Leading Conversations

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Luisah Teish, a writer and extraordinary storyteller, internationally known for her performances of African, Caribbean, and African-American folklore and feminist myth. She is author of Jump Up: Good Times Throughout the Season with Celebrations from Around the World and Carnival of the Spirit. Teish connects us with the ancestors, bringing wisdom traditions and rituals to life. Her stories teach us what the ancients knew about the natural rhythms of the seasons, how cultures thrive and communities prosper. Teish says, “Stand knowing that you are an ancestor of the future.” What will your story be? Join the conversation for a magical hour with Luisah Teish!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Eric Saperston, Chief Creative Officer of Live In Wonder. He is a storyteller, speaker, author, and passionate about bridging the wisdom gap between young people and elders. Wisdom lives with all of life’s experience and Eric is on a mission to capture it and share it with the world. His journey into “what’s it all about”, became a quest to inspire people to wake up to life & all of the possibilities that exist. Eric knows about possibility. Growing up with a father who refused to give in to “limitations” combined with the intense curiosity about the world that is Eric’s nature, he chooses to live his life “in wonder.” His quest has turned into an award winning film, The Journey; a best selling book, Live In Wonder, and an international speaking career that has spawned a social movement to rally people to “wake up and be awesome,” grounded in gratitude and a reverence for life. Join Cheryl Esposito with Eric Saperston on the journey toward living in wonder!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Melanie DewBerry, author of The Power of Naming: A Journey to Find Your Soul’s Identity. Known as the Soul Coach, she is an educator in the power of language to shape our sense of self. Wisdom is the language of the soul, says Melanie Dewberry. It speaks to us. Why do we ignore it? Often data and intellect can take precedence over wisdom. Intellect without wisdom, lacks guidance. Melanie knows what it’s like to be steeped in data and intellect. She has a master's degree in Asian Economic Development & Political Risk. She lived and worked in China teaching grad students How to Do Business in Latin America, and worked with the Chinese government on the pricing of goods in the Latin America markets. She studied multiple languages, living and working in each of those countries. Join Cheryl Esposito and Melanie DewBerry to explore the wisdom that is the language of our soul!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Nina Simons, a social entrepreneur, and co-founder of Bioneers, writer and thought leader in women’s leadership. Her previous roles include President of Seeds of Change and Director of Strategic Marketing for Odwalla. Nina says that we are operating with an inherited definition of leadership that does not serve us in the 21st century. It carries with it assumptions that play out in actions, structures of organizations, implicit as well as explicit agreements of societal norms. Nina implores us to develop a new practice of leadership: “It is the correlations between inner awareness and outer work, and celebrating the interconnectedness of environment, health, social justice and the sacred” that are key to this evolution in leadership. What are the unspoken assumptions in your own leadership? Join the conversation to explore your own shift in consciousness!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Margaret J. Wheatley, Ph.D., co-founder of Berkana Institute, a global charitable foundation dedicated to serving life-affirming leaders. Meg says there is a call to fearlessness for gentle leaders.” There’s a way of leading in these times of fear that calls for different qualities and behavior. Bold moves are needed. What are the bold moves we can make that don't produce yet more fear? Meg Wheatley writes, teaches, and speaks about radically new practices and ideas for organizing in chaotic times. Her best-selling books include Leadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World, and Finding Our Way: Leadership for an Uncertain Time. Join Cheryl Esposito & Margaret J. Wheatley to explore your own call to bold leadership in these times.

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Peter Senge, PhD., a Senior Lecturer at MIT, & founding chair of the Society for Organizational Learning (SOL). He is author of many books including The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of the Learning Organization; Presence: Human Purpose & the Field of the Future; and Necessary Revolution: How Individuals & Organizations are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World. As a systems thinker, Peter sees the world as a plethora of possibility for collaboration and co-creation. He sees deep connection to self and to nature as key to successful and sustainable organizations that make a difference to our future. How do we do this in a world that values short-term results and immediate gratification? A world where we are told to leave our emotions outside of work and focus on killing the competition? Join Cheryl Esposito & Dr. Peter Senge as they explore leadership and the field of the future!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Rajni Bakshi an economic journalist & author of Bazaars, Conversations & Freedom: for a market culture beyond greed & fear. Rajni is the founder and curator of Ahimsa Conversations, an online platform for exploring the possibilities of nonviolence. Since 1985 Rajni has made a home in the fertile ground between journalism and activism - chronicling struggles for more humane and ecologically sound ways of life. Since 2000 she has listened to a wide range of innovators, in the realm of business, politics and philosophy - who are exploring ways to re-configure how ‘the market’ works. When asked about the gloom and doom of the financial markets and global economics, Rajni says, “Pessimism is for better times…we do not have the luxury to be pessimistic. Things are too grim.” She challenges us to relentlessly focus on “looking for possibility in unlikely places.” To wake up and see what is not yet seen. Rajni tells us we are in a “post-autistic economic time.” We have been shaken awake, now will we seize the moment? Join Cheryl & Rajni looking for possibility in unlikely places!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Dr. Lyly Rojas, a university professor, international humanitarian, and co-founder of the European Institute of Collaborative Law. She specializes in the teaching the culture of Peace (inner and outer) and Corporate Social Responsibility, and Multicultural Intelligence. Lyly was born in Nicaragua, a country of conflict with a long history of turmoil, and ultimately her family had to flee because of their political beliefs. She has worked with and consulted to the United Nations; as an advisor to the Vatican in the trafficking of human beings; in war zones training diplomats, human rights workers, the military, and tortured women & children. The unifying theme for her work: compassion and dignity for self and others. Lyly says that we cannot begin to help others heal if we cannot heal ourselves. “How can you teach peace if you are not peaceful within yourself?”

Today we honor the life of Elisabeth “Beth” Misner, a gifted woman and lover of life, who left the earth October 29, 2020. We are replaying one of the Leading Conversations episodes Beth did with us, to honor the spirited legacy she leaves. Beth’s accomplishments are a testament to her commitment to life-long learning and giving of herself. Beth’s character and the joy that she inspired in others demonstrated her belief that everyone mattered. She chose her values and lived into them personally and professionally. Beth was who she was - on purpose. Life wasn’t always perfect, and Beth met the challenges with her open heart and fierce determination. As her husband, Ivan Misner, has shared, “the world is a little less perfect without her in it.” From the Leading Conversations archives: Cheryl Esposito welcomes Christian author, speaker, and ordained minister Beth Misner. Beth is founder and current director of the Journey Center of Claremont, a Christ-based center for spirituality, healing & wholeness. She is Corporate Vice Chair of BNI (Business Network International), & Co-Founder of BNI Foundation. Beth’s approach to spirituality invites conversation to explore, rather than divide with dogma. She was inspired to write her book, Jesus and the Secret: Where the Word of God and the Law of Attraction Intersect, when she saw that the Bible teaches some of the same principles as the law of attraction. This did not come without controversy as many Christian authors and experts differed in their perspectives. Having grown up in a conservative religious family, it was expected Beth would become a pastor’s wife. That all changed as she experienced the world and carved her own path. Join Cheryl Esposito and Beth Misner for a conversation on the evolution of spirituality.

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Bob Johansen, Distinguished Fellow with the Institute for the Future (IFTF), trusted advisor to leaders of global organizations, & award-winning author of multiple best-selling books. His book, Leaders Make the Future: Ten New Leadership Skills for an Uncertain World was the first of a trilogy to help leaders thrive in the VUCA world. Today’s businesses & organizations are operating in a world characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, & ambiguity according to Bob Johansen. To be successful in the future, leaders will need an emerging set of skills uniquely suited to dealing with challenges of the times we are in. He sees these times as the most frightening and as the most hopeful. Bob believes that connectivity is the key, & we are not fully realizing the benefits of that. “Powerful leaders will see connections in the larger systems of which they are a part, embrace shared assets & opportunities, & cut through the chaos…in this decade, leaders will not just see the future—they will make the future!” Join Cheryl Esposito & Bob Johansen as they reveal the leadership keys to the future!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Craig and Patricia Neal co-founders of The Heartland Circle and co-authors of The Art of Convening: Authentic Engagement in Meetings, Gatherings, and Conversations. Heartland Circle was born from Craig’s early “awakening to a greater purpose” at the 1963 March on Washington, and from Patricia’s vision for creating a global community of new leaders. Craig & Patricia are committed to bringing authentic engagement to meetings, gatherings, & conversations. This is an essential leadership skill that improves outcomes, & brings connection & positive transformation to companies, organizations, clubs, communities, families, & friendships. The Art of Convening is a practice for holding authentic meetings. You will learn ways of preparing yourself for a gathering & why that matters. You will understand how to set the stage for powerful interactions in gatherings, & how to observe & shepherd the interactions of participants with each other. Join Cheryl Esposito, Craig & Patricia Neal to learn the Art of Convening!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Lisa Nichols, best-selling author, speaker, humanitarian, & corporate CEO whose global platform Motivating the Masses, Inc, has reached & served nearly 30 million people. Twenty years of determination & courage, pushing through multiple struggles to transform herself & help others do the same, have led her to this moment. Lisa Nichols is one of only two African-American female founders to take her own company, Motivating the Masses, Inc., public. Abundance Now: Amplify Your Life & Achieve Prosperity Today, is her personal journey from scarcity to abundance. Lisa says abundance is a mindset & a practice that can transform relationships, self, career, and finances. Abundance Now outlines a practical blueprint for personal success. She reminds us that “the role of money is to afford you the best memories possible.” Would it be o.k. with you if life became more memorable with abundance now? Join Cheryl Esposito & Lisa Nichols traveling the path to Abundance Now!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Richard Strozzi-Heckler, PhD, founder of Strozzi work & Strozzi Institute, & author of The Art of Somatic Coaching. Richard says the ‘self’ is the leader’s primary source of power & effectiveness. The success or failure of leaders is more than a game of expertise & strategy. “It has become abundantly clear to me that we do not transform ourselves and our thinking through good ideas or hope. To make sustainable shifts in our behavior and way of thinking, we have to embody new schemas.” Somatic Coaching was developed as a way to cultivate the self through the body. In somatics, the body is not just a physiological entity but is the center of our lived experience in the world. It is a way to move toward mastery in our lives, our leadership, and achieving our highest potential. Join Cheryl Esposito and Richard Strozzi Heckler to explore leadership moves that matter.

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Dr. Christine Hibbard, humanitarian, & recipient of the United Nations Association Human Rights Award. Christine has worked with refugees & survivors in Kosovo, the Middle East & Uganda, helping to heal wounds left by war, genocide & illness. A clinical psychotherapist, university professor & ordained interfaith minister, she has spent a lifetime exploring the relationship of science & spirituality. She is a leading edge teacher of mind-body-spirit health & human consciousness, & inspiration to many. Her book THE HEART OF HEALING From Trauma to Health and Harmony, reveals deeply emotional stories of her world travels to help survivors of war. Christine found she was the one inspired by those she was there to help, the true nature of healing, the bravery it takes to forgive one’s enemies, & the transformational power of the human spirit. Join Cheryl Esposito & Dr. Christine Hibbard on a journey to The Heart of Healing: The Power of the Human Spirit.

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Michael J. Gelb, the leading authority in the fields of creative thinking and accelerated learning. He has authored 12 books on creativity and innovation, including the international best seller How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day. What is genius? Michael Gelb says you don’t have to be born a genius; you just have to learn to think like one. Having studied some of the world’s greatest minds, including Plato, Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Edison, and Albert Einstein, he found traits and behaviors common across the lot. Michael challenges us to choose our path to a happy and fulfilled life. Are you curious? Good. You are on your way! Join Cheryl Esposito and Michael J. Gelb to get your genius on!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Ocean Robbins co-founder & CEO of Food Revolution Network & co-author Voices of the Food Revolution: You Can Heal Your Body & Your World with Food! Can you believe that it was ice cream that led to a healthy food revolution? It's true. Ocean Robbins' grandfather, Irvine Robbins, founded Baskin-Robbins ice cream company. Ocean's father, John Robbins chose a path that was a departure from the establishment, seeking his own voice and life of meaning. John wrote the bestseller Diet for a New America about vegetarianism, the environmental impact of factory farming and animal rights. Today, Ocean is husband, father, author, speaker, movement builder, and CEO of the Food Revolution Network. He is co-author of Voices of the Food Revolution: You Can Heal Your Body and Your World with Food! If you eat more vegetables, you'll be healthier, right? Maybe. Not all vegetables are created equally. Big agribusiness is hijacking our food sources with GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms), all in the name of feeding the planet, improving the shelf life of produce or making crops disease resistant. Given what we don't know about GMO's, can we afford to be complacent? Join Cheryl Esposito & Ocean Robbins for this eye-opening episode!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Stephen M. R. Covey & Greg Link, co-authors of Smart Trust: Creating Prosperity, Energy, & Joy in a Low-Trust World. The first job of a leader is to inspire trust, and the second is to extend it. So say Covey & Link. In Smart Trust, they tell us that a powerful, global renaissance of trust has begun. Sparked by recent world events, business ethics, and transparency enabled by the internet, this call for a renaissance of high trust leadership is reverberating around the globe. Smart Trust is judgment. It’s a competency and a process that enables us to operate with high trust in a low-trust world. It minimizes risk & maximizes possibilities. It optimizes two key factors: (1) a propensity to trust and (2) analysis. Simply put, Smart Trust is how to trust in a low-trust world. Join Cheryl Esposito & Stephen M.R. Covey & Greg Link to learn what you can do now to build Smart Trust!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Dr. Luh Ketut Suryani, M.D., Ph.D. a renowned Balinese healer, highly acclaimed western-trained psychiatrist and a leader in bridging indigenous Balinese knowledge and values with the western world. Founder of Suryani Institute for Mental Health, much of her work focuses on the challenges of the children of Bali. Dr. Suryani has authored numerous books on Balinese culture and spiritual practices, hosts her own television show on women’s issues, offers weekly community meditation gatherings, and speaks about cultural issues impacting her beloved Bali. Join us as Dr. Suryani shares her insight into the growing problem the youth of Bali face as they try to blend the world of you-tube and MTV with life in paradise.

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Gail Larsen, author of Transformational Speaking: If You Want to Change the World, Tell A Better Story. Gail is founder of Real Speaking, designed to support people in shaping the story of their life experience and self-expression to become powerful platform speakers. We all have a story. How we tell it matters. Gail says: “I have learned there is no art in speaking without heart, and heart is present only in what is real. It is the gift of authenticity - yours and mine - that affirms my trust in life's journey and our collective capacity to create the world to which we want to belong.” Is it time for your voice to be heard? Join the conversation to learn how to bring heart and meaning to your story!

Cheryl Esposito welcomes Vazken Kalayjian, award-winning global branding expert, design strategist, artist, & author; Co-Founder & Global Head of Design & Branding of Learning Learning Architects, LLC; and founding member of Tribe Global Network. Are your values aligned with your business? A childhood lesson from his father is the cornerstone of Vazken’s work in branding: you are your values & they are in everything you do. His book Brand Real - The Startup Entrepreneurs? Guide to Effective Branding & Building Values-Based Organizations, is a startup’s success blueprint. He is passionate in helping clients turn their ideas and visions into the products, services, and projects that will transform communities, society and the world we live in. Defining what matters to them, he infuses it into the brand. Born in Syria to Armenian immigrants, Vazken experiences life as a learning journey. Believing in endless possibility - it's his way of being. Vazken’s clients are Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, not-for-profits, & governments. His transformational work shows up as corporate identity, place & country branding systems, product portfolio, integrated multi-media marketing campaigns & new product launches. Do your values align with your life & your business? Join Cheryl Esposito & Vazken Kalayjian for inspiration of endless possibility!