Expressions of Leadership

Certified Sommelier Erika Parjus on Leadership, Hospitality, and Creating Opportunities for Others

Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Certified Sommelier Erika Parjus to explore her remarkable journey from a painfully shy child to a respected leader in the hospitality and wine industries. Erika shares how curiosity became her greatest strength, leading her from working in restaurants at fifteen to building award-worthy beverage programs, working harvest in Oregon's Willamette Valley, and earning recognition as a trusted educator and leader in the world of wine. Together, they discuss the leadership lessons found in hospitality, the importance of staying curious as your expertise grows, and how community can transform careers. Erika also shares the inspiring story behind co-founding Vin.Vitalité, a nonprofit dedicated to elevating women in wine through mentorship, education, and scholarships, while offering her vision for the future of an industry she believes is ready for reinvention. Follow Vin.Vitalité on Instagram @womenofwinedc and connect with Erika Parjus on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/erikaparjus [http://linkedin.com/in/erikaparjus]. Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Creating Opportunity Where Others See Risk: Leadership, Community Investment, and Economic Opportunity with Saurabh Narain

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry speaks with Saurabh Narain, President and CEO of the National Community Investment Fund (NCIF), to explore his journey from a successful career in global banking to leading an organization dedicated to strengthening underserved communities through innovative finance. Saurabh shares the values that shaped him, the pivotal lessons he learned during the Asian financial crisis, and why he believes capitalism and social impact can work hand in hand. Together, they discuss the critical role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), how NCIF has deployed more than $550 million to create jobs, housing, and economic opportunity, and why leaders must learn to see potential where others see limitations. Saurabh also shares insights on building mission-driven teams, balancing financial discipline with compassion, his vision for the future of community investment, and the surprising reason he recently started taking singing lessons. Learn more about NCIF at www.ncif.org [http://www.ncif.org]. Connect with Saurabh Narain at https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhnarain/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhnarain/] Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Kristina Denton: Leadership Lessons from Vulnerability, Healing, and Human Connection

Content Note: This episode includes candid discussions about men's sexual health, vulnerability, relationships, and family dynamics. It also references the title of Kristina Denton's memoir, You Don't Know D**k: How I Healed My Daddy Issues Fixing Broken D***s. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry welcomes Kristina Denton, author, actress, and wellness entrepreneur, to explore the unexpected career journey that took her from acting and exercise science into the highly specialized world of men's sexual health. What began as an unlikely professional opportunity became a front-row seat to conversations about vulnerability, shame, identity, and trust, ultimately transforming not only her clients' lives, but her own. Together, they discuss the leadership lessons that emerge from listening deeply, leading with empathy, and creating spaces where people feel safe to be vulnerable. Kristina also shares how working with hundreds of men reshaped her understanding of relationships, forgiveness, and her own complicated relationship with her father, experiences that inspired her memoir, You Don't Know D**k: How I Healed My Daddy Issues Fixing Broken D***s. Whether you're a leader, coach, parent, or simply someone interested in personal growth, this conversation offers meaningful insights into compassion, connection, and healing. Learn more about Kristina at: https://kristinadenton.com/ [https://kristinadenton.com/] Connect with Kristina on Instagram: @kristina7denton and on LinkedIn @kristinadenton Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Singer-Songwriter Mairéad Mac Mullan: Finding Your True Voice, Reinvention, and the Courage to Blaze Her Own Trail

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Mairéad Mac Mullan for a deeply personal conversation about authenticity, courage, creativity, and the lifelong journey of finding your true voice. From her early days in Dublin to touring alongside legendary artists such as Van Morrison, Natalie Merchant, Elvis Costello, and Tracy Chapman, Mairéad has built a remarkable career while continually choosing alignment over convention and purpose over recognition. Together, Michele and Mairéad explore the pivotal moments that shaped her path, from leaving a successful band to pursue her own artistic vision, to navigating motherhood, caregiving, loss, and reinvention. They discuss her ambitious new triple album, Love Is Everything, the intimate community she has cultivated through her Muse Garden concerts, and the lessons she's learned about resilience, creativity, and living a life that reflects your deepest values. This is a conversation about music, leadership, transformation, and the courage to become more fully yourself. Learn more about Mairéad Mac Mullan at https://www.maireadmusic.com/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/e-j-fortenberry-63b7aa114/]. You can also follow her on Instagram @maireadmusicbeherenow and on Facebook @mairead.macmullan. And, be sure to subscribe to her YouTube channel @maireadmusic. Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

E.J. Fortenberry on Wealth, Trust, Leadership & Life-Changing Decisions

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Errol (E.J.) Fortenberry, financial advisor at Bernstein, former Boston College football player, and trusted advisor to founders, executives, professional athletes, and families navigating pivotal life transitions. E.J. shares the lessons that shaped his journey, from overcoming setbacks and learning the importance of self-advocacy to building a career centered on trust, mentorship, and helping others make confident decisions during some of life's most consequential moments. Together, they explore the human side of wealth and success, including the challenges of sudden financial change, maintaining relationships when circumstances shift, establishing healthy boundaries, and finding clarity amid complexity. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, navigating a major life transition, or simply seeking to live more intentionally, this conversation offers practical wisdom on leadership, trust, resilience, and what truly matters when the stakes are high. Connect with E.J. Fortenberry at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/e-j-fortenberry-63b7aa114/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/e-j-fortenberry-63b7aa114/] or errol.fortenberry@bernstein.com [errol.fortenberry@bernstein.com]. Learn more about his work with Bernstein Private Wealth Management at: https://www.bernstein.com/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram @ExpressionsOfLeadership. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.