Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

Lorraine Connell, www.peersnotfears.com
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Leaders of Today: From 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. 4h ago

    How a Teen Mom, Josy Martinez, Overcame Generational Trauma to Empower Women Financially

    From Challenges to Confidence: Josie Martinez’s Journey of Resilience and Empowerment In this inspiring episode, Josy Martinez shares her powerful story of overcoming adversity, embracing her heritage, and transforming her experiences into a mission to empower women and small business owners in managing their finances. Her journey from childhood trauma to a successful fractional CFO underscores the importance of confidence, resilience, and community. Main Topics Covered: Josy's early life struggles and how they shaped her leadership Overcoming generational trauma, depression, anxiety, and cultural challenges The role of extended family and community in her growth Navigating motherhood as a teen and breaking family cycles Building confidence in financial literacy and business ownership The importance of mindset and emotional well-being in financial success Practical advice for teens and parents facing adversity How society pressures women and how to break those barriers Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 02:08 - Josy's childhood in Puerto Rico and the impact of her mother's hard work 03:16 - Learning to read lips and navigating hearing impairment as a child 04:04 - Challenges of feeling different and seeking acceptance in school 05:22 - Navigating depression and anxiety during adolescence 06:20 - The impact of absent father figures and seeking self-worth 07:17 - Moving to a new school and finding community 08:16 - Reflection on parent decision-making and including children in conversations 09:41 - The power of extended family and grandparents in her life 12:02 - Balancing different worlds: home, school, and community 13:08 - How she kept her worlds separate and the importance of community support 14:45 - Grandparents’ role in providing love, safety, and stability 15:57 - Her parents' background and the family’s immigrant story 16:37 - The significance of family links back in Puerto Rico 17:24 - Healing through extended family and overcoming emotional challenges 18:48 - Her grandmothers' lasting influence and creating meaningful keepsakes 19:25 - Navigating early motherhood and her relationship with her child's father 20:07 - Pursuing her passion for accounting despite obstacles 21:14 - Breaking societal and familial expectations and the drive for success 22:48 - The realities of teenage motherhood and balancing responsibilities 23:38 - Society’s expectations versus women’s capacity for leadership 24:18 - Deciding to break the cycle and how her environment shaped her vision 25:14 - Her years of perseverance in education and career growth 26:36 - The significance of mentors and unwavering drive in her journey 27:34 - Achieving academic and career milestones through dedication and community support 28:43 - The importance of family and community in her educational achievements 29:35 - Transitioning from corporate success to helping small businesses 30:45 - Teaching financial literacy to women, inspired by her mother’s struggles 32:22 - Supporting women’s confidence and breaking barriers in finance 34:19 - Redefining success beyond dollar signs and fostering internal strength 35:37 - Overcoming societal stereotypes around women’s roles and leadership 36:36 - How confidence enables women to think big and aim for success 38:11 - Advice for teens and parents: Your beginnings don’t define you Resources & Links: Southern New Hampshire University Instagram Connect with Josy Martinez: Instagram LinkedIn Website Facebook

    37 min

  2. Jul 2

    How a Dyslexic Teen, Ceana Santori, Used Colors and Mnemonics to Conquer School Challenges

    Most traditional schooling teaches success in black and white — but what if learning in color could unlock incredible potential? Ceana Santori, a dyslexic entrepreneur and founder of Category Minds, reveals how her color-coded mnemonic system turned her biggest challenges into her greatest strengths, paving the way for anyone to learn faster, remember longer, and succeed beyond limits. At just 13, Ceana developed her innovative four-step color system—mapping hues to strategies grounded in cognitive science, color psychology, and universal design—long before her diagnosis. She shares how creating this system as a young girl helped her navigate overwhelming classrooms, silenced doubts, and transform frustration into confidence. Her story isn’t just inspiring; it’s a blueprint for turning neurodivergence into a superpower.You'll discover: The genius behind her color-coded mnemonic approach that turns studying into a visual, musical, and playful experience How her system helps educators and learners organize, chunk, and retain complex information across any subject or skill—whether in school, sports, or business Why neurodivergent minds are not broken but beautifully different, capable of driving innovation and leadership when given the right tools The broader impact: how embracing learning diversity can reshape perceptions of success and open new pathways for everyone Practical tips for parents, teachers, and students eager to harness the power of visual and multisensory learning strategies This isn’t just a story about overcoming; it’s about revolutionizing education—making it accessible, engaging, and effective for all. If you’ve ever felt stuck or frustrated in a system that doesn’t recognize your unique mind, this episode is your wake-up call. With her resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit, Ceana shows us that no challenge is too big when you learn to see the world in color. Perfect for educators, parents, students, entrepreneurs, or anyone curious about transforming learning and breaking down barriers. Tune in to discover how one young girl’s bold system is inspiring a future where everyone can learn their way and thrive without limits. Learn more here at Categoryminds.com Email Ceana here categoryminds@gmail.com

    28 min

  3. Jun 25

    Helping Teens Find Their Voice with Gayle Alexander

    In this episode of Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor Gayle Alexander to discuss the growing mental health challenges facing today's teens and young adults. Drawing from both her personal story and over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and families, Gayle shares how anxiety, perfectionism, social media, and overprotection can impact a young person's ability to trust themselves and build resilience. Together, Lorraine and Gayle explore why today's teens are experiencing higher levels of anxiety than ever before, the importance of developing decision-making skills, and how parents can support their children without unintentionally taking away their voice. This conversation is packed with practical advice for parents, educators, and teens looking to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and self-trust. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why resilience is more important than perfection • The difference between normal anxiety and clinical anxiety • How social media contributes to comparison and loneliness • Why teens need opportunities to make mistakes and learn from them • The importance of helping young people develop self-trust • How parents can create stronger connections through listening and vulnerability • Why community and peer support matter for teen mental health • Practical strategies for teens who feel unheard or misunderstood Connect with Gayle Alexander & Project SAFE: Instagram: @projectsafe4u IG Link Hub: linktr.ee/projectsafe4u Website: www.projectsafe4u.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a parent, educator, coach, or teen who could benefit from this conversation.

    41 min

  4. Jun 18

    The Fear of Being Seen with Hannah McMahon

    Fear doesn't just show up when we're speaking on stage. It shows up when we hesitate to share our ideas, walk into a new room, or allow ourselves to be fully seen. In this featured Speak Boldly Showcase talk, Hannah McMahon explores the fear of visibility and the ways we shrink ourselves to feel safer, more accepted, or less judged. Through personal stories, research, and practical tools, she reminds us that confidence isn't something we're born with. It's something we build through self-trust, self-compassion, and the willingness to show up anyway. If you've ever questioned your voice, your worth, or your place in the room, this conversation is for you. Key Takeaways: • Why fear often appears right before growth • The connection between confidence and self-trust • How body language impacts confidence and stress • Why empathy is more powerful than self-criticism • What it means to stop shrinking and start taking up space

    16 min

  5. Jun 11

    What Kids Learn from Games That Adults Forget | Wallace Thompson

    What if the games kids play at recess are teaching some of the most important leadership skills they'll ever need? In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with Wallace Thompson, author of The Field Game Field Guide, to explore how playground games teach confidence, resilience, fairness, leadership, risk-taking, and problem-solving. Wallace shares lessons from working with children, growing up during the COVID years, and writing a book that connects the unwritten rules of childhood games to real-life success. Together, they discuss why kids need opportunities for independence, healthy risk-taking, and play in order to develop into capable leaders. Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, or someone who works with young people, this conversation will change the way you think about games and their role in child development. Connect with Wallace: fieldgameguide.com

    31 min

  6. Jun 4

    The Confidence Behind the Numbers with Nadine Hill

    In this episode, Lorraine Connell sits down with Nadine Hill, founder of Balance In Your Business, LLC, to discuss how childhood experiences shaped her journey into business leadership, financial education, and event moderation. Nadine shares how growing up feeling unseen and unsupported taught her the importance of helping others feel confident, understood, and empowered. From overcoming struggles with math and confidence to becoming a trusted financial consultant and dynamic event MC, her story is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges often become our greatest strengths. In This Episode: • Growing up as a latchkey kid • Overcoming self-doubt and social anxiety • Making finances feel less intimidating • The power of being seen and supported • Finding confidence through public speaking • Advice for teens who feel alone Connect with Nadine Hill: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nadinehill-balance Website: balanceinyourbusiness.com

    32 min

  7. May 28

    The Many Versions of Ourselves | Karen Webb at Speak Boldly

    In this featured Speak Boldly talk, Karen Webb shares the powerful story behind “The Kitchen Table,” a reflection on the many different versions of ourselves we carry through life. Through humor, vulnerability, and storytelling, Karen explores identity, growth, fear, survival, confidence, and the internal voices that shape who we become. This episode is a reminder that we are not meant to stay one fixed version of ourselves forever and that every season of life leaves a thread in the tapestry of who we are. If you’ve ever felt conflicted, inconsistent, or unsure of who you are becoming, this conversation will deeply resonate. Topics include: • Identity and personal growth • Confidence and public speaking • Women balancing multiple roles • Healing and self-awareness • Embracing every version of yourself • The meaning behind “The Kitchen Table” Question to reflect on after listening: Who’s sitting at your kitchen table? How to Connect with Karen Webb: Website: essaysfrommykitchentable.com

    13 min

  8. May 21

    Navigating Neurodiversity, Leadership, and Identity with Meg O’Neil

    Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with Meg O’Neil, co-founder of Intuitive Marketing Collective, mother of three, and advocate for neurodiverse children. Together, they dive into the challenges and strengths of neurodiverse teens, the impact of leadership roles on personal identity, and the importance of fostering safe spaces for self-discovery. Key Topics Discussed: 💡 Understanding Neurodiverse Teens & Leadership – Meg shares her experience parenting neurodiverse children and supporting students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). 💡 The Journey of Leadership & Burnout – Meg reflects on her early leadership experiences, people-pleasing tendencies, and eventual burnout, shedding light on the importance of setting boundaries. 💡 Identity, Masking, & Self-Discovery – A candid conversation on navigating societal expectations, masking neurodivergence, and embracing authenticity. 💡 The Role of Education & Advocacy – A discussion on the inadequacies of the current education system and how parents and educators can advocate for neurodiverse students. 💡 Creating Safe Spaces for Growth – How families and schools can foster environments where children feel accepted, heard, and empowered. Why You Should Listen: If you're a parent, educator, or teen navigating neurodiversity, this episode offers valuable insights on embracing individuality, advocating for change, and redefining leadership beyond traditional expectations. Connect with Meg O’Neil: 🌐 Intuitive Marketing Collective 📢 Follow Meg on IG Connect with Lorraine & Peers Not Fears: 📌 Website 📩 Instagram 🎙️ Subscribe to Teens to Titans for more leadership insights! #Neurodiversity #TeenLeadership #EducationAdvocacy #Authenticity #LeadershipDevelopment #TeensToTitans

    36 min
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About

Welcome to Leaders of Today: From 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!

Information

  • Creator
    Lorraine Connell, www.peersnotfears.com
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans