No Boxes: Just Verses

From a difficult childhood marked by tragedy to leading a genomic revolution and championing diversity in corporate boardrooms, Dr. Thane Kreiner’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and making a plan to be someone. Thane takes us through his incredible career arc—from writing the business plan for DNA chip pioneer Affymetrix as an intern to becoming a four-time CEO and leading the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship.

We go deep into the personal stories that shaped him, including losing his first love in a tragic car accident just before college, finding his authentic self in San Francisco during the height of the AIDS epidemic, and the divine order that led him to co-found the Black Corporate Board Readiness (BCBR) program.

Dr. Thane Kreiner is an independent advisor, board member, and former CEO with over 30 years of experience starting and growing enterprises designed to improve health and wellness for people and the planet. He currently serves as the co-founder of the Black Corporate Board Readiness program, a board member for Conservation X Labs, and an advisory board member for Alder Brooks. Previously, Thane led the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University for a decade. During his tenure, he worked with over 1,000 social enterprises that collectively improved, transformed, or saved the lives of over 400 million people living in poverty. Thane spent 17 years building and starting companies in the life sciences sector, including serving as a four-time CEO and working at DNA chip pioneer Affymetrix. He holds a PhD in Neurosciences and an MBA from Stanford University, and completed his undergraduate studies in Chemistry at the University of Texas, Austin.

Key Takeaways:

• Thane opens up about a traumatic childhood and the tragic loss of his partner, Jay, just before college. Learn how he used education and a "Fast Car" mentality to survive and eventually thrive.
• Hear the inside story of how Thane went from a summer intern writing the private placement memorandum for Affymetrix to a VP leading global marketing and sales during the company’s explosive IPO and growth.
• Thane discusses the pivotal role his mentor, Sue Siegel, played in his career, teaching him to see talents in himself that he didn't know he had.
• Discover the origin story of the Black Corporate Board Readiness program. Thane shares how he and co-founder Dennis Lanham answered the call after the murder of George Floyd to create tangible change in corporate governance.
• From regenerative gardening in Sonoma to using AI to write songs, Thane shares how he finds peace and creative expression in this season of his life.

Thane’s story proves that you can turn pain into purpose and that it’s never too late to pivot your life toward service. If this episode inspired you, please rate, review, and share it with a friend!

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Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

Is your career a ladder or a jungle gym? How do you transition from reporting the numbers to being the one who drives them? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, we sit down with Daryl "DB" Butler, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Trusted Voices at Google. DB takes us on a masterclass journey through his jungle gym career—starting in finance and accounting before making a bold pivot to sales and marketing that led him to shape culture at iconic brands like Boost Mobile, Nike, Jordan Brand, and Beats by Dre. 

As Vice President of Global Partnerships and Trusted Voices at Google, Daryl Butler (DB) is responsible for forging strategic alliances and partnerships across the company’s portfolio, including Cloud, Platforms & Devices, Search, Gemini, and YouTube. His team is focused on embedding the Google brand in culture with purpose. Under his leadership, DB manages complex partnerships with influential brands and talent like McLaren Racing, the NBA/WNBA, and Steph Curry. A proud graduate of Morehouse College and Pepperdine University, DB is a dedicated community leader and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Key Takeaways:

• The "Jungle Gym" Career: DB explains why a career isn't a linear ladder but a jungle gym where you climb, slide, and swing to gain the diverse experiences needed for C-suite leadership.
• Scorekeeper vs. Point Scorer: Hear the defining moment when DB realized he no longer wanted to just report on the money (Finance) but wanted to be the one making it (Sales/Marketing), prompting his major career pivot.
• Culture with Purpose: Learn DB’s philosophy on "contextual marketing"—how to authentically insert a brand into a consumer's life by understanding what they love (music, fashion, sport) rather than just selling a utility.
• "Think Two, Take One": A powerful strategy for navigating life and business. DB breaks down how to look two steps ahead (identifying the destination) to ensure the step you take today is the right one.
• The Power of "Angels": No one makes it alone. DB discusses the importance of having mentors and sponsors—his "angels"—who were willing to bet on his potential even when his resume didn't match the role.

Whether you are looking to make a career pivot or wanting to understand how major brands tap into culture, DB’s story proves that your "steps are ordered." If this episode moved you, please rate, review, and share it with a friend!

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Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

How do you keep moving forward when life forces you to grow up at age 11? Can you maintain your integrity when your job conflicts with your values? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, we explore the incredible journey of a leader who turned early personal tragedy into a lifetime of resilience and service. We go beyond the bio to discuss how to lead through loss, the power of divine order in your career, and what it takes to manage global teams during a crisis.

Carrie J. Clark is a powerhouse leader in technology, global governance, and higher education. As the System Director of IT Operations at Henry Ford Health, she drives digital transformation and operational excellence. Beyond the boardroom, Carrie serves as the International Regional Director for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, overseeing chapters across 13 countries. A proud Detroit native and STEM advocate, she is dedicated to creating pathways for the next generation through organizations like Code 313.

Key Takeaways:

• The Survivor Mentality: Carrie opens up about the devastating loss of her mother when she was just 11 years old. Learn how this tragedy shaped her resilience and instilled a survivor mindset that has fueled her personal and professional success.
• Integrity Over Titles: Hear the defining moment in Carrie's early career when she walked away from a good job because it compromised her values. She shares a powerful lesson on why you can't save everyone, but you must refuse to be part of the problem.
• Your Steps Are Ordered: From losing a major election to losing her father in the same season, Carrie discusses how to handle public defeat with grace and why trusting in divine order is essential for long-term peace and success.
• Leading Through Crisis: As a regional director during the height of COVID-19, Carrie had to pivot from standard leadership to managing the grief and safety of thousands of women. Discover her strategies for galvanizing a team during unprecedented times.
• Going Global: Carrie shares her excitement about expanding Alpha Kappa Alpha's footprint, including chartering new chapters in Ghana, London, and Puerto Rico, and bringing the sorority full circle back to the continent of Africa.

Whether you are a corporate executive, a community servant, or navigating your own wilderness season, Carrie’s story is a testament that "ain't no stopping us now." If this episode inspired you to trust your journey, please rate, review, and share it with a friend!

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast! 

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Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

Are you afraid to start over? Do you feel like it’s too late to pursue a creative passion or pivot your career because you didn't start young enough? Whether you are navigating a competitive industry, recovering from a personal setback, or simply feeling the itch to try something new, this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses is your blueprint for resilience. We go beyond the bio to explore how to embrace being a beginner, how to navigate life's sinking canoes and why your 10,000 hours of hard work will always pay off.

Kelly Frye is a dynamic actress, producer, and director known for her roles in Disney's Secrets of Sulphur Springs, Criminal Minds, The Flash, and Rake. A Houston native and Loyola Marymount University graduate, Kelly is a lifelong learner who trained at the famed Second City. Beyond the screen, she is a multifaceted entrepreneur: she co-runs the Campbell Art Collective, hosts immersive "Bite" dinner series, and recently launched her own line of upcycled, artist-collaborative handbags, the Kelly Campbell Collection.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Being a Beginner: From joining her high school golf team with zero experience to launching a handbag line during a Hollywood strike, Kelly proves that success comes from the willingness to be a beginner and put in the work.
• Learn the Rules to Break Them: Kelly shares a critical lesson for any creative or professional: you must master the technical scaffolding of your craft before you can successfully improvise and add your own unique jazz hands.
• The Canoe Theory of Relationships: In a powerful analogy about navigating toxic relationships, Kelly explains how to recognize when you are in a sinking canoe and why you must have the courage to jump out and swim, rather than drowning trying to fix holes others are poking.
• Track Your Wins in the Desert: When you are in a wilderness season or feeling stuck, Kelly recommends keeping a physical list of every small win. Reviewing this list when you feel lost helps you see that you are actually moving forward, even if you can't see the forest through the trees.
• Pivot with Purpose: Learn how Kelly turned an 8-month industry strike into an opportunity to launch new businesses, proving that versatility and the ability to pivot are essential tools for long-term success.

Are you ready to jump off the mountain and see if the parachute opens? Kelly’s story is a reminder that you don't have to fit into one box—you can be an actress, a realtor, an entrepreneur, and an art lover all at once. If this episode inspired you to start your own list of wins, share it with us!

Don't forget to subscribe to No Boxes, Just Verses on your favorite platform so you never miss a leadership playlist.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast! 

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Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

Are you feeling stuck in a wilderness season, unsure of your next move, or afraid to pivot? Whether you are navigating a career transition, facing financial uncertainty, or simply trying to rediscover your voice, this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses is the inspiration you need. We go beyond the resume to explore how to turn rock bottom into a launchpad for reinvention. Join us as we explore the incredible journey of a Hollywood icon who taught herself to code during a personal low point and emerged as a tech leader.

Malinda Williams is an acclaimed actress, producer, and cultural icon whose work has profoundly shaped film and television. Best known for her breakthrough role as Tracy "Bird" Van Adams in Showtime’s groundbreaking series Soul Food, she has also starred in hits like The Wood, Idlewild, and Daddy’s Little Girls. Beyond Hollywood, Malinda is a tech visionary who taught herself to code and founded the Arise and Shine Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to wellness, empowerment, and creative entrepreneurship for underserved communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace the Wilderness Season: Malinda opens up about her time in the wilderness—a period of financial struggle and personal difficulty. She shares how she reframed this time not as a setback, but as a period of accelerated growth where she learned that if you want to see something different, you have to be something different.
• The Power of Self-Taught Reinvention: Discover the incredible story of how Malinda, facing a changing industry and personal debt, picked up a book called HTML for Dummies and taught herself to code. Learn how being an autodidact (self-taught learner) allowed her to pivot from acting to building websites and eventually launching a tech non-profit.
• Trust Your Intuition and Go: From moving to Los Angeles with only two weeks' notice to accepting the role of Bird in Soul Food after initially declining it three times, Malinda discusses the importance of listening to divine downloads and being radically obedient when your spirit says "go".
• Drop the "Bag Lady" Mentality: Inspired by Erykah Badu’s "Bag Lady," Malinda explains why you must let go of past hurts and grudges. She teaches that carrying emotional baggage slows you down, causing you to miss your bus—and your blessings.
• Know Your Worth in Negotiations: Hear the powerful story of how Malinda negotiated a salary double what she expected by leaning on her faith and learning to believe for more, even when the initial offer was a lowball.

Are you ready to drop your bags and code your own future? This episode is a masterclass in resilience and faith. If you were moved by Malinda’s story, consider supporting her mission to bring tech education to women and HBCUs by donating to the Arise and Shine Foundation at asforwomen.org 

Don't forget to subscribe to No Boxes, Just Verses for more inspiring journeys that go beyond the bio! Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast! 

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Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

Are you a high-level manager struggling to make the leap to "unboxed" leadership? Many professionals hit a plateau where they focus solely on vertical status rather than the diverse skills needed for the C-Suite. This common pain point can lead to career stagnation and burnout.

In the conclusion of our Season 1 Recap, No Boxes: Just Verses explores the five final pillars of leadership that separate good managers from world-class leaders. This episode addresses how to use your platform for a higher purpose, the spiritual act of trust and delegation, and why strategic networking is the ultimate currency of business. If you’re ready to scale your impact and master the "human-centric" ecosystems of modern leadership, this "unboxed" playbook is for you.

You’ll see lessons from Dana Pump, Terri J. Vaughn, Shaun Robinson, Chloe & Maud Arnold, Nichole Jordan, Panya Lei, Christiane Pendarvis, Michelle Banks, Elicia Pegues Spearman, Steven Wolfe Pereira, Vishal Verma, Ravi Kumar,  and Lisa Shalett.

Key Takeaways:

• Purpose Through Service & Philanthropy: True leadership is not measured solely by personal achievement, but by how you use your platform and success to lift others and create a lasting, positive impact in your community.
• Trust and Vulnerability as a Scale Strategy: To scale your impact, you must view delegation as a spiritual act of trust and recognize that asking for help is a sign of authentic leadership strength, not fragility.
• Exposure as a Growth Accelerator: Broadening your horizons by stepping into unknown environments—such as new industries, cities, or global assignments—acts as a critical catalyst for stretching your mental perspective and accelerating executive readiness.
• Relationship Building is the Ultimate Currency: Business is fundamentally about people; mastering the art of human-centric connection and building strategic ecosystems is the essential skill needed to scale your impact globally.

Your fullness is your power, and there are no boxes here—only the verses you choose to write. We encourage you to take one of these lessons today—whether it's trusting a teammate with a new task or reaching out to a new mentor—and apply it to your journey.

Thank you for being part of the No Boxes: Just Verses global movement. We are turning the page on an incredible first season and getting ready for the next level. Season 2 drops January 5th! Subscribe now to ensure you're first in line for our stunning new lineup of guests. Stay unboxed.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast! 

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Theme Song: Pedal to the Medal by Martin Luther (Spotify | Apple Music) 

Are you feeling stuck on a secure career path that no longer sparks curiosity? Do you feel like you have to wear a mask to be respected in the C-Suite? Many leaders face the grueling pressure of maintaining a perfect image while navigating personal trials or professional stagnation. This episode of No Boxes: Just Verses addresses the specific pain point of boxed-in leadership.

In this special Part 1 recap, host Shannon Nash counts down the first five pillars of leadership that defined our debut season. You’ll see lessons from Debbie Frost, Vicki Johnson, Lola Oladunjoye, Steven Wolfe Pereira, Kenny Lattimore, Lauren Maillian, Melonie D. Parker, Leah Pump, Debbie Allen, and Jack McCullough.

Key Takeaways:

• Master the "Unboxed" Career Pivot: Success rarely follows a straight line. Real leadership is defined by the courage to abandon a secure path to follow a spark of curiosity.
• Bring Your Full Identity to the Table: Your fullness is your greatest power. Refuse to code-switch or hide your cultural background; bringing your whole self—background, interests, and culture—is what allows you to lead with true authority.
• Lead Through "Titanium" Moments: Resilience is forged in the fire of personal loss. It is the ability to maintain high-level excellence even when life’s heaviest hits leave you operating at limited capacity.
• Build Your "Starting Five" Board of Advisors: You don't reach the top alone. Be intentional about building a village that includes a mentor to disrupt your thinking, a sponsor to open doors, and a peer "scream buddy" for support.
• Reclaim Empathy as a Strategic Tool: Niceness is not a weakness; it is a sign of immense strength. Purposefully choosing joy fuels creativity and allows you to stand up for the unheard in high-stakes rooms.

Leadership is not a destination; it is a series of verses. Which of these five lessons "hit" your career path the hardest today? We encourage you to pick one lesson—whether it's building your board of advisors or bringing more of your authentic self to your next meeting—and implement it this week.

No Boxes: Just Verses has officially hit the Top 5% of podcasts globally because of your support. Subscribe now so you don't miss Part 2 of our countdown next week, and get ready—Season 2 drops January 5th! Stay unboxed.

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Theme Song: Pedal to the Medal by Martin Luther (Spotify | Apple Music) 

As we wrap up an incredible Season One, join us for a special countdown of the Top 5 most-chosen songs that shaped the journeys of our leaders! This episode goes beyond the rankings to explore the common musical threads that connect incredible leaders across business, culture, creativity, and community. We revisit the powerful stories behind the anthems of resilience, joy, strategy, and strength that resonated most deeply with our phenomenal guests.

Key Takeaways:

• Season one has been nothing short of phenomenal.
• The podcast ranked in the top 5% globally out of 3.6 million podcasts.
• The stories shared resonated deeply with listeners.
• The top five songs represent key leadership lessons.
• Music serves as a powerful connector in storytelling.
• Different genres can convey similar themes of empowerment.
• Confidence is crucial in leadership and presence.
• Choosing joy is essential for resilience and creativity.
• Perseverance is key when facing challenges.
• Identity and strength are central to personal narratives.

Thank you for being part of this phenomenal first season. We can’t wait to share new voices, new lessons, and more amazing songs when Season Two drops on January 5th. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast! 

Check the blog for all the mentioned guests at www.noboxesjustverses.com 

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Theme Song: Pedal to the Medal by Martin Luther (Spotify | Apple Music) 

Are you an executive struggling with the isolation of high-level leadership? Have you faced a personal crisis that forced you to re-evaluate your entire career path? In this powerful Authentic and Strategic episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with the two Lisas—Lisa DeCarlo and Lisa Shallet—co-founders of Extraordinary Women on Boards (EWOB). They share deeply personal stories: Lisa D’s health scare that forced vulnerability and Lisa S’s decision to retire from Goldman Sachs to prioritize time. Learn their unconventional strategies for career entry, board service, and building the essential peer community needed to lead.

Lisa DeCarlo is the co-founder of Extraordinary Women on Boards (EWOB), co-creator of The Decade Game®, and founder of Just Go. A board director, advisor, and catalyst for change, she is passionate about helping leaders and organizations innovate, get unstuck, and dream bigger—guided by her core belief that nothing happens without movement.

Lisa Shalett is the co-founder of Extraordinary Women on Boards, a powerhouse network of 1,000+ trailblazing women corporate board directors dedicated to advancing board excellence and staying cutting edge. A former Goldman Sachs Partner, she now serves as an independent board director, corporate advisor, and entrepreneur.

Key Takeaways:

• Lisa D shares how she accidentally landed a temp job on a trading floor and used a two-year commitment to learn every business unit (sales, trading, investment banking) —a non-traditional path that led to six job offers.
• Lisa D’s severe health crisis forced her to realize she wasn't hiding her decline and that her ability to be open about life experiences later "opened up so many doors" in bigger leadership roles.
• Lisa S reveals why her father's sudden death caused her to retire from Goldman Sachs six months later. She suddenly saw a clock ticking backwards and realized her purpose was to be home for dinner.
• EWOB was built from the need for a community where women could "take the armor off". They discovered the power of a peer group that shares emerging best practices and sees you, not just your title.
• Lisa S stresses that beyond IQ and EQ, executives must develop OQ —understanding how things work informally within an organization —to navigate their career path and break the unwritten rules of the game.

The Lisas’ journey is proof that your most vulnerable moments can provide the deepest clarity on your life's purpose and unlock your Unstoppable potential.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast! 

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Theme Song: Pedal to the Medal by Martin Luther (Spotify | Apple Music) 

Are you feeling stuck in a predictable career path? Do you struggle to make a strategic lateral move because you're afraid to lose status? In this highly Strategic episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with Melonie Parker, VP of Employee Engagement at Google. Melonie shares her authentic story of navigating a 17-year career at Lockheed Martin through lateral moves and the crucial decision to take a non-promotional role at Google to answer a personal question: Do my skills work in a new industry? Learn her mentorship strategy ("The Starting Five") and why your superpower shines through when you choose to Add In versus Fit In.

Melonie Parker is the Vice President of Employee Engagement at Google, leading global talent and organizational success strategies. With over three decades of experience, including 17 years in leadership roles at Lockheed Martin and serving as VP of HR and Communications at Sandia National Laboratories, Melonie is known for her innovative leadership and focus on culture. She is a proud graduate of Hampton University and serves on the boards of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and her alma mater.

Key Takeaways:

• The Foundational Lesson of Service: Melonie shares the early lesson from her grandfather's country store: "always look at the person in the line, never look at the line". This perspective is the root of her focus on humanity and her approach to HR.
• Lateral Moves Over Vertical Status: Learn why she changed positions every two years for 17 years and why taking non-promotional lateral moves early in your career is essential for gaining the breadth of experience needed to be the most competitive executive later.
• The Starting Five Mentorship Model: Discover her advice on building a Board of Advisors that includes a mentor unlike you (to disrupt your thinking), a peer scream buddy (for safe venting), a personal cheerleader, and a professional coach.
• Add In Versus Fit In: Melonie reveals her crucial personal mantra for navigating new, challenging environments like Google: You don't want to fit in, you want to add in. Your superpower shines through when you contribute your unique cultural competencies and seasoned experience.
• The Generational Village is Everything: Melonie shares her personal story of having her daughter, Lauren, while at Hampton, and how her parents took Lauren in so she could graduate on time. This sacrifice led to a trajectory where her daughter now holds a PhD from Purdue.

Melonie’s journey is a powerful demonstration that success is built one strategic move at a time, supported by a dedicated community. Your current challenge is just preparation for your apex.

Build your Starting Five, seek out a lateral move, and subscribe to No Boxes: Just Verses to guide your next strategic step!

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Theme Song: Pedal to the Medal by Martin Luther (Spotify | Apple Music)