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