Episode 5: The Discipline of Excellence with Amelia Nickerson
In this episode of Leading Through Growth, I sit down with Amelia Nickerson, CEO of First Step Staffing, to explore what it means to lead a fast-growing social enterprise. Amelia shares her journey of stepping into the CEO role during a “trial by fire” in 2020, leading through massive growth, a founder transition, and the challenges of scaling a mission-driven organization.
First Step Staffing is a nonprofit staffing agency that connects people facing barriers like homelessness, incarceration, or military transition with steady jobs and supportive services to help them rebuild their lives.
Learn more here: https://www.firststepstaffing.com/
Episode 4: The Power of Storytelling, Failure, and Yo-Yos with Jorge Toro
What does it take to turn failure into fuel? In this episode, I sit down with Jorge Toro, founder of Toro Bravo Creative, to explore the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and culture-building. Jorge shares his journey from teenage side hustles to starting (and failing at) multiple businesses before finally creating a thriving creative agency. Along the way, he’s redefined failure, learned to delegate, and discovered how intentional culture drives both impact and growth.
👉 Learn more about Jorge and his work at ToroBravoCreative.com
Episode 3: Building Culture in a Growing Business with Robin Appia
What does it take to build a thriving company and keep your people at the center of it? In this episode, I sit down with Robin Appia, Founder and CEO of Educology Solutions, to explore how she’s growing her business, leading with humility, and intentionally shaping a people-first culture—even with a remote and contract-based workforce. We talk leadership instincts, balancing growth with values, and staying connected to your team.
Episode 2: Rebuilding Lives, Reimagining Leadership with Stephen Deason
What happens when a business isn’t just about profit, but about rebuilding lives? In this episode of Leading Through Growth, I sit down with Stephen Deason, CEO of OPARasa, to explore how recovery, self-awareness, and authentic leadership can transform not just individuals—but entire organizations. We talk about the power of curiosity, the danger of ego-driven leadership, and why building a purpose-driven business might just be the hardest — and most rewarding — work of all.
Episode 1: The Keys to Culture with Maria Roberts
In this episode of Leading Through Growth, I talk with Maria Roberts, the Head of Channel and Commercial Sales and Co-Owner of 5-Star Painting, a locally owned and operated residential and commercial painting company in the Greater Washington DC area. Maria’s team at 5-Star Painting is literally her family, and we discuss how that presents its own set of challenges and advantages when it comes to building a strong culture and scaling a successful business.