure at Dell, Ed held key positions at Northwestern Mutual and Microsoft, where he focused on cloud platforms (like Azure and AWS) and infrastructure strategies that balanced innovation with operational resilience. He is known for his ability to rapidly build world-class architecture teams and seamlessly implement DevSecOps and Zero Trust methodologies across both traditional infrastructure and cutting-edge AI solutions. This approach has led to improved collaboration and faster threat response times. As a dynamic speaker and mentor, Ed frequently shares his insights on AI governance, Zero Trust, and transformative cybersecurity practices at industry conferences and seminars. His unique ability to blend technical expertise with executive insights makes him a sought-after adviser for organizations striving for robust and forward-thinking security solutions. At Cream City Cyber, Ed continues to push the boundaries of product security, guiding organizations toward safer and more profitable growth in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

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Celeste Cuffie is joined by James Daniels, who, along with his wife Martha, shares the keys to maintaining a flourishing 55-year marriage in this heartfelt episode of Life Empowered Living. If you're searching for heartfelt advice on nurturing long-lasting, fulfilling relationships in both personal and professional settings, James has wisdom in abundance.

Drawing from his own life, James discusses the critical importance of absolute truth in partnerships, where love comes with shared responsibilities and mutual respect. As an accomplished former IRS executive, he reveals the bridges he built between career success and family life, always with a focus on encouragement and support.

Want to know how James and Martha have successfully merged marital love with life's inevitable challenges over half a century? Tune in to discover the values that have fortified their enduring marriage and thriving careers.

Episode Highlights:

15:42 – I always looked at Martha as a bit like a best friend. And to me, a good friend is just like a rare diamond. You don't find them every day. We established before we got married, our engagement period. We spent over eight months of nearly every day sitting in the park or even on the porch of her home talking to each other and telling each other about each other. Now I prayed. I asked God for a good wife. I wanted a good wife, and I believe he gave–I know he gave me a good one.

20:51 – At the base that I was at, she could have dated any guy, had degrees and everything else. But she chose me, which I will never know why she chose me. But I know as a fact that I always felt proud and honored with her at my side. I always felt honored and proud that she taught my children to respect and love me. I always felt honored and proud that she looked up to me as her husband.

25:58 – I was the first generation out of slavery. After the civil rights bill passed, blacks were coming into management, and it was a total different culture. There was no black managers who had been in there 15-20 years to tell you which way to go. You had to learn for yourself. So I had the only way I could learn is if I hear them say something, I write it down, go home at night, research it, and study it to the point I don't know.

Guest Bio
James Daniels brings a lifetime of experience from his influential career in the IRS and his enriched personal life. Celebrated for his commitment to family and community, he remains a revered figure who exemplifies leadership, dedication, and love over decades of shared life experiences with Martha.

Martha Daniels shares insightful wisdom gained from 55 remarkable years of marriage. She attributes their enduring relationship to clear communication, genuine friendship, deep mutual love, and unwavering protection and support for one another. Her practical yet heartfelt advice resonates deeply, making her an inspirational figure to those striving for lasting relationships and personal harmony.

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Celeste Cuffie welcomes Leana Nakielski Mesdjian, a woman with an intricate journey of self-discovery, professional transformation, and cultural appreciation. This episode focuses on how Leana has reconnected with different versions of herself.

Leana speaks about her upbringing in a bilingual, multicultural household and how those experiences shaped her identity and career. From starting in engineering to exploring urban agriculture, and now setting her sights on completing a novel, Leana offers a fresh perspective on resilience and purpose.

Wondering how Leana has managed to pivot her career multiple times while staying true to herself and her roots? Tune in to find out her secrets to maintaining balance and self-value amid life’s transitions.

Episode Highlights:

03:42 - Bringing life into this world, it's just like a whole 'nother space to live in. And so reconnecting first with that physical and spiritual self, I think, is what then propelled me into this larger scope of, who am I without the work title?

05:23 - I grew up in this very multicultural, bilingual environment where some weekends would be Spanish only with my mom's family, very rich in culture. And then other weekends would be Green Bay Packer games and very Wisconsin-y experiences.

28:25 - I think it's about reminding myself just that success and progress take steps and reminding myself that certain steps need to be achieved in order to get to the end goal.

Guest Bio
Leana Nakielski Mesdjian has a background in Agriculture and Applied Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She transitioned from nonprofit roles focused on urban farming and sustainability to corporate endeavors, eventually pursuing an MBA. Now an aspiring novelist, Leana combines her diverse experiences to inspire others through her writing and speaking engagements.

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Celeste Cuffie sits down with the ever-inspiring Sara Junio, a Transformation Executive and Strategic Leadership Coach, best-selling author, and Organizational Change Management Consultant at Trissential. Sara has dedicated her career to guiding companies through significant changes using technology and data governance. If you're seeking wisdom on understanding behavioral patterns and improving organizational change, this episode is brimming with valuable insights.

Sara highlights the importance of discerning the intentions behind actions, along with the role of technology in today's business environment. She shares personal anecdotes about resilience, from her humble beginnings on a farm to overcoming personal and professional challenges, all while maintaining an unwavering sense of hope and empowerment.

What motivates someone to shift from agricultural pursuits to becoming a top-notch transformation coach guiding executive teams? Tune in to discover Sara's compelling journey and learn actionable advice for your own career transformation.

Episode Highlights

30:49 - What I do is business transformations, typically involving technology or data, data governance, data management. And a lot of that is companies are coming in with this whole industrial revolution and recognizing in order for us to do more with data, we have to have systems to collect that data, and we have to have more automation. And so, I get involved in those business transformations, either leading the technology initiative as a program manager or specializing in, if it's a large company, how do I help them let the technology people implement the system, but then how do I work with the business to accept that and adopt that technology?

38:57 - I think I'm trying to tell myself that asking for help and I think it's okay now. I'm that sandwich generation where with my parents, they don't ask for a lot of help. That's just not natural for them. The younger generation, my kids, who are in their 20s, almost to 30, it's very natural for them to ask for help, and it's very natural for them to say, "Hey, we're a team. How do we do this together?"

48:10 - Evaluate your actions in anything that you're doing. And if you don't like the result that you're getting, understand, you can change an action, but you've got to get to the root cause. And your actions are derived from your thoughts. Your thoughts are derived from your belief system. So what is the limiting belief that's creating your thoughts, that's driving your actions? And ask that question, who says I can't do that? At the end of the day, if you get frustrated or you're not far enough along in something or you're telling yourself no, no shouldn't be in the vocabulary. It should be like not now or something like that. Ask your question. Well, who says I can't do this?

Guest Bio

Sara Junio is a seasoned expert in Strategic Leadership, Transformation, Organizational Development, and Customer Experience, with over 20 years of progressive experience. She partners with mid to large-sized organizations, guiding executives, senior leaders, and HR managers through business transformations that drive growth and success. Sara specializes in cultivating highly engaged teams, resolving conflicts constructively, and developing strategic solutions to overcome challenges. Known for her empowering approach, Sara has authored "The Identity Effect" and is working on a new book focused on organizational change.

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