In this episode of Embracing the Journey, I sit down with Ken Black — former Nike Creative Director, co-founder of SPARQ Training, and lifelong designer of ideas — for a powerful conversation about how “seeing differently changes everything.”Ken walks us through the unexpected path that shaped him — from a design professor telling him he’d never make it as an artist, to leading some of Nike’s most influential creative initiatives. Together, we explore how curiosity, failure, and self-awareness formed the foundation of his resilience and career.This episode moves beyond biography. It’s an invitation to question how you see yourself, your work, and the world around you.

What does resilience look like when your identity, geography, and purpose are constantly shifting?In this episode, we sit down with writer and photographer David Shams, whose life has been shaped by movement, cultural immersion, and unexpected detours. From his Iranian-American roots in rural Kentucky to being disqualified from joining the Navy, David’s path has been anything but linear. Now living in Warsaw, Poland as a trailing spouse, he documents everyday life across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. through words, images, football (soccer) —capturing the quiet moments that reveal who we are, where we come from, and what we carry.Our aim is to explore how resilience takes shape when nothing stays still—when home moves, identity expands, and purpose evolves. Through David’s story, we examine how heritage becomes a compass, how creativity becomes an anchor, and how adaptability becomes a strength. Listeners will gain insight into maintaining a sense of self across borders, embracing cultural duality, and discovering meaning in the midst of constant transition.This is a conversation about belonging, reinvention, and the subtle power of noticing the world closely.David opens up about:🇮🇷 Growing up Iranian-American in Kentucky, USA🌍 Leaving the U.S. and building a life overseas👀 How living abroad reshapes your understanding of home📰 His evolution as a journalist, writer and photographer🎥 Storytelling as a bridge between cultures💬 The emotional weight of heritage — and why he now embraces it fullyThis is a conversation about identity, nuance, courage, and the quiet resilience found in choosing your own path. One of our most thoughtful, honest, and globally-aware episodes yet.🔗 Connect With David ShamsWebsite: https://www.davidshamswriter.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidshamswriter/🌟 Follow RAISE Mindset & Embracing the JourneyWebsite: https://www.raisemindset.orgInstagram: @raise.mindset.performanceTikTok: @raise.mpFacebook: @raise.performance.mindsetLinkedIn: Lee BakewellSpotify: Embracing the JourneyApple Podcasts: Embracing the JourneyPodbean: https://raisemindset.podbean.com/

What does it mean to lead with empathy, discipline, and cultural pride?In this episode of Embracing the Journey, I sit down with Monica Jonas, a global executive and startup founder whose path—from NASA to media to leadership —reveals how heritage, creativity, and resilience intertwine to shape authentic leadership.Monica opens up about growing up as the daughter of Polish immigrants in New York, learning piano from her mother (a Juilliard-trained musician), and the discipline and empathy those lessons instilled. She shares how those formative years shaped her leadership style—balancing rigor with heart—and how she’s now stepping into the “zero-to-one” startup world to reimagine how people find meaningful work and connection.Together, we explore the influence of culture on confidence, why creativity matters in leadership, and what it truly means to find joy and authenticity in the work you do.🎧 Whether you're a leader, parent, or creative, this episode is a reminder that our roots aren’t barriers—they’re the foundation we rise from.