Spinning Beats and Pedaling Change: The “AB's-1” Bryan Washington Leadership Story

Breaking News and Breaking Barriers: Rob Stewart’s Story of Leadership Courage, Career, and Community

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with veteran journalist Rob Stewart, a two-time Emmy Award winner and host of PBS's Rob on the Road. Rob shares his 18-year journalism journey, from humble beginnings in South Carolina to major markets like New York and Philadelphia. He discusses the decline of media integrity, the role of AI, and the power of authentic storytelling. Rob also opens up about growing up gay in the South, finding sobriety in 2013, and how self-acceptance transformed his career. He closes with a powerful message: be of service, listen deeply, and make moments matter.

The Power of Saying "Yes" with Christi Black Davis

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with mentor and business leader Christi Black Davis. Christi shares her journey from growing up in the San Fernando Valley to becoming a respected marketing and communications consultant in Sacramento. She discusses her strong work ethic, the value of mentorship, and how informational interviews helped launch her career. Christi also reflects on her 13-year PR firm partnership, an acquisition by Ogilvy, and eventually returning to independent consulting. She emphasizes three core values: integrity, curiosity, and tenacity as guiding principles throughout her leadership journey.

The Power of Saying "Yes" with Christi Black Davis

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with mentor and business leader Christi Black Davis. Christi shares her journey from growing up in the San Fernando Valley to becoming a respected marketing and communications consultant in Sacramento. She discusses her strong work ethic, the value of mentorship, and how informational interviews helped launch her career. Christi also reflects on her 13-year PR firm partnership, an acquisition by Ogilvy, and eventually returning to independent consulting. She emphasizes three core values: integrity, curiosity, and tenacity as guiding principles throughout her leadership journey.

Spinning Beats and Pedaling Change: The “AB's-1” Bryan Washington Leadership Story

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Bryan Washington, aka AB's-1 — DJ, fitness entrepreneur, and community leader from Sacramento. Bryan shares his journey from Richmond, California, where a near-fatal shooting redirected his life path. He discusses his passion for music, his unique 24-hour live DJ cycling event raising funds for the Boys and Girls Club, and his 12-year fitness venture, the Academy. Bryan also reflects on fatherhood, community service, and his family's legacy of activism, rooted in the AME church tradition.

Pat Fong Kushida’s Story of Courage and Growth: Navigating Nonprofit Leadership Without a Map

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Pat Fong Kushida, President and CEO of the Sacramento and California Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce. Pat shares her journey from first-generation Chinese American and retail buyer to nonprofit leader, discussing how she grew the chamber into California's largest AAPI business organization. She reflects on key leadership lessons, including the importance of partnership, fearlessness, and integrity. The conversation also covers her advocacy work, including AB 2019, combating Asian hate, and addressing mental health in immigrant communities, as she prepares for an eventual leadership transition.