Empowering Careers

The DeBruce Foundation
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Careers
  • Updated Monthly

Empowering Careers is a podcast from The DeBruce Foundation focused on helping individuals unlock their career potential. Each episode is hosted by Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight and features conversations with inspiring leaders and professionals shaping the future of work. Whether you're a student, jobseeker, parent, educator, career coach, or employer—or simply curious about where work is headed—you’ll discover emerging trends, practical tools, and real-world stories designed to expand career pathways for all.

Episodes

  1. May 20

    Episode 9: Helping Students See What’s Possible with Jill Cook

    In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with Executive Director of the American School Counselor Association Jill Cook about how school counselors can help students expand what they believe is possible for their futures. From early career exploration to real-world experiences, Jill shares how counselors build confidence, connect students to meaningful pathways, and shift the conversation from “what do you want to be?” to “what do you enjoy?”, preparing students for a lifetime of learning and opportunity. Follow ASCA on Instagram Follow ASCA on Facebook Follow Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor KnightLinkedIn X

    37 min

  2. Apr 15

    Episode 8: Reimagining Student Success with David Law

    In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with AASA President and Superintendent of Minnetonka School District David Law about his 30+ year journey in public education. From his start in the classroom to his leadership of Minnetonka Public Schools, David explores the importance of “failing forward,” closing opportunity gaps, redefining workforce readiness, and why he remains optimistic about the next generation’s ability to lead and succeed. Follow David Law on X Follow David Law on Instagram Follow David Law on LinkedIn Learn more about AASA Follow Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight LinkedIn X

    38 min

  3. Mar 18

    Episode 7: Drawing Bold Futures with Patti Dobrowolski

    In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with four-time TEDx speaker, illustrator, and founder of Draw Your Future, Patti Dobrowolski, about harnessing imagination as a powerful tool for career growth. From her pivot out of Broadway, to helping organizations and students worldwide visualize bold new possibilities, Patti shares the brain science behind drawing your future, overcoming limiting beliefs, and taking action to reach your goals! Learn more about Patti Dobrowolski and Up Your Creative Genius Follow Patti Dobrowolski on LinkedInFollow Patti Dobrowolski on Instagram Follow Patti Dobrowolski on YouTube Draw Your Future Agilities© today!Follow Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight LinkedIn X

    32 min

  4. Feb 17

    Episode 6: Inspiring Educators with Dr. Brad Johnson

    In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with Dr. Brad Johnson, bestselling author and internationally recognized education expert, about how small, intentional shifts can create powerful change in classrooms, schools, and careers. Dr. Johnson shares insights on developing others, leading authentically, and building future-ready learning environments grounded in human connection. Listeners will gain practical strategies for cultivating meaningful relationships, empowering growth, and creating impact that extends far beyond the classroom. Learn more about Dr. Brad Johnson and Room 212 Follow Dr. Brad Johnson on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Brad Johnson on X Follow Dr. Brad Johnson on Instagram Learn more about the Agilities© and free classroom resources Follow Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight LinkedIn X

    38 min
  5. Episode 5: Creating Economic Opportunity with Leslie Gill

    Jan 14

    Episode 5: Creating Economic Opportunity with Leslie Gill

    In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with Leslie Gill, President and CEO of Rung for Women, about empowering women to build sustainable, fulfilling careers. From an unexpected start in public service to leading a career accelerator for women in St. Louis, Leslie shares how early life experiences, career agility, and community shaped her path. Listeners will learn why exposure and exploration are critical to career growth, how networks and mentorship fuel economic mobility, and what it truly means to invest in the whole person—not just the job. Learn more about Rung for Women Follow Leslie Gill on LinkedIn Follow Rung for Women on LinkedIn Follow Rung for Women on Instagram Follow Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight LinkedIn X

    35 min
  6. Episode 4: Unlocking Network Strength with Nitzan Pelman

    10/06/2025

    Episode 4: Unlocking Network Strength with Nitzan Pelman

    In this episode of Empowering Careers, host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with Nitzan Pelman, CEO & Founder of Climb Together, about the life-changing power of networks. From her early challenges in school to exploring leadership and entrepreneurship, Nitzan shares how relationships shaped her career—and how building social capital can transform opportunities for job seekers. Listeners will learn why all kinds of connections matter, and how to start creating networks that open doors. Learn more about Climb Together Follow Nitzan on LinkedIn Follow Climb Together on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight LinkedIn X

    48 min
  7. Episode 3: Championing Neurodivergent Talent

    09/02/2025

    Episode 3: Championing Neurodivergent Talent

    Kate Duffy shares how advocacy, community-building, and inclusive education shape her work supporting neurodivergent individuals. From personal experience to professional impact, she offers practical strategies for helping all learners discover their strengths and build meaningful, sustainable career paths. Get in touch with Kate Duffy Coming soon: Kate's Developing Talents Blog Read Developing Talents by Kate Duffy & Dr. Temple Grandin, published by Future Horizons Follow Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight LinkedIn X

    22 min
  8. Episode 2: Building Confidence in the Classroom

    08/04/2025

    Episode 2: Building Confidence in the Classroom

    Host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight welcomes 2024 National Teacher of the Year Missy Testerman for a conversation about cultivating confidence in the classroom, the lasting influence of great educators, and embracing the mindset of lifelong learning. Start building confidence in the classroom with The DeBruce Foundation's K-12 Resources Learn more about Missy Testerman, 2024 National Teacher of the Year Follow Missy LinkedIn X Follow Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight LinkedIn X

    34 min
  9. Episode 1: Reshaping the Job Search with Jonathan Javier

    06/26/2025

    Episode 1: Reshaping the Job Search with Jonathan Javier

    Host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight sits down with Jonathan Javier, CEO of Wonsulting, to talk about the new landscape of job searching, hiring trends, and how Career Literacy can make a difference. Hear how they’re navigating the changing world of work and supporting others to build future-ready careers!  Take your first steps in building Career Literacy by taking the Agile Work Profiler Explore Wonsulting's services Follow Jonathan @wonsulting Instagram LinkedIn Follow Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight LinkedIn X

    37 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Empowering Careers is a podcast from The DeBruce Foundation focused on helping individuals unlock their career potential. Each episode is hosted by Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight and features conversations with inspiring leaders and professionals shaping the future of work. Whether you're a student, jobseeker, parent, educator, career coach, or employer—or simply curious about where work is headed—you’ll discover emerging trends, practical tools, and real-world stories designed to expand career pathways for all.

Information

  • Creator
    The DeBruce Foundation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The DeBruce Foundation
  • Show Website
    Empowering Careers