The Leadership Dance

Renowned ballerina Stella Abrera joins host Alissa Hsu Lynch on The Leadership Dance to reflect on her extraordinary career with American Ballet Theatre and her journey from the stage to shaping the next generation of dancers. Stella opens up about growing up in a home filled with music and discipline, the perseverance behind rising to principal dancer, and the back injury that nearly ended her career—but ultimately strengthened her resilience and leadership. Now as Artistic Director of the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, she shares how she's guiding young dancers with grace, grit, and vision for ballet's future.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Success in any field is never a solo act; it's built through trust, mentorship, and collaboration.

Adversity can become your greatest teacher — recovery and reinvention often reveal deeper strength and purpose.

Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

Connect with Stella:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellaabreradetsky/

ABT JKO School: https://www.instagram.com/abtschool/

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Harvard leadership instructor and author Margaret Andrews joins Alissa Hsu Lynch to trace her unconventional journey from accounting to academia, sharing how a series of "lucky accidents" and bold choices propelled her to the forefront of executive education. This episode is chock-full of practical advice for leaders at any stage of their careers.

Margaret, who leads Harvard's most popular professional development program, reflects on how kissing a few career "frogs" and embracing improvisation shaped her path. She also opens up about the self-discovery and resilience that became the backbone of her new book, Manage Yourself to Lead Others.

From lessons learned navigating workplace dynamics to moments of self-doubt and turning points in her career, Margaret delivers practical advice on handling toxic bosses, bouncing back from setbacks, and building the interpersonal skills that separate good leaders from great ones. She discusses the lifelong importance of curiosity, why self-awareness is at the heart of true leadership, and the power of making room for improvisation in an increasingly unpredictable world.

💡Key Takeaways:

The path to meaningful leadership is rarely linear; curiosity, risk-taking, and "lucky accidents" can shape a truly unique career.

Building self-awareness and self-management are essential—most great bosses excel in interpersonal relationships and understanding both themselves and others.

Leaders enable creativity by normalizing trial and error, making it safe to fail, and encouraging risk-taking.

Connect with Margaret:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcandrews/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themargaretandrews/

Website: www.MargaretAndrews.com

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New York City Ballet star Mira Nadon joins Alissa Hsu Lynch to reflect on her journey from California rehearsal studios to becoming the first Asian American principal dancer at the company. Hailed by the New York Times as "a once-in-a-generation dancer," she opens up about growing up in an academic household, the "aha moment" of her promotion, and why she didn't always see herself as a role model - until the world began to watch. Mira recounts joyful milestones and daunting setbacks, from pandemic disruptions to ankle surgery, and reveals how persistence, self-advocacy, and finding comfort onstage shaped her artistry. She also reflects on the leadership lessons embedded in dance, the power of setting a positive example, and the value of connection—both in person and through social media. Offstage, she shares what she's been reading, the importance of downtime, and how staying true to herself enables her to excel in an ever-demanding field.

💡Key Takeaways:

Representation matters, and visible leaders can inspire the next generation to drive lasting change.

Performance experience, even in low-stakes settings, builds confidence and individuality in a high-pressure art form.

Adversity can deepen appreciation for your craft and reveal hidden resilience.

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Connect with Mira:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mira_nadon/

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Visionary artist Janet Echelman joins Alissa Hsu Lynch to pull back the curtain on her creative journey - one that's anything but conventional. Oprah ranked her work #1 on her list of 50 Things That Make You Say Wow, and it's easy to see why: Janet's monumental, wind-borne sculptures transform skylines across continents, inviting viewers into immersive, contemplative experiences. In this episode, Janet shares the story behind her new book, Radical Softness, and the decades of experimentation, setbacks, and discovery that shaped her practice.

From learning traditional craft in Bali and India, to designing custom software and collaborating with engineers who helped build the world's tallest building, Janet's career is rooted in curiosity, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and finding opportunity in the unexpected. She describes how "temporary" installations become her playground for risk-taking, while permanent works demand precision, partnership, and deep planning. Janet also opens up about honoring her late husband's legacy, why she's not afraid of AI, and how using "self as instrument" keeps her art - and leadership - deeply human.

💡Key Takeaways:

Don't start with compromise — give your imagination room to dream big before letting the critical brain step in.

Collaboration across disciplines — from engineers to dancers — is what makes innovation scalable and alive.

Using "self as instrument" keeps creativity human: intuition, emotion, and lived experience guide what no AI can replace.

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Connect with Janet:

Website: echelman.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetechelman/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janet-echelman-inc./

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Get a peek inside the commercial dance world from Angela Elgani, a renowned dancer, choreographer, and mentor whose two-decade career has taken her from world tours with Britney Spears, NSYNC, and the Backstreet Boys to blockbuster films like You Got Served and Step Up Revolution. Angela shares her remarkable journey from a determined young girl in St. Louis to performing on some of the biggest stages in the world and later pivoting toward teaching, coaching, and empowering the next generation of dancers.

Angela opens up about her personal challenges, including the devastating loss of her husband just months before the birth of her daughter, and how she ultimately found resilience, healing, and new purpose through dance and mentorship. She reflects on the lessons the stage taught her and how these same lessons fuel her work today as a coach and entrepreneur.

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💡 Key Takeaways:

Sometimes you have to pivot. The easier you can turn and keep moving, the easier your life will be.

Befriend everybody. Everybody can help you in some way, or you can learn something from them in some way.

Mentorship and mindset are as important as talent when building a sustainable career

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Connect with Angela:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xoxoangela_elgani

Website: https://www.danceindustrycoach.com

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In this recap of Season Two, host Alissa Hsu Lynch reflects on the top 10 leadership insights she's gathered from conversations with 10 trailblazing leaders. From world-class dancers and CEOs to athletes and change makers, these guests have shared powerful stories of joy, resilience, vulnerability, and reinvention. Alissa reveals the lessons learned and how they can inspire and empower you on your own leadership journey.

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💡 Top Leadership Tips:

1. Don't get good at things you don't enjoy (Lindsay Trout)

2. Most people regret the chances they didn't take (Christina Hennington)

3. Success isn't about how high you climb, it's about how well you bounce (Ryan Nece)

✨ Tune in now to hear all 10 leadership insights!

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In this powerful episode, Alissa Hsu Lynch speaks with Chantale Zuzi, a remarkable young leader whose journey from a small village in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the halls of Wellesley College is nothing short of extraordinary. After surviving the personal tragedy of losing her parents in a village massacre, Chantale became a refugee at age 13—fleeing to Uganda with her siblings and stepping into the role of caregiver and advocate.

Born with albinism, Chantale also faced constant discrimination and danger, navigating life with limited vision and extraordinary courage. Now the founder and executive director of Refugee Can Be, she shares how she turned unimaginable hardship into a mission to uplift refugee girls through education, safety, and support. Her story is one of resilience, leadership, and the power of purpose.

Don't miss hearing from this inspiring young changemaker!

💡Key Takeaways:

Strength is forged in adversity; leadership can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances. Advocacy begins with empathy: personal hardship can become a source of courage and purpose. The power of hope and dreams can sustain you through the darkest times and inspire change for others.

Connect with Chantale:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantale-zuzi-343186216/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chantalzuzi/

Website: https://www.refugeecanbe.org/

TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akNqFXCVPwU

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Step into a conversation that explores the power of reinvention, the courage to disrupt your own path, and the art of weaving creativity into leadership. In this episode, Kim Alexis Newton—board director, entrepreneur, fine artist, and former Hallmark executive—joins Alissa Hsu Lynch to share her extraordinary journey from leading a $1 billion business to building a thriving art and quilting enterprise. Kim reflects on her childhood dreams, the pivotal moment she realized she'd outgrown corporate life, and the intentional steps she took to expand her network and embrace her creative calling.

Kim opens up about the evolution of her leadership philosophy, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and the deeply personal stories behind her quilts - now treasured by Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama. She recounts the story of how the very first quilt she sold was to Oprah and offers candid insights on building resilience, cultivating influence, and designing a life that honors both ambition and artistry.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration to redefine success, nurture meaningful relationships, and lead with authenticity and vision.

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💡Key Takeaways:

True growth often begins when you step outside your comfort zone and disrupt the familiar.

Expanding your network with intention can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives.

Embracing your creative instincts can lead to unexpected and deeply fulfilling achievements.

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Connect with Kim:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-alexis-newton/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimalexisnewton/

Website: https://kimalexisnewton.com/

X: https://twitter.com/kimalexisnewton

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@kimalexisnewton

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimalexisnewton

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In this deeply personal and moving episode of The Leadership Dance, Principal Dancer Cassandra Trenary of American Ballet Theatre opens up about the journey behind the curtain—from early dreams in Georgia to becoming one of ABT's most versatile and emotionally resonant artists. Cassandra shares the whirlwind story of her rise through ABT, the emotional toll of injury, and how creative outlets like photography and filmmaking helped her rediscover herself—and her artistry. We dive into her acclaimed gallery exhibition Embodied, a striking tribute to the vulnerability and resilience of dancers in their most human moments. And as she prepares to embark on a bold new chapter with Vienna State Ballet under the leadership of Alessandra Ferri, Cassandra reflects on the courage it takes to leave home—and the joy of stepping into the unknown.

Whether you're navigating a creative pivot, facing transition, or looking for inspiration to pursue your passions more fully, this episode is a must-listen.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Major setbacks can become catalysts for unexpected growth and new passions.

Nothing is forever, but the career has a timeline. So why not go for everything?

Balancing discipline with freedom and play can unlock deeper creativity and fulfillment.

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Connect with Cassandra:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandratrenary/ and https://www.instagram.com/pearltakespics/

📷 Photo Credits:

• Rosalie O'Connor

• Evgeny Popov

• Luis Alberto Rodriguez

• Marty Sohl

• Cassandra Trenary

• Quinn Wharton

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In this energizing conversation, powerhouse leader Sarah Robb O'Hagan—former executive at Nike, Gatorade, and Equinox, and author of Extreme You—shares insights from her bold career journey. Sarah opens up about the tough lessons she learned from early career failures, the power of resilience, and how embracing her authentic, "extreme" self led her to unlock new levels of leadership. Together, Alissa and Sarah explore what it means to lead with courage, create inclusive high-performance cultures, and why doing "hard things" is essential for growth. Whether you're just starting out or leading at the top, this episode will leave you inspired to bring your boldest self to every room you enter. Tune in for the full episode to learn Sarah's practical tips on how to perform under constant pressure.

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💡Key Takeaways:

As a leader, you have to invest in recovery just as much as preparation and performance.

The risk associated with bold moves is actually no more than the risk associated with playing it safe.

Be your "Extreme You" and embrace what makes you different and turn it into your superpower.

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Connect with Sarah:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-robb-o-hagan-249130/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extremesro/

Website: https://www.sarahrobbohagan.com/

Course: https://maven.com/sarah-robb-o-hagan/the-breakout-leader

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