Zillennial Leader Podcast

When you take a look at your career journey, who are the people that stick out as the most prominent champions of your success – the people most invested in your growth? Tricia Arneson, Chief Diversity and Productivity Officer of the Yondr Group, gives insight into the role that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) plays in operational effectiveness. In this episode, she discusses being a young executive and filling leadership roles at top companies like Disney and Google, the strengths of Gen Z professionals in the industry, how she’s embracing her capability as a woman and as a Millennial in her role at Yondr, and her thoughts on “The Great Resignation.” She also unpacks the importance of caring for employees as humans rather than numbers, developing work environments that foster employee retention, and embracing new positions with grace and an eagerness to learn. Tune in to hear more about her journey and the advice she has for young professionals looking to grow!

People say, “The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people''. Every day we encounter people from different walks of life. Adapting to different situations isn’t easy for everyone; however, it’s not impossible. Those who can look past the differences and instead use them as a strength are those who go on to become the most successful leaders. Educator, Advocate, and DEI practitioner Ryan Clopton-Zymler has helped dozens of young adults and business owners create positive changes in the workplace by creating a space where equity and inclusion are the defining values that bring out everyone’s full authentic selves to their roles. Ryan shares the importance of communicating with your people and how cultivating a culture where everyone is empowered and united by their differences is a crucial ingredient that can lead to success.

Have you ever had a terrible landlord? On this episode, we'll hear from Forbes 30 Under 30 Winner and CEO and Founder of WhoseYourLandlord, talk about how he got to where he is today as a first-generation immigrant to building his company based on the core value of creating an equitable experience for both renters and landlords. Ofo is one of BET's #30Under30, a Black Enterprise: Modern Man, and his work has been featured in TechCrunch, Newsweek, MSNBC, Ebony, and more. He is also an actor and model who's walked in NYFW (3x), been featured on the Today Show (7x), and worked with Nike, ESPN (2x), and Alfani. Ofo is a Big in the Big Brothers Big Sisters entrepreneurial program and has spoken on tech - entrepreneurship - and leadership at prestigious institutions such as The White House, Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Wharton, Temple, etc. He lives by the motto, "No steps backward; just forward progress." Tune in today to hear how business and social impact can go hand-in-hand!

Corporate social responsibility isn’t just a buzzword. It’s important for companies nowadays to take a stand on issues that affect not only them but the citizens of the world. As entrepreneurs, we need to go out there and make an impact the best way we can. Erin Zakis, Senior Director of Global Corporate Partnerships at HIAS and Forbes 30 Under 30 Winner, has always been passionate about making this kind of impact on the world. In this episode, she shares her thoughts on corporate social responsibility, modern-day business leadership, and much more. She also talks about her contributions to the world through her nonprofit, Sundara, and her work on empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Tune in!

What makes a good leader is more than just managing the people around you. Personal leadership is a telling trait and an essential skill for individuals in that role. Today’s guest has a fascinating story and is a prime example of personal leadership. Jeremiah Brown is a keynote speaker, father, and Olympic medalist. His book, The 4-Year Olympian, spent five weeks as a number one best-selling sports memoir in Canada and was featured in several media outlets. Today, Jeremiah has helped thousands find the courage to pursue ambitious goals and overcome the psychological traps and emotional pitfalls hidden along the way. In this episode, he shares what it’s like navigating life as an athlete, a father, and a leader. Listen in on his chat with Dr. Santor Nishizaki as they discuss imposter syndrome, resilience, parenting, and the future of work in the context of leadership.

Workplace bullying can be one of the biggest challenges business leaders face today, virtually or in the office. It can destroy our workplace culture and cause serious imposter syndrome in many. For Dr. Jennifer Kwoon, bullying equates to power dynamics. Joining Dr. Santor Nishizaki, the Co-Founder of Illumentia, explains how people should be taught to wield their power in a positive way to minimize or eliminate bullying. She discusses how leaders could address this problem today when business models are overlapping, the number of Generation Z professionals is rising, and the Great Resignation is changing the market trends on people management.

You can’t be successful without being happy. That is how Penny Locaso defines success. It is for this reason that after 16 years working for a global giant, at the top of her game, she left everything to focus on hacking happiness. In this conversation with Dr. Santor Nishizaki, Penny tells us about her pivotal move from Perth to Melbourne – an end-to-end journey that perfectly illustrates her shift from employee to entrepreneur. That was eight years ago, and to this day, Penny still enjoys her life as an entrepreneur whose sole intent is to help others define happiness on their own terms. Penny is well-known in business and leadership circles for creating the Intentional Adaptability Quotient, the world's first psychometric tool that decodes the skills required to flourish in complex and uncertain change. She is also an international speaker, author, and podcast host. Tune in and learn how Penny created Hacking Happy, what happiness truly means, and how you, an emerging leader, can hack happiness for yourself.

Leaders don't only strive for their goals: they have to live up to expectations, manage perceptions, and set an excellent example for the organization. Natalie Marie Ramirez, Finance Programs Lead at a major aerospace corporation, joins Dr. Santor Nishizaki as they discuss the challenges that leaders have to face daily. Ms. Ramirez shares how compassion, empathy, and empowering others can foster trust and confidence across all demographics in the workplace. Natalie also talks about how getting to know your team personally and what's important to them can help you gain their respect and trust in your ability to lead. So if you are eyeing a promotion or just transitioned into a leadership role, you cannot miss this episode! 

With the rapid evolution of technology and the lasting impact of the pandemic, the future of work has become pretty unorthodox. Hybrid workplace setups are becoming widespread, and a company's success is often dictated by its digital capabilities. Dr. Santor Nishizaki chats with best-selling author and futurist, Kian Gohar, to discuss how to future-proof your team in the new world of work. Kian presents practical tools that lead to efficient collaboration and improved communication and shares his insights about the Great Resignation, the qualities of an inspiring leader, and the greatest strengths of the Gen Z workforce.

In this transitional age, workplaces can consist of folks from four generations, with Baby Boomers meeting Gen Z and Millennials working alongside Gen X. As you bring a diverse group together, how can you bridge the gap and promote professional development across generations as a leader? Tune in as Deputy Director at the US Department of Homeland Security, Stephen Kalayil, shares insights on how to lead a diverse workplace and talks about the importance of building relationships to get to know your team on a personal level. He highlights how these factors drive performance and avoid attrition for your organization. Plus, Stephen offers tips on getting creative on seeking avenues to level up your leadership skills to advance in these challenging times. Learn more in his chat with host Dr. Santor Nishizaki in this episode.