Living Strong: The Flip Side of Adversity

Authentic Leadership

In this episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with David Schultheis, President & CEO of The Pathway School, for a thoughtful conversation on Authentic Leadership.
 
Drawing from more than 40 years in human services and education, David shares how servant leadership, authentic learning experiences, and a deep commitment to people have shaped his leadership philosophy. Together, they explore what it means to build environments where individuals feel seen, valued, supported, and empowered to grow.
 
This episode is for leaders who want to move beyond managing performance and start developing people.

Caroline Unfiltered: Life, Leadership and Legacy

Caroline Campana-Reynolds joins us to discuss the journey from living by default to living by design. In this inspiring episode, she shares lessons on leadership, healing, boundaries, self-worth, and personal transformation that can help anyone create a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Maintaining My Joy Meter Despite the Noise

In this meaningful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with educator, scholar, and transformational leader Dr. Cherie L. Crosby-Weeks for a timely conversation titled:
 
“Maintaining My Joy Meter Despite the Noise”
 
With more than 30 years of experience spanning early childhood education through higher education, Dr. Crosby-Weeks shares how she has sustained her passion for teaching, mentoring, scholarship, and leadership despite the challenges of navigating educational systems as a Black woman.
 
Together, we explore the realities of leadership exhaustion, emotional depletion, purpose-driven work, and the intentional practices required to protect joy in environments filled with pressure and noise.
 
Dr. Crosby-Weeks also reflects on her journey as a scholar and writer, the importance of giving back to the educational community, and why joy must be treated as a critical leadership resource—not an afterthought.
 
This episode is for educators, leaders, changemakers, and anyone seeking to lead with purpose without losing themselves in the process.
Because your joy matters too

“The Audacity to Be YOU”

In this powerful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with nationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, corporate leader, and resilience advocate Erika Rothenberger for a transformational conversation titled:
 
✨ “The Audacity to Be YOU” ✨
 
After surviving a brutal assault in 2022, Erika made a courageous decision: she would not allow trauma, fear, or adversity to define her future. Instead, she chose expansion, purpose, and audacious leadership.
 
Today, Erika is a sought-after keynote speaker, founder of the Audacious Women’s Summit, host of the Grit, Grace & Glitz Podcast, and author of Audacious Expansion. Her work challenges leaders to stop carrying the weights that drain them and start choosing the challenges that strengthen and expand them.
 
In this episode, we explore resilience, identity, leadership exhaustion, reinvention, and what it truly means to lead boldly in uncertain times.
 
This conversation is for leaders, entrepreneurs, visionaries, and anyone ready to stop surviving and start becoming.
 
Because your predicament does not determine your destiny—but your choices do.

“Your Predicament Does Not Determine Your Destiny”

In this inspiring episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with entrepreneur, designer, and visionary leader Lia Valencia Key for a powerful conversation titled:
 
“Your Predicament Does Not Determine Your Destiny”
 
From homelessness, hunger, and personal loss to building a luxury jewelry brand featured on Good Morning America, The Mel Robbins Show, and Oprah’s Favorite Things, Lia Valencia Key shares how she transformed adversity into purpose and created a global brand rooted in joy, light, love, gratitude, and peace.
 
More than a jewelry story, this episode is a masterclass in resilient leadership, creativity, and believing beyond your current circumstances. Lia opens up about the lessons her mother instilled in her, the symbolism behind the VALENCIA KEY brand, and how choosing joy became a strategy for survival and success.
 
This conversation is for leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, nonprofit visionaries, and anyone navigating uncertainty while trying to build something meaningful.
 
Because your current situation is not your final destination.

Courage Before Confidence

In this inspiring episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with nationally recognized nonprofit leader Marissa Christie, President & CEO of United Way of Bucks County, for a timely conversation titled:
 
“The Flip Side of Leadership: Courage Before Confidence”
 
When Marissa stepped into the CEO role in 2016, the organization was facing financial instability, rapid leadership turnover, and declining community relevance. At the same time, she was preparing to give birth to her second child and raising a toddler at home. Instead of waiting until she felt fully ready, she chose courage—and committed to becoming the leader the moment required.
 
Today, under her leadership, United Way of Bucks County has grown revenue by more than 160%, expanded services to thousands of families, and launched an innovative community hub model designed to increase access, dignity, and impact.
 
This episode explores what it means to lead through uncertainty, challenge outdated systems, and make bold decisions before confidence arrives.
 
For leaders navigating pressure, change, and self-doubt—this conversation is your reminder that confidence often follows courage.

My Leadership Journey…

In this powerful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – 2026 Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with Deputy Secretary Shante’ A. Brown, a trailblazing leader and the first African American to serve in this role for Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning.
 
With over a decade of experience—from PreK teacher to Director of PHLpreK to statewide leadership—Shante’ has dedicated her career to strengthening systems for children, families, and communities. But this conversation goes beyond credentials.
 
Shante’ opens up about the personal and professional journey that shaped her leadership—including a life-altering moment that forced her to pause, reflect, and redefine what strength truly looks like. Together, we explore the hidden cost of “pushing through,” the reality of leadership burnout, and why sustainable leadership requires support, alignment, and self-awareness.
 
This episode is for leaders who are tired of surviving and ready to thrive.
 
Because real leadership isn’t about carrying it all—it’s about learning how not to carry it alone.

How We Flipped the 80/20 Rule in our Organization

Most organizations have 20% of the people do 80% of the effective work. I lead a church and
that rule held true for us as it does with most churches. As a frustrated pastor, a creative, and a
critical thinker I began to ask the questions why more people don’t get involved and serve. Two
major reasons… we don’t offer enough options with time and different types of opportunities.
We created a week of serving opportunities where people could pick their passion and the time
that fit their schedule and we regularly now see 80% now involved.

A Conversation with PA State Rep Morgan Cephas

In this episode, we sit down with State Representative Morgan Cephas, Chair of the Philadelphia Delegation, to discuss her journey into public service and how she is working hard for Philadelphia in Harrisburg. From advancing maternal health equity through landmark legislation to tackling affordability and expanding workforce opportunities, Rep. Cephas shares how she’s working every day to improve the lives of families across Pennsylvania.

“A Bold Force: Leading and Revitalizing Communities.”

In this powerful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with Denise Williams, founder of Be ReZilient, community advocate, and resilience coach, for a transformative conversation titled:
 
“A Bold Force: Leading and Revitalizing Communities.”
 
At a time when leaders are exhausted, stretched thin, and navigating constant change, Denise brings a refreshing and necessary perspective—resilience is not just survival, it’s strategy. With a background spanning corporate leadership at Vanguard to direct community work with families and organizations, Denise has built a model rooted in trust, empathy, and real-world impact.
 
Through her work with FORCE programming—including business analysis, cohorts, training, and skill-building clinics—Denise equips leaders and entrepreneurs with practical tools to assess where they are, build sustainable systems, and grow with intention.
 
This conversation is for leaders who are tired of pouring from an empty cup. You’ll gain insight into how to lead boldly, build resilient communities, and create environments where both people and purpose can thrive.