Lead Up Podcast

On this episode, I sat down with the Executive Director of the Sacramento Youth Center (SYC) - Raquel Shipp. Raquel and her husband, Adam, are the co-founders of SYC but before that they served together in East Africa supporting a learning center. In honor of women's month, Raquel shared important women in her life that helped along her leadership journey as well as take some of the leaps for her professional career. Additionally, she discusses some of the challenges she has faced trying to juggle all the hats of a leader, wife, mom, and much more.

In this milestone episode (#50) , I sat down with a mentor and friend - Damien Giacchino. Damien serves as Associate Pastor at Real Life Church (RLC) in Sacramento and is the co-founder of Don't Awaken Love Too Early aka DALTE Conference. He shares the importance of healthy relationships in our lives and how we can better navigate interact with those we serve and interact with in and out of the workplace. If you are looking to become a healthier individual and improve your relationships, then you need to check out the impactful movement of DALTE happening in the Sacramento region and beyond! #leadup 

On this episode I sat down with Bel Reyes & Brit Irby with Innovation Bridge, a consulting firm with the goal to deliver high quality technical assistance aimed at bridging  innovative practices and collaborative partnership for more just and equitable communities and schools. Bel & Brit reflect back on their individual and collective journeys to how they got to where they are today and share how they want to continue to make an impact moving forward.

On this episode, I sat down with Tiffani Harter who is a professional coach who supports people to tap into their own whole hearts so they can make the contribution they're here to make, and live a life they are proud of. Speaking from personal experience, I can attest that she definitely supported me and has helped me to get to another level in my own personal and professional journey #LeadUp 

On this episode I sat down with my colleague and friend Neil Brown, a Finance Specialist at Intel and part-time pilot for the Air Force. Neil had always dreamed of flying and through some good luck and fortune in his adult years he was encouraged to get lasik done and finally pursue his childhood dream. 

On this episode I sat down with the incredible Courtney Beal aka CB (as I call her). Courtney serves as a Senior DEI Analyst at SMUD in Sacramento and is an advocate for equity as well as a chammpion for change. Reflecting back on her journey, Courtney recognizes how important her story and voice is and now uses her voice to help bring hope and change for the next generation #LeadUp

On this episode I sat down with Katie McCleary, a socially driven entrepreneur and storyteller who trains leaders, creatives, and humanitarians to launch big ideas that heal and uplift communities. She is the founder of 916 Ink, a nonprofit that has transformed over 4,500 vulnerable youth into confident authors who know the power of story and their voice.  More recently, she co-authored a new book called "Bridge the Gap: Breakthrough Communication Tools to Transform Work Relationships from Challenging to Collaborative". Make sure to get yourself a copy with the link below! #LeadUp

On this episode, I sat down with Vilien Gomez - Sales Engineer with tray.io - who has entrepreneurship running through his veins. At a young age he sold candy and science fair projects and even in college continued tapping into entrepreneurial endeavors with a tailgate business at LSU. He's all about investing and making an impact with the end goal of generational wealth. Thoroughly enjoyed this real talk conversation - enjoy! #LeadUp

On this episode I sat down with my good friend Anthony Ziba who has been on an incredible journey understanding and refining who he is as a leader. He pursued one vision and made it to the destination but after some time realized he was not where he belonged and took a new course...

On this episode, I sat down with the "big energy" man himself Nehemiah Goudeauxx. Although he grew up in the church and as Pastor's Kid, a mega church at that, life wasn't just streets paved with gold for him...it was complex to say the least. Nehemiah uses his gifts of communication and influence to make an impact not only in his community of Sacramento but also beyond. Grab a notebook or your notes on your phone because gems will be dropped (insert fire emoji).

On this episode I connected with Nyheim Hunter, Sac State graduate and former employee for the State but decided to take a leap of faith and pivoted to software engineering. Nyheim breaks down his bootcamp experience and the hustle he had to eventually land a job in the industry at Workit Health. Lots of practical gems to make connections and level up in your professional journey!

After an 8-month hiatus, we are back with new episodes! 

Kicking us off is none other than the lovely Jade Rodgers (formerly know as Parker). Jade is a good friend and colleague of mine who has gone through several life transitions in a short span of time - loss of her mother, getting married, becoming a mother, leaving her job and starting her own consulting business Jadesiree Consulting focused on DEI, Fund Development, and Leadership Development.

This is part 2 with my guy Hakeem. In part 1, Hakeem shared the beginning chapters of his journey living in Harlem then moving to Virginia at 16-years old to play basketball. Part 2 picks up from there.

On this episode I sat down with Josiah Greer, who currently serves as the Enrollment Management/EOP Outreach Coordinator at Sacramento State. Josiah is also a motivational speaker and founder of Fire Your Boss (FYB). Listen in to hear about Josiah's leadership journey and how he sharpens his craft in the "dojo" #LeadUp

On this episode, I sat down with a young and rising leader - Alejandro Galicia. I met Alejandro when he was a student in high school and over the last couple of years, Alejandro has immersed himself into service and community work in Sacramento as well as in Davis, where he is currently a 3rd year student at UC Davis. Alejandro reflects back on the moment when he not only met former President Barack Obama but also got to ask him a question at a conference in Oakland. Much respect to Alejandro and all that he is doing. 

Aaron Heredia serves as a Budget Analyst for the Department of Finance for the state of California. In addition to working for the state, Aaron and his wife, Maria, started their own business and have been building it for the past 5 years. Aaron shares his experience starting a business with his wife and how he continues to level up his leadership game through books, audiobooks, and podcasts #LeadUp

On this episode, I sat down with Tara Lynn Crawford, artist, motivational speaker, and creative, who shares her leadership journey from college to now. She drops many leadership gems in this one! Enjoy #LeadUp

Follow her