Leadership & Career Episodes

Conventional wisdom says that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are disengaged from society -- that they’ve checked out and don’t really care about reshaping the world around them. But an organization based in Los Angeles is actively and successfully challenging that narrative. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Haley Pollock, Director of Leadership & Mentorship at Legacy Youth Leadership, shares how the organization is developing and nurturing emerging leaders from all walks of life and creating positive commu...

Keziyah Yisrael-Gayle, PhD, is an innovator working at the crossroads of science and community. She’s the founder of TollRAir, a biotech startup developing new treatments for lung inflammation caused by environmental toxins, an issue hitting some of Southern California’s most marginalized communities the hardest. Her work recently earned second place and the People’s Choice Award at the SoCal OASIS Pitch Challenge in Riverside, along with funding to help scale her vision. In this episode of S...

Since booking his first gig in 2004, LA voice actor Kyle Chapple has built a career across video games, animation, and commercials but he didn't reach those milestones on talent alone. His journey has also been about grit, risk, and belief in self. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Chapple talks about everything it took for him to achieve his dreams and why it was so important for him to go all in. If you’re grinding toward a goal and wondering whether to stay the course or walk away, Chapple’s j...

In a time when inclusion efforts are under pressure and immigrant communities are too often misrepresented, Dr. Lola Adeyemo is leading with courage, clarity, and heart. As founder of Immigrants in Corporate, she empowers first-gen and immigrant professionals to thrive by building meaningful careers, connecting to mentors, and creating communities of belonging inside and outside the workplace. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Dr. Lola shares how Southern California’s unique diversity offers b...

We hear a lot about how to be a better employee — but what if it’s the boss who needs the real advice? Jeff Matlow, CEO of The Best Leadership Company, coaches Fortune 500 executives on how to lead with impact — not just hold a title. From improving workplace culture to boosting the bottom line, his strategies help leaders at every level step up and stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned exec or stepping into your first big leadership role, this episode of SoCal Voices is for you. Matlow breaks...

Have you thought about leaving corporate life to pursue your passion? In this episode of SoCal Voices you’ll meet a woman who experienced a major life-changing moment that led her to pivot from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, and she never looked back. As founder of Women Podcasters Network and the Women Podcasters Awards, Jennifer Henczel has built a successful and fulfilling mission-driven organization providing resources and tools that elevate and celebrate independent women podcas...

As Founder of the California Society of Extraordinary Women, Shirley Coates is the powerhouse behind this Riverside-based nonprofit that’s changing girls’ lives and helping them thrive. Her Ignite Leadership & STEM Academy helps student participants see themselves in ways they may not have considered before, as extraordinary leaders, inspiring them to reach levels of educational, professional and financial achievement beyond their expectations. If you are interested in women’s empowerment and do...

Community development is essential to how all the elements of where we live fit together and impact how we experience our communities. Eric Nelson is a 20-year community development expert who has impacted the lives of thousands of Southern Californians through his work in residential and commercial developments. He is Vice Chair of the Planning Commission at the City of Dana Point, a past President of the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California and Vice...

For more than 30 years, Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles has been helping former prisoners and ex-gang members redirect their lives to become productive, contributing members of the community. A human services agency offering legal, mental health, and education services and more, Homeboy Industries makes second chances possible by combining practical services and hope with an unconventional approach to meeting the bottom line. Tom Vozzo, Homeboy Industries’ CEO, has led the organization for nea...

In a marked change from the racial reckoning that occurred in 2020, some have declared that DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) is dead. Is it? Where exactly are we with DEI initiatives? In this episode of SoCal Voices, Jonathan Dumas, an organizational psychologist, leadership and career coach, and host of the podcast Highly Visible & A Little Misunderstood, pushes back on the notion that DEI is finished, and shares his insights about his own experience helping companies and individuals do th...

Kimberle Smith Austin is a business growth, communications and lifestyle strategist who helps corporations and businesses experience life at the next level. She is a sought-after speaker and coach, and author of Millions of Possibilities: Taking Your Ideas from Inspiration to Monetization. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Kimberle shares her thoughts on the real meaning of success and how to achieve true balance in our lives.

Are you ready to transition from employee to entrepreneur? There are many matters to consider before you take that leap. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Bert Wright, entrepreneur and #1 Amazon best-selling author of the book Say Y.E.S.! Going from Employee to Entrepreneur in 5 Steps, discusses his journey through entrepreneurship and outlines what you need to know to make an informed decision about becoming an entrepreneur.

The Inland Empire Black Worker Center (IEBWC) serves as a resource to help address Black unemployment and under employment. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Community Organizer Dominique Dean shares the principles that guide IEBWC’s approach to helping workers learn about all the services available to help them carve a path toward higher-wage jobs in the water industry.

Verious Smith, III is a man on a mission. He’s a web developer by trade, podcaster and founder of Startempire Wire that aims to foster and build the startup culture in the Inland Empire. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Smith shares what led him to launch his project and his vision for the Inland Empire’s startup ecosystem. startempirewire.com

A new business publication in the Inland Empire — IE Business Edge — promises content that is informative and actionable. The brains behind this new magazine brings years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience to this latest enterprise. In this episode of SoCal Voices, publisher Norm Pelzer discusses why he launched IE Business Edge, the challenges he overcame to get the magazine off the ground, and what he believes the publication can do for business owners. He also offers advice to anyone...

Sylvia Melena is founder and CEO of Melena Consulting Group, a San Diego-based leadership and management consulting and training company. She is also the award-winning author of Supportive Accountability: How to Inspire People and Improve Performance. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Sylvia shares her thoughts on how leaders can achieve greater trust and accountability in their companies and what employees can do to maintain a greater sense of life balance wherever and however they work. Reso...

Oliver Petty is changing lives with an inspiring message that shows what’s possible when hard work, dedication and determination collide. He is a sought-after speaker who delivers a soul-shaking message that challenges the status quo. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Oliver shares how he’s empowering people of all ages to release their creativity and passion to lead more fulfilling and successful lives. www.oliverpetty.com Instagram: @omrnegative

What does the future of inland SoCal’s economy look like? Is it all about warehousing or are other opportunities on the horizon? In this episode of SoCal Voices, Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce president Edward Ornelas discusses what’s next for the Inland Empire’s economy and names the IE cities he believes are uniquely poised to thrive when the pandemic ends. Resources Social Media: @IERCC Website: https://www.iechamber.org

Most people don’t know what it’s like to be President of the Community College campus where they once walked the halls as a student, but Dr. Mark Sanchez knows exactly how that feels. He is President of Southwestern Community College in San Diego, and his leadership style is challenging the status quo. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Dr. Sanchez describes how he and his team lead with intention, and work to foster an environment where students from all walks of life can thrive on campus and bey...

As the pandemic appears to wind down and people begin living their ‘post-pandemic’ lives, record numbers of employees are quitting their jobs. Last week’s episode, “Back to the Office?” looked at the implications of these resignations. In this episode, “Back to the Office, Part II,” Miriana Gonzalez discusses what it has been like to navigate the pandemic as Deputy Director of Human Resources for the City of Riverside. She shares what she learned about herself during this period, and how the Cit...

The US labor department recently reported that 4 million people quit their jobs in one month. It’s the highest number of resignations in two decades, and it’s happening as companies are requiring employees to return to the office after a year of working from home. In this edition of SoCal Voices, San Diego Workforce Partnership Senior Economist Daniel Enemark, discusses what’s driving this “Great Resignation,” and it’s potential impact on employers and southern California’s workers. Later in ...

Rachel Shemirani is a leader with heart. As Senior Vice President for Barons Market in San Diego, Rachel has worked hard to help create a community-oriented company that leaves a positive impact on workers and patrons. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Rachel discusses her history with Barons, and how her leadership style and the company’s values have contributed to the market’s success. Additional Resources baronsmarket.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baronsmarket/ Instagram: https://w...