Layers of Leadership

As a child actor, Janine Bera appeared in Car Wash and Sanford and Son then left acting behind and built a career in medicine and community health. On Layers of Leadership,Dr. Bera tells Dr. Michael Marion Jr. how a chance suggestion from her husband led her to medical school, why she chose UC Davis over Stanford and UCSF, and how she makes brief patient visits feel personal. Now chief health officer at WellSpace Health, she helps lead care for 125,000 people a year and shares plans for a South Sacramento wellness campus that will bring mental health, addiction treatment, housing support, and job training together.

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Sacramento hospitality entrepreneur Clay Nutting. Clay shares his journey from growing up on a Massachusetts farm and promoting music events to co-owning Michelin-recognized restaurantsCannon and Francesca's. He discusses how his upbringing shaped his work ethic and community-driven leadership. Clay also reflects on navigating COVID-19 by launching Family Meals, which has since provided over 750,000 meals to those in need, and previews Milfoil, a sliding-scale meal platform supporting local restaurants while addressing food insecurity in Sacramento.

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Lydia Ramirez, Executive Vice President and COO at Five Star Bank. Lydia shares her journey from humble immigrant roots to becoming one of the rare Latinas in the C-suite. She discusses starting as a bank teller at 20, rising through a competitive management training program, and balancing single motherhood with an ambitious career. The conversation highlights the power of mentorship, intentional networking, and resilience. Lydia also reflects on community involvement, self-care, and Five Star Bank's impressive growth across California.

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Larry Lee, President of the Sacramento Observer Media Group. Larry shares his journey growing up in the family business, founded by his parents in 1963, and his commitment to continuing their legacy of serving Sacramento's African American community. He discusses navigating challenges like digital disruption and declining print media, recent expansions including a new Stockton newsroom, and the importance of vision, service, and mentorship. Larry reflects on resilience, leadership lessons from his parents, and the Observer's enduring mission to amplify Black voices.

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Dr. Brice Harris, retired Chancellor Emeritus of the California Community College system. Drawing from his 55-year career, Dr. Harris shares leadership insights on building strong organizational cultures, surrounding oneself with capable leaders, and balancing professional demands with family life. He reflects on growing Los Rios Community College District's enrollment from 52,000 to 92,000 students, the importance of community engagement, and his passion for open-access education. Dr. Harris also discusses his Oklahoma upbringing, the influence of theater on his communication style, and the value of mentorship.

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Dr. Michele Foss Snowden, Executive Director for President Communications at Sacramento State University and host of The TV Doctor podcast. They discuss her 20-year teaching career, her new role in the president's office, and her Sacramento roots. Dr. Foss-Snowden shares how her love of television inspired her podcast, where she "prescribes" TV shows to help people navigate life's challenges. She also reflects on introverted leadership, the importance of acting on ideas, and embracing your unique voice.

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Nancy Brodovsky, founder of SAC Connect and a prominent community leader in Sacramento. Nancy shares her journey from hospitality and banking to nonprofit consulting, highlighting key lessons about resilience, volunteerism, and relationship-building. She discusses how her Jewish faith and the principle of tikkun olam shaped her leadership, the value of board service, and the importance of genuine connection. Nancy also reflects on her family legacy, her passion for community collaboration, and her ongoing work helping nonprofits grow and thrive.

In this episode of the Layers of Leadership podcast, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews entrepreneur Chris Johnson, founder and CEO of Pro Flow Technology. Chris shares his journey from playing basketball and running teen dance clubs at 16, to building multi-million dollar companies and appearing on Shark Tank. He discusses pivoting his recruiting firm into an AI-driven hiring platform, the importance of faith during financial hardships, and surrounding yourself with high-caliber people. Chris also emphasizes intentional family time, daily gratitude practices, and the transformative power of proximity to the right mentors and networks.

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Dr. Francisco Rodriguez, retired chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District. Dr. Rodriguez reflects on his upbringing in San Francisco's Mission District, crediting family, faith, and community as his foundation. He shares his 39-year journey through California's public higher education system, discussing leadership philosophy, authenticity, and his unwavering commitment to equity and underserved communities. The conversation also touches on personal passions, including classic cars and DJing, while offering inspiring advice to aspiring leaders: embrace ambiguity, follow your values, and let your brilliance shine.

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with veteran journalist Rob Stewart, a two-time Emmy Award winner and host of PBS's Rob on the Road. Rob shares his 18-year journalism journey, from humble beginnings in South Carolina to major markets like New York and Philadelphia. He discusses the decline of media integrity, the role of AI, and the power of authentic storytelling. Rob also opens up about growing up gay in the South, finding sobriety in 2013, and how self-acceptance transformed his career. He closes with a powerful message: be of service, listen deeply, and make moments matter.