What does it really look like to be enlisted into leadership from the beginning, and how do you find your place in an organization that helps you grow? In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Lewis as he shares his journey from being promoted at 18 to manage a department at Target, to launching a Starbucks on a Marine Corps base, and ultimately guiding talent development in a major healthcare system. Stephen opens up about the mentors who shaped him, the safe spaces that allowed him to take risks, and the evolving meaning of “leadership” as he moved across industries.

Together, we explore how intentional development and a strong, supportive culture play a massive role in retention and satisfaction, and why being able to find your voice is such a critical part of growing as a leader. Whether you’re figuring out if you fit your current workplace or searching for an environment where you can thrive, Stephen’s story offers practical advice and firsthand insight into what makes leadership growth possible at every stage.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

1. Grab your FREE Meeting Strategies Guide
2. Check out her website
3. Follow her on Instagram @drkimleadership
4. Follow her on TikTok @drkimleadership
5. Follow her in X @drkimleadership
6. Like her page on Facebook
7. Connect with her on LinkedIn

What does it mean to lead from the middle, and how do everyday actions shape the leader you become? In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Sepe, a leader who has mastered the art of influence from the “middle out,” whether that’s in schools, on the baseball field, or in mentoring roles. We dig into why crafting your own mission, revisiting your values regularly, and acting with intentionality matter more than the title you hold.

We explore how a bias toward action, relentless curiosity, and the willingness to be vulnerable fuel real growth, not just for ourselves, but for everyone we serve. Brian is sharing lessons on adaptive leadership, why culture is the make-or-break element for coaching and change, and how learning loops - experimentation, feedback, and iteration - can transform your journey.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

1. Check out her website
2. Follow her on Instagram @drkimleadership
3. Follow her on TikTok @drkimleadership
4. Follow her in X @drkimleadership
5. Like her page on Facebook
6. Connect with her on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how a simple conversation can change your leadership path? In this episode, I’m joined by an amazing guest, Dr. David Gaston, whose journey shows that leadership often finds you. We share stories of mentors who saw leadership potential before we did, and discuss how personal identity and values shape our growth.

We explore how emotional intelligence, rather than technical skills or authority, is what truly shapes effective leadership as you take on higher leadership roles. Dr. Gaston shares how integrating our personal and professional selves fosters authentic leadership, and why skills like deep listening and vulnerability matter. If you want practical insights on how relationships and self-awareness transform your leadership, this episode is for you!

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

• Check out her website
• Follow her on Instagram @drkimleadership
• Follow her on TikTok @drkimleadership
• Follow her in X @drkimleadership
• Like her page on Facebook
• Connect with her on LinkedIn