JD and The Brain: The Praxis of Business

An Interview with Kids First! CEO RANNY LEVY (Part 2)

Last week, we established that leadership begins long before someone enters the workplace.This week, we continue our ongoing TRAIN Model series by further exploring the Tell/Teach phase—the foundational stage of leadership where knowledge, values, and critical thinking are intentionally transferred before performance can ever be expected.With more than three decades of experience empowering children and families through media literacy, Ranny shares how Kids First! equips young people to think critically, evaluate information thoughtfully, and develop the confidence to form their own opinions. From interviewing celebrities on the red carpet to leading film festivals around the world, her organization is preparing tomorrow's leaders by teaching them how to think—not what to think.Together we discuss:Why leadership starts with intentional teachingDeveloping critical thinking in an age of information overloadCreating psychological safety where learning can flourishMeasuring growth through meaningful feedbackCoaching versus managingEncouraging respectful disagreement and independent thinkingThe growing role of AI in children's media and educationBuilding leaders who influence culture with wisdom and discernmentWhether you're an executive, educator, HR professional, parent, coach, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers practical insights into developing people before expecting performance.Leadership isn't simply about giving direction—it begins by teaching people how to think.

An Interview with Kids First! CEO RANNY LEVY (Part 1)

Leadership begins long before someone enters the workplace. In this episode of JD & The Brain: The Praxis of Business, Dr. Timothy "Dr. T" Fowler and JD Sicilia welcome Ranny Levy, Founder and President of Kids First!, for an engaging conversation on how media, education, and intentional leadership shape the next generation of thinkers. As part of our ongoing TRAIN Model series, we explore the Tell/Teach phase—the foundational stage of leadership where knowledge, values, and critical thinking are intentionally transferred before performance can ever be expected. With more than three decades of experience empowering children and families through media literacy, Ranny shares how Kids First! equips young people to think critically, evaluate information thoughtfully, and develop the confidence to form their own opinions. From interviewing celebrities on the red carpet to leading film festivals around the world, her organization is preparing tomorrow's leaders by teaching them how to think—not what to think. Together we discuss: * Why leadership starts with intentional teaching * Developing critical thinking in an age of information overload * Creating psychological safety where learning can flourish * Measuring growth through meaningful feedback * Coaching versus managing * Encouraging respectful disagreement and independent thinking * The growing role of AI in children's media and education * Building leaders who influence culture with wisdom and discernment Whether you're an executive, educator, HR professional, parent, coach, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers practical insights into developing people before expecting performance. Leadership isn't simply about giving direction—it begins by teaching people how to think.

Why Human Resources is Missing the Mark... and What Executives Should Do About it

In this episode, JD and Dr. T explore leadership models, the role of HR, and practical strategies for organizational development, including the innovative TRAIN model for employee growth. They explore: * The role of HR in supporting organizational goals * The impact of organizational structure on support functions * The CEO's primary language: money * The significance of employee involvement and recognition

JD and Dr. T on "The Screener Mode" (Part 2)

This is the second and final part of episode seven. JD & Dr. T. Wiles Fowler sit down with Laurence Kennedy and Christie Hutcherson of Kennedy International Logistics and Services to discuss "Overwatch." This is the leadership practice of identifying threats, removing obstacles, and creating conditions for success.Drawing from the Screener Mode of The CEO’s STAMP of Approval "LEADS Continuum," we explore how great leaders protect their teams, anticipate risk, and ask the most important leadership question:“What is in your way?”Join us for a practical discussion on strategic leadership, security, risk awareness, and empowering people to perform at their best.

JD and Dr. T on "The Screener Mode" (Part 1)

In this two=part episode of JD & The Brain, Dr. T. Wiles Fowler sits down with Laurence Kennedy and Christie Hutcherson of Kennedy International Logistics and Services to discuss "Overwatch." This is the leadership practice of identifying threats, removing obstacles, and creating conditions for success. Drawing from the Screener Mode of The CEO’s STAMP of Approval "LEADS Continuum," we explore how great leaders protect their teams, anticipate risk, and ask the most important leadership question: “What is in your way?” Join us for a practical discussion on strategic leadership, security, risk awareness, and empowering people to perform at their best. And come back next week part two! The best way to get notified of new episodes is to follow the podcast!