Expressions of Leadership

Michele Kawamoto Perry
  • 5.0 (792)
  • 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 advisor 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. 7h ago

    Nona Bayat on Leading Through Strength and Empowering Women's Health

    Host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Nona Bayat, fitness entrepreneur, content creator, and host of the Her Health Podcast. What began as sharing workout videos during college has evolved into a global platform dedicated to helping women build strength, confidence, and lifelong health through evidence-based information. In this conversation, Nona shares her journey from aspiring physician to trusted voice in women's health, why strength training is one of the most important investments women can make, and how she earned the trust of a worldwide audience by putting science before trends. Together, Michele and Nona explore the leadership behind influence, the responsibility of communicating credible health information, the myths surrounding women's fitness, and the gaps that still exist in women's health research. They also discuss leading a growing team with integrity, navigating boundaries and burnout, and Nona's vision for empowering women with the knowledge, confidence, and habits that create lasting health for every stage of life. Follow Nona on Instagram and TikTok @nonabayat, and on YouTube @thenonabayat. You can also watch her streaming podcast on YouTube @herhealth_podcast or find it on your favorite podcast app.  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.

    Nona Bayat on Leading Through Strength and Empowering Women's Health

  2. Aug 4

    Leading with Kindness in Hollywood | Melinda Hsu on Showrunning, Storytelling & Culture

    Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Emmy-nominated writer-producer, showrunner, author, and podcast host Melinda Hsu to explore her remarkable journey from growing up as an aspiring storyteller in Bangor, Maine, to leading some of television's most acclaimed series, including Lost, The Vampire Diaries, Nancy Drew, and FOX's The Interrogator. Melinda reflects on the influence of her immigrant parents, the unexpected opportunities that launched her career, and what it was like finding her voice in Hollywood as an underrepresented writer. The conversation explores what leadership really looks like inside writers' rooms and on production sets, where trust, transparency, accountability, and kindness can shape both the creative process and the culture behind it. Melinda shares lessons from her book and podcast, Lead With Kindness, discusses the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, and offers thoughtful insights on mentoring the next generation, building healthier workplaces, and creating environments where both people and great storytelling can thrive. Learn more about Melinda at www.melindahsu.com. Connect with Melinda on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindahsula/ and on Instagram at http://instagram.com/melindahsuLA 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.

    Leading with Kindness in Hollywood | Melinda Hsu on Showrunning, Storytelling & Culture

  3. Jul 28

    Helping Teams Embrace AI: Corey Brown on Leadership, Trust, and Human Expertise

    Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Corey Brown, entrepreneur, technologist, musician, and author of The Expert Prompt, to explore a career built on curiosity, continual reinvention, and a passion for helping others succeed. Corey shares how growing up in a third-generation graphic arts family, teaching himself HTML in the early days of the internet, working alongside Seth Godin, and launching multiple ventures shaped his unique approach to leadership, learning, and innovation. The conversation dives into the human side of artificial intelligence, challenging the notion that AI replaces expertise. Corey explains why AI is most powerful when it amplifies human talent, how leaders can build trust and curiosity around new technology, and why mentorship, experimentation, and servant leadership remain essential in a rapidly changing world. Whether you're leading a team, navigating change, or exploring AI for the first time, this episode offers practical insights for leading with confidence in the future of work. Learn more about Corey Brown at www.coreybrown.me. 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.

    Helping Teams Embrace AI: Corey Brown on Leadership, Trust, and Human Expertise

  4. Jul 21

    Timothy White: Life Through My Lens | Creativity, Leadership & the Stories Behind Hollywood's Most Iconic Images

    Award-winning photographer Timothy White has spent more than four decades creating iconic images of some of the world's most recognizable figures. In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry explores the remarkable journey behind the camera, discussing Timothy's new memoir, Life Through My Lens, his unconventional path into photography, and the creative mindset that has shaped his extraordinary career. Together, they explore the power of curiosity, trust, and embracing uncertainty in the pursuit of meaningful work. Beyond the photographs, Timothy reflects on the deeply personal experiences that transformed his perspective, from building lasting relationships and leading collaborative creative teams to navigating loss, reinvention, and life's unexpected challenges. Through stories from Hollywood and beyond, he shares timeless lessons on resilience, authenticity, leadership, and the courage to keep creating, no matter where life leads. Learn more about Timothy White at https://timothywhite.com/. Follow him on FB @TimothyWhitePhoto and on Instagram @timothywhite. You can also purchase his books at: https://timothywhite.com/collections/books 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.

    Timothy White: Life Through My Lens | Creativity, Leadership & the Stories Behind Hollywood's Most Iconic Images

  5. Jul 14

    Certified Sommelier Erika Parjus on Leadership, Hospitality, and Creating Opportunities for Others

    Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Certified Sommelier Erika Parjus to explore her remarkable journey from a painfully shy child to a respected leader in the hospitality and wine industries. Erika shares how curiosity became her greatest strength, leading her from working in restaurants at fifteen to building award-worthy beverage programs, working harvest in Oregon's Willamette Valley, and earning recognition as a trusted educator and leader in the world of wine. Together, they discuss the leadership lessons found in hospitality, the importance of staying curious as your expertise grows, and how community can transform careers. Erika also shares the inspiring story behind co-founding Vin.Vitalité, a nonprofit dedicated to elevating women in wine through mentorship, education, and scholarships, while offering her vision for the future of an industry she believes is ready for reinvention. Follow Vin.Vitalité on Instagram @womenofwinedc and connect with Erika Parjus on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/erikaparjus. 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.

    Certified Sommelier Erika Parjus on Leadership, Hospitality, and Creating Opportunities for Others

  6. Jul 7

    Creating Opportunity Where Others See Risk: Leadership, Community Investment, and Economic Opportunity with Saurabh Narain

    In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Saurabh Narain, President and CEO of the National Community Investment Fund (NCIF), to explore his journey from a successful career in global banking to leading an organization dedicated to strengthening underserved communities through innovative finance. Saurabh shares the values that shaped him, the pivotal lessons he learned during the Asian financial crisis, and why he believes capitalism and social impact can work hand in hand. Together, they discuss the critical role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), how NCIF has deployed more than $550 million to create jobs, housing, and economic opportunity, and why leaders must learn to see potential where others see limitations. Saurabh also shares insights on building mission-driven teams, balancing financial discipline with compassion, his vision for the future of community investment, and the surprising reason he recently started taking singing lessons. Learn more about NCIF at www.ncif.org. Connect with Saurabh Narain at https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhnarain/ 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.

    Creating Opportunity Where Others See Risk: Leadership, Community Investment, and Economic Opportunity with Saurabh Narain

  7. Jun 30

    Kristina Denton: Leadership Lessons from Vulnerability, Healing, and Human Connection

    Content Note: This episode includes candid discussions about men's sexual health, vulnerability, relationships, and family dynamics. It also references the title of Kristina Denton's memoir, You Don't Know D**k: How I Healed My Daddy Issues Fixing Broken D***s. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Kristina Denton, author, actress, and wellness entrepreneur, to explore the unexpected career journey that took her from acting and exercise science into the highly specialized world of men's sexual health. What began as an unlikely professional opportunity became a front-row seat to conversations about vulnerability, shame, identity, and trust, ultimately transforming not only her clients' lives, but her own. Together, they discuss the leadership lessons that emerge from listening deeply, leading with empathy, and creating spaces where people feel safe to be vulnerable. Kristina also shares how working with hundreds of men reshaped her understanding of relationships, forgiveness, and her own complicated relationship with her father, experiences that inspired her memoir, You Don't Know D**k: How I Healed My Daddy Issues Fixing Broken D***s. Whether you're a leader, coach, parent, or simply someone interested in personal growth, this conversation offers meaningful insights into compassion, connection, and healing. Learn more about Kristina at: https://kristinadenton.com/ Connect with Kristina on Instagram: @kristina7denton and on LinkedIn @kristinadenton 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.

    Kristina Denton: Leadership Lessons from Vulnerability, Healing, and Human Connection

  8. Jun 22

    Singer-Songwriter Mairéad Mac Mullan: Finding Your True Voice, Reinvention, and the Courage to Blaze Her Own Trail

    In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Mairéad Mac Mullan for a deeply personal conversation about authenticity, courage, creativity, and the lifelong journey of finding your true voice. From her early days in Dublin to touring alongside legendary artists such as Van Morrison, Natalie Merchant, Elvis Costello, and Tracy Chapman, Mairéad has built a remarkable career while continually choosing alignment over convention and purpose over recognition. Together, Michele and Mairéad explore the pivotal moments that shaped her path, from leaving a successful band to pursue her own artistic vision, to navigating motherhood, caregiving, loss, and reinvention. They discuss her ambitious new triple album, Love Is Everything, the intimate community she has cultivated through her Muse Garden concerts, and the lessons she's learned about resilience, creativity, and living a life that reflects your deepest values. This is a conversation about music, leadership, transformation, and the courage to become more fully yourself. Learn more about Mairéad Mac Mullan at https://www.maireadmusic.com/. You can also follow her on Instagram @maireadmusicbeherenow and on Facebook @mairead.macmullan. And, be sure to subscribe to her YouTube channel @maireadmusic. 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.

    Singer-Songwriter Mairéad Mac Mullan: Finding Your True Voice, Reinvention, and the Courage to Blaze Her Own Trail
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5
out of 5
792 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 advisor 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
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Expressions of Leadership

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