What happens when leadership demands strength while life demands honesty? Dr. Helen Fagan welcomes Kelly Ross, nonprofit leader and founder of ECHO Collective, to Because People Matter for an unfiltered conversation on the inner demands of female leadership, including self-talk, resilience, vulnerability, and showing up even when it’s difficult.

From entrepreneurship and community-building to empowering immigrant and refugee women through opportunity, Kelly shares what it means to lead with authenticity. This episode is a reminder that real leadership is built in relationship, and that building people up is not the soft work. It is the essential work.

Sign-up for our Bi-Weekly Newsletter!

Episode References:

Helen Fagan and Associates

https://helenfagan.com

Echo Collective

https://www.echocollectivene.org

Obama Foundation

https://www.obama.org/programs/scholars/

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this unique episode of Because People Matter, the tables are turned as Dr. Helen Fagan is interviewed by friend and writing mentor Cindy Conger about her newest book, Lead Like People Matter.

Together, they explore the deeply personal journey behind the book—from Helen’s early work in healthcare and higher education to her research in emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and inclusive leadership. Helen shares why vulnerability, humility, and courage are not “soft skills,” but essential leadership competencies in today’s complex world.

This conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the writing process, the power of self-awareness, and what it truly means to lead in a way that honors human dignity.

Sign-up for our Bi-Weekly Newsletter!

Episode References:

Helen Fagan and Associates — https://helenfagan.com

Francie and Finch — https://www.francieandfinch.com

The Bookworm — https://www.bookwormomaha.com

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What season is your business—and you—really in? That’s the question at the heart of Dr. Fagan’s conversation with Bryan and Shannon Miles, Founders of Miles AG and O’nr Nonprofit. Drawing from their experiences leading multiple organizations, the Miles break down the four major seasons of business ownership: Hustler, Entrepreneur, CEO, and Owner. They discuss how leaders can recognize the signs of each phase, avoid burnout, build culture affordably, and develop themselves as much as they develop their organizations. This episode feels like a masterclass in leadership mindset—with the warmth and candor listeners love from Because People Matter.

Episode References:

Free Owner Resource Download — https://onr.kit.com/freeresourcedownload

BELAY — https://www.belaysolutions.com

O-nr — https://o-nr.org/

O’nr Documentary — https://www.onrdocumentary.com

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with DeShannon “De Q” Harris, Organizational Development Manager at the Tulsa Health Department, to explore how coaching, emotional intelligence, and empathy are reshaping the future of leadership.

De Q shares her extraordinary journey—from growing up in a single-parent household to excelling in global sales, pursuing advanced education, and now guiding leaders through a year-long cohort designed to shift organizational culture from managing tasks to developing people.

This candid conversation echoes the spirit of leadership podcasts like Coaching for Leaders and Dare to Lead—offering real tools, vulnerability, and heart.

Episode References:

Dr. Helen Fagan — https://helenfagan.com

Tulsa Health Department — https://www.tulsa-health.org

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (Bradberry & Greaves) — https://www.talentsmart.com

Situational Leadership (Hersey & Blanchard) — https://www.situationalleadership.com

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Anderson Sainci, Director of Economic Mobility and Neighborhood Support for the City of Dubuque — and the first African American male elected twice in the city’s history.

From his upbringing in a Haitian household in Florida to becoming a transformational civic leader, Anderson shares a deeply personal look at servant leadership, faith, resilience, and what it really takes to help a community thrive.

If you enjoy podcasts like Dare to Lead or A Bit of Optimism, you’ll connect with this heartfelt and practical conversation on systems change, belonging, and leading with purpose.

Episode References:

Dr. Helen Fagan — https://helenfagan.com

City of Dubuque / Anderson Sainci — https://www.cityofdubuque.org

Robert Greenleaf / Servant Leadership — https://www.greenleaf.org

Becoming an Inclusive Leader — https://www.inclusiveleader.com

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this heartfelt episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan reconnects with her former student Clare Umutoni, now a Rwandan inclusion and equity leader making an impact across communities. Clare shares her story of growing up in Uganda, studying at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and returning to Rwanda to empower women and youth through dialogue, empathy, and leadership.

Their conversation explores identity, emotional intelligence, and what it truly means to create spaces where everyone belongs.

Episode References:

Dr. Helen Fagan – https://helenfagan.com

University of Nebraska, Lincoln – https://www.unl.edu

Clare Umutoni – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheIntentionalRoute

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if every business decision created a ripple of good in the world? In this inspiring episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan speaks with Masami Sato, founder and CEO of B1G1 (Buy1Give1), about how small, intentional actions can transform the way businesses think about giving. Masami shares her journey from a shy child in Japan to a world-traveling entrepreneur helping thousands of companies make measurable impacts across the globe.

If you’ve ever wondered how purpose-driven leadership can truly change lives, this episode is a masterclass in compassion, connection, and conscious business.

Episode References:

B1G1 — https://www.b1g1.com

Masami Sato (LinkedIn) — https://www.linkedin.com/in/masamisato

Helen Fagan and Associates — https://www.helenfagan.com

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this inspiring episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Gibril Mansaray, founder and CEO of the PA Karim Memorial Foundation. Gibril shares his powerful multigenerational story — from his father’s journey from Sierra Leone to the U.S. in pursuit of education, to his own mission of building schools and opportunities in his family’s village. Through his work with Develop Africa, he’s transforming lives and proving that education is the key to lasting empowerment.

Listen as Gibril reflects on resilience, purpose, and the bridge between two worlds — and how one act of generosity decades ago sparked a movement to educate hundreds of children.

Episode References

PA Karim Memorial Foundation – http://pkmemorialsalone.org

Develop Africa – https://developafrica.org

Helen Fagan and Associates – https://helenfagan.com

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Kamala Avila-Salmon, founder of Kas Kas Productions and former Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate. Kamala shares her journey from growing up in Jamaica and New York to shaping Hollywood by championing diverse voices. She reflects on her work at Lionsgate, her fellowship with the Obama Foundation, and why inclusive storytelling is essential for reshaping culture. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, representation, and the power of story to change the world.

Episode References

Lionsgate – https://www.lionsgate.com

Obama Foundation – https://www.obama.org

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Damita Snow, DEIA leader and Director at the American Society of Civil Engineers. Damita shares her journey from graphic design to shaping global accessibility in scholarly publishing. As President-Elect of the Society for Scholarly Publishing, she discusses her work with the Coalition for Diversity and Inclusion in Scholarly Communications and global initiatives like Research4Life. From reverse mentoring to making knowledge more accessible worldwide, this conversation is a lesson in inclusive leadership.

Episode References:

TEDx Omaha http://www.tedxomaha.com

American Society of Civil Engineers https://www.asce.org

Society for Scholarly Publishing https://www.sspnet.org

Coalition for Diversity and Inclusion in Scholarly Communications https://www.c4disc.org

Research for Life https://www.research4life.org

ASCE Pathways to Inclusive Publishing Summit 2026 https://ascelibrary.org/publishing-summit-2026

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.