Ronderings

Ron Rapatalo

In RONderings, Ron talks to his guests about their superpowers, including career advice, diversity, mindset, wellness, and leadership. Ron grew up in New York City, and has been coaching and leading executive searches for the last five years, taking what he has learned from 15 years in corporate, higher education, government, and non-profit contexts. He and his wife are obsessed with reality television, and Ron also moonlights as a men's personal stylist and group fitness instructor. Ron says, "I believe in the power of intuition and deepening one’s self-awareness and impact on others. I believe in the power of connection and transparency. I believe that we must dismantle systems of oppression and racism to recover our fullest humanity. Most of all, I believe our power to change the world starts from changing ourselves first."

  1. Game Changer: Turning Basketball into a Mental Health Revolution – with Kashif (Kash) Hameed

    قبل يوم واحد

    Game Changer: Turning Basketball into a Mental Health Revolution – with Kashif (Kash) Hameed

    From professional athlete to principal to purpose-driven founder, Kash Hameed shares how his journey from basketball courts to classrooms led to creating a movement that’s redefining how communities approach youth mental health and wellness. Growing up in Schenectady, New York, Kash found his way out of limited opportunity through basketball. His talent took him from Iona College, where he earned Hall of Fame honors and led the team from record-breaking seasons to professional leagues across Europe. Yet, even after experiencing global success and acclaim, Kash felt a deeper calling. The drive that once fueled his athletic career transformed into a desire to give back, leading him to education and, eventually, to reimagining how sports can serve as a vehicle for healing and growth. His transition wasn’t easy. Teaching in New York City public schools tested him in new ways, including long days, emotional fatigue, and the humbling challenge of connecting with students from underserved backgrounds. But it was there, amid the chaos of his first year, that Kash discovered profound purpose. Over seven years as a principal at Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy, he witnessed firsthand the growing mental health crisis among youth, especially post-pandemic. That realization sparked Klinic Kids, a nonprofit bridging the worlds of athletics and emotional wellness by pairing professional athletes with licensed clinicians to deliver mental health support through sports. In this conversation, Kash unpacks his holistic framework for youth development—centered on self-worth, resilience, and intentional community building. He shares how techniques like breathwork, positive affirmations, and wellness practices help children and athletes alike redefine success beyond performance metrics. His message is clear: true victory lies not in trophies, but in the ability to grow through life’s challenges with grace, grit, and groundedness. Listeners will leave inspired by Kash’s unwavering commitment to service, his belief in mentorship, and his vision to make mental health as integral to sports as physical training. Tune in to hear how Kash Hameed and Klinic Kids are transforming the game both on and off the court. Chapters 🏀 00:40 Guest Introduction and Kash Hameed’s Journey 📚 01:17 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🎓 03:03 From Professional Basketball to Education 💬 07:26 Klinic Kids Bridging Sports and Mental Health 🌟 07:42 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🌍 14:25 Expanding the Impact of Klinic Kids 🤝 27:58 The Importance of Social Capital ✍️ 29:48 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org  🏆 30:35 Basketball Journey and Overseas Experience 👨‍🏫 33:34 Transition to Teaching and Principalship 🧘 36:33 Mental Health Practices and Cold Therapy ❤️ 44:01 Klinic Kids and Final Reflections 🎙️ 47:30 Want a podcast just like this one? Check podcastsmatter.com LinksWebsite: www.klinickids.comYouTube Channel: Klinic KidsInstagram: @klinickidsCheck out Kash Hameed’s work with Klinic Kids, follow their journey on social media, and explore how you can support their mission to make mental health support accessible, empowering, and transformative for every young athlete.  Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapataloCheck Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473  Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comPublish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.orgStart a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.comGo from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org  For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/

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  2. Turning Loss into Leadership and Purpose with Helen Arteaga Landaverde

    ٥ نوفمبر

    Turning Loss into Leadership and Purpose with Helen Arteaga Landaverde

    From immigrant daughter to hospital CEO, Helen Arteaga Landaverde shares her remarkable journey from translating her father’s leukemia diagnosis as a young girl to leading one of New York’s most vital hospitals with courage, purpose, and heart. In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Helen joins host Ron to reminisce about their NYU days in the 1990s, when two first-generation college students bonded over late nights, campus activism, and dreams that felt far beyond their reach. Today, Helen stands as the CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst as the first woman and first Latina to lead the 192-year-old institution. Her story begins in an Ecuadorian immigrant household in Queens, where ten family members shared one bathroom but never felt poor, surrounded by love and determination. A defining moment came when Helen’s father fell gravely ill, and a young Helen found herself translating life-altering medical news for her mother — an experience that exposed the inequities of healthcare and ignited her lifelong mission. Decades later, she leads the very hospital where her father passed away, transforming it from a symbol of loss into a beacon of healing and equity. During the pandemic, Elmhurst became a global emblem of resilience, developing protocols adopted worldwide. Under Helen’s leadership, the hospital has raised over $140 million, expanded women’s and pediatric services, and redefined what compassionate, community-centered healthcare looks like. Helen’s insights extend far beyond medicine, touching on leadership, cultural identity, and perseverance. She speaks candidly about facing bias as a Latina leader, about turning pain into purpose, and about the quiet power of everyday acts of kindness. For Helen, success means staying rooted in community and using every challenge as fuel to make life better for someone else. Tune in to hear how Helen Arteaga Landaverde transformed hardship into healing, proving that true leadership begins where compassion meets conviction. Chapters  👋 00:40 Meet Helen Arteaga Landaverde and Her Journey from Ecuador to CEO 📚 01:20 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🗣️ 01:21 Ron Shares His Publishing Journey 👩‍👧 02:14 Helen’s Early Life and Family Struggles 💪 04:09 Overcoming Adversity and Helen’s Path to Leadership ✍️ 20:22 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org  🏥 24:55 Pride in Transforming Elmhurst Hospital 🌎 25:43 Leadership and Transformation During the Pandemic 💡 27:27 Fundraising Success and Technological Advancements ❤️ 29:10 Community Connections and Personal Stories ⚕️ 35:22 Challenges in Modern Healthcare 🚀 45:27 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org  🎙️ 50:52 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.org    Links Website: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/locations/elmhurst/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-arteaga-landaverde/Check out Helen Arteaga Landaverde’s work at Elmhurst Hospital and connect with her on LinkedIn to follow her mission of building healthier, more equitable communities for all. Rapatalo Group: rapataloconsulting@gmail.com   Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo  Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473 For more podcasts that matter, check out https://podcaststhatmatter.org/

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  3. Building Leaders and Breaking Barriers from Harlem to Antarctica with Shakira Petit

    ٢٩ أكتوبر

    Building Leaders and Breaking Barriers from Harlem to Antarctica with Shakira Petit

    From science classrooms to the C-suite, Shakira Petit’s journey embodies what it means to lead with purpose, humility, and strategy. A former educator turned CEO of SKP Consultants, Shakira joins Ron to unpack how organizations can identify and develop the leaders already within their walls, before crisis forces their hand. Her story bridges the worlds of education, operations, and executive leadership, proving that the best leadership pipelines are grown, not hired. Shakira shares how divine timing redirected her from a pre-med track to a transformative teaching career at Newark Public Schools, Harlem Children’s Zone, and beyond. What began as a temporary substitute assignment turned into a lifelong calling to develop others. From teaching middle school science to leading district turnarounds, and raising graduation rates from 39% to 95%, her path reflects a deep belief in the potential of people when given structure, trust, and stretch opportunities. Through her leadership journey, Shakira experienced firsthand how mentorship and intentional development shape strong teams. Drawing from mentors like Geoffrey Canada and Shavar Jeffries, she learned that effective leaders multiply their impact by reproducing excellence in others. Her Antarctica research expedition, corporate leadership at Democrats for Education Reform, and tenure as Chief of Staff at the KIPP Foundation all reinforced a single truth: leadership is both art and discipline, cultivated through reflection, accountability, and courage. In this conversation, Shakira breaks down her succession planning framework: how organizations can proactively prepare for change, assess internal depth, and strengthen team dynamics. Her “positionless leadership” philosophy, inspired by basketball greats, encourages fluid collaboration and cross-functional strength. Listeners will walk away with a renewed understanding that true leadership is not about titles or tenure, but about nurturing talent and building legacy. Tune in to hear Shakira’s inspiring perspective on leadership, legacy, and the power of investing in the people you already have. Chapters👋 00:51 Meet Shakira Petit and Her Unexpected Journey into Education 📘 01:26 The Power of Publishing and Personal Growth 🔗 01:32 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🎓 02:16 From Substitute Teacher to Educational Leader 🏫 06:55 Leadership Lessons and Challenges in Education Today 🌐 23:10 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🧭 32:26 The Importance of Succession Planning ⚖️ 33:44 Challenges of External Leadership 🤝 34:29 Building a Strong and Aligned Team 🏀 39:12 Leadership Lessons Inspired by Sports 📚 43:31 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org  💡 49:45 Creating an Effective Leadership Development Program 🎙️ 59:04 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.org  Links Website: https://skpconsultants.com/Check out Shakira Petit’s website to explore her leadership development programs, connect with her consulting firm, and learn how to build strong, sustainable teams from within your organization. Rapatalo Group: rapataloconsulting@gmail.com   Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org  Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo  Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473

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  4. From High-End Events to Meaningful Educational Change with Leslie Wade

    ٢٢ أكتوبر

    From High-End Events to Meaningful Educational Change with Leslie Wade

    From hospitality manager to leadership coach, Leslie Wade shares her extraordinary journey of transforming lessons from the classroom into a people-centered framework that redefines how leaders grow, communicate, and connect. Leslie Wade’s story begins in Brooklyn’s "Bed-Stuy" neighborhood, where an early love of learning and a fearless curiosity set her on a path of self-discovery. From being the student who always raised her hand to attending Brooklyn Tech, one of New York’s most prestigious specialized high schools, she found both challenge and belonging among equally driven peers. Her experiences there, and her mother’s fierce intellectual curiosity, sparked a lifelong belief in the transformative power of education. After studying food service administration at the University of Maryland and working in high-end hospitality and event production in Los Angeles, Leslie found herself unfulfilled by work that dazzled but left no lasting impact. The aftermath of 9/11 became a turning point, prompting her to seek purpose-driven work. Her next chapter in nonprofit and educational leadership, including a pivotal tenure with KIPP New Jersey, immersed her in environments where she could see, firsthand, the profound difference caring adults make in young lives. Leslie’s evolution into a leadership coach emerged from those classroom observations and her years guiding school leaders. She developed the “What Would A Teacher Do?” framework, revealing that great educational leaders already possess the empathy, structure, and feedback systems needed to manage adults effectively—they simply need to reconnect with their teacher instincts. Her approach challenges conventional leadership training by bridging head and heart, theory and practice. In this inspiring conversation, Leslie and Ron explore authenticity, curiosity, and the art of leading with humanity. Listeners will walk away seeing leadership through a new lens—one where teaching and management share the same foundation: empathy, structure, and belief in human potential. Tune in to discover how Leslie Wade is helping leaders unlock their inner teacher and transform organizational culture from the inside out. Chapters 🎙️ 00:49 Meet Leslie Wade and Her Journey from Food Service to Education 📚 01:14 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 💬 02:09 Ron and Leslie Share Personal Stories 🎓 03:36 Leslie’s Educational Journey and Early Challenges 🏫 07:32 Transition into Charter Schools and Leadership 🌐 29:50 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org  🧭 32:29 Steps Toward Effective Leadership 🪞 33:18 The Power and Value of Coaching 🏅 33:57 Building Multi-Sport Leaders 🧩 36:14 Discovering the “What Would A Teacher Do?” Framework ✍️ 42:47 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org  💡 57:50 Embracing Human-Centered Leadership 🎧 01:02:10 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.org  Links Website: https://lesliedianewade.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliedianewade/Check out Leslie Wade’s website and connect with her on LinkedIn to explore her coaching work, leadership resources, and practical tools for building stronger, more human-centered organizations. Rapatalo Group: rapataloconsulting@gmail.com   Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org  Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo  Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473

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  5. Crafting a Life of Purpose, Style, and Social Impact with Lola Banjo

    ١٥ أكتوبر

    Crafting a Life of Purpose, Style, and Social Impact with Lola Banjo

    From engineer to ethical luxury founder, Lola Banjo shares her extraordinary journey of building Silver & Riley, a purpose-driven brand redefining what it means to lead, create, and give back with integrity. Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents and raised across three continents, Lola’s path has been shaped by audacity, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in possibility. As a child in Lagos, she witnessed the realities of poverty and privilege side by side, vowing early to use her opportunities for impact. An academic father who pushed her to master calculus as a child and an entrepreneurial mother who modeled empathy and grit set the foundation for her global outlook and relentless drive. Those lessons would later inform both her leadership and the ethos behind Silver & Riley. After earning degrees in engineering, math, and finance, Lola built a stellar career as a global strategy executive at Salesforce, Deloitte, and Accenture. Yet the spark of entrepreneurship never faded. A freezing flight during business school planted the seed for a new kind of travel company — one that would blend functionality, beauty, and purpose. Today, Silver & Riley stands as a global ethical luxury brand known for Italian craftsmanship, timeless design, and its groundbreaking Buy 1, Give 5 initiative, through which Lola aims to award 1,000 grants to women entrepreneurs by 2030. Lola opens up about scaling a mission-led company without losing its soul — from learning to delegate and lead with trust, to protecting her energy and well-being amid the pressures of entrepreneurship. She shares the daily practices that keep her grounded, from prayer and exercise to reframing mindset and embracing joy as a discipline. This episode of Ronderings is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t built overnight — it’s cultivated through character, courage, and consistent generosity. Tune in to hear how Lola Banjo is shaping the future of ethical luxury and inspiring a new generation of leaders to build with heart. Chapters  👩🏾‍💼 00:41 Meet Lola Banjo and Her Entrepreneurial Journey 🎙️ 01:13 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/  🌍 03:15 Early Life and Inspirations That Shaped Lola Banjo 💡 20:42 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org  👜 21:30 The Birth of Silver & Riley 💖 26:49 Living Out Values Through Social Responsibility ✨ 35:00 Authenticity in Branding and Leadership 🤝 36:05 Leveraging Relationships and Social Capital for Success 📈 39:41 Scaling a Business with Strategy and Grit 📚 45:14 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org  🌿 47:41 Finding Joy and Maintaining Wellness 🔥 50:04 Lessons in Entrepreneurship and Sacrifice 🎧 01:05:40 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.org  Links Website: www.silverandriley.comSocial Media: Instagram @silverandriley Check out Lola Banjo’s work at Silver & Riley, follow her brand on Instagram, and explore how her Buy 1, Give 5 mission is transforming luxury into lasting impact. Rapatalo Group: rapataloconsulting@gmail.com   Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org  Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo  Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473

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  6. Rediscovering Identity and Resilience Across Generations with Eddie Shiomi

    ٨ أكتوبر

    Rediscovering Identity and Resilience Across Generations with Eddie Shiomi

    From uncovering a hidden family history to empowering a new generation of AAPI leaders, Eddie Shiomi shares how reclaiming his past reshaped his purpose and deepened his approach to leadership, storytelling, and civic engagement. In this heartfelt and historically rich conversation, Eddie joins host Ron to trace a remarkable lineage stretching from Okayama, Japan to the United States and beyond. He reflects on his great-grandfather Kaishi’s immigration in 1883, his family’s harrowing wartime experiences across Manchuria and Tokyo, and the extraordinary Senate bill that eventually reunited them. These revelations, discovered through his grandmother’s autobiography and a decades-old family binder, transformed Eddie’s understanding of identity and reminded him that “who we are is who we were.” What began as a personal exploration evolved into a professional philosophy. Drawing from years in public service, including work with the California State Assembly Speaker and leadership roles at Coro New York, Venture for America, and Apex for Youth, Eddie learned that effective leadership begins with curiosity and empathy. Now as Chief Operating Officer of AAPI LEAD, he helps cultivate that ethos at scale by spotlighting the stories of local and municipal AAPI officials and reminding listeners that character development is not just for fiction; it is the heart of authentic leadership. Together, Ron and Eddie reflect on the intersections of ancestry, politics, and creative expression, exploring how storytelling humanizes civic life and strengthens communities. They discuss the growing visibility of Asian Americans in culture and politics, the challenges of sustaining inclusion across diverse identities, and the urgent need for solidarity amid global uncertainty. Through Eddie’s lens, understanding history becomes not an act of nostalgia but a roadmap for resilience and unity. Tune in to hear an inspiring journey through generations that bridges art, activism, and ancestry, and rediscover why knowing each other’s stories may be the most powerful form of leadership we have. Chapters  🎙️ 00:38 Meet Eddie Shiomi and His Journey of Resilience and Activism 📘 01:08 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🌏 02:54 Eddie’s Family History from Japan to America 🌿 15:26 Discovering Family Roots and Reconnecting 💡 20:32 Lessons in Leadership and Character Development 🖋️ 23:27 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🏛️ 25:12 Exploring the World of State Government ✨ 26:07 Spotlighting Local Elected Officials 🤝 27:36 Personal Stories Shaping Political Impact 🌪️ 30:40 A Personal Journey Through Political Turmoil 🌍 40:24 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🎧 53:06 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.org LinksWebsite: https://www.aapilead.org/Instagram:@aapi_lead Instagram: @eddieshowme  Check out AAPI LEAD’s work, follow Eddie Shiomi on Instagram, and explore how his leadership journey continues to shape a more connected, story-driven future for AAPI communities everywhere.    Rapatalo Group: rapataloconsulting@gmail.com   Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org  Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo  Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473

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  7. Organizing Fathers for Social Change and Purpose with Justin Cohen

    ١ أكتوبر

    Organizing Fathers for Social Change and Purpose with Justin Cohen

    From education reformer to grassroots organizer, Justin Cohen shares how his journey from privilege to protest shaped his mission of mobilizing fathers for social change. Justin Cohen grew up in New Jersey surrounded by educators, with a teacher for a mother and a superintendent grandfather who exposed him early to the inequities baked into the school system. After building a successful career in education leadership and policy, Justin faced a turning point during the national reckoning on race and policing following the deaths of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. What began as technical policy work evolved into a deeper calling toward community organizing, where Justin sought to pair grassroots energy with clear demands for justice. That shift led him to work with Campaign Zero and New York’s abolitionist movement, including the No New Jails campaign, experiences that reshaped how he viewed the balance between movements and policy. In 2024, while helping organize support for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, Justin launched Dads for Kamala, an experiment in organizing fathers around political engagement with authenticity, humor, and vulnerability. That effort has since grown into Dads for All, an apolitical organization dedicated to tackling universal challenges like childcare, housing, and family economic security. In this conversation, Justin unpacks the role of masculinity in social change, arguing that fathers represent an untapped force for collective action. He discusses why men often struggle with vulnerability and communication, and how simple practices like side-by-side connection or small acts of organizing can help combat isolation. With honesty and humor, Justin shares how his own fatherhood journey grounds his activism, from advocating for universal childcare to modeling gentler, more restorative ways of being a man. Listeners will walk away inspired by Justin’s clarity, authenticity, and determination to build a culture where fathers are not only present in their families but also powerful agents of community transformation. Tune in to hear his story and learn how Dads for All is reframing what leadership and care can look like. Chapters🎙️ 00:38 Meet Justin Cohen, Co-Founder of Dads for All 📚 01:07 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 👨‍🏫 02:52 Justin’s background and early career ⚖️ 05:01 From education to social justice 👨‍👩‍👦 08:35 The birth of the Dads for All movement 🏠 14:05 Universal childcare and family economic security ✍️ 23:54 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🌸 28:58 Honoring generations of women’s work 👩‍💼 29:13 The modern family workforce 🌞 30:51 Finding joy and rest in daily life 🧘 34:00 The power of meditation 💬 37:50 Emotional vulnerability in men 🚀 40:58 If you are a leader or a changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🎧 53:44 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.org LinksJustinCcohen.com Instagram - @juscohen Homepage: https://dadsforall.com/ Bluesky: @dadsforall.bsky.socialThreads: @dadsforallInstagram: @dadsforallLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dads-for-all/ Dads for All: https://dadsforall.substack.com/ Spinning Plates: https://spinningplate.substack.com/ Check out Justin Cohen’s work at Dads for All, connect with him on Instagram, and explore his writing on Substack to engage with his vision for family, community, and social change. Rapatalo Group: rapataloconsulting@gmail.com   Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.orgGenius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.orgPodcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org  Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo  Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473

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  8. Embracing Confidence and Visibility in Leadership with Sheena Yap Chan

    ٢٤ سبتمبر

    Embracing Confidence and Visibility in Leadership with Sheena Yap Chan

    From immigrant to bestselling author and global keynote speaker, Sheena Yap Chan shares her journey of reclaiming identity, building confidence, and amplifying Asian women’s voices through media, leadership, and visibility. Growing up Chinese-Filipino and moving to Toronto at just seven years old, Sheena faced cultural shame and a painful lack of representation in the media. For years she tried to conform to Western standards, only to realize that denying her heritage kept her small. By reclaiming her identity, she found the courage to launch The Tao of Self-Confidence podcast, which has since become a top-ranked show with over 1.3 million downloads and 800+ interviews. Her story is one of bold pivots and transformative resilience. Leaving behind a 12-year office job, Sheena followed a calling to create meaningful work, even when that meant challenging cultural and family expectations. The pandemic became another turning point, when she co-created Asian Women Who Boss Up and landed a Wiley book deal, despite battling imposter syndrome. The result was The Tao of Self-Confidence and later Bridging the Confidence Gap, both written against the odds and now widely recognized for their impact. In this conversation, Sheena offers practical wisdom on confidence-building, from reframing failure to embracing her “ready, fire, aim” approach. She dives into the cultural conditioning and gender norms that often silence women, and explains why visibility is not vanity but necessity, especially for those navigating leadership and entrepreneurship. Her insights on healing intergenerational trauma, saying yes to opportunities, and using AI as a tool for growth provide a roadmap for women to reclaim agency and step into their own power. Listeners will walk away inspired to challenge outdated narratives, embrace visibility, and start taking bold steps toward their own version of leadership. Tune in to hear Sheena’s remarkable story and gain the tools to bridge your own confidence gap. Chapters 👋 00:39 Meet Sheena Yap Chan Empowerment Leader and Author 📚 01:26 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🌏 03:20 Sheena’s Journey Embracing Identity and Overcoming Challenges 🌟 05:54 The Power of Representation and Visibility ✍️ 07:03 Writing and Publishing Sheena’s Book Journey 💡 08:48 The Importance of Confidence and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 🎤 11:21 Sheena’s Career Arc From Office Job to Public Speaker 🌱 12:52 Cultural Challenges and Personal Growth 🧒 16:18 The Impact of Early Experiences on Confidence 🔑 21:09 Bridging the Confidence Gap Key Takeaways 👩‍💼 26:28 Empowering Women Leaders 📖 26:45 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🚺 27:31 Cultural Challenges for Female Leaders 🤝 31:32 Women Supporting Women in the Workplace 🌐 35:02 Support for Leaders and Changemakers at geniusdiscovery.org 📝 35:43 The Book Writing Process 🤖 39:28 Embracing AI and Technology ⚖️ 46:01 Finding Joy and Balance ✈️ 47:29 Travel and Culinary Adventures 🎙️ 53:25 Start your own podcast with podcastsmatter.org Links Website: sheenayapchan.comSocial Media & Resources: All Sheena’s linksCheck out Sheena Yap Chan’s website, explore her books The Tao of Self-Confidence and Bridging the Confidence Gap, and connect with her across platforms to start building your confidence through visibility today.  Rapatalo Group: rapataloconsulting@gmail.com   Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.comBooks That Matter:  http://booksthatmatter.org Genius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.org Podcasts Matter:  http://podcastsmatter.org  Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo  Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473

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In RONderings, Ron talks to his guests about their superpowers, including career advice, diversity, mindset, wellness, and leadership. Ron grew up in New York City, and has been coaching and leading executive searches for the last five years, taking what he has learned from 15 years in corporate, higher education, government, and non-profit contexts. He and his wife are obsessed with reality television, and Ron also moonlights as a men's personal stylist and group fitness instructor. Ron says, "I believe in the power of intuition and deepening one’s self-awareness and impact on others. I believe in the power of connection and transparency. I believe that we must dismantle systems of oppression and racism to recover our fullest humanity. Most of all, I believe our power to change the world starts from changing ourselves first."

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