I Lead The Way: Recent Episodes

K.D. Wilson

Welcome to " I Lead The Way, " a podcast where our mission is to empower, inspire and uplift educators and scholars around the world to be the best versions of themselves. By way of motivational moments, informative interviews and real life experiences, we will push the envelope in order to compel our listeners to "Lead The Way," no matter where they might be in there lives. We believe and know that we are all here on purpose, with purpose and for a purpose, so let's lead like it!

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We show up as leaders because it’s not just us on the line. It never has been. It never will be. Somebody is at the other end of the chain on your hip. They will sink or swim based on your next choice.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kd-wilson/message

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You can’t say you love others and despise yourself. Your leadership cannot be maximized by partial appreciation of the value you have to offer the world.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kd-wilson/message

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The only way to truly lead is to be vulnerable. The foundation of vulnerability is purpose. If you can find purpose in a thing, you can find the ability to risk it all for what can be gained.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kd-wilson/message

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We all have areas of our lives that caused us grief and anxiety. We all have certain things that tend to get us off-balance. My challenge to you is to stop running from that thing. Face it head on. The only way to do that is to take away the opportunity to flee. Board up the doors, burn the boats, and put your back against the wall.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kd-wilson/message

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How do you see time?--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kd-wilson/message

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Let’s aim for joy and fulfillment this year instead of just nailing deadlines, dominating our space, and running in circles. Fill your soul. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kd-wilson/message

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Run Well GSO is a dynamic mentorship program for young men in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina. The foundation and purpose of this program is to come alongside high school aged young men and teach them matters of leadership, life skill development, personal growth and success principles. This program helps young men develop the characteristics and leadership qualities that good men should have in all aspects of life. They are challenged mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally to become the best version of themselves. One way this is done is by running. Running begins with a choice, but finishes with results. These young men, being mentored by first responders, train to complete an endurance race of some kind at the end of their program. When finished, they understand what they are capable of individually and collectively as a team. They learn to run the race of life well. You can find more information about Run Well GSO on Instagram and Facebook.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kd-wilson/message

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Matt has completed over 1200 safe BASE jumps to date, the vast majority of which being wingsuit flights from alpine cliffs. He is the author of The Great Book of BASE.  As co-founder and CEO of Squirrel Wingsuits, Matt oversees wingsuit testing and R&D. Matt has competed in every Red Bull Aces event, placing 3rd in 2015 and 5th in 2016. He is heavily involved in the development of high performance wingsuits.  He is focused on the Next Level Wingsuit Skydiving and Wingsuit BASE courses. Matt’s background in gliding flight (including 12 years at Ozone Paragliders Ltd.) and paragliding instruction, combined with a decade of wingsuit BASE experience, gives him a unique perspective on developing wingsuit flight skills.  In this episode he brings his profound perspective of flying down to earth so that we can all understand the beauty from above!   K.D. Wilson is a Leadership Development Educator and Empowerment Speaker. He specializes in delivering seminars, training, and keynotes that focus on personal growth, team acceleration and leadership implementation nationwide.  K.D. is the host of top-rated leadership and personal growth podcast called, "I Lead The Way." By way of motivational moments, informative interviews, and real lived experiences, the podcast is in place to help individuals and teams achieve that next level of leadership. Nationally recognized guests appear on the show in order to share bits of wisdom and support for listeners.  If you'd like to explore how K.D. can help your team, program, organization or school, K.D. can be contacted at KD@Iamkdwilson.com or via www.Iamkdwilson.com.  #podcast #coaching #inspiration #squirrelwingsuits #fly #winning #mindset #basejumping #skydiving #fitness #leadership #motivation #faith #entrepreneur #family #success #sports #faith #risk #college #studentathlete #nevergiveup #contentcreator


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This quote will change the way you see what you pursue. Most of all, how you pursue it!


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If you’ve ever had someone give you a charge to succeed, you understand the validity of this episode.


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Men and women are wired differently, we just are. One of the most common ways that men and women differ is by their motivational engines. What drives a man to lead, and what drives a woman? This episode takes a look at just one aspect of that motivating point for the average man...The Mission! Listen, Learn, and Lead!


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Coach Jen F. Oldenburg is the head Women's Volleyball Coach at the Ohio State University. The team is currently #6 and still climbing, thanks to the commitment of the coaching staff and student athletes. This episode was particularly special because Coach Oldenburg was hired right before the pandemic, and still found a way to come out on top. We talked team, leadership, concentration under chaos, and much more. Be sure to tune in to @ESPN and catch the Lady Buckeye's as they charge toward the big dance and a shot at the title!

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K.D. Wilson is a Leadership Development Educator and Empowerment Speaker. He specializes in delivering seminars, training, and keynotes that focus on personal growth, team acceleration and leadership implementation nationwide. K.D. is the host of top-rated leadership and personal growth podcast called, "I Lead The Way." By way of motivational moments, informative interviews, and real lived experiences, the podcast is in place to help individuals and teams achieve that next level of leadership. Nationally recognized guests appear on the show in order to share bits of wisdom and support for listeners. If you'd like to explore how K.D. can help your team, program, organization or school, K.D. can be contacted at KD@Iamkdwilson.com or via www.Iamkdwilson.com. #podcast #coaching #inspiration #ohiostatebuckeyes #volleyball #winning #mindset #volleyballworld #olympicvolleyball #fitness #leadership #motivation #faith #entrepreneur #family #success #sports #ncaa #theohiostateuniversity #college #studentathlete #nevergiveup #contentcreator


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I had the chance to sit down with the lively, creative, athletic, joyful, professional and successful Mr. Heber Cannon and he shared gems that will lift your spirit and provoke change in your life. He’s part of the team at Podium Nutrition Buttery Bros and more! He’s a supporter and affiliate alongside Reign Body Fuel and Blenders Eyewear! 


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John Robertson is a cycling and body performance expert. He is the owner and operator of Fernes (Furnace) which is in Bentonville, Arkansas. Prior to his growth in the cycling and body performance space he was a collegiate Track and Field athlete. John was the first athlete to ever be named the Indoor and Outdoor Freshman of the Year at Western Carolina University. John went on to win the conference in the 800 m run and recorded a blazing time of 1:51 seconds. After his time at Western Carolina University, John transferred to Baylor University where he rubbed elbows with one of the greatest USATF Olympians of all time, Michael Johnson. John graduated with honors, but it didn't come easy. He battled through dyslexia and found a way to win the day...and he hasn't stopped yet!


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When it’s hardest, it’s worth the most. Go!


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Mr. Gene Wright is a serial entrepreneur, investor and fitness advocate. He has a story to share and gems that will help you cut the excuses on the next thing and just "Start!"

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If you'd like to hire K.D Wilson to lead a workshop, keynote or seminar for your group, organization, business, program, church or school just contact him at: KD@Iamkwilson.com.  


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Message! You are not God. Stop trying to be Him. Balance yourself and set healthy boundaries!


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Mr. Eugene Banks was born and raised in Washington DC. He attended undergrad at the illustrious North Carolina A&T State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and also became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Mr. Banks later received a Masters in Education at the RELAY School of Education. He is currently a 4th Grade Math and Science Teacher at Ketcham Elementary in SE Washington DC. He is also the Co-Founder of a nonprofit organization called Competitive By Nature. Mr. Banks' passion lies in God, spending time with his family, fitness, serving the community, education, and uplifting the next generation.

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In this episode, Mr. Banks and K.D. dive into the heart of change and how to work through turning points in your life. They unpack the value of education, family, fitness and so much more.


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Ownership is difficult because it requires vulnerability. Vulnerability is difficult because we have to open ourselves up to possibly being seen in a different way. Ownership isn't always comfortable, but it's necessary to step into the winning circle. 


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Daphne Davis is a forward thinking and dynamic leader. Energetic and detailed oriented administrator at NCCU, dedicated to improving efficiency, productivity, and service through continuous process improvements. With nearly seventeen years’ experience developing, implementing, and championing educational and student driven initiatives. Trained in promoting accountability and awareness across Higher Education through student engagement, retention, and identifying inclusive and innovative solutions to complex problems. Daphne earned both her Associate and Bachelor degrees from Limestone University. She later earned a Master of Science in Leadership from Trident University International. She is currently a Doctoral Student at Trident University International pursuing an Ed.D. Daphne’s moto is, "No is never an option, simply an opportunity to create a pathway that has yet to exist."


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No description needed! Apply and Attack!


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There isn’t many things worse than a self consumed and arrogant person. Great leaders remember where they started, and value the journey along the way.


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When you move too fast you miss things. There is a difference between patience and complacency. Patience is based on foundation and complacency is based on laziness. Know the difference.


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Disproportionate amounts of anything will lead to disproportionate results. That applies in all aspects of life. Take inventory.


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We attract what we want. So if you’re getting nothing its because it’s what you want. If you wanted some thing and it wasn’t coming, you’d figure out how to get it. So, you’re either making excuses or putting out the wrong energy.


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You aren’t lazy, you’re just undisciplined!


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Have you ever looked at what you had in your hand and realized it wasn’t enough for what you wanted? That’s a common issue when you rely on sight. But when you operate in vision, what you have in your hand is more than enough. So don’t sit making excuses. Get after it.


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You’re not mean to be an island to yourself. Stop dismissing your natural gifts and use them for good!


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Why do moths fly into the very machine meant to destroy them? Someone figured out how to weaponize light and thereby solved a problem. In the same way, like that flame and engineer, when you solve problems…success comes to you!


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Just letting you know we're back like we never left! Buckle up for the next couple of days, weeks and months because we've got fire coming your way.


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Life and death are realities for us all. How we lead during tragedy can make all the difference in the world.


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How often do you find yourself complaining about something that you have the power to change? If you’re anything like the average person, it happens too often. So, let’s change the narrative.


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Three things to help us all remain more consistent in what we are pursuing.


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With so many distractions and wars for our focus, are you controlling your quiet time?


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There is tremendous power in the words we speak to others, but most of all they are most powerful with how we speak to ourselves!


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Often times we assume that we know what’s best and sometimes the best thing to do is simply to ask the person that you are attempting to serve.


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In this episode we begin to scratch the surface of the black male in higher education. We begin to unpack the lived experiences of black males, graduation rates, necessary resources and the hidden potential that so often slips between the cracks when discussing black men in higher ed. We also begin to address how educators can help empower and come alongside their black male scholars in order to develop a space of belonging.

Mr. and soon to be Dr. Malcolm Robinson is the Associate Director in the Office for Racial and Cultural Engagement. In addition to helping with the day-to-day operations of the office, he runs the peer-mentoring program and the Black Men's Initiative out of the office. Malcolm is an alum of Emory College with a degree in Psychology and holds a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership at Mercer University that he is going to absolutely dominate.

This brother is a good man, with a good heart, and is certainly doing a good thing!


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Ms. Reed is a 15 year educator, mother and doctoral student that sees the value in not only inspiring others, but leading by example. She works at NC State University with their TRIO Talent Search program and serves over 1,000 scholars regularly. In this episode we talk about the truth of transition with COVID, parenting, work, and whether or not balance is truly attainable in life. If you want to hear a conversation from the heart, sit back and have a listen.


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Chrisha Spears is not only an educator, but also a mother and scholar. She serves scholars in the state of Kentucky that desire to obtain advanced degrees after high school. Her heart is to be for others what she needed during her earlier years of life. Even after stepping into different roles and professions, she decided that it was time to go back and get the degrees she always wanted. In this episode we cover so much that I can't sum it all up in words. Listen in and be encouraged.


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Chase Wilson serves in the First Year Experience office at the University of Indiana at Bloomington. Chase influences the scholars coming on to campus regularly. Be it transfer, new students, etc. Chase and the FYE team are tasked with orientation to it's greatest length. As scholars step into the college world, Chase and the team do their best to ensure that students feel at home at Indiana U.


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Ears open on this one!


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One has to be cultivated and the other has to go!


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Mrs. Yolanda Thomas is an education professional that serves students in the great state of Florida. She has always been in a service focused profession throughout her life, and it shows in her day-to-day interactions with scholars. She was born and raised in the city she works in. That hometown edge allows her to break through barriers of communication and understanding with the students that she serves because it's always been home. She pushes her scholars to see the world, know that it's possible for them, and live their best life out in all that they do.


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Mrs. Winters is a veteran educator with a heart to see scholars and colleagues succeed in whatever they do. Her motto is, "Own the room," which is a charge for all people to be confident in one's abilities while exercising their faith to achieve the best they can at all times. Mrs. Winters is the lead educator for a TRIO Student Support Services program in Alabama, which serves scholars coming from various backgrounds. She is a wife, amazing mother, member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a genuine person of which the world should be grateful for. In this episode we cover information that would be helpful for anyone listening no matter the field they occupy. Sit back and take notes!


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People often assume that leadership is a flawless role. They are mistaken. Dr. King had many shortcomings, and yet, he lead the way. What about you?


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Here’s a charge for your battery! Don’t…Quit!


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Our special guest is an educator in Ohio with a heart made of gold. Molly Watson serves as TRIO (Academic Access Program) lead at Hocking College, in Hocking, Ohio. Molly not only helps students transition into the college environment, but also on to the next steps in life for those that desire further education at a traditional four year institution. Growing up, Molly wanted to be a dancer, and she did just that despite those that might have frowned upon it. She learned how to figuratively and literally dance through life and create a new path not only for herself, but for those following her lead.


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In this episode I’m challenging you to be careful and mindful of how you measure your success and failure. Too often we have unrealistic expectations of what should be in too little of time. Let’s unpack that.


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I just wanted to stop and say "HELLO" and "WELCOME!" You are welcome and home here, and you are celebrated here. My hope is that you will find ways to do what you do better as a result of being here with us. Massive love to you all.


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