Talk with Tia

Empathy can change the way we understand people, build relationships, and respond to the challenges around us.

In this episode of Talk with Tia, Tia Lancaster is joined by Ed Kirwan, Founder and CEO of Empathy Studios, for a conversation about empathy, curiosity, and the role human connection plays in our everyday lives.

Ed shares why listening to different perspectives matters and how curiosity can lead to empathy and meaningful action. The conversation also touches on leadership, psychological safety, and the importance of recognizing the person behind the role.

At its heart, this episode is about understanding people more deeply and bringing that understanding into the way we live, work, and lead.

If you're interested in leadership, empathy, workplace culture, and building stronger human connections, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Ep Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-kirwan/?isSelfProfile=false

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-lancaster-b14655122/

#TalkWithTia #EdKirwan #Empathy #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth

What does it take to keep growing as a leader?For Lauren Lopez, it starts with being willing to recognize what you still need to learn, ask better questions, and stay open to perspectives that may challenge your own.As Chief People & Community Engagement Officer at the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Lauren talks about leadership, self-awareness, listening, and creating space for different perspectives.The conversation also touches on humility, trust, growth, and why strong leadership means knowing when to step back, listen, and keep learning.At the heart of it all is a simple idea. Good leadership starts with understanding yourself and staying open to growth.Watch the full episode to hear Lauren’s perspective on leadership, values, self-awareness, and building stronger relationships at work.Ep Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenalopez/Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-lancaster-b14655122/#TalkWithTia #Leadership #SelfAwareness #WorkplaceCulture #PersonalGrowth

What does it take to become the kind of leader people can rely on?

For Jeffrey Ling, it starts with staying curious, taking responsibility, and recognizing the people who help a team move forward.

As Adviser, Co-Founder, and President at Evergreen Solutions, Jeffrey talks about leadership, accountability, teamwork, and the importance of learning through experience.

The conversation also touches on the value of the “glue employee,” solving problems instead of focusing on blame, and creating teams where people support one another.

At the heart of it all is a simple idea. Good leadership is often about how you show up for the people around you.

Watch the full episode to hear Jeffrey’s perspective on leadership, values, teamwork, and building better teams.

Ep Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyling/

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-lancaster-b14655122/

#talkwithtia #leadership #teamwork #workplaceculture #personalvalues

What does it really mean to put the human back into Human Resources?

For Gabriella Bedor, it starts with treating people with dignity, respect, and empathy, especially when leadership decisions are difficult.

As Chief Human Resources Officer at TeleWorld Solutions, Gabriella talks about layoffs, accountability, transparency, and the importance of treating people with dignity during difficult moments.

The conversation also touches on integrity, loyalty, self-awareness, and why small acts of recognition can make a lasting difference.

At the heart of it all is a simple idea. People remember how you made them feel.

Watch the full episode to hear Gabriella's perspective on leadership, values, and keeping humanity at the center of work.

Ep Guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-b-864599140/

Host https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-lancaster-b14655122/

#talkwithtia #leadership #humanresources #personalvalues #kindness #workplaceculture

Some of the most meaningful change begins with a simple question: Why do we do things this way?In this episode of Talk with Tia, Claud Williams, Director of Innovation at Impact on Urban Health, talks about curiosity, leadership, and the importance of looking beyond quick solutions to create lasting change.Drawing on his experience leading innovation in public health, Claud discusses working through complexity, making space for different perspectives, and why meaningful progress often starts by listening before acting.The episode also touches on collaboration, purpose, decision-making, and the role values play when solving problems that affect people and communities.Whether you're leading a team, working through change, or interested in creating meaningful impact, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on innovation, leadership, and building better systems.Ep Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudw/Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-lancaster-b14655122/ #talkwithtia #leadership #innovation #publichealth #systemsthinking #communityimpact #leadershipdevelopment #purposefulleadership #changemakers #professionalgrowth

Success is often measured by what we achieve. But for some people, it is defined by what they are willing to stand for.

In this episode of Talk with Tia, Tia Lancaster is joined by Valencia Turner, Senior Human Resources & Operations Executive at Project SYNCERE, for a conversation about values, purpose, leadership, and making choices that stay true to who you are.

Valencia talks about the importance of trust, honesty, and doing work that feels meaningful. From making difficult career decisions when something no longer aligned with her values to supporting students through STEM education, she shares how purpose can guide both professional and personal choices.

This episode is a conversation about integrity, community, and the impact we create through the way we show up for others.

If you are interested in values-led leadership, meaningful work, and building a career with purpose, this conversation offers perspectives worth hearing.

Ep Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valencia-turner-142b7251/

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-lancaster-b14655122/

#talkwithtia #leadership #humanresources #purposeledleadership #valuesdrivenleadership #professionaldevelopment #workplaceculture #communityimpact #stemeducation #personalgrowth

What stays with you after the titles, promotions, and achievements?

For Phil Johnson, the answer comes back to people.

Throughout his career as an executive coach, mentor, board advisor, and leadership educator, Phil has worked with leaders across industries and stages of growth. One theme continues to surface: the quality of our relationships, the values we live by, and the impact we have on others shape the legacy we leave behind.

In this episode of Talk with Tia, Phil shares the principles that have guided his leadership journey, from staying grounded in what matters most to helping others grow and succeed.

Together, Phil and Tia explore the role of gratitude, responsibility, kindness, self-awareness, and why leadership is ultimately about creating value for people, not just outcomes.

This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on success, purpose, and the choices that influence how we lead every day.

If you're thinking about the kind of leader you want to become, this conversation is worth your time.

Watch the full episode and discover the leadership lessons that stay relevant long after the results are achieved.

Ep Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipjpjohnson/

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-lancaster-b14655122/

#TalkWithTia #PhilJohnson #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching

Knowing your strengths and believing in them are often two very different things.

For years, Alex Head worked in environments where she was often the only woman in the room. While others saw experience and capability, she was often asking herself a different question: Do I actually belong here?

In this episode of Talk with Tia, Alex joins Tia Lancaster for a conversation about confidence, imposter syndrome, personal values, and the way we measure our own worth.

Drawing on her military background and professional experiences, Alex discusses recognizing strengths that have become second nature, navigating unfamiliar environments, and learning to trust what you bring to the table.

At its core, this is a conversation about identity, belonging, and the confidence that comes from understanding your own value.

Whether you're early in your career or facing a new chapter, this conversation offers insights on confidence, belonging, and recognizing strengths that are easy to overlook.

Ep Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-head/

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-lancaster-b14655122/

Success can look impressive from the outside while quietly pulling people away from the things that matter most.

In this episode of Talk with Tia, Tia Lancaster is joined by Adam Levin, founder of Information Experts and co-founder of neXco National, for a conversation about values, authenticity, relationships, and the experiences that changes how we see ourselves over time.

Adam shares how building businesses and communities taught him the importance of staying aligned with who you are, both personally and professionally. From career highs and major life transitions to moments of introspection and reinvention, the conversation looks at how values influence the way we lead, connect, and grow.

The episode also touches on ambition, self-awareness, collaboration, and why meaningful relationships often become the foundation for lasting success.

If you are interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, community building, and personal growth, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives to sit with.

Ep Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adlevin/ Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-lancaster-b14655122/

Most people go through life with unexamined values — until a crisis forces them to confront what truly matters.

To jumpstart our very first episode - Judy Pehrson’s story of resilience, love, and rediscovering joy after unimaginable tragedy offers a powerful roadmap for living authentically, even in the face of loss. When her son was killed in a devastating accident, Judy didn't fall apart — she found a way to stay present, prioritize her core values, and cultivate gratitude amidst grief. Her journey from grief counselor to community builder is packed with life lessons on how to navigate transition, uphold integrity, and foster deep empathy.

You'll discover how she used mindfulness and small daily routines—like gratitude for tiny moments—to transform pain into purpose. By sharing her experience of balancing a demanding career, caring for her family, and healing from trauma, Judy reveals the importance of living in alignment with your true self, no matter what life throws at you.

Judy Pehrson is a retired GE executive, grief counselor, and community leader based in Minneapolis. Her journey through personal loss and her ongoing work supporting others in grief make her insights uniquely compelling and relatable.

EP Guest: Judy Pehrson

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-pehrson-9173228/