Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

For the past several years, Leaders of Today has been about discovering the experiences behind the people we admire—the challenges they faced, the people who believed in them, the moments that shaped them, and the lessons they carried forward.

But somewhere along the way, I realized something.

The stories were becoming more important than the titles.

And that realization has led me to the next chapter of this journey: Speak Boldly.

In this special episode, I share the story behind that evolution—and why I believe we need more spaces where people can tell the stories that shaped them.

For me, this isn't simply a podcast rebrand.

It's a continuation of work I've been doing for years.

I've always been drawn to the people who don't necessarily see themselves as traditional leaders. The quiet ones. The people who have felt like outsiders. The people who have experienced failure, uncertainty, rejection, or moments when they didn't feel like they belonged.

Because I've been that person.

As I reflect on my own experiences, my years as a teacher, my work through Peers Not Fears, and the incredible people I've had the opportunity to interview, I've realized that leadership isn't always where the story begins.

Sometimes it begins with belonging.

Sometimes it begins with finding your voice.

Sometimes it begins with finally believing that your story matters.

• Why I created Leaders of Today in the first place
• The personal experiences that have shaped my understanding of belonging and leadership
• What I've learned from listening to the stories of so many incredible guests
• Why I've become less interested in titles and more interested in the experiences that shape us
• How my work with Peers Not Fears connects to the evolution of Speak Boldly
• Why I believe everyone has a story worth telling
• How the Speak Boldly Showcase grew out of this work
• Why Speak Boldly is becoming more than a podcast
• What I hope to create for women who don't necessarily think of themselves as speakers
• And what this next chapter means for the Leaders of Today community

Speak Boldly was born from a simple belief:

You don't have to be a professional speaker to have something worth saying.

You don't need the perfect story.

You don't need a big title.

You don't need to have everything figured out.

You simply need to be willing to tell the truth about an experience that shaped you.

Because your story may be the very thing that helps someone else feel less alone.

And when one person finds the courage to speak, it can give someone else permission to find their voice too.

Leaders of Today has been an important part of this journey, and I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has listened, shared an episode, introduced me to a guest, or trusted me with their story.

But I'm ready for the next chapter.

Speak Boldly, The Podcast will continue the conversations—but with an even greater focus on the stories behind the people.

The moments that changed us.

The things we rarely talk about.

The lessons we learned the hard way.

The voices we almost didn't use.

And the courage it takes to tell our stories out loud.

The podcast will also connect to the growing Speak Boldly community and showcases, where women are stepping onto a stage and discovering that perhaps they were speakers all along—they just needed someone to give them permission to begin.

If you've been part of Leaders of Today, thank you.

If you're new here, welcome.

And if you've ever thought:

“I don't really have a story.”

“I'm not a speaker.”

“I'm not sure anyone would want to hear what I have to say.”

I hope you'll stick around.

Because Speak Boldly was created for you.

Follow Speak Boldly, share this episode with someone whose story deserves to be heard, and connect with us on social media.

And if you think your story—or the story of a woman you know—belongs in this conversation, I would love to hear from you.

This isn't the end of Leaders of Today.

It's the evolution of the question we've been asking all along:

What shaped you into the person you are today?

Now we're taking that question one step further:

What happens when you become brave enough to speak that story out loud?

Welcome to Speak Boldly.

Imagine a woman discovers Speak Boldly through a podcast episode.

She hears another's story - it feels like hers - she connects with the podcast host [email protected]

She hears her story.

Then she discovers:

A video from the Speak Boldly stage.

She attends a Speak Boldly Showcase.

There's more Speak Boldly Showcases coming.

Then she thinks:

In this inspiring interview, Chelsea Kim Long shares her journey from a conservative Christian upbringing to becoming a voice for women seeking to reclaim their faith, identity, and voice. Discover insights on religious trauma, the importance of authentic self-discovery, and how to foster belonging and leadership beyond traditional roles.

faith, women, religious trauma, self-discovery, belonging, leadership, spirituality, Christianity, mental health, empowerment

Key topics

• Religious trauma and healing
• The impact of conservative Christianity on women
• The journey of self-discovery and authenticity
• The importance of belonging and community
• Redefining leadership and faith for women

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Chelsea Kim Long

02:25Growing Up in Conservative Christianity

04:16The Impact of Gender Roles on Identity

10:02Navigating Belonging and Individuality

18:50Understanding Fundamentalism

20:58Conditional Belonging and Its Effects

24:26The Journey to Authenticity

25:21The Masks We Wear

26:32Questioning Identity and Faith

28:17The Journey of Self-Discovery

29:01Navigating Decision-Making in Relationships

31:46The Impact of Patriarchy on Women's Choices

33:51The Cost of Compliance

35:34The Hourglass of Transformation

37:03Embracing Desires and Authenticity

39:04Taking Responsibility for Our Choices

41:15Redefining Spiritual Leadership

43:05The Ripple Effect of Sharing Our Stories

• Faithfully Dissident Daughters (Book)
• Chelsea Kim Long (Website)
• Chelsea Kim Long (Instagram)

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In this inspiring interview, Lisa Keslar shares her journey from teenage challenges to becoming a successful entrepreneur and leader. She discusses the importance of relationships, resilience, and authenticity in personal growth and business success.

Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Personal Growth, Relationships, Teen Development, Resilience, Authenticity

Key topics

Teenage experiences shaping leadership

The importance of relationships in business

Resilience and overcoming challenges

Build genuine relationships and networks

Practice inclusion and kindness daily

Reflect on childhood experiences to inform growth

Balance personal growth with giving back

"It was such an important part of my journey."

"You don't want to peak in high school."

"The more you give, the more you get."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lisa Keslar

01:34 Teenage Years and Personal Growth

09:21 The Impact of Scoliosis on Identity

11:49 Lessons from High School Experiences

19:06 Journey into Entrepreneurship

23:23 Rethinking Insurance: Understanding Coverage Needs

25:57 The Importance of Relationships in Business

29:19 Building Community and Friendships

33:16 The Power of Vulnerability and Connection

36:05 Empowering Young People Through Relationships

40:13 Connecting and Networking in a Digital Age

Lisa Keslar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakeslar

Speak Boldly Showcase - https://speakboldlyshowcase.com

Lorraine interviews Nevin Brown about how a difficult childhood, restrictive early experiences, and growing up as a Black child in a predominantly white town shaped his self-image and leadership style. The conversation centers on how Nevin moved from believing he was limited to building a life rooted in creativity, autonomy, and service to others.

Nevin Brown is a musician, filmmaker, photographer, and president of Portsmouth Public Media Television. He shares how storytelling, volunteer-led production, and years of creative practice helped him build confidence and lead without controlling others.

• In this episode, Nevin explains how early experiences of strict parenting, school struggle, and low self-confidence made him believe he was less capable than he really was.
• He describes how poor grades became proof, in his mind, that he was not smart or able, even though later reflection showed he lacked support and accountability more than ability.
• Nevin shares a deeply personal childhood abuse experience tied to bedwetting, including being forced to spend entire days in an unheated shed, and how that taught him harmful lessons about shame and worth.
• He talks about growing up as one of very few Black people in his town, and how his adoptive parents tried to expose him to Black writers and musicians even though they could not fully teach him that experience.
• He explains how reconnecting with his biological mother changed his understanding of Black identity, family history, and his place in a legacy connected to slavery and the civil rights era.
• Music was always present in his life, but not as a career plan. He taught himself harmony by listening to The Beatles, sang in chorus from kindergarten through high school, and later got pulled into guitar almost by accident.
• Nevin emphasizes that he chose music on his own terms, keeping it separate from financial pressure so it could remain something he loved rather than something he had to do.
• He reflects on leadership as something others recognize in you, not something you force. His style is collaborative, autonomy-focused, and rooted in helping people succeed rather than telling them what to do.
• His work with Portsmouth Public Media Television is a practical example of that leadership style, especially in volunteer-driven productions where he sees his role as creating space and giving people what they need.
• He shares how saying yes to one radio opportunity in his early twenties led to his first job in radio, showing how action and openness can replace self-doubt over time.

(00:00) Intro to Nevin Brown and the story behind his leadership(02:17) Nevin explains why he struggled to connect his past to who he is now(03:17) How strict upbringing and lack of support shaped his belief that he was limited(05:38) Why school grades became the main evidence he used against himself(08:48) The childhood punishment that taught shame instead of safety(12:39) Growing up Black in a predominantly white town and trying to fit in(16:01) Reconnecting with his biological mother and reframing Black identity(17:24) Music as a lifelong presence before it became a serious practice(18:52) How a band decision unexpectedly made him a guitarist(20:19) Choosing music as a passion, not a financial obligation(22:40) Why he still sees himself as a work in progress(23:10) Leadership, visibility, and being recognized before he recognized himself(24:38) Why Nevin believes leadership should be chosen by others(26:47) Collaborative leadership in volunteer-based media production(31:32) Teachers who treated him like he mattered, regardless of grades(33:05) How a joke turned into becoming class president(35:09) The first time he realized he could lead through pressure and uncertainty(38:00) Saying yes to a radio opportunity that changed his career(40:44) Where to find Nevin’s music and media work

In this episode, Heather Sweeney shares her inspiring story—from the high-intensity world of competitive swimming dedicated to Olympic dreams to the unexpected loss of her athletic career due to injury. Her journey through disappointment, mental health struggles, divorce, and finding new purpose as a writer offers valuable lessons on resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of mental health.

• Heather’s early passion for swimming and the discipline it instilled
• The impact of injury at age 19 and how it abruptly ended her athletic career
• Coping with disappointment and using journaling as a healing tool
• The mental and physical toll of injuries and the importance of seeking help
• Lessons learned from competing at high levels and leadership roles as a team captain
• Transitioning from athlete to writer, and using storytelling as empowerment
• The significance of mental health awareness among athletes and role models like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka
• Strategies for parents to support children in pursuing sports without vicarious pressure
• How Heather’s military life and divorce influenced her memoir, Camouflage
• The power of sharing diverse experiences and encouraging authenticity in writing
• Advice for teenage athletes: prioritize mental health, ask for help, and take breaks when needed
• Encouragement for women to explore multiple areas of expertise and leadership

00:00 - Heather’s early motivation and high-level swimming in New Jersey

00:31 - Transition to Florida and the impact of changing swim teams

01:01 - Achieving national rankings and Olympic trial dreams

01:53 - The devastating effect of injury and missing the Olympic team by fractions of a second

02:17 - Ignoring pain and swimming through shoulder injuries, leading to chronic issues

02:47 - The wake-up call at a national meet and decision to retire from swimming

03:14 - College scholarships, running track, and the disconnect with her athletic identity

04:09 - Continuing college with injuries, stress fractures, and physical therapy

04:38 - The critical advice from an orthopedic surgeon about future family plans

05:03 - Retirement at 19 and the journey of self-discovery through journaling and writing

06:29 - Developing perseverance, time management, and goal setting from athletics

07:27 - Childhood lessons on handling disappointment and sportsmanship

08:41 - Recognizing the importance of mental health, especially for elite athletes

09:26 - Reflecting on college choices and the value of academic versus athletic scholarships

10:13 - The nuanced decision between larger and smaller universities and athletic considerations

11:11 - Balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth at Davidson College

12:09 - The risks of cross-training, injuries, and the mental effects of physical setbacks

13:20 - The toll on confidence and perceived performance despite being a top college swimmer

14:28 - Early signs of injury and the importance of listening to one’s body

15:20 - Lyme disease diagnosis during high school and its impact

15:42 - Physical therapy and advocating for her health rights

16:48 - Leading as a team captain while hiding injuries and the importance of openness

17:41 - The growing movement of athletes speaking out on mental health

18:11 - Role models like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka challenging stigma

19:36 - Writing her memoir, Camouflage, about military life and post-divorce resilience

20:04 - Lessons from military life that shaped her independence and adaptability

22:52 - Transition from blogging to writing her book and professional journalism

24:58 - Using journaling from her personal experiences as a foundation for her memoir

27:05 - Light-hearted writing about entertainment and culture, including TV and movies

28:11 - The healing power of entertainment and storytelling in seeing ourselves reflected

29:22 - Parenting advice: allowing children to explore interests without projecting unfulfilled aspirations

30:42 - Encouraging children to try different activities and follow their passions

33:03 - Advice for teenage athletes: protect mental health and ask for help

35:24 - Where to find her book and her social media presence

• Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military Marriage
• Heather L. Sweeney - Website
• Heather L. Sweeney on Instagram
• Amy Cuddy - "Presence" Book — for understanding body language and confidence
• Mental Health Resources for Athletes

• Instagram
• Website

In this inspiring episode of Leaders of Today, Lorraine Connell sits down with Maya Srinivasan to explore her unconventional and deeply personal path to leadership—from a high school student finding her voice in an alternative school, to a business owner redefining culture in the construction industry.

Maya opens up about growing up in a tight-knit family, her early struggles in school, and the transformative experience of attending Mind High School, where student-led projects and community focus helped shape her leadership approach. Her journey took her through anthropology, outdoor recreation, hospitality, and eventually into the world of home remodeling—where she now leads with authenticity, collaboration, and compassion.

Lorraine and Maya dive into the power of self-discovery, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of building systems that empower teams rather than micromanage them. Maya also shares her hiring philosophy, her commitment to representation in the trades, and how she uses her leadership platform to encourage young women to pursue careers in construction.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t always come with a title—and that following your own path can lead to incredible impact.

Embracing non-linear career paths

Leading with vulnerability and collaboration

Building team culture in male-dominated industries

Mentorship and representation in the trades

Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome

Encouraging youth to live by their core values

Website: Great Northern Builders

Follow Leaders of Today wherever you listen to podcasts and connect with host Lorraine Connell on Instagram @peersnotfears or at www.peersnotfears.com.

Discover how Marielle Ceresa's personal journey through community, identity, and healing informs her work in Chinese medicine and acupuncture. This episode explores themes of self-confidence, resilience, activism, and holistic health.

• The impact of childhood experiences and cultural identity on personal and professional development
• The role of empathy and compassion in healthcare and healing practices
• How anger and other emotions can be harnessed as tools for growth and activism

• Marielle Ceresa shares her story of growing up as a Latina in a predominantly white town and navigating undiagnosed ADHD
• The influence of early entrepreneurial experiences and decision-making authority on her confidence
• The importance of emotional intelligence, including meditation and therapy, in resilience
• How traditional Chinese medicine views balancing the body, emotions, and spirit
• Practical advice for those feeling othered or disconnected, including embracing anger constructively
• The significance of modeling respectful behaviors to younger generations

00:00 - Introduction to Marielle Ceresa and her holistic health expertise

02:14 - Marielle's teenage years: activism, independence, and cultural identity

04:41 - Growing up as a Latina in the 80s: facing racism and feeling different

06:31 - The importance of support systems and authentic self-expression

08:29 - Early entrepreneurial ventures and building confidence through decision-making

09:13 - Confidence versus authority: how leadership shaped self-belief

10:39 - Developing internal voice and standing up to bullies

12:21 - Empathy's role in understanding others' pain and community healing

13:50 - Navigating loneliness and finding inner strength in solitude

16:46 - The transformative power of therapy and ongoing self-work

20:05 - Addressing systemic racism: the influence of adults' behaviors on children

20:38 - How modeling respectful and inclusive behavior can change social dynamics

23:07 - The universality of feeling "othered" across identities and communities

24:36 - Recognizing and addressing microaggressions in daily life

26:17 - The importance of language and perceptions in reinforcing stereotypes

30:13 - Using empathy as a tool for holistic healing in acupuncture

34:08 - The connection between emotions, energy, and physical health in Chinese medicine

39:00 - How acupuncture works holistically and the mystery behind its mechanisms

43:36 - Practical advice for restoring balance and embracing one’s true self

44:10 - The benefits of meditation and therapy in managing emotions and healing

45:56 - Harnessing anger as motivation for activism and self-empowerment

48:01 - Connecting with Marielle: contact info and social media links

• Upright Acupuncture & Wellness
• Marielle Ceresa’s Email
• Instagram - Upright Acupuncture Wellness
• The Huangdi Nei Jing (Inner Canon)

• Website
• Email
• Instagram

In this insightful conversation, Ashley Ryall shares her transformation from a shy, introverted teen to a confident leader and advocate for women's voices. Discover how embracing vulnerability and redefining leadership can create lasting impact.

00:00 - Introduction: Ashley Ryall’s journey from shy teen to influential speaker

In this inspiring episode, Josy Martinez shares her powerful story of overcoming adversity, embracing her heritage, and transforming her experiences into a mission to empower women and small business owners in managing their finances. Her journey from childhood trauma to a successful fractional CFO underscores the importance of confidence, resilience, and community.

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview

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