Shows
The Growth BlueprintThe Power of Acceptance in Leadership with DeAndre BrownIn this inspiring episode of Growth Blueprint, we sit down with DeAndre Brown — a powerful voice for reentry, redemption, and community leadership. DeAndre takes us on his remarkable journey from incarceration to becoming a catalyst for change, sharing how acceptance, grace, and authentic leadership transformed not only his life but the lives of countless others.Through his work with Lifeline to Success and the Shelby County Office for Reentry, DeAndre shows us what's possible when we invest in second chances. He opens up about building real relationships across differences, the role of...2025-04-2942 minThe Growth BlueprintThe Gray Area: Leadership Lessons from Imperfection and Presence with Kelly WoolfIn this episode, we dive into the messy, meaningful space where true leadership lives—the gray area. Join us for a candid conversation with Kelly as she reflects on what it really means to lead with compassion without enabling, the importance of boundaries and early intervention, and why being an expert isn’t a prerequisite for great leadership.We explore the misconceptions of perfection in leadership, the value of trusting your gut (spoiler: it’s not just a feeling—it’s a collection of lived experiences), and the often-overlooked truth that leadership requires training, not just t...2025-04-1537 minThe Growth BlueprintLeading with Presence: Equine-Facilitated Leadership and Somatic Wisdom with Bridgit WaldIn this episode, we explore the transformative power of equine-facilitated learning with Bridgit Wald, an integral coach, organizational development consultant, and somatic leadership expert. Bridgit shares how working with horses offers profound insights into leadership, integrity, and collaboration, helping individuals develop greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Through real-life examples, she explains how horses reflect our energy, intentions, and presence, providing immediate and honest feedback that enhances personal and professional growth.We also discuss the intersection of mindfulness, energy management, and trauma-informed horsemanship, revealing how these practices can help leaders navigate high-stakes environments with clarity and confidence. Bridgit...2025-03-1142 minThe Growth BlueprintThe Living Lab of Leadership with Jon Simons In this episode, we welcome Jon Simons—a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit and for-profit organizations—who shares his wisdom on leadership, character development, and fostering authentic growth. As Executive Vice President at DBD Group, Jon oversees product development, training, and strategic direction while mentoring consultants and clients alike. We explore the power of earned permission in giving and receiving feedback, the role of authenticity in leadership, and how to create containers for growth that encourage open and honest conversations. Jon reflects on finding your v...2025-02-2545 minThe Growth BlueprintLeading with Self-Awareness: A Conversation with Stephanie Frenel from Fair Schools In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie, founder and CEO of Fair Schools, to discuss her work transforming school environments through research-based instructional practices, social-emotional learning, and family partnerships. With experience as a school leader, instructional coach, and special education teacher in historically marginalized communities, Stephanie shares insights on leadership, influence, and the importance of self-awareness in professional growth. She reflects on the challenges school leaders face in engaging their teams and how personal development plays a crucial role in effective leadership. We also explore strategies for navigating resistance to change and fostering meaningful relationships in the workplace. S...2025-02-1137 minThe Growth BlueprintLeading with Creativity, Joy, and Purpose: A Conversation with Jess VannIn this episode, we welcome the incredible Jess Vann, a Chicago-based actor, vocalist, speaker, entrepreneur, and host of Tom Foolery and Shenanigans with Jess Vann. With over 15 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, Jess is known for building community and fostering leadership on and off the stage. As the founder of Creative Spaces Consulting, she leads play-based leadership workshops that empower professionals across industries.Jess’s work blends her passion for the arts with a deep commitment to social impact and youth development. She holds a B.S. in Theater and Interpretation and an M.A...2025-01-2842 minThe Growth BlueprintReflecting on Season One: Leadership, Character, and GrowthAs we kick off the new year, we're taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of our first podcast season. In this episode, we revisit the key lessons and takeaways from our inspiring conversations with leaders, educators, and changemakers. From embracing mindful leadership to fostering cultures of belonging and resilience, we’ll highlight the stories and insights that shaped our understanding of what it means to lead with authenticity and courage.We’ll explore how character development emerged as a central theme—whether it was through navigating tough conversations, building community, or turning challenges into opport...2025-01-1437 minThe Growth BlueprintListening, Learning, and Leading: A Conversation with Kemi WestonIn this episode, we’re joined by Kemi Weston, a life coach, educational consultant, and co-host of Your Advisors Will See You Now. With over seven years of experience in postsecondary advising, Kemi is passionate about empowering young adults to navigate life transitions with confidence.We discuss her holistic approach to coaching, how she helps students explore affordable paths to fulfilling careers, and the importance of breaking stigmas around alternative educational options like community college, certifications, and gap years. Kemi shares a powerful success story of helping a student realign with her true career goals, em...2024-12-3140 minThe Growth BlueprintCrafting Connection: Storytelling for Leadership with Nathan Young of Story Culture ConsultingIn this episode, we welcome Nathan Young, founder of Story Culture Consulting Nathan brings over 12 years of expertise helping leaders, teams, and organizations harness the transformative power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and shape their impact. His work explores how personal and organizational narratives define identity and influence, guiding leaders to craft meaningful stories that foster trust and inspire action.We dive into the art of storytelling as a leadership tool—how sharing authentic stories builds character, strengthens relationships, and aligns teams toward shared goals. Nathan shares insights from working with influential organizations like TEDx, Save the Chi...2024-12-1741 minThe Growth BlueprintHealing Leadership: A Journey of organizational trauma-informed care and nature-based wisdom with Jennifer EdsonIn this exciting new episode of The Growth Blueprint, we sit down with Jennifer Edson, a long-term student of ecosystem wellbeing, to explore trauma informed approaches to leadership and what nature can teach us about human and organizational adaptability and resilience. Jennifer shares a bit about her own wellbeing journey, the importance of whole-body intelligence, and how the health of organizations is inseparable from the health and nervous system regulation of its employees. We also dive into her work at John Paul Mitchell Systems® and how that led to a leadership development system that actively cultivated relational safety, trust, an...2024-12-0354 minThe Growth BlueprintLeading with Curiosity and Creativity: A Conversation with Jen Moff on Improv, Leadership, and ConnectionIn this episode of the Growth Blueprint Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Jen Moff, a dynamic retreat leader, mindset mentor, and creative consultant who empowers single successful women entrepreneurs worldwide. Join us as Jen dives into the art of leadership and personal growth with genuine passion and practical wisdom. Jen shares her journey from theater and improv to building a thriving business with Magical Mindfulness LLC, revealing how her unique background influences her approach to leadership and communication. Discover how patience, flexibility, and authentic relationships can transform workplaces and inspire individuals. Jen's stories and insights on fostering c...2024-11-1936 minThe Growth BlueprintNavigating Leadership and Personal Growth with Evan Walsh In this episode, we dive into a conversation with Evan Walsh, an experienced career advisor who specializes in working with graduate students and alumni. Evan takes a holistic approach to career counseling, focusing on the importance of identity and lived experiences in the workplace. With a diverse background spanning various industries, including city government and higher education, Evan brings a unique perspective to his work. He emphasizes the value of vulnerability, personal development, and the importance of not compromising one's values in the pursuit of career advancement. Join us as we explore Evan's insights on leadership, growth mindset, and t...2024-11-0546 minThe Growth BlueprintLeading with Purpose: A Conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Nate Meleo In this powerful episode, Chris and Tabitha sit down with Lieutenant Colonel Nate Meleo, a distinguished military leader and Chief Employee Engagement Officer at Tabor Academy. With an impressive 20-year career in the United States Air Force, Nate has held key roles in both active duty and reserve, including overseeing B-52 bomber aircraft maintenance and leading efforts during Operation Enduring Freedom. At Tabor Academy, he brings the same level of dedication to strategic leadership, talent development, and employee well-being. Nate shares his insights on servant leadership, fostering collaboration, and ensuring every member of an organization feels valued. Join us a...2024-10-2254 minThe Growth BlueprintEmpowering the Next Generation: Mary Fagnano on Turning Tragedy into Hope with The Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano FoundationIn this heartwarming and inspiring episode, we sit down with Mary Fagnano, co-founder of The Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation, to discuss how tragedy has transformed into a beacon of hope for countless young people. Mary shares the story behind the foundation's mission to empower youth through leadership and character development, both in the U.S., the Dominican Republic and South Africa. She opens up about the incredible work of her foundation, which encourages service-driven leadership, personal growth, and community impact.Listeners will be moved by her reflections on nurturing "small seeds...2024-10-0845 minThe Growth BlueprintLeading with Joy: Creating Inclusive and Fear-Free Environments with Dr. Nicole Rich Byrne In this engaging episode, we sit down with Dr. Nicole Rich Byrne, a seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience and a true passion for leadership. As the owner of Enriched Learning Academy and a professional development provider, Nicole shares her unique insights into creating inclusive, joyful environments that foster growth for both staff and students. We explore her philosophy that leadership should never involve fear and that joy should be at the heart of any successful organization. Nicole also delves into the complexities of balancing support with the challenges of leadership, offering valuable advice on maintaining clarity, compassion, a...2024-09-2443 minThe Growth BlueprintBuilding Leadership and Growth in the Classroom with MG BertrandJoin the Growth Blueprint Podcast as we explore the inspiring world of elementary education with MG Bertrand, a dedicated second-grade teacher from the San Francisco Bay Area. MG shares his passion for creating classroom communities filled with joy, belonging, and growth, drawing on his extensive experience and education from UC Berkeley and Stanford.In this episode, MG discusses the importance of patience, understanding, and flexibility in teaching, and provides practical examples of fostering leadership and character growth in young students. He shares touching stories, including moments from his summer math class where students not only mastered new...2024-09-1043 minThe Growth BlueprintNurturing Social Justice and Authentic Leadership with Dr. Kathryn KozakIn this compelling episode of the Growth Blueprint podcast, we delve into the art of leadership and character development with the insightful Kathryn Kozak. As a coach, consultant, researcher, and advocate, Kathryn brings a wealth of experience in helping individuals and organizations align with socially just principles and values. She shares her journey of fostering critical consciousness, a concept rooted in Paulo Freire's work, to empower leaders and teams to understand their context and effect meaningful change. Kathryn's unique approach emphasizes the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and unwavering commitment to one's principles, even in the face of challenging...2024-08-2744 minThe Growth BlueprintChampioning Equity and Mattering in Education with JAKE SmallIn this engaging episode, justice-driven researcher and education leadership consultant JAKE Small joins hosts to discuss the vital importance of equity and mattering in education and beyond. JAKE dismantles common misconceptions about DEI work, emphasizing that it is not inherently difficult if approached with compassion and understanding. He passionately argues against harmful stereotypes and advocates for the liberation of marginalized groups, underscoring that true equity benefits everyone.Listeners will be inspired by JAKE's innovative approach to advocacy through poetry, as showcased in his book, "For Every Black Boy," a poignant exploration of blackness, boyhood, and love. His...2024-08-1346 minThe Growth BlueprintEmpowering Authentic Leadership and Job Crafting with Sarah FanslauJoin us for an empowering and collaborative discussion with Sarah Fanslau as she shares her extensive expertise in authentic leadership, job crafting, and co-creation strategies. In this transformative conversation, we delve into themes such as the importance of clear goals and expectations, the evolution of leadership, and the critical role of inclusivity and diversity. Sarah also emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and transparency in leadership. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to fostering effective and inclusive leadership in their organization.Sarah has worked in the nonprofit sector for 15 years, specializing in health policy, civic engagement...2024-07-3037 minThe Growth BlueprintFostering Leadership and Growth with Ilisabeth BornsteinJoin us for an insightful and growth-focused discussion with Ilisabeth Bornstein. Liz shares her extensive experience in leadership roles, both formal and informal, as an educator and community member. In this layered conversation, we explore various themes including effective communication and feedback strategies, the role of mentorship, and encouraging a growth mindset.Ilisabeth Bornstein is a Lecturer in Legal Studies and Pre-Law Advisor at Bryant University, where she has also served as the Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence. With over three decades of experience teaching writing, critical thinking, drama, and athletic skills to children and...2024-07-1642 minThe Growth BlueprintMastering Motivation and Culture: Insights from Dave Kovar on Leadership and Community BuildingJoin us for a motivational and practical discussion with the wise and wonderful Dave Kovar. Dave shares his extensive experience creating and sustaining positive cultures and working with various types of motivation. In this engaging and supportive conversation we explore everything from employee management and development to building communities and teams to adapting to individual needs. Dave Kovar is a lifetime Martial Artist with Blackbelts is 10 unique styles, Successful Social Entrepreneur, Health & Fitness Advocate, Teacher, Speaker and Author. He founded his first martial arts school in 1978, six months out of high school. Since then, Dave’s organization, Kova...2024-07-0237 minThe Growth BlueprintEmpowering Leadership through Mentorship and Co-Creation: A Conversation with Christian ShabooJoin us for an inspiring and reflective conversation with Christian Shaboo as we explore the transformative power of mentorship and co-creation in nurturing leadership and character development. In this thought-provoking episode, Christian shares his insights from over fifteen years of building great teams and fostering purpose-driven leadership.As the VP of Program for The Future Project, Christian has collaborated with students and educators nationwide, emphasizing project-based experiences and purpose discovery at the heart of schools and communities. He is also the founder of Grinand Bare, a consultancy dedicated to creating culture-shifting content and experiences, and a founding...2024-06-2144 minThe Growth BlueprintExploring the Depths of Leadership: Dr. Max Klau on Servant Leadership, Politics, and Inner Work Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Max Klau, a renowned consultant, author, speaker, and Integral Master Coach. In this episode, we delve into politics, systems, service, adaptive leadership, privilege, introverted leadership, and the profound inner work of leadership. Dr. Klau, who earned his doctorate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, serves as the Senior Advisor to the New Politics Leadership Academy (NPLA), an organization dedicated to integrating servant leaders into politics. With a rich background as the Chief Program Officer at NPLA and Vice President of Leadership Development at City Year, Dr. Klau has designed programs t...2024-06-0445 minThe Growth BlueprintCrafting Transformative Spaces: Overcoming Barriers and Building Growth-Driven EnvironmentsEmbark on a journey of discovery as we dive into the essence of creating transformative environments in our latest podcast episode! Join us as we unravel the foundational principles of crafting spaces that foster growth and development for leaders and individuals alike. Delve deep into the core question: What obstacles hinder the creation of robust containers for growth in today's world? Explore the barriers that obstruct our path to personal and professional evolution and uncover strategies to overcome them. Discover the key components essential for nurturing environments conducive to growth and change. From fos...2024-05-1436 minThe Growth BlueprintBuilding Spaces for Growth: The Importance of Nurturing Environments for Leadership and Personal DevelopmentJoin us in exploring the profound significance of creating and nurturing spaces where leaders and individuals alike can flourish and evolve. In this episode, we delve into the compelling reasons behind investing time and effort into constructing these transformative environments. By examining WHY these spaces are crucial and envisioning the potential impact of integrating them into our daily systems, we uncover the essence of fostering growth, both professionally and personally. Tune in as we unravel the essence of these containers and pave the way for a future of empowered leadership and human development.2024-04-1940 minThe Growth BlueprintIntroducing The Growth Blueprint: Chris and Tabitha on Leadership, Character, and Personal GrowthIn the inaugural episode of "The Growth Blueprint," meet your hosts, Chris and Tabitha, as they dive into their shared passion for leadership and character development. Discover the origins of this passion, how it manifests in their daily lives, and why they believe these conversations are crucial. Join them on a journey of exploration and insight into personal and professional growth. 2024-04-1327 minThe Growth BlueprintThe Growth Blueprint TrailerWelcome to The Growth Blueprint, your ultimate destination for cultivating leadership and character growth in every aspect of life! I am your host Chris Rappold here with my amazing co-host Tabitha May-Tolub. Whether you're a teacher molding young minds, a parent shaping the future, a youth worker igniting tomorrow's leaders, or a business/non-profit leader driving transformation, this podcast is tailor-made for you. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the art of crafting environments that nurture personal and professional development through deep, meaningful conversations. From unleashing untapped leadership potential to spearheading impactful change, we...2024-03-3001 min