In this reflective episode, Dr. Nashay Lowe revisits the key themes of Season Two, emphasizing the importance of slowing down to notice shifts and complexities rather than rushing to conclusions. The conversation highlights the value of patience, intentionality, and community in the process of growth and transformation. Dr. Lowe encourages listeners to carry forward the lessons learned and to embrace the journey of self-discovery and relational trust.

Key Takeaways

• This episode isn't an ending; it's a pause.
• Reflection is where learning actually settles.
• This season required a different kind of attention.
• We talked about systems instead of shortcuts.
• Trust takes time; repair takes patience.
• You don't have to resolve everything at once.
• What matters is your willingness to pause.
• True transformation lives in how you listen and respond.
• You don't have to rush the work that requires patience.
• Let the season end with intention, restraint, and care.

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In this conversation, Dr. Nashay Lowe explores the concept of conflict as a patterned experience that often feels repetitive and familiar. She introduces the idea of 'pausing the pattern' as a transformative practice that allows individuals to interrupt automatic responses and regain choice in conflict situations. By understanding the multi-level nature of patterns and the discomfort of pausing, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own conflict dynamics and consider new possibilities for resolution.

Key Takeaways

• Conflict feels repetitive and predictable.
• Patterns in conflict are often reenacted unconsciously.
• The pause is about restoring choice, not just calming down.
• Patterns operate at multiple levels: internal, relational, and systemic.
• Awareness alone doesn't create transformation; interruption is necessary.
• Pausing can feel uncomfortable but is essential for insight.
• Rushing often keeps patterns intact; slowing down is key.
• The pause creates space for meaningful dialogue and intentional change.
• Once you learn to pause, you notice patterns earlier.
• Clarity in conflict comes from pausing, not urgency.

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In this conversation, Dr. Jason Smith, the department chair for Human Performance and Sports Science at Tennessee State University, shares his insights on leadership, education, and career development. He introduces the concept of the 'Eight P's' of leadership, which include policy, procedure, professionalism, productivity, passion, purpose, pride, and positivity. Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of teaching professionalism and soft skills to students, guiding them through career transitions, and fostering an inclusive environment in academia. He discusses the realities of the job market and the significance of mentorship and networking in helping students navigate their career paths. The conversation concludes with reflections on conflict resolution and the application of the Eight P's beyond academia.

Key Takeaways

• Teaching professionalism and soft skills is crucial for student success.
• Career development should start early in students' academic journeys.
• Networking and internships are key to career transitions.
• Understanding job market realities helps students set realistic expectations.
• Diversity and inclusion are essential in academic environments.
• Positive engagement can significantly impact student motivation.
• Conflict resolution requires open communication and accountability.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in guiding students' career paths.
• The Eight P's can be applied in various aspects of life beyond academia.

About Dr. Jason Smith

My name is Jason Smith, and my story is deeply rooted in Nashville, TN. Growing up in a diverse, multicultural environment gave me a unique perspective and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

My Journey & Philosophy

For twelve years, I had the privilege of serving as a coach and Athletic Director within the Metropolitan Nashville Public School System. That time was foundational, not just for my career, but for me as a person. Building lasting relationships with my student-athletes taught me the true meaning of empathy and strength, and it cemented my core belief in servant leadership.

My goal has always been to light a fire in people, not under them. My passion is empowering future teachers, coaches, and mentors to find their own paths to success.

A Decade at TSU & Looking Forward

In 2012, I brought this passion to the collegiate level at Tennessee State University, and it's been an incredible decade of growth! Here, I've focused on providing strategic leadership and building a vibrant, collaborative community among our students, staff, and academic departments. As the Department Chair of the Human Performance and Sport Sciences and my extensive background as a coach and athletic director, combining administrative leadership with my passion for student success. Whether on or off campus, my mission is to create programs that foster success for everyone.

I'm still bringing a full tank of positive energy to every teaching and learning environment, and I couldn't be more excited to continue creating opportunities for the next generation.

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jason-smith-7b6b8290/

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In this conversation, Bernie Youngblood discusses the evolving landscape of corporate culture, emphasizing the importance of wellness as a foundational element rather than a mere perk. He explores the impact of COVID-19 on work dynamics, the necessity of integrating kindness and empathy into leadership, and the role of AI in innovation. Youngblood also highlights the significance of emotional intelligence and trust within teams, advocating for a cultural transformation that prioritizes human connection and long-term commitment over short-term metrics.

Key Takeaways

• Wellness should be seen as infrastructure, not a perk.
• COVID-19 has changed the perception of the traditional work model.
• AI's success relies on the human element for creativity and innovation.
• Creating a culture of kindness is essential for employee retention.
• Fortune 500 companies can learn from smaller organizations and startups.
• Building trust within teams requires moving past hierarchy and titles.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
• Cultural transformation takes time and consistency.
• Metrics should reflect real human impact, not just numbers.
• Leaders should actively show appreciation to their teams. 

About Bernie Youngblood

This episode’s guest is Bernie Youngblood, CEO of ThinkPartners and host of the "Unboxing the Office Podcast," where he explores the intersections of culture, connection, and creativity inside the modern workplace. Bernie’s a lifelong entrepreneur with a passion for helping leaders see beyond the spreadsheets—into the human systems that make organizations thrive. Through ThinkPartners, he works with companies and creators who believe business can be both purposeful and profitable. His approach blends strategy, storytelling, and heart, all rooted in one belief: clarity and empathy aren’t soft skills—they’re leadership essentials.

Contact: https://linktr.ee/bernieyoungblood

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Why are so many teams stuck in reaction mode? Why do so many leaders confuse managing tasks with actually leading people? In this episode, Dr. Nashay Lowe sits down with organizational change strategist Alexis Felton, founder of Alter EQ, to unpack the hidden costs of values-misaligned leadership—and why most workplace friction isn’t a skills gap, it’s a care gap. Together, they explore the psychology of resistance, the emotional toll of misalignment, and the simple but radical truth that leadership begins with how you show up, not what you know. From corporate burnout to authentic connection, this conversation reframes change management as a human practice: one built on empathy, intentionality, and the courage to lead with care—even when it’s inconvenient. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly putting out fires, questioning your impact, or wondering why good ideas stall inside good organizations, this episode will help you reset your definition of leadership—from control to compassion, and from reaction to rhythm.

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity is crucial for effective leadership.
• Genuine care involves listening and responding to employees' needs.
• Balancing professionalism with personal connection enhances workplace culture.
• Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and collaboration.
• Feedback should be viewed as a gift, not criticism.
• Emotional intelligence is as important as technical competence in leadership.
• Creating a supportive environment encourages open communication.
• Resistance to change often stems from a lack of ownership.
• Engagement surveys are only valuable if acted upon.
• Personalizing leadership approaches can improve team dynamics.

About Alexis Felton

Global Program Leader with a proven record of driving strategic initiatives and building high-performing cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments. Expertise spans Project & Portfolio Management (PPM), change management, and delivering transformative solutions that enhance customer engagement. Strong communicator committed to inclusive leadership and continuous improvement.

At Smartsheet, I'm a Sr. Solutions Specialist, PPM & Transformation, where I've driven GTM initiatives that influenced over $100M in ARR through compelling use case demonstrations. I empower cross-functional teams to elevate solutions and solve complex customer challenges, enhancing Smartsheet's PPM credibility. I've also executed Customer Success programs with 90%+ CSAT.

With an MSOD (4.0 GPA) and PgMP, PMP, and Six Sigma Green Belt certifications, I bring a strong theoretical and practical foundation to program leadership. I'm passionate about leveraging my skills to drive organizational success through strategic partnerships and a focus on continuous improvement. Proud board member of Black at Smartsheet, championing inclusivity.

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In this conversation, Radhika Dutt shares her journey from engineering to becoming a thought leader in product management and organizational culture. She discusses the pitfalls of metric-driven approaches, the importance of focusing on long-term vision over short-term goals, and introduces her OHLs framework as a healthier alternative to traditional OKRs. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Radhika emphasizes the need for curiosity-driven leadership and the significance of creating an environment of psychological safety within teams.

Key Takeaways

• Radhika Dutt emphasizes the importance of vision over mere metrics.
• Metrics can lead to performance theater, obscuring real impact.
• Curiosity-driven leadership fosters better problem-solving.
• Personal stories can illustrate the impact beyond metrics.
• The OHLs framework offers a new approach to goal setting.
• Vision debt can demoralize teams and hinder progress.
• Reflecting on experiences is crucial for learning.
• Creating psychological safety encourages open communication.
• Balancing KPIs with long-term vision is essential.
• Asking the right questions can transform team dynamics.

About Radhika Dutt

Radhika Dutt is the author of Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter which has been translated into Chinese and Japanese. The methodology she introduced in her first book is now used in over 40 countries. She is an entrepreneur, speaker, and product leader who has participated in five acquisitions, two of which were companies that she founded. She is currently Advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (Singapore’s central bank and financial regulator), and does consulting and training for organizations ranging from high-tech startups to multinationals on building radical products that create a fundamental change. Radhika has built products in a wide range of industries including broadcast, media and entertainment, telecom, advertising technology, government, consumer apps, robotics, and even wine. She graduated from MIT with an SB and M.Eng in Electrical Engineering, and speaks nine languages. 

Radhika is now working on her second book – it’s about why goals and targets backfire and what actually works. 

Helpful Links:

LinkedIn profile

Radhika’s Website

Radical Product Thinking (website for the methodology and Radhika’s first book)

Speaker reel

Links to the OHL framework/ toolkit

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In this conversation, Dr. Nashay Lowe explores the concept of fresh starts and resolutions, questioning their effectiveness in facilitating real change. She emphasizes that true transformation comes not from declarations but from the systems and environments we create around ourselves. By examining the difference between wanting change and designing for it, she highlights the importance of supportive structures that can sustain us through challenges. Dr. Lowe also critiques the glamorization of change, advocating for a more honest approach that acknowledges our imperfections and the realities of life. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to build systems that support their growth, even on imperfect days.

Key Takeaways

• The illusion of a fresh start can be comforting but often leads to familiar patterns.
• Real change requires supportive environments and consistent habits.
• Resolutions place too much emphasis on a single decision rather than ongoing effort.
• Wanting change is different from designing for it; systems are crucial.
• Most people struggle not due to lack of willpower but because of inadequate structures.
• Systems help reduce friction and make desired behaviors easier to achieve.
• Change is often unremarkable and requires consistent effort rather than dramatic breakthroughs.
• Building systems for the person you actually are is essential for sustainable growth.
• Expecting change to feel exciting can hinder its sustainability.
• Meaningful change comes from a steady relationship with supportive systems.

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Every film begins with a story — and so does every company.

In this cinematic conversation, Dr. Nashay Lowe sits down with filmmaker and creative strategist Cherise Lesesne to explore how storytelling and direction can transform the way we lead. From defining a clear vision to casting the right team and setting the emotional tone, Cherise unpacks how the best directors — and leaders — bring stories to life that people actually want to be part of. Together, they reveal how creativity, clarity, and compassion can reshape the cultures we build, one scene at a time.

Key Takeaways

• Leaders are storytellers, crafting narratives for their teams.
• Language and tone significantly impact team dynamics.
• Effective teams require a mix of personalities and skills.
• Conflict can be a catalyst for growth and improvement.
• Directing is about inspiring others, not micromanaging.
• Character development is crucial for team success.
• Setting the right tone can influence team morale.
• Reframing challenges can turn fear into focus.
• Leadership should be iterative and adaptable.
• Understanding and empathy are key to effective leadership.

About Cherise Lesesne

Cherise Lesesne is a product strategist, writer, and filmmaker whose work bridges storytelling, culture, and social analysis. She explores the power of narrative to decode how film, television, and media mirror societal systems and human behavior. She is also a finalist for TEDx U Street Women to deliver a speech regarding how people should take advantage of technology and screentime by thinking critically about the messages present in film and TV. Through her media platform Chaos In My Cup, Cherise weaves together essays, cinematic storytelling, and cultural critique that challenge audiences to think critically about identity, power, and belonging. Her background in product strategy informs her creative approach—merging analytical precision with emotional depth to craft stories that inspire reflection, connection, and change.

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In this episode, Dr. Nashay Lowe explores three topics funneling to on shared lesson: 1) myth of perfect timing, emphasizing that waiting for the right moment often keeps us stuck. She discusses 2) how scars can become beauty marks, shaping our depth and leadership, and 3) shares insights from her travels on how perspective shifts when we step outside our comfort zones. The episode highlights that growth doesn't arrive polished but is lived through experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• The myth of perfect timing often keeps us stuck.
• Scars can become beauty marks, shaping our depth.
• Travel shifts our perspective and assumptions.
• Growth doesn't arrive polished; it's lived.
• Readiness is a decision, not a feeling.
• Waiting too long has a cost on our dreams.
• Starting messy is still starting.
• Momentum teaches what preparation can't.
• Scars are evidence of resilience and growth.
• Travel deepens empathy and responsibility.

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In this conversation, Sandra Martinez shares her journey as a humanitarian worker, discussing her experiences in conflict-affected areas and the importance of resilience and transitional justice. She emphasizes the need for emotional health, community support, and self-care in humanitarian work, while also addressing the distinction between survival and resilience. Sandra reflects on personal stories that highlight the power of collective resilience and the necessity of creating supportive systems for individuals and communities.

Key Takeaways

• Sandra's journey into humanitarian work began during her master's program in 2014.
• Resilience involves not just enduring hardship but also transforming that experience into strength.
• Transitional justice aims for truth, accountability, and non-repetition of past violations.
• Survival mode can mask deeper trauma and hinder true resilience.
• Glorifying endurance can overlook the emotional toll of hardship.
• Creating safe spaces for grief is essential for healing and resilience.
• Collective resilience involves shared care and community support.
• Leadership that prioritizes compassion can shift individuals from survival to resilience.
• Self-care is crucial for humanitarian workers to effectively support others.
• Small actions can foster a culture of resilience in any community.

About Sandra Martinez

Political Scientist and Master in International Affairs with over seven years of international experience in human rights, peace, and protection across challenging regions in Africa and Latin America. I've worked with international organizations, specializing in providing strategic advice on crisis response, conflict resolution, and the implementation of projects with a focus on gender and inclusion.

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandramartinezr/

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