Welcome to Beyond the Blues: A Robertson Podcast. Hosted by Robertson Scholars Jordan & Davina, this podcast dives into the leadership practices that drive change. In this pilot episode we meet our hosts, the staff from the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program and alumni Chris & Dimia who share how being a Robertson has impacted their trajectory as transformational leaders. The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is a joint program hosted at UNC-Chapel Hill & Duke University and exists to invest in young leaders capable of making transformational contributions to society.

In this episode, Davina & Jordan interview Dr. Kelly Crace, a psychologist, who researches the concept of flourishing and how to live into our values. He explains that flourishing is not about being unaffected by the world, but rather about healthfully engaging in things that matter to us, even in the face of hardship. Dr. Crace emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and holding fear well, as well as the need to shift from noun-focused thinking to verb-focused thinking. He also discusses the role of self-compassion and the power of reframing our mindset.

In this episode, Jordan and Davina interview Caitlin Williams, who is dedicated to reproductive justice and preventing maternal deaths. They discuss the intersection of public policy, implementation science, and human rights in Caitlin's work. Caitlin emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and leading with integrity. She also addresses the frustrations of dealing with preventable issues and the need for persistence and collaboration in creating change. The conversation with Maxi and Millie focused on their personal stories and how those stories shape their leadership values. Maxi emphasized the importance of understanding complexity and addressing root causes in order to create sustainable change. Millie expressed her desire to become a leader through competence and knowledge, and to shine a light on great leaders who have a grand vision for the world. The conversation highlighted the thoughtful and insightful perspectives of Maxi and Millie, as well as their commitment to tackling big issues and asking important questions.