In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Meghan Phillips, founder and CEO of Honey, a Sacramento-based creative studio specializing in storytelling for food, beverage, cannabis, and agriculture. Meghan shares her entrepreneurial journey, leadership during the pandemic, and commitment to marketing ethics and community impact. The conversation explores her family life, co-founding Food Frontier, and launching Simple Summers for working parents. Meghan discusses self-care, the importance of human connection, the impact of AI, and offers advice for young professionals, highlighting the value of passion, empathy, and lifelong learning in leadership.

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Kasey Cotulla, who shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading a major commercial print and mail business in Northern California. Kasey discusses his experiences with business acquisitions, leadership philosophies, and the importance of partnerships. He offers candid insights on managing growth, overcoming challenges, and balancing personal life with entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights Kasey’s commitment to continuous learning, employee recognition, and building a resilient business, providing practical advice and inspiration for aspiring leaders and business owners.

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Rhonda Staley Brooks, Director of Community Relations at SMUD. Rhonda shares her journey as a military brat, her rise in nonprofit leadership, and her authentic, people-centered approach to community impact. She discusses lessons from her time at Big Brothers Big Sisters and Nehemiah Community Foundation, the importance of mentorship, and leading through personal loss. Rhonda offers advice on fundraising, building genuine relationships, and finding joy and resilience while navigating grief and leadership challenges.

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Dr. Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer at Culture Partners and author of the upcoming book "Surrender to Lead." Jessica shares her leadership journey, personal transformation through sobriety and faith, and research debunking generational workplace stereotypes. She discusses the power of surrendering control, fostering accountability, and shaping team beliefs for effective leadership. The episode also highlights Jessica’s daily spiritual practices, advice for emerging professionals, and her new projects, including two podcasts and a leadership summit. Listeners gain practical insights on authentic, transformative leadership.

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr.Michael Marion Jr. interviews Dr. Luke Wood, president of Sacramento State University. Dr. Wood shares his journey from foster care to university leadership, discussing the challenges he faced as a Black student, the transformative power of mentorship, and his commitment to racial equity in education. The conversation highlights Dr. Wood’s academic achievements, leadership philosophy, and the importance of self-care. Dr. Wood also reflects on loss, community, and creating new traditions at Sac State, offering inspiring insights on perseverance and equity-focused leadership.

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. converses with Mona Pasquil Rogers, Director of California Public Policy at Meta. Mona shares her journey as a Filipino American in public policy, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community. She recounts her upbringing, the challenges of her career, and the lessons learned about empathy and accountability in leadership. Mona highlights the significance of building relationships across differences and the value of kindness. The episode serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of mentorship, empathy, and community in effective leadership.

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. converses with Alex Taghavian, managing partner at Capital Impact. Alex shares his journey from a culturally diverse upbringing to a career in education and social impact. They discuss his academic path, leadership lessons, and the importance of community engagement. Alex emphasizes resilience, risk-taking, and the significance of showing up. He also highlights innovations in education, such as micro-credentialing, and stresses balancing work with family life. The episode offers valuable insights into leadership, community service, and the transformative power of education.

In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," host Dr. Michael Maron converses with Alana Matthews, who shares her inspiring leadership journey. Alana discusses her educational background at Spelman College and McGeorge Law School, her career as a deputy district attorney, and her community involvement. She highlights the importance of mentorship, the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, and the significance of community support. Alana also reflects on her passion for the arts and the transformative impact of leadership programs. Her story emphasizes resilience, self-care, and the power of embracing one's unique strengths.

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion converses with Patrick Mulvaney, a key figure in Sacramento's culinary scene. Mulvaney shares his journey from bartending in college to becoming a prominent restaurateur and advocate for the farm-to-fork movement. He discusses the importance of community, mentorship, and resilience, recounting his challenges and failures during an apprenticeship in Ireland. Mulvaney emphasizes creating supportive environments in kitchens and the power of food to connect people. The episode highlights his leadership philosophy and commitment to community engagement, including initiatives to promote food accessibility and education.

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. engages with Tiffany Frazier and Lisa Reisman, both deeply involved with Street Soccer USA. They discuss their transitions from athletes to professionals, emphasizing the transferable skills from sports to leadership roles. Tiffany shares her journey from volunteer to consultant, highlighting the impact of soccer on community leadership. Lisa, now managing director of Street Soccer USA in Sacramento, reflects on mentorship's role in her career. The episode underscores the importance of mentorship, community, and leveraging athletic experiences for personal and professional growth.