Layers of Leadership

Dr. Michael Marion, Jr.
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Semiweekly

Layers of Leadership with Dr. Michael Marion, Jr. peels back the complex layers of success through intimate conversations with today's most influential leaders. Each episode features in-depth discussions that go beyond surface-level career advice, revealing the pivotal decisions, challenges, and mindsets that shaped these leaders' journeys. Dr. Marion's thoughtful interview style draws out practical wisdom and unexpected insights that emerging professionals can apply to their own career paths. Join us as we uncover the multifaceted nature of leadership, one conversation at a time.

  1. Jun 3

    Breaking News and Breaking Barriers: Rob Stewart’s Story of Leadership Courage, Career, and Community

    In this episode of Layers of Leadership, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with veteran journalist Rob Stewart, a two-time Emmy Award winner and host of PBS's Rob on the Road. Rob shares his 18-year journalism journey, from humble beginnings in South Carolina to major markets like New York and Philadelphia. He discusses the decline of media integrity, the role of AI, and the power of authentic storytelling. Rob also opens up about growing up gay in the South, finding sobriety in 2013, and how self-acceptance transformed his career. He closes with a powerful message: be of service, listen deeply, and make moments matter.

    39 min

  2. May 20

    The Power of Saying "Yes" with Christi Black Davis

    In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with mentor and business leader Christi Black Davis. Christi shares her journey from growing up in the San Fernando Valley to becoming a respected marketing and communications consultant in Sacramento. She discusses her strong work ethic, the value of mentorship, and how informational interviews helped launch her career. Christi also reflects on her 13-year PR firm partnership, an acquisition by Ogilvy, and eventually returning to independent consulting. She emphasizes three core values: integrity, curiosity, and tenacity as guiding principles throughout her leadership journey.

    40 min

  3. May 20

    The Power of Saying "Yes" with Christi Black Davis

    In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with mentor and business leader Christi Black Davis. Christi shares her journey from growing up in the San Fernando Valley to becoming a respected marketing and communications consultant in Sacramento. She discusses her strong work ethic, the value of mentorship, and how informational interviews helped launch her career. Christi also reflects on her 13-year PR firm partnership, an acquisition by Ogilvy, and eventually returning to independent consulting. She emphasizes three core values: integrity, curiosity, and tenacity as guiding principles throughout her leadership journey.

    40 min

  4. May 6

    Spinning Beats and Pedaling Change: The “AB's-1” Bryan Washington Leadership Story

    In this episode of Layers of Leadership, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Bryan Washington, aka AB's-1 — DJ, fitness entrepreneur, and community leader from Sacramento. Bryan shares his journey from Richmond, California, where a near-fatal shooting redirected his life path. He discusses his passion for music, his unique 24-hour live DJ cycling event raising funds for the Boys and Girls Club, and his 12-year fitness venture, the Academy. Bryan also reflects on fatherhood, community service, and his family's legacy of activism, rooted in the AME church tradition.

    46 min

  5. Apr 22

    Pat Fong Kushida’s Story of Courage and Growth: Navigating Nonprofit Leadership Without a Map

    In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Pat Fong Kushida, President and CEO of the Sacramento and California Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce. Pat shares her journey from first-generation Chinese American and retail buyer to nonprofit leader, discussing how she grew the chamber into California's largest AAPI business organization. She reflects on key leadership lessons, including the importance of partnership, fearlessness, and integrity. The conversation also covers her advocacy work, including AB 2019, combating Asian hate, and addressing mental health in immigrant communities, as she prepares for an eventual leadership transition.

    42 min

  6. Apr 8

    From Rugby Fields to Redevelopment Deals: Roy Brewer's Leadership Playbook

    In this episode of Layers of Leadership, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Sacramento land use attorney Roy Brewer, whose four-decade career spans complex projects across three states. Roy shares how his military upbringing, track career at the University of Florida, and 50 years of rugby shaped his resilience and discipline. He discusses his path to law school, founding his own firm, and his nearly 20-year partnership with Martha Lofgren. The conversation highlights Roy's commitment to servant leadership, active listening, and community involvement, offering valuable lessons for aspiring leaders.

    44 min

  7. Mar 25

    Living in Your Gifts: A Roadmap to Leadership Fulfillment and Impact with Darrell Teat

    In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Darrell Teat, CEO of Core X. They explore Darrell’s journey from his family-focused upbringing in Vallejo, California, to his leadership philosophy rooted in faith, resilience, and intentionality. Darrell shares insights on harnessing personal gifts, building trust, and maintaining high performance through self-care and vision. The conversation highlights his community impact, professional growth, and commitment to serving others, offering listeners practical leadership “cheat codes” and inspiration for integrating values, excellence, and purpose in both business and life.

    45 min

  8. Mar 11

    How Storytelling has Transform Leadership in the Food and Agriculture Industries w/ Meghan Phillips

    In this episode of "Layers of Leadership," Dr. Michael Marion Jr. interviews Meghan Phillips, founder and CEO of Honey, a Sacramento-based creative studio specializing in storytelling for food, beverage, cannabis, and agriculture. Meghan shares her entrepreneurial journey, leadership during the pandemic, and commitment to marketing ethics and community impact. The conversation explores her family life, co-founding Food Frontier, and launching Simple Summers for working parents. Meghan discusses self-care, the importance of human connection, the impact of AI, and offers advice for young professionals, highlighting the value of passion, empathy, and lifelong learning in leadership.

    38 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Layers of Leadership with Dr. Michael Marion, Jr. peels back the complex layers of success through intimate conversations with today's most influential leaders. Each episode features in-depth discussions that go beyond surface-level career advice, revealing the pivotal decisions, challenges, and mindsets that shaped these leaders' journeys. Dr. Marion's thoughtful interview style draws out practical wisdom and unexpected insights that emerging professionals can apply to their own career paths. Join us as we uncover the multifaceted nature of leadership, one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Michael Marion, Jr.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Michael Marion, Jr.
  • Show Website
    Layers of Leadership

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