What does it really take to rise into leadership when no one is handing you the roadmap? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Lara Hamilton, Director of IT Services for the HelpDesk Realty, a division at Tectonic (formerly eResources), where she has excelled for over 15 years, to unpack a leadership journey built on resilience, persistence, and vision. Lara didn’t set out to work in technology. She created her path by solving problems, improving systems, and proving her value again and again.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to figure it out on your own, this episode will remind you that your persistence is your power.

Leadership can begin in unexpected places when you step up and take ownership of a vision.

Improving systems and solving problems can create opportunities even when you weren’t looking for them.

Persistence and resilience are essential traits for navigating challenges and advancing in your career.

Building trust and working alongside your team creates stronger engagement and better results.

Developing others to take your place is key to growing as a leader and advancing your career.

Innovation often comes from seeing possibilities others overlook and acting on them.

AI is not replacing jobs but reshaping roles and increasing efficiency within organizations.

Clear communication and vision are necessary to enroll others in your ideas and gain support.

What makes someone an effective leader?

An effective leader combines vision, persistence, and the ability to support and develop others. Lara emphasizes that leadership is not about control but about working alongside your team and helping them grow.

How do you get decision-makers to support your ideas?

You must clearly communicate your vision and demonstrate its value. Showing results and building trust over time helps leaders gain buy-in from executives and stakeholders.

Is AI going to replace jobs?

No, AI is more likely to transform jobs rather than eliminate them. It helps reduce repetitive tasks and allows employees to focus on higher-value work.

Team Tectonic

Leading Visionaries Podcast

Join the Leading Visionaries Community

Make a Donation to Support the Show

Creative Age Consulting Group

What does it really take to turn a big idea into meaningful, measurable impact? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., PhD, Founder and CEO of the SCHEQ (STEMM & Cancer Health Equity) Foundation, where he leads national efforts to improve cancer outcomes and diversify the STEMM workforce. A first-generation scholar and nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Manley bridges science, policy, and lived experience to drive measurable, community-centered change. Dr. Manley shares his powerful journey from navigating undiagnosed ADHD and systemic barriers to becoming the founder of the SHE STEM and Cancer Health Equity Foundation and launching his consulting firm, Innovation for Impact LLC.

This conversation goes deep into the realities of leadership, the challenges of building a nonprofit from scratch, and the importance of understanding both impact and income when bringing a vision to life.

THow lived experiences can shape powerful, purpose-driven innovation.

Why vision alone is not enough and how to operationalize big ideas into action.

What it takes to launch and sustain a nonprofit organization.

How to navigate healthcare systems and advocate for yourself or others.

The importance of combining impact with income for long-term sustainability.

How leadership is developed through both experience and self-awareness.

Why celebrating small wins is essential for long-term success and motivation.

What is health equity and why does it matter?

Health equity ensures that everyone has fair access to healthcare, resources, and outcomes regardless of background, income, or identity. Dr. Manley highlights how systemic gaps can lead to disparities in care, making advocacy and education essential.

How do you turn an idea into a nonprofit organization?

It starts with a clear mission and vision that resonates with people. From there, founders must establish structure, secure funding, build a board, and develop sustainable systems to create long-term impact.

Can nonprofits make money?

Yes, nonprofits can and should generate revenue. The key difference is that profits are reinvested into the mission. Sustainable nonprofits often rely on multiple income streams, including grants, services, and partnerships.

Innovation for Impact LLC

Leading Visionaries Podcast

Join the Leading Visionaries Community

Make a Donation to Support the Show

Creative Age Consulting Group

What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted and it still feels empty? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Kevin Howard, U.S. Army veteran, former FEMA Lead Disaster Assistance Loan Officer, who had a successful 25-year career in commercial banking before transitioning to climate risk & sustainability advisory services. Kevin Howard shares his journey from military service and a successful 25-year banking career to a deeply personal turning point that changed everything.

This episode serves as a masterclass in leadership, identity, and the courage it takes to redefine success on your own terms.

True leadership often begins as a reluctant journey rooted in service rather than ambition.

Success without alignment to personal values can lead to feelings of emptiness and lack of purpose.

Clarity comes from looking inward and redefining your life based on your own values, not societal expectations.

Discipline and attention to detail learned in high-stakes environments can translate into long-term professional excellence.

Starting a business requires strategic financial planning, especially understanding runway and minimizing risk.

External economic factors play a larger role in business success today than ever before.

Aligning your work with your personal passions creates both fulfillment and long-term impact.

Why do successful people still feel unfulfilled?

Because success built on external expectations rather than internal values can create achievement without meaning. When your life reflects what you “should” want instead of who you truly are, it often leads to emptiness.

How can I find my true purpose?

Purpose is discovered through introspection, examining your lived experiences, values, and what genuinely fulfills you, rather than following societal definitions of success.

What should I know before starting a business?

You need a clear understanding of your financial runway, minimal reliance on debt, and awareness of how external economic factors may impact your business.

Website

Book: Onward at Last (2024 Presidential Election Edition)

Podcast: Breadcrumbs – The Podcast for People Who Know It’s Not Working

Leading Visionaries Podcast

Join the Leading Visionaries Community

Make a Donation to Support the Show

Creative Age Consulting Group