The Power Within

In this powerful episode of The Power Within, Alethia Jackson sits down with dynamic CEO and master convener Keenan Austin Reid for an authentic and energizing conversation about building community, owning your power, and navigating spaces with intention. 

Keenan shares hard-earned lessons on sponsorship, driving impact, and protecting your power — from overcoming the doubts of others early in her career to leading at the highest levels today. She offers a sharp perspective on how opportunities can be stunted if you don’t know the rules of engagement and why community is a true game changer, stretching your thinking and pushing you to the next level. Known for her action-oriented approach, Keenan also reminds us that joy and authentic connection are vital sources of power. 

Tune in and feel inspired to move boldly and thrive.

In this episode of The Power Within, host Alethia Jackson sits down with Kristi Rogers — a dynamic executive, trailblazing founder, and bold risk-taker — for an unfiltered conversation about what it truly means to own your power. Kristi challenges the myth that power is defined by titles or status, instead revealing how it’s rooted in authenticity and the courage to take on challenges others might avoid.

She reflects on her journey through high-stakes industries like global supply chain and defense, the highs and lows of launching startups, and how embracing failure has shaped her leadership. Kristi believes failure isn’t something to fear — it’s where resilience is built and leadership is sharpened.

This episode is a powerful reminder that taking risks isn’t reckless — it’s often the path to realizing your full potential. Tune in for a bold and inspiring exploration of purpose, risk, and leading on your own terms.

The Power Within Podcast: Hana S. Sharif on Manifestation, Intention & Writing Your Own Story

In this inspiring episode of The Power Within, Arena Stage Artistic Director Hana F. Sharif shares a heartfelt conversation about living with intention, leading with purpose, and the power of choice. Hana reflects on her leadership journey, shaped by clarity of vision and a deep commitment to service through art.

With wisdom passed down from her mother and a gift for reading emotional cues, Hana reminds us that our voice, thoughts, and dreams all carry energy—and that energy can be manifested into reality. She also explores the communal nature of art as a sacred exchange that elevates humanity and connects us across time and experience.

Tune in to hear this powerful call to write your own story, honor your truth, and manifest your purpose. Oh, and there’s also a story about a college president’s stolen couch. You’ll have to listen to learn more.

On this episode of The Power Within, Alethia sits down with media executive and Emmy award-winning executive producer Kathy O’Hearn — a powerhouse behind some of television’s most pivotal moments.  With honesty and wisdom, Kathy shares what it truly means to lead from the power within.

She reveals her leadership “superpowers”: emotional intelligence, the humility to keep learning, and the courage to make bold decisions — even in uncertainty. Kathy emphasizes the importance of intergenerational learning, owning your story before others do, and never second-guessing yourself just because someone else is.

Most powerfully, she reminds us that “power is a quiet thing” — rooted not in volume, but in clarity, confidence, and calm.

This episode is a masterclass in transformational leadership and grounded strength. Whether you’re just starting out or evolving in your journey, Kathy’s insights will inspire you to lead from within.

Listen now.

On this episode of The Power Within, Alethia sits down with Kate Goodall—trailblazing Co-founder & Managing Partner of Halcyon Venture Partners (HVP) and Co-founder of Halcyon. HVP backs seed-stage startups in climate, health and equitytech.  

Kate shares her journey from incubating impact-driven startups to reshaping the investment landscape. With her signature blend of humility and bold vision, she reflects on leadership rooted in communication, resilience, and shared power. Kate discusses building flat organizations, setting boundaries, and staying true to her values. Her story is a blueprint for sustainable success and purposeful reinvention.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to tap into their own power, navigate change with purpose and build a future rooted in both impact and joy. As Kate reminds us, “The energy you enter a room with is everything.”

On this episode of The Power Within, Alethia sits down with Cleve Mesidor— Executive Director of the Blockchain Foundation. Cleve shares her remarkable journey from political strategist to blockchain pioneer and early crypto adopter. 

Drawing from her Haitian heritage and personal superpower of taking risks, Cleve reflects on how she has reinvented herself over the years, reminding us that “Power is doing something even though you’re afraid." She also reveals how reclaiming her power has meant negotiating the terms of her engagement with others and setting clear boundaries—critical skills for anyone looking to thrive in fast-moving, uncertain spaces.

Whether you’re passionate about blockchain, inspired by innovation, or just seeking a fresh way to own your narrative, this episode is packed with bold insights to help spark your Power Within.

This week on The Power Within, we sit down with the incomparable Shelley Zalis—founder and CEO of The Female Quotient, renowned entrepreneur, and advocate for gender equality. Shelley has been at the forefront of creating inclusive spaces for women for over 20 years. Her journey began with a groundbreaking moment at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2013, where she led a group of over 50 women in walking the convention floor—a bold statement in a traditionally male-dominated space. Since then, that group has grown exponentially, symbolizing the increasing presence and influence of women in the tech industry. 

Shelley has a remarkable talent for forging impactful partnerships with some of the business world’s most powerful figures, creating spaces for genuine connection and collaboration in FQ’s Equality Lounges 

In our conversation, Shelley emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing one’s unique inner strengths. She shares how tapping into the Power Within enabled her to carve out new pathways for women in the workplace. By owning the Power Within, Shelley has been instrumental in creating inclusive spaces and advocating for gender equality across industries.