Lets Have This Conversation

Lets Have This Conversation

By Kevin McShanNewsDaily News
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Lets Have This Conversation episodes

  • Educational Equity, Literacy, & the Future of Learning with: Justin Hassan

    According to the National Literacy Institute, nearly 40% of
    American students are not reading at a basic proficiency level, while more than
    one in four adults possess literacy skills at or below a basic level. Combined
    with post-pandemic learning loss, these statistics highlight the urgent need
    for innovative, evidence-based approaches to education.

    Recent results from the National Assessment of Educational

    Progress (NAEP), often referred to as The Nation's Report Card, show that
    reading achievement continues to decline nationwide, with average reading
    scores for both 4th and 8th-grade students falling between 2022 and 2024. These
    trends have educators, families, and policymakers searching for solutions that
    can help students succeed in an increasingly complex world.

    My guest today is Justin Hassan, Director of Curriculum and

    Instruction for Uplift Education, the largest free public charter school
    network in North Texas. Serving more than 23,000 students across 20 campuses in
    the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Uplift Education has built a reputation for
    academic excellence, with 100% of its graduates earning acceptance to college.

    Justin is passionate about improving student outcomes and

    ensuring access to high-quality education for all learners. Throughout his
    career, he has helped increase the percentage of students performing at grade
    level by 18% and improved student performance on nationally normed literacy
    assessments by 9% year over year. His work is grounded in research-based
    instructional practices and a commitment to educational equity.

    In this conversation, Justin and I discuss the state of

    literacy in America, the challenges facing today's students and educators, the
    role of curriculum and instruction in improving outcomes, and what it truly
    means to provide every child with a modern, meaningful, and equitable
    education. We also explore how schools can foster a lifelong love of learning
    while preparing students for success in college, careers, and an ever-changing
    global marketplace.

     

    For more information: https://uplifteducation.org/

    LinkedIn: @JustinHassan  

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    1 hr 8 min
  • Kim Costa: Beyond Homeownership: Finding Alignment, Purpose, and Potential Through Where You Live

    Only 10% of Americans say homeownership is easy to achieve,

    according to a Wall Street Journal/NORC survey. Yet despite rising costs and
    increasing challenges, nearly 89% still view owning a home as an essential part
    of their future.

    What if the conversation about homeownership is about more

    than mortgages, square footage, and market conditions? What if the right home
    could become a catalyst for greater clarity, purpose, and fulfillment in every
    area of your life?

    This week, I am joined by Kim Costa, a Top 5% Realtor® with

    Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty and creator of The Wheel
    House Method. After spending more than 27 years in residential design and
    construction—and navigating her own journey of personal transformation—Kim
    discovered that where we live often has a profound impact on how we live.

    Through her innovative framework, Kim helps people evaluate

    their homes, habits, and choices across eight dimensions of life alignment. Her
    philosophy is simple yet powerful: your perfect home lies at the intersection
    of elevating your living environment and maximizing your personal potential.

    During our conversation, Kim shares why homeownership should

    be viewed as more than a financial transaction. We discuss how our homes
    influence our relationships, routines, well-being, goals, and sense of
    identity. She explains how buyers and sellers can avoid costly mistakes by
    looking beyond aesthetics and focusing on alignment with their values and
    aspirations.

    Whether you're considering a move, feeling stuck in your

    current environment, or simply looking for greater purpose and fulfillment,
    this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the connection between where
    you live and the life you're creating.

    Join us as we explore how an aligned home can become the

    foundation for an authentic life—and why seeing potential everywhere may be the
    first step toward building the future you envision.

     

    For more information: https://lifestylefoundations.com/

     

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    51 min
  • 401k Exposed: What Employers, HR Leaders, and Employees Need to Know About Retirement Plan Liability

    Employee benefits continue to be a critical component of

    attracting and retaining talent. According to the Society for Human Resource
    Management (SHRM), 81% of employers consider both retirement savings and
    planning benefits and leave benefits to be either "very important" or
    "extremely important" offerings for their workforce. As organizations
    compete for talent, retirement plans remain one of the most valued benefits
    employers provide.

    In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation,

    I sit down with Alex Langan, ERISA attorney, Chief Investment Officer, author
    of the #1 bestselling book 401(k) Exposed, and founder of Langan
    Financial Group.

    Alex has built a reputation for challenging conventional

    wisdom surrounding employer-sponsored retirement plans. After serving as a
    Pennsylvania Supreme Court clerk and practicing ERISA law, he discovered what
    he believes is one of the most overlooked issues in corporate America: many
    employers unknowingly expose themselves to legal and fiduciary risks through
    the administration of their 401(k) plans.

    During our conversation, Alex explains why retirement plan

    providers may not always have incentives aligned with employers and employees,
    the fiduciary responsibilities many business owners and HR professionals
    inherit without formal training, and the steps organizations can take to better
    protect both themselves and their workforce.

    We also discuss:

    • Why retirement plans remain one of the most important

    employee benefits organizations offer
    • Common misconceptions employers have about fiduciary responsibility
    • The hidden costs and risks embedded in many 401(k) plans
    • How employees can become more informed retirement savers
    • What business owners, CFOs, and HR leaders should be asking their retirement
    plan providers
    • Why transparency and education are critical to improving retirement outcomes

    Alex also shares the philosophy behind Langan Financial

    Group, an independent financial planning firm focused on personalized guidance
    rather than product sales or quotas. Their approach centers on understanding
    each client's goals, challenges, and long-term financial objectives while
    delivering customized financial planning solutions supported by a dedicated
    team.

    Whether you're an HR professional, business owner,

    executive, or employee participating in a workplace retirement plan, this
    conversation offers valuable insights into a system that affects millions of
    Americans every day.

     

    For more information: https://langanfinancialgroup.com/

     

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    41 min
  • Building Scalable Organizations in the AI Era Through Smarter Organizational Architecture

    Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it
    has become a fundamental business tool that is reshaping how organizations
    operate, innovate, and compete. According to McKinsey's 2025 State of AI
    report, 78% of organizations now use AI in at least one business function, a
    significant increase from 55% just a year earlier. Yet while adoption is
    accelerating, many organizations still struggle to move beyond experimentation
    and create measurable business value from their AI investments. (McKinsey
    & Company)

    In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation,

    we sit down with Danny Carpio, an organizational architect, systems builder,
    attorney, and partner at Veri.
    For more than 13 years, Danny has been designing the governance structures,
    operating systems, and coordination frameworks that allow organizations to
    scale effectively in complex and rapidly changing environments.

    Throughout his career, Danny has worked across decentralized

    organizations, venture-backed startups, and multi-entity networks, helping
    teams raise and manage eight-figure capital pools, incubate businesses, and
    build operating models that others could successfully replicate. His expertise
    lies at the intersection of organizational design, operational excellence, and
    emerging technology—particularly the AI infrastructure that enables businesses
    to compound growth rather than simply automate tasks.

    During our conversation, Danny explores why so many

    companies are rushing to adopt AI without first building the operational
    foundations necessary for long-term success. We discuss the difference between
    using AI as a productivity tool and integrating it as a true organizational
    operating layer, the challenges leaders face when scaling AI initiatives, and
    why governance, systems thinking, and human coordination remain critical in an
    increasingly automated world.

    Danny also shares insights into Veri, a platform designed to

    solve one of the biggest challenges facing content creators today: disconnected
    tools. By combining analytics, research, scripting, packaging, and strategy
    into a single system that remembers a creator's channel and workflow, Veri
    helps creators leverage AI while maintaining full control over their content
    and decision-making.

    Whether you're a founder, executive, creator, or business

    leader trying to understand how AI can create sustainable competitive
    advantages, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for building
    organizations that are designed not just to survive technological change—but to
    thrive because of it.

     

     

    LinkedIn: @dannycarpio

    X: @augmentedthings  

    Get the Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GZF9FLCR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24E185I27CCSX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1KHg6ckcNIEGepPkdaVe5w.zGaVEwfi2QTeTncLdgAgTAXbo1tuJc4xHOQC-bT6Dzc&dib_tag=se&keywords=%2C+The+Unfirm%3A+The+New+Unit+of+Scale+Is+You%2C&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1780601244&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+unfirm+the+new+unit+of+scale+is+you%2C+%2Cdigital-text%2C146&sr=1-1

     

     

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    1 hr 11 min
  • Transforming Conflict into Connection with Katherine Winter Sellery

    What if the biggest barrier to stronger relationships,

    better leadership, and healthier workplaces isn't a lack of skill—but the way
    we communicate?

    Research from the University of Massachusetts Global found

    that more than 74% of workers and leaders want to develop new professional and
    personal skills to improve engagement and communication both at work and at
    home. At the same time, workforce research from Visier shows that 67% of
    professionals rank spending meaningful time with family and friends among their
    most important life ambitions. Yet many people struggle to build the trust,
    understanding, and connection needed to make those ambitions a reality.

    This week on Let's Have This Conversation,

    I sit down with Katherine Winter-Sellery, a three-time TEDx speaker,
    leadership communication expert, entrepreneur, and founder of the Conscious
    Parenting Revolution and BalanceWork-Life.

    Katherine's journey spans international business,

    entrepreneurship, mediation, and the study of human behavior. From negotiating
    complex global business deals in Hong Kong and China to helping leaders
    navigate difficult workplace conversations, she has spent decades exploring
    what causes communication to break down—and what it takes to restore trust and
    collaboration.

    Drawing on her groundbreaking 3Rs framework—Retaliation,

    Rebellion, and Resistance—Katherine explains why people react defensively when
    they feel unheard, misunderstood, or controlled. She shares practical
    strategies leaders, parents, and professionals can use to transform conflict
    into productive dialogue, create psychological safety, and foster stronger
    relationships.

    During our conversation, we discuss:

      If you're looking to become a more effective leader, build

      stronger relationships, or communicate with greater clarity and confidence,
      this conversation offers practical tools you can start using immediately.

      Join us as Katherine Winter-Sellery shares how changing the

      way we communicate can transform the way we lead, connect, and live.

       

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      1 hr 2 min
    • How Harley Green Helps Leaders Save Time, Build Wealth, and Focus on What Matters

      Artificial intelligence is changing the way executives

      work—but not in the way many people think. According to discussions across
      LinkedIn and the executive assistant community, the most effective approach is
      often a hybrid one: using AI to handle repetitive administrative and data-heavy
      tasks while allowing Executive Assistants to focus on strategic organization,
      judgment, communication, and relationship management. The goal isn't replacing
      people—it's helping them operate at a higher level. (LinkedIn)

      This week, I sat down with Harley Green, CEO of InvestAway

      and Workergenix, to explore how business owners, investors, and executives can
      use leverage—both technological and financial—to create more freedom and better
      results.

      Harley brings a unique perspective because he's lived every

      side of the investment journey. A former computer engineer turned real estate
      entrepreneur, he built his experience through house flipping, BRRRR strategies,
      private lending, and creative capital deployment. From utilizing HELOCs and
      infinite banking concepts to strategically selling properties and redeploying
      capital into lending opportunities, Harley understands how money can be put to
      work efficiently and effectively.

      Today, through InvestAway, he helps investors generate

      returns through short-term, real estate-backed lending opportunities. At the
      same time, through Workergenix, he helps overwhelmed business owners reclaim
      between 15 and 30 hours each week by pairing them with AI-powered Executive
      Assistants who manage inboxes, scheduling, reporting, follow-ups, coordination,
      and other critical operational tasks.

      As Harley explains, many executives don't suffer from a lack

      of ambition—they suffer from a lack of bandwidth. Too often, leaders spend
      their days trapped in execution rather than focused on vision, growth, and
      leadership. Workergenix was built to solve that problem by providing dedicated
      support that operates inside existing business systems while ensuring
      accountability and follow-through.

      During our conversation, we discuss:

      • Why AI works best as an enhancement rather than a

      replacement for human judgment
      • How Executive Assistants are evolving into strategic business partners
      • The biggest operational bottlenecks holding leaders back
      • Creative strategies for raising and deploying capital
      • Lessons learned from real estate investing, private lending, and
      entrepreneurship
      • How delegation creates freedom, scalability, and growth
      • What it takes to successfully run multiple businesses while traveling
      internationally and raising a family

      Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to buy back your

      time, an executive searching for operational efficiency, or an investor seeking
      new ways to grow your capital, this conversation offers practical insights on
      building systems that create both income and freedom.

      Join us for an engaging discussion on the intersection of

      AI, organizational efficiency, real estate investing, leadership, and wealth
      creation with Harley Green.

       

      For more information: https://www.investaway.co/

      Discover More: https://workergenix.com/

      LinkedIn: @HarleyGreen

      Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scale-smart-grow-fast/id1770366237

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      53 min
    • The Hidden Cost of Success: Dr. Larry Freeney on Leadership, Loneliness, and Family Alignment

      General Loneliness: A landmark Harvard Business

      Review survey found that more than 61% of CEOs and senior executives report
      feeling isolated in their roles and family lives, while nearly 50% openly
      acknowledge feelings of loneliness due to the constant demands on their time
      and attention.

      If you’re a father, high-level executive, entrepreneur, or

      simply someone striving for deeper connection at home while balancing
      professional responsibilities, today’s conversation is for you.

      Dr. Larry Freeney is a counselor educator, LPC-Supervisor,

      and creator of the Fully Alive Personal Mastery System. He has delivered
      thousands of clinical sessions, earned four black belts, was selected as 1 of
      300 participants from over 88,000 applicants for the Spartan Project 300, and
      is currently raising five children under the age of six. His work focuses on
      helping high-performing individuals who may appear successful externally but
      internally feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck, guiding them toward
      alignment between who they are today and who they are capable of becoming.

      As the Director of Education and Assessment at Rejoice

      Counseling Apostolate, Dr. Freeney helps bridge professional counseling with
      the Catholic faith tradition. His organization works with individuals, couples,
      and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief,
      parenting challenges, marital healing, and personal growth.

      With nearly a decade of experience as a mental health

      professional, Dr. Freeney’s philosophy is grounded in four key principles:
      Metamorphic Growth, Schema-Altering Experiences, Genuine Human Connection, and
      Radical Generosity. His passion for helping people maximize their potential is
      reflected in both his professional work and personal pursuit of continuous
      growth, discipline, and excellence.

      This week, he joined me for a powerful conversation about

      what it truly takes to create alignment between the pressures of work and the
      responsibilities of family life, while avoiding the emotional isolation so many
      leaders silently experience.

      We discussed:

        You won’t want to miss an insightful and deeply human

        conversation about leadership, family, mental health, and becoming fully alive
        in every area of life.

         

        For more information: https://laetarehealth.com/fullyalive/

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        1 hr 1 min
      • Reigniting Life After Gray Divorce with: Dr . Heather Theisen Gándara

        While divorce rates among younger adults have declined in

        recent decades, one demographic is experiencing a dramatic rise in separation:
        adults over 45. According to research from Bowling Green State University,
        roughly one-third of all U.S. divorces now occur among couples in midlife and
        beyond—a phenomenon often referred to as “gray divorce.” The American
        Psychological Association notes that these life transitions can bring major
        emotional, financial, and identity-related challenges, while also opening the
        door to profound resilience, reinvention, and personal growth.

        In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Heather

        Theisen-Gándara, founder of Reignite Collective, to explore what it truly means
        to rebuild life after divorce—and why women over 40 are discovering that their
        next chapter can become their most powerful one yet.

        Dr. Theisen-Gándara shares her remarkable journey from rural

        Wisconsin to becoming an internationally experienced leader, educator, and
        mentor. As the first person in her family to hold a passport, her life expanded
        through extensive work and travel across Latin America, where she developed
        fluency in Spanish and a deep passion for cross-cultural connection. With a
        Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s in Counseling, and more than
        two decades of experience in international diplomacy and large-scale
        organizational leadership, she has partnered with global organizations
        including the United States Department of State, ExxonMobil, and Baker Hughes.

        But behind the impressive résumé was a deeply personal

        reinvention story.

        After the end of a 24-year marriage, Dr. Theisen-Gándara

        faced the emotional and financial realities that many women experience after
        divorce. Instead of allowing that season to define her, she rebuilt from the
        ground up—reclaiming financial independence, prioritizing wellness, losing
        nearly 100 pounds, and rediscovering her confidence, identity, and purpose.

        Through Reignite Collective, she now helps women navigate

        holistic recovery after divorce by focusing on emotional healing, wellness,
        financial empowerment, self-confidence, and personal style. Her message is both
        compassionate and transformational: divorce is not the end of a woman’s
        story—it can be the beginning of her most empowered chapter.

        In this conversation, we discuss:

          This episode is a powerful reminder that healing and

          reinvention are possible at any stage of life—and that sometimes the most
          beautiful chapters begin after everything changes.

           

           

          For more information: https://www.reignitecollective.com/

          Follow: @HeatherGlowsAgain

           

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          1 hr 3 min
        • Breaking Barriers to Employment: Mental Health, Inclusion & the Power of Purpose with Julie Henshaw

          According to the Canadian Mental Health Association in

          Ontario, up to 90% of Canadians living with serious mental illnesses are
          unemployed, while individuals with a mental health-related disability face an
          employment rate of just 46%. Stigma, discrimination, limited workplace
          accommodations, and a lack of support continue to create significant barriers
          to meaningful employment and long-term career success.

          On this episode of Let’s Have This Conversation,

          we sit down with Julie Henshaw, MSW, RSW, Executive Director of Stride, to
          explore how inclusive employment practices can transform lives, strengthen
          communities, and create healthier workplaces for everyone.

          With more than 20 years of experience in the community

          mental health and addictions sector, Julie brings a compassionate and deeply
          relational approach to leadership. Her work across residential, community, and
          hospital settings has given her a comprehensive understanding of Ontario’s
          mental healthcare system and the complex realities facing individuals
          navigating mental health and addiction challenges.

          Stride is helping change the conversation around employment

          by supporting youth (16+) and adults struggling with mental health or
          addictions as they pursue meaningful work. Through job readiness training,
          employment coaching, accommodation planning, peer mentoring, workshops, job
          matching, and employer partnerships, Stride connects often-overlooked
          candidates with inclusive employers who recognize the value of diverse lived
          experiences.

          In this conversation, Julie discusses:

            Julie also shares insights from her leadership journey, her

            passion for healthcare design and social policy, and why collaboration,
            empathy, and encouragement remain at the center of meaningful community impact.

            This is a powerful conversation about hope, opportunity,

            inclusion, and the life-changing impact of being seen for your potential
            instead of your diagnosis

            For more information: https://stride.on.ca/

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            50 min
          • Why Traditional Media Still Matters for Small Business Visibility with: Mickie Kennedy

            Fewer than 1% of small businesses use press releases as a
            regular marketing or public relations strategy, even as major corporations
            continue to rely heavily on media relations to shape public perception and
            build authority. Meanwhile, approximately 92% of businesses are using social
            media platforms to increase visibility and brand awareness, according to
            Entrepreneur. But in a crowded digital marketplace where everyone has a
            website, LinkedIn page, Facebook profile, and online reviews, the real question
            becomes: what actually makes your business memorable?

            On this episode of Let’s Have This Conversation,

            we sit down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases,
            one of the leading press release distribution services helping small
            businesses, startups, and authors secure national media exposure. With more
            than 25 years of experience in public relations and media outreach, Mickie has
            dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs bridge the gap between their
            business and the journalists, reporters, and publications that can elevate
            their credibility.

            In a world where trust drives buying decisions, Mickie

            explains why earned media still matters and why being featured in trusted
            publications can separate your business from competitors who rely solely on
            social media algorithms. He shares practical insights into how entrepreneurs
            can use press releases strategically, what journalists are actually looking
            for, and how authentic storytelling can create long-term authority online.

            The conversation also explores the changing landscape of

            public relations, why visibility alone is no longer enough, and how small
            businesses can leverage media coverage to strengthen trust, improve search
            presence, and create opportunities that traditional advertising often cannot
            deliver.

            Whether you’re an entrepreneur, author, speaker, or business

            owner looking to increase your visibility and credibility, this episode offers
            a behind-the-scenes look at how effective PR can help you stand out in a
            marketplace saturated with noise.

             

            For more Information: https://www.ereleases.com/

            Discover More: https://www.ereleases.com/plan-2/

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            1 hr 3 min

          About Lets Have This Conversation

          From the publisher's feed

          Multimedia Journalist and Motivational Speaker Kevin McShan brings you a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional YouTube Podcast called: “Let’s Have This Conversation. The intention is to provide a large…