Trust Your Voice

In this episode of Trust Your Voice, host Sylvie Légère engages in a conversation with crisis communication expert Lissa Druss. As the CEO of Strategia Consulting and a highly decorated television journalist, Lissa shares her expertise in steering through crises, a valuable skill for leaders in politics, business, and community organizations. They explore the art of crisis management and provide essential insights into identifying, addressing, and mitigating challenges that could impact one's reputation.

Lissa Druss offers an in-depth exploration of the dynamics of crisis management, beginning with the fundamental question of what constitutes a crisis and how to recognize one. She emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between rumors and genuine issues by relying on gut feelings and informed decision-making. Furthermore, Lissa provides a roadmap for preparing for a crisis, stressing the need to maintain a positive public image through consistent communication and building a network of support. Her advice extends to strategies for responding effectively to media inquiries and managing the narrative to prevent others from defining one's story.

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about practical wisdom on handling crises with confidence and poise. 

Links and Resources:

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, hosted by Sylvie Légère, the focus is on educational choice and the challenges faced by homeschooling families in Illinois due to the House Bill 2827. The show brings together Leslee Dirnberger and Aziza Butler, two leaders in the homeschooling community, to discuss the implications of this bill. Leslee and Aziza share their personal journeys in homeschooling and the benefits of individualized education for their neurodiverse children. The conversation emphasizes the flexibility, diversity, and tailored nature of homeschooling as opposed to traditional public schooling. 

The episode delves into the content of House Bill 2827, which mandates homeschooling families in Illinois to register with local school districts and submit curriculum reviews, sparking concerns about increased government oversight and limited parental choice. Utilizing SEO-focused keywords, the discussion highlights key issues such as government overreach, educational innovation, and the constitutional rights of parents. Aziza and Leslee articulate their viewpoints on how the bill might stifle educational innovation and infringe on parental rights, encouraging listeners to engage with legislators to voice opposition. 

About the Guests: 

Leslee Dirnberger is the founder of Aspire Education, a consultancy dedicated to helping families create individualized education plans for their children. As a former homeschooler of four neurodiverse children who are now thriving, Leslee combines her personal experience with her professional expertise to support parents seeking alternative educational paths. 

Aziza Butler is a homeschool mom of six and the founder of We School Academy, a flexible schedule learning community based in Chicago. A former Chicago Public Schools teacher, Aziza is committed to removing barriers for families choosing to homeschool or privately educate their children. Her diverse teaching experience and passion for educational choice make her a leading advocate in her community. 

Resources: 

In this episode of "Trust Your Voice," host Sylvie Légère invites Melinda Oakes, to explore a fresh approach to New Year's resolutions. Sylvie discusses her past habit of setting resolutions and words for the year, she dives into how "owning your journey" provides an empowering alternative by highlighting personal growth and success through positive acknowledgment of one's journey, as inspired by Melinda’s book. 

Sylvie and Melinda address setting clear, measurable goals and evaluating risk tolerance regarding career choices. They reflect on examples like Dolly Parton's incremental success, emphasizing the importance of perspective in career planning and life. With a nod to societal changes, they discuss adapting to the rapid pace of innovation and the evolving job market, encouraging listeners to embrace civic engagement and nurture community connections for broader personal and professional impact. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Owning Your Journey: Embrace positivity by focusing on current successes and learning from past experiences rather than merely fixing what's broken. 

• Reflective Evaluation: Maintain awareness of career direction, risk tolerance, and how personal goals align with broader industry trends. 

• Relationship Dynamics: Differentiate and nurture relationships with family, friends, and community for a well-rounded support system. 

• Personal Growth and Faith: Invest time in self-reflection, confidence-building, and spirituality to enrich personal development. 

• Health as a Priority: Establish a simple, consistent routine for physical activity and balanced nutrition to sustain well-being on your journey. 

Resources Mentioned: 

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, Sylvie and Melinda examine the contexts of personal achievements, leadership roles, and community involvement, advocating for positive communication and emphasizing the importance of lifting others through sincere compliments and acknowledgment. Throughout, they underscore the power of individual influence, stressing that even small actions can spearhead significant changes, thereby igniting a ripple effect of positivity and growth in various spheres of life.

Resources: 

Inspired by the Policy Circle brief on Women and Economic Freedom, this episode navigates through economic models in the intelligence revolution era and explores various dimensions of economic freedom. 

Using examples from global cities and historical contexts, the discussion touches on gender mandates, property rights, and addressing poverty, highlighting research from the Fraser Institute, Bridwell Institute, and insights from "She Rises Up," a film about women entrepreneurs. 

Sylvie and Melinda reflect on systemic challenges and opportunities, offering insights into the roles and responsibilities that individuals and communities can assume to foster a more inclusive economic environment.

Resources mentioned: 

No matter your background or the resources available to you, there are many ways to help empower voters and prepare for the next election. In this episode, host Sylvie Légère is joined by Melinda Oakes to discuss the importance of being informed about candidates and issues that allow for more meaningful decision-making that aligns with your values.  

Tune in and learn how to actively contribute to shaping the future of your community and country. 

Resources mentioned:  

In this episode, host Sylvie Legere and guest Jennifer-Ruth Green dive deep into the art of effective leadership and team management. Sylvie and Jennifer explore the crucial strategies for developing organizational values, clear communication, and empowering individuals to thrive within their roles. They also unravel the importance of recognizing individual preferences, instilling leadership values from a young age, and balancing affirmation with direction and correction in guiding future leaders. 

In this episode, we explore the direct impact of online platforms and big tech in facilitating various forms of sexual abuse, including the exploitation of minors and the proliferation of deepfake pornography. Insights from our guests highlight significant campaigns aimed at holding major tech companies accountable, the ongoing challenges survivors face in finding comprehensive support, and the complexities of legal frameworks dealing with these heinous crimes. 

Personal stories from Brenda and Jessica, who have not only survived exploitation but are now front-line warriors helping others navigate through recovery, emphasize the necessity of sensitive victim support systems that do not compel survivors to relive their trauma. 

Moreover, Lina Nealon will critique the role of mainstream corporations in the commercial exploitation industry and shed light on the adverse effects of decriminalizing the sex trade. 

Be informed, moved, and motivated to act as we navigate these challenging but crucial discussions aimed at sparking change and offering hope. 

Guest bios 

Episode Overview

In this episode, we explore the direct impact of online platforms and big tech in facilitating various forms of sexual abuse, including the exploitation of minors and the proliferation of deepfake pornography. Insights from our guests highlight significant campaigns aimed at holding major tech companies accountable, the ongoing challenges survivors face in finding comprehensive support, and the complexities of legal frameworks dealing with these heinous crimes. 

Personal stories from Brenda and Jessica, who have not only survived exploitation but are now front-line warriors helping others navigate through recovery, emphasize the necessity of sensitive victim support systems that do not compel survivors to relive their trauma. 

Moreover, Lina Nealon will critique the role of mainstream corporations in the commercial exploitation industry and shed light on the adverse effects of decriminalizing the sex trade. 

Be informed, moved, and motivated to act as we navigate these challenging but crucial discussions aimed at sparking change and offering hope. 

Guest bios 

In this episode, host Sylvie Légère leads an informative discussion on aging, health, and fitness with guests Mona Antwan, Alex Rodriguez, and Ashanti Johnson.

Episode Summary: 

Sylvie Légère hosts a discussion on the pillars of a good life, specifically focusing on financial readiness, technology literacy, and community engagement in the context of aging. The guests share their perspectives and experiences on these topics, highlighting the importance of financial education, the challenges of navigating technology as one ages, and the role of community and government in supporting the elderly population. They also discuss the prevalence of scams and fraud targeting older adults and the need for better support and resources in dealing with these issues.  About The Guests:
 
Sylvie Légère: A civically engaged entrepreneur, co-founder of the Posse Circle, and a mom. 

Derek Kreifels: CEO of the State Financial Officers Organization, representing state treasurers and auditors across the country. 

Ferona Lee: CEO of Near Technology, a company that provides tech support and education for older adults. 

Sheila Brown: A senior executive at Medtronic with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
1. Financial education is crucial for individuals of all ages to ensure financial readiness and stability throughout their lives. 

2. Technology literacy is essential for older adults to stay connected, access services, and protect themselves from scams and fraud. 

3. Community engagement and support are vital for the well-being and quality of life of aging individuals. 

4. Scams and fraud targeting older adults are prevalent and often result in significant financial losses. 
 
Great Quotes from The Episode:
 
"Women live longer and are inheriting the largest transference of wealth in American history." - Derek Kreifels 

"When someone retires, they often lack practice with technology, which can lead to challenges in various aspects of their lives." - Ferona Lee 

"Having an advocate is crucial when navigating the complexities of aging and accessing support services." - Sheila Brown 

Helpful Resources:

Resources from the Policy Circle:

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Magatte Wade, Founder and CEO of Skin is Skin, to talk about the complexities and nuances of Africa's challenges and opportunities. 

Magatte Wade challenges the traditional narrative surrounding sub-Saharan Africa and sheds light on the missing middle in foreign aid. Drawing from her own experiences and expertise, she questions the effectiveness of international aid and explores how it often fails to reach local entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth. 

About Magatte Wade: 

Magatte Wade is passionate about creating jobs and prosperity in Africa through entrepreneurship and economic freedom. She was born in Senegal, educated in France, and launched her entrepreneurial career in San Francisco. She is fluent in and conducts business in Wolof, French and English. Magatte's current product line, manufactured in Senegal, is Skin is Skin, a lip balm dedicated to reducing racial discrimination. Her previous companies, Tiossan and Adina, brought Senegalese recipes and ingredients to U.S. markets in skin care and beverages. 

Based on her experiences creating consumer brands and building agricultural and manufacturing capacity in Senegal, Magatte has spoken at dozens of universities including Harvard, Yale, Columbia, MIT, etc. as well as at global conferences on innovation and economic development in France, England, Dubai, Guatemala, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Gabon, Senegal, and more. She writes for the Huffington Post, Barron’s, and the U.K. Guardian. She is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum at Davos and has appeared on the cover of Forbes Afrique. She was also named one of the “Twenty Young Power Women of Africa” by Forbes U.S. 

Connect with Magatte: 

• Instagram - @magattw 

• Twitter - @magattw 

• LinkedIn - @magattw 

Resources: 

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Lindrea Reynolds, an agency founder, strategist, and visionary to talk about how to define and integrate the various aspects of our personal identity, professional persona, and our many-sided selves.

As the Founder and CEO of LR Brand Consulting (LRBC), Lindrea leverages over 15 years of marketing and design experience to help businesses and professionals find focus, articulate their value and prioritize well-being practices. Emphasizing a human-centered approach to brand-building, Lindrea believes that empathetic storytelling is essential for cultivating purposeful interactions. She has shared her philosophy with top-performing enterprises, educational institutions, and influential figures spanning both the public and private sectors. Lindrea's strategies have secured collaborations with the NBA, Google, iHeart Media, Amazon, and others.

A zealous educator and advisor, Lindrea is shaping the future of inclusive brand marketing. Her expertise has earned her invitations to share her insights on various platforms and stages. Additionally, Lindrea has taught for the University of Chicago’s Department of Professional Education, sharing her knowledge with rising marketing professionals. As a sought-after mentor and brand builder, her influence extends globally, enhancing stakeholder experiences from employee to consumer. PRSA, Communication Arts, Ad Age, the City of Chicago, Academic leaders, and business influencers have acknowledged Lindrea's insights and contributions to the design and brand marketing industries.

When Lindrea is not building brands, she dedicates her time to promoting positive youth development and fueling her creativity through oil painting, DIY projects, lots of laughs with family and friends, and enjoying sports-related activities. She shares these joyful experiences with her husband, Solomon, and their Pomeranian, Adobe (yes, named after the software).

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Jamila Trimuel, Founder of Ladies of Virtue, to inspire you to spark the key to mentor young people with different paradigms and views of the world. 

 
In this conversation, Sylvie and Jamila discuss: 

• Becoming the leader you wanted to be, you need to be of virtue 

• What it makes to be a strong leader? 

• Mentoring and leadership program for girls about empowerment and confidence 

• Influencing the youth to make a change 

Connect with Jamila: 

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Charles Marohn, Founder and President of Strong Towns, and Lou Powell, President of High-Tech Small Town, to talk about what makes a town strong and thriving.

In this conversation, Sylvie with Charles and Lou discuss:

• What makes a strong town?
• 5 pillars of a strong town to note of
• Insights on what makes a thriving community
• How to improve the quality of life and prosperity of a community
• Transforming cities to be successful

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Karith Foster, CEO of INVERSITY Solutions and Founder of INVERSITY Foundation, to spark a new way to think, talk and act on diversity.

In this conversation, Sylvie and Karith discuss:

• Defining Diversity
• Engaging in conversation to learn people’s lens and experiences
• Language on how to be thoughtful and compassionate

Connect with Karith:

To kickstart our new season, we had a live podcast stream on YouTube last January 23. In case you missed the live podcast, we have posted the episode on the channel for you.

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Barbara Stewart, Former CEO of AmeriCorps to know what is the uniquely American value of volunteering and giving back.

In this conversation, Sylvie and Barbara discuss:

• What is AmeriCorps?
• How AmeriCorps promotes volunteerism
• Leading AmeriCorps key goals and values
• Future of Volunteerism in America

In case you missed the live podcast, we have posted the episode on the channel for you.

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Chris Meek, co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of SoldierStrong, founder of BraveMind and ReachStrong, also the  Managing Director and Global Relationship Manager at S&P Global Inc, and adjunct professor at Syracuse University, on how to be a strong soldier in and out the field.

In this conversation, Sylvie and Chris discuss:

• Story of building Soldier Strong and BraveMind
• Building A Coalition To Broaden Impact
• Bringing the most advanced technology to veterans
• Reducing stigma about the mental health of soldiers

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Kristin Jackson, Co-Founder of Freespoke.com, a new search engine platform, to prepare you to go to the next voting booth and how to follow the election results.

In this conversation, Sylvie and Kristin discuss:

• What is Freespoke – what does it offer that’s different
• Challenges in getting ready to go to the voting booth
• How can Freespoke help you prepare for the elections
• Helping others to figure out how to vote

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Deana Bass Williams, Co-founder of Bass Public Affairs, who Co-authored "Prayer & Pound Cake", and with renowned national media relations experience,  to discuss what is Public Relations and where do we start.

In this conversation, Sylvie and Deana discuss:

• What is PR?
• Personal public relationships - where do we start?
• Interacting with the media
• Roadmap to reaching people that are not on well-traveled paths

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Terri Reid, one of Michigan’s most experienced political operatives, President of the Michigan Freedom Fund, and Co-founder of League of Our Own to know what volunteering in a campaign looks like.

In this conversation, Sylvie and Terri discuss:

• Why volunteer?
• How to volunteer for a campaign
• Type of volunteer activities that awaits you
• Considerations you need for volunteering

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Roxy Ndebumadu, founder, technology leader, and the youngest female and first African American woman to be voted and sworn into office as a Councilwoman for the City of Bowie in Maryland, to trust your voice to be heard on multiple stages and redefine what it means to be an innovative professional powerhouse.

In this conversation, Sylvie and Roxy discuss:

• Regulations around safety in the virtual world
• Deciding to run for office and make a difference
• How to juggle professional responsibilities and civic responsibilities

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Betsy DeVos, the nation’s leading advocate for education freedom for students of all ages, having served as the 11th U.S. Secretary of Education from 2017-2021, to inspire you to care about access to good education right here in the US.

In this conversation, Sylvie and Betsy discuss:

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Kim Borchers, who spearheads the Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap program (CLER) at The Policy Circle and is the President and owner of Bird Dog Recruitment and Consulting, and Denisha Merriweather, founder of Black Minds Matter and the director of Public Relations at the American Federation for Children, to know your truths, and to show up and speak up for what you believe. That may our discussion will spark you to build a network in your community

In this conversation, Sylvie with Kim, and Denisha discuss:

• Effective advocacy and community engagement
• Choosing and access to quality education
• Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap program (CLER) and its importance
• Gender differences in approaching advocacy

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Father Ross Romero, Associate Professor of Philosophy - Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, to talk about the need to recognize the features of human nature that we experience in ourselves and in others.

In this conversation, Sylvie and Father Ross discuss:

• Human nature (acknowledging flaws and greatness)
• Ignatius' directive to always seek to better ourselves
• Value of silent retreats and the spiritual exercises

In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down with Kirstin Ricketts, Certified Financial Planner, Co-Creator of the blog Hold Loosely Live Freely, to talk about how to lean on faith to make decisions to lead and find renewing or discovering faith is actually what you need to achieve your potential.

In this conversation, Sylvie and Kirstin discuss:

• Leading decisions with faith
• Acknowledging God’s gifts
• Being bold to empower others
• Learning to hear God’s voice.

Trusting your voice requires expanding your knowledge and your perspective, sometimes on complicated topics. In this episode of the Trust Your Voice podcast, host Sylvie Légère sat down to review a brief and topic covered by The Policy Circle, refugee crisis.

Sylvie walks through this topic that can feel rather difficult to navigate and understand, by giving listeners insight into: