Roar with Lakecia Gunter

In this episode of ROAR, host Lakecia Gunter sits down with Cherizza Lundy, Founder and CEO of Kneed Health, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, reinvention, and building a life of purpose. From her early beginnings as an intern at Intel to serving as Chief of Staff for top executives at Google and Stitch Fix, Cherizza reveals how she intentionally built her career—one bold question and one fearless move at a time.Cherizza also shares the deeply personal journey behind founding Kneed Health, an AI-powered recovery app inspired by her own experience navigating eight knee surgeries. Together, Lakecia and Cherizza explore the courage to pivot, the importance of relationships, and why every reinvention begins with a single brave step forward.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(03:55) – How Cherizza’s grandfather inspired her earliest ideas of leadership and ambition(06:15) – Why fearlessness and asking bold questions shaped her leadership journey(07:53) – What serving as Chief of Staff taught her about influence and decision-making(13:55) – How she intentionally built her career by choosing roles for skills, not titles(20:56) – The pivotal lessons she learned working with Stitch Fix founder Katrina Lake(23:54) – The personal moment that sparked her reinvention and led to founding Kneed Health(27:03) – Why authentic, consistent relationships are the cornerstone of resilience(35:41) – How she defines her purpose today and why it’s tied to empowering others(36:49) – How her AI-powered app is transforming the way people recover from surgery(46:35) – Her message for anyone standing on the edge of reinvention: start small, but startLet's ConnectInstagramLinkedInConnect with Cherizza LundyWebsiteLinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this unforgettable episode of Roar, host Lakecia Gunter sits down with trailblazing leader Lieutenant General Gwen Bingham. A retired three-star general and the first woman to serve as the Army’s Quartermaster General, General Bingham reflects on her 38-year military career and the values that shaped her rise through the ranks—faith, family, grit, and service. From early lessons learned through adversity to leading large organizations with trust and empathy, her story is a blueprint for modern, purpose-driven leadership.Together, Lakecia and General Bingham explore what it takes to lead with authenticity, uplift others, and remain grounded in integrity. Whether navigating institutional resistance, reimagining what leadership looks like, or championing mentorship as a lifelong mission, General Bingham offers powerful takeaways for anyone ready to chart their own path with courage and clarity.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(04:03) – How her military roots and faith-based upbringing shaped her leadership(08:00) – Why she planned to leave the Army after 4 years—and what changed(13:30) – Two painful but defining moments that shaped her leadership style(21:27) – How her daily routine of positive energy transformed team culture(26:19) – Why confidence and competence were her secret weapons as “the only”(30:06) – The bold decision to restructure her executive team—and what happened(32:40) – Her advice to young women who don't yet see themselves in leadership(41:04) – Why building and sustaining relationships is key to career longevity(44:07) – How she continues to serve through board leadership and advocacy(51:43) – Her hopeful message for the next generation of changemakersLet's ConnectInstagramLinkedInConnect with Lieutenant General Gwen BinghamLinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this dynamic episode of the Roar podcast, host Lakecia Gunter sits down with Laurel Mintz—marketing powerhouse, founder of Elevate My Brand, and General Partner at Fabric VC. Laurel shares her unexpected leap into entrepreneurship when she was called to take over her father’s business at just 26 years old, a moment that forever shifted her trajectory from corporate law to visionary leadership. Through candid storytelling, she unpacks how her early experience in crisis leadership shaped her understanding of brand-building, equity, and empowerment.Laurel dives deep into her marketing-first approach to venture capital, the data-driven strategy behind backing diverse founders, and the importance of building intentional ecosystems. She offers practical insights for entrepreneurs—especially those underestimated or underfunded—on standing out in saturated markets, developing competitive branding, and building investor-ready networks rooted in authenticity and value.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(01:43) – How Laurel became interim CEO of a national company at age 26 and what that taught her about herself and entrepreneurship(04:00) – Why soft skills and communication were pivotal in her leadership journey—and the foundation of Elevate My Brand(07:18) – What sets successful brands apart: the secret to balancing creativity with data(08:27) – How Fabric VC leverages marketing software as a second layer of investment diligence(10:39) – Why investing in diversity isn't just the right thing—it’s also smart business(13:01) – The most common blind spots founders face—and how to fix them(17:51) – How Laurel helps founders differentiate from pitch deck to brand positioning(20:09) – Why intentional relationship-building is critical to success in both branding and fundraising(22:41) – The #1 branding mistake most executives and founders make(26:32) – Laurel’s closing mindset shift: “It only takes one yes—just keep moving forward like a shark”Let's ConnectInstagramLinkedInConnect with Laurel MintzLinkedInWebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookX Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.