Welcome back to Origin Stories. In this episode, we sit down with Marcie Wombold, a teacher-leader, dedicated researcher, and one of the most authentically impactful people in the world of education. For over 20 years, Marcie has shaped the innovative curriculum at Raisbeck Aviation High School and currently pursues her doctorate at USC.

Marcie’s entire classroom and life philosophy is centered around a courageous, profound idea: Leading with Love.

We explore Marcie’s incredible origin story—from growing up in a religiously conservative community and navigating the foster care system to discovering her calling in a high school social studies class where she was first given the power of choice.

Marcie shares how her personal journey as a sexual assault survivor fueled her mission to create safe, empowering spaces. This path led her not just to the classroom, but to become the sifu (founder/teacher) of Self Discovery Self Defense, a unique practice combining martial arts (Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu) with emotional intelligence.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Love as a Balance of Care and Justice: Understanding that high expectations are not "tough love," but a necessary component of authentic human connection and growth.
• The Gift of Feedback: How the most frustrating moments in the classroom are essential data points for innovation.
• Reclaiming Power: How martial arts became Marcie's entry point to feeling powerful, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually, allowing her to then help her students do the same.

If you are an educator, a student of life, or someone seeking to turn personal pain into universal purpose, this conversation will offer profound wisdom on how to show up fully, connect authentically, and embrace the demanding work of growth.

Show notes:

• Connect with Marcie on LinkedIn
• Connect with Xhelan on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Self Discovery Self Defense.

Guest bio:

Marcie Wombold is a teacher-leader at Raisbeck Aviation High School in Seattle, Washington, where she has shaped its innovative curriculum since 2004. Passionate about fostering powerful learning for all, she holds a National Board Certification and collaborates extensively with industry and university partners. With over 20 years of experience, Marcie earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Washington. Marcie is also the founder and sifu of Self Discovery Self Defense, a one-of-a-kind self-defense and self-discovery experience that combines the principles of martial arts training (Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu) with awareness, empowerment, and emotional intelligence. She is currently a doctoral candidate at USC.

Quotes:

“The subjects are arbitrary, but the human need to be okay—that’s universal.” – Marcie Wombold

“Love isn't lower expectations. Love isn't softness. It's a balance of care and justice. You have to have both.” – Marcie Wombold

“I started my life not feeling powerful, not having choice. ... And now I can help humans reclaim and honor parts of their human experience.” – Marcie Wombold

Welcome back to Origin Stories, the place where we explore the unexpected twists and lifelong connections that define who we are. Today, I sit down with a person who fundamentally changed my path—my longtime mentor, Steven Wright.

Steven's own origin story is a perfect example of how life’s path is a creative, non-linear process. He is a high-level corporate consultant who utilizes visual planning and graphic facilitation to help major companies rebuild their vision. Yet, his deepest impact comes from a moment of unexpected guidance: volunteering for his nephew's high school robotics team, an experience that turned into over a decade of mentorship to young people in schools and beyond.

Steven's journey—from a competitive athlete who moved constantly to a visual planner who helps corporate executives find clarity—is full of wisdom on how to thrive when plans fail. We dive into:

• The Power of Accidental Mentorship: How a single, two-hour volunteer session can change your life's purpose.
• Leading from the Middle: A counterintuitive lesson from running track in college about affecting maximum change without demanding the spotlight.
• The Strength of Steel (and Swiss Cheese): Using the engineering principle of annealing to understand how the things we struggle with are the very elements that give us tensile strength and flexibility.
• The Joy of Keep Pedaling: Steven’s philosophy on finding balance, achieving flow, and grounding yourself when the fear mechanism is triggered.

This episode is for anyone feeling stuck, looking for inspiration, or needing a reminder that the best plan is often the one you discover by being willing to course correct every day. The stories of the people who come before us are the most important maps we have.

Show notes:

• Connect with Xhelan on LinkedIn
• Connect with Steven on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Steven’s work at The Grove Consultants International

Guest bio:

Steven Wright is an independent business consultant and a Senior Consultant for The Grove Consultants International, based in Seattle, Washington. With a background in engineering and landscape architecture, Steven utilizes visual planning and graphic facilitation to assist clients globally with strategic vision, team collaboration, and action plans.

For over 15 years, Steven has been a dedicated high school robotics team mentor, guiding young people from their time in high school into their early professional careers. This commitment to mentorship reflects his belief in helping others find clarity and flexibility on their life paths. He supports board retreats with graphic recording and leads web-based virtual meetings using digital tablet and graphic design skills.

Quotes:

“The goal isn’t to cross the line. The goal is to look around and say, wow, those things that I was aiming for that are a little more nebulous, those are the things that really stick.” – Steven Wright

“You need to figure out how to lead from the middle ... you run fast enough so the kids that are struggling to stay on the team think they can still keep up with you.” – Steven Wright

“I’m more like a high altitude expedition guide. ... I’m the dude who no longer climbs the mountains, but I know how to climb the mountains ... and I can get you to a place where you can’t even breathe.” – Steven Wright

Description

In this inspiring episode of Origin Stories, we celebrate the powerful journey of Tamar Coleman, Assistant Principal at Garfield High School. Tamar’s entire career—spanning 15+ years across roles from Childcare Director to Special Education Teacher—is a testament to the power of unwavering service and a deep-seated growth mindset.

Her path is rooted in one driving, non-negotiable mission: uplifting and empowering students farthest from educational justice. We dive into what it takes to climb the professional ladder in education without ever losing sight of the fundamental belief that every child deserves access to opportunity.

Tamar shares her own "origin story," from her early life as a Boston-born Yankee navigating the culture of Jackson, Mississippi, to taking a "do it scared" leap of faith to Seattle. We discuss the real challenges facing today's classrooms—from conflict management to implementing culturally responsive practices—and the wisdom she’s gained in her influential leadership role.

This conversation is essential for any leader, educator, or believer in service, providing actionable insights into how to lead with genuine presence and joy.

By the end of this conversation, you'll walk away with three genuine, heart-centered actions you can embrace today:

• The power of every role: How each position, from after-school instructor to Assistant Principal, prepares you for the next level of impact.
• The "do it scared" mindset: Tamar’s philosophy of stepping out on faith and embracing the unknown to avoid complacency.
• The growth imperative: Why you must constantly outgrow your current shell, like a hermit crab, to keep moving the needle for educational justice.

Show notes:

• Connect with Tamar Coleman on LinkedIn
• Connect with Xhelan on LinkedIn

Guest bio:

Tamar Coleman is the Assistant Principal (Gold Bulldogs Team) at Garfield High School, bringing over 15 years of diverse and dedicated experience to educational leadership. A native of Boston and Jackson, Mississippi, Tamar holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from City University of Seattle, and Administrative Certification in Educational Leadership. Her career, which includes roles as a Childcare Director, Special Education Instructional Assistant, and House Administrator, has been singularly focused on championing students farthest from educational justice. Tamar is known for her joyful presence, her commitment to meaningful representation, and her deep belief in the power of a growth mindset—never stop growing, learning, and getting better.

Quotes:

“You might not understand why you’re doing something or if it’s going to work out. Do it anyway.” – Tamar Coleman

“When you have that unction to move... if you are on a growth mindset, at some point you’re going to outgrow the space that you’re in.” – Tamar Coleman

“Educational justice means giving a voice to the voiceless.” – Tamar Coleman

“If you want to be student centered you have to chip away at that ego.”– Tamar Coleman

In this episode of Origin Stories, we go on a field trip into the world of Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu to explore the gym as a profound place of education. I sit down with my old coach, Zach Zabel of Vital Muay Thai and Vital Jiu Jitsu (Fife, WA), a natural-born teacher whose deep understanding of martial arts has created a powerful supplemental space for development.

For me, discovering Muay Thai was a turning point as an insecure kid struggling with mental health. The gym became my genuine classroom for self-trust, teaching me that the fight is never external—it's always internal.

Coach Zach's journey from a young man who resisted traditional schooling to a dedicated mentor and successful podcast host (Sway City Muay Thai) is living proof that the greatest teachers and lessons are often found outside the traditional path. We discuss:

• The self-discovery connection: how the pressure and vulnerability of the gym forces you to see yourself clearly.
• The power of showing up: Zach’s strong mindset on consistency and presence as the true building blocks of confidence.
• Building a teaching legacy: The secret to crafting a legacy that is not about winning titles, but about giving people a voice and a platform to be themselves and grow.

This episode reminds us that the power you discover in a gym, a dojo, or any demanding field, is the very power you need to be successful anywhere.

Show notes:

• Connect with Xhelan on LinkedIn
• Follow Sway City Muay Thai 
• Learn more about Vital Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu

Guest bio:

Zach Zabel is an entrepreneur, digital creator, and Muay Thai coach from Spanaway, Washington. With over 14 years of experience in the sport, he trains and develops athletes as a coach and trainer at Srisuk Muay Thai while co-leading the fight team. Beyond coaching on the mats, Zach is the host of the Sway City Muay Thai Podcast, where he showcases fighters, coaches, and culture from across the Pacific Northwest. Driven by a passion for growth, community, and discipline, Zach continues to help build the next generation of martial artists—both as an instructor and as a voice for the Muay Thai community.

Quote(s):

“You don’t need a title to be a leader” – Zach Zabel

“Find your avenue to inspire” – Zach Zabel

In this episode of Origin Stories, I sit down with true Seattle leader, Rick DuPree, to trace an incredible journey of creative reinvention and lifelong service. Rick's path is a masterclass in persistence, moving from the broadcast booth as Seattle’s first Black sports talk show host to a decades-long career in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and community leadership.

Rick embodies the "keep going energy" required to step into new roles, whether leading affinity groups, directing a documentary, or guiding young people through pivotal life choices. We dive deep into his K-12 experience navigating mandatory bussing in Seattle, the importance of intentionally exposing students to arts and cultural experiences, and the wisdom gained from media and public service.

This is a powerful conversation about how legacy isn't just about what you build; it's about who you lift up along the way. Tune in for three genuine, heart-centered actions you can embrace today to find your own legacy in motion.

Show notes:

• Connect with XJ on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Seattle Black Panther documentary 

Guest bio:

Rick DuPree is a dynamic leader, storyteller, and community advocate rooted deeply in the Pacific Northwest. His career is marked by purpose-driven work that spans media, athletics, and non-profit leadership. He made history as Seattle's first Black sports talk show host before transitioning to an impactful career in youth development, including leadership roles at the Boys and Girls Clubs. Rick is a champion of DEIB, having directed community engagement at Seattle Academy and now applying his vast experience to film, including his documentary project, Passing the Torch. He holds a degree in Broadcast Communications and remains dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation.

Quotes: 

“Believe in yourself. Don’t let anybody tell you can’t.” –Rick DuPree

Description

In the very first episode of Origin Stories, I sit down with my mom, Sheree Bennett, to trace the incredible story of her resilience. Her journey shows what it takes to navigate the demands of higher education, a full-time career, and motherhood—often all at once. Like many of us, she faced moments of deep self-doubt, but she found the strength to keep pushing forward. This is a conversation about the courage to begin again whenever life requires it. We explore the profound impact a parent's involvement has on a child's school life and how self-belief is the only required currency for success. Tune in for an inspiring reminder that it is never too late to finish your story.

Show notes:

• Connect with Sheree on LinkedIn
• Connect with Xhelan on LinkedIn

Guest bio:

Sheree Bennett is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She currently serves as the Director of Medical Staff Services & Practice Management at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, where she oversees key operational and administrative functions related to provider practice management. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Seattle, Sheree is deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest. She attended local schools and pursued higher education with determination, earning her Associate of Arts degree, followed by a Bachelor’s degree, and ultimately completing her MBA. Sheree is a proud wife and mother of two. She enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and engaging in meaningful, in-depth conversations. A lifelong learner, she is always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and grow both personally and professionally. Her faith plays a central role in her life and values.

Quotes:

“I have the power to bring me joy…I choose joy.” – Sheree Bennett

“Who I want to be dictates the choices I make everyday.”– Sheree Bennett