Layers of Leadership

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.

From Rugby Fields to Redevelopment Deals: Roy Brewer's Leadership Playbook

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Sacramento land use attorney Roy Brewer, whose four-decade career spans complex projects across three states. Roy shares how his military upbringing, track career at the University of Florida, and 50 years of rugby shaped his resilience and discipline. He discusses his path to law school, founding his own firm, and his nearly 20-year partnership with Martha Lofgren. The conversation highlights Roy's commitment to servant leadership, active listening, and community involvement, offering valuable lessons for aspiring leaders.