Expressions of Leadership

Creative Leadership in Practice: Artist Flora Kao on Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with artist Flora Kao to explore a nontraditional leadership journey shaped by courage, persistence, and creative risk. From studying environmental science and public policy to working in strategy consulting—and ultimately choosing a life rooted in art—Flora reflects on redefining success, navigating rejection and personal upheaval, and grounding decisions in inner clarity rather than external approval.
Together, they examine leadership as an active, evolving practice: the role of mentorship, balancing intention with serendipity, and using art, public installations, and teaching to create spaces for healing, connection, and shared human experience. Flora also shares her vision for community-centered collaborations that invite reflection, beauty, and deeper relationships with nature and one another.
Learn more about Flora Kao at http://floratkao.blogspot.com and follow her at http://www.instagram.com/florakaoart
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.

Dr. Diana Hoppe on Leadership and Women’s Health After 40

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Dr. Diana Hoppe, board-certified OB/GYN, founder of Amazing Over 40, breast cancer survivor, and women’s health advocate, for a powerful conversation about leadership, self-care, and reinvention at midlife.
Drawing from nearly 30 years in medicine — and a personal wake-up call that reshaped how she lives and leads — Dr. Hoppe shares insights on listening to the body, navigating midlife transitions, and role-modeling wellness as a leadership practice. Together, they explore the Perimenopause Paradox, self-advocacy, and what it means to lead with intention through change.
Learn more about Dr. Hoppe and Amazing over 40: Website: https://amazingover40.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-hoppe-m-d-9685622a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazingover40/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmazingOver40 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPbZf5YDuu4-VuwfzfPUDzg
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. 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.

Leading with Joy: Leadership, Resilience, and Well-Being with Scientist of Happiness Health Edie Higby

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry talks with Edie Higby, Scientist of Happiness Health, author of Joy by Design, and founder of Practicing Joy, to explore where joy and leadership intersect.
Edie shares her powerful journey from profound personal loss to resilience, reframing happiness not as a fleeting feeling, but as serious, intentional work. She introduces her Joy by Design framework, along with accessible practices that help leaders cultivate presence, trust, and emotional well-being.
Together, they discuss how leaders can support mental health, model vulnerability, and design small, meaningful interventions that create lasting change for individuals, teams, and organizational culture. This conversation offers practical insight for anyone seeking to lead with greater humanity, courage, and joy.Learn more about Edie Higby and Practicing Joy:Website: https://www.practicingjoy.net/Instagram: @practicingjoy2dayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/practicingjoy/                  https://www.facebook.com/edie.higby/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edie-higby-m-a-in-happiness-studies-a14aa493/
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. 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.

Leading Learning: Rethinking Education with Michael Hernandez

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry is joined by educator, author, and storyteller Michael Hernandez to explore what learning can, and should, look like in an AI-driven world. Drawing on his background in film, journalism, and media arts, Michael challenges traditional systems built on control, standardization, and “right answers,” and offers a more human-centered vision of teaching and assessment.
Together, they explore how storytelling and creativity can turn classrooms into workshops for leadership, how rethinking rubrics and embracing self, peer, and audience evaluation builds agency and ethical decision-making, and why curiosity, risk-taking, and joy are not “soft skills,” but essential leadership capabilities. This conversation invites educators, parents, and leaders to reconsider not just how we learn, but what kind of leaders we’re preparing people to become.
Learn more about and connect with Michael:
Website: https://www.michael-hernandez.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hernandez-21a8195/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changing.the.narrative/
 
You can also check out his book, course and podcast:Book: Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity https://tinyurl.com/4p3vyuj9Course: Uncheatable Assessments https://storytelling-with-purpose-learning.thinkific.com/
 
Podcast:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-the-narrative/id1455984465
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PYWfxPEyE3msMEMXwXOMY?si=dc80c7007bb1449d
Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsRxdUIrHR_QXTL7tVw1-rcyhjP4jX8Nu&si=YJQupnWfH6XZEpRk
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. 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.

The Leadership Behind the Label: Marian Kopp on Wine, Culture & Global Markets

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Marian Kopp, CEO of Lauffener Weingärtner eG, to reflect on his three decades of leadership across the international wine and FMCG industries. Together, they dive into what it takes to lead authentically across cultures, balance heritage with innovation, and steer teams through disruption with empathy and resilience.
From empowering local expertise to embracing sustainability and digital transformation, Marian shares practical lessons shaped by real-world challenges and global experience. The episode culminates with Marian’s inspiring vision for a more transparent and people-centered future of wine, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Learn more about  and connect with Marian Kopp:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariankopp/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marian.koppInstagram https://www.instagram.com/kopp_marian/
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. 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.

Where Vision Meets Runways: Daniel Kebede on Systems, Storytelling & Leadership in Aviation Design

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Daniel Kebede, co-founder of Abstract, in a conversation centered on leadership in complex systems. Together, they explore how reimagining airports requires not only good design but the ability to lead through ambiguity—aligning dozens of stakeholders, creating shared rituals, and using storytelling and empathy to move people toward a common vision.
Daniel reflects on the leadership lessons that shaped him, from mentorship to navigating the unprecedented disruptions brought on by COVID. He offers insights on how to balance innovation with operational constraints, cultivate disciplined processes without stifling creativity, and champion sustainability in an industry known for complexity. The episode closes with a forward-looking take on the kind of leadership required to build a more accessible, human-centered future for air travel.Learn more about Daniel Kebede and Abstract at https://www.abstract.group/
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. 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.

Building, Pivoting, and Evolving: Julie Hurwitz on Leadership in the Music Business

In this episode, host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Julie Hurwitz, Founder and CEO of Songbird Creative, to explore her journey from early record-label roles to building a boutique music licensing and strategy firm. Julie reflects on what it takes to hire well, build scalable systems, embrace automation, and pivot into new opportunities — including launching a recruiting arm to meet emerging industry needs. She also offers an inside look at guiding brands and artists through the complexities of sync licensing and the ever-evolving music landscape.
Throughout the conversation, Julie shares leadership insights on decisiveness, accessibility, mentorship, cultivating a team ethos rooted in music and respect, and preparing for the future as AI reshapes the industry.
Connect with Julie Hurwitz at https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliehurwitz/
Learn more about Songbird Creative at https://www.songbirdcreative.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/songbird.creative/.
Check out the Songbird Creative Jumbo List at https://tinyurl.com/mutdw8hx
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. 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.
 
 

Heidi Ridley on Leadership, Integrity, and the Future of Finance

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry interviews Heidi Ridley, a 35-year veteran of the financial services industry who has redefined what leadership looks like in finance. From pioneering ESG integration to co-founding Radiant Global Investors, Heidi has led global teams with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to mentoring others and advancing inclusion across the industry.
Through candid reflections, Heidi shares the influences that shaped her path, the challenges that tested her resolve, and the principles that continue to guide her leadership. Listeners will gain insights into authentic, purpose-driven leadership, building accountable teams, navigating complexity, mentoring the next generation, and fostering financial literacy as part of a more diverse and innovative future for asset management.
Learn more about Heidi Ridley at https://heidiridley.com/ and on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-ridley/
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. 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.
 
 

From Policy to People: The Leadership Journey of Deputy Treasurer Khaim Morton

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry is joined by California Deputy Treasurer Khaim Morton, who traces his path from a file clerk at Warner Brothers to a seasoned public servant and strategist.
Khaim shares the leadership lessons he’s learned across politics, coaching, and community-building — lessons rooted in curiosity, adaptability, and connection. He discusses the importance of listening deeply, developing others, and staying flexible within complex systems, while creating sustainable frameworks that empower people and communities.
From mentoring emerging leaders to navigating the halls of government, Khaim offers a grounded and inspiring look at what it means to lead with purpose, humility, and heart.
Connect with Khaim Morton at https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/khaimmorton. Learn more about his work at Treasurer.ca.gov .
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. 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.
 

Redefining Leadership Through Humor and Humanity with Marc Engel

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Marc Engel — comedian, qualitative researcher, facilitator, and creative strategist — for a lively and insightful conversation about how improv, humor, and play can transform the way we lead and connect.
Marc shares his unconventional career journey, from comedy stages to corporate boardrooms, and how his Out of Focus Groups® and Blocks + Clay methods help organizations uncover authentic insight and innovation. Together, they explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected can help leaders navigate setbacks and spark deeper creativity and connection within their teams.Learn more about Marc Engel at 1marcengel.com and Blocks + Clay at BlocksAndClay.com. Connect with Marc at https://www.linkedin.com/in/1marcengel/Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. 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.