Expressions of Leadership

Ellie Shapiro has spent her career bringing imagination to life for iconic brands like Barbie and Disney Princess, but her most powerful story is about the life she chose to build. In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Ellie to explore her journey from corporate marketing to independent toy inventor, including the moment she took on a multi-billion-dollar company in a landmark lawsuit. Ellie shares what it took to stand her ground, trust her instincts, and navigate the uncertainty that comes with forging your own path. After losing both of her parents, Ellie stepped away from everything familiar and embarked on a solo year-and-a-half journey around the world. This turning point reshaped her understanding of leadership and self-trust. What followed was a life that defied conventional timelines: finding love, becoming a mother at 57, and stepping into a new chapter rooted in courage and reinvention. This conversation is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to trust yourself and create the life you truly want. Learn more about Ellie Shapiro and follow her work: Substack: https://substack.com/@babyafter50 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@babyafter50 Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

What does love have to do with leadership? For Dr. Kerry Neal, everything. In this episode, Michele Kawamoto Perry traces the arc of a remarkable journey, from hospital orderly to Doctor of Education, from a devastating personal moment to the founding of Black Love Reimagined, a movement that has been quietly transforming how communities talk about love, accountability, and connection for 15 years. This is a conversation about reinvention, the courage to do uncomfortable work, and what happens when you stop trying to fit a mold and start leading from who you actually are. Learn more about Dr. Kerry Neal and his work: www.DrKerryNeal.com www. UrbanBirdsAndBees.com Instagram @drkerryneal and @UrbanBirdsAndBees YouTube @UrbanBirdsAndBees Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

In this episode, Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Erica Rife, Executive Director of the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, about her journey from the startup world to nonprofit leadership, and how design literacy can expand who has a voice in shaping the built environment. They explore Erica’s path into design-focused work, her decision to return to school to deepen her understanding of equity and philanthropy, and why early exposure to design education is critical for creating more inclusive communities. The conversation also examines the slow but necessary reckoning within the architecture field and what leadership looks like in times of change. Erica speaks candidly about burnout, mental health, and stepping into visible leadership while becoming a mother, and shares her vision for an organization grounded in listening, adaptability, and community-centered impact. Connect with Erica Rife: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericarife/ Learn more about the Architecture Foundation of Oregon: https://www.af-oregon.org/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Michelle Bacharach, CEO and Board Chairman of FindMine, about her journey from UC Berkeley to acting, product leadership, and ultimately founding an AI platform that helps brands translate their creative expertise into inspiring, shoppable experiences for consumers. Michelle shares how burnout led her to step back and rethink what she wanted to build, the leadership lessons she learned along her journey, and how curiosity, empathy, and optimism shape the culture of her company. They also discuss building trust with major brands, founder resilience, practical insights for public speaking, and what the future of AI-driven retail may hold. Learn more about FindMine: www.findmine.com. Connect with Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleharrisonbacharach/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry interviews Cathy Derksen, founder of Inspired Tenacity, to explore her remarkable journey from medical genetics and financial planning to becoming a publisher, international speaker, and 23-time #1 bestselling author. Cathy shares how a midlife reinvention led her to discover the power of authorship and community as catalysts for leadership, visibility, and purpose. In this conversation, they discuss leading without a title, trusting intuition when a culture no longer fits, and how storytelling can open doors to credibility, impact, and legacy. Cathy also shares how her collaborative book projects and community have helped more than 200 women step into authorship, amplify their voices, and lead boldly in the next chapter of their lives. Connect with Cathy Derksen and learn more about her work: Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/cathy.derksen.3/ Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/inspired_tenacity LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyderkseninspiredtenacity YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredtenacitypublishing     Free Gifts (PDFs and session)  https://inspiredtenacitygifts.now.site/home Main website  https://inspiredtenacity.com Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Dr. Sarah Zappe, Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning and Director of the Leonhard Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Education at Penn State, about what it means to lead with authenticity at the intersection of engineering, innovation, and the arts. As the first non-engineer to serve in her role within the College of Engineering, Dr. Sarah Zappe shares how she integrates creativity into technical education, supports faculty in developing communication and professional skills, and helped launch interdisciplinary initiatives like an arts-and-engineering teaching gallery at the Palmer Museum to spark deeper conversations about ethics, identity, and what it means to be an engineer. They also explore navigating resistance to change, why creativity is not a “soft skill” but a core leadership capability in STEM, and how empowering faculty and students can transform academic culture. Beyond academia, Dr. Sarah Zappe discusses founding Kaleidoscope PA, her arts-based wellness company that brings mindful watercolor workshops into community spaces, and offers practical insight on trusting yourself, empowering others, and building a more human-centered learning environment.   Connect with Dr. Sarah Zappe and learn more about Kaleidescope PA: Website:  www.kaleidoscopepa.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-zappe-b8670a4/ Instagram:  @kaleidoscope_pa Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094117775883 Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry interviews David Silverstein, founder and CEO of Amaze Health, former nuclear submarine officer, strategist, entrepreneur, and healthcare reform advocate, about his 25+ year journey leading organizations, challenging broken systems, and driving meaningful change in healthcare. From military discipline to helping advance federal healthcare price transparency rules, David shares what it takes to influence large systems and build mission-driven companies grounded in clear values. The conversation explores intellectual curiosity, patient-first leadership, accountability, and what it means to “do the right thing” when faced with tough choices. Together, they examine how private-sector innovation and disciplined thinking can reshape the future of patient-centered care, and what legacy looks like for leaders working to create lasting change. Connect with David on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsilverstein/ Learn more about Amaze Health at: https://amazehealth.com/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

On this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with award-winning filmmaker and SheTV Media founder Meredith Yinger to explore how storytelling becomes a powerful act of leadership. Through documentaries like Scars Unseen, now used in hundreds of educational institutions nationwide, Meredith spotlights domestic violence survivorship, resilience, and the power of shifting narratives to spark real-world change. Meredith shares the creative, emotional, and logistical challenges of bringing taboo topics to the screen, what it takes to build a female-led production company that amplifies marginalized voices, and how her upcoming documentary Vulva La Revolution aims to ignite a movement in women’s sexual health equity. Together, they explore mentorship, resilience, accessibility in entertainment, and how to move audiences from awareness to action. Meredith’s leadership offers a blueprint for leading with conviction, compassion, and lasting impact. Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithyinger/ Learn more about her documentaries: Scars Unseen on Kinema - for community screenings and individual downloads -    Vulva La Revolution Website  Vulva La Revolution Donation Link (all donations are tax deductible!!) Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes serial entrepreneur and technologist Chad Patterson to Expressions of Leadership for a conversation on leadership rooted in humility, service, and trust. Chad shares how his upbringing influenced his commitment to creating access and dignity for overlooked talent, and how he builds systems that support small businesses around the world. Together, they explore trust as leadership currency, the power of listening and collaboration over directive control, and the role of community and strategic partnerships in entrepreneurship. Chad also offers practical insights on helping founders access capital, align around a shared vision, and scale their work sustainably. Learn more about Chad Patterson and his work: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-patterson/ Websites: SW-Ventures: https://www.swvents.com crcle: https://crclebonds.com Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Amy Christine, Master of Wine and winemaker, to explore her unexpected journey from performer to winery co-owner, and how leadership can emerge through curiosity, creativity, and courage. In this episode, Amy reflects on how acting, wine sales, and the rigorous Master of Wine program shaped her leadership style, from listening deeply and reading the room to knowing when to pivot. She also shares the realities of running a small winery, the discipline behind creative branding, and her vision for storytelling across wine, television, and writing. This conversation is a thoughtful look at leading authentically—without chasing trends—and trusting that your tribe will find you. Learn more about Amy Christine and the wineries: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-christine-mw-9ab58914/ Instagram @holusboluswine @acloveswine @amys_tasting_room_diaries @heywineslut   Websites www.holusboluswine.com www.wineslut.com   YouTube Wineslut https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHsXB2WN7m53EM1MWx2QuxQ Holus Bolus and The Joy Fantastic https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkBwNaQdsPkfNmgW6NIjaGg Pairing with Prince https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUQTkWYhOTas7PBvMXAoCXA   Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Holly Uber, a human-centered technologist, product leader, and innovation catalyst whose career spans education, AR/VR, and healthcare technology. From her early days as a teacher to launching products in highly regulated environments, Holly reflects on how curiosity, systems thinking, and inclusive design have shaped her leadership journey. Together, they explore what it takes to build conditions where innovation can flourish—balancing risk with responsibility, fostering psychological safety, and designing technology that honors the whole person. The conversation offers grounded leadership perspectives on experimentation, cross-functional collaboration, and leading through complexity in fast-evolving fields like AI, education, and healthcare. Connect with Holly Uber at https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-uber/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry explores leadership through storytelling, trust, and creative courage with Jeremiah D. Higgins—radio host, executive producer, and director of programming at Radio Evolve Santa Barbara. With more than 20 seasons behind the microphone and a global audience through Radio Evolve Santa Barbara and the Evolve Entertainment Network, Jeremiah shares how deep listening, meaningful conversation, and a willingness to take creative risks have shaped his career. They discuss building trust with guests and audiences, and creating spaces—on air and beyond—where people feel seen and heard. Jeremiah also reflects on bringing a people-centered leadership philosophy to hospitality, having led the design and management of more than 200 music venues, hotels, restaurants, and retail concepts worldwide through Evolve Hospitality Advisors. Learn more about Jeremiah D. Higgins at: https://linktr.ee/jeremiahdhiggins www.TheJeremiahShow.com   Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with artist Flora Kao to explore a nontraditional leadership journey shaped by courage, persistence, and creative risk. From studying environmental science and public policy to working in strategy consulting—and ultimately choosing a life rooted in art—Flora reflects on redefining success, navigating rejection and personal upheaval, and grounding decisions in inner clarity rather than external approval. Together, they examine leadership as an active, evolving practice: the role of mentorship, balancing intention with serendipity, and using art, public installations, and teaching to create spaces for healing, connection, and shared human experience. Flora also shares her vision for community-centered collaborations that invite reflection, beauty, and deeper relationships with nature and one another. Learn more about Flora Kao at http://floratkao.blogspot.com and follow her at http://www.instagram.com/florakaoart Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Dr. Diana Hoppe, board-certified OB/GYN, founder of Amazing Over 40, breast cancer survivor, and women’s health advocate, for a powerful conversation about leadership, self-care, and reinvention at midlife. Drawing from nearly 30 years in medicine — and a personal wake-up call that reshaped how she lives and leads — Dr. Hoppe shares insights on listening to the body, navigating midlife transitions, and role-modeling wellness as a leadership practice. Together, they explore the Perimenopause Paradox, self-advocacy, and what it means to lead with intention through change. Learn more about Dr. Hoppe and Amazing over 40: Website: https://amazingover40.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-hoppe-m-d-9685622a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazingover40/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmazingOver40 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPbZf5YDuu4-VuwfzfPUDzg Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry talks with Edie Higby, Scientist of Happiness Health, author of Joy by Design, and founder of Practicing Joy, to explore where joy and leadership intersect. Edie shares her powerful journey from profound personal loss to resilience, reframing happiness not as a fleeting feeling, but as serious, intentional work. She introduces her Joy by Design framework, along with accessible practices that help leaders cultivate presence, trust, and emotional well-being. Together, they discuss how leaders can support mental health, model vulnerability, and design small, meaningful interventions that create lasting change for individuals, teams, and organizational culture. This conversation offers practical insight for anyone seeking to lead with greater humanity, courage, and joy. Learn more about Edie Higby and Practicing Joy: Website: https://www.practicingjoy.net/ Instagram: @practicingjoy2day Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/practicingjoy/                   https://www.facebook.com/edie.higby/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edie-higby-m-a-in-happiness-studies-a14aa493/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry is joined by educator, author, and storyteller Michael Hernandez to explore what learning can, and should, look like in an AI-driven world. Drawing on his background in film, journalism, and media arts, Michael challenges traditional systems built on control, standardization, and “right answers,” and offers a more human-centered vision of teaching and assessment. Together, they explore how storytelling and creativity can turn classrooms into workshops for leadership, how rethinking rubrics and embracing self, peer, and audience evaluation builds agency and ethical decision-making, and why curiosity, risk-taking, and joy are not “soft skills,” but essential leadership capabilities. This conversation invites educators, parents, and leaders to reconsider not just how we learn, but what kind of leaders we’re preparing people to become. Learn more about and connect with Michael: Website: https://www.michael-hernandez.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hernandez-21a8195/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changing.the.narrative/   You can also check out his book, course and podcast: Book: Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity https://tinyurl.com/4p3vyuj9 Course: Uncheatable Assessments https://storytelling-with-purpose-learning.thinkific.com/   Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-the-narrative/id1455984465 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PYWfxPEyE3msMEMXwXOMY?si=dc80c7007bb1449d Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsRxdUIrHR_QXTL7tVw1-rcyhjP4jX8Nu&si=YJQupnWfH6XZEpRk Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Marian Kopp, CEO of Lauffener Weingärtner eG, to reflect on his three decades of leadership across the international wine and FMCG industries. Together, they dive into what it takes to lead authentically across cultures, balance heritage with innovation, and steer teams through disruption with empathy and resilience. From empowering local expertise to embracing sustainability and digital transformation, Marian shares practical lessons shaped by real-world challenges and global experience. The episode culminates with Marian’s inspiring vision for a more transparent and people-centered future of wine, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Learn more about  and connect with Marian Kopp: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariankopp/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marian.kopp Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kopp_marian/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Daniel Kebede, co-founder of Abstract, in a conversation centered on leadership in complex systems. Together, they explore how reimagining airports requires not only good design but the ability to lead through ambiguity—aligning dozens of stakeholders, creating shared rituals, and using storytelling and empathy to move people toward a common vision. Daniel reflects on the leadership lessons that shaped him, from mentorship to navigating the unprecedented disruptions brought on by COVID. He offers insights on how to balance innovation with operational constraints, cultivate disciplined processes without stifling creativity, and champion sustainability in an industry known for complexity. The episode closes with a forward-looking take on the kind of leadership required to build a more accessible, human-centered future for air travel. Learn more about Daniel Kebede and Abstract at https://www.abstract.group/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

In this episode, host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Julie Hurwitz, Founder and CEO of Songbird Creative, to explore her journey from early record-label roles to building a boutique music licensing and strategy firm. Julie reflects on what it takes to hire well, build scalable systems, embrace automation, and pivot into new opportunities — including launching a recruiting arm to meet emerging industry needs. She also offers an inside look at guiding brands and artists through the complexities of sync licensing and the ever-evolving music landscape. Throughout the conversation, Julie shares leadership insights on decisiveness, accessibility, mentorship, cultivating a team ethos rooted in music and respect, and preparing for the future as AI reshapes the industry. Connect with Julie Hurwitz at https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliehurwitz/ Learn more about Songbird Creative at https://www.songbirdcreative.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/songbird.creative/. Check out the Songbird Creative Jumbo List at https://tinyurl.com/mutdw8hx Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.    

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry interviews Heidi Ridley, a 35-year veteran of the financial services industry who has redefined what leadership looks like in finance. From pioneering ESG integration to co-founding Radiant Global Investors, Heidi has led global teams with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to mentoring others and advancing inclusion across the industry. Through candid reflections, Heidi shares the influences that shaped her path, the challenges that tested her resolve, and the principles that continue to guide her leadership. Listeners will gain insights into authentic, purpose-driven leadership, building accountable teams, navigating complexity, mentoring the next generation, and fostering financial literacy as part of a more diverse and innovative future for asset management. Learn more about Heidi Ridley at https://heidiridley.com/ and on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-ridley/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.