In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan welcomes Kym Ali, former travel nurse turned wellness strategist, for a deeply personal conversation on burnout, bounce-back, and bold leadership. From building Sidra Medicine in Qatar to overcoming professional and personal upheaval, Kym shares how setbacks became redirections. Learn how her company now transforms organizations through Mental Health First Aid, resilience training, and purpose-led consulting.

🔗 More: Helen Fagan Associates | Qatar Foundation 

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!

In this powerful episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan speaks with Taj Suleyman, Director of the Office of Belonging and Intercultural Development for the City of Springfield, Missouri. Taj shares how his journey from refugee to civic leader has shaped his perspective on identity, emotional intelligence, and inclusive leadership. Inspired by intercultural greats like Dr. Janet Bennett and Dr. Edward T. Hall, Taj reveals how Springfield is transforming public service and workforce development.

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!

In this episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Artina Carter from Huron Clinton Metro Parks to explore groundbreaking approaches to building inclusive workplace. Artina shares how her experiences—alongside insights from transformative organizations like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, YWCA, People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, and Michigan State University—have shaped her commitment to equity, connection, and community impact. This conversation is a must-listen for leaders seeking to cultivate a work culture where every voice matters.

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!

Join host Helen Fagan on Because People Matter as she sits down with Jose Moreno to explore his journey from tech giants like Microsoft and Netflix to founding Neulight. Learn how AI is transforming education and empowering leaders with emotional intelligence, and get inspired by cutting-edge strategies for building better learning environments.

Featured Links: Neulight | Microsoft | Netflix | Helen Fagan | ChatGPT

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!

Salvatore Manzi, Speaker, Facilitator and Coach at Leadership Communications, shares how leaders can elevate their communication to build trust, inspire action and create meaningful connections. He explains why his “you then me” approach shifts the way leaders interact, emphasizing the importance of understanding others before presenting their own ideas. Salvatore explores the role of self-awareness in developing presence, how storytelling enhances leadership and why cultural awareness strengthens communication.

Key Takeaways: (4:38) The path to feeling better with yourself. (6:42) Accepting yourself and finding a place in society. (10:58) Asking for feedback is the fastest path to growth. (11:31) The “you then me” principle. (13:46) Effective communication is not about knowledge, it’s about building trust and a relationship. (15:05) Public speaking fear comes from feeling out of place. (23:50) Communicating on multiple levels. (25:10) Self-awareness and acceptance is the foundation of presence. (38:38) Storytelling moves people to action.

Resources Mentioned: Salvatore Manzi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatorejmanzi/ Leadership Communications - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-communication-coach/

"You Then Me Playbook" by Salvatore Manzi - https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/ "Leadership and Self-Deception" by The Arbinger Institute - https://arbinger.com/store/leadership-and-self-deception/

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

In this episode, Kenneth Sharperson, Chief Diversity Officer of Armstrong Teasdale, shares how his experiences in law have shaped his approach to leadership. He explains why a strong workplace culture keeps employees engaged and how firms can create an environment where employees feel valued and supported, reducing the costly impact of high turnover. Kenneth emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and listening to employees and other leaders as key ways for leaders to grow. Key Takeaways: (02:45) Growing up as one of the only Black families in a neighborhood.

(06:33) Working in pharmaceutical defense and clerking for a Supreme Court justice.

(11:08) How workplace culture impacts employee retention.

(17:50) The biggest challenge in law firms: Everyone is always busy and rarely takes time for deep reflection.

(21:29) How technology has transformed the legal profession.

(24:10) The best leaders ask, “What kind of leader am I?”

(25:51) A surprising fact: Kenneth was once a punk rocker.

(28:42) Why delivering the right message is more important than ever. Resources Mentioned:

Kenneth Sharperson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharperson/

Armstrong Teasdale | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/armstrongteasdale/

Armstrong Teasdale | Website - https://www.atllp.com/

"It Goes Without Saying" by John C. Condon - https://www.amazon.com/Goes-Without-Saying-Culture-Communication/dp/B0DNG6R1VV

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#PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

In this episode, Helen Fagan and Samantha Guenther have an in-depth conversation about the qualities and skills leaders need to succeed. They share how emotional intelligence shapes effective leadership, strengthens teams and fosters a cohesive workplace culture. They discuss how leaders can create environments where people feel valued and heard. Samantha also explains the difference between managers and leaders, how emotional intelligence helps navigate uncertainty and why these skills are more critical than ever in 2025. Key Takeaways: (03:58) Emotional intelligence is essential for leadership. (06:58) Leaders with curiosity and  compassion build stronger teams. (07:47) Team members go above and beyond when they feel valued. (10:17) Openness to learning is key to leadership growth. (14:55) Failing forward fosters innovation and creativity. (18:13) Control and management versus leadership. (21:43) Leadership is about influence, not control. (24:25) Navigating high emotions is crucial in 2025. (27:44) Extend grace to others as they grow and learn.

Resources Mentioned: Samantha Guenther - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-guenther-86915514b/

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

Emotional Intelligence for Leveraging Differences (EID) Train-the-Trainer Program - https://www.instagram.com/helenfaganandassociates/p/DF713RgtiSq/

Nebraska Innovation Campus - https://innovate.unl.edu/

“The Silent Language” by Edward T. Hall - https://ssir.org/books/reviews/entry/silent_language_edward_t_hall

Edward T. Hall’s Quote - https://quotefancy.com/quote/1221642/Edward-T-Hall-Culture-hides-more-than-it-reveals-and-strangely-enough-what-it-hides-it

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

Inclusion strategist Joe Gerstandt joins us to discuss the journey of building inclusive leaders and organizations. He emphasizes the importance of reflective, deep work in leadership to achieve self-awareness and advance the journey toward building inclusive workplaces. Joe highlights the need for safe spaces and support circles to foster open dialogue and collaboration. He also shares practical advice on fostering inclusivity in remote work environments.

Key Takeaways: (02:32) From skeptic to practitioner, Joe shares his journey. (05:34) Inclusion is an ongoing process of change. (09:45) Intentions are not enough for inclusive leadership. (11:53) Leaders must prioritize time for deep work. (13:55) The benefits of office work for young people. (18:32) Practitioners need supportive communities like the Circle. (25:04) How to support your inclusion team. (30:10) The importance of developing a common language. (35:30) Taking care of ourselves in hard times to come. (41:50) Creativity in the face of challenges.

Resources Mentioned: 

Joe Gerstandt -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegerstandt/ Nebraska AIDS Project - https://www.nap.org/

  Greater Good Science - https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

Awe Outing -  https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/awe_walk Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) - https://www.idiinventory.com/

  Malcolm Gladwell - https://www.gladwellbooks.com/

Iowa State University -  https://www.iastate.edu/ University of Nebraska–Lincoln - https://www.unl.edu/

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#PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

In this episode, we’re joined by entrepreneur Nazia Mollah, an Artist Manager at Roc Nation and CEO of Nazia Mollah LLC. Nazia explains how her multicultural upbringing shaped her adaptability and professional success. Raised in a Bengali Muslim household in Queens, New York, Nazia developed the ability to navigate between traditional family expectations and Western societal norms. This duality equipped her with transferable skills that have fueled her journey from banking to higher education and on to the music industry. Nazia also discusses how diverse backgrounds drive innovation within organizations.

Key Takeaways: (03:37) Growing up in a bilingual, multicultural household teaches adaptability. (07:41) The role of mentorship in career transitions. (11:21) Learning “to wear different hats” begins at home. (17:14) A multicultural background can be a springboard for success. (20:05) The challenges women face in the workplace. (24:23) Diverse teams spark innovation and creativity. (27:32) Being open-minded and approachable creates great leaders. (28:44) Meeting Jay-Z, founder of Roc Nation, and observations on his leadership style. Resources Mentioned: Nazia Mollah - https://www.linkedin.com/in/naziamollah/

Roc Nation - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocnation/

“Third Culture Kids" by David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken - https://www.academia.edu/107860747/Third_Culture_Kids_Growing_Among_Worlds_by_David_C_Pollock_and_amp_Ruth_E_Van_Reken

Roc Nation | Website - https://www.rocnation.com/

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#PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

Grace Mabiala-Maye, MD, MPH, Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Student Liaison at the American Public Health Association and Ambassador at One Young World, shares her journey from being a midwife’s daughter in Congo to helping reduce maternal deaths in Nebraska. 

Grace highlights the similarities between healthcare challenges in rural Congo and rural Nebraska and explains how systemic barriers often hinder progress. She underscores the importance of humility, co-leadership, community engagement and policy advocacy in driving meaningful change across communities.

Key Takeaways:

(02:34) Helping her mother deliver a baby as a child inspired Grace’s lifelong commitment to healthcare. (11:41) Rural areas globally share challenges in healthcare access. (13:05) Local solutions need systemic policy support to be effective. (20:10) Seeing yourself as part of the community is essential to serving it. (22:04) Leadership begins with vulnerability and co-creation. (26:27) Representing Congo at One Young World inspired further action. (38:23) Addressing racial disparities through research strengthens systemic change. (41:15) Doula integration can help reduce Black maternal mortality.

Resources Mentioned:

Grace Mabiala-Maye, MD, MPH - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-mabiala-maye-md-mph-313811170/

Terre Sans Frontières - https://terresansfrontieres.ca/

One Young World - https://www.oneyoungworld.com/

American Public Health Association - https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-public-health-association/

University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) - https://www.unmc.edu/

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#PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence