Ronderings

Ron Rapatalo
  • 5.0 (6)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Leadership Lives in the Body: What Endurance Sports Teaches Us About Sustainable Leadership – with Jessica Sutter

    4D AGO

    Leadership Lives in the Body: What Endurance Sports Teaches Us About Sustainable Leadership – with Jessica Sutter

    From middle school teacher to Ironman athlete and DC State Board of Education president, Jessica Sutter shares how endurance, youth voice, and values-aligned leadership can transform both systems and lives. Jessica Sutter is the founder of EdPro Consulting and a longtime education leader whose career spans classrooms, state policy, nonprofit consulting, and elected office. Beginning as a middle school teacher in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, she built a reputation for thoughtful systems design and deep respect for young people as civic actors. Her work has included serving as the elected Ward 6 Representative, and later President, of the DC State Board of Education, alongside advising organizations nationwide through EdPro Consulting. Across every role, Jessica brings a rare blend of policy expertise, community listening, and whole-person leadership. A defining throughline in Jessica’s journey has been endurance athletics, which began unexpectedly when her students invited her to join Girls on the Run. What started as road running grew into triathlons and Ironman training, providing mental clarity, resilience, and structure during demanding seasons of leadership. She credits athletic discipline along with friendships and communities outside of work for helping her complete her doctorate, run for office, and navigate public leadership without burnout. The conversation also highlights how coaching in sports reshaped her belief that no meaningful challenge is solved alone. Throughout the episode, Jessica shares practical insights on authentic youth engagement, emphasizing that young people immediately sense inauthenticity. Drawing from Jesuit principles of working “for and with others,” she describes how real change happens when adults listen first and create structures where youth voices genuinely matter, including on decision-making committees. She also challenges assumptions in education leadership by reframing organizational mergers as opportunities for resilience, growth, and legacy rather than failure. At its core, Jessica discusses alignment between body and mind, values and work, service and sustainability. Jessica reflects on what she calls “sacred syncretism,” the integration of personal, professional, and spiritual dimensions that allows leaders to show up fully for others. Listeners will walk away inspired to rethink leadership, community, and the many ways their unique gifts can serve the world. Tune in for a grounded, hopeful conversation on building resilient systems, and a resilient self. Chapters🎙️ 00:39 Meet Jessica Sutter educator and policy leader 📘 01:27 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/  🛤️ 03:11 Jessica Sutter’s journey from accidental educator to policy leader 🏃‍♀️ 09:16 How athletics shaped professional growth and resilience ✍️ 14:49 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org  🤝 19:16 Why community and coaching matter for leadership 🗳️ 27:25 Engaging young people in the political process 🎓 29:23 Lessons on authentic youth engagement from classrooms to school boards ⚖️ 31:10 Challenges and opportunities in youth civic engagement 🌱 34:50 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org  🏫 37:22 Consulting work and mergers in the education sector 🧭 46:54 Aligning personal values with professional life 🎧 54:14 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.com    Links Website: https://www.edproconsultingllc.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasutter/Explore Jessica Sutter’s work through EdPro Consulting, connect with her on LinkedIn, and dive deeper into her writing and leadership to see how values-driven systems change can take root in communities. 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/

    55 min
  2. From Comfort to Conviction: Leading Education Systems through Identity and Truth – with Jenai Emmel

    12/24/2025

    From Comfort to Conviction: Leading Education Systems through Identity and Truth – with Jenai Emmel

    From educator to organizational designer and education advocate, Jenai Emmel shares how a life shaped by service, spirituality, and public education led her to reimagine leadership, storytelling, and systemic change in schools. Jenai Emmel is the founder of Byrd and the Center for Education News, where she works at the intersection of organizational design, culture, and public education advocacy. With a 25-year career spanning roles as a teacher, school and district leader, and consultant, Jenai brings a rare blend of lived experience and strategic insight to the education sector. Her work centers on listening deeply to stakeholders, including students, educators, families, and communities, to design systems that truly serve those closest to the work. Throughout the conversation, Jenai reflects on formative influences that shaped her leadership, including her military family heritage, multicultural background, and Buddhist upbringing. She shares how these experiences instilled a strong sense of service, growth, and accountability, and how adversity has consistently served as fuel rather than a barrier. Rather than chasing endless achievement, she emphasizes integration by aligning personal, professional, and spiritual dimensions to create sustainable impact. Jenai also discusses her transition into independent consulting and media work, including merging her ventures under one organization and launching the Center for Education News after discovering how little and how negatively K–12 education is covered in the media. Drawing from Buddhist principles of cause and effect and continuous improvement, she explains how personal transformation and community change are inseparable. Her leadership approach prioritizes reflection, feedback, and the courage to engage complexity instead of oversimplifying it. This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on purpose-driven leadership, the responsibility that comes with independence, and the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices in education. Tune in and get inspired to ground your work in values, and care for yourself while serving others. Chapters👋 00:39 Meet Dr. Jenai Emmel and her vision for reimagining education 📘 01:19 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🌍 02:09 Dr. Jenai Emmel’s story of identity values and multiculturalism 🧘 05:18 How Buddhism shapes Dr. Jenai Emmel’s leadership approach ✨ 11:20 Exploring spirituality and personal belief systems ✍️ 29:04 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org ❤️ 30:49 Empathy and learning how to manage emotional weight 🌱 34:23 Balancing self-care with professional growth 🚀 45:04 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org 🎓 45:39 Advocacy work and the future of compulsory education 🎙️ 51:23 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.com LinksExplore Jenai's work through Byrd and the Center for Education News to engage more deeply with thoughtful, inclusive conversations shaping the future of public education. 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/

    53 min
  3. When Being “Cool” Isn’t Enough: The Leadership Shift from Popular Ideas to Real Impact – with Oscar Wang

    12/17/2025

    When Being “Cool” Isn’t Enough: The Leadership Shift from Popular Ideas to Real Impact – with Oscar Wang

    From first-generation student to transformative education leader, Oscar Wang shares his journey of reshaping college access in Philadelphia while building a life defined by curiosity, empathy, and impact. Oscar Wang, the founder of College Together, is an Asian-American social entrepreneur dedicated to creating flexible, student-centered pathways to higher education. A graduate of Haverford College, he has spent over a decade addressing systemic barriers faced by first-generation students, blending mentorship, advocacy, and innovative programming to make college attainable for learners of all ages and backgrounds. Known for his humor, candor, and thoughtfulness, Oscar also embraces the small joys of life, from playful wordplay to discovering the city’s best cheesesteaks. His journey wasn’t linear. Initially choosing a college based on proximity to the White House, Oscar realized the importance of aligning decisions with purpose rather than appearances. As the sole transfer student at Haverford, he navigated isolation and self-doubt, eventually founding Mentor for Philly to connect college students with high school mentees. Early nonprofit ventures highlighted a gap between popular programs and real-world outcomes, leading him to pivot repeatedly until founding College Together, an institution that combines project-based learning, flexible credit pathways, and personalized student support. Oscar shares frameworks and principles that guided his leadership: prioritizing mission over ego, embracing collaboration, and learning from “happy hour” conversations to uncover authentic problems. He emphasizes that ideas can evolve, but values remain constant, and that meaningful change comes from empathy, listening, and proximity to the communities served. Through College Together, students earn credits, gain work experience, and complete degrees on timelines that reflect real-world constraints, challenging traditional notions of the college experience. Listeners will take away insights into leadership, innovation, and the power of culturally attuned mentorship. Oscar’s story underscores the need for representation, persistence, and adaptability in creating educational models that meet learners where they are. Tune in to hear how one leader is redefining college, bridging gaps between aspiration and access, and inspiring a new generation of students and social entrepreneurs. Chapters 👋 00:38 Meet Oscar Wang on Resilience and Innovation 📚 01:14 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/  🌎 05:08 Oscar's Journey from California to Philadelphia 🏫 06:59 Founding College Together with Challenges and Triumphs 💡 17:54 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org  🤝 27:18 Reflecting on the Mentorship Program 🍹 31:39 Learning from the Happy Hour Principle 🔄 32:41 Pivoting to a New College Model 🎓 38:02 Adapting Education to Modern Students' Needs 🌟 43:38 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org  🚀 45:41 Advice for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs 🎧 51:54 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.com  LinksWebsite: collegetogether.org Instagram: @collegetogether Instagram: @oscarkirschwang Check out Oscar Wang’s website, follow him on Instagram, and explore his innovative approaches to higher education and mentorship to see how students of all ages can access meaningful, flexible learning opportunities.   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/

    55 min
  4. From Loss to Purpose: The Inner Work Behind Sustainable Leadership – with Cecilia Paz Aguilar

    12/10/2025

    From Loss to Purpose: The Inner Work Behind Sustainable Leadership – with Cecilia Paz Aguilar

    From surviving early loss to building mission-driven strategies, Cecilia Paz Aguilar shares how turning pain into purpose shaped her leadership, creativity, and commitment to sustainable growth. Cecilia Paz Aguilar is the Founder of Rozas Rising, a business development and event strategy firm that helps leaders and organizations bring ideas to life through connection, clarity, and execution. With a background as an educator and founding school leader across California, Texas, and Louisiana, Cecilia has spent her career bridging mission-driven partners with the tools and relationships they need to thrive. She also serves as a PT Business Development Consultant with Stronger Consulting, expanding partnerships across education and social impact spaces. Known for blending strategy with heart, Cecilia brings a deeply human approach to leadership and growth. In this conversation, Cecilia reflects on growing up in Stockton, California, navigating the loss of her mother at a young age, and how survival instincts shaped her relentless work ethic. She shares how humor became a family healing tool, while achievement became both a shield and a strain. As the daughter of immigrants, Cecilia explains how the drive to prove oneself can fuel success but quietly block true thriving. Over time, burnout and reflection pushed her toward a slower, more intentional pace rooted in self-trust rather than external validation. Cecilia offers powerful insights on purpose-driven building, nervous system health, and sustainable ambition. She speaks candidly about overworking as a trauma response, the importance of self-awareness, and how neuroscience, psychology, and intuition intersect in leadership. Meditation, music, and meaningful relationships now anchor her wellness practices, allowing her to show up more fully as a founder and partner. At its core, this episode is a conversation about legacy, healing, and redefining success on your own terms. Cecilia reminds listeners that pain is not an ending, but a redirection. One that can lead to clarity, peace, and aligned impact when honored intentionally. Tune in to hear a grounded, inspiring discussion on growth that doesn’t cost you yourself. Chapters✨ 00:43 Meet Cecilia Paz Aguilar and her journey of resilience 📚 01:16 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/  🌱 02:09 Cecilia’s story from Stockton to becoming an educator 💡 04:22 Finding purpose and meaning through adversity ✍️ 15:33 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org  🧠 26:01 Exploring neuroscience and emotional intelligence 🧘‍♀️ 28:02 Meditation practices and tools for grounding 🎶 29:18 Musical influences and the stories they carry 🚀 33:38 Launching a new business venture with Rozas Rising 🌹 38:05 Reflections on loss resilience and personal growth 🌍 40:56 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org  🎙️ 47:38 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.com  LinksWebsite: https://www.rozasrising.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliapaz11/ Email: founder@rozasrising.comExplore Rozas Rising, connect with Cecilia on LinkedIn, or reach out directly to learn how her work in strategy, leadership, and relationship-building can help your vision rise with clarity and purpose. 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/

    50 min
  5. Turning Discrimination into Opportunity: Elevating Leaders and Cultures through Inclusion – with Nicole Smart

    12/03/2025

    Turning Discrimination into Opportunity: Elevating Leaders and Cultures through Inclusion – with Nicole Smart

    From immigrant roots to industry-leading influence, Nicole Smart shares how purpose, identity, and intentional leadership shaped her journey into DEI, executive coaching, and transformative workplace culture. Nicole Smart, Founder and Principal Consultant of Smart EDI Solutions LLC and the coaching platform Purpose Tracks, brings over a decade of cross-sector experience rooted in advancing equity, leadership excellence, and intentional culture-building. As a daughter of Trinidadian immigrants, she credits her parents’ service-driven careers for instilling the work ethic, integrity, and sense of purpose that continue to define her approach today. Now an adjunct faculty member at NYU’s Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport, Nicole integrates her professional sports background with her passion for developing leaders who create environments where people and performance thrive. Nicole reflects on pivotal moments that redirected her path, from experiencing early discrimination after immigrating to New York, to pursuing law school before ultimately discovering her place in professional sports. A crucial conversation with a WISE mentor helped her see that purpose doesn’t require a predetermined roadmap, leading her to pursue a master’s degree at Cornell rather than a traditional legal route. Through these experiences, she learned that nonlinear journeys often reveal the most authentic destinations. Nicole shares a wealth of insights, including her “smart intention” practice centered on intentionality, redirection, and positivity. She reframes DEI as an inclusive, identity-aware framework that benefits everyone, emphasizing the competitive advantage that diverse perspectives bring to leadership and organizational success. With research showing that over 90% of women in the C-suite played sports, she highlights how athletic environments offer powerful case studies in resilience, teamwork, and leadership development. She also speaks to the evolving landscape of workplace culture, noting how globalization, AI, and shifting societal expectations require leaders to adapt and act with greater self-awareness. Despite political pressures and DEI rollbacks, Nicole remains focused on tangible, human-centered practices that cultivate belonging, value, and psychological safety. Listeners will walk away inspired to rethink traditional career paths, embrace identity as a leadership strength, and approach their work with purpose-driven intention. Tune in to hear Nicole’s powerful story and her practical wisdom on leadership, identity, and shaping equitable workplaces that help people thrive. Chapters 👋 00:47 Meet Nicole Smart and Her Journey from Crown Heights to NYU 🔗 01:26 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🌟 02:23 Nicole’s Story of Family, Integrity, and Hard Work 🎯 06:00 Nicole’s Career Path from Law Aspirations to DEI Leadership 📝 12:46 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org 🏈 21:27 The Business of Sports and Fan Engagement 🏆 22:15 Leadership and the Cultural Impact of Sports 🤝 24:08 Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Sports 🏢 32:20 Navigating DEI Challenges in Today’s Workplace 💡 34:50 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org  🌱 37:40 Personal Growth and the Journey of Professional Development 🎙️ 44:02 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.com  LinksWebsite: https://www.smartedisolutions.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nssmart/Check out Nicole Smart’s work at Smart EDI Solutions and connect with her to deepen your leadership journey and build more intentional, inclusive environments.  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/

    47 min
  6. Redefining Inclusion: Building Workplaces That Work for Everyone – with Natalie Holder

    11/26/2025

    Redefining Inclusion: Building Workplaces That Work for Everyone – with Natalie Holder

    From journalist-in-training to nationally recognized employment strategist, Natalie Holder shares how a lifelong instinct to protect others evolved into a career dedicated to equity, courage, and transformational allyship. Natalie Holder, President and CEO of QUEST Employment Initiatives, LLC, joins Ron to share the journey that shaped her into one of today’s most respected voices in employment strategy and workplace inclusion. Originally drawn to journalism and marketing during her time at NYU, she discovered that the law offered a powerful path to advocate for underrepresented communities. After earning her law degree from Tulane, she worked across human rights agencies and major law firms before realizing that her true calling was educating organizations on how to build cultures grounded in respect and accountability. Her path took a pivotal turn when she created QUEST Diversity Initiatives, transforming traditional compliance training into experiential, story-driven learning. But the most profound shift came when she accepted the role of Chief Diversity Officer for the U.S. Capitol Police, a decision inspired by the Michael Brown tragedy and fueled by a desire to influence systemic change from within. Through candid stories about allyship, including the CFO who gave up his office so she could lead effectively, Natalie illustrates how real support requires sacrifice, visibility, and action. Throughout the conversation, Natalie breaks down the frameworks that guide her work today: practicing courageous allyship, cultivating a personal board of directors, and understanding employment as the foundation of human stability. She offers practical advice on negotiating severance packages, protecting workplace rights, and monetizing long-term skills without compromising professionalism. Her reflections on childhood, leadership, and the moral obligation of those with privilege underscore a powerful message: inclusion is built through everyday choices, not policy alone. Listeners will walk away inspired to speak up, build stronger support networks, and lead with integrity—whether in their communities, companies, or personal lives. Tune in for a conversation that blends wisdom, candor, and a call to be a more intentional ally. Chapters 👋 00:39 Meet Natalie Holder, a Trailblazer in DEI 📚 01:23 Publish Your Book At https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🚀 02:17 Natalie’s Career Path and DEI Initiatives 🤝 13:18 The Importance of Allyship and Inclusive Leadership ✍️ 24:54 Find Support for Writing Your Impact-Driven Book At booksthatmatter.org 🌱 27:27 Reflecting on Early Career Struggles 🤖 27:59 The Role of AI in Human Rights Commissions ⚖️ 31:19 Natalie’s Sense of Justice and Early Influences 🧭 35:02 Building a Personal Board of Directors 💼 39:55 Career Advice and Employment Law Tips 🌟 45:38 Go From Expert to Thought Leader With the Help Of geniusdiscovery.org  🎙️ 51:14 Want a Podcast Just Like This One? Check out podcastsmatter.com LinksWebsite: QUEST Employment InitiativesLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/natalievholderCheck out Natalie Holder’s work, explore her resources through QUEST Employment Initiatives, and connect with her on LinkedIn to continue learning how to cultivate truly inclusive workplaces. 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/

    54 min
  7. How Ancestral Roots and Harlem Pride Inspire Leadership – with Dr. Rahesha Amon

    11/19/2025

    How Ancestral Roots and Harlem Pride Inspire Leadership – with Dr. Rahesha Amon

    From fourth-generation New Yorker to nationally recognized education leader, Dr. Rahesha Amon shares how her identity, heritage, and lived experiences shaped her purpose-driven journey in transforming schools and developing the next generation of teachers. In this episode, Dr. Amon reflects on her deep New York City roots, describing how Harlem, her family’s African lineage, and the energy of the city molded her resourcefulness, directness, and authentic leadership style. She and Ron revisit the cultural richness of their hometown and the early influences, from museum work to arts education, that sparked her love for history, storytelling, and service. Even as her career expanded beyond New York, she remains grounded in the people and places that raised her. Dr. Amon opens up about pivotal turning points, including the profound impact of her “Black Mitzvah” trip to West Africa at age twelve and how her mother intentionally cultivated ancestral pride. She shares lessons learned from career shifts, from her early days as a fifth-grade teacher at PS 107 in the Bronx to founding Frederick Douglass Academy III and later serving as a superintendent. Moments of challenge, including being fired, became catalysts for clarity, faith, and resilience that ultimately guided her toward her current role. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Amon breaks down the realities of systemic inequities in education and why comprehensive teacher preparation, like the model she leads at City Teaching Alliance, is essential for long-term student success. Her insights offer a powerful blend of personal history, practical leadership wisdom, and a call to remember that investing deeply in people is both cost-effective and transformational. At every step, she emphasizes purpose, community, and the belief that there is abundant space for everyone to thrive. This episode is a rich meditation on identity, leadership, community, and legacy—inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys while learning from Dr. Amon’s remarkable path. Tune in to hear a conversation filled with heart, history, and hope for what’s possible in education and beyond. Chapters 🗣️ 00:39 Welcoming Dr. Rahesha Amon 🔗 01:08 Publish Your Book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/ 🌆 02:02 Dr. Rahesha Amon on New York Roots and Identity 🌍 04:52 Exploring Heritage and Family History 💡 11:02 If You're a Leader or Changemaker Looking for Support, Check Out geniusdiscovery.org  🎓 30:16 Lessons in Leadership 🏫 31:33 Founding a School and the Power of Mentorship ✍️ 37:40 Support for Writing Your Impact-Driven Book at booksthatmatter.org  🏢 38:26 Current Role at City Teaching Alliance ✨ 47:20 Trust the Process and Final Reflections 🎙️ 51:54 Want a Podcast Like This One? Visit podcastsmatter.com  LinksWebsite: cityteachingalliance.orgLinkedIn: Dr. Rahesha Amon LinkedIn: City Teaching AllianceConnect with Dr. Rahesha Amon on LinkedIn and explore the work of City Teaching Alliance to learn more about her mission to uplift educators and transform student outcomes. 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/

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

    11/12/2025

    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/

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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."

Information

  • Creator
    Ron Rapatalo
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023-2025 Ron Rapatalo
  • Show Website
    Ronderings