No Boxes: Just Verses

Shannon Nash
  • 4.8 (25)
  • MANAGEMENT

No Boxes: Just Verses is where inspiring leaders reveal the songs and stories that shaped their journey. Join host Shannon Nash, a global C-suite leader, attorney, and CPA, as she goes beyond titles and trophies to explore the moments that truly defined today's top executives, entrepreneurs, and artists. Each episode is a deep dive into a guest's personal "Leadership Playlist," uncovering the pivotal lessons and life-changing moments tied to the music that moved them. From career breakthroughs to personal reinvention, we explore the authentic, unboxed stories behind extraordinary success. This isn't your typical leadership podcast. It's a rich blend of leadership development, personal storytelling, and musical discovery. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply a music lover, you'll find powerful insights and a vibrant community here. Come for the stories, stay for the playlist. Subscribe now and join us as we redefine leadership, one verse at a time.

  1. Evita Grant on Ghanaian Roots, MIT, Harvard JD and PhD, Wilson Sonsini, and Founding TechHustle at the Intersection of Science, Law, and Technology

    22H AGO

    Evita Grant on Ghanaian Roots, MIT, Harvard JD and PhD, Wilson Sonsini, and Founding TechHustle at the Intersection of Science, Law, and Technology

    Many professionals feel they must stay in one lane for their whole career. You might think that once you pick a field like engineering or law, you are stuck there forever. In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, Evita Grant shows you how to move between very different worlds while keeping your eye on the goal. We examine how a foundation in science and law can lead to a future as a tech CEO. Evita Grant is a multidisciplinary professional whose career spans chemical engineering, medical research, law, and technology entrepreneurship. Across each chapter, she has built a unique perspective at the intersection of science, systems, and society, applying both technical and legal expertise to solve complex, real-world problems. Guided by a north star of contributing to the development of Africa and the African diaspora, her work focuses on expanding access, opportunity, and infrastructure in underserved markets. Whether in the lab, in legal practice, or building technology platforms, Evita’s journey reflects a consistent commitment to creating systems that enable people to thrive. Key Takeaways: Science provides a base for solving any problem. Evita uses her background in chemical engineering to think through complex business challenges.Education is a tool for change. Moving from Ghana to attend MIT and Harvard helped her adapt to new environments and social settings.Law and tech work together. Her legal training helps her manage the complicated rules of starting and running a technology firm.Diverse skills make you a better leader. Having a background in many different fields allows you to see connections that others might miss.Identity is not tied to one job title. You can change your career path and still stay true to the mission you started with.Evita reminds us that our skills are portable across any industry. How can you use your current experience to find a new opportunity in a field you care about? Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast!  CONNECT WITH EVITA GRANT: LinkedIn Playlist CONNECT WITH SHANNON: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Shannon | LinkedIn NBJV Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

    1 hr
  2. Tanneasha Gordon on New York Roots, a Career in Management Consulting, Making Partner at Deloitte, Leading in Cyber, Risk, and AI Governance, and Becoming a Sci-Fi Author

    2D AGO

    Tanneasha Gordon on New York Roots, a Career in Management Consulting, Making Partner at Deloitte, Leading in Cyber, Risk, and AI Governance, and Becoming a Sci-Fi Author

    Many leaders struggle to find their voice when moving between different worlds—whether transitioning from law to management consulting or navigating life as a first-generation American. In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, Tanneasha Gordon shares how she built a career at the intersection of cyber leadership and human-centered systems. We explore the resilience required to manage emerging digital threats while staying grounded in personal faith and identity. Tanneasha Gordon is a nationally recognized cyber leader known for helping organizations navigate complex risk landscapes while building resilient, human-centered systems. With more than 19 years of consulting experience, Tanneasha advises global executives and boards on managing emerging threats, strengthening governance, and embedding trust into digital products and transformation. Her work sits at the intersection of technology, policy, and societal impact, where she has led complex enterprise transformations, shaped responsible AI and digital trust strategies, and helped organizations translate evolving regulatory expectations into durable solutions that drive growth, reduce risk, and ensure compliance. She’s a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and trusted advisor, and serves on the Leadership Council of Tipping Point Community; she is an avid traveler and lover of all things sci-fi (currently writing a sci-fi novel). Key Takeaways: Pivoting with Purpose: Success often requires the courage to move from a traditional field like law into the fast-paced world of digital threat management.The Power of Human-Centered Systems: Technical governance is most effective when it prioritizes human trust and the safety of the individuals behind the data.Resilience through Personal Setbacks: Overcoming significant life challenges provides the foundation for purpose-driven leadership and high-stakes decision-making.Identity as a Leadership Asset: Embracing your history as a first-generation American allows you to bridge different perspectives and build more inclusive teams.Faith and Timing: Maintaining a sense of purpose involves recognizing that growth often happens on its own timeline, requiring both action and patience.Tanneasha reminds us that the most complex technical problems often require a deeply human solution. How are you using your unique history to build trust in your own professional circles? Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast!  CONNECT WITH TANNEASHA GORDON: LinkedIn Playlist CONNECT WITH SHANNON: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Shannon | LinkedIn NBJV Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

    54 min
  3. Bryan Neider on a Journey of Grit and Resilience from CPA Roots and Public Accounting to Building a Global Career at Electronic Arts, Rising to COO, and His Next Act as CEO of AbilityPath

    APR 6

    Bryan Neider on a Journey of Grit and Resilience from CPA Roots and Public Accounting to Building a Global Career at Electronic Arts, Rising to COO, and His Next Act as CEO of AbilityPath

    Many leaders reach the peak of their corporate career only to find themselves asking what comes next beyond the bottom line. In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, Bryan Neider shares how he bridged the gap between scaling a global tech giant and leading a century-old nonprofit. We explore how to navigate high-pressure transitions while staying grounded in personal values and community impact. Bryan Neider's career spans 35 years in technology and finance, including 26 years at Electronic Arts, where he served as COO of EA's global development organization, overseeing software development and new technology as the company grew from $63 million to over $8 billion in revenue. Bryan brings this deep tech foundation to his current work, holding advanced AI certifications from Vanderbilt University, Stanford University, and Harvard, and is passionate about leveraging innovation for social good. For the past decade, Bryan has served as CEO of AbilityPath, a 105-year-old organization empowering children and adults with developmental disabilities across five Bay Area counties. Under his leadership, AbilityPath completed five strategic mergers and doubled the number of individuals served — now reaching over 1,500 people every week across 15 locations. He serves as Board Chair of Thrive Alliance of Nonprofits of San Mateo County and Board Chair of the Santa Clara University Board of Regents, and is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from CSU East Bay. Key Takeaways: Integrity builds a safety net during crises.Career aths are rarely linear.Vulnerability is a leadership strength. Technology can restore the human element of care. Inclusive employment benefits the entire organization.Bryan reminds us that everyone has a valuable contribution to make when they are treated with dignity and respect. How can you use your specific professional skills to support a cause you care about? Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast!  CONNECT WITH BRYAN NEIDER: AbilityPath LinkedIn TEAMS Newsletter Playlist CONNECT WITH SHANNON: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Shannon | LinkedIn NBJV Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

    54 min
  4. Rod Cotton on Overcoming Cancer and Career Setbacks, Healthcare Leadership at Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, and Baxter, and Driving Impact in the Boardroom

    MAR 30

    Rod Cotton on Overcoming Cancer and Career Setbacks, Healthcare Leadership at Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, and Baxter, and Driving Impact in the Boardroom

    How do you transition from a South Central bus program to the C-suite of a global healthcare giant, then survive a major health battle to find a new purpose? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, I sit down with my dear friend Rod Cotton. Rod shares his path of grit and strategy as he moves from the back alley to the boardroom. We discuss the reality of career setbacks, the power of a clear identity, and how he now builds a legacy of impact in Indiana and across the healthcare industry. Rod Cotton is a dynamic leader, board member, and venture partner, serving as the CEO of Cotton Ventures, LLC. With over four decades of executive experience, Rod has empowered startups and established organizations to scale, transform culture, and meet investor expectations. His expertise spans healthcare delivery, innovation, equity, and leadership, and he is a frequent keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and universities. Rod’s board and advisory roles include Castle Biosciences (Nasdaq: CSTL), Eisai Pharmaceuticals, Moleculera Biosciences, General Genomics, and Community Health Network, where he champions strategic growth and governance in biotech and health tech sectors. Rod’s career is distinguished by leadership roles at Roche Diagnostics, GlaxoSmithKline, and Baxter International, and he continues to advise CEOs and executive teams in VC-backed healthcare startups. Recognized with honors such as The Sagamore of the Wabash and named among the Most Influential Corporate Directors and Black Executives by Savoy Magazine, Rod is committed to advancing innovation, diversity, and excellence in healthcare. He holds an M.B.A. from California State University, Dominguez Hills, an M.S. in Strategic Management from USC, dual B.A. degrees from UC Santa Barbara, with additional executive training from Harvard and Stanford. Key Takeaways:  The Chameleon Effect: Rod reflects on his youth and how a busing program taught him to move between different social environments with confidence. The Power of No: He explains why he rejected a family legacy in medicine to find the golden time of his own career in business. The Respect Standard: Rod shares his experience as a young VP and his method to command respect when skeptical colleagues challenge his presence. The Strategic Rebuild: He details his two-year layoff during the dot-com burst and the grit he used to transform from a sales leader into a world-class strategist. The Choice for Impact: We discuss his cancer survival and his commitment to philanthropy, board service, and the mentorship of the next generation.Rod’s story provides a vivid example that your start does not dictate your finish. If you face a mountain in your career or health, this episode offers a blueprint to look up and get up. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast! CONNECT WITH ROD COTTON: Website LinkedIn Playlist CONNECT WITH SHANNON: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Shannon | LinkedIn NBJV Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

    54 min
  5. Dolores Robinson [Part 2]: From Small Town America to Becoming a Trailblazing Hollywood Talent Manager, Guiding Iconic Careers, and Building a Lasting Legacy

    MAR 25

    Dolores Robinson [Part 2]: From Small Town America to Becoming a Trailblazing Hollywood Talent Manager, Guiding Iconic Careers, and Building a Lasting Legacy

    How does a receptionist in a talent agency become the first Black female manager in film and television? In the conclusion of our talk with Dolores Robinson, we explore the rise of a powerhouse who refuses to accept the boxes of the entertainment industry. She packs her children into a station wagon, drives toward the Pacific Ocean, and builds an iconic legacy on her own terms. About Our Guest: Dolores Robinson Dolores Robinson is a legendary talent manager and producer. She founds her own firm in 1976 and guides the careers of icons such as Martin Sheen, Wesley Snipes, and Mark Wahlberg. Today, she resides in California, where she remains a producer and a Hall of Famer. Her life serves as a masterclass in the no boxes mindset. She continues to build her legacy through community work and health advocacy. Key Takeaways From This Episode: Define Your Path: Dolores argues with her agency over the career path of LaVar Burton. She quits her job to found her own firm and secures him as her first client.Reject Narrow Limits: Industry leaders expect her to manage only Black talent. She rejects this limit and manages white stars to gain the leverage required to succeed in the industry.Utilize Proximity: She meets icons like Martin Sheen while she shops for food on the California coast. She uses these organic encounters to build a massive network of Hollywood legends.Accept Industry Cycles: Managers often face rejection when stars reach the top of their careers. She accepts that clients eventually part ways and refuses to let it disturb her peace.Prioritize Radical Health: At nearly 90 years old, she takes no medications and walks 5,000 steps a day. She treats her body with respect to ensure she lives a long, vibrant life.Celebrate Love: In her current chapter, she acts as an officiant for weddings. She uses her platform to lift others and celebrate the strength of community. CONNECT WITH DOLORES ROBINSON: Instagram Playlist CONNECT WITH SHANNON: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Shannon | LinkedIn NBJV Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

    47 min
  6. Dolores Robinson [Part 1]: From Small Town America to Becoming a Trailblazing Hollywood Talent Manager, Guiding Iconic Careers, and Building a Lasting Legacy

    MAR 23

    Dolores Robinson [Part 1]: From Small Town America to Becoming a Trailblazing Hollywood Talent Manager, Guiding Iconic Careers, and Building a Lasting Legacy

    I sat down with Dolores Robinson for an encounter that unfolded into much more than a conversation. This session captures history, wisdom, and lived experience in real time. Quite honestly, her impact remains way too powerful to fit into just one episode. For this reason, I present this discussion in two parts, and this is part one. How does a woman from a tiny town in Pennsylvania build her own ladder to the top of the Hollywood elite? In the first half of this special two-part episode, I sit down with a true legend who shatters every glass ceiling in her path. Dolores Robinson holds the title of the first Black female manager in film and television history. She built her own ladder and founded her own entertainment firm in 1976. She guides the careers of icons such as Martin Sheen, Wesley Snipes, and Mark Wahlberg. Today, she resides in California, where she remains a producer and a Hall of Famer. Her life serves as a masterclass in the no boxes mindset. Key Takeaways: The Daughter of Battle: Her mother, nicknamed Battle, models radical resilience. This foundation proves that if her mom can battle, she can battle.The Bold Choice: In college in Pennsylvania, she refuses to sit at the segregated table. She occupies space with confidence and forms her own core group.Radical Independence: After her marriage ends, she vows to never depend on another person for her security. She rejects pity in all forms and chooses immediate action.The Cross-Country Leap: With two children in a 1968 Volvo, she drives across the country. She trades her life in the East for the potential of the California coast.The Impact of Support: A teacher sees her talent before she does. This belief alters her entire career path and helps her realize her true worth.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast!  CONNECT WITH DOLORES ROBINSON: Instagram Playlist CONNECT WITH SHANNON: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Shannon | LinkedIn NBJV Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

    48 min
  7. Sonita Lontoh on Starting at PG&E, Embracing the Unconventional Path, and Building a Global Career at HP and Siemens and Now Leading AI Governance and Innovation as a Public Company Board Director

    MAR 16

    Sonita Lontoh on Starting at PG&E, Embracing the Unconventional Path, and Building a Global Career at HP and Siemens and Now Leading AI Governance and Innovation as a Public Company Board Director

    How do you transition from a childhood in Jakarta to a seat on the boards of top public tech companies in the United States? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, I sit down with Sonita Lontoh. We discuss her early culture shock at UC Berkeley, her courage to defy expectations in business school, and her proven strategy to secure public board seats. ABOUT SONITA: Sonita Lontoh is an accomplished public company board director with expertise in AI, technology innovation, and customer trust. She currently serves on the boards of Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN), the largest consumer energy company in the US, TrueBlue (NYSE: TBI), a global workforce solutions company, partner at Alpha, an AI governance company, and an advisor to Sway Ventures, a Silicon Valley VC firm. Prior, over her 25-year diverse global career as a senior executive at both new innovative businesses within large global Fortune 100 companies such as HP, Siemens, PG&E and at entrepreneurial, VC-backed Silicon Valley technology companies, she had led programs that have delivered positive impact to businesses, consumers, and society. She is a purpose-driven leader passionate in advancing technology for humanity. She has been recognized by the White House, the US State Department, the Financial Times, the San Francisco Business Times, and inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame and the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Sonita earned her master’s in engineering from MIT, her MBA from Northwestern Kellogg, and her B.S. in engineering from UC Berkeley. Key Takeaways: The Global Perspective: Sonita grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, as a triple minority. This early reality forced her to interact with diverse groups and helped her develop a robust global perspective.The Courage to Defy the Herd: At Northwestern Kellogg, she noticed most students blindly pursued careers in finance or corporate strategy. She chose to enter the energy sector at PG&E because she wanted to work at the intersection of technology and societal impact.The Power of Mentors: Throughout her corporate ascent, Sonita consistently found leaders who believed in her potential and offered her massive opportunities. Today, she dedicates her time to elevate the next generation of leaders.The Out-of-the-Box Brand: Sonita built a distinct reputation because she consistently accepted assignments that others viewed as undesirable or risky. This unique brand caused top executives to recruit her when they needed to build new business models.The Portfolio Life: In her current career phase as a public company board director, she advises professionals to focus on organic connections rather than transactional requests. She also emphasizes the absolute necessity to select boards with healthy cultures and aligned values.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast!  CONNECT WITH SONITA LONTOH: Website LinkedIn Playlist CONNECT WITH SHANNON: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Shannon | LinkedIn NBJV Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

    45 min
  8. Denise Froemming on Breaking Boundaries and Building Careers: From Wisconsin Roots to Leading the Largest State CPA Society in the U.S.

    MAR 9

    Denise Froemming on Breaking Boundaries and Building Careers: From Wisconsin Roots to Leading the Largest State CPA Society in the U.S.

    How do you go from assisting your parents with residential construction in rural Wisconsin to the top executive role at the largest state CPA society in the country? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, I sit down with Denise Froemming. We discuss her pivot from healthcare aspirations to accounting, the realities of family obligations early in a career, and the reasons she views the CPA credential as the ultimate career accelerator. About Our Guest: Denise Froemming Denise is a CPA and the CEO and President of CalCPA. She built her career around organizational expansion, community outreach, and leadership development. She currently focuses on the future of accounting: talent, innovation, advocacy, and the strategies required so the profession stays essential and relevant in a dynamic world. Denise has a strong passion for the mentorship of the next generation of accounting and finance leaders. She believes that lasting impact comes not just from our achievements, but from how we uplift and inspire others. This belief reflects a famous sentiment from Maya Angelou, which states that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Key Takeaways: The Wisconsin Work Ethic: In her youth, Denise assisted her parents with the construction and finishing work of rough houses on the weekends. This instilled a foundational belief that you simply work through any emotion or circumstance.The Accidental CPA: As a first-generation college student, she initially wanted to study healthcare. When the program was full, her mother suggested accounting because of her strong math skills.Family Support Pivots: Early in her career, she stepped away from a traditional firm to run her mother's business after her father was diagnosed with cancer.The Executive Hustle: Despite a finance degree and an MBA, she pursued her CPA credential while on the job for 70 to 80 hours a week and while she raised a newborn. This dedication secured her path to the C-Suite.Support Through Loss: During the simultaneous grief of her father's passing and a divorce, she learned the critical importance of support and acceptance from unexpected places within her community.The Future of CalCPA: As CEO, she advocates for the evolving role of CPAs in the digital age, and emphasizes their necessity for the verification of AI outputs and the guidance of businesses through complex market noise.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast!  CONNECT WITH DENISE FROEMMING: LinkedIn CalCPA Playlist CONNECT WITH SHANNON: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Shannon | LinkedIn NBJV Theme Song: No Boxes Just Verses by Thane Kreiner (Suno)

    59 min
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4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

No Boxes: Just Verses is where inspiring leaders reveal the songs and stories that shaped their journey. Join host Shannon Nash, a global C-suite leader, attorney, and CPA, as she goes beyond titles and trophies to explore the moments that truly defined today's top executives, entrepreneurs, and artists. Each episode is a deep dive into a guest's personal "Leadership Playlist," uncovering the pivotal lessons and life-changing moments tied to the music that moved them. From career breakthroughs to personal reinvention, we explore the authentic, unboxed stories behind extraordinary success. This isn't your typical leadership podcast. It's a rich blend of leadership development, personal storytelling, and musical discovery. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply a music lover, you'll find powerful insights and a vibrant community here. Come for the stories, stay for the playlist. Subscribe now and join us as we redefine leadership, one verse at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Nash
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 No Boxes: Just Verses
  • Show Website
    No Boxes: Just Verses

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