Expressions of Leadership

Michele Kawamoto Perry
  • 4.9 (31)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Leaders emerge from every walk of life. Whether you’re defining your leadership style or evolving it, learning from others can be transformative. Join leadership consultant and coach Michele Kawamoto Perry as she sits down with a diverse range of leaders—from startup CEOs pioneering new technology, to teachers challenging the status quo, doctors delivering compassionate care, and artists pushing creative boundaries. Together, they explore leadership styles, philosophies, and breakthrough practices. Discover fresh perspectives and actionable insights to help you lead with greater impact. Michele Kawamoto Perry is the founder of The Forward Project, a consultancy focused on leadership development and cultural transformation. As a corporate coach, she helps organizations cultivate stronger foundational leadership skills, empowering individuals who are ready to create change. Michele believes in the power of personal leadership and is on a mission to help build a more inclusive, engaging, and innovative world—one leader at a time. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also listen every weekend at noon Pacific Time on Radio Evolve.

  1. Cathy Derksen on Leadership, Reinvention After 50, and Empowering Midlife Women

    4D AGO

    Cathy Derksen on Leadership, Reinvention After 50, and Empowering Midlife Women

    Host Michele Kawamoto Perry interviews Cathy Derksen, founder of Inspired Tenacity, to explore her remarkable journey from medical genetics and financial planning to becoming a publisher, international speaker, and 23-time #1 bestselling author. Cathy shares how a midlife reinvention led her to discover the power of authorship and community as catalysts for leadership, visibility, and purpose. In this conversation, they discuss leading without a title, trusting intuition when a culture no longer fits, and how storytelling can open doors to credibility, impact, and legacy. Cathy also shares how her collaborative book projects and community have helped more than 200 women step into authorship, amplify their voices, and lead boldly in the next chapter of their lives. Connect with Cathy Derksen and learn more about her work: Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/cathy.derksen.3/ Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/inspired_tenacity LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyderkseninspiredtenacity YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredtenacitypublishing     Free Gifts (PDFs and session)  https://inspiredtenacitygifts.now.site/home Main website  https://inspiredtenacity.com Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

    57 min
  2. Dr. Sarah Zappe on Academic Leadership, Innovation, and the Arts in Engineering

    MAR 3

    Dr. Sarah Zappe on Academic Leadership, Innovation, and the Arts in Engineering

    Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Dr. Sarah Zappe, Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning and Director of the Leonhard Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Education at Penn State, about what it means to lead with authenticity at the intersection of engineering, innovation, and the arts. As the first non-engineer to serve in her role within the College of Engineering, Dr. Sarah Zappe shares how she integrates creativity into technical education, supports faculty in developing communication and professional skills, and helped launch interdisciplinary initiatives like an arts-and-engineering teaching gallery at the Palmer Museum to spark deeper conversations about ethics, identity, and what it means to be an engineer. They also explore navigating resistance to change, why creativity is not a “soft skill” but a core leadership capability in STEM, and how empowering faculty and students can transform academic culture. Beyond academia, Dr. Sarah Zappe discusses founding Kaleidoscope PA, her arts-based wellness company that brings mindful watercolor workshops into community spaces, and offers practical insight on trusting yourself, empowering others, and building a more human-centered learning environment.   Connect with Dr. Sarah Zappe and learn more about Kaleidescope PA: Website:  www.kaleidoscopepa.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-zappe-b8670a4/ Instagram:  @kaleidoscope_pa Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094117775883 Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

    56 min
  3. Changing the System: Leadership and Healthcare Reform with David Silverstein

    FEB 24

    Changing the System: Leadership and Healthcare Reform with David Silverstein

    Host Michele Kawamoto Perry interviews David Silverstein, founder and CEO of Amaze Health, former nuclear submarine officer, strategist, entrepreneur, and healthcare reform advocate, about his 25+ year journey leading organizations, challenging broken systems, and driving meaningful change in healthcare. From military discipline to helping advance federal healthcare price transparency rules, David shares what it takes to influence large systems and build mission-driven companies grounded in clear values. The conversation explores intellectual curiosity, patient-first leadership, accountability, and what it means to “do the right thing” when faced with tough choices. Together, they examine how private-sector innovation and disciplined thinking can reshape the future of patient-centered care, and what legacy looks like for leaders working to create lasting change. Connect with David on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsilverstein/ Learn more about Amaze Health at: https://amazehealth.com/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

    54 min
  4. Leadership Through Storytelling: Filmmaker Meredith Yinger on Media, Resilience and Change

    FEB 17

    Leadership Through Storytelling: Filmmaker Meredith Yinger on Media, Resilience and Change

    On this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with award-winning filmmaker and SheTV Media founder Meredith Yinger to explore how storytelling becomes a powerful act of leadership. Through documentaries like Scars Unseen, now used in hundreds of educational institutions nationwide, Meredith spotlights domestic violence survivorship, resilience, and the power of shifting narratives to spark real-world change. Meredith shares the creative, emotional, and logistical challenges of bringing taboo topics to the screen, what it takes to build a female-led production company that amplifies marginalized voices, and how her upcoming documentary Vulva La Revolution aims to ignite a movement in women’s sexual health equity. Together, they explore mentorship, resilience, accessibility in entertainment, and how to move audiences from awareness to action. Meredith’s leadership offers a blueprint for leading with conviction, compassion, and lasting impact. Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithyinger/ Learn more about her documentaries: Scars Unseen on Kinema - for community screenings and individual downloads -    Vulva La Revolution Website  Vulva La Revolution Donation Link (all donations are tax deductible!!) Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

    56 min
  5. Chad Patterson on Leadership Rooted in Trust and Experience

    FEB 10

    Chad Patterson on Leadership Rooted in Trust and Experience

    Host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes serial entrepreneur and technologist Chad Patterson to Expressions of Leadership for a conversation on leadership rooted in humility, service, and trust. Chad shares how his upbringing influenced his commitment to creating access and dignity for overlooked talent, and how he builds systems that support small businesses around the world. Together, they explore trust as leadership currency, the power of listening and collaboration over directive control, and the role of community and strategic partnerships in entrepreneurship. Chad also offers practical insights on helping founders access capital, align around a shared vision, and scale their work sustainably. Learn more about Chad Patterson and his work: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-patterson/ Websites: SW-Ventures: https://www.swvents.com crcle: https://crclebonds.com Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

    56 min
  6. Leading in Wine and Life: Amy Christine, Master of Wine

    FEB 3

    Leading in Wine and Life: Amy Christine, Master of Wine

    Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Amy Christine, Master of Wine and winemaker, to explore her unexpected journey from performer to winery co-owner, and how leadership can emerge through curiosity, creativity, and courage. In this episode, Amy reflects on how acting, wine sales, and the rigorous Master of Wine program shaped her leadership style, from listening deeply and reading the room to knowing when to pivot. She also shares the realities of running a small winery, the discipline behind creative branding, and her vision for storytelling across wine, television, and writing. This conversation is a thoughtful look at leading authentically—without chasing trends—and trusting that your tribe will find you. Learn more about Amy Christine and the wineries: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-christine-mw-9ab58914/ Instagram @holusboluswine @acloveswine @amys_tasting_room_diaries @heywineslut   Websites www.holusboluswine.com www.wineslut.com   YouTube Wineslut https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHsXB2WN7m53EM1MWx2QuxQ Holus Bolus and The Joy Fantastic https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkBwNaQdsPkfNmgW6NIjaGg Pairing with Prince https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUQTkWYhOTas7PBvMXAoCXA   Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

    59 min
  7. Innovation with Heart: Holly Uber on Creating Technology That Elevates People

    JAN 27

    Innovation with Heart: Holly Uber on Creating Technology That Elevates People

    In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Holly Uber, a human-centered technologist, product leader, and innovation catalyst whose career spans education, AR/VR, and healthcare technology. From her early days as a teacher to launching products in highly regulated environments, Holly reflects on how curiosity, systems thinking, and inclusive design have shaped her leadership journey. Together, they explore what it takes to build conditions where innovation can flourish—balancing risk with responsibility, fostering psychological safety, and designing technology that honors the whole person. The conversation offers grounded leadership perspectives on experimentation, cross-functional collaboration, and leading through complexity in fast-evolving fields like AI, education, and healthcare. Connect with Holly Uber at https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-uber/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

    57 min
  8. Leadership On and Off the Air with Radio Host Jeremiah Higgins

    JAN 20

    Leadership On and Off the Air with Radio Host Jeremiah Higgins

    In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry explores leadership through storytelling, trust, and creative courage with Jeremiah D. Higgins—radio host, executive producer, and director of programming at Radio Evolve Santa Barbara. With more than 20 seasons behind the microphone and a global audience through Radio Evolve Santa Barbara and the Evolve Entertainment Network, Jeremiah shares how deep listening, meaningful conversation, and a willingness to take creative risks have shaped his career. They discuss building trust with guests and audiences, and creating spaces—on air and beyond—where people feel seen and heard. Jeremiah also reflects on bringing a people-centered leadership philosophy to hospitality, having led the design and management of more than 200 music venues, hotels, restaurants, and retail concepts worldwide through Evolve Hospitality Advisors. Learn more about Jeremiah D. Higgins at: https://linktr.ee/jeremiahdhiggins www.TheJeremiahShow.com   Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

    55 min
See All (48)

4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Leaders emerge from every walk of life. Whether you’re defining your leadership style or evolving it, learning from others can be transformative. Join leadership consultant and coach Michele Kawamoto Perry as she sits down with a diverse range of leaders—from startup CEOs pioneering new technology, to teachers challenging the status quo, doctors delivering compassionate care, and artists pushing creative boundaries. Together, they explore leadership styles, philosophies, and breakthrough practices. Discover fresh perspectives and actionable insights to help you lead with greater impact. Michele Kawamoto Perry is the founder of The Forward Project, a consultancy focused on leadership development and cultural transformation. As a corporate coach, she helps organizations cultivate stronger foundational leadership skills, empowering individuals who are ready to create change. Michele believes in the power of personal leadership and is on a mission to help build a more inclusive, engaging, and innovative world—one leader at a time. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also listen every weekend at noon Pacific Time on Radio Evolve.

Information

  • Creator
    Michele Kawamoto Perry
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Expressions of Leadership

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