For Our Edification

Real stories of transformation. Real insights for navigating change.
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

A personal leadership podcast that shares real stories about moments that transform people's careers. Eddie Francis reaches into his bag of strategic communications and leadership expertise, while Dr. Halima Leak Francis comes in with super cool sociological insights to help us be our best selves. forouredification.substack.com

  1. Sep 22

    084 | Creativity Can’t Stop with Adriana Kaegi

    For Adriana Kaegi, technology was both a blessing and a curse. A pioneer of streaming media, Adriana had to pivot quickly when the dot-com bubble burst. And she did. Through twists and turns on an unpredictable media journey, Adriana has maintained her creativity, earning the nickname “The Human Whack-A-Mole.” She discussed how she has kept it all together while continuing to innovate. About Adriana Kaegi | addy.media Adriana Kaegi is a multimedia entrepreneur, producer, and digital pioneer who loves operating at the intersection of music, fashion, and technology. As the founder and executive producer of ADDY.media and StyleCulture.TV, Adriana specializes in creating premium, short-form video content and global syndication strategies for the fashion and lifestyle industries. Long before streaming media became the norm, Adriana was a recognized pioneer in the space. In the late 1990s, she created and hosted “Cyber Cabaret,” one of the web’s first interactive monthly live webcasts, which earned “Best Live Webcast” honors from Yahoo! and CNET. The early embrace of digital innovation led her to become an executive online video producer, bringing major runway fashion shows from New York, Paris, and Milan straight to global audiences through partnerships with outlets like CNN.com. Adriana’s entrepreneurial drive is deeply rooted in her background as a creative trailblazer. She co-founded the legendary, award-winning 1980s pop/funk group Kid Creole and the Coconuts. Serving as the band’s “Mama Coconut,” Adriana directed the choreography, set design, and styling that defined their globally acclaimed, theatrical live shows. Over her career, Adriana has had the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall, appearing on “Saturday Night Live,” and collaborating with artists ranging from U2 to Towa Tei, while continuing to compose and release her own electronic soundtrack albums today. Adriana brings a unique, 360-degree perspective on how to pivot successfully across industries, build a lasting independent brand, and leverage cutting-edge technology to capture niche audiences. Whether discussing the early days of internet broadcasting, the evolution of fashion media, or the realities of running a modern syndication platform, Adriana offers sharp, authentic, and forward-thinking insights. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

  2. Aug 20

    083 | What About Me Needs to Change? with Dr. W. Garrett Goggans

    He was an architect for a home builder when the 2008 housing bubble burst, and it caught up with him in 2009. And then there were the two divorces. Those setbacks gave Dr. W. Garrett Goggans pause. But instead of trying to figure out what was wrong with the world, Garrett looked inward for answers by challenging himself to change. This interview is a masterclass in self-awareness and how it serves as the leadership first commandment. About Dr. W. Garrett Goggans | goggansconsulting.com Dr. W. Garrett Goggans is a leadership strategist, speaker, and founder of Goggans Consulting. He helps leaders look beneath performance to understand the beliefs, internal friction, and patterns shaping how they lead. His work centers on a simple conviction: meaningful leadership begins with the ability to lead oneself. Through practical reflection and intentional alignment, he helps individuals and organizations close the gap between who they are, how they lead, and the impact they aspire to make. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

  3. Jul 16

    082 | Is College a Waste of Time or Did You Waste Your Time?

    Folks who say that college is a waste of time might be leaving out some details about their experience. In this installment of Higher Edification, I take this claim head-on by questioning what part these folks played in the time-wasting. How much does having a sense of personal leadership play in success during and after college? Got thoughts? Give this episode a listen, and tell me what you think! Just a quick FYI… Check out these two episodes Episode 10 | “College Isn’t for Everybody” with Dr. Halima Leak Francis The Way Forward (my weekly radio show) | “Reframing Higher Education” with Duane Cruse, Jr. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

    082 | Is College a Waste of Time or Did You Waste Your Time?

  4. Jun 17

    081 | Be the Pattern with Carrie KC West

    As someone who often speaks her mind, Carrie KC West’s story of career transformation began when a single, unfortunate moment with her boss in Corporate America led to her current career. As she has worked with people as a “hidden story doula,” Carrie has also worked to be the pattern so that her clients could “disrupt the familiar” to tell their hidden stories. About Carrie KC West | carriekcwest.com Carrie KC West is the founder of The Life Rewrite System™ and the award-winning author of Life Rewritten and Money Rewritten. She helps people recognize the hidden narratives shaping their lives and consciously choose new ones. Her approach blends story analysis, emotional awareness, and practical tools. Clients leave strengthened in their own insight, not dependent on hers. Because the point is not to follow her story. It is to reclaim yours. Join Carrie at the Hidden Story Intensive in July! The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

    081 | Be the Pattern with Carrie KC West

  5. May 28

    080 | When Perfectionism Becomes the Disability with Michelle Steiner

    Michelle Steiner suffered a setback in her career when she lost her job during the COVID lockdown, but she had already passed a major life test. Michelle had been told that she wouldn't be successful in college because of her learning disability. Instead of retreating within, Michelle leaned on her community and used that setback to earn her bachelor's degree. Now a disability advocate and an educator, Michelle visited For Our Edification to tell her career transformation story. About Michelle Steiner | michellesmission.com Michelle Steiner lives with an invisible disability. From the start, many people have told her she could not go to college, get her bachelor’s degree, get published, or have the job she wanted. But she has been able to do all of that and more. Michelle graduated from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in community programming. Even more, she has articles published on The Mighty, Non-Verbal Learning Project, Dyscalculia Blog, The Reluctant Spoonie, Kalopina Collective, Imagine the World as One Magazine, and Word Gathering. Michelle’s photographs were featured in Word Gathering Independent and Work Ready. She works as a paraeducator in a school with students with disabilities. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two cats. You can find her at Michelle’s blog www.michellesmission.com. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

    080 | When Perfectionism Becomes the Disability with Michelle Steiner

  6. May 14

    079 | On My Brain: Patience Matters in the Pivot

    A common question that has come up since my most recent full-time adventure: How did I pivot so quickly? I got to work on reinventing myself quickly, but the truth is that this career pivot—my fifth one—took a bit longer. In this episode, I talk about the steps I took and why patience matters in the pivot. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

  7. Apr 24

    078 | From Surviving to Helping Others Survive the Toxic Workplace with Phillip Holmes

    "Setbacks start with what feel like peaks." That's how ‪Phillip Holmes kicked off his conversation with me about his journey from surviving a toxic workplace to helping others navigate toxic workplaces. A coach and leadership consultant, Phillip visited For Our Edification to talk about the process of rebounding from getting lost in ambition to gaining clarity through self-evaluation. Check out Phillip’s thoughts about how people can navigate toxic situations where they work on my weekly radio show, The Way Forward. About Dave Delaney | highestgood.consulting Phillip Holmes is the founder of Highest Good, a coaching and consulting firm that helps high performers navigate toxic workplaces and build careers on their own terms. After earning three promotions in under five years and delivering record-breaking results, Phillip walked away from a politically toxic environment and turned that experience into a platform reaching over 200 million views and 350,000+ followers across social media. Today, he coaches professionals and consults with executive leaders across more than 10 countries to promote healthier workplaces and fulfilling work. His work spans one-on-one coaching, strategic career plans, leadership development, and team development. Phillip is married to Jasmine, and they have three sons. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

  8. Mar 19

    077 | The PR Crisis That Transformed My Career

    It was 15 years ago that I encountered my first and worst crisis as a public relations professional. It was then, when I was Southern University at New Orleans’ public relations director, that a Louisiana legislator proposed a bill that would merge SUNO with the University of New Orleans as part of their move into the University of Louisiana System. The writing was on the wall that a merger presumably meant SUNO’s closure. The moment that hit me without mercy—causing a combination of rage, frustration, and fear—was a local newspaper column that dragged my then-employer through the mud, igniting weeks of additional harsh media and social media commentaries. In the end, SUNO was removed from the bill and remains a member of the Southern University System. In this Higher Edification segment, I speak candidly about how I found a transformational moment with the help of the SUNO community. I also talk about how I developed my personal leadership while continuing to practice personal growth and development. Read more about how this moment helped my growth. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

    077 | The PR Crisis That Transformed My Career
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About

A personal leadership podcast that shares real stories about moments that transform people's careers. Eddie Francis reaches into his bag of strategic communications and leadership expertise, while Dr. Halima Leak Francis comes in with super cool sociological insights to help us be our best selves. forouredification.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Real stories of transformation. Real insights for navigating change.
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Eddie Francis
  • Show Website
    For Our Edification