In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Kim Nugent, a transformational leader, author, and mentorship expert who is changing lives behind bars.
With three master’s degrees, a PhD, and executive coaching credentials from Marshall Goldsmith, Dr. Nugent shares how her career in hospitality, higher education, and corporate leadership led to her purpose-driven work in prisons across the country. She explains how structured peer mentorship, behavior change, and emotional intelligence can unlock a better future, not only for the incarcerated, but for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
Dr. Nugent also discusses her groundbreaking book From Prison to Possibilities: Paving Your Path, a structured mentoring program designed to reduce recidivism and prepare incarcerated individuals for productive lives post-release.
Together, Gerald and Kim explore how prison isn’t always physical; it can be a mindset. Through her alphabetized 26-topic program (A-Z), Dr. Nugent empowers returning citizens with tools to discover purpose, build resilience, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Her curriculum is now inspiring transformation in maximum-security facilities with zero rule violations among participants.
What We Discuss
[00:00] Introduction to Dr. Kim Nugent
[4:11] Career journey from hospitality to higher education to prison reform
[13:03] The birth of the book From Prison to Possibilities
[21:05] Structure, behavior change, and the six-month model
[28:19] Emotional intelligence and attitude shifts
[31:57] Lifers and legacy: Purpose inside prison
[36:42] Peer-led mentorship and accountability
[41:00] PTSD, fixed mindset, and redefining success
[45:28] Promotion Protocol: Career growth beyond incarceration
[50:12] The power of saying “yes”—and learning from “no”
[55:00] Advice for anyone stuck in a personal “prison”
[59:35] Where to find Dr. Kim Nugent
Notable Quotes
[12:31] “Even in a no, there's an opportunity.” – Dr. Kim Nugent
[13:42] “ Prison doesn't have to mean you're behind bars. You could be in prison mentally.” – Dr. Kim Nugent
[25:41] “We’ve had zero rule violations from participants across all prisons involved in the program.” – Dr. Kim Nugent
[38:49] “If you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” – Dr. Kim Nugent
Our Guest
Dr. Kim Nugent is a leading mentorship expert, executive coach, and author of From Prison to Possibilities and Promotion Protocol: Unlock the Secrets to Promotability and Career Success. Her structured peer-led mentorship model is being adopted in maximum-security prisons across the U.S., where she works to help inmates rediscover purpose and live more productive lives. Her methodology blends education, coaching, neuroscience, and real-world experience into an empowering curriculum based on 26 foundational topics from A to Z. With deep expertise in leadership, mentoring, and curriculum design, Dr. Nugent is on a mission to create lasting transformation, inside and outside prison walls.
Resources
Dr. Kim Nugent
Website: https://www.drnugentspeaks.com
Book: Promotion Protocol: Unlock the Secrets to Promotability and Career Success
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Mentioned
Book: Deep Work by Cal Newport
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
