How Leaders Think with Kenny Lange

In this episode of How Leaders Think, Kenny Lange sits down with Dena Petty, Founder and Director of Mentors Care, to explore the power of mentorship in transforming the lives of at-risk high school students. Dena shares her journey from founding a nonprofit to developing a curriculum that now serves over 1,000 students across 22 schools. Discover how purpose, hope, and community can break cycles and create lasting change. Whether you’re a business leader, nonprofit executive, or aspiring entrepreneur, Dena’s insights will inspire you to lead with heart and impact.Listen on Other Platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzhGoogle Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54bYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcastsWebsite: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Dena Petty Resources:Website:https://www.denapetty.comhttps://www.mentors.careLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dena-pettyInstagram: www.instagram.com/denapetty40Facebook: www.facebook.com/dena.petty.2005YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MentorsCarePodcast: https://www.mentors.care/podcastEmail: dena.petty@mentors.careBooks Mentioned:"Collateral Hope" by Dena Petty (to be published holidays 2025)Hashtags:#HowLeadersThink #MentorsCare #LeadershipPodcast #NonprofitLeadership

Megan Tarrant, CEO of Clements Fluids, shares her journey transforming a family business into a purpose-driven organization. She highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and core values in leadership, especially for women in male-dominated fields. Megan discusses how a clear vision and strategic hiring practices can cultivate a strong company culture. With personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the need for self-awareness in leaders and the power of relationships in navigating transitions, ultimately promoting a people-first approach to business.

Shraddha Varma, Founder of Fuzia Talent, champions women's leadership and economic independence through her global platform. She discusses how empathy and mindfulness can transform leadership, especially for Gen Z. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the unique perspectives women bring. Shraddha critiques traditional success narratives and advocates for inclusive leadership styles that foster collaboration. Listeners gain practical strategies to support aspiring leaders and promote meaningful connections in their communities.

In this insightful discussion, Gabriela Embon, a Life and Relationship Coach and founder of the Coaching Academy, shares her expertise on harmonizing ambitious careers with meaningful relationships. She delves into the nuances of balancing control and surrender, particularly during personal crises. Gabriela emphasizes the need for self-awareness in navigating identity within partnerships and highlights the importance of core values in challenging times. Tune in for her practical wisdom on creating a fulfilling life without sacrificing one passion for another.

Ruben Aguirre, owner of 8 SIGNAL and a fractional CMO, shares his wisdom on navigating the complexities of midlife, AI, and human values. He reflects on the existential challenges posed by technology while parenting in today's world. The conversation dives into redefining success and identity, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships over professional accolades. Ruben also discusses how AI can enhance creativity in the workplace, advocating for a future where technology empowers rather than replaces humans.

Kenny Sigler, a partner at Sigler Crist Agency, shares nearly 15 years of expertise in nonprofit fundraising and marketing. He discusses the latest trends in charitable giving and their implications for nonprofit leaders. Sigler emphasizes the importance of setting clear fundraising goals and building donor trust. He also highlights how to navigate complex data from the GivingUSA report and the necessity of strategic planning. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights to elevate their fundraising effectiveness and foster growth in their organizations.

John Alday, CEO of Cima Solutions Group and Executive Coach for CaringGuide, dives deep into the intersection of technology and leadership. He discusses the challenges nonprofits face in adopting AI, particularly around financial constraints and ethical governance. Alday emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability in leadership to foster creativity and inclusivity. He also shares innovative approaches to problem-solving with AI, how effective communication can enhance productivity, and the role of AI in driving nonprofit engagement and creativity.

In an engaging chat, John Donnelly, Executive Director of Sales at Service First Mortgage, discusses his transformative journey inspired by climbing Kilimanjaro. He shares insights on leadership, emphasizing the power of vision and personal growth through challenges. John reflects on how innovative thinking and AI are revolutionizing business processes. He also highlights the significance of connections forged through shared experiences, urging listeners to adopt a '10x' mindset for both personal and professional success.

Les McKeown, Founder and CEO of Predictable Success, shares his wealth of experience from launching over 40 companies. He discusses key strategies for achieving sustainable growth and building high-performing teams. With insights on leadership prioritization and the art of decision-making, Les highlights the importance of adapting to changing organizational dynamics. He also reflects on personal growth and the necessity of self-reflection for effective leadership. Tune in for a blend of wisdom, humor, and actionable tips!

Kenny Lange chats with Dave Behar, Founder and CEO of ION Network, a personal branding guru who’s revolutionized brands across various sectors. They dive into the vital role of core values like integrity in personal branding. The discussion intertwines humor with insights on leadership, creativity, and adaptability in tech-driven environments. Dave emphasizes the need for authenticity and differentiation while navigating professional landscapes. He also highlights how proactive goal-setting and collaboration can drive innovation and success.