Rooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity

Rochelle Peterson-Ansari-Perceptions Unlimited LLC

Interested in expanding your ability to reach, teach and lead those you’re entrusted serve? Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity brings you powerful conversations with experts who are committed to maintaining human dignity in our personal lives, our work and in learning environments. We speak to hearts and minds of leaders and educators with practical insights to counter the programming that makes us, often unconsciously, devalue other humans who we perceive as different from ourselves. CHANGED MINDS will CHANGE DIRECTION!

  1. 3d ago

    The Alignment Advantage: Building Cultures Where People and Performance Thrive | Rooted2Thrive S08E78

    Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity The Alignment Advantage: Building Cultures Where People and Performance Thrive Season 7, Episode 78 Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariGuest: Dr. Cherita Weatherspoon Overview: In this episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari and Dr. Cherita Weatherspoon explore how intentional alignment between leadership, organizational values, and everyday practices creates cultures where both people and performance can thrive. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit work, leadership, and business, Dr. Weatherspoon explains why organizations often struggle when their stated values do not match how people are actually treated. She introduces her Leadership Advantage Framework, built around clarity, communication, commitment, and connection, and demonstrates how each element influences trust, belonging, productivity, and employee engagement. The conversation also examines the difference between simply achieving performance goals and understanding the human impact of how those results are achieved, emphasizing that leadership decisions can either strengthen or erode organizational culture. Ultimately, the episode challenges leaders to treat people as their most valuable asset, examine the cultural undercurrents within their organizations, and recognize that the choices they make today shape both their leadership legacy and the culture of tomorrow. Topics discussed: Aligning Values with Everyday Practice: Strong organizational cultures emerge when stated values are consistently reflected in leadership decisions, communication, policies, behaviors, and relationships. The Leadership Advantage Framework: Clarity, communication, commitment, and connection provide a framework for building stronger teams, increasing engagement, and creating conditions where people can contribute and thrive. Performance Versus Impact: Meeting goals is only part of effective leadership, because leaders must also consider how their methods affect trust, collaboration, retention, and the people they lead. Connection, Trust, and Belonging: Psychological safety and meaningful connection allow employees to share ideas, solve problems, collaborate, and remain invested rather than withdrawing from the organization. Leadership as Legacy: Leaders can shape healthier cultures by becoming the kind of leader they would want to have and remembering the experiences of the people sitting in the seats they once occupied. Guest: Dr. Cherita WeatherspoonCEO of Aligned Leadership & Culture Solutions and The Aligned Biz Co, leadership and organizational culture strategist, business coach, speaker, and published author. Website: https://www.alcstrategy.com  Check out more content and ways to connect with us: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/ ➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/ ➡️ Email: info@perceptionsunltd.com  ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.com Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

    The Alignment Advantage: Building Cultures Where People and Performance Thrive | Rooted2Thrive S08E78

  2. Sep 30

    Trust as Practice: Building Trust in Every Interaction | Rooted2Thrive S08E77

    Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity Trust as Practice: Building Trust in Every Interaction Season 7, Episode 77 Host: Rochelle Peterson-Ansari Guest: Dana Riker Jackson Overview: In this episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari and Dana Riker Jackson explore trust as an intentional, everyday practice that shapes relationships, leadership, organizational culture, and our broader humanity. Drawing from her decades of experience developing people and organizations, Dana explains that trust is deeply personal and influenced by individual experiences, yet leaders can create shared practices that make trust more visible, measurable, and actionable. The conversation examines how consistency between words and actions, honest communication, listening, feedback, accountability, and clearly demonstrated values contribute to stronger relationships and healthier workplaces. Dana also emphasizes the importance of slowing down, understanding what people need, and recognizing that leaders must model the behaviors they hope to see throughout their organizations. Ultimately, the episode challenges listeners to examine every interaction through a simple question: will what I am about to say or do build trust or destroy it? Topics discussed: Trust as an Everyday Practice: Trust is strengthened or weakened through repeated interactions, making everyday behaviors and choices essential to building meaningful relationships. Understanding the Personal Nature of Trust: People's experiences shape what they need in order to trust others, requiring leaders to listen and understand rather than assume trust means the same thing to everyone. Aligning Words, Actions, and Values: Leaders build credibility when their behaviors consistently reflect what they say and when organizational values are actively practiced rather than simply stated. Creating Cultures of Honest Feedback: Open conversations, continuous feedback, and a willingness to listen help teams navigate disagreement while maintaining trust, dignity, and alignment. Choosing to Build Rather Than Destroy Trust: Every interaction presents an opportunity to strengthen trust, weaken it, or begin repairing what has already been damaged. Guest: Dana Riker Jackson Founder and CEO of Riker Opportunity Institute and the U-ROC Leadership Ready to Work Program. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.r.jackson.73Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rikeropportunityinstitute/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danarikerjackson/Website: www.RikerOpportunityInstitute.com Check out more content and ways to connect with us: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/ ➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/ ➡️ Email: info@perceptionsunltd.com  ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.com Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

    Trust as Practice: Building Trust in Every Interaction | Rooted2Thrive S08E77

  3. Sep 23

    Teaching for Belonging: Transforming Teacher Education Through Culturally Sustaining Classrooms | Rooted2Thrive S08E76

    Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity Teaching for Belonging: Transforming Teacher Education Through Culturally Sustaining Classrooms | Season 7, Episode 76 Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariGuest: Dr. Donna-Marie Cole-Malott Overview: In this episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari and Dr. Donna-Marie Cole-Malott explore the importance of educator diversity and culturally relevant and sustaining education in creating classrooms where every student feels seen, affirmed, and supported. Dr. Cole-Malott reflects on her journey into educator diversity work and discusses the ongoing transformation of teacher preparation through culturally relevant and sustaining educator competencies, including the collaborative work behind the book Transformative Teacher Education. The conversation examines how educators' identities, lived experiences, and assumptions shape how they show up in classrooms, while highlighting the importance of representation, authentic relationships with students and families, and supportive communities for educators. They also address the uncertainty surrounding equity-focused work and emphasize that changing policies or terminology should not change the fundamental commitment to meeting students' needs. Ultimately, the episode calls on educators and leaders to remain informed, connected, reflective, and committed to human-centered education that recognizes every learner's identity and humanity. Topics discussed: Transforming Teacher Education: Culturally relevant and sustaining educator competencies can help teacher preparation programs equip educators to respect students' humanity, understand bias, engage families and communities, and support diverse learners. Reflection and Identity in the Classroom: Educators must examine how their upbringing, identities, experiences, and assumptions influence their teaching practices and determine who feels included, affirmed, or excluded. Representation and Belonging: Students benefit from seeing educators who reflect their identities, while all teachers have a responsibility to develop the cultural responsiveness necessary to affirm and support the students they serve. Relationships and Communities of Care: Authentic relationships across schools, institutions, families, and professional communities can sustain educators, strengthen collective efforts, and create better conditions for students to thrive. Staying Committed Through Change: Even as policies, funding, and terminology surrounding equity shift, educators must remain focused on addressing inequities, continuing their own learning, and meeting the real needs of students and communities. Guest: Dr. Donna-Marie Cole-Malott Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium, Assistant Professor at East Stroudsburg University, and co-editor of Transformative Teacher Education Check out more content and ways to connect with us: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/ ➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/ ➡️ Email: info@perceptionsunltd.com  ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.com Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

    Teaching for Belonging: Transforming Teacher Education Through Culturally Sustaining Classrooms | Rooted2Thrive S08E76

  4. Sep 16

    Teaching with Cultural Humility: Preparing Educators for Culturally Responsive Practice | S08E75

    Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity Teaching with Cultural Humility: Preparing Educators for Culturally Responsive Practice Season 7, Episode 75 Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariGuest: Trent McLaurin, Ph.D Overview: In this episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari and Trent McLaurin, Ph.D explore cultural humility as an ongoing practice that challenges educators to reflect on their assumptions, learn from their students, and create learning environments where every voice is valued. Drawing from his experiences in special education, early childhood education, and teacher preparation, Dr. McLaurin explains how culturally responsive practice requires educators to move away from deficit thinking and recognize the knowledge, resilience, identities, and experiences students already bring into the classroom. The conversation introduces a practical framework centered on respect, reflection, regard, relevance, and resilience, while emphasizing the importance of understanding what individual students and families actually need rather than making assumptions based on cultural markers. They also discuss reflective practice, neurodiversity, inclusive classroom participation, and the responsibility educators have to examine how their own perspectives influence teaching and relationships. Ultimately, the episode encourages educators to remain accountable, listen across differences, elevate voices that may otherwise go unheard, and approach cultural humility as a continuous process of learning and growth. Topics discussed: Cultural Humility as an Ongoing Practice: Cultural humility is not a checklist or level of competency to achieve, but a continuous process of reflecting, listening, learning, and responding across differences. Respect, Reflection, Regard, Relevance, and Resilience: Dr. McLaurin offers these principles as a framework for understanding students in context and building educational practices around what matters to them. Moving Beyond Deficit Thinking: Educators can better serve students by recognizing their existing strengths, experiences, and resilience instead of approaching communities with the assumption that they need to be fixed. Creating Inclusive Learning Environments: Providing multiple ways for students to participate and express themselves can make classrooms more responsive to neurodiversity and ensure that participation is not dominated by the loudest voices. Centering Student Voices and Experiences: Culturally responsive educators continually consider how what they know about their students influences their teaching, communication with families, and ability to create spaces where students feel seen and respected. Guest: Trent McLaurin, Ph.D Associate Professor at La Salle University, educator, and consultant Check out more content and ways to connect with us: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/ ➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/ ➡️ Email: info@perceptionsunltd.com  ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.com Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

    Teaching with Cultural Humility: Preparing Educators for Culturally Responsive Practice | S08E75

  5. Sep 14

    Love as Practice: The Human Trait Behind Anti-Oppressive Leadership | Rooted2Thrive S08E74

    Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity Love as Practice: The Human Trait Behind Anti-Oppressive Leadership Season 7, Episode 74 Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariGuest: Jennifer Turnbull Overview: In this episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari and Jennifer Turnbull explore love as an intentional practice and a powerful foundation for anti-oppressive leadership. Drawing from her experiences as an artist, educator, and Co-Executive Director of Spiral Q, Jennifer reflects on how love can shape the way leaders use power, build community, create art, care for their teams, and respond to harm. The conversation challenges the idea that love is simply about kindness or comfort, instead presenting it as a practice that can require courage, truth-telling, accountability, and repair. Jennifer also shares how creative expression can help people process grief, connect with one another, and make complex emotions visible, while emphasizing the importance of leaders caring for themselves and modeling sustainable practices for others. Ultimately, the episode invites listeners to bring their full humanity into leadership and consider how practicing love more courageously can create spaces where people feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. Topics discussed: Love as an Intentional Practice: Love goes beyond emotion and becomes a conscious practice reflected in how leaders listen, use their power, protect dignity, and care for themselves and others. Courage, Accountability, and Repair: Practicing love does not mean avoiding difficult conversations, but rather confronting harm, telling the truth, holding people accountable, and creating opportunities for repair. Creativity as a Tool for Connection: Art, movement, puppetry, and other forms of creative expression can bring people together, give shape to complex emotions, and help communities transform shared values into action. Bringing Humanity into Leadership: Leaders can create more supportive environments by allowing people to bring their full selves into the workplace and recognizing the humanity, emotions, and needs within their teams. Self-Care as a Leadership Practice: Leaders who make space for rest and care for themselves model healthier expectations for their teams and help build more sustainable organizational cultures. Guest: Jennifer Turnbull Co-Executive Director at Spiral Q, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and educator Check out more content and ways to connect with us: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/ ➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/ ➡️ Email: info@perceptionsunltd.com  ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.com Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

    Love as Practice: The Human Trait Behind Anti-Oppressive Leadership | Rooted2Thrive S08E74

  6. Sep 2

    Becoming an Anti-Oppressive Leader: Reflection, History, and Active Listening | Rooted2Thrive S08E73

    Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityBecoming an Anti-Oppressive Leader: Reflection, History, and Active ListeningSeason 7, Episode 73Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariGuest: Dr. Candace Robertson-JamesOverview:In this episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari and Dr. Candace Robertson-James explore how anti-oppressive leadership begins with examining the lenses through which we see ourselves, others, and the world. Dr. Robertson-James reflects on how personal stories, family history, lived experiences, and societal systems shape our perspectives, while emphasizing the importance of identifying what we may need to unlearn. The conversation addresses bias as a natural part of being human and encourages awareness rather than shame, while also examining how historical policies and systemic decisions continue to shape present-day inequities. Through examples from education, public health, advocacy, and community engagement, they highlight the power of active listening, valuing lived experiences, understanding historical context, and using leadership to elevate the voices of others. The episode ultimately offers practical ways to become part of the solution through lifelong learning, building relationships across communities, and actively contributing to causes that advance equity and human dignity.Topics discussed:- The Stories That Shape Our Lens: Our personal, family, and generational experiences influence how we see the world and can reveal both values to embrace and beliefs we may need to unlearn.- Understanding Bias Without Shame: Recognizing that everyone has biases creates an opportunity for greater self-awareness and helps prevent personal preferences from becoming prejudice, discrimination, or harmful assumptions.- Leadership as Advocacy: Anti-oppressive leadership requires showing up authentically, listening to those whose voices are absent, and using positions of influence to represent their experiences and concerns.- History, Policy, and Present-Day Inequities: Understanding the historical and systemic roots of inequity, including policies such as redlining, helps us recognize society's responsibility to address the disparities they continue to create.- Learning, Listening, and Getting Involved: Becoming part of the solution means continuously learning, listening deeply to people's lived experiences, building connections across communities, and actively supporting causes that advance meaningful change.Guest:Dr. Candace Robertson-JamesDirector of Public Health Programs and Associate Professor at La Salle UniversityCheck out more content and ways to connect with us:➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/➡️ Email: info@perceptionsunltd.com ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.comPlease feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

    Becoming an Anti-Oppressive Leader: Reflection, History, and Active Listening | Rooted2Thrive S08E73

  7. Aug 26

    Permission to Lead: Moving Beyond Perfectionism in Anti-Oppressive Work | Rooted2Thrive S08E72

    Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity Permission to Lead: Moving Beyond Perfectionism in Anti-Oppressive Work Season 7, Episode 72 Host: Rochelle Peterson-Ansari Guest: Dr. George James Overview: In this episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari and Dr. George James explore what it means to give yourself permission to lead, rest, learn, make mistakes, and grow without being trapped by perfectionism. Dr. James shares how the narratives we internalize from family, society, leadership responsibilities, and experiences of injustice can shape what we believe we are allowed to do, often leading us to overwork, doubt ourselves, or feel that we must be perfect before taking action. He distinguishes excellence from perfectionism and encourages a learner mindset rooted in curiosity, humility, accountability, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. The conversation also examines anti-oppressive and culturally responsive practice, the importance of believing people's lived experiences, and the need for leaders and helping professionals to recognize that impact is not always measured by size or visibility. Ultimately, the episode invites listeners to notice the stories and stressors that hold them back, give themselves permission to be fully human, and create more space for growth, rest, connection, and meaningful impact. Topics discussed: Giving Yourself Permission: Giving yourself permission begins with examining the narratives and internalized messages that influence what you believe you are allowed to pursue, experience, or prioritize. The Four Barriers to Permission: Societal stress, leadership stress, injustice stress, and lessons learned from family can shape our narratives and prevent us from resting, taking risks, or fully embracing opportunities. Excellence Versus Perfectionism: Excellence allows room for hard work, rest, support, learning, and mistakes, while perfectionism can keep people focused on proving themselves rather than making meaningful progress. The Learner Mindset: Growth requires a willingness to ask questions, embrace uncertainty, make mistakes, and remain open to possibilities rather than believing we must already have all the answers. Impact Without Perfection: Leaders can create meaningful change by recognizing that impact is not always about reaching the largest audience, and that caring for themselves and being present for the people who matter are essential parts of leadership. Guest: Dr. George James CEO of George Talks, mental health leader, licensed marriage and family therapist, psychologist, speaker, consultant, coach, and author. Check out more content and ways to connect with us: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/ ➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/ ➡️ Email: info@perceptionsunltd.com  ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.com Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

    Permission to Lead: Moving Beyond Perfectionism in Anti-Oppressive Work | Rooted2Thrive S08E72

  8. Aug 19

    🌸 Beyond Strong: Resilience without Self-Abandonment | Rochelle Peterson-Ansari | Season 8, Ep. 71

    Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityBeyond Strong: Resilience without Self-AbandonmentSeason 8, Episode 71Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariCEO and Founder of Perceptions Unlimited, Host of Rooted2Thrive PodcastOverview:Black women are often celebrated for being strong, dependable, and resilient—but what happens when strength requires us to abandon ourselves? In this solo episode, Rochelle explores toxic resilience: the thoughts and behaviors that may have helped us survive but can keep us from fully thriving. Through personal reflection, leadership lessons, and practical strategies, she challenges EVERYONE, especially Black and Brown women, to examine perfectionism, porous boundaries, overfunctioning, and the reluctance to ask for help—and to redefine resilience in ways that protect our wellness, honor who we are, and allow us to intentionally create the lives we want.Topics Discussed:- Some of the behaviors that helped us survive may now be preventing us from thriving. We can honor what once protected us while releasing what no longer serves us.- Resilience should not require self-abandonment. Healthy resilience means protecting our emotional, mental, and physical well-being—not simply increasing our capacity to endure.- Boundaries, confidence, and asking for help are leadership practices. How we care for ourselves directly affects how fully and effectively we lead.- Intentional living begins with identity. Before asking what you should do next, ask: Who am I? Who was I created to be? What gives me life?- Liberation includes reclaiming our agency. We can challenge oppressive systems while also releasing the beliefs and behaviors those systems have conditioned us to carry.- You are allowed to design a life that lets you be well. Rest, joy, self-trust, support, and saying “no” are not weaknesses—they are part of sustainable resilience.Check out more content and ways to connect with us:➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/➡️ Email: info@perceptionsunltd.com ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.comPlease feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!

    🌸 Beyond Strong: Resilience without Self-Abandonment | Rochelle Peterson-Ansari | Season 8, Ep. 71
See All (78)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Interested in expanding your ability to reach, teach and lead those you’re entrusted serve? Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity brings you powerful conversations with experts who are committed to maintaining human dignity in our personal lives, our work and in learning environments. We speak to hearts and minds of leaders and educators with practical insights to counter the programming that makes us, often unconsciously, devalue other humans who we perceive as different from ourselves. CHANGED MINDS will CHANGE DIRECTION!

Information