The Leadership Dance

Step into a conversation that explores the power of reinvention, the courage to disrupt your own path, and the art of weaving creativity into leadership. In this episode, Kim Alexis Newton—board director, entrepreneur, fine artist, and former Hallmark executive—joins Alissa Hsu Lynch to share her extraordinary journey from leading a $1 billion business to building a thriving art and quilting enterprise. Kim reflects on her childhood dreams, the pivotal moment she realized she’d outgrown corporate life, and the intentional steps she took to expand her network and embrace her creative calling. Kim opens up about the evolution of her leadership philosophy, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and the deeply personal stories behind her quilts - now treasured by Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama. She recounts the story of how the very first quilt she sold was to Oprah and offers candid insights on building resilience, cultivating influence, and designing a life that honors both ambition and artistry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration to redefine success, nurture meaningful relationships, and lead with authenticity and vision.  ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: True growth often begins when you step outside your comfort zone and disrupt the familiar. Expanding your network with intention can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives. Embracing your creative instincts can lead to unexpected and deeply fulfilling achievements. ______________________________________________ Connect with Kim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-alexis-newton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimalexisnewton/ Website: https://kimalexisnewton.com/  X: https://twitter.com/kimalexisnewton Threads: https://www.threads.com/@kimalexisnewton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimalexisnewton ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance

In this deeply personal and moving episode of The Leadership Dance, Principal Dancer Cassandra Trenary of American Ballet Theatre opens up about the journey behind the curtain—from early dreams in Georgia to becoming one of ABT’s most versatile and emotionally resonant artists. Cassandra shares the whirlwind story of her rise through ABT, the emotional toll of injury, and how creative outlets like photography and filmmaking helped her rediscover herself—and her artistry. We dive into her acclaimed gallery exhibition Embodied, a striking tribute to the vulnerability and resilience of dancers in their most human moments. And as she prepares to embark on a bold new chapter with Vienna State Ballet under the leadership of Alessandra Ferri, Cassandra reflects on the courage it takes to leave home—and the joy of stepping into the unknown. Whether you're navigating a creative pivot, facing transition, or looking for inspiration to pursue your passions more fully, this episode is a must-listen. 💡 Key Takeaways: Major setbacks can become catalysts for unexpected growth and new passions. Nothing is forever, but the career has a timeline. So why not go for everything? Balancing discipline with freedom and play can unlock deeper creativity and fulfillment. ______________________________________________ Connect with Cassandra: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandratrenary/ and https://www.instagram.com/pearltakespics/ 📷 Photo Credits: Rosalie O’Connor Evgeny Popov Luis Alberto Rodriguez Marty Sohl Cassandra Trenary Quinn Wharton ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance

In this energizing conversation, powerhouse leader Sarah Robb O’Hagan—former executive at Nike, Gatorade, and Equinox, and author of Extreme You—shares insights from her bold career journey. Sarah opens up about the tough lessons she learned from early career failures, the power of resilience, and how embracing her authentic, “extreme” self led her to unlock new levels of leadership. Together, Alissa and Sarah explore what it means to lead with courage, create inclusive high-performance cultures, and why doing “hard things” is essential for growth. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the top, this episode will leave you inspired to bring your boldest self to every room you enter. Tune in for the full episode to learn Sarah’s practical tips on how to perform under constant pressure. ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: As a leader, you have to invest in recovery just as much as preparation and performance. The risk associated with bold moves is actually no more than the risk associated with playing it safe. Be your “Extreme You” and embrace what makes you different and turn it into your superpower. ______________________________________________ Connect with Sarah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-robb-o-hagan-249130/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extremesro/  Website:  https://www.sarahrobbohagan.com/  Course: https://maven.com/sarah-robb-o-hagan/the-breakout-leader  ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance

Tune in for this dynamic discussion about leading boldly, trusting in yourself, and living with intention featuring Sheila Lirio Marcelo, the trailblazing founder of Care.com and now the visionary leader behind Ohai.ai, a virtual assistant for families. Sheila shares her remarkable journey from her entrepreneurial upbringing in the Philippines to building one of the most trusted caregiving platforms in the world. Throughout the conversation, Sheila opens up about the challenges of balancing young motherhood while attending college, underestimating herself, and operating in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Sheila also discusses her latest venture, Ohai.ai, an AI-powered operating system for families created to ease the daily mental load families face. Drawing from decades of experience, she offers powerful lessons on embracing both the nurturing and assertive sides of leadership, prioritizing mental well-being, and learning to listen to the wisdom of your body and heart. This interview is a must-listen for anyone looking to redefine success on their own terms and lead with both boldness and compassion. Listen until the end to find out what her new nickname is as a grandmother.  ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: Trusting your body and heart is essential to navigating leadership and life.  When you feel underestimated, you start to underestimate yourself. Success is not just about ambition; it’s about surrendering, flowing with life, and leading with love. ______________________________________________ Connect with Sheila: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilamarcelo/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheilaliriomarcelo/?hl=en# Website: https://www.ohai.ai/  X:  https://twitter.com/smarcelo  ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance

Episode 17 features trailblazer Anna Mok — the first Chinese American woman promoted to Partner at Deloitte and the visionary co-founder of Ascend, North America's largest network for Pan-Asian business professionals. From growing up in San Francisco and working in her family’s Chinese restaurant as a little girl to becoming a prominent global business leader, Anna shares how her immigrant roots, cultural identity, and deep belief in community shaped her path. We talk about breaking the bamboo ceiling, navigating leadership as an Asian American woman, and why redefining success on your own terms matters more than ever. Anna opens up about bringing vulnerability into the workplace, how she manages motherhood and her career, and the power of building inclusive spaces for future generations of Asian leaders. Lastly, we explore how her cultural background shaped her leadership, the challenges Asian Americans face in corporate spaces, and why empathy, community, and giving back are central to her mission. Tune in for the end to hear Anna share five powerful leadership lessons that will inspire you to lead with authenticity, empathy, and purpose—wisdom you don’t want to miss. ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: Embrace where you come from — your identity is your strongest leadership strength. Let vulnerability in; real connection begins when you take off the mask. Success doesn’t have one path; allow yourself to wander and follow the opportunities that align with who you are. ______________________________________________ Connect with Anna: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-mok-2a91b72/  Website: https://www.ascendleadership.org/  ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance

Episode 16 features Ryan Nece—Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and now an entrepreneur, venture capital leader, and philanthropist—in a heartfelt conversation about purpose, resilience, and reimagining success. Ryan opens up about his unique journey from growing up as the son of Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott to carving out his own path on and off the field. He shares lessons learned from his time as a professional athlete and talks about how these translate into business, including the value of leadership, teamwork, and bouncing back from failure. Ryan also reflects on his transition from the NFL to entrepreneurship, recounting the founding of StraightCast Media and his current work at Next Legacy Partners. He sheds light on his passion for service, emphasizing the mission of the Ryan Nece Foundation, which empowers young people to embrace the power of giving. Through stories of adversity, growth, and faith, Ryan offers compelling insights on navigating life’s challenges. Stay tuned for the end where he reveals whether he or his wife, Willa Ford, is the better dancer! ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: Success is measured by how well you bounce back, not by how much you earn Leadership means uniting different people toward a shared goal—even when you don’t see eye to eye True impact starts with serving others and teaching the next generation to do the same ______________________________________________ Connect with Ryan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-nece-abb07b8/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryannece and https://www.instagram.com/nextlegacypartners  Website: https://nextlegacy.com  ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance

Delve into this fascinating conversation with Alessandra Ferri, Prima Ballerina Assoluta and Artistic Director Designate of the Vienna State Ballet. Alessandra shares her extraordinary journey in the world of ballet, from her early passion for dance in Italy to becoming the youngest principal dancer at The Royal Ballet at age 19. After subsequently being recruited by Mikhail Baryshnikov to join American Ballet Theatre, she has sustained an incredibly long and successful performing career over 4 decades with the world’s top companies, dancers, and choreographers.  In this revealing episode, Alessandra discusses the pressures of fame, what she learned from dancing with greats such as Rudolph Nureyev, Misha, and Julio Bocca, and what motivated her astonishing return to the stage at age 50. She also reflects on the passage of time and shares her secrets to longevity in dance. About to embark on her next chapter as Artistic Director of the Vienna State Ballet, she shares her vision for the company and her hopes for the future. Throughout the conversation, Alessandra emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's passion and embracing the journey of life and art. ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: Go with your passion and love for dance, and things will happen You have to be at the service of talent. It's not the talent serving you or your ego We cannot fight the passing of time, but if you embrace it, you have a lot to give later in life ______________________________________________ Connect with Alessandra: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alessandraferriofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alessandraferri555  ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance #ballet #dance #longevity #careeradvice #wienerstaatsoperballett #leadership

In this inspiring episode of The Leadership Dance, Christina Hennington, EVP & Chief Strategy and Growth Officer for Target, discusses her journey from her Scandinavian roots to her rise in the retail industry. Christina reflects on the influence of her upbringing on her global perspective, the lessons she learned as a newly promoted executive during the pandemic, and her journey of embracing what makes her unique. She discusses the power of having a "rookie mindset," finding comfort with ambiguity, and how innovative technologies like AI enhance both customer experience and operational efficiency. Christina offers powerful insights on taking risks, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding balance as a leader, mother, and board director in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: A leader's role is to create clear direction, ensure the team has the resources they need, and then get out of the way. The ability to embrace change and ambiguity is one of the most critical leadership skills in today’s uncertain world. Imposter syndrome affects everyone; however, it's important to lean into the opportunities you have. ______________________________________________ Learn more about Christina here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-hennington-84715a/ Website: https://www.Target.com  ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance  #ImposterSyndrome #WomenInLeadership #RetailTrends

Season 2 of The Leadership Dance kicks off with an illuminating conversation with Lindsay Trout, Partner at Egon Zehnder, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm. Throughout the episode, Lindsay shares her expertise and insights on leadership, career development, and the challenges facing CEOs and boards today. She discusses how courage and curiosity have become essential leadership traits, and offers practical advice for positioning yourself in the marketplace by focusing on competencies and potential rather than just experience. Lindsay also discusses growing up in Charleston, South Carolina as a debutante, the pivotal moments in her career, and how serendipity played a role in her journey. Lastly, Alissa and Lindsay talk openly about the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in leadership roles and the importance of finding joy in work and life. ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: Leaders today no longer need to be omniscient; courage and curiosity are now essential  Don’t get good at things that don’t bring you joy  Leave space for serendipity in your career   ______________________________________________ Learn more about Lindsay here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troutlindsay/  ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance  #leadership #authenticity #careeradvice #executivesearch #worklifeintegration  

In this special solo episode, host Alissa Hsu Lynch takes 5 minutes to reflect on the 5 biggest insights she’s gathered from her inspiring conversations with 10 trailblazing leaders in Season One. These incredible guests have shared their journeys of resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and forging their own paths. Alissa reveals the top lessons learned and how they can help you navigate your own leadership journey. ______________________________________________ 💡Top 5 Takeaways: Choreographing Your Career Takes Creativity Resilience is a SuperpowerLeadership Means Opening Doors for Others Your Uniqueness is Your Strength Breaking Barriers Takes Bravery 👉 Loved this episode? Share your favorite takeaway, leave a review, and help more people discover The Leadership Dance! ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance #creativity #resilience #leadership #authenticity #breakingbarriers  

In this episode of The Leadership Dance, Sabina Nawaz, Executive Coach and Author, and former advisor to Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer at Microsoft, shares her journey from growing up in Calcutta to achieving success in the United States in the tech and business worlds. She discusses the complexities of career transitions, the challenges of leadership, and how pressure and power can derail even well-meaning managers. In introducing her new book, “You’re the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need),” Sabina reveals the leadership secrets and strategies of highly successful managers that anyone at any level—or in any life situation—can use to succeed.  Tune in to hear her thoughts on adopting micro habits, making time to do nothing, as well as what authenticity means to her. ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: Power gaps and pressure pitfalls—how to spot and avoid them before they derail your relationships and career The power of blank space—how doing “nothing” can reset your mind while amping up your creativity Why self-care isn’t a maybe, but a must  ______________________________________________ Learn more about Sabina here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinanawaz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabinacoaching/ Website: https://sabinanawaz.com/  ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance #leadership #executivecoaching #authenticity #managementdevelopment #microhabits #plurality #blankspace   

Episode 10 of The Leadership Dance features Calvin Royal III, Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre and a prominent figure in the dance world. In this inspiring conversation, he shares his breakthrough journey from discovering dance at the late age of 14 to becoming only the third African American principal dancer in ABT’s 85-year history. He discusses the importance of leadership, mentorship, and representation in ballet, as well as the challenges he had to overcome along the way. Calvin also highlights his recent project, UNITE, which celebrates the beautiful array of artistry and diversity in ballet, and shares his aspirations for the future.   ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: Advocating for yourself, overcoming self-doubt, and being brave are as crucial for success in competitive fields like ballet as they are in business Leadership is about influence, impact, and mentoring others who follow in your footsteps The creative process thrives on collaboration, shared vision, and taking risks (as well as knowing how to balance a budget!)  ______________________________________________ Learn more about Calvin here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/calvinroyaliii    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-royal-iii-3385809a   Website: https://www.calvinroyaliii.com   ______________________________________________ Photo Credits: Maria Baranova  George Etheredge Karolina Kuras João Menegussi Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy of American Ballet Theatre  ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance  #CalvinRoyalIII #AmericanBalletTheatre #Ballet #PrincipalDancer #BreakingBarriers 

In Episode 9 of The Leadership Dance, Cerise Lim Jacobs shares her remarkable journey from a traditional upbringing in Singapore to becoming the founder of the activist opera company, White Snake Projects. She discusses the cultural influences of her childhood, the challenges of leaving Singapore during a turbulent political time, and running away from home at the age of 18. During this episode, Cerise reflects on her struggle for independence and the ongoing process of finding her voice in a world that often imposes limitations based on cultural or societal expectations. She discusses the challenges of reimagining her identity, the lessons learned from her time as a lawyer, and the motivations behind founding White Snake Projects. Lastly, Cerise reflects on the importance of community engagement in the arts and offers advice to her younger self about overcoming fear and staying true to herself.  ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: Don’t be afraid of making major life and career decisions–fear can be overcome and managed.  Leaving behind a successful career may open doors to new opportunities and personal growth, allowing you to embrace change and take on new challenges. You don’t have to wait for permission—if the industry won’t open the door, build your own space and bring others with you.  ______________________________________________ Learn more about White Snake Projects here: Website: http://www.whitesnakeprojects.org  Twitter: https://x.com/whitesnakeproj  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitesnakeprojects/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitesnakeprojects   ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance #Leadership #Opera #Activism #Diversity #Authenticity #Courage #Fearlessness #TheLeadershipDance

Sue Siegel is one of those people who makes a lasting impact. From her pioneering work at Affymetrix during the early days of the Human Genome Project, to her visionary influence in driving innovation at GE and other companies, Sue has left an indelible mark. In this episode of The Leadership Dance, Sue Siegel, Board Director and former CEO & VC, shares her journey from feeling like a misfit growing up in the Philippines and Puerto Rico to becoming one of the most influential leaders in the Life Sciences industry. She discusses her transition from molecular biology to business and the invaluable lessons she learned about leadership while contributing to the development of human genome sequencing. She shares how to balance innovation with rigorous discipline and reflects on what it means to break barriers in the C-suite and corporate boardrooms. She also talks about what authenticity means to her, how she developed her leadership style, and shares her “Ways of Working” with the 5 key principles she always follows to build high-performing teams. Lastly, Sue offers career and life advice for future generations, emphasizing the importance of walking through doors when they open and focusing on the impact you can make for society.  ______________________________________________ 💡 Key Takeaways: AI is shifting the healthcare industry towards curative therapies vs. just treatment of chronic diseases. Building an innovation culture starts with building high-performing teams. Navigating ambiguity while trusting yourself is essential for effective leadership.  ______________________________________________ Learn more about Sue here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-siegel/   ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance  #Leadership #LifeSciences #Genomics #Innovation #Diversity #Mentorship #HighPerformingTeams #AuthenticLeadership #TheLeadershipDance

In Episode 7 of The Leadership Dance podcast, host Alissa Hsu Lynch speaks with Chief Marketer and Communicator Arielle Patrick, of Ariel Investments. They discuss Arielle's upbringing in a culturally rich environment, her path from Princeton to public relations, and the importance of staying curious and finding joy in the career journey. Arielle shares insights on how her background in musical theater and dance has influenced her leadership style, the significance of diversity in corporate America, and her advocacy for diverse artists through her personal art collection.  Throughout the conversation, they discuss the need for effective communication and storytelling in driving change within organizations and in creating a fulfilling career. She highlights the impact of diversity on consumer choices, particularly among younger generations, and shares her personal passion for serving on nonprofit boards, including American Ballet Theatre and Yellowstone National Parks Foundation. Arielle also emphasizes the significance of building authentic relationships vs. networking and talks about the confidence required as a young leader to reach the C-suite. As a new mom, she shares her tips for prioritizing family and career and discusses the importance of self-care and learning how to say no. Finally, she reflects on the need to trust yourself as your career develops and facing whatever challenges life brings you. ______________________________________________ 💡Key Takeaways: Success doesn’t come from a rigid plan but from curiosity, flexibility, and taking joy in the process. Dance teaches valuable leadership lessons such as poise and presence. When it comes to networking, stay curious and strip people down to their humanity—you’ll find surprising connections.  ______________________________________________ Connect with Arielle and learn more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akpatrick1   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellepatrick/  ______________________________________________ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:  https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance #TheLeadershipDance #AriellePatrick #Leadership #Communications #Diversity #WorkingMoms #Ballet #Art #Curiosity #AuthenticLeadership