In this inspiring episode of Because People Matter, host Helen Fagan sits down with Rand Stagen, CEO and Founder of Stagen Leadership Academy, to explore the power of long-term leadership in a short-term world. Rand shares hard-earned insights on building “evergreen” companies, cultivating true executive teams, and the crucial distinction between training and development. Drawing on decades of experience, Rand reveals why sustainable leadership requires patience, vulnerability, and the courage to speak truth to power.

References:

• Stagen Leadership Academy – https://stagen.com
• Do More Good Conference – https://domoregood.com
• Helen Fagan – 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!

In this inspiring episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Jeff Shafer, CEO and Co-Founder of Common Good Capital, to explore how investments can serve both people and profit. From rural tea farms in Kenya to solar farms in Rwanda, Jeff shares how values-driven investing empowers local communities, drives economic sustainability, and restores dignity. This conversation redefines ROI as return on impact.

Resources: Common Good Capital | Fortis Green Renewables | Do More Good Movement | Helen Fagan

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!

What does it mean to belong when you’ve lived across six countries before the age of 18? In this episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan interviews intercultural trainer, author, and adult third culture kid (ATCK) Megan Norton Newbanks. Megan discusses her work on identity formation, the challenges and beauty of cross-cultural living, and her book Belonging Beyond Borders.

Hear how Letters Now Sent, her upcoming anthology, creates space for healing through storytelling.

Megan's Website

Belonging Beyond Borders - Beyond Borders Publishing

Letters Never Sent | Growing Up Among Worlds

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 sits down with Meaghan Walls, CEO of the Center for Disability Inclusion and founder of Assistology. Meaghan shares her journey from childhood exposure to the disability community to leading national conversations around inclusive design, workplace accessibility, and universal architecture. Learn how companies can move beyond compliance and create welcoming spaces that empower everyone to thrive.

💡 Resources: Center for Disability Inclusion | Girls on the Run

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!

On this episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan interviews Laura Bowden, Vice President of People at Tessitura. Laura shares how Tessitura maintains a strong people-first culture while operating entirely remotely across the globe. From redefining leadership and feedback to offering unique benefits like "Live in the Culture" stipends, this episode explores how values-based leadership can unite teams—even across time zones. 

Learn more:

Tessitura: https://www.tessitura.com/

Helen's Website: 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!

Dr. Christopher Deguire, faculty member at UT Southwestern Medical Center and LGBTQ Veteran Care Coordinator at the North Texas VA, shares his groundbreaking work in trauma care. His Deguire model examines why gender-diverse veterans develop PTSD three times faster than others, highlighting the impact of societal pressures on mental health and trauma. Dr. Deguire explains how VR exposure therapy rewires the brain, allowing veterans to process trauma in a controlled and safe environment. He also leverages VR technology to help medical workers understand and empathize with the challenges and aggressions faced by gender-diverse individuals.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorchris/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/school/utsw/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/va-north-texas-health-care-system/ 

Explore more:

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!

In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan interviews Robert Blackwell Jr., entrepreneur and founder of Test Love to explore his vision for what he calls the “Fourth Great American Movement.” From economic inclusion to mutual aid, Blackwell shares how free enterprise—not charity—is the most powerful tool for lifting communities out of poverty. If you're passionate about equity, innovation, or leadership with purpose, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

🔗 Learn more: 

TESC.Love

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!

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!