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Burnout isn’t a badge. It’s a warning light. We sat down with three leaders across education, advocacy, and operations to unpack what sustainable leadership really looks like when the buses still need to run, kids need to be safe, and results still matter. Together we explore how to build capacity you can actually maintain, the role of seasons in your career and family life, and the quiet mechanics of systems that keep teams moving even when you step away.

You’ll hear the unfiltered realities behind “balanced growth”: morning anchors that restore energy, the practical power of a living calendar and task list, and why minimum viable outcomes beat perfection when stakes are high and time is short. We get honest about burnout—how it creeps in, what the early signals feel like in your body, and how to reset after a setback, including the vulnerable aftermath of a close public loss. We also break down culture design that lasts: trust first, distribute knowledge early, document once and reuse, and delegate so people gain confidence instead of becoming dependent.

If you lead a school program, a nonprofit initiative, or a small team, you’ll find tools to prevent crisis mode, normalize capacity conversations, and create processes that let others run the playbook without you. Expect practical habits, candid stories, and a reminder that leadership longevity starts with protecting your wellness and teaching what you know, not doing it all yourself. Subscribe for more conversations on sustainable leadership, share this with a leader who needs a reset, and leave a review to help others find the show. What one habit will you add this week to make your leadership last?

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Sarena Diamond, with 30 years of corporate leadership experience, shares powerful strategies for thriving amid constant change and defining success on your own terms.

• The world is genuinely more chaotic than ever, requiring leaders to develop "new muscles" to thrive in continuous change
• Success should be defined personally rather than by traditional metrics of promotions and titles
• The "Power of And" helps leaders integrate different approaches rather than choosing between them
• Resistance to change typically stems from fear - of obsolescence, unknown paths, or losing expertise
• Building clarity in chaos starts with understanding the people involved and analyzing communication patterns
• Change is like ocean waves - sometimes you're at the calm shoreline, sometimes in deeper water, and sometimes in the breaking waves
• Women should embrace that they are "enough as they are" while recognizing their power to choose their paths
• Communication is leadership and leadership is communication - they are the same conversation

Schedule a free pathway preview at structureinnovations.com/preview and let's explore how your next chapter begins. Find Sarena Diamond on LinkedIn or visit diamondsolutiongroupllc.com.

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In this bold and unfiltered panel, four trailblazing leaders come together to explore what it truly means to “ruffle feathers” with purpose. This conversation dives deep into the kind of leadership that disrupts outdated norms, challenges systems from within, and dares to advocate for meaningful change—especially when it's uncomfortable.

Join Sarena Diamond, Royston Telford, Coach TJ Cunningham, and Amanda Price as they share raw insights from the front lines of organizational strategy, youth development, veteran entrepreneurship, and political advocacy. Each panelist brings a powerful story of when they chose courage over silence and purpose over popularity.

Hosted by Melissa Franklin, Founder of Structure Innovations, this episode sheds light on what it takes to lead when your voice shakes, to advocate when the room isn’t ready, and to build systems that serve people—not egos.

Whether you're a business leader, educator, community organizer, or simply tired of the status quo—this episode will leave you inspired to lead louder, bolder, and with impact.

💥 Key Themes:

• Disruptive leadership with integrity
• Navigating pushback and resistance
• Building systems that work for people
• Leading from experience, not just titles

🎧 Listen in and find the courage to lead your own revolution—one feather at a time.

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In this powerful panel episode of the Structuring Chaotic Minds podcast, we explore what it really takes to lead with innovation while staying grounded in structure.

Hosted by Melissa Franklin, this discussion brings together a dynamic group of leaders across business, policy, education, finance, and organizational strategy to unpack:

💡 What innovation in leadership truly looks like today
 💡 How to stay adaptable in the face of rapid change
 💡 The mindset shifts required for sustainable impact
 💡 Why collaboration is essential to forward-thinking leadership
 💡 Real-world strategies for balancing creativity with structure

Featuring Panelists:
✅ Oliver Catt – Business Growth & Sales Leadership Expert
✅ Alyssa Freeney – Innovator in Policy & Youth Leadership
✅ Nestor Esparza Magaña – Community-Centered Leadership Innovator
✅ Sarena Diamond – Organizational Change Expert & Transformation Leader
✅ Dave Sullivan – Financial Strategy & Operational Innovation Expert

Whether you're scaling a business, navigating leadership in your community, or looking to build systems that allow innovation to thrive—this episode will leave you with the clarity, strategy, and motivation to lead boldly.

🎧 Tune in and take notes—you’re going to want to revisit this one.

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Season 4 of Structuring Chaotic Minds continues with powerful conversations that challenge the way we think about education, advocacy, and the power of community-driven change. 

In this episode, host Melissa Franklin sits down with Nestor Esparza, a seasoned nonprofit leader, policy advocate, and education strategist with 15 years of experience driving meaningful impact.

Nestor shares his insights on how education goes far beyond the classroom—it’s about who controls the narrative and how informed communities can shape their own future. From his work across Latin America, South Asia, and Texas, he’s seen firsthand how advocacy can be the most powerful form of marketing and why storytelling from within the community is more impactful than any outside PR campaign.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 “Advocacy is Your Best Marketing” – Why the most effective campaigns come from passionate voices, not expensive ads.
🔹 Community-Based Advocacy & The Puro Community Cultural Series – How grassroots efforts engage students and families in meaningful ways.
🔹 The Power of Storytelling – Why the best narratives come from within the community and how organizations can harness this strength.
🔹 Actionable Steps for Advocacy – Simple ways YOU can get involved and start making a difference today.

Whether you're an educator, nonprofit leader, or someone who believes in the power of informed communities, this episode will leave you with the tools and inspiration to take action.

Connect with Nestor:

📌 LinkedIn
📌 Website
📌 Email: [email protected] 

Join us for this eye-opening conversation on how education, advocacy, and storytelling can change lives—and why YOUR voice matters more than ever. 🎙💡 #StructuringChaoticMinds #SAPI #TriumphPublicSchools

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Season Four of Structuring Chaotic Minds continues with thought-provoking conversations that empower leaders and change-makers. In this episode, host Melissa Franklin leads a powerful discussion on Women in Leadership, featuring an inspiring panel of women who have carved their paths in education, business, and operations.

Melissa is joined by Isabel Ortiz (Educational Leader), Noelle Labrie (Restaurant Leadership Coach & Consultant), LaShawnda Moore (Operations Business Analyst), Natalie Nunez (Business Owner), and Amy Castellanos (Special Programs Assistant Principal) for an engaging conversation on the unique challenges and triumphs of women in leadership roles.

Key Takeaways:

• The evolving role of women in leadership and overcoming gender-based barriers
• Strategies for leading with confidence, resilience, and authenticity
• How mentorship and support networks can propel career growth
• The intersection of leadership, mental wellness, and sustainable success
• Practical advice for aspiring women leaders seeking to advance in their fields

Whether you're a seasoned leader or an emerging professional, this episode will equip you with the insights and motivation to take charge of your leadership journey.

Connect with the Panel:

• Isabel Ortiz – 361-424-0449 (text preferred) or LinkedIn
• Noelle Labrie – LinkedIn or Linktree or Calendar
• LaShawnda Moore – [email protected]
• Natalie Nunez – 210-364-8751 or @thirtygrind
• Amy Castellanos – 956-562-6438 or [email protected]

Join us for this empowering conversation celebrating the impact of Women in Leadership and the pathways to success for future female leaders.

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Season Four of Structuring Chaotic Minds continues with heartfelt conversations designed to inspire resilience and transformation. In this episode, host Melissa Franklin sits down with Tracy Schmidt, a health and fertility coach who helps women overcome fertility struggles by focusing on holistic physical and mental health.

Tracy shares her deeply personal journey to parenthood—a path filled with emotional highs and lows as she and her husband navigated the difficulties of starting a family. When conventional treatments and professional advice failed, Tracy made a life-changing decision to prioritize her health as the key to achieving her dream. Her journey not only led to the joy of motherhood but also sparked a passion for guiding other women through their own fertility challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• The emotional rollercoaster of fertility struggles and its impact on mental health
• How prioritizing physical well-being can be transformative for fertility
• The importance of balancing self-care with external treatments
• Finding hope and empowerment on the path to parenthood
• Tracy’s journey to becoming a health and fertility coach and helping others heal

Whether you're navigating your own fertility journey or seeking inspiration to overcome life’s challenges, this episode offers empathy, guidance, and practical advice from someone who's been there.

Connect with Tracy:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Email: [email protected]

Join us for this uplifting conversation on turning adversity into purpose and discovering new paths to joy and fulfillment.

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Season Four of Structuring Chaotic Minds is dedicated to celebrating leaders who bring order to chaos and inspire change through innovative accountability systems. In this episode, host Melissa Franklin moderates a dynamic panel discussion featuring four remarkable guests:

• Carlos DeLeon, a seasoned business coach with expertise in helping leaders foster sustainable growth and empower their teams through clear structures and measurable outcomes.
• Royston Telford, an accomplished business owner who thrives on creating collaborative work environments, leveraging accountability frameworks to drive results and innovation.
• Isabel Ortiz, an assistant principal who integrates accountability into educational systems, ensuring equitable outcomes for students and teachers alike.
• Stephanie Keys, a teacher leader passionate about building trust, fostering collaboration, and empowering educators to take ownership of their professional growth.

Together, they explore the delicate balance of leadership and accountability, sharing real-world strategies and personal insights on creating environments where people thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• The role of clear communication in building trust and team alignment
• Balancing empathy and authority in leadership
• Practical strategies for empowering teams and fostering shared ownership of goals
• Why accountability isn’t just about metrics—it’s about connection and purpose

Whether you’re leading a team, managing a classroom, or running your own business, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace accountability as a tool for growth, innovation, and success.

Connect with the Panelists:

• Carlos DeLeon: LinkedIn Profile
• Royston Telford: LinkedIn Profile
• Isabel Ortiz: LinkedIn Profile
• Stephanie Keys: LinkedIn Profile

Join us for an insightful discussion on transforming leadership challenges into structured success, one accountable step at a time!

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Season Four of Structuring Chaotic Minds is all about celebrating educators who venture into new spaces—and still make a difference. In this premiere, host Melissa Franklin sits down with Stacy Eleczko, a former teacher turned website and sales copywriter with a passion for strategic brand messaging (and no shady marketing!). Through her deep dive approach, Stacy helps purpose-driven businesses stand out, connecting them with their ideal clients by defining a unique brand story and crafting copy that’s both relatable and compelling.

What sets Stacy apart? She loves working with “good people doing good things,” bringing clarity, authenticity, and genuine impact to every collaboration—without any hype or gimmicks. From one-to-one services and done-with-you programs to brand messaging strategy, website copy, and email marketing, Stacy’s ultimate goal is simple: to position you as the go-to choice while staying true to who you are. And with her background in education, she’s got an edge in creating training and speaking opportunities that resonate.

Ready to transition your own skills beyond the classroom—or simply curious how to capture (and keep!) the attention of your dream clients? Tune in for an inspiring conversation on building brand messaging that feels good, sells well, and is anything but “sales-y.”

Key Takeaways:

• Leveraging transferable teaching skills in entrepreneurship and marketing
• Evoking empathy in brand messaging vs. resorting to manipulative tactics
• Defining the unique brand story that sets you apart in a crowded market
• Why teachers’ knack for coaching and connection makes for standout copy

Connect with Stacy on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/copybystacy

Join us as we discover how educators—and anyone passionate about making an impact—can transform chaos into structured success, one authentic story at a time!

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Join the "Structuring Chaotic Minds" Family
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