Conscious InSights podcast

38:30

Chef Shuai Wang was the runner-up on the 22nd season of Bravo’s Top Chef and is the force behind two standout restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina—Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ—where he brings together the flavors of his childhood in Beijing and the spirit of the South in some pretty unforgettable ways. He grew up just a short walk from Tiananmen Square, in a tiny home with no electricity or running water, where his grandmother often cooked over charcoal. Later, in Queens, New York, his mom taught herself to cook—her first dishes were a little salty, but they were always made with love. And somewhere along the way, Shuai learned that cooking wasn’t just about food—it was about taking care of people. After years working in New York kitchens, he made his way to Charleston and started building something that feels entirely his own. Today, we’re talking about how all those experiences come together on the plate, the family stories behind his cooking, and what it’s been like to share that journey on national TV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Conscious InSights

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Strategies for Leadership Evolution: Conscious InSights offers a platform where executives and thought leaders engage in deep, meaningful dialogue to advance leadership in today’s complex environment. Each episode focuses on a carefully chosen topic, explored through unscripted and heartfelt discussions. Our conversations showcase innovative practices and explore emerging paths forward, inviting listeners to think deeply and lead boldly in an ever-evolving world. Hosted by Renelle Everett Darr, Founder and CEO of InSight. Renelle is known for her ability to help leaders and organizations stretch and shift into new paradigms while staying grounded in their core strengths. She works with CEOs, top teams, and organizations to navigate this emergent and complex landscape. Learn more at www.insight-cc.com.

12 епізодів

Conscious InSights

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Conscious InSights

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Episode 12 - The New C-Suite — Rethinking Connection, Community & What Leaders Actually Need 39:22

13 днів тому39:22

39:22

What if the future of leadership isn't about climbing—but about connection? In this season finale, Renelle sits down with Bea Sonnendecker, founder of SuiteC, and Chelle Johnson, executive coach and talent strategist, to explore the shifting inner and outer landscapes of the C-Suite. Both have lived the corporate grind, led executive searches, and now stand at the edge of something new—offering spaces where leaders can be real, resourced, and in relationship. Episode Takeaways: Together, they unpack what today’s executives actually need: ➤ Why traditional executive search and networking models no longer serve the evolving needs of today’s leaders ➤ How trauma, grief, and burnout shape leadership journeys—and why acknowledging them creates more resilient leaders ➤ Why the next evolution of leadership depends on connection to self and others ➤ What makes someone truly “trustworthy” at the top This episode marks the close of Season 1—a season about exploring the shift. In Season 2, we transition to teaching it. Resources & Connect: ➤ Learn more about Bea and her work: SuiteC ➤ Learn more about Chelle and her work: Best You Talent Advisors Engage with InSight: ➤ With decades of experience in both large-scale change and deep leadership coaching, InSight bridges the intellect and the heart to fully power leaders, teams, and organizations for the new era of work. Visit InSight 🎧 Tune in to explore what today’s leaders are really looking for—and why trust, connection, and community are the new cornerstones of the C-Suite.…

Conscious InSights

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Episode 11 - Built for Mars, Driven by Purpose: The Starsys Founders on Culture, Exit & Impact 50:08

8 weeks тому50:08

50:08

In this episode of Conscious InSights, Renelle Everett Darr sits down with Scott Tibbitts and Scott Christiansen, co-founders of Starsys Research—an extraordinary company that built spacecraft hardware used on missions to Mars and beyond. From an invention crafted with $7 in hardware store parts to a global space company with 99% employee retention and a 100% mission success rate, their journey reveals what’s possible when purpose and culture come first. Together, they unpack how values like fun, family, and personal responsibility shaped their company's DNA, what it takes to lead without hierarchy, and why culture might just be the most powerful innovation of all. Episode Takeaways: ➤ How a paraffin-filled copper tube sparked a Mars-bound company ➤ Why they rejected hierarchy and embraced mentorship models ➤ The radical way Starsys co-created values—with full company consensus ➤ How culture sustained them through financial crisis and near collapse ➤ Practices like "Efforts & Blunders" that built psychological safety and trust ➤ Why fun, family, and trust were just as critical as engineering precision ➤ What today’s leaders can learn from this story of purpose-led innovation Resources & Connect: ➤ Book: From the Garage to Mars by Scott Tibbitts – Memoir of a Space Entrepreneur ➤ Learn more about Renelle and InSight’s work: www.insight-cc.com Engage with InSight: At InSight, we believe purpose fuels performance. Through transformational coaching, immersive retreats, and system-wide culture change, we help leaders build organizations as powerful on the inside as they are on paper. 🎧 Tune in to discover what building for Mars can teach us about building for what matters most—on Earth.…

Conscious InSights

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Episode 10 - The Enneagram and Leadership: Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Practices 49:11

15 weeks тому49:11

49:11

In this episode of Conscious InSights, Renelle Everett Darr delves into the Enneagram with experts Claire Williams and Pastor Stephanie Williams O'Brien to explore how this ancient tool can revolutionize modern leadership. Discover how the Enneagram's deep insights into personality and behavior patterns can transform leadership effectiveness across generations. Episode Takeaways:➤ Understand the Enneagram’s foundational role in personal and leadership transformation. ➤ Learn how leaders can use the Enneagram to identify and transcend personal limitations, enhancing their influence and effectiveness. ➤ Discover practical applications of the Enneagram in both personal development and team dynamics. Resources & Connect:➤ Claire Williams -> An executive coach who specializes in making transformational concepts actionable for leaders and teams. https://www.clairewilliamsindepth.com/ ➤ Pastor Stephanie Williams O'Brien -> A lead pastor and professor who integrates the Enneagram in her leadership and pastoral teachings. @pastorsteph ➤ Books -> The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up by Beatrice Chestnut and The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson ➤ Assessments -> IEQ9, CPS Enneagram Compass, RHETI Enneagram Engage with InSight: ➤ With decades of experience in both large-scale change and deep leadership coaching, InSight bridges the intellect and the heart to fully power leaders, teams, and organizations for the new era of work. Visit InSight 🎧 Tune in for Enneagram insights that redefine modern leadership and personal growth.…

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Episode 9 - The Future of Flourishing: How Leaders & Strategies Must Evolve in Uncertainty (Part 2) 48:17

19 weeks тому48:17

48:17

The world is shifting fast, and traditional leadership strategies aren’t built for this level of complexity. In Part 1, we explored how change follows cycles and how leaders can find stability in uncertainty. In Part 2 of The Future of Flourishing, Renelle and futurist Cecily Sommers explore why leaders must evolve alongside their strategies to successfully navigate uncertainty. The conversation connects inner leadership growth with external strategic adaptation, highlighting why leadership today requires change fluency—the ability to track patterns, anticipate shifts, and lead with confidence. Cecily introduces the four forces shaping all societal change—Resources, Technology, Demographics, and Governance—and explains how leaders can use these forces to craft adaptive strategies that align with the realities of a changing world. Episode Takeaways: Leaders cannot separate their own evolution from their organization’s strategy—they must grow together. Change fluency is essential—leaders must continuously track external shifts while developing internal adaptability. The most effective strategies today are adaptive, iterative, and rooted in a leader’s ability to sense and respond. Organizations that do not integrate change literacy into their strategy will find themselves constantly disrupted by external forces. Resources & Connect: Cecily Sommers-> https://www.cecilysommers.com/ Engage with InSight-> With decades of experience in both large scale change and deep leadership coaching, InSight bridges the intellect and the heart to fully power leaders, teams and organizations for the new era of work. https://insight-cc.com/ Missed Part 1? T he Future of Flourishing: Finding Order in a Disordered World 🔊 Listen now to learn how personal and strategic evolution must go hand in hand.…

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Episode 8 - The Future of Flourishing: Finding Order in a Disordered World Part 1 45:51

20 weeks тому45:51

45:51

In this episode, host Renelle Everett Darr explores the transformative potential of our chaotic times with futurist Cecily Sommers and happiness expert Ashish Kothari. This discussion delves into the historical cycles of change, particularly the 80-100 year cycle, revealing that these uncertain times may hold more certainty and opportunity for growth than we initially realize. About Our Guests Cecily Sommers: A top futurist, Cecily equips leaders with the foresight to navigate and harness the cyclical changes of our times, drawing from history's patterns to predict and prepare for future shifts. Ashish Kothari: Founder of Happiness Squad and an author, Ashish explores how adapting to change can significantly enhance personal well-being and organizational effectiveness. Episode Takeaways Understanding Cyclical Change: Explore the concept of the 80-100 year cycle and how historical patterns can guide current and future leadership strategies. Stability in Flux: Discover strategies for maintaining internal stability that anchors leaders and organizations during times of external turmoil. Transformation Through Disorder: Viewing societal disorder as a catalyst for necessary transformation can help leaders understand and lead through change, recognizing that "the future is followable, not figure-out-able." Actionable Strategies for Uncertain Times: Use insights from past cycles and current trends to transform uncertainty into a well-defined plan for growth and innovation. Stay tuned for Part 2 on Change Literacy, coming next in our series. Resources & Connect Cecily Sommers-> https://www.cecilysommers.com/ Ashish Kothari’s Happiness Squad-> https://happinesssquad.com/ Engage with InSight-> With decades of experience in both large scale change and deep leadership coaching, InSight bridges the intellect and the heart to fully power leaders, teams and organizations for the new era of work. https://insight-cc.com/…

Conscious InSights

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Episode 7 - Innovative Impact: How Colorado Champions Conscious Entrepreneurship 50:23

23 weeks тому50:23

50:23

In this episode, host Renelle Everett Darr explores how Colorado’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem is deeply connected to personal purpose, values, and vision. Joining her are two visionary leaders: Mick Freeman, CEO of BEN (Bridge Entrepreneurs Network) Colorado, and Kelly Mazanti, founder of Buttnski, a unique and purpose-driven outdoor apparel brand. Together, they dive into the power of conscious leadership, the importance of values-driven business, and the unique role Colorado plays in fostering innovation and impact. Through their conversation, one theme becomes clear: business success is about much more than numbers—it’s about alignment. When leaders root their work in purpose and values, they build stronger companies and also create systemic change in their industries and communities. Colorado’s ecosystem is a reflection of this ethos, supporting businesses that prioritize human connection, innovation, and impact over competition and scarcity. EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: The founder sets the culture from day one. Staying aligned with purpose is what sustains them through the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life. Economic success and human-centered leadership go hand in hand. The more we prioritize people, community, and sustainability, the stronger our businesses and economy become. Investing in women entrepreneurs is an untapped powerhouse of opportunity. It’s time to close the funding gap. Colorado’s future is bright. With a growing presence in tech, aerospace, and the outdoor industry, the state is setting the standard for purpose-driven leadership and the triple bottom line—people, purpose, and profit. RESOURCES & CONNECT: Learn more about BEN Colorado -> https://www.bencolorado.org/ Check out Buttnski -> https:// www.Buttnski.com Engage with InSight-> With decades of experience in both large scale change and deep leadership coaching, InSight bridges the intellect and the heart to fully power leaders, teams and organizations for the new era of work through Executive Coaching, Leadership Labs & Retreats, Human-Touch Strategy, Speaking, Workshops, and more. https://www.insight-cc.com or email us at info@insight-cc.com…

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Episode 6 - Wellness at the Helm: Leading with Vitality with Julia Schowerer and Renee Moorefield 46:25

27 weeks тому46:25

46:25

In this episode of Conscious Insights, Renelle Everett Darr engages with Renee Moorfield and Julia Schworer to explore the significance of wellbeing in leadership and corporate culture. They discuss the innate capacity for individuals to thrive, the importance of servant leadership, and how organizations can implement wellbeing initiatives to foster a healthier, more productive, connected, and innovative work environment. Through a case study of Barilla's initiatives they highlight the transformative power of prioritizing employee wellbeing and the ripple effect it can have on organizational success. For more information or to get in touch, visit our website at www.insight-cc.com . About Our Guests Julia Schworer is President, Global Bakery at Barilla Group. After several years of international career in L’Oréal (in Germany, France, Italy) Julia joined Barilla Group in 2005 and over the years has worked in different marketing roles. Between 2012 and 2023 she has successfully developed and grown Mulino Bianco, a 1 bn€ + bakery brand in Europe. In 2024, Julia moved to the new international headquarter of Barilla in Amsterdam as President Global Bakery, a business composed of 10 brands and 8 categories (2 bn€). Julia leads a team of 55 people worldwide. Julia has a particular passion for Innovation and Leadership transformation and loves to learn and develop. Julia is married and has two little girls, and she loves travelling. Discovery, Empathy and Intuition are key values for her. Renee Moorefield, PhD, MCC, is CEO of Wisdom Works, a social enterprise working with global companies to bring the science and practices of human thriving to life in their work cultures, brands, and leadership—and make thriving a new standard of success. She is also Executive Director of Be Well Lead Well®, a science-based platform of assessments, culture change resources, strategic advisory services, and education for the development of healthier, more effective leadership. Renee is on the Advisory Board for the wellness nonprofit, Global Wellness Institute and the Program Advisory Board for the mental health nonprofit, John W. Brick Foundation. For over three decades, Renee has provided thought leadership and state-of-the-art resources to fuel a global movement of leaders who make thriving a priority at work, at home, and in all walks of society. Episode Takeaways: How Autopilot Keeps Us in Survival Mode - Why many people live in struggle and fear, even though we are wired to thrive and be joyful, and how to break free from autopilot. Why invest in wellbeing and conscious leadership? Julia explains that wellbeing is fundamental to transformation and key to achieving innovative results. She also describes how her team’s commitment to wellbeing became contagious, spreading throughout the organization. How to integrate wellbeing and conscious leadership into your workplace - Renee discusses how to embed this way of operating into your organizational culture. She explains how shifting from a reactive, problem-focused approach to a creative, potential-focused one can transform your organization, helping it navigate and thrive amid environmental uncertainties.…

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Episode 5 - Visionary Spaces: Landscape Architecture as a Catalyst for Change with Mark Johnson & Scott Jordan 45:25

28 weeks тому45:25

45:25

In this conversation, Renelle Everett Darr speaks with Mark Johnson and Scott Jordan, leaders at Civitas, about the transformative power of landscape architecture. They discuss how well-designed public spaces catalyze social change, enhance community and belonging, and improve public health. Through examples like the Central Platte Valley in Denver and a St. Patrick’s Island in Calgary, they illustrate the importance of public spaces as communal grounds that foster connections and enhance the social fabric of cities, leading to healthier and more vibrant urban environments. The discussion delves into how cities, much like individuals, have a collective consciousness shaped by their history and experiences, emphasizing the need to recognize and nurture their true nature for meaningful transformation. For more information or to get in touch, visit our website at www.insight-cc.com . About Our Guests Mark W Johnson is a recognized thought leader known for the design of complex projects involving green infrastructure as catalyst to economic, environmental and social change. He is a prominent designer of public space, completing the River's District in Calgary, Green Design in the South Bronx, NY, the North Embarcadero in San Diego; St. Patrick's Island in Calgary; and Riverfront Park in Tampa and many others. In his 45 year career he has received many awards for planning, design and service. Mark is a frequent lecturer at universities, the Urban Land Institute, the Salus Network, the International Academy of Design and Health, and the Landscape Institute with a focus on the role of design in support of public health. B. Landscape Architecture, Utah State University; MLAUD, Harvard University. Scott JordanThe transformative effect that landscape architecture and urban design have on cities is what drew Scott to this profession 20 years ago. Scott has developed a passion for engaging the public throughout the design process, further deepening the relationships between people and place. His focus on the public realm is driven by a desire to create social interactions and build a sense of community by bringing people of diverse backgrounds together. Scott holds a Master of Landscape Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. He has won several national design awards for his work, been an invited lecturer and guest critic at universities across the country and has presented at numerous national design conferences. Scott is active in the community through his volunteer work as an underprivileged youth hockey coach each summer as well as helping coach his son’s lacrosse team. Key Takeaways: Catalysts for Social Change: Well-designed public spaces play a crucial role in driving social change, enhancing feelings of community and belonging. Health and Well-being: The integration of thoughtful landscape architecture in urban areas significantly contributes to public health and the overall vibrancy of the community. Historical Consciousness: Cities hold a collective consciousness that mirrors human nature, where recognizing and embracing historical identities can lead to transformative urban renewal. Unified Paths: The conversation connects landscape design's role in urban transformation with conscious leadership, illustrating how both use strategic change to enhance community and organizational well-being and foster collective growth.…

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Episode 4 - Elevating Perspective: Leadership Transformation in Nepal with Luis Benitez and Mark Gasta 42:16

30 weeks тому42:16

42:16

In this inspiring episode, Renelle Everett Darr dialogues with Luis Benitez and Mark Gasta on blending Eastern wisdom and Western efficiency to redefine leadership. They delve into the heart of Sherpa culture, which emphasizes service, community, and adaptability, and discuss how these values enhance Western leadership models. The discussion further explores how experiential learning and stepping out of comfort zones in different cultural settings, like the Himalayas, offer deep personal growth and leadership transformation. The episode concludes with a preview of "The Sherpa Way" leadership program in the Fall of 2025, which promises leaders firsthand transformative experiences in Nepal. For more information or to get in touch, visit our website at insight-cc.com About Our Guests Luis Benitez Throughout his career, as a professional mountaineering guide, Luis has summited the top of the famed “Seven Summits” a cumulative 32 times, including being a six-time summiteer of Mt. Everest. Luis has also served as the COO and Director of Operations for Adventure Consultants (AC). At the heart of his career, Luis has always focused on servant leadership. Some of his most rewarding work has been to help create the internal university for Vail Resorts. He has also worked with VF Corporation, creating and leading a global government affairs function and restructuring and re-launching The VF Foundation. He also helped create the nonprofit Trekking For Kids, which focuses on service based expeditions allowing participants to climb and trek while teaching them about local issues like housing and healthcare for disadvantaged youth around the world. Mark Gasta Mark Gasta is a Teaching Professor and the Associate Director for the Outdoor Recreation Economy program at the University of Colorado Boulder. He is passionate about developing leaders with the capacity to build sustainable organizations that create profit for shareholders while protecting the environment and improving the lives of those with whom they interact. Mark is also the Founder of Adventures in Leading, a leadership-team-culture development group that works to connect leaders and teams with their purpose and potential. Prior to joining academia, Mark was Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer, and Chief Sustainability Officer for Vail Resorts Management Company. Before Vail Resorts, he served as the Corporate Vice President of Organizational Development for Comcast Communications’ 90,000 employees. He also served in the United States Army as a commissioned officer and aviator. In This Episode: Balancing Western and Eastern Approaches: Effective leadership integrates Sherpa values of community and service with Western efficiency. The Power of Experiential Learning: Immersive experiences in diverse cultures lead to transformative growth and understanding. Leadership Beyond Linear Thinking: Emphasizing mental flexibility and the capacity to integrate 'magic' or the unexpected, alongside structured plans. Heart-Centered Leadership: Combining intellectual rigor with emotional intelligence to lead with compassion and firm conviction.…

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Episode 3 - Purpose-Driven Leadership: The Heart of Success with Ross Brooks 37:30

32 weeks тому37:30

37:30

In this conversation, Renelle Everett Darr and Ross Brooks, CEO of the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) explore the essence of purpose-driven leadership as the heart of success, particularly in the context of healthcare as a human right. They discuss the importance of integrating personal purpose with professional responsibilities, the role of community health centers, and the need for emotional intelligence and human connection in leadership. Ross shares his personal journey that fuels his purpose for affordable healthcare access for all. The discussion culminates in a vision for a healthier society where everyone has access to healthcare and why it is good for the economy while highlighting the connection to the power of purpose-driven leadership. About Our Guest: Ross Brooks is the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Prior to CCHN, Ross served as the CEO for Mountain Family Health Centers, a Community Health Center in Western Colorado, from 2012 to 2023.In addition, Ross serves as a healthcare advocate with various local, regional, and national organizations focused on increasing access to health for all. In This Episode: Ross shares insights into balancing the head and heart in leadership. The vital role of community health centers as a connective tissue in our society. The importance of holding space and human connection as key strategies in challenging times. How investing in health leads to a more vibrant society.…

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Episode 2 - Mastering the Waves: Leadership in a Dynamic World with Mark Michalek and William Browning 47:30

34 weeks тому47:30

47:30

In this episode of Conscious Insights, Renelle Everett Darr hosts a compelling conversation with two transformative leaders: William Browning, CEO of Clayton Early Learning, and Mark Michalek, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Denver Division. Together, they explore the critical intersection of leadership in early childhood education and law enforcement, examining how both sectors are navigating complexity, embracing change, and shaping the future.This conversation delves into the whole person approach to leadership—where empathy, trauma-informed practices, and values-based strategies are essential. William and Mark discuss how these approaches are transforming their organizations, whether it’s helping children in need or guiding first responders through increasingly stressful environments.They also explore the role of artificial intelligence in both sectors, examining how AI can enhance security and operational efficiency while also posing new challenges in cybersecurity and data management. This intersection of human-centered leadership and technology is reshaping the future of both industries, offering new pathways for positive societal change.Join us for an inspiring discussion on leadership, technology, and the importance of leading with heart and humanity in a rapidly changing world. About our Guests: Mark Michalek is FBI Special Agent in Charge, Denver Division. Mr. Michalek joined the FBI as a special agent in 2005 and was assigned to the Houston Field Office. He worked organized crime and violent crime matters and specialized in investigating serial bank robbery and armored carrier robbery crews. He also served as a part-time pilot. In 2014, Mr. Michalek was promoted to supervisory special agent and transferred to the Violent Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters, where he oversaw the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Program. Mr. Michalek returned to Houston in 2016 to lead the public corruption squad, a multiagency team responsible for investigating allegations of corruption involving elected officials and fraud against the government.In 2020, Mr. Michalek was appointed as an assistant special agent in charge of the San Diego Field Office, where he oversaw programs including business administration, security, crisis management, and SWAT operations. He was promoted in 2021 to section chief of the Employee Health and Performance Section in the Human Resources Division at Headquarters. The section is responsible for the health, well-being, resilience, and performance of FBI employees. Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Michalek served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force. He earned a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master's in public administration from Penn State. William Browning is the President and CEO for Clayton Early Learning and has connections to the local Denver and national philanthropy communities. Most recently, William served on the Global Business Advisory Services group at Slalom Consulting, leading global business implementations for social and private sector clients. Before that, he was the Chief Transformation and Strategy Officer for United Way Worldwide and also held a similar position for Mile High United Way in Denver. As the founder and CEO of the highly successful Denver-based consulting firm, Rebound Solutions, he designed and led significant systems improvement projects, including the transformation of Colorado’s benefits management system and the state’s first quality management system for early childhood education. William has an Executive Master’s degree in Coaching and Consulting for Change from HEC Paris and Oxford University. He was selected and attended the exclusive University of Oxford Strategic Leadership Program and he has completed the Corporate Social Responsibility Executive Program through the University of Colorado at Denver. He has a daughter named Madeleine who is in the 6th grade and a one-year-old dog named Hershey.…

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Episode 1 - Trailblazers: The Evolution of Female Leadership with Tatiana Arguello and Christine Benero 49:14

36 weeks тому49:14