Expressions of Leadership

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Katie Stone, Executive Director and Executive Producer of The Children's Hour, a nationally syndicated public radio program created with and for kids. Katie shares her unconventional path from teenage radio producer to a career in technology and eventually back to radio, where she transformed a local volunteer project into a nationally syndicated program. She talks about giving young people meaningful agency and responsibility, from researching and producing stories to directing, voicing, and editing, and how creating space for kids to contribute has shaped her own approach to leadership.

Katie also shares how her personal experiences shaped her commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and challenging systems that leave people out. She discusses the values behind The Children's Hour, including her decision not to market products directly to children, her approach to mentoring young producers, and her vision for expanding the program's educational resources. It's a conversation about giving young people a voice, leading with purpose, challenging assumptions, and building something designed to make a lasting impact.

Learn more about The Children's Radio Hour at https://www.childrenshour.org. You can also follow on Facebook and Instagram @TCHRadio and subscribe to their YouTube channel @thechildrenshourpodcast. Find The Children's Radio Hour on your favorite podcast app.

Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the Follow and Subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also catch the show on CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo, Canada.

Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Expressions of Leadership and Katie Stone 00:15 Katie Stone's Beginnings in Radio 02:42 Finding Her Way Back to Radio 05:26 Taking Risks and Finding Confidence 10:06 Building The Children's Hour Beyond Radio 15:39 What Kids Can Teach Us About Leadership 19:14 Giving Children Voice, Agency, and Responsibility 27:19 Mentoring Kids and Building Leadership Skills 32:10 Katie Stone on Disability Advocacy and Inclusion 41:43 Leading With Values and Protecting the Mission 51:28 The Future and Legacy of The Children's Hour 54:42 Wisdom & Whimsy: Advice and a Trip Through History

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Henri Yonet takes us through a remarkable creative journey shaped by two very different influences: an artistic mother and a scientific father. From experimenting with chemistry, music, and photography as a child to studying classical music, songwriting, and arranging at Santa Monica College and Berklee, Henri learned to see both creative possibilities and the structures that bring ideas to life. He shares how mentors and unexpected connections opened doors throughout his career, and how producing music, engineering sound, and working with artists taught him to listen deeply, recognize talent, and help others bring out their best.

Henri also reflects on the realities of building a creative career, from running his own recording studio and navigating the pressures of business to composing under tight television deadlines and eventually moving into film and documentary storytelling. Along the way, he shares lessons about curiosity, humility, presence, self-work, and the importance of treating people well. Today, Henri is focused on writing for film and television and telling stories of his own, with the hope of encouraging greater openness, creativity, and human connection.

Follow Henri Yonet on Instagram @henri_theworld

Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the Follow and Subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also catch the show on CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo, Canada.

Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Expressions of Leadership and Henri Yonet 02:02 Growing Up Between Art, Science and Creativity 05:18 Discovering Music and Finding Its Language 14:48 Learning Sound Engineering at Paramount Studios 23:04 Building a Creative Business and Recording Studio 28:04 Composing for Television and Meeting Tight Deadlines 33:51 From Music to Documentary Filmmaking 39:27 Curiosity, Connection and Recognizing Talent 42:08 Leadership Through Presence, Humility and Listening 47:45 Reinventing Yourself and Finding the Next Chapter 49:54 Advice to His Younger Self and a Passion for Collecting

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Nike Doukas, actor, director, teacher, accent coach, and Artistic Director of Antaeus Theatre Company in Los Angeles. A member of Antaeus for roughly 35 years, Nike shares her journey from artist to artistic leader and reflects on what theater, directing, teaching, and coaching have taught her about leadership. We explore creating spaces where people feel safe to take risks, the importance of listening and collaboration, and how to balance the needs of artists, audiences, boards, students, and the broader community.

Nike also opens up about resilience in an unpredictable profession, learning to let go of what she cannot control, and how teaching shaped her approach to developing others. We close with her vision for the future of Antaeus, the enduring power of live theater, and the legacy she hopes to leave as an artist, teacher, and leader.

Learn more about Antaeus Theatre Company at www.antaeus.org. Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the Follow and Subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also catch the show on CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo, Canada.

Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Chapters 00:00 Intro to Expressions of Leadership and Nike Doukas 00:15 From Actor to Leader 04:58 Why Theater Still Matters 06:15 Creating Safe Spaces for Artists 08:34 Discovering Leadership 12:15 Becoming Artistic Director 16:28 Leading Many Voices 20:32 The Power of Saying Yes 26:07 How Listening Builds Trust 30:23 Balancing Art, Business & the Board 33:41 Building Resilience Through Rejection 38:25 What Teaching Teaches Us About Leadership 42:17 Helping Every Artist Find Their Voice 44:21 The Magic of Live Theater 47:51 Leadership, Legacy & Learning 49:44 Nike's Vision for Antaeus 50:53 Advice for Young Artists 52:34 A Dream Theater Trip

What happens when you stop waiting and start pursuing what truly matters? On this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with TT for a deeply personal conversation about resilience, leadership, purpose, and finding the courage to follow a new path. From growing up in Colorado with a Broadway singer and actress as his mother, to facing a rare kidney disease at age six and the bullying and self-doubt that followed, TT shares how some of his earliest experiences shaped the person and leader he would become. His journey then took him from pursuing music in Los Angeles to building an extraordinary business career, including becoming one of the youngest vice presidents at News Corp and co-founding Overture, the company that pioneered paid search advertising.

TT also opens up about how a second-stage 3 kidney disease diagnosis prompted him to return to music and pursue the creative work that had always been part of him. Today, he is building a career across music, songwriting, acting, and film, using storytelling to explore identity, resilience, connection, and choosing your own path. Throughout the conversation, he shares lessons on listening, empathy, helping people connect their work to a greater purpose, and why storytelling is such a powerful leadership tool. And as his definition of success has evolved from promotions and money to relationships, integrity, and family, TT offers a thoughtful perspective on what it means to create a life and a legacy that truly matters.

Learn more about TT and everything he is up to at https://www.ttmusicstudio.com/. You can also follow him on Instagram @OffficialTT.music and on Facebook @TTMusic

Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the Follow and Subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also catch the show on CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo, Canada.

Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Chapters 00:00 Intro to Expressions of Leadership & TT's Journey of Leadership and Resilience 02:41 Childhood Illness, Resilience and Bullying 06:13 From Music Dreams to a Career in Business 11:54 Learning Leadership at News Corp 13:09 Overture: Building and Scaling a Breakthrough Company 18:53 The Power of Listening and Learning 23:48 A Diagnosis Sparks a Creative Journey 29:26 Music, Acting and the Power of Storytelling 37:53 Leadership Lessons That Transcend Industries 42:07 Rethinking Success, Growth and Purpose 44:47 Risk, Timing and the Mentors Who Matter 48:17 Future Projects, Purpose and Legacy 51:39 Wisdom & Whimsy

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Sheila Cutchlow, a producer, classically trained chef, business development executive, actor, and storyteller whose remarkable career has spanned entertainment, media, culinary arts, live event production, and entrepreneurship. Sheila shares how growing up in Iowa and stepping into student leadership at the University of Iowa shaped her, how a transformative trip to Howard University changed her perspective, and how her early career at BET taught her the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and bringing people together. She also opens up about balancing a corporate career with acting, the resilience she developed through years of auditions, and the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership.

A cooking competition led Sheila into another unexpected chapter, opening doors to Food Network, national brands, and eventually Le Cordon Bleu. Today, she combines business development and live event production with her passion for food, storytelling, and healthy living. Sheila talks about trusting your instincts, embracing reinvention, moving forward before you're fully ready, and the power of storytelling and food to create meaningful connections.

Learn more about Sheila Cutchlow at https://ohhohhsheila.com, follow her on Instagram and YouTube @ohhohhsheila and Facebook @Sheila.Cutchlow.

Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the Follow and Subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also catch the show on CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo, Canada.

Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Chapters00:00 Welcome to Expressions of Leadership: Sheila Cutchlow 00:15 Growing Up Restless in Iowa 02:54 Trusting Yourself & Taking Risks 06:02 Finding Her Leadership Voice 09:46 The Howard University Turning Point 12:26 Breaking Into BET 16:16 Building a Career While Pursuing Acting 20:15 Learning to Keep Showing Up 21:42 Motherhood, Dreams & Determination 24:53 Leadership Lessons From The Wire 30:25 The Cooking Competition That Changed Everything 35:09 What Culinary School Taught Her About Leadership 39:44 From Business Development to Big Events 43:03 Food, Storytelling & Connection 47:16 The Future She Wants to Create 49:48 Wisdom, Whimsy & Crab Cakes

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Maya Persaud, founder of Espero Atelier in Paris, and Sanam Hasan, documentary filmmaker and Sr. PR Manager at BFI Festivals, for a conversation about leadership, human dignity, confidence, trust, and the power of meaningful work. Maya shares how Espero evolved from its origins during the refugee crisis into a social enterprise connecting refugee artisans with luxury fashion, while helping people develop skills, rebuild confidence, and create a sense of belonging.

Sanam shares what compelled her to tell this story through her documentary Fabric, and the leadership lessons she learned while earning the trust of the artisans and bringing their stories to the screen. Fabric is the winner of the Social Impact Award at the LA Shorts International Film Festival. Together, we explore leading across cultures and differences, creating environments where people can thrive, the responsibility of telling someone else's story with care, and the power of challenging narratives about refugees, migration, identity, and belonging. We also look ahead to what's next for Espero, Fabric, and the legacy they hope to create.

Learn more about Espero Atelier at esperofrance.org and follow them on Instagram @esperoatelier. Learn more about Tiny Circus Productions at https://tinycircusproductions.com/ and follow them on Instagram @tinycircusproductions. Follow the documentary Fabric on Instagram @fabric_shortdoc

Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the Follow and Subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also catch the show on CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo, Canada.

Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Chapters 00:00:15 Opening the Conversation 00:03:53 Hope Through Craft 00:08:11 Storytelling as Purpose00:16:40 Balancing Impact and Excellence00:23:17 Confidence Rebuilt00:25:26 Making Fabric Work 00:32:43 Building Trust on Set 00:35:32 Hope Resonates 00:38:32 Challenging Refugee Narratives 00:42:00 Futures in Motion 00:45:27 Shared Human Connection 00:47:32 Legacy of Dignity 00:50:15 Advice and Whimsy

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Linda Smiley, a researcher, educator, speech-language pathologist, and community leader whose career has centered on helping people communicate, connect, and create meaningful change. Linda shares lessons from an academic career that included more than 200 peer-reviewed research publications, work with children and adults with language impairments, and the co-founding of Wings On Words Preschool at the Child Language Center, supported by the University of Arizona Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences and the Scottish Rite Foundation.

After moving to Magdalena, New Mexico, Linda began a new chapter of leadership by creating MagEboard, a volunteer-run community communication network that now reaches more than 700 people in a town of roughly 850 residents. Michele and Linda explore leadership, the power of partnership, building sustainable organizations, communication and trust, and what it means to lead without a title. Linda's story is a powerful reminder that leadership can be as simple and as impactful as seeing what your community needs and choosing to show up.

Sign up for MagEboard emails by emailing Linda Smiley at [email protected]

Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the Follow and Subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also catch the show on CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo, Canada.

Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

What does it take to lead under extraordinary pressure, and how do our greatest setbacks become the catalyst for becoming a better leader? In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, writer, entrepreneur, and inventor Ethan Prochnik for a captivating conversation about curiosity, courage, and continuous reinvention. From reporting in Afghanistan after 9/11 and producing Deadliest Catch to documenting Hurricane Katrina, creating groundbreaking virtual reality experiences, and launching an innovative yoga company, Ethan shares the remarkable experiences that shaped both his career and his leadership philosophy.

Together, they explore what it means to earn trust in high-stakes environments, lead teams through uncertainty, recover from the collapse of a successful business, embrace an ADHD diagnosis later in life, and discover that the most effective leadership begins with knowing yourself. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, creative professional, or simply someone navigating your own next chapter, this conversation offers powerful insights on resilience, storytelling, self-awareness, and the courage to keep evolving. Learn more about Kinshe Yoga at www.kinsheyoga.com.

Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the Follow and Subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also catch the show on CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo, Canada.

Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Nona Bayat, fitness entrepreneur, content creator, and host of the Her Health Podcast. What began as sharing workout videos during college has evolved into a global platform dedicated to helping women build strength, confidence, and lifelong health through evidence-based information. In this conversation, Nona shares her journey from aspiring physician to trusted voice in women's health, why strength training is one of the most important investments women can make, and how she earned the trust of a worldwide audience by putting science before trends.

Together, Michele and Nona explore the leadership behind influence, the responsibility of communicating credible health information, the myths surrounding women's fitness, and the gaps that still exist in women's health research. They also discuss leading a growing team with integrity, navigating boundaries and burnout, and Nona's vision for empowering women with the knowledge, confidence, and habits that create lasting health for every stage of life.

Follow Nona on Instagram and TikTok @nonabayat, and on YouTube @thenonabayat. You can also watch her streaming podcast on YouTube @herhealth_podcast or find it on your favorite podcast app.

Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT.

Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Emmy-nominated writer-producer, showrunner, author, and podcast host Melinda Hsu to explore her remarkable journey from growing up as an aspiring storyteller in Bangor, Maine, to leading some of television's most acclaimed series, including Lost, The Vampire Diaries, Nancy Drew, and FOX's The Interrogator. Melinda reflects on the influence of her immigrant parents, the unexpected opportunities that launched her career, and what it was like finding her voice in Hollywood as an underrepresented writer.

The conversation explores what leadership really looks like inside writers' rooms and on production sets, where trust, transparency, accountability, and kindness can shape both the creative process and the culture behind it. Melinda shares lessons from her book and podcast, Lead With Kindness, discusses the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, and offers thoughtful insights on mentoring the next generation, building healthier workplaces, and creating environments where both people and great storytelling can thrive. Learn more about Melinda at www.melindahsu.com. Connect with Melinda on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindahsula/ and on Instagram at http://instagram.com/melindahsuLA

Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT.

Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.