S4E5: Rethinking Success: Expanding Beyond Credentials & The Future of Learning

Episode 8: Back 2 Lead: Refining Your Leadership Story

Description: Every leader carries a story about who they are and how they lead—but is your story empowering you or quietly holding you back? In this episode of the Back 2 Lead series, Christina unpacks how the stories we tell ourselves shape our mindsets, habits, and leadership impact. You’ll learn why old narratives can create burnout, how to spot the ones limiting your growth, and a simple framework Christina uses in her practice to help you reframe your story and realign with the leader you want to become. ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: * Why leadership is about story as much as strategy * How hidden narratives shape your systems and culture * A 3-step framework to reset your leadership story this week * How shifting your story creates space for new results Whether you’re leading a school, team, or organization, this episode will help you refine—not restart—your leadership journey. 🎧 CHAPTER SEGMENTS * 00:00 – Welcome + Intro * 01:30 – Why leadership is rooted in the story you tell yourself * 02:02 – Common limiting stories leaders carry * 06:00 – Research insights: story + leadership effectiveness * 3:29 – Christina’s personal story shift * 5:10 – Reflection prompt + coaching challenge * 7:15 – Closing + CTA for blog + mini-workshop TOTAL TIME: 9:29 🔗 Resources & Links: Blog post: What Story Are You Telling Yourself About Leadership Right Now? [https://humaneinthemembranellc.com/september-blog] Free Template: Download the 3 Box Leadership Exercise [https://humaneinthemembranellc.com/september-blog] Connect with Christina on * 📱 Follow on Instagram & Facebook: @humaneinthemembraneLLC * 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: CHRISTINA JONES [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-the-coach] * Explore leadership coaching + tools at humaneinthemembranellc.com [http://humaneinthemembrane.com]

Simplify Your Planning: Systems That Stick (Pt. 1)

Ready to plan with power and purpose—not pressure? In this kickoff episode of our Back to Lead series, we explore how to move beyond over-planning and into building systems that stick. Christina shares three practical, values-driven strategies to help you simplify your planning, avoid burnout, and lead with more clarity and care. Whether you're designing a PD series, mapping your first six weeks, or just trying to get back into rhythm, this episode will help you build systems that actually support the people behind the plans. 🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYS * * The best systems center people—not performance. * * Planning from a place of purpose creates more flow and less frustration. * When your values, vision, and systems line up, the week runs smoother. * * Naming it helps you shift into intention instead of anxiety. * How your team or learners feel in your space matters as much as what they do. 🎧 CHAPTER SEGMENTS 0:00 - Welcome & Why This Episode Matters 1:03 - Resetting Our Relationship with Planning 2:32 - Strategy #1: Anchor to Your Values 3:18 - Strategy #2: Plan the Feelings First 4:16 - Strategy #3: Systems That Support, Not Perform 4: 49 - Real Talk: Personal Insights & Mistakes 5:12 - Closing ✨ About Your Host: Hey there! I’m Christina, your coach with a heart for education and a mind for innovating learning spaces. I help leaders, educators, and organizations move from chaos to clarity, and burnout to balance by rethinking how we lead, teach, and build learning cultures. 📣 Links + Resources: 🌐 Website: www.humaneinthemembranellc.com [http://www.humaneinthemembranellc.com] 📩 Email: hello@humaneinthemembranellc.com 📱 Follow on Instagram & Facebook: @humaneinthemembraneLLC 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Christina Jones [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-the-coach]

S4E5: Rethinking Success: Expanding Beyond Credentials & The Future of Learning

Summary: What if degrees and certificates weren’t the ultimate measure of intelligence or success? In this episode, I sit down with Danielle Gines, a curriculum developer and nonprofit consultant, to unpack the unlearning we need to do around education, work, and expertise. We talk about: ✨ Why being uncomfortable is a superpower in learning and career growth ✨ The hidden barriers of credential-based systems for students, immigrants, and job seekers ✨ How grad school culture in NYC shaped Danielle’s views on competition vs. collaboration ✨ The difference between knowledge and real learning—and why we need more of the latter ✨ Why experience, adaptability, and curiosity often matter more than formal education We also dig into: 🎭 The role of authenticity and relationships in professional success 🌍 The power of culturally aware curriculum in creating real impact 💡 How joy and play make learning (and work) more meaningful 🔑 Why trust and sustainability should be at the heart of education Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 1:07 Addressing Challenges Faced by Students without Credentials 5:11 The Competitive Nature of Graduate School in New York City 7: 12 The Value of Experience in the Nonprofit Sector 7:37 Emphasizing Experience and Personal Growth 9:42 The Importance of Authentic Connections 13:07 Building Genuine Relationships 13:23 The Power of Authenticity and Being Yourself 13:53 The Impact of Authenticity on Building Relationships 14:52 The Value of Relational Partnerships 15:52 The Importance of Joy in Work and Relationships 17:38 The Difference Between Helping and Supporting  19:19 The Role of Empathy in Designing Learning Experiences 20:01 The Role of Continuous Learning and Curiosity 23:29 Challenging the Notion of a Diploma or Certificate as the Ultimate Measure of Intelligence 29:29  The Role of Culturally Responsive Design in Education 32:20 Considering Intersectionalities in Learning Experiences 37:53 Empowerment and Independence 38:22 Sustainability in Learning 38:36  Responsibility in Learning 39:25 Template Shop for Nonprofits 41:04 Creating Stronger Communities 42:13 Danielle's Template Shop 43:20 Accessible Learning 44:01 Closing Total Time: 47:07  🎙️ Guest Bio: Danielle Gines Danielle Gines is a 🌍 dynamic educator, curriculum consultant, and nonprofit strategist based in Texas. Her journey in education spans from 📚 teaching ESL in diverse community college settings to earning an 🎓 MS in Nonprofit Management from The New School in New York City. With international experiences in ✈️ Costa Rica and South Africa, Danielle discovered the transformative power of culturally aware and relevant curriculum in NGOs focused on 📖 education and 🌱 conservation. In 2019, a 🌏 Leadership Residency in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, solidified her passion for bridging 📢 education and nonprofit work. Since then, she has dedicated her career to creating impactful learning experiences, and partnering with nonprofits to develop and enhance education and training programs. Beyond her professional work, Danielle is a 🤠 Texan at heart, 🏃‍♀️ avid runner, and 📖 lifelong learner. She completed her first 🏅 ultra marathon, the Hachie 50km, in 2021, proving her dedication to both endurance and growth—whether in work, life, or on the trails. 🔗 Connect with Danielle Gines: 🌐 Website: www.dgconsultancy.us [http://www.dgconsultancy.us] 📧 Email: danielle@dgconsultancy.us 🔗 LinkedIn: Danielle Gines [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-gines1/] 🔥 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear this message! Follow, rate, and subscribe to the podcast for more transformative conversations. 🎤 For Guest Bookings, Inquiries & Speaking Engagements: * 📧  Email: unlearnthis@gmail.com 📬 Stay connected: 📘Facebook - ⁠⁠Christina Jones (The UnL3@rnIng Podcast)⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TheUnL3arnIngPodcast/] 📸 Instagram - ⁠⁠@unlearnthis2022⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/unlearnthis2022/] 🎥 YT - ⁠⁠The UnL3@rnIng Podcast⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT4_QOg4SDsC9Iof3gXZ_bg] 🐦 TT - ⁠⁠@christinajones538⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@christinajones538?lang=en] 🌐  Learn about our Business on our Website: ⁠⁠ [https://www.humaneinthemembranellc.com/]https://www.humaneinthemembranellc.com/⁠⁠ [https://www.humaneinthemembranellc.com/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]

Eclipse That Series: Reclaiming Our Magic (Pt. 3)-Healing & Reclaiming Our Power

📌 Episode 3 Summary: In this powerful final episode, Christina and Diana dissect the deep connections between labor, capitalism, and power—challenging the narratives that shape our work, identities, and relationships. They explore historical gender roles, systemic oppression, and the hidden forces driving work-life imbalances. Through storytelling, astrology, and self-reflection, they offer a path toward personal and collective healing, urging us to reclaim our time, power, and purpose. 🔮 Key Topics: ✨ The History of Labor & Power | 💡 Storytelling as Resistance | 🔥 Astrology & the Age of Aquarius | 🛠️ Healing from Capitalist Trauma 🎙️ Soundbites: * "We're not connecting. It doesn’t feel authentic." * "The power of storytelling is profound." * "It ain’t Facebook, y’all." ⏳ Chapters: 00:00 The Role of Labor in Capitalism 03:02 Historical Context of Power Dynamics 07:06 Understanding Power & Collective Responsibility 25:21 Healing & Personal Power 30:13 The Journey of Self-Discovery 35:05 Storytelling & Connection          35:45 Integrating Personal Stories into Professional Practices 36:45 Challenging Norms in Astrology & Education                          40:40 The Age of Aquarius: Hope & Responsibility 43:25 Historical Context & Its Impact on Present Dynamics 49:34 Courage & the Heart: Redefining Strength 50:04 Transitioning from War Culture to Healing 56:33 Closing Thoughts & Future Directions 🔮 Guest: Diana Cartwright – Non-Violent Communication Consultant| Astrologer Consultant| Writer 📖 Bio: Diana is a trauma-responsive astrologer helping individuals integrate self-acceptance and collective liberation. With an interdisciplinary background and a deep understanding of complex systems, she blends multiple astrological traditions to offer insight and transformation. She also writes under the pseudonym DPCJ. 🔗 Links: Connect with Diana on Substack-  https://dianapcartwright.substack.com/ 👋 Meet Christina Jones: Host of The UnL3@rnIng Podcast Hey, I’m Christina — a creative, former educator, and passionate leader, here to help you challenge everything you thought you knew. As the host of The UnL3@rnIng Podcast, I’m all about unlearning outdated beliefs, embracing personal growth, and living life on your own terms. This podcast is for anyone ready to question the status quo, explore new perspectives, and step into their own power. Every episode is an invitation to break free from the old, uncover what’s true for you, and transform along the way. 💡 Because true learning happens when we challenge what we think we know.Are you ready to unlearn and level up? Let’s get into it. 🚀 🔥 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear this message! Follow, rate, and subscribe to the podcast for more transformative conversations. Interested in being a guest? Reach out to me at unlearnthis@gmail.com. 📬 Stay connected: * 📧  Email: unlearnthis@gmail.com 📘FB - ⁠⁠Christina Jones (The UnL3@rnIng Podcast)⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TheUnL3arnIngPodcast/] 📸 IG - ⁠⁠@unlearnthis2022⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/unlearnthis2022/] 🎥 YT - ⁠⁠The UnL3@rnIng Podcast⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT4_QOg4SDsC9Iof3gXZ_bg] (Multi-Media, L.L.C.) 🐦 TT - ⁠⁠@christinajones538⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@christinajones538?lang=en] 🔍 Explore our Podcast website - ⁠⁠https://www.podpage.com/the-unl3rning/⁠⁠ [https://www.podpage.com/the-unl3rning/] 🌐  Learn about our Business on our Website: ⁠⁠ [https://www.humaneinthemembranellc.com/]https://www.humaneinthemembranellc.com/⁠⁠ [https://www.humaneinthemembranellc.com/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] 🎤 Want Christina on your podcast or at your next event? Let’s spark meaningful conversations, challenge the status quo, and inspire transformation together. Reach out at [your email] to book Christina for a podcast guest appearance, keynote, or speaking engagement! 🌟

Reclaiming Our Magic Pt. 2 - How Capitalism Erased Astrology & Stole Our Power (Eclipse That Sh*t Series)

🔥 Episode Summary: In this episode, Diana P. Cartwright unpacks her groundbreaking article series on why magic had to be destroyed for capitalism to take root. As an integrative astrologer, Diana’s mission is to make astrological wisdom more accessible and use it in liberatory ways. Together, Christina and Diana dive into: * The role of astrology and magic in breaking free from societal constraints * How capitalism suppressed ancient wisdom to control power * The fear and stigma around magic, intuition, and self-trust * The importance of personal and ancestral history in self-discovery * How entrepreneurs can navigate fear and uncertainty outside the traditional workforce 🔑 Key Takeaways * Magic is an animating life force that exists in all of us, not just a mystical concept. * Capitalism suppressed astrology and magic to disconnect people from their inherent power. * Internalized oppression and learned helplessness keep us locked in dominant paradigms. * Understanding personal & ancestral history can guide us to break free from generational cycles. * Modern astrology often lacks relational depth—we must return to a more individualized and intuitive approach. ⏳ Episode Chapters & Timestamps * 00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview * 03:03 – Making Astrological Wisdom Accessible for Liberation * 06:19 – The Power of Myth & Story in Astrology * 07:50 – Connecting to the Living Sky & Resourcing Oneself * 12:33 – Exploring the Meaning of Magic * 21:40 – Unveiling the Dark Histories & Rise of Capitalism * 27:27 – Challenging Internalized Oppression & Learned Helplessness * 31:29 – Breaking Free from the Capitalistic System * 32:28 – The Entrepreneurial Journey: Facing Fear & Building Self-Trust * 36:00 – Knowing & Understanding Our Personal & Ancestral Histories * 49:56  – Redefining Astrology: Moving Towards a Relational & Individualized Approach * 52:36 – The Devaluation & Distortion of Astrology in Capitalism * 01:10 – The Importance of Curiosity & Self-Reflection in Astrology 🎙️ Sound Bites & Quotables 🔹 "We already have power within us—it doesn’t have to be labor." 🔹 "When we engage with astrology archetypically and mythically, it shifts our relationship to life’s challenges." 🔹 "The fear of magic and intuition comes from systems that profit off our disconnection from ourselves." 🔮 Guest: Diana Cartwright – Consulting Astrologer & Writer 📖 Bio: Diana is a trauma-responsive astrologer helping individuals integrate self-acceptance and collective liberation. With an interdisciplinary background and a deep understanding of complex systems, she blends multiple astrological traditions to offer insight and transformation. She also writes under the pseudonym DPCJ. 🔗 Links: Connect with Diana on Substack-  https://dianapcartwright.substack.com/ 👋 About Me: Hey, I’m Christina — a creative, former educator, and passionate leader, here to help you challenge everything you thought you knew. As the host of The UnL3@rnIng Podcast, I’m all about unlearning outdated beliefs, embracing personal growth, and living life on your own terms. 💡 Because true learning happens when we challenge what we think we know.Are you ready to unlearn and level up? Let’s get into it. 🚀 🔥 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone! Follow, rate, and subscribe for more transformative conversations. Interested in being a guest? Reach out to me at unlearnthis@gmail.com. 📬 Stay connected: * 📧  Email: unlearnthis@gmail.com 📘FB -⁠⁠Christina Jones (The UnL3@rnIng Podcast)⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TheUnL3arnIngPodcast/] 📸 IG -⁠⁠@unlearnthis2022⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/unlearnthis2022/] 🎥 YT -⁠⁠The UnL3@rnIng Podcast⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT4_QOg4SDsC9Iof3gXZ_bg] (Multi-Media, L.L.C.) 🐦 TT -⁠⁠@christinajones538⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@christinajones538?lang=en] 🔍 Explore our Podcast website -⁠⁠https://www.podpage.com/the-unl3rning/⁠⁠ [https://www.podpage.com/the-unl3rning/] 🌐  Learn about our Business on our Website:⁠⁠ [https://www.humaneinthemembranellc.com/]https://www.humaneinthemembranellc.com/⁠⁠ [https://www.humaneinthemembranellc.com/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] 🎤 Want Christina on your podcast or at your next event? Reach out at unlearnthis@gmail.com to book Christina for a podcast guest appearance, keynote, or speaking engagement! 🌟