Zillennial Leader Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dr. Santor Nishizaki
Did you know that almost 60% of leaders never received training on how to lead people when they transitioned into their first leadership role, and “50% of managers in organizations are rated as ineffective?” -Center for Creative Leadership
In addition, Gallup’s research found that 70% of employee engagement can vary based on an employee’s supervisor, and 1 in 2 employees will leave their organization in their career due to their boss. Being a leader has a tremendous impact on an organization and can be compared to giving someone the keys to a car before they pass their driver’s test.
Having experience as an entry-level leader up to the C-Suite, I noticed that people get thrown into leadership roles without any training or coaching on how to lead, which can be highly challenging for the people who work for this leader, and the leaders themselves.
This webcast (and future book) aims to be a RESOURCE for future and first-time emerging Gen Z and Millennial leaders whose organizations do not have the resources to invest in coaching or training for their entry-level managers. In addition, we wanted these leadership stories to be RELEVANT and APPLICABLE and in the voice of someone who just dealt with these issues or may still be dealing with them.
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.
Even as a child, we get nicknames that we carry with us throughout our lives. Behind that moniker is a story, great or not, that ultimately becomes our reputation. Other people may give us the name but the narrative about the label is all up to us. In this episode, the Pitch Whisperer, John Livesay talks about the importance of personal branding and how storytelling plays into making your brand memorable. Whether you’re just about to step out into the hustle and bustle of the workforce, or someone who is already doing the grind, don’t miss out on this chance to learn how you can effectively tell your tale to close that sale.
Get the first chapter of The Sale Is in the Tale for free! Text “Pitch” to P I T C H 2 6 6 8 6 6.
Talent comes in all forms and sizes. This includes the diversity of the folks we work with and how we express ourselves in how we dress and speak. It takes a great leader to see potential, and a big challenge for a newly promoted leader to effectively lead a team from the moment an employee gets on board to the point of separation. In this episode, Katie Smith, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Credit Union of Southern California, goes in-depth into the challenges leaders face in the workplace and how understanding your workforce and the issues and struggles that impact their work is key to fostering an empowered culture. She talks about the importance of acknowledging generation gaps when screening candidates and managing teams to be inclusive. If you are tasked with the critical role of leading and hiring talent for your company's success and growth, tune in and learn best practices from a Millennial HR leader.
First-generation leaders face unique challenges and must learn to navigate the workplace while trying to make a difference. Despite the obstacles, first-gen leaders are often natural problem-solvers, and their experiences have usually made them more resilient and resourceful. Our guest for today is Dr. Sonia Maciejewski, a Senior Scientist at a biotechnology company focused on infectious diseases. Dr. Sonia has always been interested in pursuing a career in infectious diseases. She had the opportunity to join the minority biomedical research scholars’ program in college, where she could work part-time as an undergraduate researcher. As a first-gen leader, Dr. Sonia shares what inspired her to pursue life sciences, the challenges in her leadership role, and how she overcame them. With her experience in vaccine development for emerging viruses and current leadership position, Dr. Sonia hopes to continue to help move the science forward for future emerging viruses and pandemics.
How a leader deals with personal adversity can affect the entire organization. On today's show, Dr. Santor Nishizaki chats with someone whose leadership is transforming people's lives. Nelly Cheboi is the CEO & Founder of TechLit Africa, a nonprofit American organization that redistributes recycled technology to build computer labs in African schools. Nelly has even been recognized amongst Forbes 30 under 30 and recently was named a CNN Hero. She is on a mission to help the people in Africa overcome adversity through access to technology and opportunities online. She aims not to provide a band-aid solution but to teach lessons that people can carry to succeed in life. Be inspired by her story and moved by her advocacy by tuning in and finding out how you can help too.
Becoming an influencer is becoming an increasingly coveted career, especially for the younger generation. But what does it take to succeed? Phil Wright is an influencer, actor, and the executive producer and choreographer of Disney Fam Jam, the new family dance competition show on the Disney Channel based on his viral sensation, The Parent Jam. He has achieved massive success in the industry, but getting there wasn’t easy. In this episode, Phil chats with host Dr. Santor Nishizaki to share a story of perseverance and grit to get to where he is today. Phil shares the important lessons he uncovered throughout the ups and downs of his career and shares valuable advice to the new generation of aspiring influencers. Be inspired by his journey and learn how he’s creating a living doing what he loves and fulfilling his purpose.
What is the future of the workplace? When COVID hit, businesses fell into bankruptcy, shops closed, and people either lost their jobs or resigned. Companies had to go above and beyond to keep their employees safe, motivated, and productive. But is this how it's going to be? Is the "new norm" our future? In this episode, Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director of Workplace Research and Principal at Gensler, talks about her research about the future of the physical workplace. Janet discusses what the future of the office will look like, the shifts that we have seen concerning the Great Resignation, how generational differences play into the concept of what "office" means and what it's for, and how people feel about the current work setup and how it affects our productivity. Janet also shares insights on what companies should consider in creating or redesigning spaces to provide a great working environment. So tune in to find out more about the future of the workplace.
As we enter the digital age, more and more organizations are turning to artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and other forms of technology to help them navigate the ever-changing landscape. But what does this mean for leaders and organizational change? Joining Dr. Santor Nishizaki today is George Swisher, the Co-Founder and CEO at changeforce.ai. George is a former marketing entrepreneur and management consultant. With a 15-year proven track record, he has been improving company performance, shifting cultures through change management, and strategic growth for mergers and acquisitions. Hear what George has to say about the impact of AI, machine learning, and technology on leadership and organizational change.
As an emerging leader or first-time leader, it's important that you have business etiquette. That means having proper posture, not talking when your mouth is full, and many other things. These are small mistakes that can really define your personal brand. And, it can really damage it. Join Dr. Santor Nishizaki as he talks to Pamela J. Green about proper business etiquette for emerging leaders. Pam is the CEO of Pamela J Green Solutions. She equips leaders with the knowledge to strengthen their businesses. Learn some executive presence as a leader. Know that it's okay to be vulnerable to your employees. Discover Pam's thoughts on hybrid work. Listen in to make sure you find your happy place today!
The new generation of entrepreneurs and thought leaders is a force to be reckoned with. Here to share their Gen Z startup success story is Blake Resnick. Blake is the 22-year-old founder and CEO of BRINC, a company building a new class of drones to keep people safe in dangerous situations. Dr. Santor Nishizaki chats with Blake to talk about the unconventional path that led to his startup business and the major challenges he faced as his company grew from just him to an organization of 80 people. Tune in as the two discuss what characterizes Gen Z in terms of their stand on social issues and preferences when it comes to work. They also touch on topics such as retention, The Great Resignation, and when to adopt a hybrid workplace, so stay tuned!
The pandemic has heavily impacted no other industry as much as the healthcare industry. It brought numerous challenges and uncovered many flaws in the existing system. How can leaders navigate and deal with these problems? Joining Dr. Santor Nishizaki to shed light on the situation is April Hansen, Group President of Workforce Solutions at Aya Healthcare. April touches on the adversities faced by healthcare workers highlighting the disproportionate impact of the pandemic, the unfair stigma towards travel nurses, and the issues on personal safety that threaten them daily. With this, there’s currently a lot of weight on the shoulders of leaders in the healthcare and nursing space to tackle these issues. What can be done moving forward? Will having a multi-generational workforce be the new norm? Are hybrid solutions the answer? Will travel nursing and telehealth solutions mitigate these problems? Get to know more by tuning in.
You can have a purpose based on any hat you wear. You can find it at home, at work, in your friendships, in your relationships, in your community, and even at your church. Whoever it is that you're associated and congregate with, there is purpose potential in that equation. Go and find your why and let your purpose be your lifestyle.
Join Dr. Santor Nishizaki as he talks to Paul Epstein about his new bestselling book The Power of Playing Offense and how to find your why. Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams. He is now a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and podcast host of Playmakers: ON PURPOSE.
Discover what it takes to be a leader these days. Learn how to not over-rely on technology and focus on the human relationships. And, know that the two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. Listen to this episode to find your why and your purpose.
How do you find your purpose? Do we have an answer to this age-old question? Joining Dr. Santor Nishizaki is Dr. Kendall Cotton Bronk. Kendall is the Principal Investigator for the Adolescent Moral Development Lab and is a developmental scientist interested in studying and promoting positive youth development and the moral growth of young people. In this episode, Kendall defines purpose and shares the holistic benefits of having and finding purpose in all aspects of one’s life. In addition, she also gives practical and actionable tips to help you get closer to determining what your calling in life is. Don’t miss out, as Kendall also speaks on the topic in relation to finding a career and being a leader. Stay tuned!