Students at The Maritime Academy of Toledo are learning to navigate more than academics—they’re charting their futures. In this episode of the PinLeader™ Podcast, Dr. Shanda Gore sits down with Superintendent Dr. Misha Stredrick to discuss how the school is preparing students for college, careers, and beyond.

This episode sponsored by J. Foster Jewelers and Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Jennifer Panczsyzyn.

Great leadership can chart a steady course—no matter the waters. Host Dr. Shanda Gore talks with Captain Josep M. “Chema” Ruyra, a Royal Caribbean leader who's story shows that leadership—like sailing—isn’t about control, but about guiding others through every wave with confidence and care.

This episode sponsored by the MANE™ Intelligence Network

Leadership isn’t always cultivated in a boardroom—sometimes it’s grown in the garden or perfected in a backyard kitchen.

Host Dr. Shanda Gore sits down with Ms. Felicia Roberts-Dunston, founder of Sow and Reap Gardens, and Mr. William P. Dunston III, creator of Big Daddy’s Backyard Barbeque Sauce. This inspiring couple shares how faith, family, and purpose guide their approach to leadership, entrepreneurship, and community building. 

This episode sponsored by the MANE Intelligence Network.

Finding your voice takes courage, collaboration, and authenticity. Host Dr. Shanda Gore sits down with Multi Platinum, Multi Grammy Nominated Artist Ms. Tamara “Taj” George of the R&B group SWV. Ms. George reflects on how the lessons of music translate into purpose-driven work, teamwork, and legacy.  

This episode sponsored by the MANE Intelligence Network.  

According to research by Salesforce, 89% of consumers are more likely to make another purchase after a positive customer service experience. So, what makes customer service truly shine? In this episode of the PinLeader Podcast, Host Dr. Shanda Gore sits down with Mr. Anthony Bruno, nationally renowned independent jeweler and President of J. Foster Jewelers, to explore how leadership, empathy, and trust turn everyday transactions into lifelong relationships.  

This episode sponsored by The MANE Intelligence Network

We’re celebrating a milestone: the 100th episode of the PinLeader™ Podcast!

In this special edition, Dr. Shanda Gore is joined by the Mays and Associates team—Jini Jordan (Operations), Dianne Engler (Accounting) and Marie Dunn (Marketing) to share leadership insights on building sustainable success across every part of an organization.

AI is transforming industries, careers, and education. In today’s PinLeader Podcast, Host Dr. Shanda Gore talks with two leading researchers and professors, Dr. Jake Lee and Dr. Cheryl Bracken from Bowling Green State University, to hear how their new AI + X bachelor’s degree is preparing students for the future. 

This conversation comes as BGSU gets ready to host Great Lakes AI Week November 4-6 where Dr. Gore will be a presenter. She'll also be part of a panel of business leaders and the keynote speaker at Lourdes University on September 30 for an event titled, "Empowering the Future: AI, Ethics & New Leadership Landscape"

This episode sponsored by Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Jennifer Panczsyzyn 

Success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about the foundation you build it on.

In this episode of the PinLeader Podcast, Host Dr. Shanda Gore talks with Mr. Tim Mays and Mr. Matt Maxwell, owners and operators of Mavillino Custom Home Builders. They discuss how integrity, communication, and quality are the foundation of their business. Hear how they motivate their team, plan for the future, and adapt in an ever-changing housing market.

This episode sponsored by Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Jennifer Panczsyzyn

What’s the difference between just managing money and building a financial future you feel good about? Host Dr. Shanda Gore talks with Financial Advisor, Ms. Jennifer Panczyszyn to discuss values, vision, and avoiding common mistakes. Plus—how leadership plays a big role in planning for the future. 

Every time you twist the cap on a plastic soda or water bottle, you’re enjoying an innovation that happened in Toledo, Ohio. Host Dr. Shanda Gore talks with Dr. Tom Brady who led the team that developed the Coca-Cola PET plastic soft drink bottle and that pioneered the development of the first FDA-approved curbside recycling process. Hear about the leadership principles that guided Dr. Brady, first at Owens-Illinois and then at his own company, Plastic Technologies, as his teams pursued these groundbreaking innovations. Learn about the risks he took as an entrepreneur, and how he built teams that successfully pursued unproven ideas.

This episode sponsored by Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Jennifer Panczsyzyn