Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

Trusting Your Intuition: Lessons from Chelsea Fournier

In this inspiring episode of Leaders of Today, Lorraine Connell sits down with Chelsea Fournier, business strategist, intuitive mentor, and advocate for self-trust, to explore the pivotal moments and inner work that have shaped her journey.

Chelsea reflects on her evolution from a creative and driven teenager to a business leader deeply rooted in self-awareness and intuition. She opens up about her experiences navigating college life as an autistic individual, shedding light on the importance of self-advocacy and honoring personal boundaries.

The conversation delves into the challenges of teenage leadership, the role of human design in decision-making, and the power of micro-decisions to shape a life path. Chelsea emphasizes that tuning into your body’s wisdom and learning to trust yourself are essential, especially in a world full of noise and external pressure.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Teenage leadership and identity development

• Navigating college with autism and self-advocacy

• The value of intuition in personal and professional choices

• Human design and decision-making styles

• The power of micro-decisions over time

• Emotional awareness and body intelligence

• Creating safe, reflective spaces for teens

• Supporting youth in learning to trust themselves

Takeaways:

• Leadership in adolescence can swing between overachievement and insecurity.

• Self-trust grows through reflective practices like journaling and body awareness.

• Autistic individuals may need unique tools and support to navigate major life transitions.

• Setting boundaries and practicing self-advocacy are key to emotional well-being.

• Intuition can be a powerful compass when logic alone feels overwhelming.

• Parents and mentors can guide youth by modeling thoughtful decision-making.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!

Connect with Chelsea Fournier:
📩 chelsea@intuitivebusinessbydesign.com
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitivebusinessmentor/@chelseafournier_

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.

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

 

From Struggles to Success: Tanya Hart's Inspiring Journey

Tanya Hart, beauty industry, leadership, resilience, bullying, salon culture, empowerment, four agreements, mentorship, teen advice

 

In this episode of Leaders of Today, Lorraine Connell interviews Tanya Hart, a successful entrepreneur in the beauty industry. Tanya shares her inspiring journey from a troubled adolescence marked by bullying and substance abuse to becoming a trailblazer in her field. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and creating a culture of belonging in her salon. Tanya also discusses the impact of bullying, the significance of the Four Agreements in her leadership style, and offers valuable advice for teens navigating their own challenges.

takeaways

• Tanya Hart's journey is a testament to resilience and empowerment.
• Adversity can fuel a leadership style rooted in empathy.
• Self-reflection and accountability are key to personal growth.
• Creating opportunities for others is a core value in Tanya's leadership.
• The Four Agreements provide a framework for effective communication and leadership.
• Comparison can hinder personal growth and joy.
• Building a supportive community is essential in competitive industries.
• Tanya's salon culture emphasizes collaboration over competition.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in developing future leaders.
• Teen struggles are often temporary and can lead to greater opportunities.

Embracing Authenticity: Victoria Carrington Chavez'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!

Building Resilience & Tenderness: Jenny O’Dell’s Journey from Survival to Self-Discovery

In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Lorraine Connell speaks with Jenny O’Dell—life coach, Bowen work practitioner, and mother—about her path from a challenging childhood to a life centered on healing, connection, and intentional parenting. Jenny shares how moving frequently as a child and struggling with belonging shaped her values and her deep commitment to building community.

The episode explores how Jenny’s experiences as a teenager influenced her approach to parenting and how her own journey of healing involved therapy, nervous system regulation through Bowen work, and deep self-discovery through the Enneagram and values-based coaching. She and Lorraine discuss the challenges of adolescence, the expectations placed on teens, and how healing generational wounds can transform the way we support the next generation.

🎧 This episode is also available in video format on YouTube.

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💡 Key Takeaways:

• Jenny’s childhood of instability led to deep independence and a desire for belonging.

• Parenting is a cycle-breaking opportunity that requires self-work first.

• Bowen work therapy helps regulate the nervous system and provides a sense of safety.

• Teen friendships are foundational, and future planning often strains these relationships.

• Internal family systems and Enneagram-based coaching helped Jenny understand her inner world.

• Vulnerability, self-awareness, and asking for support are vital to adult growth.

• Transitioning from high school to adulthood is emotional and full of identity shifts.

• Coaching and therapy both have value—sometimes we need both at different times.

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📬 Connect with Jenny:

• Email: hello@jennyodell.me

• Instagram: @jenny.odell.coach

• LinkedIn: Jenny O'Dell

Jenny is currently exploring the idea of launching her own podcast to share the power of Bowen work with a wider audience—stay tuned!

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🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube!
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone navigating parenting, healing, or personal growth.

#LeadersOfToday #JennyOdell #BowenTherapy #TeenLeadership #HealingJourney #ParentingWithPurpose #EmotionalWellbeing #CoachingAndTherapy #SelfDiscovery #BreakTheCycle #ResilientTeens #PeersNotFears

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. Brittney'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 that individuals have the power to cultivate it.
   • The role of a coach is 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:

   • Brittney 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.

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.

Resilience Through Adversity: Julie Costa's Story

In this conversation, Lorraine Connell interviews Julie Costa, who shares her transformative journey from experiencing profound loss at a young age to becoming a certified hypnotherapist. Julie discusses the impact of losing her mother in a car accident, the challenges she faced during her teenage years, and how these experiences shaped her identity. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and how her journey with hypnotherapy helped her process grief and transform her life. Julie also reflects on her decision to remain child-free and the insights she gained through her personal development journey. In this conversation, Julie Costa shares her transformative journey through hypnotherapy, exploring how it helped her process emotions and grief. She discusses the importance of finding the right therapeutic approach for oneself and the evolution of her identity from a business coach to a hypnotherapist. Julie emphasizes the power of choice in healing and the significance of embracing feelings, especially for teenagers navigating their emotions in a social media-driven world. The discussion highlights the value of personal growth, self-discovery, and the impact of supportive communities.

 

takeaways

• Rejection can lead to unexpected blessings.
• Grief can be suppressed but needs to be processed.
• Nurturing relationships are crucial for emotional health.
• Teenage years can amplify feelings of isolation.
• Hypnotherapy can provide a unique path to healing.
• Personal development is a continuous journey.
• Childhood experiences shape adult decisions.
• Leadership roles can emerge from personal challenges.
• Self-discovery often requires confronting past traumas.
• Transformation is possible through the right modalities. Hypnotherapy can effectively neutralize emotional charges.
• There are various modalities for processing emotions; find what works for you.
• Combining therapy with writing can enhance emotional expression.
• Identity shifts can be challenging but are part of personal evolution.
• Experiences of loss can lead to significant personal growth.
• Having tools for healing can change how we respond to setbacks.
• Social media often presents a distorted perception of reality.
• It's essential to allow oneself to feel emotions fully.
• Forgiveness is a gift we give to ourselves, not others.
• Teenagers should know that everything will be okay, even in tough times.

Follow Julie on Instagram @julie.m.costa

Try Activate  HERE for that link!

When Bad Behavior is a Leadership Test for Teens and Adults

What happens when we call teens “leaders”—especially those previously labeled as “troublemakers”? In this thought-provoking video, Lorraine Connell, founder of Peers Not Fears, explores how traditional leadership programs can unintentionally alienate the very teens they aim to empower.​

These teens have learned to expect rejection. When invited into leadership roles, their instinct may be to test boundaries—not out of defiance, but as a means to see if this new label truly fits. Lorraine challenges us to reconsider our reactions and to create spaces where pushing boundaries is met with understanding, not resistance.​

Key Takeaways:

• Redefining leadership as a responsibility, not a reward

• Understanding resistance as a form of trust-testing

• Creating environments that support growth through discomfort

• Emphasizing the role of adults in modeling flexibility and reflection​

Leadership development is a two-way street. By shifting our perspectives and responses, we can foster genuine growth and transformation in our teens—and in ourselves.​

Connect with Peers Not Fears:

• Website: www.peers-not-fears.com

• Instagram: @peersnotfears

• Facebook: Peers Not Fears​

Join the conversation and discover how to support the next generation of leaders with empathy and resilience.

Rewiring Anxiety: A Neuro Educator’s Guide to Confidence, Coping, and Change with Noel Foy

Episode Summary:
In this powerful and practical conversation, Lorraine Connell sits down with Noel Foy, a neuroeducator, executive function and anxiety coach, and author of A.B.C. Worry Free, to unpack the complicated relationship between anxiety, mindset, and learning. Noel opens up about her own journey with perfectionism and social anxiety and how those formative experiences shaped her work today with anxious students and overwhelmed parents.

Together, Lorraine and Noel explore how language shapes our mental health, why teens and adults alike often fear failure, and how reframing our thinking can empower better decision-making. They highlight actionable strategies to manage stress, build executive function skills, and use neuroplasticity to shift from a defensive to an empowered mindset.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, this episode is filled with insight and tools to navigate anxiety with compassion and clarity.

🎧 In this episode, we explore:

• Noel’s personal journey with anxiety, avoidance, and perfectionism

• How negative language impacts decision-making and self-perception

• The role of mindset and Carol Dweck’s research in education and coaching

• Tools like “cheat sheets,” mindfulness, and breathwork for anxious moments

• How neuroplasticity allows us to rewire habits and build coping skills

• Real-world applications of executive function strategies for families, educators, and kids

📘 Learn more about Noel’s work and her book A.B.C. Worry Free

🔗 Connect with Noel:
Website: Neuro Noel
Instagram: @neuronoel
LinkedIn: Noel Foy

🌟 Connect with Lorraine & Peers Not Fears:
Website: https://peersnotfears.com
Instagram: @peersnotfears
LinkedIn: Lorraine Connell
Book: A Teacher’s Story – Get your copy

🧠 Key Quote from Noel:
“Anxiety isn’t the enemy—it’s a signal. When we understand it, we can work with it instead of against it.”

What is the job of a Leadership Coach?

In today's fast-paced world, leadership isn't just for adults—it's a skill that begins in adolescence. Join Lorraine Connell, founder of Peers Not Fears, as she delves into the transformative power of teen leadership coaching. Discover how tailored coaching helps teens build confidence, enhance communication, and develop the resilience needed to lead in schools, communities, and future careers.​

What You'll Learn in This Video:

• The importance of identifying unique leadership strengths in teens

• Strategies to build practical confidence through real-life scenarios

• The value of collaborative leadership and teamwork

• How real-world opportunities solidify leadership skills

• The long-term benefits of leadership coaching for adolescent development​

Leadership coaching empowers teens to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and inspire others. By investing in their development now, we set the foundation for a generation of empathetic and effective leaders.​

Connect with Peers Not Fears:

• Website: www.peers-not-fears.com

• Instagram: @peersnotfears

• Facebook: Peers Not Fears​

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on empowering the next generation of leaders.