Hidden Human: The Stories Behind The Business Leader

In this compelling episode of Hidden Human, Kelly Meerbott sits down with Ray Collazo, a national political strategist and activist, to discuss his transformative journey from a troubled childhood in North Philadelphia to becoming a leader in political organization. Ray shares his insights on the emotional toll of today’s political climate, the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, and the influence of women’s sports on leadership. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about service, resilience, and Ray's personal reflections on leadership and fulfillment.

In this episode of Hidden Human, Kelly Meerbott sits down with Nancy Lee, an authenticity coach, to explore the power of leading with empathy and authenticity. Nancy opens up about her personal journey of feeling like she didn’t belong and how those experiences shaped her approach to leadership. She emphasizes the need for leaders to create safe spaces for their teams, while also being mindful of their personal lives. Nancy delves into the importance of feedback in uncovering blind spots, the power of breath in maintaining control, and how silent retreats can benefit leaders at every level. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom from Nancy’s experiences with inspiring leaders, and don’t miss the rapid-fire round to close out the episode!

In this episode of Hidden Human, Kelly Meerbott is joined by Amber Douglas, creator of Girl Get Real, to discuss the transformative power of radical self-care and authenticity. Amber shares her journey to finding fulfillment and creating a platform that celebrates individuals for who they truly are. Together, they explore the challenges of being taken seriously as a young woman of color, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the need for diverse voices in the self-care industry. Amber emphasizes the accessibility of self-care, her mission to uplift others, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership. The conversation also touches on the role of media in shaping social structures and how the next generation of leaders is prioritizing mental and emotional health. Don’t miss Amber’s advice to her younger self on the power of uniqueness and self-care, followed by a fun rapid-fire round on comfort foods, favorite songs, and gratitude!

Join this insightful episode of Hidden Human as Kelly Meerbott explores the art of leadership with Tom Cook, Executive Director of the Delaware River and Bay Authority. Tom shares his philosophy of collaboration, the importance of trusting employees, and the challenges he’s faced, including handling a fraud incident with transparency and integrity. From early lessons in delegation to current initiatives in diversity and inclusion, Tom emphasizes the need for continuous improvement through coaching and the importance of preparing for future leadership transitions. Tune in to hear how Tom’s leadership is shaping the future of the DRBA, and why he believes in fostering a work environment where every voice is valued.

In this episode of Hidden Human, Kelly Meerbott welcomes Karen Walrond, author and leadership coach, to explore the profound impact of kindness in leadership. Karen shares her personal journey of embracing authenticity in the corporate world and offers practical advice on navigating tough situations with integrity and calm. She highlights the power of small gestures in building meaningful relationships, discusses decision-making in critical moments, and reflects on the challenges of balancing emergency response with thoughtful rumination. Karen also shares insights from her books on joyful aging and the pursuit of passion, leaving new leaders with valuable advice to breathe, listen, and serve. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leading with heart.