CommonSense Leadership Podcast


CommonSense Leadership is “practical wisdom for leadership and life” for professionals and entrepreneurs seeking the “edge” needed to catapult their career to the next level. Three decades of career experience, 18 yrs as an entrepreneur, and extensive networks inform our content. Individuals from underrepresented groups will find this podcast especially beneficial for success. Our format balances robust content and highly applicable segments.

CommonSense Leadership

CommonSense Leadership is "practical wisdom for leadership and life" for professionals and entrepreneurs seeking the "edge" needed to catapult their career to the next level. Three decades of career experience, 18 yrs as an entrepreneur, and extensive networks inform our content. Individuals from underrepresented groups will find this podcast especially beneficial for success.

2022 Month 4 Theme

Laser Focused for Greater Success

2022 Month 2 Theme

Laser Focused for Greater Success

2022 Month 2 Theme

A New Year with New Perspectives

Tyra Dent Smith

Newly Selected President
AAFEA – African American Federal Executive Association

Marty Mucci

CEO & Chairman of the Board of Paychex

2021 Month 12 Theme

Resilience and the Role of Gratitude

2021 Month 11 Theme

Resilience and the Role of Gratitude

2021 Month 10 Theme

Mentoring to Influence Positive Change

2021 Month 9 Theme

Social Responsibility: Giving Back On and With Purpose

2021 Month 8 Theme

Social Responsibility: Giving Back On and With Purpose

2021 Month 7 Theme

A Call to Public Service: A Leadership Journey

Week 1

Marcus Coleman

Manager/HWC
Former Program Manager FEMA
Individual/Community Preparedness
Marcus’ T-Shirt “Not Self-Made. Village Raised.”
(Read Bio)

 

Week 2

Rachel Torres

Administrator/National Director
Employment Training Administration’s
Office of Job Corp
U.S. Department of Labor
https://aafea.org
programdirector@aafea.org
(Read Bio)

 

Week 3

Glorina Stallworth

Prevention Unit Manager
Injury & Violence Prevention
Division of Public Health
(Read bio)

 

Week 4

Dr. Lyna Matesi

Associate Professor
Leadership Studies/Directs MBA Program, UW-Stevens Point
Quyen Hom + Assembly Shop + Be All The Things Scholarship
(Read Bio)

 

2021 Month 6 Theme

A Call to Public Service: A Leadership Journey

Week 1

Tony Thomas

Deputy Inspector General, Retired
Community Affairs Director, AAFEA
(Read Bio)

 

Week 2

Kendall O. Johnson

Executive Director
2020 Census Integrated Communications
U.S. Census Bureau
(Read Bio)

 

Week 3

Marie C. Johns

Former Deputy Administrator – U.S. SBA
CEO – PPC-Leftwich
(Read bio) (News article)

 

Week 4

Marilyn A. Sanders

Regional Director – Chicago Region
U. S. Census Bureau
(Read Bio)

 

2021 Month 5 Theme

“May…Celebration 6” Month

This month marks a wonderful milestone for CommonSense Leadership Influencer Podcast! We are proud to celebrate 6 months of consistent “podcasting with purpose!” We are so honored to have brought to you, the wisdom, practical experience and innovative perspectives of our 35 phenomenal thought-leaders. Their unique perspectives, provocative insights and pure inspiration have been a gift!

May is officially “Celebration 6”! The number 6 represents balance and outward focus! So, it is in that spirit that we REMIX four podcasts selected to usher you into Spring, and into our collective new beginning, as we embrace positive light, coming out of the pandemic!

I’m inspired and motivated to do more and stretch myself beyond even my expectations when I listen to these guests! I’m sure you will too!

Week 1

Wendy Davidson

President, Americas – Glanbia Performance Nutrition
Disruption Expert: “Thrive in Disruption”
(Read Bio)

 

Week 2

Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter

President/CEO – V&J Foods Holding Companies, Inc.
Entrepreneurial Expert: “Command Your Dream”
(Read Bio)

 

Week 3

Dr. Pete Ronayne

Senior Faculty – Center for Creative Leadership
Neuroleadership Expert: “Burn Bright…Not Out” ​
(Read bio)

 

Week 4

Terri Nimmons

Principal – Stone Lake Leadership Group
Brand Expert: “You ARE a Brand”
(Read Bio)

 

2021 Month 4 Theme

“The Art of the ASK: Knowing and Getting What You Want”

April is ASK Month!

We are excited to officially welcome Spring… a time of new and fresh beginnings! One year ago, we were thrust into a global pandemic! We all experienced challenges and adjustments, and so many experienced losses, previously unimagined. While others experienced new beginnings, career advancement and tremendous success, also previously unimagined. This month, we discuss what separates aspects of the positive scenarios, through our theme: “The Art of the ASK: Knowing and Getting What You Want”.

What does it mean to ASK? Why ASK? How to ASK? Our definition for ASK – something asked for, requested, or required of someone —used especially in phrases like a big ask and a tough ask to say that what is being asked for or hoped for is difficult or unlikely

Our guests this month, started their incredible leadership journeys… by FIRST ASKING! Join us and get some tips, strategies and courage to start YOUR Spring with the ASK you’ve been pondering! Let’s make it so…April is ASK Month!

Week 1

Maria Brennan

President & CEO
Women in Cable Telecommunications
(Read Bio)

 

Week 2

William Wilson

President & CEO
William Wilson Clothing
(Read Bio)

 

Week 3

Amanda Comunale

Chief Operations Office
GTP Services, LLC
(Read bio)

 

Week 4

Kristina King

African American Affairs Director
The Philos Project
(Read Bio)

 

Week 5

Kimberly Wilson

Vice-President – Multi-Platform Marketing
The Walk Disney Company
(Read Bio)

 

2021 Month 3 Theme

“Collaboration: Building a Supportive Team for a Successful Career”

This series highlights the achievements and leadership journeys of women who are making history in ways that positively impact the lives of others, in their communities and around the world. Through our conversations, listeners hear and see the courage, strength and resilience of women that reflect our collective progress. All individuals, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity, can find inspiration from a woman’s perspective on collaboration, passion, courage, and creative problem-solving. Likewise, organizations gain insight into how best to maximize the talent, creativity, and cognitive diversity of truly diverse teams. Involvement of Women changes everything! Celebrating Women’s History Month, speaks to our collective awareness of the importance of women to our society and to the stabilization and advancement of our civilization.

Week 1

Ms. Wendy Davidson

President – Americas
Glanbia Performance Nutrition
(Read Bio)

 

Week 2

Dr. Mary Clark Bruce

Professor/Founder
FollowThroughToday
(Read Bio)

 

Week 3

Susan Jin Davis, Esq.

Diversity Equity Inclusion
Scholar/Practitioner
(Read bio)

 

Week 4

Barbara M. Littles, Esq.

Author, Leadership/Entrepreneur
Coach
(Read Bio)

 

2021 Month 2 Theme

“Making History is Our Ancestors’ Legacy”

Host: Dr. L. Diane “LD” Bennett from Maximize Consulting

Week 1

Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter

President/CEO
V&J Foods, Holding Company, Inc.
Dr. Carter’s podcast: “Power to Win” 
Dr. Carter’s books: “Your Business is His Business: It’s Where Destiny Takes You” and “From Pandemic to Promise
(Read Bio) (Website)

 

 

Week 2

Mr. Wilson Lester

Co-Founder, Partners in Equity, Inc.
Piedmontbusinesscapital.org  and Resilnc.org
(Read Bio)

Week 3

Dr. Dorsey Miller

35th Grand Basileus
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
(Read Bio)

Week 4

Ms. Sandra K. Ware

Founder & Principal, Avail Concierge Services
Founder, Powered to Dream
Youth Tech and Innovation Camp
(Read Bio) (Contact)

Pastor Kareem Bowen

Potter’s Touch International Ministries
Serial Entrepreneur
(Website) (Read Bio) (Contact)

2021 Month 1 Theme

“The Joy and Power in Finding Your Place in 2021”

Our January interview series is designed to help guide individuals as they embark upon a brand new year and support their career plans and aspirations to maximize their talent and find their joy and power in 2021. Likewise, organizations are provided objective insights useful in their efforts to maintain a competitive advantage, retain top talent, and to thrive, regardless of the industry or external factors. This month’s theme focuses on self-awareness, self-care, and courage from a “control what you can control” perspective. How brave!

2020 “happened” to everyone and every organization…how you choose to face 2021 is totally within your control. Our guests support you with “future-focused” guidance and advice based on their expertise and uniquely practical, real-life experiences. Each interview/conversation offers positive steps, clear markers, and guideposts that support your developmental intentions. Our January lineup expands a cadré of highly successful practitioners, eager to undergird you!

Week 1

Jim Samaha & Karen McClendon

Jim Samaha, Regional SVP – Northeast Division, Comcast (Read Bio)
Karen McClendon, VP – Human Resources – Consumer Sales, Comcast (Read Bio)

 

Week 2

Sara N. King

Principal, Optimum Insights, On-Call Faculty – Center for Creative Leadership (Read Bio) (Contact)
Lead Facilitator – Betsy Magness Leadership Institute

Week 3

Sharon McDowell Larsen, Ph.D. & Mary J. Barry, RN, Ph.D.

Sharon McDowell Larsen, Ph.D., On-Call Fitness Faculty, Center for Creative Leadership (Read Bio) (Contact) (Website)
Mary J. Barry, RN, Ph.D., On-Call Fitness Faculty, Center for Creative Leadership (Read Bio) (Contact)

Week 4

Dr. Pete Ronayne

Senior Faculty – Portfolio Manager, Center for Creative Leadership (Read Bio) (Contact)

Week 5

Jennifer Martineau & Portia Mount

Jennifer Martineau: Principal, Leap and Inspire Global (Read Bio)
Portia Mount: Vice President Marketing, Trane Technologies (Read Bio)
Authors of Kick Some Glass, 10 Ways Women Succeed at Work on Their Own Terms

Month 2 Theme

So, You’re a “High Potential”…What’s Next?

This month experts examine the impact and role of high potential programs in the careers of top talent and strategies to successfully maximize People of Color and women.   Our guests provide positive steps organizations are taking to attract, retain and grow talent; while also being more intentional about tactics to support, mentor and coach individuals to sustain advancement and manage expectations. Practitioners and talent leaders share real-time solutions and strategies that ensure competitive advantage.

Week 1

Dr. Roger R. Pearman

 

Week 2

Michelle A. Ray

Week 4

Tyra Dent Smith

Month 1 Theme

“Now What…From Performative Support to Positive Social Change”

Professor Wendy Greene

Professor of Law – Drexel University – Thomas Kline Law School – Co-author of The Crown Act, key natural hair legislation – translating “how this looks” for competitive advantages in corporate America. Read More About Professor Wendy Greene.

Subject: Crown Act and Free The Hair

Teresa Ward Maupin

SVP, Digital & Customer Experience, Comcast Business – Leader – Comcast Rise – innovative technology/marketing support profit model success for small Businesses of Color. Read More About Teresa Ward Maupin.

Subject: Comcast Rise

Niketa Greene

VP, Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion – Greensboro Chamber of Commerce – ways “good for business” model fuels local business to initiate and sustain social change at “eye-level.

Subject: Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

 

Dr. John Thomas Cooper, Jr.

Assistant Vice President, Public Partnership & Outreach – Texas A&M University – role of public-private partnerships in sustainable social change. Twitter: @johntcooperjr

Email Us

Contact

Phone

704-776-2540

Mail

info@commonsenseleadership.org

Address

15105-D John J. Delaney Dr. Ste. 191 Charlotte, North Carolina 28277-2848