In Episode 4 of Barriers to Breakthrough, Dr. Don Wilkins sits down with Cesquinn Curtis, Associate Vice President of Student Life at Kent State University and founder of The Strategist Firm, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on leadership in today’s complex, multigenerational workplace.

Cesquinn shares the formative experiences that shaped his leadership journey—from advocating for positive change as a middle school student to being mentored by educators who removed barriers and expanded his access to opportunity. Together, Dr. Wilkins and Cesquinn explore the critical role of mentorship, empathy, and exposure in developing leaders, particularly those who step into leadership roles without formal training.

The episode unpacks why effective leadership must be dynamic rather than static. Cesquinn explains how leaders must adapt their approach based on people and context, balancing the roles of coach and supervisor. Using a framework centered on skill, will, knowledge, and capacity, he offers practical insight into assessing readiness, building capacity, and removing barriers for teams.

Listeners also gain perspective on leading within large, high-impact systems, including the importance of delegation, the distinction between accountability and responsibility, and the discipline required to lead without ego. Cesquinn emphasizes that true leadership is rooted in care, clarity of vision, and commitment to mission—not titles or authority.

This episode is essential listening for leaders navigating complexity, leading across generations, and striving to create sustainable impact while remaining deeply grounded in purpose and people.

✨ Barriers to Breakthrough: Speaker Series is hosted by Dr. Don Wilkins, founder of Transformation 180 and author of Barriers to Breakthrough: 13 Strategies for Effective Leadership in the Multi-Generational Workplace.

🎙️ New episodes feature candid conversations with leaders across education, business, and community about the real challenges, strategies, and breakthroughs of leadership.

📚 Learn more about Transformation 180: www.transformation180.com

📖 Get your copy of Barriers to Breakthrough wherever books are sold
🔗 Follow Dr. Wilkins on LinkedIn and Instagram: @drdonwilkins

In this episode, Dr. Don Wilkins sits down with dynamic leadership partners Dr. Christine and Dr. Chuck Herring to explore how efficacy, mentorship, and communication shape effective leadership. The Herrings share powerful stories of discovering their leadership strengths early in life, navigating roles without formal training, and learning how timing, tone, and emotional intelligence make or break a leader’s impact.

They also introduce FlexCom, their simple four-style communication framework (Ant, Ladybug, Grasshopper, Caterpillar) that helps leaders adapt and connect across generations and diverse teams. Packed with humor, transparency, and practical wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone committed to growing as a leader and empowering others to do the same.

✨ Barriers to Breakthrough: Speaker Series is hosted by Dr. Don Wilkins, founder of Transformation 180 and author of Barriers to Breakthrough: 13 Strategies for Effective Leadership in the Multi-Generational Workplace.

🎙️ New episodes feature candid conversations with leaders across education, business, and community about the real challenges, strategies, and breakthroughs of leadership.

📚 Learn more about Transformation 180: www.transformation180.com

📖 Get your copy of Barriers to Breakthrough wherever books are sold
🔗 Follow Dr. Wilkins on LinkedIn and Instagram: @drdonwilkins

In this episode of Barriers to Breakthrough, Dr. Don Wilkins sits down with Coach Chandler McCabe, Head Coach of the Robert Morris University Women’s Basketball Team, for an unfiltered conversation about leadership, authenticity, and the grind behind building winning teams.

Coach McCabe shares what it really takes to lead with honesty, create trust within a program, and connect with players across generations. From locker room lessons to life philosophies, this conversation is packed with real talk about staying grounded, having tough conversations, and leading people—not just players—with purpose.

Whether you’re a coach, educator, or executive, “Just Keep It Real” reminds us that authentic leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, integrity, and the courage to grow with your team.

✨ Barriers to Breakthrough: Speaker Series is hosted by Dr. Don Wilkins, founder of Transformation 180 and author of Barriers to Breakthrough: 13 Strategies for Effective Leadership in the Multi-Generational Workplace.

🎙️ New episodes feature candid conversations with leaders across education, business, and community about the real challenges, strategies, and breakthroughs of leadership.

📚 Learn more about Transformation 180: www.transformation180.com

📖 Get your copy of Barriers to Breakthrough wherever books are sold
🔗 Follow Dr. Wilkins on LinkedIn and Instagram: @drdonwilkins

In the premiere episode of the Barriers to Breakthrough Speaker Series, Dr. Don Wilkins sits down with K. Chase Patterson—CEO of Urban Academy, founder of the State of Black Learning, and nationally recognized strategist. Together, they dive into the real, behind-the-scenes realities of leadership: the sacrifices, the responsibilities, and the breakthroughs that define the journey.

Chase shares how his earliest experiences as a protector and translator for his younger sister shaped his leadership instincts, the wisdom passed down from grandparents and mentors, and the lessons learned from leading without a title. He opens up about building Urban Academy into a mission-driven organization, creating the State of Black Learning, and navigating the complexities of leading multi-generational teams.

Listeners will walk away with:

• Powerful insights on mentorship, vision, and delegation
• A candid look at the burdens and blessings of leadership
• Practical advice for new and current leaders on accountability, values, and resilience

This conversation sets the tone for the Speaker Series—raw, insightful, and deeply human.

✨ Barriers to Breakthrough: Speaker Series is hosted by Dr. Don Wilkins, founder of Transformation 180 and author of Barriers to Breakthrough: 13 Strategies for Effective Leadership in the Multi-Generational Workplace.

🎙️ New episodes feature candid conversations with leaders across education, business, and community about the real challenges, strategies, and breakthroughs of leadership.

📚 Learn more about Transformation 180: www.transformation180.com

📖 Get your copy of Barriers to Breakthrough wherever books are sold
🔗 Follow Dr. Wilkins on LinkedIn and Instagram: @drdonwilkins