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True leadership requires more than knowledge and expertise. Being vulnerable and authentic can have a huge impact on the connections you build with your team, and enable your entire organization to play bigger!
Among his achievements as an athlete and coach, Kirk Walker has helped UCLA to seven NCAA Championships and 18 Women's College World Series appearances, earning the title of the “winningest” coach in UCLA history. In this episode of Shift Out Loud, Kirk and I discuss how he learned to play bigger while living authentically, and how this challenging shift transformed his leadership. Tune in as we explore his incredible career and his work to promote inclusivity in sports.
Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:
Guest bio: Kirk Walker just finished his 23rd season on the UCLA coaching staff where he is the Associate Head Coach. He was honored as part of the NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021. He is the Bruins' third base coach and also plays at a highly competitive level. He is a visible and vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports.
Timestamps:
01:47 Intro
04:34 Meet Kirk Walker
08:46 Meeting Kirk
10:58 Umpiring
13:04 Shift to coaching & Oregon State
18:44 Coming out & Outsports
22:50 Strengthening leadership
25:31 Shift to UCLA
29:21 Guiding the transition & leaving the team
34:05 Embracing the challenge
39:35 Shift to advocacy
44:45 Sports Equality Foundation
49:06 Political climate
52:38 Get involved
54:28 Oklahoma Sooners
56:45 Mantra & next shifts
Links:
Kirk Walker
uclabruins.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kirk-walker/3957
Instagram: @kirkwalker23
Outsports
Sports Equality Foundation
I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán
penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691561/i-never-thought-of-it-that-way-by-monica-guzman
Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog
—
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
Twitter: @tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential! Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notificatio
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Movies are a powerful way to tell stories, change perspectives, and shine a light on different lived experiences. Empowering filmmakers can lead to massive shifts, for both individuals and communities.
Joining me for this episode of Shift Out Loud is Amy Janes, a brilliant creative whose filmmaking journey has been fueled by a love for storytelling that began in an editing room. She’s the co-founder of Filmmakers Ranch, a thriving, first-of-its-kind studio and training academy that fosters creativity and trains future filmmakers.
During our conversation, Amy shares her journey to kick Oklahoma’s film and television industry up a notch, how filmmaking has evolved since her days as an editing intern, and how a literal dream gave her the confidence to pursue her passion.
Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:
Guest bio: In 2010, Amy Janes co-founded digital media agency Fanology, which helps celebrities like Shay Mitchell and Nas connect with audiences and partner with brands like Toyota to create impactful content. In 2018, she co-founded Filmmakers Ranch, a film studio and academy poised to become a hub for filmmaking, producing films, and training crews.
Timestamps:
01:50 Intro
03:00 Meet Amy Janes
08:06 Amy’s dream & moving to Penn State
12:08 Moving to Oklahoma
13:47 Editing internship
17:01 Shattered Glass & Dr. Angelou
24:25 ‘Preditors’ & Valentine Road
28:36 Adrenaline rushes & The Rolling Stones
31:35 Shift to Fanology
37:50 Amy’s ideal clients
42:15 Fanology Labs & the hunger for truth
46:44 Opening the Ranch
53:24 The next shifts
55:23 Quantum physics
Links:
Amy Janes
filmmakersranch.com
Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog
—
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
Twitter: @tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
Send a text
Many people play bigger by working to better the lives of those who may have been forgotten by society. The most transformative work often happens in places most of us will never visit — but its effects ripple far beyond their walls.
This episode of Shift Out Loud features 2018 CNN Hero of the Year finalist Ellen Stackable. Ellen is the Executive Director and co-founder of Poetic Justice, a non-profit organization that has helped over 4000 people incarcerated in women’s detention centers the opportunity to process trauma, rewrite personal narratives, and heal through restorative writing and creative arts.
Our thoughtful conversation digs into unconscious biases, racial justice, isolation, code-switching, and the power of storytelling and community to change lives. Tune in as we discuss how Ellen became interested in the carceral system, the role that hip-hop played in her first programs, and the importance of trauma-informed practice.
Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:
Guest bio: Ellen Stackable is the Executive Director and co-founder of Poetic Justice, which offers restorative writing and creative arts programs to individuals incarcerated in women’s prisons and jails in Oklahoma, California, Oregon, and Tijuana, Mexico. In 2018, she was one of 10 finalists for CNN Hero of the Year. In 2019, she received the Courage Award given by the University of Oklahoma. In 2024, she was a recipient of the Newsmaker Award from the Tulsa American Women in Communication.
Timestamps:
01:41 Intro
03:01 Meet Ellen Stackable
06:19 Joining & leaving a cult
10:03 The AIDS crisis
14:03 Returning to Tulsa
17:50 Mercy Farm reunion
21:36 Carceral system & the Tulsa Race Riot
24:37 Healing through writing
27:03 Building curriculum
32:45 Code-switching & distance learning
36:28 Creating shifts for others
40:46 Shift to Poetic Justice
44:57 CNN Hero
49:28 What’s next
Links:
Ellen Stackable
poeticjustice.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ellen-stackable-11480684
Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog
—
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
Twitter: @tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
Send a text
Cheri Kempf is no stranger to playing bigger — she’s made incredible moves in the infield, in the dugout, on the mic, and at the boardroom table. A celebrated leader in women’s fastpitch softball, the four-time National Champion and six-time Hall of Fame Inductee pitched for Team USA during their 1992 World Cup victory. Today, she works tirelessly to promote women’s sports through Athletes Unlimited, a player-centric network of women’s pro leagues.
In this episode of Shift Out Loud, Cheri and I sit down to discuss her inspiring athletic journey, how she learned the value of honoring her commitments, what she thinks about women’s sports coverage and the Caitlin Clark effect, and how she became a respected trainer who literally wrote the book on pitching!
Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:
Guest bio: Cheri Kempf is a Senior Vice President and executive producer at Athletes Unlimited, a network of professional women’s sports leagues. She also serves as Director of Pro Softball, working with the Player Executive Committee to shape the league. She’s been recognized as a Sports Business Journal Game Changer (2022) and an Adweek’s Champion of Change (2023). She was Commissioner of National Pro Fastpitch for nearly 15 years.
Timestamps:
01:48 Intro
04:08 Meet Cheri Kempf
08:47 Choosing a school
12:50 Shift to Maryville College
16:39 New school & 3-foot shift
20:49 Film school dream & Austin Peay
26:04 Shift to teaching
30:31 Women’s sports coverage
34:35 Softball’s tipping point
38:20 Shift from broadcasting
42:55 Shift to Athletes Unlimited
49:03 Caitlin Clark
56:02 Corporate & network buy-in
1:01:46 Being in-studio
1:05:04 Shift to writing
Links:
Cheri KempF
auprosports.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cheri-kempf-683605227
Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog
—
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
Twitter: @tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
Send a text
In this important and timely episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with a woman who has been playing bigger for as long as I’ve known of her… and may just be Tulsa’s next mayor. Karen Keith is currently serving her fourth term as Tulsa County Commissioner for District 2, and before entering public service had a fascinating series of career shifts, working as a news anchor, reporter, documentarian, executive producer, and host of Oklahoma Living.
Throughout the time I’ve been following her work, I’ve been impressed by Karen’s deep compassion, forward-thinking vision, and strong commitment to uplifting her community. We explore her accomplishments in the broadcasting industry and shift into public service, how she learned to work successfully across the aisle, and why she has been such a gift to Tulsa. Listen now and register to vote!
Listen now to discover:
Guest bio: Mayoral candidate Karen Keith is serving her 16th year as Tulsa County Commissioner for District 2. The projects she is most proud of include the completion of the Family Center for Juvenile Justice and the Tulsa/West Tulsa Levee system. Over the last four years, she’s worked with community partners on issues related to homelessness and justice reform and the ongoing work cleaning up neighborhoods, along with tackling legislation for greater abatement authority.
Timestamps:
01:45 Intro
04:08 Meet Karen Keith
08:26 Exploring the world
11:13 Tahoe & the 5-jellybean tip
12:57 Shift to marriage & broadcasting
14:59 Reporting abroad
19:25 Shift to public service
22:04 Vision 2025
23:04 Shift to politics & working across party lines
28:21 Shift to mayoral candidacy
31:11 Running for the job
34:29 Reaching out & looking forward
Links:
Karen Keith
karenkeith.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karen-keith-8a3192133
Facebook: facebook.com/voteKarenKeith
Vision 2025: vision2025.info
Voter Registration: okvoterportal.okelections.us/Home/RegWizard
Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
Twitter: @tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential! Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the be
Send a text
While the residential real estate market post-pandemic has been marked by soaring prices and fierce bidding wars, owning a home is still a great investment. In this episode of Shift Out Loud, you’ll not only discover insights that will help you think and play bigger, you’ll find tips that may smooth the path to securing your dream home.
Over the last 20 years, Shawn Peters has built a stellar reputation in the Tulsa real estate market and strong relationships with her clients, who sing her praises wherever and whenever they can. Full disclosure: Shawn helped me find a house that I love!
Our conversation explores why Shawn made the move from paralegal work to real estate, the biggest changes she’s seen in the real estate market, and the psychology of hopeful house-hunters.
Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:
Guest bio: Shawn Peters is celebrating 20 years as a Realtor in the Tulsa real estate market, with a focus on building lasting client relationships through personal attention, experience, and execution. She’s consistently featured in the Top 100 Realtors by Tulsa People, the top 1% of Realtors in Oklahoma, and is a member of the Board of Regents, a network of luxury real estate professionals with international recognition.
Timestamps:
01:36 Intro
02:36 Meet Shawn Peters
04:40 Shift into real estate
07:40 Big changes in the real estate market
09:17 Real estate clients & decision-making
13:26 Do’s & don’ts
17:07 Shift into finding balance
25:25 Shift into “savoring”
30:55 Deepening relationships
33:12 Taking action & treating yourself
37:47 Shawna’s sons
41:48 Conclusion
Links:
Shawn Peters
speters.ccoklahoma.com
Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog
—
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
Twitter: @tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
Send a text
As the world around us changes in unsettling and dangerous ways, we need more people to stand up, speak out, and advocate for the rights of others in their communities.
Janet Levit is passionate about doing exactly this type of important work. In addition to serving on the Tulsa Women’s Commission and the Human Rights Commission, she is an Executive Consultant to repro46, a not-for-profit devoted to educating Oklahomans about the consequences of the state’s overreaching reproductive healthcare laws on the health, safety, and well-being of women and girls.
In this inspiring episode of Shift Out Loud, we dig into the major shifts that led Janet to explore law, academia, community leadership, and advocacy over the course of her impressive career. Tune in as we discuss Janet’s strategic decision-making process, how she’s stayed flexible when unexpected changes altered her trajectory, and the experience that instantly changed her mind about becoming a diplomat.
Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:
Guest bio: Janet Koven Levit concluded her term as interim president at The University of Tulsa in 2021 and returned to the College of Law in 2022 as a professor. She serves on the Tulsa Women’s Commission and the Human Rights Commission, on the Take Control Initiative Advisory Board, and as Vice Chair of the Center for Reproductive Rights Board of Directors.
Timestamps:
01:40 Intro
03:37 Meet Janet Levit
06:16 Janet’s background
07:47 Cubs or White Sox?
10:23 Princeton & diplomacy
13:59 Shift into law
16:04 Yale, international law & learning Portuguese
19:40 Shift into partnership & moving to Tulsa
23:06 Team decision-making
28:16 Shift into academia
33:33 Strategic thinking & female leadership
39:08 Shift into advocacy
42:38 Oklahoma & women’s rights
45:59 repro46 & creating change
51:09 Politics v. advocacy
52:35 Shift to empathy & hope
58:00 Conclusion
Links:
Janet Levit
utulsa.edu/people/janet-levit
repro46
Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog
—
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
Twitter: @tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
Send a text
My guest for this episode of Shift Out Loud has appeared in publications ranging from the Harvard Business Review to Glamour UK, was named one of the Top 10 Most Powerful Women Leaders in HR, and has been hailed as a “cultural competency genius” — praise that is definitely well earned!
Risha Grant is an international speaker, bestselling author, and sought-after diversity & inclusion consultant who is currently mapping out the next incredible phase of her business. Our candid discussion explores what led Risha to found Oklahoma’s very first diversity communications firm, the ‘shift out loud’ moments that have changed the way she moves through the world, and her fascinating thoughts on the WNBA, marketability, and the Caitlin Clark effect. We also dig into about the ongoing evolution of DEI work — you won’t want to miss it!
Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:
Guest bio: Risha Grant helps executives and their teams, politicians, civic leaders, and academic directors around the world learn how to behave, lead, and manage businesses more inclusively. As a speaker and CEO of Risha Grant LLC, her award-winning coaching, speaking, and training firm, Risha has shifted the hearts and minds of audiences and clients including Google, Levi Strauss, and Nestle Purina.
Timestamps:
01:36 Intro
03:42 Meet Risha Grant
05:09 DEI in Oklahoma
06:42 The WNBA & Caitlin Clark
14:43 Leaving basketball
18:02 Launching her firm
25:15 Family support
30:45 Shift into a downswing
35:47 Putting the shift into context
37:29 Mentor story
39:42 How she’s thinking bigger
44:37 Adapting to changing world
49:45 Friendship, debate & politics
Links:
Risha Grant
rishagrant.com
Facebook: facebook.com/RishaGrantLLC
Instagram: @risha.grant
Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: exceptionalleaderslab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog
—
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
Twitter: @tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential. Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
Send a text
While many find fulfillment in mastering one craft, others thrive when exploring new worlds and challenges. My guest for this episode of Shift Out Loud has excelled at playing a bigger game in a variety of sectors, from business to academia to politics.
Kathy Taylor is a woman with an incredible body of work. Her past roles include corporate EVP, Dean of the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa, and the 38th mayor of Tulsa, to name just a few. Currently, she’s dipping her toes into the retail world and unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs through VEST, a peer network and investment fund.
In this conversation, Kathy and I talk about her shift from aspiring journalist to successful securities and franchise law attorney, the calling that brought her back to Oklahoma, and her recent transition into network and community-building.
Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:
Guest bio: The Honorable Kathryn L. Taylor most recently served as the Dean of the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa. Her previous positions include Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce, Tourism & Workforce, CEO of ImpactTulsa, and Executive Vice President & General Counsel of Dollar/Thrifty Car Rental. She is a founding member of VEST, a network for expanding the pipeline of women in positions of influence.
Timestamps:
01:42 Intro
04:00 Meet Kathy Taylor
08:40 Mother Road Market
13:13 Thrifty Car Rental
15:58 Cooking & Julia Childs
17:49 Workplace toxicity & advocacy
22:24 Running for mayor
25:44 Accomplishments & challenges
30:56 Shift into academic leadership
34:06 Dubaian student & mentee stories
36:07 Shift into VEST & Goods Together
41:20 Personal mantra
43:47 Time with the grandkids & final tip
Links:
VEST
Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: theleaderlab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog
—
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Facebook: facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
Instagram: @tracylspears
If you love the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review — this will help others discover how to play a bigger game and step into their fullest potential! Watch these episodes on Youtube! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
Send a text
The strongest leaders often come from humble beginnings, because these early hardships are instrumental in the development of grit.
In this episode of Shift Out Loud, I talk to community leader Kian Kamas. As the Executive Director of PartnerTulsa, Kian is passionate about creating long-term, institutional change in how Tulsa pursues its economic and community development objectives, and is committed to building a sustainable, world-class operating model that builds strong and stable long-term revenues for this important work.
Our discussion explores the many shifts that have led Kian to her current professional success, including her time at the University of Edinburgh, her shift into the world of politics, and her transformation from doer into strong leader. We also dive into her post-University struggles, the hardest job she’s ever had, and how growing up on a farm helped to strengthen her incredible work ethic.
Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:
Guest bio: Kian Kamas serves as the Executive Director of PartnerTulsa, leading Tulsa’s comprehensive community and economic development strategy and a team of talented professionals dedicated to increasing economic opportunity for Tulsa residents. Prior to this role, Kian served as Mayor G.T. Bynum’s Chief of Economic Development. She and her husband Lathen have lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma since 2009, and are raising their son Leith as a proud Tulsan.
Timestamps:
01:45 Intro
03:22 Meet Kian Kamas
05:54 Early work experience
08:24 “All hands on deck”
10:52 Grit
13:10 Building a strong team
16:27 Hardest job & University of Oklahoma
19:10 University of Edinburgh
21:45 Return to the US & finding her place
26:09 Self-perception
28:44 Biggest challenges
34:22 Team-building tips
40:00 Team retreat
45:40 What’s next?
Links:
Kian Kamas
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiankamas
Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: https://www.exceptionalleaderslab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at https://tracyspears.com
Want tools and insights that will help you play bigger in your life, at work, and in your community? Visit my resource library: https://tracyspears.com/blog
—
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracySpearsSpeaker
Twitter: @tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
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Hosted by Tracy Spears, speaker, co-author of two best selling leadership books, founder of The Leader Lab, coach, and head cheerleader for anyone trying to play bigger. Shift Out Loud is a podcast…

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