Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

Overcoming Teen Burnout and Defining Success

In this episode, Lorraine Connell, founder of Peers Not Fears, sits down with mental health expert Abbey Sangmeister to explore the critical challenges teens face, including burnout, mental health, and societal pressure around career choices. The conversation highlights the importance of self-care, reflection, and open communication for teens navigating school, future aspirations, and personal growth.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Adolescent Burnout: Lorraine and Abbey delve into the rising issue of burnout among teens. They discuss the pressures from school schedules, career choices, and the overwhelming expectations placed on young people today. Abbey shares her personal experiences with burnout and the importance of rest and reflection to maintain mental health.

2. The Pressure of Career Choices: The conversation also covers the need for supportive adults who can guide teens as they make critical decisions about their future. Lorraine and Abbey agree that teens need the space to explore their interests rather than be pushed into predetermined paths.

3. Self-Care and Mental Health: Both Lorraine and Abbey stress the need for teens to prioritize self-care, especially when dealing with anxiety and depression. They discuss strategies such as positive affirmations and allowing time for play and reflection to help teens manage mental health challenges.

4. Leadership Without a Title: Lorraine shares her belief that leadership is not tied to a title or external achievements. Abbey echoes this sentiment, encouraging teens to view leadership as a set of actions, emphasizing growth and balance rather than perfectionism.

5. Addressing Bullying: Abbey shares her concern about bullying in schools and the lack of effective solutions, urging immediate steps to ensure student safety. Lorraine supports the idea of listening to students' voices and incorporating their perspectives into finding solutions.

6. Defining Success on Your Own Terms: Both hosts explore the evolving concept of success. Abbey opens up about her personal values and the realization that success for her means happiness and balance, not material wealth or status.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion that empowers teens and their supporters to redefine leadership, success, and personal growth!

Embracing Self-Love: Hannah McMahon's Journey

Hannah McMahon is the owner and lead photographer at Hannah Mac Studios, a New Hampshire boudoir studio focusing on making women feel like the most confident version of themselves. Through the art of boudoir photography, Hannah allows women to reconnect with their self-image, in a photoshoot experience that is both wildly grounding and radically liberating. Hannah firmly believes in the power held in self-love and is on a mission to empower each person she photographs with it.

In this enlightening episode of "Leaders of Today," host Lorraine Connell sits down with the inspiring Hannah McMahon, a talented photographer specializing in boudoir photography. Hannah shares her personal journey of embracing self-love, building confidence, and empowering others through her unique approach to photography. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of art.

Key Takeaways:

• Hannah's Personal Journey:

  • Discover how Hannah’s background and experiences shaped her passion for photography.
  • Learn about the pivotal moments that led her to specialize in boudoir photography.
  • Hear how she overcame personal challenges and embraced self-love.

• Boudoir Photography Explained:

  • What is boudoir photography, and how is it different from other types of photography?
  • The importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment for clients.
  • How boudoir photography can be a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment.

• Empowering Clients:

  • Stories of clients who found confidence and self-acceptance through their boudoir sessions.
  • Tips for those considering a boudoir photo shoot.
  • The role of the photographer is to help clients feel beautiful and confident.

• Building Confidence and Self-Love:

  • Hannah’s advice on how to cultivate self-love in everyday life.
  • The impact of positive self-image on mental health and overall well-being.
  • Encouraging listeners to celebrate their unique beauty and strengths.

Quotes:

• “Boudoir photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about helping people see the beauty within themselves.”
• “Every person deserves to feel confident and empowered in their own skin.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Hannah Mac Studios – Visit Hannah’s website to view her portfolio and learn more about her work.
• Follow Hannah on Instagram: @hannahmacstudios

Connect with Us:

• Follow "Leaders of Today" on Instagram: @peersnotfears
• Visit our website: Peers not Fears
• Join our community on Facebook: Leadership for Our Kids

Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with friends and family who might benefit from hearing about Hannah’s inspiring journey.

Tune In Next Time: Stay tuned for our next episode where we’ll discuss Abbey and explore new ways to see how we avoid burning out our teens.

Embracing Authenticity: Nikki Innocent on Leadership and Overcoming 'Otherness

In this insightful episode of Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with Nikki Innocent, a 2-time TEDx speaker, podcast host, and certified career coach focused on women's leadership and DEI strategy. Nikki shares her journey from feeling like an outsider in Corporate America to becoming a powerful advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Introduction: Lorraine introduces Nikki, highlighting her impressive background in leadership and DEI. Nikki's unique perspective as a biracial Black woman, a child of immigrants, and a non-traditional businessperson sets the stage for a compelling discussion.

Nikki's Work Strategy and Leadership Experience: Nikki discusses her career in Corporate America and how her experience of feeling "other" fueled her passion for DEI. She shares practical strategies for maintaining focus and productivity, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive work environments.

Podcasting Experiences and Leadership Discussion: Lorraine and Nikki exchange stories about their podcasting journeys. They delve into the technical challenges and the importance of having backup plans for recording. Nikki also discusses her podcast, Checkbox Other, which highlights stories of feeling "other" and the power of empathy and shared humanity.

Reflecting on Teenage Years and Leadership: Nikki reflects on her teenage years and how those formative experiences shaped her leadership journey. She emphasizes the importance of creating space for play and creativity for young people and shares her early interest in understanding human impact.

Nikki's Leadership Journey and Perspectives: Nikki shares her insights on leadership, representation, and the importance of curiosity. She discusses the challenges she faced growing up in a predominantly white town and the influence of her feminist upbringing and therapy on her perspectives.

Understanding and Addressing Microaggressions: Lorraine and Nikki tackle the topic of microaggressions, emphasizing the need to address underlying issues of oppression, white supremacy, and patriarchy. They discuss the impact of these subtle interactions and the importance of creating inclusive environments.

Nikki's Empowerment, and Education Experiences: Nikki shares the impact of being perceived as different. She discusses the importance of critical thought and the need to challenge traditional education systems that suppress authentic inquiry.

Self-Criticism, Past Experiences, and Growth: The conversation turns to self-criticism and the influence of past experiences. Nikki emphasizes the importance of understanding one's influences and giving oneself permission to learn and grow.

Embracing Self-Acceptance and Personal Growth: Nikki encourages listeners to embrace self-acceptance and focus on personal development. She advises Lorraine to encourage high school students to explore multiple paths to success and find their own definitions of success.

Discussing DEI Challenges and Solutions: Lorraine and Nikki discuss the challenges of teaching about DEI and the importance of understanding biases. They explore the psychological effects of operating in patriarchal systems and the need for creating predictable rituals in education.

Conclusion: Nikki shares her enthusiasm for connecting and amplifying underrepresented perspectives. Lorraine and Nikki reflect on the importance of authenticity and the power of embracing one's unique identity.

Call to Action: Don't miss this empowering conversation filled with insights on leadership, authenticity, and overcoming "otherness." Tune in now to hear Nikki's inspiring journey and practical advice on creating inclusive environments.

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Resources:

• Nikki Innocent's TEDx Talks
• Checkbox Other Podcast
• Nikki Innocent's Website

Connect with Us:

• Peers Not Fears Website
• Follow Lorraine on Instagram

 

"Embracing Authenticity: Victoria's Confidence Journey and Teachers' Impact"

Victoria Carrington Chávez is a celebrated storyteller, visual arts expert and social media strategist, known as "pure magic" in her field. Leading Lilac & Aspen and La Mezcla Creative Co., she blends creativity with community building in her branding strategies.

A Colorado native with Afro-Indigenous Latinx roots, Victoria is a dynamic speaker on multiculturalism, leadership, and entrepreneurship, acclaimed for her TEDx talk and engaging presence. Her collaborations range from six figure CEOs to nonprofits, and she’s guest lectured on Visual Storytelling at Northeastern University.

She’s worked with figures like children’s author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris and social media influencer Mama Nous, and has shared her expertise at the University of New Hampshire’s Business School. Victoria holds a B.A. in Communications and Spanish from the University of Colorado Boulder and has a deep involvement in digital marketing and graphic design since 2010. She’s launching new courses for entrepreneurs in branding and social media storytelling this year. A dedicated advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, Victoria’s efforts aim to bring vibrancy and inclusivity to all aspects of her work. 

Episode Summary: In the premiere episode of Season 3, Lorraine Connell sits down with Victoria Carrington Chavez to explore the transformative journey of overcoming shyness and building confidence and the significant impact teachers have on students' lives. Victoria shares her personal story, providing deep insights into the challenges and triumphs she experienced growing up.

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Key Discussion Points:

Victoria's Confidence Journey:

• Introductory Discussion: Lorraine and Victoria open with a warm conversation, setting the stage for the deep dive into Victoria’s journey.
• Overcoming Shyness: Victoria recounts her high school years, highlighting how she overcame shyness and lack of confidence. Her story resonates with Lorraine, leading to a discussion on the importance of support systems.
• Teachers' Influence: The duo explores the profound impact teachers have on students, both positively and negatively. Victoria shares personal anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of compassion, honesty, and support in teaching.

Embracing Diverse Identities and ADHD Experiences:

• Multicultural Background: Growing up in Boulder, Colorado, Victoria discusses her multicultural background and how it shaped her identity.
• ADHD Diagnosis: Victoria shares how her ADHD diagnosis influenced her leadership journey, and the societal pressures she faced in high school.
• Celebrating Diversity: Lorraine and Victoria stress the importance of celebrating diverse identities and shifting the perception of success to recognize individual potentials.

Honesty, Compassion, and Feedback in Education:

• Role of Educators: Lorraine and Victoria delve into the roles of honesty, compassion, and ownership of mistakes in education. They discuss the power dynamics between teachers and students and the negative consequences of unrealistic expectations.
• Supportive Feedback: Victoria’s story about a student receiving a minus 18 out of 20 leads to a conversation on framing feedback in a supportive and encouraging manner.

Redefining Success Metrics:

• Realistic Goals: Victoria emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and the courage to challenge and update success metrics.
• Beyond Grades: Success isn't just about grades but also about the ability to learn and grow. Victoria shares a personal anecdote about her academic journey and post-college career.

Embracing Authenticity and Building Connections:

• Self-Discovery: Victoria shares her journey of self-discovery, from struggling with societal expectations to embracing her authentic self.
• Meaningful Conversations: Both Victoria and Lorraine highlight the importance of meaningful conversations and building relationships to foster a supportive and inclusive environment.

Storytelling and Empowerment:

• Authentic Storytelling: Victoria discusses her work in visual arts, social media, and branding, empowering non-traditional thought leaders and entrepreneurs to share their stories.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Her advocacy focuses on the importance of leadership and mentorship in various communities.

Personal Growth and Collaboration:

• Future Collaborations: Victoria and Lorraine reflect on their personal growth and discuss potential future collaborations, particularly in youth work.

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Resources and Links:

• Victoria Carrington Chavez’s TED Talk: TED Talk
• Follow Victoria on Social Media: Instagram Tiktok. LinkedIn
• Learn More about Peers Not Fears: [Website Link]
• Upcoming Webinars and Events: LINK

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Join the Conversation: We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Connect with us on social media using #TeensToTitans and share your insights and experiences. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

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Contact Information:

• Host: Lorraine Connell - lorraine.connell@peers-not-ferars.com
• Guest: Victoria Carrington Chavez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-carrington-ch%C3%A1vez-b58136211/

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Thank you for tuning in to the Teens to Titans podcast! We hope this episode inspires and empowers you on your journey. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations in this season!

Teen Leadership and Parental Involvement: Insights with Dr. Brittney Ezell

In this first enlightening episode of the Teens to Titans season three podcast, Lorraine Connell, a teen leadership coach, sits down with Dr. Brittney Ezell, CEO of Keller Williams Realty in Northeast Tennessee, to discuss the vital role of parental involvement in fostering teen leadership. Together, they delve into the importance of allowing teens to make mistakes, the significance of failure in building courage and confidence, and the crucial role of mentorship.

Episode Highlights:

1. Introduction to Dr. Brittney Ezell:

   • Britteny shares her background, including her family and professional roles, emphasizing her position as the CEO team leader of Keller Williams Realty.

2. Brittany's Leadership Journey and Approach:

   • Brittney attributes her leadership journey to her parents' influence and early experiences in athletics.
   • The importance of hard work, resilience, and embracing failure as a part of success.
   • Focusing on the process rather than the outcome and cultivating a growth mindset.
   • The role of challenging her team to compete at a higher level, fostering a positive team culture and sense of community.

3. Fostering Belonging and Self-Confidence for Success:

   • The importance of a sense of belonging and self-confidence in personal success.
   • Brittney's belief that belonging is a choice and individuals have the power to cultivate it.
   • The role of a coach as a guide, allowing individuals to take the lead.
   • Insights from Brittney's speaking engagement at the Maine Women's Conference.

4. Focusing on Personal Performance and Teamwork:

   • The importance of focusing on personal performance and preparation in competition rather than solely on winning or losing.
   • The idea that there is enough success to go around and one's self-worth shouldn't be tied to the outcome of a competition.
   • The role of a coach in assessing the progress and efforts of a team.
   • Using the metaphor of hiking to illustrate the benefits of shared experiences in leadership.

5. Brittney's Strength and Resilience:

   • The origins of Brittney's mental and physical strength, particularly her intestinal fortitude.
   • A story from her sixth-grade basketball game, where she was challenged by her coach's criticism, instilling a determination to improve.
   • The importance of practice and repetition in developing skills and abilities.
   • The significance of feedback and the ability to choose one's response to it.

6. Advice for Parents and Young Adults:

   • Britteny shares advice emphasizing the importance of self-compassion, grace, and a growth mindset.
   • The role of parents in creating a supportive environment for their children's development without being overbearing.

Tune in to this episode for valuable insights on teen leadership, the impact of parental involvement, and the power of resilience and self-confidence.

Listen Now: [Link to Podcast Episode]

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @Peersnotfears
• Facebook: Leadership For Our Kids

Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to provide valuable content.

An incredible leader shares how we have been wearing masks, LONG before Covid.

Avery is an incredible person in so many ways.  He is a two time leukemia survivor a film director, musician, and poet currently based in Chicago with the mission of showing others that they’re not alone in their struggles and that the world is brighter with them in it.  I knew of Avery and his story from when it was happening, but I was fortunate to meet him during his high school tenure.  I am lucky to have met such an incredible person with such a positive mission, he inspired me, and I hope inspires you.

You can find him and his work on Instagram @averyforrestall

Are names important? A former student shares their experience and knowledge with me about gender.

How important is your name to you? How does it feel when somebody mispronounces your name or calls you by a name, even a nickname that you didn't offer? I know for me, I bristle when somebody calls me Lori. I don't know why, but I do. So when a student tells me to call them by a different name than is on my roster, why would that be a problem for me?

Why can't I just call this student the name that they asked to be called? If the student wants to be identified by a name that is not the name that I think they should be identified by, that is not their problem - that is my problem.

Learning from Cristina was incredible. Having them clarify the reason why they identify as they/them, and how they got to that point for themselves was so fascinating. I love this conversation and I hope you do too. I know you're gonna learn a lot.

I'm excited for how you take this lesson from Cristina and put it into practice in your classroom or your home.

 

Follow Cristina on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-marcello/

Student Althlete talks about developing self confidence, leaving a legacy, taking risks and much more

In this podcast Joe gives ideas to teachers, school administrators and students. Joe spent his high school years learning what type of leader he was. He was a student leader, and mentor in a program that allowed him to earn elective credits while developing his own leadership as well as underclass students. 

 

Joe was a varsity athlete and shares some of his views on what it meant to be a student athlete who wanted to get into a good college. He gives advice on how intermural sports at the high school level might have allowed more students to be able to participate and feel good about joining sports without the pressures of being the best.

 

Joe has published the article on professional athletes and their legacy:   Moving the Ball Forward: Professional Athletes and Social Change — Weave News

Find Joe on Instagram @jsimeone11 and Twitter @JoeSimeone3

Season 3 Teaser: From Feeling Lost to Leading with Purpose

Welcome to the teaser for Season 3 of Education Unimagined! This season, we delve into the formative experiences of current adult leaders, uncovering the pivotal moments from their youth that shaped them into the leaders they are today. In this special teaser episode, we introduce our host, Lorraine Connell, the founder of Peers Not Fears, and learn about her inspiring journey.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet the Host: Get to know Lorraine Connell, the passionate host and founder of Peers Not Fears. Lorraine’s mission is to redefine leadership and empower teens to realize their potential.

• Lorraine's Teen Years: Lorraine opens up about her challenging teenage years. She reflects on feeling like she didn't belong, struggling to understand true friendship, and the impact of being cut from a sport she thought she excelled at.

• Transformative Influence: Hear about the two high school teachers who made a profound impact on Lorraine's life. They taught her that she was capable of overcoming difficult challenges, a lesson that stayed with her and shaped her future.

• From Teacher to Leader: Lorraine shares her journey from becoming a chemistry teacher, where she inspired teens to tackle hard things, to eventually founding Peers Not Fears. Her goal is to help teens everywhere understand that leadership isn’t about titles, but about the courage to face challenges head-on.

• Season 3 Preview: Get a sneak peek into the upcoming season, where Lorraine interviews current adult leaders about their youth experiences and the lessons they learned that contributed to their leadership development.

Quotes:

• "I didn’t feel like I belonged, and I didn’t really know what true friendship was."
• "Two teachers in high school taught me I was capable of doing hard things."
• "Leadership is not the title we think it is; it's about being willing to do hard things."

Call to Action:

• Subscribe Now: Don't miss an episode of Education Unimagined Season 3. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.
• Follow Us: Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content by following us on social media.
• Download the Guide: 10 Ways to Ignite Leadership in Your Teen!

Social Media Links:

• Instagram: @PeersNotFears
• Facebook: Peers Not Fears
• Website: www.peersnotfears.com

Tune In: Listen to the full teaser episode to learn more about Lorraine Connell’s journey and get excited for the incredible stories coming your way in Season 3 of Education Unimagined.

Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe and leave a review to help others discover the podcast and join our community of lifelong learners and leaders.

 

Navigating Teen Relationships: Parents

Teen Relationship Email Series Click Here

Teen Leadership Cohort Click Here

The podcast link to This is So Awkward 

Welcome to "Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans," the podcast dedicated to empowering our youth to become the leaders of tomorrow. Let's focus on one of the most challenging aspects of parenting—our relationships with our teens. This episode marks the beginning of our series on navigating the dynamic and often tricky relationships between parents and their teenage children. Stick around until the end to find out how you can join our email series and gain access to a wealth of resources to support you in this journey.

Oh boy, this is a challenge every parent faces. While I'm not a parent coach, I know a few amazing ones who have taught me a lot. Feel free to reach out if you want a connection to one of my incredible colleagues for parent coaching. In this episode, I’ll share information about my resources, lessons I've learned as a parent of teens, and insights from coaching teens. I've also listened to countless hours of podcasts from experts in the field, and I'm excited to share what I've learned.

Our relationship with our teens is changing because so much of their lives are changing. Ironically, when they need us the most, they often pull away. It's crucial for them to know we are still there when they muster the courage to come to us. One of the hardest things is dealing with the hurt when they don’t reach out to us for help. I’ve found myself reacting in ways that reflect my own hurt, which is never the right answer. Remember, we all make mistakes, especially when we’re hurting.

Having spoken to hundreds of teens, I know they want to trust us and need to know we will be there when they make mistakes. As parents, it’s tempting to say, "I told you so," but hold back! Instead, listen to them, ask what they learned, and help them evaluate the situation and identify what they could have done differently. This approach helps them problem-solve and learn from their mistakes, preparing them for life outside the home.

So, what are some key strategies for building a strong relationship with your teen? Here are a few I’ve found particularly effective:

Admit Your Own Mistakes:

• Demonstrate to your children that mistakes happen and no one is immune.

• Show them how to handle themselves when they make a mistake by owning up to your actions.

• If you hide or deny your mistakes, your teen will likely do the same, leading to worse outcomes when they get caught.

Learn to Listen:

• Often, we wait to respond rather than truly listening to our teens. This approach doesn’t work.

• Practice active listening. When I started practicing it, the results were incredible.

Setting Boundaries and Being a Sounding Board:

• Set rules that provide a safe environment without being overly restrictive. Your role is to be a non-judgmental sounding board.

• When setting rules, ensure they are balanced so your teen doesn’t feel the need to rebel excessively. Remember, we are their lifeline.

The two best things you can do to show your teens that your relationship is solid are to admit your mistakes and listen actively. These behaviors demonstrate how to handle mistakes and create a supportive environment.

Want to learn more? Access the full resource on navigating difficult conversations and conflicts with your teen by signing up with your email! The link to join our email series with all the resources can be found in the show notes.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans." If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with other parents who might benefit from this conversation. Together, we can support our teens in building healthy, positive relationships and becoming the leaders of tomorrow.