MasterStroke with Monica Enand & Sejal Pietrzak

In this conversation, Amy Jen Su, co-founder of Paravis Partners and author of influential leadership books, shares her insights on mastering emotions in leadership. She discusses how emotional awareness can elevate performance while avoiding common pitfalls. Amy introduces valuable strategies like the high-contribution, high-passion matrix for prioritizing tasks. She also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and boundaries, helping leaders navigate career transitions and the challenges of saying no while embracing their authentic selves.

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!In this compelling episode, Monica Enand and guest co-host Ned Renzi delve into the dynamic intersection of educational leadership and technology with Dr. Monica Goldson, the retired CEO of Prince George's County Public Schools. Dr. Goldson's journey to becoming one of the pioneering leaders in one of the nation's largest and most diverse school districts offers invaluable insights into managing complex educational systems and driving innovation during challenging times.Dr. Goldson's story is a testament to the power of dedication and adaptability. Starting as a mathematics teacher, she rose through various leadership roles, ultimately overseeing a $2.4 billion budget as CEO during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her current role at EdExec Leadership Group continues to influence educational leadership and development. This episode highlights the importance of visionary leadership in navigating crises and seizing opportunities for transformative change.One of the critical aspects discussed is the complexity of managing a large school district with a diverse board of 14 members, half elected and half appointed. Dr. Goldson emphasizes the importance of having board members with specialized knowledge in areas such as business, construction, and finance to effectively manage substantial budgets. The episode also explores the difficulties superintendents face in aligning board members and making tough decisions, including knowing when it's time to step down.The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is another significant topic. Dr. Goldson explains how AI can enhance student learning and streamline teachers' workloads. AI assists students with tasks like outlining papers, getting immediate feedback, and understanding complex problems, fostering creative learning. For teachers, AI can significantly reduce burnout by automating routine tasks such as drafting parent communications, creating lesson plans, and checking for assessment bias. The rapid technological advancements in education, accelerated by the pandemic, are reshaping the educational landscape, making student-centered learning more accessible.Equity and excellence in education are at the forefront of this discussion. Dr. Goldson shares strategies for ensuring equitable resource distribution across diverse school districts. The role of the U.S. Department of Education in local school districts is scrutinized, with a call for the Department to focus more on providing technical assistance rather than enforcing compliance tied to funding. Emerging educational technologies that support students outside school hours, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are highlighted as crucial tools for bridging educational gaps. In our final segment, we explore the role of technology in creating a more equitable and effective educational system. Dr. Goldson highlights the importance of understanding community needs and leveraging technology to meet those needs.Georgianna Moreland - Creator, Executive Producer & Managing Editor; Matt Stoker - Editor

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!In this episode, host Monica Enand and co-host Ned Renzi dive into how tech giants like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are shaking up Silicon Valley with aggressive cost-cutting moves. We discuss Musk's downsizing at Twitter and Meta's pivot, focusing on what these changes mean for the workforce—especially young professionals navigating a tough job market.We also break down the economic trends influencing the job market. Ned Renzi shares his insights on how long-term low interest rates have led to overcapitalization and inflation in tech. We explore how AI might impact job security across different career stages and highlight the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.Finally, we share practical career growth tips, like choosing financially stable employers, focusing on long-term development, and finding inspirational mentors. We also suggest creating a personal board of advisors to help you navigate today's evolving job marketGeorgianna Moreland - Creator, Executive Producer & Managing Editor; Matt Stoker - Editor

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!Georgianna Moreland - Creator, Executive Producer & Managing Editor; Matt Stoker - Editor

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!Get ready for an eye-opening episode as Monica teams up with guest host Ned Renzi to dive into the world of venture capital with Manu Kumar of K9 Ventures. Discover how Manu's unique philosophy of solving his own problems has led to an impressive track record, with seven unicorns emerging from just over 51 investments.We explore the asymmetric risk-return profile of venture capital, delving into Manu’s journey from India to Carnegie Mellon and his latest venture, HiHello. Along the way, he shares how he navigated the challenges of investing in early-stage startups like Lyft, Auth0, and Twilio, offering a rare glimpse into the mindset behind these successful ventures.The conversation continues with a focus on @hihello and its impact on the B2B SaaS space, particularly through  digital business cards  and CRM integration, which are enhancing brand consistency. We also consider the broader implications of AI on various job sectors and the enduring relevance of manual labor in a rapidly changing world.This episode is packed with invaluable wisdom for anyone passionate about technology and entrepreneurship, providing a greater understanding of the inner workings of venture capital. It’s a must-listen for those interested in the future of business and innovation.Georgianna Moreland - Creator, Executive Producer & Managing Editor; Matt Stoker - Editor

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!In today's episode of Masterstroke, we dive into the troubling decline in U.S. life expectancy and how society's view of aging affects us all. Hosts Monica and Sejal, along with Dr. Anique Bryan, a leading expert in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, uncover secrets to boosting your longevity and quality of life. Dr. Bryan explains that true anti-aging medicine is about more than just fighting the aging process. It’s set to become a $600 billion industry, focusing on preventative healthcare.We explore the power of nutrition and supplements, the benefits of plant-based diets, and the importance of a healthy gut. Dr. Bryan shares weight management tips, from IV glutathione to monitoring nitric oxide levels. Tune in to learn the limitations of traditional diets and the benefits of a holistic, personalized approach to health. This episode is packed with tips to help you feel better, look great, and embrace aging with grace.Georgianna Moreland - Creator, Executive Producer & Managing Editor; Matt Stoker - Editor

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!Unlock the secrets of fostering trust and innovation through the power of Conversational Intelligence (CIQ) with our latest guest, workplace strategist and holistic executive coach, Marla Teyolia  Founder of the Culture Shift AgencyIn this episode of MasterStroke Monica and Sejal discuss with Marla the groundbreaking CIQ framework developed by Judith Glasser, revealing how our conversations act as energetic exchanges that can either calm or activate our nervous systems.Discover the critical intersections between personal development and effective leadership as Marla emphasizes the importance of managing stress across all aspects of life. They discuss how unresolved personal issues can bleed into professional interactions and the power of personal development in leadership roles. Marla offers practical strategies like journaling to identify and address limiting mindsets, highlighting the benefits of emotional regulation and inclusive workplace cultures. With Marla's calming presence and invaluable wisdom, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive both personally and professionally. Georgianna Moreland - Creator, Executive Producer & Managing Editor; Matt Stoker - Editor

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!In this episode of Masterstroke, Monica and Sejal chat with Ned Renzi from  Enjoy the Work, a seasoned venture capital advisor. They explore what it takes to go from a passionate founder to an effective CEO. Ned, a founding partner of Birchmere Ventures, shares traits that make entrepreneurs successful, like a passion for problem-solving and a relentless drive to improve.They talk about the importance of postmortem and premortem analyses in refining business strategies and decision-making. They also highlight the role of investor board members and the need for collaboration and trust in growing a business.Don't miss these valuable insights as Ned discusses "walking dead" companies in the venture community and how founders can become leaders by mastering general, functional, and self-management skills. He emphasizes the importance of loving the problem you're solving, not just your product or technology, for long-term success.Georgianna Moreland - Creator, Executive Producer & Managing Editor; Matt Stoker - Editor

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!Get ready to be amazed by the brilliance of a marketing genius! WIldfang Founder & CEO Emma Mcilroy join Monica and Sejal to share her incredible journey from Cambridge University to establishing Wildfang, a groundbreaking gender-fluid clothing brand. They discuss how her experiences at Nike and Barclays shaped her vision for Wildfang, a company dedicated to inclusivity and sustainability. They also highlight Wildfang’s impressive achievements, including raising over a million dollars for various charities and earning the climate-neutral certification.In this episode, they delve into the intricacies of brand marketing and examine how brands can genuinely engage with the Queer community beyond one month a year.The episode ends with an incredible story of joy: a story that earned Emma and everyone who answered her call a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records  and raised over three hundred thousand dollars for the Trevor Project. Georgianna Moreland - Creator, Executive Producer & Managing Editor; Matt Stoker - Editor

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!Ever wondered how the CEO of a major tech company balances the intense demands of running a business with the equally challenging task of parenting? On this episode of MasterStroke with Monica and Sejal, they sit down with Nick Mehta CEO of  Gainsight to explore his heartfelt journey of navigating both worlds. Nick opens up about the stereotypes men face in parenting roles, sharing personal stories that shine a light on the importance of authenticity and humanity in leadership. Nick’s authenticity and transparency shape not only his approach to leadership but also his parenting philosophy.Georgianna Moreland - Creator, Executive Producer & Managing Editor; Matt Stoker - Editor