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No Boxes: Just Verses is where inspiring leaders reveal the songs and stories that shaped their journey. Join host Shannon Nash, a global C-suite leader, attorney, and CPA, as she goes beyond titles and trophies to explore the moments that truly defined today's top executives, entrepreneurs, and artists.
Each episode is a deep dive into a guest's personal "Leadership Playlist," uncovering the pivotal lessons and life-changing moments tied to the music that moved them. From career breakthroughs to personal reinvention, we explore the authentic, unboxed stories behind extraordinary success.
This isn't your typical leadership podcast. It's a rich blend of leadership development, personal storytelling, and musical discovery. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply a music lover, you'll find powerful insights and a vibrant community here.
Come for the stories, stay for the playlist. Subscribe now and join us as we redefine leadership, one verse at a time.
44 Episodes
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How do you go from being weeded out of pre-med to leading global talent strategies for the world's biggest tech giants? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, I sit down with my dear friend Suezette Yasmin Robotham, a best-selling author and global talent executive. Suezette takes us on her incredible circuitous journey—from a first-generation immigrant kid in Florida to the C-Suites of Google, Meta, and Salesforce. We discuss how she successfully pivoted from education reform into big tec...
How does a 12-year-old boy reading the comics end up interrupting a Prime Minister, partnering with Oprah, and leading a global movement for child rights? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, we sit down with Craig Kielburger, co-founder of the WE organization and Legacy Plus. Craig shares his extraordinary journey from a suburban kid in Canada to a world-renowned social entrepreneur who has worked with everyone from Mother Teresa to the Dalai Lama. Craig opens up about the surreal momen...
How does a shy kid from the DMV who hid behind his parents’ legs grow up to lead one of the most influential accounting organizations in the country? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, we sit down with Calvin Harris Jr., CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA). Calvin shares his incredible journey of resilience, starting with a challenging college experience where he lost his scholarship and faced homelessness, forcing him to work at a moving company while his friends were ...
From a difficult childhood marked by tragedy to leading a genomic revolution and championing diversity in corporate boardrooms, Dr. Thane Kreiner’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and making a plan to be someone. Thane takes us through his incredible career arc—from writing the business plan for DNA chip pioneer Affymetrix as an intern to becoming a four-time CEO and leading the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship. We go deep into the personal stories that shaped him, ...
Is your career a ladder or a jungle gym? How do you transition from reporting the numbers to being the one who drives them? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, we sit down with Daryl "DB" Butler, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Trusted Voices at Google. DB takes us on a masterclass journey through his jungle gym career—starting in finance and accounting before making a bold pivot to sales and marketing that led him to shape culture at iconic brands like Boost Mobile, Nike, Jor...
How do you keep moving forward when life forces you to grow up at age 11? Can you maintain your integrity when your job conflicts with your values? In this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses, we explore the incredible journey of a leader who turned early personal tragedy into a lifetime of resilience and service. We go beyond the bio to discuss how to lead through loss, the power of divine order in your career, and what it takes to manage global teams during a crisis. Carrie J. Clark is a power...
Are you afraid to start over? Do you feel like it’s too late to pursue a creative passion or pivot your career because you didn't start young enough? Whether you are navigating a competitive industry, recovering from a personal setback, or simply feeling the itch to try something new, this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses is your blueprint for resilience. We go beyond the bio to explore how to embrace being a beginner, how to navigate life's sinking canoes and why your 10,000 hours of hard wo...
Are you feeling stuck in a wilderness season, unsure of your next move, or afraid to pivot? Whether you are navigating a career transition, facing financial uncertainty, or simply trying to rediscover your voice, this episode of No Boxes, Just Verses is the inspiration you need. We go beyond the resume to explore how to turn rock bottom into a launchpad for reinvention. Join us as we explore the incredible journey of a Hollywood icon who taught herself to code during a personal low point and ...
![Top 10 Leadership Lessons from Season One [Part 2]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/3x2hz8m84k6m4kifv21hgpkh1jb7?.jpg "Top 10 Leadership Lessons from Season One [Part 2]")
Are you a high-level manager struggling to make the leap to "unboxed" leadership? Many professionals hit a plateau where they focus solely on vertical status rather than the diverse skills needed for the C-Suite. This common pain point can lead to career stagnation and burnout. In the conclusion of our Season 1 Recap, No Boxes: Just Verses explores the five final pillars of leadership that separate good managers from world-class leaders. This episode addresses how to use your platform for a h...
![Top 10 Leadership Lessons from Season One [Part 1]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/zyykx0ythjlbmf4moeirtulb9yvp?.jpg "Top 10 Leadership Lessons from Season One [Part 1]")
Are you feeling stuck on a secure career path that no longer sparks curiosity? Do you feel like you have to wear a mask to be respected in the C-Suite? Many leaders face the grueling pressure of maintaining a perfect image while navigating personal trials or professional stagnation. This episode of No Boxes: Just Verses addresses the specific pain point of boxed-in leadership. In this special Part 1 recap, host Shannon Nash counts down the first five pillars of leadership that defined our deb...
As we wrap up an incredible Season One, join us for a special countdown of the Top 5 most-chosen songs that shaped the journeys of our leaders! This episode goes beyond the rankings to explore the common musical threads that connect incredible leaders across business, culture, creativity, and community. We revisit the powerful stories behind the anthems of resilience, joy, strategy, and strength that resonated most deeply with our phenomenal guests. Key Takeaways: Season one has been nothing ...
Are you an executive struggling with the isolation of high-level leadership? Have you faced a personal crisis that forced you to re-evaluate your entire career path? In this powerful Authentic and Strategic episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with the two Lisas—Lisa DeCarlo and Lisa Shallet—co-founders of Extraordinary Women on Boards (EWOB). They share deeply personal stories: Lisa D’s health scare that forced vulnerability and Lisa S’s decision to reti...
Are you feeling stuck in a predictable career path? Do you struggle to make a strategic lateral move because you're afraid to lose status? In this highly Strategic episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with Melonie Parker, VP of Employee Engagement at Google. Melonie shares her authentic story of navigating a 17-year career at Lockheed Martin through lateral moves and the crucial decision to take a non-promotional role at Google to answer a personal questi...
Are you a creative professional who struggles to gain control behind the camera or above the line? Do you need courage to pivot from performing to directing? In this unforgettable episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with the incomparable cultural icon, Debbie Allen. Debbie shares the courageous, unconventional journey—from facing segregation in Texas to tripling HBCU enrollment with A Different World. Learn her strategy for owning content, leveraging her...
Do you worry that pursuing a passion like the arts can't lead to stable, global success? Do you need inspiration to keep grinding through the long years of unemployed fun? In this highly Inspirational episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with Chloé and Maud Arnold, powerhouse sister duo and founders of the viral Syncopated Ladies tap dance troupe. Learn their strategies for artistic entrepreneurship, leveraging education as a tool for access, and maintain...
Are you feeling guilty about taking a career pause? Do you wonder if you're too old or too late to make a major professional pivot? In this highly Inspirational episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with Shannon Watts—Founder of Moms Demand Action, Time's 100 Most Influential People, and author of Fired Up. Shannon shares her authentic story of leaving a successful corporate career and taking a deliberate five-year break to focus on family. Known as ...
Are you feeling stuck on the rigid corporate path? Do you need permission to define success outside of titles, prestige, and compensation? In this powerful episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with legal trailblazer Michelle Banks, former Global General Counsel of Gap, Inc., and executive leadership coach. Michelle shares her "unboxed" strategy for taking smart risks, building a career defined by cultural competency, and transitioning from the 24/7 demand...
Do you feel pigeonholed in your career? Do you struggle to see how your diverse experiences across corporate, government, and non-profit sectors connect? In this inspiring episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles with Desirée Rogers—renowned strategist, connector, and co-owner/CEO of Black Opal and Fashion Fair. Desirée shares her "unboxed" playbook for strategic career pivots, revealing how lessons learned from managing utilities and insurance giants prepare...
Do you feel defined by a major career setback? Are you questioning your path after a pivotal layoff or a venture that didn't take off? In this powerful episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we go beyond the bios, beyond the titles to explore the unconventional leadership journey of Equilar Founder and CEO, David Chun. David shares the intimate story of weathering both a major early-career layoff and the devastating dot-com crash just as he started his company. David Chun is the Founder and ...
In this dynamic crossover event on No Boxes: Just Verses, we're joined by finance expert, CPA, and podcast host, Ravi Kumar. Are you a leader trying to pivot your career, find passion outside of public accounting, or build a powerful global network? Ravi's journey is a powerful testament to immigrant grit, relentless perseverance, and why you should "Don't Stop Believin'" in your potential. Tune in for the playbook on transforming the perception of accounting from boring to brilliant. Ravi Ku...
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