Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

Lorraine Connell, www.peersnotfears.com
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Welcome to Leaders of Today: From 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. 4D AGO

    From Self-Doubt to Nutrition Advocate: Whitney Cardosi’s Journey to Wellness

    In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Whitney Cardosi to discuss her transformative journey from struggling with self-worth to becoming a passionate advocate for nutrition and mental health. Inside This Episode: 🔹 Whitney’s personal struggles with self-esteem, addiction, and family challenges as a teen 🔹 How the pandemic led to her epiphany about the connection between nutrition, emotions, and mental health 🔹 The impact of food choices on family well-being and how parents can model healthy habits 🔹 Equipping kids with social and emotional skills through nutrition and conversation tools 🔹 The role of authenticity, self-acceptance, and resilience in personal growth Whitney also shares insights from her work, including her kids' cooking classes, her Mom & Tween conversation cards, and the upcoming Bloom Retreat for girls and their mothers. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how making small, intentional choices can transform our well-being and leadership. Follow Whitney on Instagram at @whitney_cardosi and @bloomnorthshore #LeadersOfToday #Podcast #TeenLeadership #NutritionAndMentalHealth #SelfWorth #ParentingTips #HealthyEating #GrowthMindset

    41 min

  2. 12/25/2025

    Are you a Leader or a Follower? Redefining Leadership with Keyana Cellucci

    In this inspiring episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Keyana Cellucci, entrepreneur and podcast host of Trust Me, to explore the transformative power of self-discovery, asking for help, and redefining leadership. Keyana shares her personal journey from a middle child who often overlooked her own needs to a leader who empowers others to embrace self-discipline, inner strength, and the courage to seek help. Together, Lorraine and Keyana discuss the significance of reshaping leadership perceptions in schools, the power of delegation, and the importance of facing challenges head-on. In this episode, you’ll learn about: 1. Keyana’s Journey of Self-Discovery: How her teenage years were shaped by the question, “Who do I want to become?” The impact of being a middle child and the lessons she wished she had learned about asking for help earlier in life. 2. Shifting Leadership Perceptions in Schools: The need to redefine leadership beyond academic and athletic achievements to include delegation, humility, and teamwork. Why parents and educators should model vulnerability and normalize seeking help. 3. The Role of Delegation in Leadership: Keyana’s experience moving from Pennsylvania to Maine and how it taught her to trust others with responsibilities. How delegation helped her business flourish and broadened her leadership perspective. 4. Embracing an Unconventional Leadership Path: Keyana’s decision to follow her instincts rather than conventional routes, and how this led to her becoming a leader by example. Lorraine’s affirmation that leadership is about making intentional, goal-aligned choices. 5. Self-Discipline as a Key to Success: Why showing up for yourself, even on hard days, is essential for growth and leadership. The difference between self-discipline and fluctuating motivation. 6. Inner Strength and Growth: Keyana’s advice to teenagers: Everything you need is already within you—embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. The powerful analogy of a buffalo running toward challenges to illustrate resilience. 7. Turning Hardships into Superpowers: How overcoming struggles can become a defining strength. Keyana’s personal story of resilience and how it fuels her passion to help others. Key Takeaways: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Leadership is more than a title—it’s about behavior, trust, and collaboration. Self-discipline is the foundation for achieving success and navigating challenges. Facing challenges directly can lead to quicker resolutions and greater personal growth. Resources Mentioned: Keyana’s Podcast: Trust Me Connect with Keyana on Social Media: Instagram: @KeyanaCellucci Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustme_the_podcast LinkedIn: Keyana Cellucci Connect with Us: Peers Not Fears: www.peersnotfears.com Instagram: @PeersNotFears LinkedIn: Lorraine Connell Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories of leadership, growth, and resilience! Thank you for listening!

    35 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    She Aged Out of Foster Care, Went to Prison, Then Built What Teens Desperately Need with Shannon Thompson

    In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell sits down with Shannon Thompson, founder of Dream Bigger Publishing. After aging out of foster care, becoming a young mom, and spending time in prison, Shannon had to learn every part of “adulting” the hard way – from rent and credit to careers and money management. Now she’s turned those painful lessons into a practical life skills curriculum that helps teens (especially those aging out of systems) understand what life really costs, how to build a dream career, and how to avoid the financial traps she fell into. You’ll hear: How aging out of foster care with no safety net shaped Shannon’s path Why so many young people feel 10–20 years “behind” in adulthood The 3 core pillars of her Dream Bigger curriculum Her message for any teen who feels like their past defines their future Connect with Shannon Website: https://www.dreambiggerpublishing.com Books on Amazon: search “Dream Bigger Shannon Thompson” Instagram & Facebook: Dream_bigger_publishing LinkedIn: Dream Bigger Publishing / Shannon Thompson

    31 min

  4. 12/11/2025

    Unmasking Resilience: Naomi Andrick's Journey to Thrive

    Description: Join us in this powerful episode of Leaders of Today as we dive into the inspiring journey of Naomi Andrick, founder of Thrive Meals. From a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur and coach, Naomi shares her story of resilience, transformation, and the power of vulnerability. Discover how food, movement, and mindset can create lasting change and why finding your "why" is crucial for a fulfilled life. Key Takeaways: Naomi's early struggles and how they shaped her work today. The importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance. How to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Connect with Naomi: Email: fittolivenutrition@gmail.com Facebook: Thrive Instagram: @ThriveMeals1 Location: Rawlinsford, NH Hashtags: #Resilience #ThriveMeals #Vulnerability #Transformation

    35 min

  5. 12/04/2025

    How Katie Grimes Turned Bullying, Body Shame, and Trauma Into Bold Leadership

    What if the very things you’re most ashamed of are actually your superpowers? In this powerful conversation, business coach and podcast host Katie Grimes opens up about growing up in a home impacted by alcoholism, being relentlessly bullied, hating her body, and surviving sexual assault, and how she turned all of it into fuel for the life and business she has now. Katie now helps entrepreneurs (especially those with ADHD) build businesses that feel safe, spacious, and wildly successful, without burning themselves out or abandoning their needs. Together, we explore how the patterns we learn as teens, people pleasing, perfectionism, hyper-independence, and hiding our feelings, quietly shape our leadership as adults… and how we can change the story. If you’re a teen, parent, educator, or leader who’s ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or like your past disqualifies you from leadership, this episode will hit home in the best way. In this episode, we talk about: How bullying, body image struggles, and growing up around addiction shaped Katie’s self-worth The moment she realized perfectionism is not a flex, it’s a survival response What no one tells teens about nervous systems, freeze/people-pleasing, and why we pretend everything is “fine” How Katie rebuilt her life after sexual assault, grief, and being let go from corporate The shift from “I’m a burden” to “I’m allowed to ask for help” Finding safe and trusted adults, and what that actually looks and feels like Why the things that come easiest to you are your greatest leadership gifts How Katie went from all of this… to building a $550k+ coaching business and helping 100,000+ people Connect with Katie Grimes Instagram & TikTok: @kg.katiegrimes Podcast – Anything for Love: https://www.katiegrimes.com/podcast Website & Coaching: https://www.katiegrimes.com/ If something in this episode resonated and you’d like a free coaching session with Katie, email support@katiegrimes.com and mention this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans.

    38 min

  6. 11/27/2025

    The Moment That Changed Everything: Olivia Howell’s Rise Into Leadership

    In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell welcomes Olivia, co-founder and CEO of Fresh Starts Registry, for an insightful conversation on transitions, leadership, and the impact of past experiences on personal growth. Lorraine opens up about a stressful morning, juggling her child’s school application process while ensuring leadership in her own commitments. This sets the stage for a deeper discussion with Olivia about navigating life’s transitions, both in school and beyond. Olivia shares her journey from feeling like an outsider in a private school to finding purpose through mentorship, art, and leadership. She reflects on the power of supportive teachers, the role of empathy in school transitions, and the importance of redefining popularity. Together, Lorraine and Olivia explore how connection and mentorship shape young leaders, and how parents and educators can foster spaces where every student feels seen. The conversation takes a deeper dive into Olivia’s mission with Fresh Starts Registry, a platform designed to support individuals through major life changes. She shares how her personal experiences with transition and resilience inspired her to build a community of support, and why staying true to oneself is key to navigating change. Join us for this powerful discussion on embracing fresh starts, shedding negative labels, and leading with authenticity. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired to navigate your own transitions with confidence! Fresh Starte Website Olivia on Istagram #FreshStarts #Leadership #TeenLeadership #Empowerment #StudentSuccess #Authenticity #Mentorship #SchoolTransitions

    36 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    From Bullying to Empowerment: Tim Flynn's Story

    In this conversation, Tim Flynn shares his transformative journey from being a bullied teenager to becoming a martial arts instructor and advocate for youth empowerment. He discusses how his experiences with bullying shaped his mission to help young people build confidence, discipline, and self-respect through martial arts. Tim emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and finding one's passion as essential elements in overcoming adversity. He also offers practical advice for teens facing bullying, encouraging them to seek supportive environments and pursue their interests. takeaways Tim Flynn's journey began with bullying but evolved into a mission to empower youth. Martial arts provided Tim with a sense of belonging and confidence. Tim's program, Karate Chop Bullying, aims to teach kids how to stand up for themselves. Experiencing bullying can lead to feelings of worthlessness, but support is crucial. Tim emphasizes the importance of community and connection in overcoming challenges. Finding a passion or interest can help kids build confidence and friendships. Tim's approach to teaching adapts to the individual needs of each child. Acknowledging children's discomfort can help them feel more secure in learning environments. Martial arts teaches kids to compete with themselves rather than against others. Tim encourages kids to seek out supportive groups and activities. Connect with Tim Flynn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timflynn98/ Podcast – Breaking Bullying: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-bullying/id1686206144

    31 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Courtney Perron: Mentorship, Leadership & Immigrant Youth

    Show Notes: In this special episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, we switch things up, Courtney, Director of the Center for New Americans, steps into the interviewer role and sits down with Lorraine Connell for a powerful conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the experiences of immigrant youth. Courtney brings her unique perspective as someone who was once a high school mentee, then a peer leader, and now a program director supporting newcomer students. As she interviews Lorraine, their dialogue explores the transformational impact of mentorship and what it takes to create supportive spaces where young leaders can thrive. Together, they dive into: 🌟 Key Themes & Takeaways 🔹 How mentorship shapes leadership potential in teens 🔹 What immigrant youth uniquely need to feel confident, seen, and supported 🔹 Courtney’s full-circle journey from mentee → mentor → youth program director 🔹 The ripple effects of peer leadership programs 🔹 Leading youth through compassion, accountability, and modeling forgiveness They also share exciting updates about expanding middle school mentorship programs and a possible collaboration with the Choose Love curriculum. This conversational, interviewer-style episode highlights how connection, belonging, and guided leadership can transform a young person’s entire trajectory. #LeadersOfToday #YouthEmpowerment #MentorshipMatters #TeenLeadership #ImmigrantVoices #ChooseLove #FutureLeaders #Confidence #GrowthMindset

    40 min
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About

Welcome to Leaders of Today: From 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!

Information

  • Creator
    Lorraine Connell, www.peersnotfears.com
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans