Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

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.

Navigating Teen Relationahips: Dating

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 dive into the complexities of teen dating. This episode is the first in our new series on understanding and supporting our teens as they navigate romantic relationships. Stick around until the end to find out how you can join our email series and gain access to all the resources we’ll discuss today.

Teen dating today is vastly different from when we were teenagers, even down to the terminology. Remember the bases? That concept is completely outdated now. If that realization alone surprises you, it's a wake-up call to the need for defining experiences and expectations for our teens. I’ve created resources to help teens define roles and experiences in their romantic connections. While we may not fully catch up, it's critical to help them understand what terms mean individually and within their relationships. Misunderstandings can lead to uncomfortable experiences, such as differing interpretations of "hook-up."

As a teacher and a parent, I realized I wasn't great at asking for consent. How could I expect my children or students to understand and practice consent in critical situations if they weren't exposed to it from me? I've since changed my behavior and shared how parents can better ask for and respect consent, giving children the opportunity to express it. This is one of the key areas we cover in our resources.

So, what are some of the key points covered in our resource on understanding teen dating? Let’s break it down:

Understanding Terms and Definitions:

• Activity: Teens are asked to define several relationship terms.

• Example: They then compare their definitions with their friends or romantic partners to identify any misalignments. For instance, one teen might think "dating" means exclusivity, while another might see it as casual.

Self-Reflection on Relationships:

• Activity: Teens consider statements like, "I have no regrets about my relationships or my behavior in a relationship."

• Example: Encouraging self-awareness and thoughtful reflection on past and current relationships helps teens understand their actions and their impact.

Emphasis on Consent:

• Activity: Teaching the importance of understanding and expressing consent.

• Example: Discussing how to ask for and give consent in various situations. One parent shared how their daughter effectively handled a challenging situation because of a conversation we had about integrity. It was comforting to know she had that resource.

Realistic Conversations:

• Activity: Acknowledging that teens may be in sexual relationships rather than just romantic ones with a sexual component.

• Example: Engaging in these conversations proactively, before situations arise, to prepare teens. This includes talking about the emotional and physical aspects of relationships.

Scenario-Based Discussions:

• Activity: Using scenarios to help teens think through potential situations and their responses.

• Example: Building their ability to handle real-life situations based on prior discussions. For example, what to do if a partner pressures them into something they're not comfortable with.

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 navigating their relationships and becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

Navigating Teen Relationships: Friends

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 where we explore how to empower our youth to become the leaders of tomorrow. Let's dive into a topic that every parent of a teenager will find incredibly relevant—teen friendships. This episode kicks off a new series dedicated to understanding and supporting the ever-changing social lives of our teens.

When our kids become teenagers, their friendships change dramatically. Kids who were once close friends may drift apart, while new connections form. The onset of "mean girl" behavior and other social dynamics can be overwhelming for both teens and parents alike. As parents, it can be frustrating to feel off base when we try to share our observations about their friendships. It’s tough to resist the urge to say, “It’s your life, deal with the consequences,” especially when we end up comforting them after a friend betrays their trust. It’s a challenging time for them and for us as parents.

So, what can we do? My best advice is to be a listener and show genuine curiosity about what’s happening in their social lives. One activity I find particularly helpful in my program is creating personal webs with the teens.

Every time we do this activity, teens often come back and say, “Wow, I had no idea I had such a [positive/negative] relationship with this person. When I did my web, it was so clear to me.” Teens generally know who is good for them and who is toxic, but it’s hard to admit mistakes in relationships at this age. Seeing these dynamics laid out on paper can be incredibly eye-opening. It’s either a reality check or a confirmation of how lucky they are.

The activity involves creating a web that links everyone in their lives. I encourage teens to take a day or two to complete this, as they may not remember everyone at once. As they go through their daily routine, they recall people on the periphery of their lives. Once the web is complete, we evaluate each relationship for positive or negative qualities.

We pick two different colors to represent positive and negative qualities. For example, let’s use red and green. We assess each relationship based on several qualities:

• Power:
  • Red for relationships where there’s a power imbalance (either they have power over someone or someone has power over them).
  • Green for equal power dynamics.

There are other qualities we evaluate in the activity, but this is a great starting point for your teen to see what types of relationships they have.

I also encourage you, as a parent, to create your own web and share your findings with your teen. This can open the door to meaningful conversations about relationships. By being a listener, showing curiosity, and using tools like the personal web activity, we can help our teens navigate their friendships more effectively. This approach not only helps them identify positive and toxic relationships but also fosters open communication between you and your teen.

And here's something exciting—this episode is just the beginning of a new series on navigating teen relationships! To stay updated and receive all the resources we’ll be sharing, including detailed guides and activities, make sure to join our email series. You can find the link to join 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.

Navigating Teen Relationships: Peers

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. We’re kicking off a new series focused on helping parents and teens navigate the complex world of teenage relationships. This series will cover relationships with peers, dating partners, parents, and friends. Each episode will provide valuable insights and strategies to support your teen through these formative years. Stay tuned until the end to find out how you can join our email series and gain access to all the resources we discuss today.

The teenage years are crucial for developing relationships that shape one’s identity and future interactions. This series aims to provide parents with insights and strategies to help teens navigate relationships with peers, dating partners, parents, and classmates. It is not an easy task, as relationships become more complex during these years, and our kids often share less information with us. As a teen leadership coach, I understand firsthand how challenging these years can be. I needed these resources for myself as a teen and now as a parent of teenagers.

Peer Relationships

Today, we’re diving into peer relationships. When working with teens in the leadership cohort, one of the most impactful activities is a discussion about integrity. We explore what integrity means and the challenges associated with it. Peer relationships in middle and high school are highly influential. Every teen wants to belong, and sometimes they will go to great lengths to feel accepted. The group they belong to might not be the one they or we, as parents, desire. This dynamic is challenging for both teens and parents.

Every parent and teen faces situations where teens might act out, try new things, or shut down entirely. These behaviors are often responses to the pressure to belong and be accepted. Discussing integrity helps teens reflect on their behavior by sharing experiences they've witnessed. It provides a safe space to evaluate what they would want done for them in similar situations, fostering empathy, awareness, and kindness. This activity is most effective in a group setting, where teens can hear and learn from each other.

We start with a question like: "You walk into the cafeteria and see another student sitting alone. None of your friends think twice about it, but you do. What do you do?" They don’t have to act on what they say they would do, but thinking about it initiates the integrity conversation. This discussion is invaluable, and I love facilitating it. I know they will think about their peers differently the next time they enter the cafeteria. What they do is up to them, but they will have considered their actions, which is more than most students do.

Join our next info session to see if your teen is ready to join the Young Teen Leadership Cohort. By participating, your teen will engage in meaningful discussions and activities that help them navigate their relationships with integrity and empathy.

Want to stay updated and receive all the resources we’ll be discussing in this series? Sign up for our email series by following the link in the show notes. You'll gain access to valuable tools and information to support your teen through their journey.

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 navigating their relationships and becoming the leaders of tomorrow. 

Teens to Titians - Season 3 Trailer: Reflections from Today's Leaders

Welcome to Season 3 of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, the podcast where we delve into the formative experiences of today's leaders, uncovering how their young adult years shaped them into the influential figures they are today. 

Show Notes

Episode Overview

In this exciting trailer for Season 3, we offer a glimpse into the compelling stories and profound insights from our upcoming interviews with current leaders. Each episode will feature personal reflections on the critical moments and experiences from their young adult years that influenced their leadership journeys.

What to Expect This Season

• In-Depth Interviews: Engage with leaders across various fields as they share candid and inspiring stories from their youth, revealing the pivotal experiences that sparked their leadership development.
• Personal Reflections: Discover the challenges they faced, the pivotal decisions they made, and the mentors who guided them along the way.
• Valuable Lessons: Gain actionable advice on nurturing leadership qualities, embracing personal growth, and empowering others through their shared wisdom.

Featured Guests

Our diverse lineup includes leaders from a wide range of industries, including:

• Heads of Schools who transformed educational institutions with visionary leadership.
• Former Division 1 College Basketball Athletes and Coaches who leveraged their athletic discipline and teamwork skills to lead both on and off the court.
• CEOs who turned their early entrepreneurial spirit into successful businesses.
• Motivational Speakers who use their own journeys to inspire and uplift others.
• Entrepreneurs who navigated the early challenges of starting their own businesses.
• Community Leaders who made a significant impact on their local communities through early engagement and dedication.

Themes Explored

• Resilience and Determination: Overcoming early obstacles and maintaining perseverance.
• Mentorship and Support: The influential role of mentors and supporters in their early years.
• Empathy and Understanding: Leading with compassion and emotional intelligence.
• Vision and Innovation: Turning youthful ideas into impactful and lasting change.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to be part of this enlightening journey. Subscribe to Leaders of Today to ensure you don’t miss an episode. Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more.

Call to Action

• Subscribe to Education Unimagined on your favorite podcast platform.
• Follow us at Peersnotfears on all social media for updates and exclusive content.
• Share your thoughts and stories with us using #peersnotfears.

Season 3 of Leaders of Today promises to be our most impactful yet. We’re excited to share these incredible stories with you and inspire the next generation of leaders. Tune in and let’s reimagine education and leadership together.

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Stay tuned for our first episode, dropping soon!

The Journey of PureLight Apparel: From Creative Journals to Fashion Forward

Teen Entrepreneurs: Lucy and Kalena of PureLight Apparel

Description:

In this episode, we sit down with two inspiring 14-year-old entrepreneurs, Lucy and Kalena, the co-founders of PureLight Apparel. Their journey began at age 12 with a creative idea to make journals more attractive, which quickly turned into a profitable venture. With their initial earnings of $300, they took a bold step and invested in their current apparel company, PureLight Apparel.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Lucy and Kalena: Get to know the dynamic duo behind PureLight Apparel. They share their background and how their friendship sparked a successful business idea.

• From Journals to Apparel: Learn how Lucy and Kalena transitioned from creating and selling journals to launching their own apparel line. Hear about the initial challenges and triumphs they faced along the way.

• Skills and Lessons Learned: The girls discuss the invaluable skills they've acquired, including technology, graphic design, buying and selling with vendors, building relationships, investing, borrowing money, and learning from mistakes. They emphasize the importance of taking risks for growth and how supporting each other has been crucial in overcoming obstacles.

• The Launch Process: Discover the detailed process behind launching new products, from developing ideas to determining production quantities. Lucy and Kalena explain the time and effort involved in bringing their creative visions to life.

• Utilizing Resources: The duo shares how they've leveraged various resources to aid their growth and learning, highlighting the importance of being resourceful and seeking help when needed.

• Current Success and Future Plans: Lucy and Kalena talk about the success of PureLight Apparel, including their participation in a local pop-up store for three months and an upcoming pop-up event in early March. They also reflect on their experience being featured on another podcast.

• Mission and Goals: Understand the mission behind PureLight Apparel. Lucy and Kalena aim to create clothing that makes people feel confident and comfortable. They share their vision for the future and what they hope to achieve with their brand.

Quotes:

• "Taking risks is the only way to grow."
• "Making mistakes can be hard, but we support each other when mistakes are made."
• "Our goal is for people to be confident and comfortable in our clothing."

Call to Action:

• Follow PureLight Apparel: Stay updated on Lucy and Kalena's journey and latest releases by following PureLight Apparel on social media.
• Upcoming Pop-Up Event: Don't miss their upcoming pop-up event in early March. Details will be shared on their social media channels.
• Support Young Entrepreneurs: Be inspired by Lucy and Kalena's story and support young entrepreneurs in your community.

Social Media Links:

• Instagram: @PureLightApparel
• Tiktok: PureLight Apparel
• Website: www.purelightapparel.com

Tune In: Listen to the full episode to hear more about Lucy and Kalena's incredible journey and how they continue to inspire others with their entrepreneurial spirit.  

Subscribe: Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories and insightful discussions.

Build Leadership: If you want your teen to explore leadership here is a great place to start with Peers Not Fears 10 Ways to Ignite Leadership Skills.