Because People Matter

This is Because People Matter, a podcast that explores the powerful intersection of emotional intelligence, the neuroscience of transformation, leadership theory, and intercultural mindset. Hosted by Dr. Helen Fagan, each episode features leaders who are creating high-impact organizations where every team member is able to bring their best to the table. This is the podcast for leaders who want to do business in a way that leverages and honors all stakeholders.  This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

  1. (#38) Leading With Heart: DeShannon (De Q) Harris on Coaching, Emotional Intelligence & Culture Change

    12/17/2025

    (#38) Leading With Heart: DeShannon (De Q) Harris on Coaching, Emotional Intelligence & Culture Change

    In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with DeShannon “De Q” Harris, Organizational Development Manager at the Tulsa Health Department, to explore how coaching, emotional intelligence, and empathy are reshaping the future of leadership. De Q shares her extraordinary journey—from growing up in a single-parent household to excelling in global sales, pursuing advanced education, and now guiding leaders through a year-long cohort designed to shift organizational culture from managing tasks to developing people. This candid conversation echoes the spirit of leadership podcasts like Coaching for Leaders and Dare to Lead—offering real tools, vulnerability, and heart. Episode References: Dr. Helen Fagan — https://helenfagan.com Tulsa Health Department — https://www.tulsa-health.org Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (Bradberry & Greaves) — https://www.talentsmart.com Situational Leadership (Hersey & Blanchard) — https://www.situationalleadership.com Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence   This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    32 min
  2. (#37) Leading Where It Matters: Anderson Sainci on Service, Systems & Community Change

    12/10/2025

    (#37) Leading Where It Matters: Anderson Sainci on Service, Systems & Community Change

    In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Anderson Sainci, Director of Economic Mobility and Neighborhood Support for the City of Dubuque — and the first African American male elected twice in the city’s history. From his upbringing in a Haitian household in Florida to becoming a transformational civic leader, Anderson shares a deeply personal look at servant leadership, faith, resilience, and what it really takes to help a community thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like Dare to Lead or A Bit of Optimism, you’ll connect with this heartfelt and practical conversation on systems change, belonging, and leading with purpose. Episode References: Dr. Helen Fagan — https://helenfagan.com City of Dubuque / Anderson Sainci — https://www.cityofdubuque.org Robert Greenleaf / Servant Leadership — https://www.greenleaf.org Becoming an Inclusive Leader — https://www.inclusiveleader.com Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence   This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min
  3. (#35) Masami Sato on How Small Actions Create Global Impact

    11/12/2025

    (#35) Masami Sato on How Small Actions Create Global Impact

    What if every business decision created a ripple of good in the world? In this inspiring episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan speaks with Masami Sato, founder and CEO of B1G1 (Buy1Give1), about how small, intentional actions can transform the way businesses think about giving. Masami shares her journey from a shy child in Japan to a world-traveling entrepreneur helping thousands of companies make measurable impacts across the globe. If you’ve ever wondered how purpose-driven leadership can truly change lives, this episode is a masterclass in compassion, connection, and conscious business. Episode References: B1G1 — https://www.b1g1.com Masami Sato (LinkedIn) — https://www.linkedin.com/in/masamisato Helen Fagan and Associates — https://www.helenfagan.com Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence   This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    36 min
  4. (#34) Building Bridges of Hope: Gibril Mansaray on Empowering Generations Through Education

    10/29/2025

    (#34) Building Bridges of Hope: Gibril Mansaray on Empowering Generations Through Education

    In this inspiring episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Gibril Mansaray, founder and CEO of the PA Karim Memorial Foundation. Gibril shares his powerful multigenerational story — from his father’s journey from Sierra Leone to the U.S. in pursuit of education, to his own mission of building schools and opportunities in his family’s village. Through his work with Develop Africa, he’s transforming lives and proving that education is the key to lasting empowerment. Listen as Gibril reflects on resilience, purpose, and the bridge between two worlds — and how one act of generosity decades ago sparked a movement to educate hundreds of children. Episode References PA Karim Memorial Foundation – http://pkmemorialsalone.org Develop Africa – https://developafrica.org Helen Fagan and Associates – https://helenfagan.com Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence   This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min
  5. (#32) Building Inclusive Futures: Damita Snow on Diversity in Publishing & Leadership

    10/01/2025

    (#32) Building Inclusive Futures: Damita Snow on Diversity in Publishing & Leadership

    In this episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Damita Snow, DEIA leader and Director at the American Society of Civil Engineers. Damita shares her journey from graphic design to shaping global accessibility in scholarly publishing. As President-Elect of the Society for Scholarly Publishing, she discusses her work with the Coalition for Diversity and Inclusion in Scholarly Communications and global initiatives like Research4Life. From reverse mentoring to making knowledge more accessible worldwide, this conversation is a lesson in inclusive leadership. Episode References: TEDx Omaha http://www.tedxomaha.com American Society of Civil Engineers https://www.asce.org Society for Scholarly Publishing https://www.sspnet.org Coalition for Diversity and Inclusion in Scholarly Communications https://www.c4disc.org Research for Life https://www.research4life.org ASCE Pathways to Inclusive Publishing Summit 2026 https://ascelibrary.org/publishing-summit-2026 Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence   This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min
  6. (#31) Jeff Shafer on Redemption & Reentry: Transforming Lives After Incarceration

    09/17/2025

    (#31) Jeff Shafer on Redemption & Reentry: Transforming Lives After Incarceration

    What if one small act of kindness could change the course of someone’s life? In this episode of Because People Matter, host Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Jeff Shafer, co-founder of CommonGood Capital and executive director of Promising People. Jeff shares his decades-long journey walking alongside incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, from mentoring in maximum-security prisons to launching virtual reality training programs that prepare men and women for meaningful work after release. This moving conversation reminds us that redemption is possible—and that investing in people pays the greatest dividends. Episode References TEDx Omaha – www.tedxomaha.com CommonGood Capital – commongoodcapital.com Promising People – promisingpeople.com Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence   This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min
5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

This is Because People Matter, a podcast that explores the powerful intersection of emotional intelligence, the neuroscience of transformation, leadership theory, and intercultural mindset. Hosted by Dr. Helen Fagan, each episode features leaders who are creating high-impact organizations where every team member is able to bring their best to the table. This is the podcast for leaders who want to do business in a way that leverages and honors all stakeholders.  This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

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