Expressions of Leadership

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.
 

The Rhythm of Leadership: From Drumming to Storytelling with Christopher Fielden

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry talks with Christopher Fielden — award-winning author, drummer, and entrepreneur — about leading with empathy, adaptability, and creativity across music, business, and publishing.
Chris shares how respect, deep listening, and composure under pressure have guided his leadership, from navigating change to mentoring thousands of writers through his global competitions and creative community.
Learn more about Christopher Fielden at https://www.christopherfielden.com/. Connect with Christopher Fielden:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fielden.christopher
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherfielden/
Twitter: https://x.com/ChrisFielden
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristopherFielden
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/christopherfielden.bsky.social
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.
 

Powering the Future: Kara Demirjian Huss on Clean Energy, Communication, and Leadership

In this conversation, host Michele Kawamoto Perry talks with Kara Demirjian Huss — Founder and President of DCC Marketing, Sr. Vice President and Global Marketing Director of TCCI Manufacturing, and President of DemirCo Properties and Real Estate Portfolios — about leading at the intersection of business, policy, and innovation. Kara discusses taking on a $20M downtown revitalization at 27, turning a marketing cost center into a national agency, rescuing and scaling a near-collapsed company, and creating the Clean Energy Innovation Hub through strategic public-private partnerships. Kara opens up about mentorship, building purpose-driven teams, navigating risk, and creating a legacy of innovation that empowers people and communities.
Learn more about Kara Demirjian Huss and DCC Marketing at www.dccmarketing.com. You can also learn more about TCCI and the Clean Energy Hub at https://tccimfg.com/
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.
 
 
 

Data, Decisions, and Democracy: Leadership Lessons from Sucharita Kodali of The Election Hub

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Sucharita Kodali, retail analyst, civic innovator, and the driving force behind The Election Hub, a SEED20 initiative designed to help voters make informed choices in local elections.
Sucharita shares her journey from shaping consumer insights in the private sector to championing data-driven civic engagement. She opens up about the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way — from navigating ambiguity and building trust through transparency to using technology to empower communities rather than divide them.
Together, Michele and Sucharita explore what it means to lead with clarity and purpose in an age of information overload, and how informed voices can help build stronger, more connected communities.
Connect with Sucharita Kodali at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sucharitamulpuru/
Learn more about and get involved with The Election Hub at https://www.theelectionhub.org/
You can also check out The Election Hub at Seed20 https://www.seed20.org/project/election-hub/
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.
 

Runaway Girl to Relentless Advocate: Carissa Phelps on Leadership and Change

Disclaimer: This episode contains adult subject matter, including discussion of child sex trafficking, which may be distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.Carissa Phelps, a survivor of child sex trafficking, shares her remarkable journey from the streets to law school, filmmaking, and founding Runaway Girl. In this episode, she reflects on transforming personal trauma into purpose — leading with courage, empathy, and conviction.
Through survivor-led advocacy, landmark litigation, and systemic change, Carissa has redefined what leadership looks like when it’s informed by lived experience. She speaks candidly about the challenges of building a movement, the power of resilience, and what it takes to hold institutions accountable while creating pathways for survivors to heal and thrive.
Learn more about Carissa Phelps at  https://survivor.lawyer/
Connect with the Survivors First Community at https://www.survivorsfirst.community/
Learn more about The Backpage Remission Program at https://backpageremission.com/en and the Back Page Remission Network at https://www.backpageremissionnetwork.org/
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.

Leashes, Lessons, and Leadership with Shakinah Brzezinski and Molly Leevan of Wunder dog Training

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with canine behavior specialists and Wunderdogs co-founders Shakina Brzezinski and Molly Leevan. From their early days training horses to leading groundbreaking dog behavior programs, Shakina and Molly share how they’re challenging outdated dominance models with science, compassion, and connection.
Together, they explore what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in guidance rather than control—whether in the training ring, the workplace, or our communities. They discuss emotional mirroring between humans and dogs, the role of trust in transforming relationships, and how community leadership empowers both “spicy dogs” and their people.
Learn more about Wunderdogs at  https://www.wunderdogtrainers.com/. Find them on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/wunderdogtraining/.
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.