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Welcome to Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans, the podcast where we dive into the experiences of current Titan leaders to uncover how their teenage years shaped their paths to success and how a coach might have helped them along the way. Hosted by Lorraine Connell, Teen Leadership Coach and founder of Peers Not Fears, this show offers parents, teens, and aspiring leaders invaluable insights and practical advice. In each episode, we candidly talk with leaders who reflect on their challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments from their youth. We explore how mentorship and coaching helped or could have impacted their journey, and we invite them to become mentors for our program teens, sharing their wisdom and experiences. Whether you’re a parent seeking to empower your child, a teen navigating the complexities of adolescence, or an aspiring leader looking for guidance, Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans provides the tools and inspiration needed to cultivate leadership skills, foster resilience, and embrace potential. Join our community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey towards unlocking your teen’s leadership potential!
Episodes

Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Embracing Leadership, Authenticity, and Self-Discovery with Justine Beauregard
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this empowering episode of Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with award-winning sales strategist and coach, Justine Beauregard, to explore leadership, self-trust, and personal growth. From early entrepreneurial ventures to overcoming societal pressures, Justine shares valuable insights on developing confidence, building meaningful connections, and embracing authenticity.
Key Topics Discussed:
🏆 Leadership Journeys & Award Recognition – Lorraine shares her nomination for multiple awards in the WBL National Group, while Justine reflects on her leadership path, starting from childhood business ventures.
📢 Navigating Facebook Groups & Social Media Promotion – Justine offers strategic advice on engaging in online communities without being flagged for self-promotion.
🎙 Justine’s Sales & Leadership Evolution – A look into Justine’s journey from lemonade stands to becoming a sought-after sales coach and podcast host of People Over Profit.
💡 Self-Discovery & Personal Growth – Why understanding yourself is essential before leading others, and how teens can develop self-awareness amidst societal pressures.
👥 Creating Supportive Friendships & Finding True Belonging – The difference between "fitting in" and "belonging," and how to build friendships that foster growth and authenticity.
🌱 Embracing Fear & Leading with Confidence – How fear can be a catalyst for self-compassion and bold decision-making.
🎧 Podcasts & Continuous Learning – Why listening to business and leadership podcasts, even outside your field, can enhance personal development.
Why You Should Listen:
If you're a teen, parent, or educator looking to understand leadership beyond traditional roles, this episode is packed with strategies for self-growth, confidence-building, and fostering genuine connections.
Connect with Justine Beauregard:
🌐 Website
📌 LinkedIn
🎙️ Listen to People Over Profit
Connect with Lorraine & Peers Not Fears:
📌 Website
📩 Instagram
🎙️ Subscribe to Teens to Titans for more inspiring leadership stories!
#TeenLeadership #SelfDiscovery #Authenticity #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #LeadershipDevelopment

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Teen Leadership Programs: What Are Some Leadership Activities for Students?
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Bonus Episode: Leadership Activities for Students
In this special bonus episode of Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell explores practical leadership activities that help students build confidence, teamwork, and self-awareness. Drawing from her blog post, What Are Some Leadership Activities for Students?, Lorraine discusses how these exercises create opportunities for young people to step into leadership roles, develop problem-solving skills, and strengthen their ability to communicate effectively.
Whether in the classroom, extracurricular clubs, or everyday interactions, leadership is a skill that can be nurtured through intentional practice. Tune in for insights on how students can grow into empowered leaders, no matter where they start.
For more leadership resources and guidance, visit Peers Not Fears.

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Navigating Neurodiversity, Leadership, and Identity with Meg O’Neil
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with Meg O’Neil, co-founder of Intuitive Marketing Collective, mother of three, and advocate for neurodiverse children. Together, they dive into the challenges and strengths of neurodiverse teens, the impact of leadership roles on personal identity, and the importance of fostering safe spaces for self-discovery.
Key Topics Discussed:
💡 Understanding Neurodiverse Teens & Leadership – Meg shares her experience parenting neurodiverse children and supporting students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
💡 The Journey of Leadership & Burnout – Meg reflects on her early leadership experiences, people-pleasing tendencies, and eventual burnout, shedding light on the importance of setting boundaries.
💡 Identity, Masking, & Self-Discovery – A candid conversation on navigating societal expectations, masking neurodivergence, and embracing authenticity.
💡 The Role of Education & Advocacy – A discussion on the inadequacies of the current education system and how parents and educators can advocate for neurodiverse students.
💡 Creating Safe Spaces for Growth – How families and schools can foster environments where children feel accepted, heard, and empowered.
Why You Should Listen:
If you're a parent, educator, or teen navigating neurodiversity, this episode offers valuable insights on embracing individuality, advocating for change, and redefining leadership beyond traditional expectations.
Connect with Meg O’Neil:
🌐 Intuitive Marketing Collective
📢 Follow Meg on IG
Connect with Lorraine & Peers Not Fears:
📌 Website
📩 Instagram
🎙️ Subscribe to Teens to Titans for more leadership insights!
#Neurodiversity #TeenLeadership #EducationAdvocacy #Authenticity #LeadershipDevelopment #TeensToTitans

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
In this bonus episode of "Teens to Titans," Lorraine Connell delves into the intricacies of friendship-building among adolescents. Drawing from her blog post, "Is Making Friends a Skill? Exploring the Role of Leadership Coaching in Social Connections," she examines whether making friends is an innate ability or a skill that can be developed. Lorraine discusses how leadership coaching can enhance social connections, offering insights into the importance of intentional practice in forming meaningful relationships. She also highlights strategies to help teens navigate the complexities of social interactions, emphasizing the role of self-awareness and empathy in building lasting friendships. This episode provides valuable perspectives for parents, educators, and teens aiming to foster stronger social bonds.

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Exploring Leadership, Mentorship, and Impact with Dr. Anika Davis
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Lorraine hosts Dr. Anika Davis, a passionate educator and leader, for a deep dive into the nuances of leadership, mentorship, and personal growth. They discuss the evolving challenges faced by young people today, drawing on their own experiences as parents and professionals in education. From fostering leadership in younger students to the vital impact of positive teacher feedback, Lorraine and Dr. Davis cover essential strategies to empower and guide the next generation.
Topics Covered:
- Personal Milestones and Future Plans: Lorraine and Dr. Davis discuss their children's achievements, exploring their educational journeys and future aspirations.
- Virtual Coaching for Younger Students: Lorraine shares her plans to coach 8th-10th graders virtually, while Dr. Davis suggests extending support to gifted younger students. They discuss resources like the "Leader in Me" program to inspire early leadership.
- Anika’s Teenage Journey: Dr. Davis reflects on her upbringing in New York City, sharing how her family’s support and entry into Brooklyn Tech shaped her leadership journey.
- Redefining Leadership and Success: Dr. Davis and Lorraine discuss how their definitions of leadership and success have grown, including the value of relationships, self-advocacy, and learning from setbacks.
- Impact and Mentorship: They emphasize the ripple effect of small positive actions, discussing how being empathetic and supportive can profoundly impact both students and new employees.
- Teacher Influence and Professional Development: Lorraine and Dr. Davis reflect on teachers' impact, agreeing to explore research on the psychological effects of feedback in the classroom.
Key Takeaways:
- Empowerment Through Small Actions: Small efforts can lead to significant changes, creating positive ripples within a community.
- The Value of Mentorship: Strong mentorship can bridge the gap for new leaders, fostering mutual respect and open communication.
- Leadership as Influence: Leadership is more than titles; it’s about self-acceptance, empathy, and positively influencing others.
Tune in for practical insights on cultivating leadership in yourself and others! 🎧

Thursday Feb 06, 2025
From Self-Doubt to Nutrition Advocate: Whitney Cardosi’s Journey to Wellness
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
🎧 Show Notes:
In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Whitney Cardosi to discuss her transformative journey from struggling with self-worth to becoming a passionate advocate for nutrition and mental health.
🌱 Inside This Episode:
🔹 Whitney’s personal struggles with self-esteem, addiction, and family challenges as a teen
🔹 How the pandemic led to her epiphany about the connection between nutrition, emotions, and mental health
🔹 The impact of food choices on family well-being and how parents can model healthy habits
🔹 Equipping kids with social and emotional skills through nutrition and conversation tools
🔹 The role of authenticity, self-acceptance, and resilience in personal growth
Whitney also shares insights from her work, including her kids' cooking classes, her Mom & Tween conversation cards, and the upcoming Bloom Retreat for girls and their mothers.
🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how making small, intentional choices can transform our well-being and leadership.
Follow Whitney on Instagram at @whitney_cardosi and @bloomnorthshore
#LeadersOfToday #Podcast #TeenLeadership #NutritionAndMentalHealth #SelfWorth #ParentingTips #HealthyEating #GrowthMindset

Thursday Jan 30, 2025
From Perfectionism to Purpose: Kamini Wood’s Journey in Leadership Development
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
In this episode, Lorraine Connell, founder of Peers Not Fears, sits down with life coach Kamini to explore how her teenage struggles shaped her work in leadership development and coaching. As a high performer and introvert, Kamini faced immense pressure to succeed, which led to social anxiety, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. These experiences have profoundly influenced her journey of self-discovery and now fuel her mission to help high achievers overcome self-sabotage, embrace their core values, and cultivate self-compassion.
Together, Lorraine and Kamini discuss:
- Kamini’s teenage years and the pressures of high achievement.
- The role of self-discovery and redefining success based on personal well-being.
- Strategies for helping teens and emerging adults understand their values.
- How people-pleasing and perfectionism impact mental health and relationships.
- Supporting high-achieving students experiencing burnout and stress.
- Parenting styles, self-reflection, and creating authentic connections with teens.
This inspiring conversation sheds light on the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and leadership beyond external achievements, making it a must-listen for teens, parents, and educators.
Key Takeaways:
- Leadership Beyond Titles: True leadership stems from values and self-awareness, not external achievements.
- Self-Compassion Matters: Overcoming perfectionism begins with accepting imperfections and practicing curiosity.
- Burnout in High Achievers: Addressing stress and pressure early can prevent long-term challenges in teens.
- Empowering Teens: Creating space for authentic conversations and diverse perspectives fosters growth and resilience.
Connect with Kamini:
- Website: https://www.kaminiwood.com/
- Social Media:
Learn More About Peers Not Fears:
Explore leadership development resources, programs, and more at Peers Not Fears.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from Kamini’s insights!
#LeadershipDevelopment #SelfCompassion #TeensAndParents #OvercomingBurnout #AuthenticLeadership

Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
In this episode of Student Voice Future Leaders, Lorraine Connell sits down with certified parenting coach Jamie Buzzelle, the founder of The Repairent Coach, to dive deep into the challenges and rewards of parenting adolescents. Jamie shares his personal journey from feeling isolated and misunderstood as a teen to becoming a coach focused on fostering connection, co-regulation, and relationship-building with humor and heart. Lorraine and Jamie explore the balance between control and connection and how parents can best support their children through the complexities of adolescence.
Key Takeaways:
- Parenting Adolescents: The delicate balance of allowing teens to make mistakes while maintaining strong relationships.
- Emotional Regulation: Why parents need to model emotional awareness and co-regulation for their children.
- Safe Spaces for Communication: How creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment can encourage teens to communicate openly and take calculated risks.
- Positive Reinforcement: The importance of validating teens' feelings and behavior without tying their identity to their actions.
- Collaborative Parenting: Lorraine and Jamie share strategies for effective communication and accountability in both parenting and coaching teens.
Listen to this insightful conversation on creating a supportive, trusting, and growth-oriented relationship with your teen.
#Podcast #ParentingTeens #Resilience #EmotionalRegulation #Connection #TeenLeadership #FamilySupport #PositiveParenting #FutureLeaders #StudentVoice

Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Are you a Leader or a Follower? Redefining Leadership with Keyana Cellucci
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
In this inspiring episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Keyana Cellucci, entrepreneur and podcast host of Trust Me, to explore the transformative power of self-discovery, asking for help, and redefining leadership. Keyana shares her personal journey from a middle child who often overlooked her own needs to a leader who empowers others to embrace self-discipline, inner strength, and the courage to seek help.
Together, Lorraine and Keyana discuss the significance of reshaping leadership perceptions in schools, the power of delegation, and the importance of facing challenges head-on.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
1. Keyana’s Journey of Self-Discovery:
- How her teenage years were shaped by the question, “Who do I want to become?”
- The impact of being a middle child and the lessons she wished she had learned about asking for help earlier in life.
2. Shifting Leadership Perceptions in Schools:
- The need to redefine leadership beyond academic and athletic achievements to include delegation, humility, and teamwork.
- Why parents and educators should model vulnerability and normalize seeking help.
3. The Role of Delegation in Leadership:
- Keyana’s experience moving from Pennsylvania to Maine and how it taught her to trust others with responsibilities.
- How delegation helped her business flourish and broadened her leadership perspective.
4. Embracing an Unconventional Leadership Path:
- Keyana’s decision to follow her instincts rather than conventional routes, and how this led to her becoming a leader by example.
- Lorraine’s affirmation that leadership is about making intentional, goal-aligned choices.
5. Self-Discipline as a Key to Success:
- Why showing up for yourself, even on hard days, is essential for growth and leadership.
- The difference between self-discipline and fluctuating motivation.
6. Inner Strength and Growth:
- Keyana’s advice to teenagers: Everything you need is already within you—embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth.
- The powerful analogy of a buffalo running toward challenges to illustrate resilience.
7. Turning Hardships into Superpowers:
- How overcoming struggles can become a defining strength.
- Keyana’s personal story of resilience and how it fuels her passion to help others.
Key Takeaways:
- Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Leadership is more than a title—it’s about behavior, trust, and collaboration.
- Self-discipline is the foundation for achieving success and navigating challenges.
- Facing challenges directly can lead to quicker resolutions and greater personal growth.
Resources Mentioned:
- Keyana’s Podcast: Trust Me
- Connect with Keyana on Social Media:
- Instagram: @KeyanaCellucci
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustme_the_podcast
- LinkedIn: Keyana Cellucci
Connect with Us:
- Peers Not Fears: www.peersnotfears.com
- Instagram: @PeersNotFears
- LinkedIn: Lorraine Connell
Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories of leadership, growth, and resilience!
Thank you for listening!

Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Resilience, Reflection, and Leadership: Insights from Educator Craig Gemmell
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
In this insightful episode of Student Voice Future Leaders, Lorraine Connell speaks with Craig Gemmell, a seasoned educator and leader, about his journey through education, personal growth, and leadership. Craig shares his transformative experiences, from navigating high school challenges to founding a school in Madrid, all while learning the importance of resilience and reflection. He discusses:
- The Role of Resilience in Growth: Craig reflects on the importance of embracing discomfort and mistakes to foster personal and professional development.
- The Impact of Mentorship: Craig’s high school coach played a pivotal role in helping him recognize his potential, and he now pays it forward by guiding others.
- Overcoming Perfectionism: Craig and Lorraine discuss how striving for perfection can hinder growth and the importance of learning from failure.
- Building a Supportive Community: The conversation explores the value of honesty and openness in leadership, and how creating a culture of mutual support fosters stronger communities.
- Masculinity and Asking for Help: Craig addresses societal pressures on masculinity and the difficulty teens, especially boys, face in seeking help.
- Starting a School from Scratch: Craig shares the challenges and successes of building a thriving school in Madrid and the importance of culture in student and staff retention.
Tune in to hear Craig’s inspiring journey and his thoughts on building resilience, learning from mistakes, and leading with empathy.
🎧 Listen now and explore Craig’s remarkable story of leadership and growth!
#Resilience #Leadership #Mentorship #Education #StudentVoice #FutureLeaders #GrowthMindset #Reflection #Community #MadridSchool #StudentSuccess