Rise Up and Lead: Real Lessons, Real Stories, Real Talk

In this episode of Rise Up and Lead: Real Lessons, Real Stories, Real Talk, Dr. Kim sits down with Dr. Shanae Herron, Director of Federal Programs, to explore what it truly means to lead with clarity, integrity, and data.Dr. Herron shares her unconventional journey from higher education to an uncertified high school English teacher—and how building strong relationships with students led to exceptional outcomes. As her leadership responsibilities expanded to the district and state levels, she learned that effective leadership requires more than passion or instinct.At the state level, Dr. Herron faced a critical leadership challenge when a program she oversaw began to fail. Through that experience, she developed a powerful leadership stance: decisions must be grounded in data, not opinion.This episode challenges leaders to move beyond “I think” and “I feel” and instead lead with evidence, documentation, and integrity—especially when making difficult decisions.Connect with Dr. Kim RichardsonCheck out her websiteFollow her on Instagram @drkimleadershipFollow her on TikTok @drkimleadershipFollow her in X @drkimleadershipLike her page on FacebookConnect with her on LinkedIn

In this episode of Rise Up and Lead: Real Lessons, Real Stories, Real Talk, Dr. Kim sits down with Tonika McElvin, a clinical mental health counselor working with women in recovery.Tonika shares how she initially resisted the idea of being a leader. Like many professionals in helping fields, she entered her work simply wanting to support others. But over time, she realized that when people depend on you for guidance, perspective, and encouragement, leadership naturally emerges.Through her work in a residential rehabilitation program, Tonika helps women develop emotional regulation and healthier thinking patterns using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Along the way, she discovered that leadership is not always about titles—it often grows out of responsibility, compassion, and the willingness to show up for others.This conversation explores the moment when helping others becomes something more: leadership through influence, accountability, and care.Connect with Dr. Kim RichardsonCheck out her websiteFollow her on Instagram @drkimleadershipFollow her on TikTok @drkimleadershipFollow her in X @drkimleadershipLike her page on FacebookConnect with her on LinkedIn

Ever felt like you didn’t set out to lead, but leadership found you anyway? In this episode, I sit down with Starlene Aydlett, whose journey from first-generation college graduate with a criminal justice degree to school counselor, and eventually to unexpected school leader, offers a powerful look at how growth often emerges from the moments we least expect. Together, we unpack the surprises, struggles, and small victories that come with inheriting leadership, from navigating challenging transitions to finding confidence with the help of supportive mentors.Starlene shares how her experiences in criminal justice and mental health counseling shaped her perspective, ultimately leading to a role where she discovered the importance of seeing and hearing others. We discuss the challenges of moving from colleague to authority, building trust and influence, and the lessons learned when you’re called to lead before you feel ready. You’ll hear about the courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone, why authenticity matters, and how the best leaders focus on giving people what they truly need to thrive.Connect with Dr. Kim RichardsonCheck out her websiteFollow her on Instagram @drkimleadershipFollow her on TikTok @drkimleadershipFollow her in X @drkimleadershipLike her page on FacebookConnect with her on LinkedIn

What happens when leadership finds you before you feel ready? In this episode, Ellarese Harvey opens up about her unexpected journey into leadership and how saying “yes” to a challenge she didn’t seek became the turning point for her personal and spiritual growth.Ellarese shares how being asked to serve as a worship leader forced her to confront self-doubt and imposter syndrome, ultimately revealing strengths she didn’t know she had. Through faith, mentorship, and perseverance, she learned that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about influence, service, and the courage to grow through discomfort.We explore how Ellarese balances her many roles as a university professional, fitness instructor, and worship leader, and how each has shaped her understanding of purpose and community. This episode is a reminder that leadership often begins where comfort ends—and that the most powerful leaders are those who rise with authenticity, humility, and faith.Connect with Dr. Kim RichardsonCheck out her websiteFollow her on Instagram @drkimleadershipFollow her on TikTok @drkimleadershipFollow her in X @drkimleadershipLike her page on FacebookConnect with her on LinkedIn

What if the courage to lead started with leaving your comfort zone and discovering your calling in the process? In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Barker, an experienced educator and teacher coach, to explore how the most impactful leadership moments often begin with unexpected opportunities and leaps of faith. Together, we dive into why leadership is about influence, not titles, and how personal identity and core values are at the heart of authentic leadership.Jennifer shares insight from her 23-year journey in education, opening up about how becoming a mother inspired her to pursue teaching, and how mentors and supportive colleagues helped her navigate challenging transitions. We talk about what it’s like to build trust in unfamiliar spaces, the importance of kindness and collaboration, and how bringing others along on your growth journey makes all the difference. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to decide on your next move, this episode gives you practical insights and encouragement to help you embrace growth and lift others as you lead.Connect with Dr. Kim RichardsonGrab your FREE Meeting Strategies GuideCheck out her websiteFollow her on Instagram @drkimleadershipFollow her on TikTok @drkimleadershipFollow her in X @drkimleadershipLike her page on FacebookConnect with her on LinkedIn

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 RichardsonGrab your FREE Meeting Strategies GuideCheck out her websiteFollow her on Instagram @drkimleadershipFollow her on TikTok @drkimleadershipFollow her in X @drkimleadershipLike her page on FacebookConnect 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 RichardsonCheck out her websiteFollow her on Instagram @drkimleadershipFollow her on TikTok @drkimleadershipFollow her in X @drkimleadershipLike her page on FacebookConnect 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 RichardsonCheck out her websiteFollow her on Instagram @drkimleadershipFollow her on TikTok @drkimleadershipFollow her in X @drkimleadershipLike her page on FacebookConnect with her on LinkedIn