Roar with Lakecia Gunter

In this enlightening episode of ROAR, host Lakecia Gunter sits down with organizational psychologist Dr. Laura Gallaher to explore how self-acceptance is the often-missing link in strong, effective leadership. Drawing on her work with NASA in the wake of the Columbia tragedy, as well as with leaders at Disney and high-growth companies, Dr. Gallaher explains how psychological safety, inner judgment, and cultural dynamics all shape the effectiveness of leaders—and their teams.The conversation is a powerful reminder that true leadership begins within. Dr. Gallaher shares candid moments from her own journey of growth, including the impact of unexpected 360-degree feedback and how she used it to deepen her awareness. She offers practical tools like her self-acceptance quiz and the daily practice of "taking credit," illustrating how introspection and vulnerability can catalyze real change in organizations. If you’ve ever tied your worth to external success, this episode is your invitation to lead from the inside out.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(04:55) – How a lack of psychological safety—not technical failure—was a major factor in the Columbia shuttle disaster(10:40) – Why even NASA, rated the best place to work, needed a cultural transformation(13:30) – The truth about defensiveness: how internal self-judgment impacts your leadership(16:35) – Dr. Gallaher’s raw story of feedback that changed how she led her team(20:40) – How radical self-acceptance is the antidote to perfectionism and fear-based leadership(23:15) – Why high-achievers often misunderstand self-acceptance—and how to shift your mindset(28:00) – The “taking credit” practice: a simple daily habit to boost confidence and growth(34:15) – How leaders who do inner work impact their team’s performance, trust, and collaboration(36:40) – Key takeaways from Dr. Gallaher’s book The Missing Links and how to build an intentional culture(38:45) – The Inside-Out Model: a framework for taking ownership of change as a leaderLet's ConnectInstagramLinkedInConnect with Dr. Laura GallaherLinkedInWebsiteQuiz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From a young girl in Amarillo, Texas watching the Challenger launch in her school cafeteria, to becoming NASA’s first female Chief Flight Director, Holly Ridings has lived a life defined by bold moves, deep expertise, and visionary leadership. In this episode of ROAR, host Lakecia Gunter sits down with Holly for a powerful conversation about what it takes to lead missions where the stakes are quite literally life or death.Holly opens up about pivotal moments in her career, including leading the first SpaceX cargo mission to the ISS and contributing to the Artemis program's bold return to the Moon. She shares lessons on making critical decisions under pressure, building trust within high-stakes teams, and the importance of mentors and mindset in breaking barriers. Whether you're leading in a boardroom or just starting out in STEM, this conversation offers timeless advice on leading with courage, clarity, and competence.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(03:34) How a sixth-grade moment sparked Holly’s lifelong mission to solve big problems in space(05:58) What it really felt like to become NASA’s first female Chief Flight Director(07:48) The unexpected pressure of becoming a role model—and how Holly embraced it(09:51) The two keys to staying calm in high-stakes moments at Mission Control(14:32) The behind-the-scenes story of SpaceX’s first ISS mission—and the make-or-break moment that almost ended it(20:44) What people often misunderstand about NASA leadership—and where the real risks get made(23:53) Why the Artemis mission is a game-changer—and what it means for humanity’s future(28:41) The three mentors who shaped Holly’s fearless leadership style(35:35) Holly’s #1 advice for young leaders—especially those who are the “first” or “only” in the room(36:59) Why trust, competence, and patience are the secret fuel behind every great missionLet's ConnectInstagramLinkedInConnect with Holly RidingsNASA websiteXLinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of ROAR, Lakecia Gunter sits down with branding powerhouse, entrepreneur, and corporate executive Monique Hayward for an unforgettable conversation on personal brand, purpose, and power. Monique, who's been Lakecia's go-to brand strategist for over 15 years, shares the pivotal life and career moments that shaped her success—and how she uses storytelling to move people to action.From growing up between New York and South Carolina to thriving in tech and launching multiple businesses, Monique reveals how owning your story is the most powerful leadership move you can make. She breaks down elite frameworks for crafting a compelling brand, explains how to build a reputation inside and outside of work, and shows why your personal brand isn't vanity—it's visibility. Get ready to rethink how you show up, share your story, and lead with authenticity.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(06:50) How Monique's early life shaped her voice and career ambition(09:00) The leap of faith that took her from the East Coast to Oregon with one job offer(10:30) Why saying yes to uncertainty created career breakthroughs(13:40) How her grandmother and stepfather influenced her gift for storytelling(15:20) The hidden reasons people struggle to own their story—and how to overcome them(17:30) Why your brand is currency—and storytelling is how you spend it(22:50) The brand assessment exercise that changed Lakecia's career(29:00) Why your lived experience is enough—and how to turn it into a narrative(36:10) Monique's Four P's of powerful storytelling: Purpose, Personal, Practice, Promote(41:50) How building an external brand elevated her career inside Microsoft(45:20) Her top tips for networking with purpose and making connections that stickLet's Connect:InstagramLinkedInConnect with Monique Hayward:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramYouTubeXFacebookGet a copy of Monique's books! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer, a Stanford professor and expert on leadership, as he challenges common misconceptions about power. He argues that ambition is critical for success and emphasizes the importance of self-promotion and personal branding. Dr. Pfeffer shares why likability won't advance your career and how authenticity can coexist with power. He advocates for taking charge of your career journey and mastering the dynamics of influence, encouraging listeners to stop waiting for permission and start owning their professional spaces.

In this powerful episode of ROAR, host Lakecia Gunter sits down with Stephanie LeBlanc-Godfrey, tech executive at Google and founder of Mother AI. Together, they dive deep into what it means to challenge societal narratives, embrace cultural roots, and rewrite personal and professional scripts. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Brooklyn with strong Trinidadian roots to becoming a tech leader, entrepreneur, and Broadway executive producer. She offers candid insights into resilience, community, and the role of mentorship in navigating the often challenging landscape of tech and leadership.Stephanie also discusses the creation of Mother AI, a venture dedicated to empowering parents to navigate the digital age confidently. She highlights the importance of demystifying AI for families, creating equitable opportunities, and ensuring technology is a tool for empowerment, not fear. This heartfelt conversation is a celebration of agency, resilience, and the courage to challenge the "no" at every stage of life.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(04:46) Stephanie's upbringing in Brooklyn and how her Caribbean roots shaped her values.(09:20) How early exposure to STEM set her on a lifelong journey of curiosity and engineering.(11:25) The pivotal career shifts that led her from engineering to tech leadership at Google.(21:55) The life-changing moment when she challenged a "no" and landed her dream role.(24:20) The inspiration behind founding Mother AI and empowering parents to embrace technology.(31:37) How Stephanie is bridging the gap between AI and parenting with a deeply human approach.(37:55) The profound impact of reconnecting with her Trinidadian heritage on her leadership style.(46:30) Her unexpected journey into Broadway production and how it fulfilled a childhood dream.(51:07) Why high-achieving women often struggle with internal fulfillment—and how to reclaim personal agency.(54:05) Stephanie’s powerful message on rewriting your own narrative and leading with authenticity.I hope you find as much inspiration in this conversation as I did. Let’s keep breaking barriers and lifting each other as we climb—together we can ROAR!Let's ConnectInstagramLinkedInConnect with Stephanie LeBlanc-GodfreyWebsiteInstagramLinkedInYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of the ROAR Podcast, Lakecia Gunter sits down with Shelmina Babai Abji—bestselling author, former IBM VP, and founder of ShowYourWorth.ai—to explore the transformative concept of intentional attention. From humble beginnings in Tanzania to becoming a global thought leader, Shelmina shares how learning to focus on what truly matters propelled her career forward and enriched her life.Together, they discuss how defining success on your own terms, setting healthy boundaries, building meaningful relationships, and cultivating deep reflection can drive both personal and professional growth. This conversation is packed with actionable strategies and inspiration for anyone feeling stretched thin or stuck in reactive mode. You’ll walk away with a blueprint for channeling your energy toward what matters most—and ultimately, becoming unstoppable.In This Episode, You Will Learn:[02:55] What inspired Shelmina’s journey from humble beginnings to executive leadership[06:01] Why defining your own version of success changes everything[09:08] The role of boundaries in sustainable success[11:57] How to build your own Personal Success Plan (PSP)[14:46] Why relationships are not optional—they’re strategic[18:04] How challenges build confidence and resilience[22:00] How to say “no” with grace and protect your personal brand[25:00] Why weekly reflection builds momentum and motivation[28:30] Intentional growth: how to stay relevant for the long game[33:00] How to redefine success over time and trust your inner potential[40:55] A call to action: pull others up as you rise[42:30] Lightning round: Get to know Shelmina on a personal levelI hope you find as much inspiration in this conversation as I did. Let’s keep breaking barriers and lifting each other as we climb—together we can ROAR!Let's ConnectInstagramLinkedInConnect with Shelmina Babai AbjiWebsiteFacebookInstagramXLinkedInBuy her book: Show Your Worth on AmazonExplore her AI platform Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of ROAR, host Lakecia Gunter sits down with Rachel Skaff—Head of North America Partner Sales at AWS and a longtime champion for mentorship and inclusive leadership. From her roots in civil engineering to driving cloud innovation at one of the world’s most influential tech companies, Rachel shares her inspiring journey and the life lessons she’s picked up along the way. She opens up about how mentorship shaped her career pivots and why building authentic relationships can unlock personal and professional growth.Together, Lakecia and Rachel dive into the evolving role of AI in career development and the enduring power of human connection. You’ll hear practical tips on how to start your own mentorship journey, how to leverage AI as a support tool, and why the simple act of “just starting” can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Whether you're early in your career or navigating new terrain as a leader, this episode will spark action and reflection.In this episode, you will learn:[03:59] Rachel’s unexpected journey from a cattle ranch and civil engineering to tech leadership at AWS[10:00] The pivotal role mentors played in shaping her career transitions[13:44] How to naturally build mentorship relationships through generosity and curiosity[17:10] The two most powerful words to remember when starting anything new[22:06] The rapid evolution of AI and how to stay grounded through human connection[27:55] Free and practical ways to start learning about AI today[30:53] Why no one makes it alone—and how to overcome the fear of asking for help[35:33] A final piece of wisdom: “It never gets easier. You just get better.”I hope you find as much inspiration in this conversation as I did. Let’s keep breaking barriers and lifting each other as we climb—together we can ROAR!Let's ConnectInstagramLinkedInConnect with Rachel SkaffLinkedInThe Ella Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode of ROAR, I sit down with communication expert Jenna Lange to explore the intersection of AI and authentic human connection. They delve into the art of high-stakes communication, the critical role of storytelling, and how leaders can adapt in an AI-driven world while maintaining authenticity. Jenna shares her personal journey, her key lessons learned in executive communication, and why building genuine relationships is more vital than ever in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.With AI increasingly shaping our interactions, Jenna and Lakecia discuss how to balance efficiency with meaningful connection. They unpack strategies leaders can use to communicate effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and harness AI tools without losing the human touch. If you’re looking for actionable insights on how to communicate with clarity, connect with purpose, and lead with authenticity, this episode is a must-listen!In This Episode, You Will Learn:[04:22] Jenna’s fascinating journey into the world of communication and how global experiences shaped her expertise.[07:56] The three pillars of effective communication: connect, be clear, and compel.[10:56] AI’s impact on communication—how it enhances efficiency and the risks of replacing human connection.[14:11] Strategies to ensure AI adoption strengthens, rather than diminishes, authentic relationships.[19:25] How AI-powered agents are being developed to help leaders scale their communication skills.[26:03] The evolution of authentic leadership in a tech-driven world and why leaders must learn to flex between their different “authentic selves.”[32:52] Tips for building real connections in the workplace outside of high-stakes meetings.[38:15] The power of curiosity and how it leads to meaningful engagement and trust.I hope you find as much inspiration in this conversation as I did. Let’s keep breaking barriers and lifting each other as we climb—together we can ROAR!Let's ConnectInstagramLinkedInConnect with Jenna Lange WebsiteLinkedInBook: Jenna Lange - Please Don't Picture Them Naked  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of ROAR, I sit down with the inspiring Merline Saintil—a tech trailblazer and Fortune 500 board director—to explore how breaking barriers, authentic networking, and redefining leadership can transform careers. We dive deep into her journey from a software engineer overcoming early language barriers to becoming a respected leader in the tech industry. Merline shares intimate insights about how mentorship, perseverance, and a commitment to service have shaped her career and allowed her to create groundbreaking initiatives like Black Women on Boards.Our conversation also shines a light on the importance of sharing our stories and building non-overlapping networks that empower us to seize new opportunities. I was especially moved by Merline’s candid advice on being intentional with your time and taking risks in your career, as well as her work on the Onboard documentary—a film that highlights the challenges and triumphs of Black women in leadership. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for fostering diversity and inclusion in your own organization and learn how you too can ROAR with reflection, opportunity, action, and relationships.In This Episode You Will Learn:[00:59] The Essence of ROAR: Discover what ROAR stands for and why every one of us carries a hidden power waiting to be unleashed.[01:28] Redefining Leadership: Learn how Merline’s unique approach to leadership and authentic networking has opened doors in the tech industry.[03:48] From Engineer to Board Director: Hear Merline’s transformative journey from a software engineer to leading global product teams and serving on Fortune 500 boards.[08:31] The Power of Networking: Understand how building non-overlapping networks and authentic relationships can propel your career.[15:34] Founding Black Women on Boards: Get insights into the mission behind Black Women on Boards and how it’s reshaping diversity in corporate America.[22:45] The Onboard Documentary: Learn about the vision for the Onboard documentary and its role in spotlighting the challenges faced by Black women in leadership.[32:00] Final Leadership Advice: Absorb Merline’s empowering advice on risk-taking, seizing opportunities, and understanding that “pressure is a privilege.”I hope you find as much inspiration in this conversation as I did. Let’s keep breaking barriers and lifting each other as we climb—together we can ROAR!Let's ConnectInstagramLinkedInConnect with Merline SaintilInstagramWebsiteLinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roar is back, everyone! I'm Lakecia Gunter and I unveil our upcoming season centered on the transformative power of connection. Let's explore how building authentic relationships and harnessing innovative technologies like AI can unlock doors to unprecedented opportunities in our rapidly evolving world. Join me as I prepare to engage with industry leaders, innovators, and trailblazers who are reshaping success, and get ready to embark on a journey where connection is the key to unlocking your greatest potential. New episodes drop every other Tuesday—subscribe and connect with me on LinkedIn, X or Instagram to share your thoughts and join the conversation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.