Formative

Author Asha Aravindakshan joins Jacob for a conversation about discovering what you’re good at, and knowing how to show it. We talk about the power of transferable skills, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and why being a student can be a superpower. Whether you're just starting out or already chasing your goals, this episode is packed with insight on how to step into your strengths.

Season 10 kicks off with Aisha Jackson, a Broadway actress who’s lit up the stage in shows like Waitress and Frozen, joining middle schooler Jaylynn for a conversation about life in the spotlight. Aisha shares what it really takes to be a theater performer, beyond just singing and acting, and reflects on the importance of representation on Broadway. She also lets us in on the best career advice she’s ever received. This is a conversation about talent, perseverance, and using your voice.

In this season finale, we’ve got Keenan Hart with us! Keenan is the co-founder of Fransis, a company focused on integrating artificial intelligence technology within the healthcare sector. He’s joined by Zayra to  talk about why AI should not scare us, the importance of owning our mistakes and why it’s the most fun being in business with family!

In this episode, Tabitha gets a crash course on what it looks like to successfully reinvent yourself! Stephen Fascianella went from being an accountant to fostering community and engagement as the New York site engagement lead at Pfizer. Tabitha and Stephen also talk about what we get when we give and why it’s important to remain open to change.

On the show with us today is Mikki Hernandez. Mikki is an actress, voiceover artist and author of the book, Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients. Emma, middle schooler and co-host, joins Mikki to have a conversation about why you should pursue the career that you most feel called to and how to cultivate an abundance mindset in a creative field.  Oh, and why hiphop dancing rules!

Lee Skolnick visits us today on Formative. Lee is an architect who’s worked on remarkable buildings across the world, including our very own New York Edge Headquarters! Middle schooler, Olivia, joins him to ask questions about the challenges that come with being the boss, why it’s important to remain teachable and what life would look like if we’d chosen a different path.

Today, we’re joined by Carl Nassib. Carl is a former NFL player and currently the founder and CEO of Rayze, a social media app that connects nonprofits with donors and volunteers. With his career transition, Carl has learned a thing or two about reinvention and the imposter syndrome that comes with it. He talks to middle schooler, Sage, about that, plus  the misconceptions of being a professional athlete and why it’s never just luck that gets you far in your life and career.

In this episode of Formative, Roger Arrieux, New York Managing Partner at Deloitte, joins Jacob to talk about the power of building strong relationships in work and life. Roger shares how imposter syndrome fades when you find confidence in your skills and why success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about the people you meet along the way!

Dr. Deborah Heiser, developmental psychologist and founder of The Mentor Project, joins middle schooler Dezyer to talk about the power of mentorship. Dr. Heiser opens up about her most challenging moments as a CEO, how her mentors helped her along the way, and why it's crucial to have different mentors for different chapters of your life. Whether you’re the one giving advice or receiving it, this episode is about how we all need a little help to grow!

Dr. Monique Chism, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education, joins middle schooler Mia for a conversation about the power of learning. Dr. Chism reflects on the teachers who had a lasting impact on her, her love for dance and performance, and why she values being in rooms full of people who know more than she does. They also discuss how making tough decisions is a part of life and growth.