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.

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. converses with Dr. Angela Williams, Chief Deputy of First 5 California. Dr. Williams shares his journey from Los Angeles to Sacramento, discussing his educational background and professional experiences in education and politics. They explore the influence of Dr. Williams' father on his leadership style, the importance of community service, and the impact of financial aid on students. Dr. Williams also highlights his current role at First 5 California, emphasizing fatherhood and early childhood development. The episode underscores the power of mentorship, community, and love in leadership.

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. converses with Doni Blumenstock, an expert in leadership and community development. Doni shares her journey, emphasizing the critical importance of diversity in leadership, particularly Latinx representation. She discusses her initiatives, including the Crescente program, aimed at addressing disparities in leadership roles. Doni highlights her experiences in fostering inclusive leadership and the power of collaboration. The episode underscores the significance of diverse voices in shaping communities and the need for leaders who are empathetic and deeply connected to their communities.

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion converses with David Sobon, founder of Wide Open Walls. David shares his diverse journey from winemaking to radio and media, and his impactful work in fundraising and public art. He reflects on his upbringing, the values instilled by his parents, and his early leadership roles. The discussion highlights David's passion for art, his experiences in curating and supporting local artists, and the transformative power of public art in communities. The episode underscores themes of leadership, resilience, and the importance of fostering creativity in the next generation.

In this episode of the "Layers of Leadership" podcast, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Anette Smith, CEO of Impact Group Enterprise LLC. Anette shares her leadership journey, from her early aspirations and corporate experiences to her transition into entrepreneurship. The discussion highlights pivotal moments such as the George Floyd incident and the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced her career decisions. Anette emphasizes the importance of community engagement, diversity, and empowering women in leadership. She also discusses her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and finding joy in the workplace. The episode offers valuable insights into leadership and personal growth.