🎙️ Duncan Tree Podcast with Ouida – Season 3, Episode 1: “Next Gen Narrative—Gen Z Insights and Bridging the Generational Gap”

In this powerful Season 3 opener, Ouida sits down with Rishi Singhal, one of Duncan Tree Ventures' newest Board Members, who is a dynamic Gen Z voice that helps to unpack the complexities, pressures, and potential of today’s youth. From navigating mental health challenges and the aftershocks of COVID-19 to confronting the curated chaos of social media, this episode explores the emotional terrain Gen Z is learning to master in real time.

The conversation with Rishi tackles:

1. Misconceptions about Gen Z’s work ethic and emotional resilience
2. The importance of mindset, peer support, and mentorship in shaping identity
3. How to lead when you're not the loudest or smartest in the room
4. The evolving definition of “impact” as young professionals chart their paths
5. Why soft skills are not optional—they’re essential
6. Strategies for managing leadership conflicts and interpersonal tension
7. The reality that life doesn’t peak at college, and what comes next

Listeners are invited into a rich dialogue about intergenerational wisdom, emotional intelligence, and the value of being met exactly where you are.

🎧 Join the ITM movement:
If you believe in mentoring the next generation with compassion, clarity, and curiosity, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to The Duncan Tree Podcast with Ouida and join our movement to democratize coaching, bridge generational gaps, and transform communities—one conversation at a time.

🌱 Want to support our work with youth and emerging leaders? Donate or volunteer at www.duncantree.org or email us at info@duncantree.org.

Who is Rishi Singhal?

Rishi Singhal, a Senior Software Engineer at a leading global medical device manufacturer, specializes in firmware development for cardiac rhythm management. Passionate about medical innovation, he focuses on global mental health solutions, pacemakers, and minimally invasive surgical devices.

With a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and an M.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell, Rishi has experience in medical device development and co-founded Vita Innovations, where he helped create VitalMask, a triage assist device improving ER patient monitoring.

Beyond engineering, he advocates for mentorship and education as Community Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator for Duncan Tree Ventures, supporting initiatives that empower individuals to reach their full potential.

Who is Ouida Duncan?

Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Chair of Duncan Tree Ventures, a nonprofit dedicated to mentorship, coaching, and transformative education. A transformation coach specializing in COR.E energy and emotional intelligence, she empowers individuals to overcome worthiness struggles and lead with confidence.

With a background in advertising and executive leadership, Ouida blends strategic vision with a passion for social impact. She leads initiatives like the in the Middle (ITM) coaching program, helping young people navigate challenges and build resilience.

Her work has taken her across 30 countries on six continents, reinforcing her commitment to global change.

Currently, she is expanding Duncan Tree’s reach, fostering partnerships, and advocating for coaching as a tool for education reform and personal transformation.