Best Charlene Foster Podcasts (2026)

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430 Unwavering Teams: How Leaders Reduce Friction and Build Trust That Lasts with Eric Termuende 36:59

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5h ago36:59

36:59

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Eric Termuende, leadership thinker, speaker, and author of Rethink Work: Finding & Keeping the Right Talent, for a grounded conversation about what actually holds teams together in times of uncertainty. Rather than focusing on trends or surface-level engagement tactics, the dis…

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Jon Marshall 51:08

8h ago51:08

51:08

Jon Marshall, industrial designer and partner at Pentagram, visits the studio to discuss the importance of trusting the process, the experience of moving from a designer to a creative director role, and the pleasures of seemingly intractable design problems. Jon's picks for his crit were: Best design: Honda. A Great Journey Worst design: Exhibition…

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429 Why Self-Awareness Is a CEO’s Real Competitive Edge: Lessons from Les Csorba, Author of Aware 32:19

7d ago32:19

32:19

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Les Csorba — senior partner at Heidrick & Struggles and author of Aware: The Power of Seeing Yourself Clearly. Drawing on decades advising CEOs, boards, and leadership teams, Les makes a compelling case that self-awareness is not a soft skill but a strategic differentiator. With l…

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428 Thursday Refresh: Dr. Bernard Harris, Embracing Infinite Possibilities 42:48

6d ago42:48

42:48

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Bernard Harris, a leader whose extraordinary career trajectory—from physician to NASA astronaut to CEO and venture capitalist—offers rare insights into the inner work of leadership. Dr. Harris is the first African American to walk in space, and the author of Embracing Infinite…

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427 [BEST OF] David Ross on Confronting the Storm - Leadership, Hope, and Navigating Wicked Problems in the Age of Uncertainty 40:46

7d ago40:46

40:46

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with David Ross, VUCA strategist and author of Confronting the Storm: Regenerating Leadership and Hope in the Age of Uncertainty. David is a renowned expert on VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environments and has spent his career advising organizations on how to thriv…

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426 [BEST OF] Mark Schaefer on How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World 51:20

20d ago51:20

51:20

In this compelling episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mark Schaefer returns to share fresh, provocative insights from his latest book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. A globally respected marketing strategist, bestselling author, and deep observer of technological change, Schaefer brings sharp clarity to a pressing le…

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Charlene Prempeh 56:46

23d ago56:46

56:46

Charlene Prempeh, founder of A Vibe Called Tech, joins The Crit for our 2025 holiday episode, examining the pleasures and importance of “good enough” work; the porous barrier between commercial and artistic practice; and answering a series of festive questions about redesigning the holidays!. Charlene's picks for her crit were: Best design: Now You…

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425 How to Build a Culture of Innovation That Actually Works with Alan Gregerman 50:32

21d ago50:32

50:32

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Alan Gregerman, innovation advisor and author of The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World. Gregerman has spent his career helping organizations rethink what expertise is, how innovation really happens, and why the answers leaders…

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424 Quick Leadership in a Distracted World: Trust, Power, and the New Rules of Leading Teams with Selena Rezvani 44:05

28d ago44:05

44:05

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Selena Rezvani invites leaders to rethink some of the most deeply ingrained assumptions about modern management. Drawing from her new book Quick Leadership and years of work with top-performing organizations, Selena challenges CEOs and senior leaders to examine the hidden forces shaping their teams’ behavio…

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Spandana Gopal 42:19

28d ago42:19

42:19

Spandana Gopal, founder and creative director of the Tiipoi homeware brand, visits the studio to discuss rejecting exoticised portraits of India's design and craft traditions; the need to prioritise ethical, community-focused production; and the challenges of translating global sales of local craft into a thriving domestic market. Spandana's picks …

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423 Thursday Refresh: Andrea Sampson on The Power of Strategic Storytelling in Leadership: Making Your Messages Memorable 49:23

1M ago49:23

49:23

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli hosts Andrea Sampson, an expert in strategic storytelling and the co-founder of Talk Boutique. Andrea Sampson talks about the fascinating intersection of brain science and storytelling, emphasizing why humans are hardwired to respond to stories. As an experienced speaker's coach for TEDx Toro…

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422 How AI Is Reshaping the Knowledge Economy, And What Leaders Need to Do Now with Sangeet Paul Choudary 55:09

1M ago55:09

55:09

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Sangeet Paul Choudary, one of the world’s leading thinkers on digital strategy, platforms, and the future of value creation. Sangeet is the author of the acclaimed new book Reshuffle: Who Wins When AI Transforms the Knowledge Economy, a work that reframes how leaders must think…

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421 [BEST OF] Why Strategy Fails Without the Right Board: Didier Cossin on High Performance Boards & Decision-Making at the Top 47:32

1M ago47:32

47:32

What if the greatest risk to your organization isn't economic uncertainty, market volatility, or disruptive technology—but the decisions being made in your own boardroom? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Didier Cossin, IMD professor and global expert in board governance, whose book High Performance Boards has bec…

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Ab Rogers 45:34

1M ago45:34

45:34

Ab Rogers, creative director of the Ab Rogers Design studio, joins the podcast for a discussion focused on the architecture of healthcare, the horrors of wackiness, the need to welcome new people into architecture and design, and the creative potential for delight in everyday spaces. Ab's picks for his crit were: Best design: Maggie’s at The Royal …

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Besieged with Longing (with Jandy Nelson) 28:01

2M ago28:01

28:01

In this episode, we are joined by acclaimed author Jandy Nelson. Jandy shares her unique journey from poet to fiction writer and the profound impact of storytelling. They discuss her latest book, 'When the World Tips Over,' inspirations, and the role of books in social change. The conversation delves into the challenges of book bans, how to support…

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420 Why Every Leader Needs to Rethink Innovation with Rich Braden and Tessa Forshaw 1:01:22

2M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

What if creativity isn’t a gift possessed by a few—but a skill every leader already has? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden, co-authors of Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World. Drawing from their work at Stanford and Harvard…

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Rom-Tram-Coms (with Rachel Runya Katz) 18:49

2M ago18:49

18:49

In this episode, we interview author Rachel Runya Katz about her new book. Rachel discusses her unique writing style of contemporary romance that she humorously calls 'rom traum coms,' exploring real-world issues within the romantic escapism genre. We delve into the themes of her latest hidden identity, epistolary romance book, and the importance o…

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419 Riding the Tsunami of Change: How Leaders Can Thrive in an Exponential World with Dr. Mark van Rijmenam 41:23

2M ago41:23

41:23

In this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with futurist and strategist Dr. Mark van Rijmenam to explore how leaders can thrive in an era defined by exponential change. Known for his sharp insights into emerging technologies and their impact on society, van Rijmenam shares a grounded yet urgent view of the …

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Ori Orisun Merhav 43:09

2M ago43:09

43:09

Material researcher and designer Ori Orisun Merhav sits her crit, exploring the ethos, experimentation and commitment to bio-inclusive co-creation that underpin her creations with lac, a natural polymer produced by insects. Ori's picks for her crit were: Best design: Something yet to come within Made by Insects Worst design: The daily failures of m…

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Human Memory Carried in the Land and Water (with Shobha Rao) 24:34

2M ago24:34

24:34

In this episode, we interview Shobha Rao, author of 'Girls Burn Brighter' and 'Indian Country.' Rao shares her journey to becoming a writer, beginning with her migration from India to the U.S. as a child. We cover the themes in her books, particularly focusing on disenfranchised populations and the impact of colonialism. Rao also discusses the impo…

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418 Thursday Refresh: Lior Arussy on Reauthoring Leadership: Take Charge of Your Story, Navigate Change, and Empower Transformation 52:28

2M ago52:28

52:28

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a powerful conversation with Lior Arussy, renowned author, speaker, and expert in organizational transformation and customer experience. Lior is the author of the thought-provoking book Dare to Author: Take Charge of the Narrative of Your Life. In this episode, he brings his compel…

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417 From Silos to Shared Strength: Relationships That Multiply Result with Jim Ferrell 48:56

2M ago48:56

48:56

What if the greatest leadership blind spot isn’t about people at all, but about the space between them? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jim Ferrell, renowned leadership thinker and author of You and We: The Relational Rethinking of Work, Life, and Leadership. Known for co-authoring the international bestseller L…

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The New Black Wall Street (with Dr. Charlene Sims) 21:46

2M ago21:46

21:46

We have a powerful discussion with Dr. Charlene Sims about financial freedom and literacy within the Black community. Dr. Charlene shares insights from her book “The New Black Wall Street,” which focuses on sustainability, collaboration, and the essential knowledge needed for successful entrepreneurship. Discover the importance of discussing financ…

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416 Beyond the Hype: How Data, Skills, and Humanity Drive AI’s Real Impact with Benjamin Tasker 29:15

2M ago29:15

29:15

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Benjamin Tasker, an AI learning strategist who has applied artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges in healthcare and education. From predicting cancer risks in rural communities to improving student success rates through early intervention, Tasker has firsthand exp…

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Samuel Ross 46:46

3M ago46:46

46:46

Designer and artist Samuel Ross, founder of fashion brand A-Cold-Wall*and design studio SR_A, visits the studio to discuss the challenges of working as an innovator within internal teams, the influence of architecture on his work, and creating designs that speak to a particular generation of British culture. Samuel's picks for his crit were: Best d…

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Disrupting the Publishing Industry (with Bindery) 26:24

3M ago26:24

26:24

In this episode, we dive into the world of indie publishing with special guests Naomi, Michael, and Marines. The discussion covers the motivation behind starting imprints with Bindery (a startup publisher that partners with large-scale social media tastemakers to lead their own publishing imprints), the importance of promoting underrepresented voic…

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415 Leading Through Super Shifts: Thriving in the Age of Intelligence with Ja-Nae Duane & Steve Fisher 37:27

3M ago37:27

37:27

What happens when the playbook for leadership no longer applies? In this thought-provoking conversation, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by futurist Steve Fisher and behavioral scientist Ja-Nae Duane, co-authors of Super Shifts: Transforming How We Live, Learn, and Work in the Age of Intelligence. With decades of experience in executive foresight, systems…

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More Than Slam Poetry (with Chrisso) 32:12

3M ago32:12

32:12

In this episode, we are joined by poet extraordinaire, Chrisso. We dive into Chrisso's journey from growing up in Lancaster, South Carolina, to becoming a prominent figure in the slam poetry scene. Chrisso shares his background, the inspiration behind his positive poems, and his experiences in various poetry competitions like Slam Madness and South…

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414 The Emotionally Intelligent Team: Building Collaborative Groups that Outperform the Rest with Vanessa Druskat 43:30

3M ago43:30

43:30

Most executives still chase superstar hires, assuming great individuals will automatically form great teams. In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Dr. Vanessa Druskat brings research depth and field-tested experience to make a different case. She is the author of The Emotionally Intelligent Team: Building Collaborative Groups that Outperform …

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Nick Foster 49:55

3M ago49:55

49:55

Futures designer Nick Foster sits his crit to mark the launch of his new book Could Should Might Don't, exploring the limitations of futurism, and the need for more mundane, rounded design thinking within the realm of the tech giants. Nick's picks for his crit were: Best design: Google’s Selfish Ledger Worst design: Early-career, “thirsty could” de…

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Bibliotherapy in the Bronx (with Emely Rumble) 23:52

3M ago23:52

23:52

In this episode, we sit down with Bibliotherapist and author Emely Rumble. We discuss what bibliotherapy is and how it is used to help clients process emotions and discover new perspectives. Emely shares her journey into bibliotherapy, the cultural differences in its practice, and how it connects to Black librarianship. We also dive into the practi…

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413 A CEO for All Seasons: Carolyn Dewar on What Great Leaders Do Differently—From Bold Beginnings to Graceful Exits 44:15

3M ago44:15

44:15

By Mahan Tavakoli

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She Writes to Live (with Tamela Gordon) 30:40

3M ago30:40

30:40

In this episode, we are joined by Tamela Gordon, an author, editor, and advocate for hood wellness. We discuss the interplay between writing and editing, Tamela's journey as a writer, and the impact of mutual aid in publishing. Tamela also shares insights into her upcoming book, 'She Writes to Live,' and her first book, 'Hood Wellness.' The convers…

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412 Thursday Refresh: Kurt Strovink on Mastering Leadership from the Inside Out: Transformative Insights for CEOs 53:39

3M ago53:39

53:39

What separates truly exceptional leaders from the rest? According to Kurt Strovink, it’s not just strategy, execution, or decision-making—it’s the ability to lead from within. As a senior partner at McKinsey & Company and a global advisor to CEOs, Kurt has spent decades studying the patterns of the most successful executives. In his latest book, Th…

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411 Motley Fool Co-Founder David Gardner on Rule Breaker Investing, Long-Term Thinking, and Leadership That Lasts 1:15:00

3M ago1:15:00

1:15:00

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Gardner—legendary investor, co-founder of The Motley Fool, and author of Rule Breaker Investing. Over the past three decades, David has not only beaten the market—he’s reshaped how long-term investing is understood and practiced. David’s track record is extraordinary: He rec…

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Lise Vester 46:27

3M ago46:27

46:27

Danish designer Lise Vester visits the studio to discuss the impact of neuroaesthetics, hospices and CBT therapy on her work, as well as the role that designed sensory experience can have on improving people's everyday wellbeing. Lise's picks for her crit were: Best design: Dream View Bench Worst design: Silhouette Cutlery Most successful design: I…

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Sankofa Shadow Work (with Sara Makeba Daise) 33:14

4M ago33:14

33:14

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with author and cultural worker, Sara Makeba Daise. We explore the concepts behind Sara's book 'Sankofa Shadow Work: Diaries of a Diasporic Divine', discussing themes of ancestral connections, healing epigenetic trauma, and the South as a spiritual portal. Sara shares her inspirations, her journ…

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410 Ram Charan on Leading When Uncertainty Is Permanent: Strategy, Execution, and AI as the New Business Model 31:36

4M ago31:36

31:36

In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by one of the most sought-after advisors to Fortune 100 CEOs and boards—Ram Charan. Named “the most influential consultant alive” by Fortune, Charan draws on decades of boardroom experience and over 30 books—Execution, What the CEO Wants You to Know, The Amazon Management…

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Escaping the Conveyor Belt (With Russell Earle Jr.) 24:19

4M ago24:19

24:19

In this episode of the Liberation is Lit podcast, we sit down with author Russell Earle Jr. for an inspiring discussion about the power of storytelling and social change. In this episode, Russell shares his journey as a writer and the release of his travel memoir, 'Until I Came Home: A Sunset Journal,' which chronicles his six-month backpacking exp…

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409 From Turn the Ship Around to Rethinking Decisions: David Marquet on Leading with Distance, Not Ego 44:37

4M ago44:37

44:37

In this thought-provoking conversation, former nuclear submarine commander and bestselling author David Marquet returns to the Partnering Leadership podcast to discuss the core ideas behind his new book: Distancing: How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions. Known globally for Turn the Ship Around, Marquet once again challenges traditional…

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Benjamin Hubert 48:08

4M ago48:08

48:08

Benjamin Hubert, founder and creative director of Layer, joins The Crit to discuss moving beyond personality-driven aesthetics, creating objects for pets, his relationship with the media, and his desire to do more pro bono design work. Benjamin's picks for his crit were: Best design: Layer Worst design: Diamond Chair Most successful design: Dog toy…

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Changing the Narrative for Love (with Terrence P. Elmore) 29:16

4M ago29:16

29:16

In this episode of the Liberation is Lit podcast, we sit down with poet and author Terrence P. Elmore to delve into his journey as a writer and the profound messages conveyed through his poetry. Terrence shares how he rediscovered his passion for writing, the inspiration behind his books 'Love Letters', 'The Essence of Love', and 'Pain is Not Our O…

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408 The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses with Mita Mallik 37:50

4M ago37:50

37:50

What if the “panic habits” leaders default to are the very things burning out their best people? In this Partnering Leadership episode, Mita Mallick—author of The Devil Emails at Midnight—joins Mahan to unpack practical ways senior leaders can replace performative urgency with clear operating rules that people can trust. You will hear why bad bosse…

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Accountability is Freedom (with Coach Lester) 36:41

4M ago36:41

36:41

In this episode of the Liberation is Lit Podcast, host Tayler Simon sits down with Coach Lester to delve into the transformative power of accountability in the realms of creativity and entrepreneurship. Coach Lester shares his personal journey from a multi-talented creative to a successful accountability coach. He discusses the importance of time m…

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407 Thursday Refresh: Ann Hiatt on Trillion Dollar Leadership Secrets of Amazon’s Jeff Bezos & Google’s Eric Schmidt 52:14

4M ago52:14

52:14

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ann Hiatt, Leadership Strategist & Consultant and Author of the book Bet on Yourself. Ann Hiatt shared the many lessons she learned while working alongside the world's top tech CEOs—Google's Eric Schmidt, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Yahoo's Marissa Meyer. In addition to the story of her …

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Tomoko Azumi 33:54

4M ago33:54

33:54

Tomoko Azumi, founder of TNA Design Studio, visits the studio to talk about designing furniture for small spaces, the differences between the design industry in Japan and the UK, creating a space for the UK Supreme Court, and the importance of making models by hand. Tomoko's picks for her crit were: Best design: Flow Chair for Ercol and a trolley f…

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406 Data as a Leadership Superpower: How to Fuel Strategy, Innovation, and AI with Justin Evans, Author of The Little Book of Data 39:03

4M ago39:03

39:03

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Justin Evans, a seasoned executive and author of The Little Book of Data. With a career spanning leadership roles at major media and tech firms including Microsoft, NBCUniversal, and Paramount, Evans brings a rare combination of commercial acumen and data fluency to the conversati…

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Becoming a Writer Out of Necessity (with Jenn M. Jackson, PhD) 29:48

5M ago29:48

29:48

In this episode, we are joined by scholar Dr. Jenn M. Jackson to discuss the profound impact of Black feminist scholarship. We explore Dr. Jenn’s journey from an early love of writing to becoming an influential voice in Black feminism, the necessity of storytelling, and the ongoing fight for recognition in academic spaces. Dr. Jenn also shares insi…

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405 [BEST OF] Jeremy Caplan on Beyond the Hype: AI-Powered Productivity Tools for Busy Executives 50:39

4M ago50:39

50:39

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership. While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking. I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most …

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The Magic of Wanting (with Naya Lanai) 22:01

5M ago22:01

22:01

In this inspiring episode, we join poet Naya Lanai as we discuss the transformative power of storytelling, poetry, and community. Naya delves into her journey as a poet, the emotional liberation she finds in her work, and the importance of self-love and community in creating social change. We also explore impactful literature, the beauty of complex…