Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

Embracing Change and Discovering Your True Calling: A Conversation with Reverend Dawn Adams

Show Notes: In this inspiring episode, Lorraine sits down with Reverend Dawn Adams, Senior Minister at 1st Congregational Church, Wolfborough, UCC. Dawn shares her profound journey into ministry and leadership, offering valuable insights into self-perception, personal growth, and the importance of finding one's true calling in life. Together, they explore:

🔹 Dawn's early experiences in ministry and the path that led her to become a spiritual leader.

🔹 The importance of embracing curiosity, trusting your gut, and following what brings you joy.

🔹 Leadership evolution—shifting from a hierarchical approach to one that values collaboration and listening.

🔹 The power of community and how impactful leadership can emerge from the margins.

🔹 Finding and following your "calling" in life—how it can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling career.

🔹 The ongoing challenges faced by women in ministry and the importance of mentorship in fostering growth.

Reverend Dawn’s life story serves as a reminder that self-discovery and personal development are lifelong processes, and it’s okay to pivot and shed old paths when you discover your true passion. Whether you’re exploring your own calling or just curious about leadership in ministry, this episode is full of wisdom and encouragement.

#Leadership #Ministry #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #WomenInLeadership #CallingInLife #Podcast #PeersNotFears

From Rebel to Resilient Leader: Cassie Crosby's Journey to Empowering Change

In this inspiring episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine speaks with Cassie Crosby, CEO of Iterata Solutions and founder of Vertex Leadership Lab. Cassie, a 24-year army veteran, shares her incredible transformation from a rebellious teenager to a powerful leader in both the military and the corporate world. With expertise in leadership development, Cassie now helps ambitious executives build confidence, master organizational dynamics, and cultivate their executive presence.

Join us as Cassie recounts her journey, including overcoming early challenges, navigating male-dominated leadership arenas, and learning that leadership is not a title—it’s a behavior and responsibility.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Cassie’s Teenage Years: From a “rebel without a cause” to a determined leader, Cassie shares the defining moments that led her to join the army and start her path toward leadership.
• The Power of Nurturing Potential in "Disruptive" Kids: Cassie and Lorraine discuss the importance of believing in kids who may be overlooked, a trait often seen in successful individuals.
• Navigating Leadership as a Woman in Combat: Cassie talks about her time in the military and the challenges she faced as a woman in traditionally male roles, from logistics to combat positions.
• The Evolution of Self-Confidence: From shy beginnings to becoming a confident leader, Cassie discusses how therapy, a shift in mindset, and the influence of compassionate leaders helped shape her journey.
• Leadership and Decision-Making: Explore how Cassie’s leadership philosophy evolved from strict military hierarchy to a focus on collaboration, questioning, and understanding the “why” behind decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is a skill that can be cultivated—it's about behavior and willingness to take responsibility.
• Teenagers with rebellious or disruptive behaviors may have untapped potential—it's crucial to have someone believe in them.
• Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s developed through self-reflection and surrounding yourself with strong leaders.
• Good leaders empower others, and leadership decisions should always have clarity and purpose behind them.

Resources Mentioned:

• Cassie Crosby’s Leadership Development Firm: Vertex Leadership Lab
• Iterata Solutions: Iterata Solutions Website

 

Empowering Teenage Girls: Kimberly Gustas on Skincare, Self-Care, and Navigating Puberty

In this episode, Lorraine chats with Kimberly Gustas, the founder of Good For You Girls, a chemical-free skincare line designed specifically for teenage girls. Kimberly shares the personal story that led her to create a brand focused on empowering young girls through safe and effective skincare.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Birth of Good For You Girls: Kimberly's background in nutrition and fitness, combined with her daughter's health challenges, inspired her to create a skincare line free of harmful chemicals, helping teens care for their skin safely.

2. Navigating Puberty: Kimberly opens up about the traumatic loss of her brother during her adolescence, becoming a caregiver, and how these experiences shaped her empathy and leadership journey. Lorraine and Kimberly also explore how puberty can be reframed as a "superpower" and the importance of positive self-talk for teens.

3. Puberty's Impact on Girls' Self-Confidence: Discussing how early puberty can affect girls' mental health and self-confidence, Kimberly shares insights on the role of hormones and the importance of addressing these changes in a growth-focused way.

4. Skincare and Social Media: Kimberly warns about the harmful influence of social media on pre-teen skincare habits, often leading to the use of damaging products. She stresses the role of mothers in modeling healthy self-care routines.

5. Safe Product Selection: Lorraine and Kimberly dive into the dangers of chemical-based skincare products, discussing natural alternatives and how moms can help their daughters make better choices.

6. Preventing Acne in Teens: Kimberly shares essential tips on preventing and treating bacterial acne, emphasizing simple habits like good hygiene and avoiding harsh chemicals that disrupt the skin's balance.

Special Offer:
Listeners can enjoy 20% off all Good For You Girls products with the code PNF20. Visit goodforyougirls.com to explore safe skincare solutions for your teen!

🎧 Tune in now to learn more about how you can support your teen’s self-care journey and help them navigate the challenges of puberty with confidence.

#Podcast #TeenSkincare #SelfCare #PubertySupport #NaturalBeauty #ChemicalFreeSkincare #GoodForYouGirls #PeersNotFears

Building Confidence, Connection, and Leadership Through Community

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Melissa, co-founder of Women’s Business League (WBL), to dive deep into the power of building genuine connections, overcoming challenges, and fostering confidence in leadership.

Melissa shares her personal journey, from facing rejection in high school cheerleading to finding her unique way to stand out and be part of a team. This story laid the foundation for her commitment to creating inclusive communities that inspire confidence and leadership in others.

Together, Lorraine and Melissa explore:

• The importance of creating a sense of belonging for teens and adults alike.
• Practical strategies to help young people—and ourselves—build stronger connections and communities.
• How vulnerability and authenticity are key to creating lasting relationships.
• The role of mentorship in helping individuals embrace their strengths and lead with confidence.
• Tips for navigating networking with intention and building leadership skills at every stage of life.

They also discuss Melissa's experiences building Women’s Business League and how the principles of collaboration and shared growth apply to both business and youth development.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, a parent looking to guide your teen, or someone seeking to build stronger connections, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

Key Takeaways:

• True leadership starts with community and connection.
• Networking and confidence are skills that can be learned and practiced.
• Empowering young people to embrace their individuality can lead to transformational growth.

Connect with Melissa:

• Follow on Social Media. LinkedIn
• Learn more about Women’s Business League and their mission to support women entrepreneurs.
• Stay connected with Lorraine and Peers Not Fears for resources on leadership development for teens.

Listen now and join the conversation on building a stronger, more connected future for leaders of today and tomorrow!

Carving a Path: Leadership, Action Sports, and Personal Resilience with Luke Giacopelli

Show Notes:

In this episode, Lorraine reconnects with her high school student, Luke, now the Brand Activation and Events Manager at Woodward Park City. They dive into Luke’s inspiring journey from an unconventional teen to a leader in the action sports industry. Here are the highlights:

🎯 Luke's Leadership Journey: Luke shares how his non-traditional path, personal challenges, and passion for snowboarding helped him become a mentor and leader for young athletes.

🏂 Growth of Action Sports: Lorraine and Luke explore the evolution of sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, and the rise of new activities like Parkour. Luke reflects on the power of community in supporting resilience in action sports.

💡 Advice for Young Adults: Luke offers valuable advice for young adults struggling to find their passion or career path, emphasizing the importance of persistence and trying different experiences.

🧠 Overcoming Challenges: Luke opens up about his own personal challenges, including a significant brain injury, and how it shaped his views on mental health and resilience. Lorraine and Luke also discuss the importance of peer support during tough times.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on leadership, personal growth, and finding success beyond the conventional path.

#ActionSports #LeadershipJourney #Resilience #WoodwardParkCity #PeersNotFears #YouthMentorship #Podcast #ADHD

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.

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

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