Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

Lorraine Connell

Welcome to Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, the podcast where we dive into the experiences of current Titan leaders to uncover how their teenage years shaped their paths to success and how a coach might have helped them along the way. Hosted by Lorraine Connell, Teen Leadership Coach and founder of Peers Not Fears, this show offers parents, teens, and aspiring leaders invaluable insights and practical advice. In each episode, we candidly talk with leaders who reflect on their challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments from their youth. We explore how mentorship and coaching helped or could have impacted their journey, and we invite them to become mentors for our program teens, sharing their wisdom and experiences. Whether you’re a parent seeking to empower your child, a teen navigating the complexities of adolescence, or an aspiring leader looking for guidance, Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans provides the tools and inspiration needed to cultivate leadership skills, foster resilience, and embrace potential. Join our community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey towards unlocking your teen’s leadership potential!

  1. Aug 27

    From Leaders of Today to Speak Boldly: The Story Behind the Next Chapter

    From Leadership to Voice: Why Leaders of Today Is Becoming Speak BoldlyFor the past several years, Leaders of Today has been about discovering the experiences behind the people we admire—the challenges they faced, the people who believed in them, the moments that shaped them, and the lessons they carried forward. But somewhere along the way, I realized something. The stories were becoming more important than the titles. And that realization has led me to the next chapter of this journey: Speak Boldly. In this special episode, I share the story behind that evolution—and why I believe we need more spaces where people can tell the stories that shaped them. For me, this isn't simply a podcast rebrand. It's a continuation of work I've been doing for years. I've always been drawn to the people who don't necessarily see themselves as traditional leaders. The quiet ones. The people who have felt like outsiders. The people who have experienced failure, uncertainty, rejection, or moments when they didn't feel like they belonged. Because I've been that person. As I reflect on my own experiences, my years as a teacher, my work through Peers Not Fears, and the incredible people I've had the opportunity to interview, I've realized that leadership isn't always where the story begins. Sometimes it begins with belonging. Sometimes it begins with finding your voice. Sometimes it begins with finally believing that your story matters. In this episode, I share:Why I created Leaders of Today in the first placeThe personal experiences that have shaped my understanding of belonging and leadershipWhat I've learned from listening to the stories of so many incredible guestsWhy I've become less interested in titles and more interested in the experiences that shape usHow my work with Peers Not Fears connects to the evolution of Speak BoldlyWhy I believe everyone has a story worth tellingHow the Speak Boldly Showcase grew out of this workWhy Speak Boldly is becoming more than a podcastWhat I hope to create for women who don't necessarily think of themselves as speakersAnd what this next chapter means for the Leaders of Today community Why Speak Boldly?Speak Boldly was born from a simple belief: You don't have to be a professional speaker to have something worth saying. You don't need the perfect story. You don't need a big title. You don't need to have everything figured out. You simply need to be willing to tell the truth about an experience that shaped you. Because your story may be the very thing that helps someone else feel less alone. And when one person finds the courage to speak, it can give someone else permission to find their voice too. What Happens Next?Leaders of Today has been an important part of this journey, and I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has listened, shared an episode, introduced me to a guest, or trusted me with their story. But I'm ready for the next chapter. Speak Boldly, The Podcast will continue the conversations—but with an even greater focus on the stories behind the people. The moments that changed us. The things we rarely talk about. The lessons we learned the hard way. The voices we almost didn't use. And the courage it takes to tell our stories out loud. The podcast will also connect to the growing Speak Boldly community and showcases, where women are stepping onto a stage and discovering that perhaps they were speakers all along—they just needed someone to give them permission to begin. Be Part of the MovementIf you've been part of Leaders of Today, thank you. If you're new here, welcome. And if you've ever thought: “I don't really have a story.” “I'm not a speaker.” “I'm not sure anyone would want to hear what I have to say.” I hope you'll stick around. Because Speak Boldly was created for you. Follow Speak Boldly, share this episode with someone whose story deserves to be heard, and connect with us on social media. And if you think your story—or the story of a woman you know—belongs in this conversation, I would love to hear from you. This isn't the end of Leaders of Today. It's the evolution of the question we've been asking all along: What shaped you into the person you are today? Now we're taking that question one step further: What happens when you become brave enough to speak that story out loud? Welcome to Speak Boldly.

  2. Trailer

    Coming Soon Speak Boldly, The Podcast

    Imagine a woman discovers Speak Boldly through a podcast episode. She hears another's story - it feels like hers - she connects with the podcast host speakboldlyshowcase@gmail.com She hears her story. Then she discovers: A video from the Speak Boldly stage. She attends a Speak Boldly Showcase. There's more Speak Boldly Showcases coming. Then she thinks: Maybe I have a story too.

  3. Aug 20

    Reclaiming Faith and Voice: Chelsea Kim Long's Journey from Religious Conformity to Leadership

    In this inspiring interview, Chelsea Kim Long shares her journey from a conservative Christian upbringing to becoming a voice for women seeking to reclaim their faith, identity, and voice. Discover insights on religious trauma, the importance of authentic self-discovery, and how to foster belonging and leadership beyond traditional roles. faith, women, religious trauma, self-discovery, belonging, leadership, spirituality, Christianity, mental health, empowerment Key topics Religious trauma and healingThe impact of conservative Christianity on womenThe journey of self-discovery and authenticityThe importance of belonging and communityRedefining leadership and faith for women Chapters 00:00Introduction to Chelsea Kim Long 02:25Growing Up in Conservative Christianity 04:16The Impact of Gender Roles on Identity 10:02Navigating Belonging and Individuality 18:50Understanding Fundamentalism 20:58Conditional Belonging and Its Effects 24:26The Journey to Authenticity 25:21The Masks We Wear 26:32Questioning Identity and Faith 28:17The Journey of Self-Discovery 29:01Navigating Decision-Making in Relationships 31:46The Impact of Patriarchy on Women's Choices 33:51The Cost of Compliance 35:34The Hourglass of Transformation 37:03Embracing Desires and Authenticity 39:04Taking Responsibility for Our Choices 41:15Redefining Spiritual Leadership 43:05The Ripple Effect of Sharing Our Stories ResourcesFaithfully Dissident Daughters (Book)Chelsea Kim Long (Website)Chelsea Kim Long (Instagram) On7RvwXmBw8QdPqhRlBX

  4. Aug 13

    Building Relationships for Business and Life with Lisa Keslar

    In this inspiring interview, Lisa Keslar shares her journey from teenage challenges to becoming a successful entrepreneur and leader. She discusses the importance of relationships, resilience, and authenticity in personal growth and business success. Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Personal Growth, Relationships, Teen Development, Resilience, Authenticity Key topics Teenage experiences shaping leadership The importance of relationships in business Resilience and overcoming challenges Build genuine relationships and networks Practice inclusion and kindness daily Reflect on childhood experiences to inform growth Balance personal growth with giving back "It was such an important part of my journey." "You don't want to peak in high school." "The more you give, the more you get." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lisa Keslar 01:34 Teenage Years and Personal Growth 09:21 The Impact of Scoliosis on Identity 11:49 Lessons from High School Experiences 19:06 Journey into Entrepreneurship 23:23 Rethinking Insurance: Understanding Coverage Needs 25:57 The Importance of Relationships in Business 29:19 Building Community and Friendships 33:16 The Power of Vulnerability and Connection 36:05 Empowering Young People Through Relationships 40:13 Connecting and Networking in a Digital Age Lisa Keslar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakeslar Speak Boldly Showcase - https://speakboldlyshowcase.com

  5. Aug 7

    Nevin Brown on rewriting self-belief through music, media, and collaborative leadership

    Lorraine interviews Nevin Brown about how a difficult childhood, restrictive early experiences, and growing up as a Black child in a predominantly white town shaped his self-image and leadership style. The conversation centers on how Nevin moved from believing he was limited to building a life rooted in creativity, autonomy, and service to others. Nevin Brown is a musician, filmmaker, photographer, and president of Portsmouth Public Media Television. He shares how storytelling, volunteer-led production, and years of creative practice helped him build confidence and lead without controlling others. Key topicsIn this episode, Nevin explains how early experiences of strict parenting, school struggle, and low self-confidence made him believe he was less capable than he really was.He describes how poor grades became proof, in his mind, that he was not smart or able, even though later reflection showed he lacked support and accountability more than ability.Nevin shares a deeply personal childhood abuse experience tied to bedwetting, including being forced to spend entire days in an unheated shed, and how that taught him harmful lessons about shame and worth.He talks about growing up as one of very few Black people in his town, and how his adoptive parents tried to expose him to Black writers and musicians even though they could not fully teach him that experience.He explains how reconnecting with his biological mother changed his understanding of Black identity, family history, and his place in a legacy connected to slavery and the civil rights era.Music was always present in his life, but not as a career plan. He taught himself harmony by listening to The Beatles, sang in chorus from kindergarten through high school, and later got pulled into guitar almost by accident.Nevin emphasizes that he chose music on his own terms, keeping it separate from financial pressure so it could remain something he loved rather than something he had to do.He reflects on leadership as something others recognize in you, not something you force. His style is collaborative, autonomy-focused, and rooted in helping people succeed rather than telling them what to do.His work with Portsmouth Public Media Television is a practical example of that leadership style, especially in volunteer-driven productions where he sees his role as creating space and giving people what they need.He shares how saying yes to one radio opportunity in his early twenties led to his first job in radio, showing how action and openness can replace self-doubt over time. Timestamps(00:00) Intro to Nevin Brown and the story behind his leadership(02:17) Nevin explains why he struggled to connect his past to who he is now(03:17) How strict upbringing and lack of support shaped his belief that he was limited(05:38) Why school grades became the main evidence he used against himself(08:48) The childhood punishment that taught shame instead of safety(12:39) Growing up Black in a predominantly white town and trying to fit in(16:01) Reconnecting with his biological mother and reframing Black identity(17:24) Music as a lifelong presence before it became a serious practice(18:52) How a band decision unexpectedly made him a guitarist(20:19) Choosing music as a passion, not a financial obligation(22:40) Why he still sees himself as a work in progress(23:10) Leadership, visibility, and being recognized before he recognized himself(24:38) Why Nevin believes leadership should be chosen by others(26:47) Collaborative leadership in volunteer-based media production(31:32) Teachers who treated him like he mattered, regardless of grades(33:05) How a joke turned into becoming class president(35:09) The first time he realized he could lead through pressure and uncertainty(38:00) Saying yes to a radio opportunity that changed his career(40:44) Where to find Nevin’s music and media work

  6. Jul 30

    When Injury Ends the Dream, Identity Begins, Heather Sweeney's Story

    From Competition to Resilience: Heather Sweeney’s Journey of Overcoming Injury and Building a New IdentityIn this episode, Heather Sweeney shares her inspiring story—from the high-intensity world of competitive swimming dedicated to Olympic dreams to the unexpected loss of her athletic career due to injury. Her journey through disappointment, mental health struggles, divorce, and finding new purpose as a writer offers valuable lessons on resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of mental health. Main topics - Key insights:Heather’s early passion for swimming and the discipline it instilledThe impact of injury at age 19 and how it abruptly ended her athletic careerCoping with disappointment and using journaling as a healing toolThe mental and physical toll of injuries and the importance of seeking helpLessons learned from competing at high levels and leadership roles as a team captainTransitioning from athlete to writer, and using storytelling as empowermentThe significance of mental health awareness among athletes and role models like Simone Biles and Naomi OsakaStrategies for parents to support children in pursuing sports without vicarious pressureHow Heather’s military life and divorce influenced her memoir, CamouflageThe power of sharing diverse experiences and encouraging authenticity in writingAdvice for teenage athletes: prioritize mental health, ask for help, and take breaks when neededEncouragement for women to explore multiple areas of expertise and leadership Timestamps:00:00 - Heather’s early motivation and high-level swimming in New Jersey 00:31 - Transition to Florida and the impact of changing swim teams 01:01 - Achieving national rankings and Olympic trial dreams 01:53 - The devastating effect of injury and missing the Olympic team by fractions of a second 02:17 - Ignoring pain and swimming through shoulder injuries, leading to chronic issues 02:47 - The wake-up call at a national meet and decision to retire from swimming 03:14 - College scholarships, running track, and the disconnect with her athletic identity 04:09 - Continuing college with injuries, stress fractures, and physical therapy 04:38 - The critical advice from an orthopedic surgeon about future family plans 05:03 - Retirement at 19 and the journey of self-discovery through journaling and writing 06:29 - Developing perseverance, time management, and goal setting from athletics 07:27 - Childhood lessons on handling disappointment and sportsmanship 08:41 - Recognizing the importance of mental health, especially for elite athletes 09:26 - Reflecting on college choices and the value of academic versus athletic scholarships 10:13 - The nuanced decision between larger and smaller universities and athletic considerations 11:11 - Balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth at Davidson College 12:09 - The risks of cross-training, injuries, and the mental effects of physical setbacks 13:20 - The toll on confidence and perceived performance despite being a top college swimmer 14:28 - Early signs of injury and the importance of listening to one’s body 15:20 - Lyme disease diagnosis during high school and its impact 15:42 - Physical therapy and advocating for her health rights 16:48 - Leading as a team captain while hiding injuries and the importance of openness 17:41 - The growing movement of athletes speaking out on mental health 18:11 - Role models like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka challenging stigma 19:36 - Writing her memoir, Camouflage, about military life and post-divorce resilience 20:04 - Lessons from military life that shaped her independence and adaptability 22:52 - Transition from blogging to writing her book and professional journalism 24:58 - Using journaling from her personal experiences as a foundation for her memoir 27:05 - Light-hearted writing about entertainment and culture, including TV and movies 28:11 - The healing power of entertainment and storytelling in seeing ourselves reflected 29:22 - Parenting advice: allowing children to explore interests without projecting unfulfilled aspirations 30:42 - Encouraging children to try different activities and follow their passions 33:03 - Advice for teenage athletes: protect mental health and ask for help 35:24 - Where to find her book and her social media presence Resources & Links:Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military MarriageHeather L. Sweeney - WebsiteHeather L. Sweeney on InstagramAmy Cuddy - "Presence" Book — for understanding body language and confidenceMental Health Resources for Athletes Connect with Heather Sweeney:InstagramWebsite

  7. Jul 23

    Healing the Root: Marielle Ceresa's Story of Resilience, Belonging, and Purpose

    Embracing Balance, Authenticity, and Empathy: A Conversation with Marielle CeresaDiscover how Marielle Ceresa's personal journey through community, identity, and healing informs her work in Chinese medicine and acupuncture. This episode explores themes of self-confidence, resilience, activism, and holistic health. Main Topics:The impact of childhood experiences and cultural identity on personal and professional developmentThe role of empathy and compassion in healthcare and healing practicesHow anger and other emotions can be harnessed as tools for growth and activism In this episode:Marielle Ceresa shares her story of growing up as a Latina in a predominantly white town and navigating undiagnosed ADHDThe influence of early entrepreneurial experiences and decision-making authority on her confidenceThe importance of emotional intelligence, including meditation and therapy, in resilienceHow traditional Chinese medicine views balancing the body, emotions, and spiritPractical advice for those feeling othered or disconnected, including embracing anger constructivelyThe significance of modeling respectful behaviors to younger generations Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Marielle Ceresa and her holistic health expertise 02:14 - Marielle's teenage years: activism, independence, and cultural identity 04:41 - Growing up as a Latina in the 80s: facing racism and feeling different 06:31 - The importance of support systems and authentic self-expression 08:29 - Early entrepreneurial ventures and building confidence through decision-making 09:13 - Confidence versus authority: how leadership shaped self-belief 10:39 - Developing internal voice and standing up to bullies 12:21 - Empathy's role in understanding others' pain and community healing 13:50 - Navigating loneliness and finding inner strength in solitude 16:46 - The transformative power of therapy and ongoing self-work 20:05 - Addressing systemic racism: the influence of adults' behaviors on children 20:38 - How modeling respectful and inclusive behavior can change social dynamics 23:07 - The universality of feeling "othered" across identities and communities 24:36 - Recognizing and addressing microaggressions in daily life 26:17 - The importance of language and perceptions in reinforcing stereotypes 30:13 - Using empathy as a tool for holistic healing in acupuncture 34:08 - The connection between emotions, energy, and physical health in Chinese medicine 39:00 - How acupuncture works holistically and the mystery behind its mechanisms 43:36 - Practical advice for restoring balance and embracing one’s true self 44:10 - The benefits of meditation and therapy in managing emotions and healing 45:56 - Harnessing anger as motivation for activism and self-empowerment 48:01 - Connecting with Marielle: contact info and social media links Resources & Links:Upright Acupuncture & WellnessMarielle Ceresa’s EmailInstagram - Upright Acupuncture WellnessThe Huangdi Nei Jing (Inner Canon) Connect with Marielle Ceresa:WebsiteEmailInstagram

  8. Jul 16

    From Silence to Power: Ashley Ryall’s Journey of Finding Her Voice and Inspiring Others

    In this insightful conversation, Ashley Ryall shares her transformation from a shy, introverted teen to a confident leader and advocate for women's voices. Discover how embracing vulnerability and redefining leadership can create lasting impact. Main Topics: Ashley's childhood experiences with silence and sensitivity Overcoming introversion and stepping into leadership roles The importance of redefining power and influence Strategies for women to find and use their authentic voice The value of small moments in shaping identity and confidence How to support teenagers and young women in their journey to speak boldly Building platforms and opportunities for women to share their stories The significance of influence grounded in authenticity rather than authority Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Ashley Ryall’s journey from shy teen to influential speaker 00:30 - Ashley’s childhood: navigating sensitivity, silence, and family chaos 02:02 - The internal turmoil of not fitting in and avoiding rule-breaking 04:04 - How Ashley’s introversion impacted her leadership aspirations 06:21 - The challenge of stepping into student leadership roles despite shyness 07:44 - Ambitions to leave her hometown and become a leader 09:15 - The story of being a co-captain in basketball and motivational speaking reluctance 12:37 - A pivotal moment in a sports game that reshaped Ashley’s view of leadership 14:27 - How small moments influence self-belief and narratives we carry 16:38 - Observing rule-breaking among peers and its impact on perceptions of power 19:34 - The difference between traditional power and authentic influence 21:38 - Ashley’s journey to finding internal power and speaking her truth 23:15 - Personal lessons from her divorce and the importance of authentic living 24:08 - Supporting women to speak up and share their stories 26:54 - Ashley’s work as a speaker agent empowering women to lead 28:24 - Reconnecting with Lorraine and co-creating opportunities to amplify women’s voices 32:46 - The collective power of women gathering and sharing stories 33:59 - Advice for teenagers and parents: harnessing sensitivity and introversion as strengths 35:25 - The importance of listening and observing as elements of leadership 36:17 - Closing reflections on the significance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership Resources & Links: Ashley Ryall on LinkedIn Ashley Ryall on Instagram ashleyryall.com

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About

Welcome to Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, the podcast where we dive into the experiences of current Titan leaders to uncover how their teenage years shaped their paths to success and how a coach might have helped them along the way. Hosted by Lorraine Connell, Teen Leadership Coach and founder of Peers Not Fears, this show offers parents, teens, and aspiring leaders invaluable insights and practical advice. In each episode, we candidly talk with leaders who reflect on their challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments from their youth. We explore how mentorship and coaching helped or could have impacted their journey, and we invite them to become mentors for our program teens, sharing their wisdom and experiences. Whether you’re a parent seeking to empower your child, a teen navigating the complexities of adolescence, or an aspiring leader looking for guidance, Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans provides the tools and inspiration needed to cultivate leadership skills, foster resilience, and embrace potential. Join our community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey towards unlocking your teen’s leadership potential!

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