Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

Lorraine Connell

Welcome to Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, the podcast where we dive into the experiences of current Titan leaders to uncover how their teenage years shaped their paths to success and how a coach might have helped them along the way. Hosted by Lorraine Connell, Teen Leadership Coach and founder of Peers Not Fears, this show offers parents, teens, and aspiring leaders invaluable insights and practical advice. In each episode, we candidly talk with leaders who reflect on their challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments from their youth. We explore how mentorship and coaching helped or could have impacted their journey, and we invite them to become mentors for our program teens, sharing their wisdom and experiences. Whether you’re a parent seeking to empower your child, a teen navigating the complexities of adolescence, or an aspiring leader looking for guidance, Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans provides the tools and inspiration needed to cultivate leadership skills, foster resilience, and embrace potential. Join our community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey towards unlocking your teen’s leadership potential!

  1. 6d ago

    Building Relationships for Business and Life with Lisa Keslar

    In this inspiring interview, Lisa Keslar shares her journey from teenage challenges to becoming a successful entrepreneur and leader. She discusses the importance of relationships, resilience, and authenticity in personal growth and business success. Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Personal Growth, Relationships, Teen Development, Resilience, Authenticity Key topics Teenage experiences shaping leadership The importance of relationships in business Resilience and overcoming challenges Build genuine relationships and networks Practice inclusion and kindness daily Reflect on childhood experiences to inform growth Balance personal growth with giving back "It was such an important part of my journey." "You don't want to peak in high school." "The more you give, the more you get." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lisa Keslar 01:34 Teenage Years and Personal Growth 09:21 The Impact of Scoliosis on Identity 11:49 Lessons from High School Experiences 19:06 Journey into Entrepreneurship 23:23 Rethinking Insurance: Understanding Coverage Needs 25:57 The Importance of Relationships in Business 29:19 Building Community and Friendships 33:16 The Power of Vulnerability and Connection 36:05 Empowering Young People Through Relationships 40:13 Connecting and Networking in a Digital Age Lisa Keslar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakeslar Speak Boldly Showcase - https://speakboldlyshowcase.com

  2. Aug 7

    Nevin Brown on rewriting self-belief through music, media, and collaborative leadership

    Lorraine interviews Nevin Brown about how a difficult childhood, restrictive early experiences, and growing up as a Black child in a predominantly white town shaped his self-image and leadership style. The conversation centers on how Nevin moved from believing he was limited to building a life rooted in creativity, autonomy, and service to others. Nevin Brown is a musician, filmmaker, photographer, and president of Portsmouth Public Media Television. He shares how storytelling, volunteer-led production, and years of creative practice helped him build confidence and lead without controlling others. Key topicsIn this episode, Nevin explains how early experiences of strict parenting, school struggle, and low self-confidence made him believe he was less capable than he really was.He describes how poor grades became proof, in his mind, that he was not smart or able, even though later reflection showed he lacked support and accountability more than ability.Nevin shares a deeply personal childhood abuse experience tied to bedwetting, including being forced to spend entire days in an unheated shed, and how that taught him harmful lessons about shame and worth.He talks about growing up as one of very few Black people in his town, and how his adoptive parents tried to expose him to Black writers and musicians even though they could not fully teach him that experience.He explains how reconnecting with his biological mother changed his understanding of Black identity, family history, and his place in a legacy connected to slavery and the civil rights era.Music was always present in his life, but not as a career plan. He taught himself harmony by listening to The Beatles, sang in chorus from kindergarten through high school, and later got pulled into guitar almost by accident.Nevin emphasizes that he chose music on his own terms, keeping it separate from financial pressure so it could remain something he loved rather than something he had to do.He reflects on leadership as something others recognize in you, not something you force. His style is collaborative, autonomy-focused, and rooted in helping people succeed rather than telling them what to do.His work with Portsmouth Public Media Television is a practical example of that leadership style, especially in volunteer-driven productions where he sees his role as creating space and giving people what they need.He shares how saying yes to one radio opportunity in his early twenties led to his first job in radio, showing how action and openness can replace self-doubt over time. Timestamps(00:00) Intro to Nevin Brown and the story behind his leadership(02:17) Nevin explains why he struggled to connect his past to who he is now(03:17) How strict upbringing and lack of support shaped his belief that he was limited(05:38) Why school grades became the main evidence he used against himself(08:48) The childhood punishment that taught shame instead of safety(12:39) Growing up Black in a predominantly white town and trying to fit in(16:01) Reconnecting with his biological mother and reframing Black identity(17:24) Music as a lifelong presence before it became a serious practice(18:52) How a band decision unexpectedly made him a guitarist(20:19) Choosing music as a passion, not a financial obligation(22:40) Why he still sees himself as a work in progress(23:10) Leadership, visibility, and being recognized before he recognized himself(24:38) Why Nevin believes leadership should be chosen by others(26:47) Collaborative leadership in volunteer-based media production(31:32) Teachers who treated him like he mattered, regardless of grades(33:05) How a joke turned into becoming class president(35:09) The first time he realized he could lead through pressure and uncertainty(38:00) Saying yes to a radio opportunity that changed his career(40:44) Where to find Nevin’s music and media work

  3. Jul 30

    When Injury Ends the Dream, Identity Begins, Heather Sweeney's Story

    From Competition to Resilience: Heather Sweeney’s Journey of Overcoming Injury and Building a New IdentityIn this episode, Heather Sweeney shares her inspiring story—from the high-intensity world of competitive swimming dedicated to Olympic dreams to the unexpected loss of her athletic career due to injury. Her journey through disappointment, mental health struggles, divorce, and finding new purpose as a writer offers valuable lessons on resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of mental health. Main topics - Key insights:Heather’s early passion for swimming and the discipline it instilledThe impact of injury at age 19 and how it abruptly ended her athletic careerCoping with disappointment and using journaling as a healing toolThe mental and physical toll of injuries and the importance of seeking helpLessons learned from competing at high levels and leadership roles as a team captainTransitioning from athlete to writer, and using storytelling as empowermentThe significance of mental health awareness among athletes and role models like Simone Biles and Naomi OsakaStrategies for parents to support children in pursuing sports without vicarious pressureHow Heather’s military life and divorce influenced her memoir, CamouflageThe power of sharing diverse experiences and encouraging authenticity in writingAdvice for teenage athletes: prioritize mental health, ask for help, and take breaks when neededEncouragement for women to explore multiple areas of expertise and leadership Timestamps:00:00 - Heather’s early motivation and high-level swimming in New Jersey 00:31 - Transition to Florida and the impact of changing swim teams 01:01 - Achieving national rankings and Olympic trial dreams 01:53 - The devastating effect of injury and missing the Olympic team by fractions of a second 02:17 - Ignoring pain and swimming through shoulder injuries, leading to chronic issues 02:47 - The wake-up call at a national meet and decision to retire from swimming 03:14 - College scholarships, running track, and the disconnect with her athletic identity 04:09 - Continuing college with injuries, stress fractures, and physical therapy 04:38 - The critical advice from an orthopedic surgeon about future family plans 05:03 - Retirement at 19 and the journey of self-discovery through journaling and writing 06:29 - Developing perseverance, time management, and goal setting from athletics 07:27 - Childhood lessons on handling disappointment and sportsmanship 08:41 - Recognizing the importance of mental health, especially for elite athletes 09:26 - Reflecting on college choices and the value of academic versus athletic scholarships 10:13 - The nuanced decision between larger and smaller universities and athletic considerations 11:11 - Balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth at Davidson College 12:09 - The risks of cross-training, injuries, and the mental effects of physical setbacks 13:20 - The toll on confidence and perceived performance despite being a top college swimmer 14:28 - Early signs of injury and the importance of listening to one’s body 15:20 - Lyme disease diagnosis during high school and its impact 15:42 - Physical therapy and advocating for her health rights 16:48 - Leading as a team captain while hiding injuries and the importance of openness 17:41 - The growing movement of athletes speaking out on mental health 18:11 - Role models like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka challenging stigma 19:36 - Writing her memoir, Camouflage, about military life and post-divorce resilience 20:04 - Lessons from military life that shaped her independence and adaptability 22:52 - Transition from blogging to writing her book and professional journalism 24:58 - Using journaling from her personal experiences as a foundation for her memoir 27:05 - Light-hearted writing about entertainment and culture, including TV and movies 28:11 - The healing power of entertainment and storytelling in seeing ourselves reflected 29:22 - Parenting advice: allowing children to explore interests without projecting unfulfilled aspirations 30:42 - Encouraging children to try different activities and follow their passions 33:03 - Advice for teenage athletes: protect mental health and ask for help 35:24 - Where to find her book and her social media presence Resources & Links:Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military MarriageHeather L. Sweeney - WebsiteHeather L. Sweeney on InstagramAmy Cuddy - "Presence" Book — for understanding body language and confidenceMental Health Resources for Athletes Connect with Heather Sweeney:InstagramWebsite

  4. Jul 23

    Healing the Root: Marielle Ceresa's Story of Resilience, Belonging, and Purpose

    Embracing Balance, Authenticity, and Empathy: A Conversation with Marielle CeresaDiscover how Marielle Ceresa's personal journey through community, identity, and healing informs her work in Chinese medicine and acupuncture. This episode explores themes of self-confidence, resilience, activism, and holistic health. Main Topics:The impact of childhood experiences and cultural identity on personal and professional developmentThe role of empathy and compassion in healthcare and healing practicesHow anger and other emotions can be harnessed as tools for growth and activism In this episode:Marielle Ceresa shares her story of growing up as a Latina in a predominantly white town and navigating undiagnosed ADHDThe influence of early entrepreneurial experiences and decision-making authority on her confidenceThe importance of emotional intelligence, including meditation and therapy, in resilienceHow traditional Chinese medicine views balancing the body, emotions, and spiritPractical advice for those feeling othered or disconnected, including embracing anger constructivelyThe significance of modeling respectful behaviors to younger generations Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Marielle Ceresa and her holistic health expertise 02:14 - Marielle's teenage years: activism, independence, and cultural identity 04:41 - Growing up as a Latina in the 80s: facing racism and feeling different 06:31 - The importance of support systems and authentic self-expression 08:29 - Early entrepreneurial ventures and building confidence through decision-making 09:13 - Confidence versus authority: how leadership shaped self-belief 10:39 - Developing internal voice and standing up to bullies 12:21 - Empathy's role in understanding others' pain and community healing 13:50 - Navigating loneliness and finding inner strength in solitude 16:46 - The transformative power of therapy and ongoing self-work 20:05 - Addressing systemic racism: the influence of adults' behaviors on children 20:38 - How modeling respectful and inclusive behavior can change social dynamics 23:07 - The universality of feeling "othered" across identities and communities 24:36 - Recognizing and addressing microaggressions in daily life 26:17 - The importance of language and perceptions in reinforcing stereotypes 30:13 - Using empathy as a tool for holistic healing in acupuncture 34:08 - The connection between emotions, energy, and physical health in Chinese medicine 39:00 - How acupuncture works holistically and the mystery behind its mechanisms 43:36 - Practical advice for restoring balance and embracing one’s true self 44:10 - The benefits of meditation and therapy in managing emotions and healing 45:56 - Harnessing anger as motivation for activism and self-empowerment 48:01 - Connecting with Marielle: contact info and social media links Resources & Links:Upright Acupuncture & WellnessMarielle Ceresa’s EmailInstagram - Upright Acupuncture WellnessThe Huangdi Nei Jing (Inner Canon) Connect with Marielle Ceresa:WebsiteEmailInstagram

  5. Jul 16

    From Silence to Power: Ashley Ryall’s Journey of Finding Her Voice and Inspiring Others

    In this insightful conversation, Ashley Ryall shares her transformation from a shy, introverted teen to a confident leader and advocate for women's voices. Discover how embracing vulnerability and redefining leadership can create lasting impact. Main Topics: Ashley's childhood experiences with silence and sensitivity Overcoming introversion and stepping into leadership roles The importance of redefining power and influence Strategies for women to find and use their authentic voice The value of small moments in shaping identity and confidence How to support teenagers and young women in their journey to speak boldly Building platforms and opportunities for women to share their stories The significance of influence grounded in authenticity rather than authority Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Ashley Ryall’s journey from shy teen to influential speaker 00:30 - Ashley’s childhood: navigating sensitivity, silence, and family chaos 02:02 - The internal turmoil of not fitting in and avoiding rule-breaking 04:04 - How Ashley’s introversion impacted her leadership aspirations 06:21 - The challenge of stepping into student leadership roles despite shyness 07:44 - Ambitions to leave her hometown and become a leader 09:15 - The story of being a co-captain in basketball and motivational speaking reluctance 12:37 - A pivotal moment in a sports game that reshaped Ashley’s view of leadership 14:27 - How small moments influence self-belief and narratives we carry 16:38 - Observing rule-breaking among peers and its impact on perceptions of power 19:34 - The difference between traditional power and authentic influence 21:38 - Ashley’s journey to finding internal power and speaking her truth 23:15 - Personal lessons from her divorce and the importance of authentic living 24:08 - Supporting women to speak up and share their stories 26:54 - Ashley’s work as a speaker agent empowering women to lead 28:24 - Reconnecting with Lorraine and co-creating opportunities to amplify women’s voices 32:46 - The collective power of women gathering and sharing stories 33:59 - Advice for teenagers and parents: harnessing sensitivity and introversion as strengths 35:25 - The importance of listening and observing as elements of leadership 36:17 - Closing reflections on the significance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership Resources & Links: Ashley Ryall on LinkedIn Ashley Ryall on Instagram ashleyryall.com

  6. Jul 9

    How a Teen Mom, Josy Martinez, Overcame Generational Trauma to Empower Women Financially

    From Challenges to Confidence: Josie Martinez’s Journey of Resilience and Empowerment In this inspiring episode, Josy Martinez shares her powerful story of overcoming adversity, embracing her heritage, and transforming her experiences into a mission to empower women and small business owners in managing their finances. Her journey from childhood trauma to a successful fractional CFO underscores the importance of confidence, resilience, and community. Main Topics Covered: Josy's early life struggles and how they shaped her leadership Overcoming generational trauma, depression, anxiety, and cultural challenges The role of extended family and community in her growth Navigating motherhood as a teen and breaking family cycles Building confidence in financial literacy and business ownership The importance of mindset and emotional well-being in financial success Practical advice for teens and parents facing adversity How society pressures women and how to break those barriers Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 02:08 - Josy's childhood in Puerto Rico and the impact of her mother's hard work 03:16 - Learning to read lips and navigating hearing impairment as a child 04:04 - Challenges of feeling different and seeking acceptance in school 05:22 - Navigating depression and anxiety during adolescence 06:20 - The impact of absent father figures and seeking self-worth 07:17 - Moving to a new school and finding community 08:16 - Reflection on parent decision-making and including children in conversations 09:41 - The power of extended family and grandparents in her life 12:02 - Balancing different worlds: home, school, and community 13:08 - How she kept her worlds separate and the importance of community support 14:45 - Grandparents’ role in providing love, safety, and stability 15:57 - Her parents' background and the family’s immigrant story 16:37 - The significance of family links back in Puerto Rico 17:24 - Healing through extended family and overcoming emotional challenges 18:48 - Her grandmothers' lasting influence and creating meaningful keepsakes 19:25 - Navigating early motherhood and her relationship with her child's father 20:07 - Pursuing her passion for accounting despite obstacles 21:14 - Breaking societal and familial expectations and the drive for success 22:48 - The realities of teenage motherhood and balancing responsibilities 23:38 - Society’s expectations versus women’s capacity for leadership 24:18 - Deciding to break the cycle and how her environment shaped her vision 25:14 - Her years of perseverance in education and career growth 26:36 - The significance of mentors and unwavering drive in her journey 27:34 - Achieving academic and career milestones through dedication and community support 28:43 - The importance of family and community in her educational achievements 29:35 - Transitioning from corporate success to helping small businesses 30:45 - Teaching financial literacy to women, inspired by her mother’s struggles 32:22 - Supporting women’s confidence and breaking barriers in finance 34:19 - Redefining success beyond dollar signs and fostering internal strength 35:37 - Overcoming societal stereotypes around women’s roles and leadership 36:36 - How confidence enables women to think big and aim for success 38:11 - Advice for teens and parents: Your beginnings don’t define you Resources & Links: Southern New Hampshire University Instagram Connect with Josy Martinez: Instagram LinkedIn Website Facebook

  7. Jul 2

    How a Dyslexic Teen, Ceana Santori, Used Colors and Mnemonics to Conquer School Challenges

    Most traditional schooling teaches success in black and white — but what if learning in color could unlock incredible potential? Ceana Santori, a dyslexic entrepreneur and founder of Category Minds, reveals how her color-coded mnemonic system turned her biggest challenges into her greatest strengths, paving the way for anyone to learn faster, remember longer, and succeed beyond limits. At just 13, Ceana developed her innovative four-step color system—mapping hues to strategies grounded in cognitive science, color psychology, and universal design—long before her diagnosis. She shares how creating this system as a young girl helped her navigate overwhelming classrooms, silenced doubts, and transform frustration into confidence. Her story isn’t just inspiring; it’s a blueprint for turning neurodivergence into a superpower.You'll discover: The genius behind her color-coded mnemonic approach that turns studying into a visual, musical, and playful experience How her system helps educators and learners organize, chunk, and retain complex information across any subject or skill—whether in school, sports, or business Why neurodivergent minds are not broken but beautifully different, capable of driving innovation and leadership when given the right tools The broader impact: how embracing learning diversity can reshape perceptions of success and open new pathways for everyone Practical tips for parents, teachers, and students eager to harness the power of visual and multisensory learning strategies This isn’t just a story about overcoming; it’s about revolutionizing education—making it accessible, engaging, and effective for all. If you’ve ever felt stuck or frustrated in a system that doesn’t recognize your unique mind, this episode is your wake-up call. With her resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit, Ceana shows us that no challenge is too big when you learn to see the world in color. Perfect for educators, parents, students, entrepreneurs, or anyone curious about transforming learning and breaking down barriers. Tune in to discover how one young girl’s bold system is inspiring a future where everyone can learn their way and thrive without limits. Learn more here at Categoryminds.com Email Ceana here categoryminds@gmail.com

  8. Jun 25

    Helping Teens Find Their Voice with Gayle Alexander

    In this episode of Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor Gayle Alexander to discuss the growing mental health challenges facing today's teens and young adults. Drawing from both her personal story and over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and families, Gayle shares how anxiety, perfectionism, social media, and overprotection can impact a young person's ability to trust themselves and build resilience. Together, Lorraine and Gayle explore why today's teens are experiencing higher levels of anxiety than ever before, the importance of developing decision-making skills, and how parents can support their children without unintentionally taking away their voice. This conversation is packed with practical advice for parents, educators, and teens looking to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and self-trust. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why resilience is more important than perfection • The difference between normal anxiety and clinical anxiety • How social media contributes to comparison and loneliness • Why teens need opportunities to make mistakes and learn from them • The importance of helping young people develop self-trust • How parents can create stronger connections through listening and vulnerability • Why community and peer support matter for teen mental health • Practical strategies for teens who feel unheard or misunderstood Connect with Gayle Alexander & Project SAFE: Instagram: @projectsafe4u IG Link Hub: linktr.ee/projectsafe4u Website: www.projectsafe4u.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a parent, educator, coach, or teen who could benefit from this conversation.

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About

Welcome to Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, the podcast where we dive into the experiences of current Titan leaders to uncover how their teenage years shaped their paths to success and how a coach might have helped them along the way. Hosted by Lorraine Connell, Teen Leadership Coach and founder of Peers Not Fears, this show offers parents, teens, and aspiring leaders invaluable insights and practical advice. In each episode, we candidly talk with leaders who reflect on their challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments from their youth. We explore how mentorship and coaching helped or could have impacted their journey, and we invite them to become mentors for our program teens, sharing their wisdom and experiences. Whether you’re a parent seeking to empower your child, a teen navigating the complexities of adolescence, or an aspiring leader looking for guidance, Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans provides the tools and inspiration needed to cultivate leadership skills, foster resilience, and embrace potential. Join our community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey towards unlocking your teen’s leadership potential!

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