In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Bob Riddle, a lifelong educator whose nearly four-decade journey, from math teacher to Head of School, offers a powerful perspective on what it means to lead with purpose, courage, and authenticity.

Together, they explore the defining moments of Bob’s leadership, including coming out and leading with greater authenticity, as well as bold institutional decisions like eliminating AP courses, launching a transformational capital campaign, and founding the Equity & Justice Institute to embed inclusion and impact into the fabric of the school. Bob also reflects on leading through complexity and crisis, the importance of building strong, values-driven communities, and his continued work in the nonprofit sector to expand educational access and support community healing. This conversation is a thoughtful look at leadership that is centered on relationships, integrity, and a commitment to the greater good.

Connect with Bob Riddle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-riddle-171a94298/

Learn more about Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences: https://www.xrds.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.

In this episode, Michele Kawamoto Perry interviews Katie Mednick, a founder and TEDx speaker who bootstrapped Spark TS into a North American rail industry leader before successfully exiting in 2025. Katie shares how she navigated complex regulations, built trust across unionized teams and regulators, and scaled a product under intense pressure.

This conversation goes beyond entrepreneurship into the heart of leadership. Katie reflects on leading through uncertainty, defining success through values, and building resilience in the face of setbacks. She also shares her journey of reinvention with Alumah, a spiritual self-care platform designed to help individuals and teams cultivate clarity, alignment, and inner strength.

Learn more about Katie Mednick and Alumah: Website: https://katiemednick.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mednick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlumahApp

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.

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.