In this powerful episode, Chris Rappold sits down with his co-host Tabitha May- Tolub, Principal and Founder of TMT Consulting, for an honest conversation about what it truly means to lead with authenticity. Together, they dive into the heart of today's leadership challenges — from navigating ego and embracing conflict, to the transformative impact of creating real belonging. Tabitha shares hard-earned insights and inspiring stories that reveal how discomfort can be a catalyst for growth, both personally and organizationally. Her bold vision with TMT Consulting? To empower leaders to build spaces where every person feels seen, heard, and valued — and ultimately, to create a world where her consulting services are no longer needed. If you're ready to rethink leadership and reimagine community, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In this powerful episode, we dive into the heart of what it means to lead with vulnerability, authenticity, and connection. Penny shares a deeply personal story about the transformative power of seeing people as humans first—and how that shift can create lasting change in relationships, teams, and entire organizations. We explore the myth that there's no time for humanity in leadership, debunking the idea that care and connection are "nice-to-haves" rather than essential components of effective leadership.

This episode offers a rich discussion on the “soft skills” that are anything but soft. Penny talks about the cost of not being human in our interactions and how that disconnect leads to burnout, disconnection, and inefficiency. Through anecdotes, real-world examples, and honest reflection, we unpack how investing time in people builds trust, drives results, and strengthens community. Whether you're a leader, team member, or someone navigating change, this conversation is an invitation to lead with heart, even when it feels risky.

In this inspiring episode of Growth Blueprint, we sit down with DeAndre Brown — a powerful voice for reentry, redemption, and community leadership. DeAndre takes us on his remarkable journey from incarceration to becoming a catalyst for change, sharing how acceptance, grace, and authentic leadership transformed not only his life but the lives of countless others.

Through his work with Lifeline to Success and the Shelby County Office for Reentry, DeAndre shows us what's possible when we invest in second chances. He opens up about building real relationships across differences, the role of self-worth in personal growth, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

If you've ever doubted the power of community, education, or the human spirit, this conversation will change your mind. Tune in for a moving and motivating dialogue about seeing people for who they truly are — and helping them step into who they can become.

In this episode, we dive into the messy, meaningful space where true leadership lives—the gray area. Join us for a candid conversation with Kelly as she reflects on what it really means to lead with compassion without enabling, the importance of boundaries and early intervention, and why being an expert isn’t a prerequisite for great leadership.

We explore the misconceptions of perfection in leadership, the value of trusting your gut (spoiler: it’s not just a feeling—it’s a collection of lived experiences), and the often-overlooked truth that leadership requires training, not just tenure. Kelly shares how her background in social work shaped her approach to hard decisions, presence, and professional growth—and reminds us that real leadership means growing through the discomfort.

Whether you're new to leadership or knee-deep in managing people and purpose, this episode is a heart-forward, wisdom-packed reflection you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of equine-facilitated learning with Bridgit Wald, an integral coach, organizational development consultant, and somatic leadership expert. Bridgit shares how working with horses offers profound insights into leadership, integrity, and collaboration, helping individuals develop greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Through real-life examples, she explains how horses reflect our energy, intentions, and presence, providing immediate and honest feedback that enhances personal and professional growth.

We also discuss the intersection of mindfulness, energy management, and trauma-informed horsemanship, revealing how these practices can help leaders navigate high-stakes environments with clarity and confidence. Bridgit highlights the importance of non-verbal communication and embodied leadership, showing how tuning into our physical and emotional states can lead to more authentic connections. Whether you're an executive, coach, or simply curious about the wisdom of animals, this conversation offers powerful takeaways for anyone looking to lead with greater intention and impact. Tune in to discover what horses can teach us about trust, resilience, and the art of true leadership.

In this episode, we welcome Jon Simons—a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit and for-profit organizations—who shares his wisdom on leadership, character development, and fostering authentic growth. As Executive Vice President at DBD Group, Jon oversees product development, training, and strategic direction while mentoring consultants and clients alike.

We explore the power of earned permission in giving and receiving feedback, the role of authenticity in leadership, and how to create containers for growth that encourage open and honest conversations. Jon reflects on finding your voice as a leader, the difference between leaders who know what they and others bring to the table, and why character development is about owning your voice and embracing your fears. With personal anecdotes, humor, and deep insights, Jon challenges us to rethink how we lead, listen, and build strong communities. Don’t miss this engaging and thought-provoking discussion!

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie, founder and CEO of Fair Schools, to discuss her work transforming school environments through research-based instructional practices, social-emotional learning, and family partnerships. With experience as a school leader, instructional coach, and special education teacher in historically marginalized communities, Stephanie shares insights on leadership, influence, and the importance of self-awareness in professional growth. She reflects on the challenges school leaders face in engaging their teams and how personal development plays a crucial role in effective leadership. We also explore strategies for navigating resistance to change and fostering meaningful relationships in the workplace. Stephanie leaves us with key takeaways on self-awareness, leadership, and the ongoing journey of growth.

In this episode, we welcome the incredible Jess Vann, a Chicago-based actor, vocalist, speaker, entrepreneur, and host of Tom Foolery and Shenanigans with Jess Vann. With over 15 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, Jess is known for building community and fostering leadership on and off the stage. As the founder of Creative Spaces Consulting, she leads play-based leadership workshops that empower professionals across industries.

Jess’s work blends her passion for the arts with a deep commitment to social impact and youth development. She holds a B.S. in Theater and Interpretation and an M.A. in Training and Development, and she’s been featured in Afterschool Today Magazine and on the Black Educators Matter podcast. A proud member of the Chicago Inclusion Project, Jess inspires leaders to embrace creativity and authenticity in their personal and professional growth.

Join us for an engaging conversation about leadership, character development, and finding joy in every role we take on. Jess’s vibrant energy and insights will leave you motivated to lead with purpose and style!