Pivotal Moment with Nikitta Foston

Chief equity and engagement officer for the Chicago Transit Authority is focused on the mission

"We are in the business of moving people," Denise Barreto told Pivotal Moment. Barreto is the first-ever chief equity and engagement officer for the Chicago Transit Authority, the nation's third-largest transit system - and TEDx speaker of Normal is Optional. The author, executive producer, and co-founder of Serqet Productions talks about entrepreneurship, fighting systems of injustice, and the joy of saying, No. Tune in for Barretos advice for entrepreneurs and creatives...and her message to Tom Hanks. :-)  Key takeaways in this episode: * You dont have to leave your job to start your business. * When your life shatters, you can decide which pieces you want to keep. * Recognize systems of injustice and the pathways to correct them. * Our current situation is a quiet prelude to liberation Find and follow works by Denise Barreto: TEDx Normal is Optional https://www.ted.com/talks/denise_barreto_normal_is_optional [https://www.ted.com/talks/denise_barreto_normal_is_optional] From Here to There: 5 Steps to Doing Your Lifes Work Every Day https://www.amazon.com/Here-There-Steps-Doing-Lifes/dp/1475083564 [https://www.amazon.com/Here-There-Steps-Doing-Lifes/dp/1475083564] Serqet Productions https://serqetproductions.com/ [https://serqetproductions.com/] Executive Producer, Fly Brother, PBS https://www.pbs.org/show/fly-brother/ [https://www.pbs.org/show/fly-brother/]

TEDx speaker on how to reach today's students: 'It's connection over content'

My goal is to bring out the best in teachers so they can bring out the best in their students, Dr. Donald Parker told Pivotal Moment. The former principal, author, professional development leader, and keynote speaker has a message for educators. Listening is the first step to letting students know that you care. In this episode, the author of Be the Driving Force shares helpful tips from his TEDx talk and proven strategies for success in the classroom in 2025 and beyond:   * Take a stand against authoritarian leadership and embrace radical empathy leadership. * Teachers must touch the heart before they touch the brain.  * A job is something you do, a calling is what you love. Its an inspired action. * Stressed-out teachers make stressed-out students. Healthy teachers make healthy students.  * Practice the SNAP method. Speak up for yourself. Never compromise your respect. Affirm your worth. Protect your rights.  TEDx Arlington Heights talk * How to start a radical leadership rebellion [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUyOct2CbHw] Books by Dr. Don * Be the Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity [https://www.amazon.com/Be-Driving-Force-Leading-Principals/dp/1954631499] * Building Bridges: Engaging Students at Risk Through the Power of Relationships [https://www.amazon.com/Building-Bridges-Engaging-Relationships-Student-Teacher/dp/194760435X] Booking, contact, and details * https://drdonparker.com/about/ [https://drdonparker.com/about/] Suggested readings * The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything by Stephen Covey [https://www.amazon.com/SPEED-TRUST-Thing-Changes-Everything/dp/1416549005] * The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=21+irrefutable+laws+of+leadership&hvadid=580629524061&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9192842&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=839619192227093737&hvtargid=kwd-58031066&hydadcr=8294_13500832&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_6hzjs8asru_e]

Northwestern professor on the future of journalism and the road to equity

Dr. Ava Thompson Greenwell is a documentary filmmaker, author, and journalism professor at Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism. In this episode, she talks about the mounting challenges facing todays reporters, the importance of journalism during times of political transition, and Medills continuing leadership in training tomorrows storytellers.  Tune in to learn the ONE question every journalist should ask. Find and follow Dr. Greenwell:  Certified life coach, booking & scheduling  * theinquirycollective.com - website  [http://theinquirycollective.com] Documentaries * Hearing Silences: 50 Years of Black Women Faculty at Northwestern  [https://planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/624479#:~:text=The%20documentary%20%22Hearing%20Silences%3A%2050,women%20have%20made%20over%20decades.] * Mandela in Chicago [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkPL8up7r5w] Books * Ladies Leading: The Black Women Who Control Television News [https://www.amazon.com/Ladies-Leading-Black-Control-Television/dp/1951941632] Podcasts * Ladies Leading [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ladies-leading/id1561663088] Suggested works: * Out of the House of Bondage by Thavolia Glymph [https://www.amazon.com/Out-House-Bondage-Transformation-Plantation/dp/0521703980]

Juvenile justice champion is transforming lives with a focus on purpose and power

Your setback is setting you up for something better, Mack McGhee told Pivotal Moment.  Changing hearts and transforming lives is more than a slogan for McGheeits his ministry. The chief administrator and division director of Institutional Care for Wayne County Michigan is a recognized leader in juvenile justice and a champion of true reform for young people in the system.  The adult justice system is punitive, McGhee said. But young people need a chance. They need an opportunity to think differently. Juvenile justice should provide a future-focused orientation. McGhee, author of B.E.L.I.E.V.E. In Your Dreams [https://www.amazon.com/B-L-I-V-Your-Dreams-ebook/dp/B00K6L2VX2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=EO0IFX2Z64PO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9RRzD1sc3u7hUT75Z-5npxqP6AISJ5I_7L3oc_gijuSNsg3Mwe5FrZ-s68Pl7WAS7Jqk7LB7cPywuDZ_zfkBFuL_8FIZ8W7G52DNVhST1gw.Wif1V-SFScd5sRlCzE2ZH1qA7OevnGxYV-9nSHpeKS8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mack+McGhee&qid=1734319380&s=books&sprefix=mack+mcghee%2Cstripbooks%2C111&sr=1-3]: If You Can See It You Can Be It, shares these fundamental truths during his motivational talks and with his students at Howard University. In this episode, he provides an outline of how to break the school-to-prison pipeline, and how to help young people tap into their power and potential:  * God has given each of us a gift. Your purpose requires you to use it.   * Dont miss out on opportunities because youre more concerned about what people think about what youre called to do. * You need motivation and inspiration to reach your transformation. * Follow the P.A.C.T. approach - professionalism, accountability, communication, teamwork.  Works referenced in this episode: Autobiography of Malcolm X [https://www.amazon.com/Autobiography-Malcolm-Told-Alex-Haley/dp/0345350685/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3C1NW80VTEBCK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oKM_mDDSaM3M9pEap3cq8IOEI7p9LGSs9A97CDV14xB4bX7eKY3CcB038rnur4SPfPWtxNcgBqcGN_MNj10WVd38cnIDh4qWduLqiV1bXaznDXjhlFg3SUCIBzwaYEUhlmqofodo_xte2Q6RyBy44Q6deRLs6xRqfyOXQF-gswppjgwQBY0qL-EY1RN9ZUbLxDgx7T2ZrABWvDDd6azVSZOIFdrZOJrheFT6E6DzT_Q.GWRGik2u7i0QThK_8K9YQ8-qFE9KryMOlph9ZtvpLr0&dib_tag=se&keywords=autobiography+of+malcolm+x&qid=1734379602&s=books&sprefix=autobiography+of+malcom+x%2Cstripbooks%2C111&sr=1-1] as told to Alex Haley The Alchemist [https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0062315005/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1IEB2AV49ZO12&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OSwMof-eoQ8JHqeOz7lpfa022IikmebRBDg_nvPB3LeCXwB3oDbsYYcnjR2rCZVQIlVatrycbE3lXfPLyn06YtRMM1OdB69eXCg0RtEtMps16_-sUY19rRULb4DtWNtBBoPlAqIhaaHFoIryMdGEcTraiNkKPWv0f779zatO3NeAMzvrwfh3evb3EyaRnHFal4goMgPhfejQnR_LBPAlx37tOnODrqEUNkJHHRYylAY.-0cqPAsTFpGwfjbdBDsD9X_sinOTjPN1ScRrxr_Z5E4&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+alchemist&qid=1734379642&s=books&sprefix=the+alchemist%2Cstripbooks%2C117&sr=1-1]by Paulo Coelho Failing Forward [https://www.amazon.com/Failing-Forward-Turning-Mistakes-Stepping/dp/0785288570/ref=asc_df_0785288570?mcid=4e393b55f58e3f26adc47ee97f64a1ab&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693512208602&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7098483154813854561&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1016367&hvtargid=pla-436298928476&psc=1] by John C. Maxwell B.E.L.I.E.V.E. In Your Dreams: If You Can See It You Can Be It [https://www.amazon.com/B-L-I-V-Your-Dreams-ebook/dp/B00K6L2VX2] by Mack McGhee For bookings: https://mackmcghee.com/ [https://mackmcghee.com/]

ALIVE Podcast Network CEO expands her empire with new media space for creatives

The number one mistake people make is not starting, Angel Livas told Pivotal Moment. Thinking of starting a business? A podcast? Or writing a book? Angel Livas, founder and CEO of the Alive Podcast Network, has conquered each goal, with plans to revolutionize the media space. I didnt come to play, I came to revolutionize the landscape for Black creatives, Livas said. The Inc. 2024 Female Founder honoree is a noted TEDx speaker, the recipient of the 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (Biden Administration), and a rising star on AWS Startups Pitch Whats Possible which garnered 50 million views before the seasons grand finale.  The ALIVE Podcast Network, a Techstars Portfolio Company, powered by JP Morgan, is the latest business venture by Livas whose career includes developing radio shows for Larry King and Jane Pauley. In this episode, the media mogul talks to Pivotal Moment about her blueprint to help creatives tap into their God-given purpose - and turn their vision into reality. On the show, she shares industry insight for 2025 and beyond:  * It takes a village to raise a successful business. * Youre the person youre looking for. You have the skills and the credentials." * Even in difficult times, there is hope, blessings, and abundance on the other side. Check out these lessons, and more, in this episode.