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For Adriana Kaegi, technology was both a blessing and a curse. A pioneer of streaming media, Adriana had to pivot quickly when the dot-com bubble burst. And she did. Through twists and turns on an unpredictable media journey, Adriana has maintained her creativity, earning the nickname “The Human Whack-A-Mole.” She discussed how she has kept it all together while continuing to innovate. About Adriana Kaegi | addy.media Adriana Kaegi is a multimedia entrepreneur, producer, and digital pioneer who loves operating at the intersection of music, fashion, and technology. As the founder and executive producer of ADDY.media and StyleCulture.TV, Adriana specializes in creating premium, short-form video content and global syndication strategies for the fashion and lifestyle industries. Long before streaming media became the norm, Adriana was a recognized pioneer in the space. In the late 1990s, she created and hosted “Cyber Cabaret,” one of the web’s first interactive monthly live webcasts, which earned “Best Live Webcast” honors from Yahoo! and CNET. The early embrace of digital innovation led her to become an executive online video producer, bringing major runway fashion shows from New York, Paris, and Milan straight to global audiences through partnerships with outlets like CNN.com. Adriana’s entrepreneurial drive is deeply rooted in her background as a creative trailblazer. She co-founded the legendary, award-winning 1980s pop/funk group Kid Creole and the Coconuts. Serving as the band’s “Mama Coconut,” Adriana directed the choreography, set design, and styling that defined their globally acclaimed, theatrical live shows. Over her career, Adriana has had the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall, appearing on “Saturday Night Live,” and collaborating with artists ranging from U2 to Towa Tei, while continuing to compose and release her own electronic soundtrack albums today. Adriana brings a unique, 360-degree perspective on how to pivot successfully across industries, build a lasting independent brand, and leverage cutting-edge technology to capture niche audiences. Whether discussing the early days of internet broadcasting, the evolution of fashion media, or the realities of running a modern syndication platform, Adriana offers sharp, authentic, and forward-thinking insights. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

He was an architect for a home builder when the 2008 housing bubble burst, and it caught up with him in 2009. And then there were the two divorces. Those setbacks gave Dr. W. Garrett Goggans pause. But instead of trying to figure out what was wrong with the world, Garrett looked inward for answers by challenging himself to change. This interview is a masterclass in self-awareness and how it serves as the leadership first commandment. About Dr. W. Garrett Goggans | goggansconsulting.com Dr. W. Garrett Goggans is a leadership strategist, speaker, and founder of Goggans Consulting. He helps leaders look beneath performance to understand the beliefs, internal friction, and patterns shaping how they lead. His work centers on a simple conviction: meaningful leadership begins with the ability to lead oneself. Through practical reflection and intentional alignment, he helps individuals and organizations close the gap between who they are, how they lead, and the impact they aspire to make. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

Folks who say that college is a waste of time might be leaving out some details about their experience. In this installment of Higher Edification, I take this claim head-on by questioning what part these folks played in the time-wasting. How much does having a sense of personal leadership play in success during and after college? Got thoughts? Give this episode a listen, and tell me what you think! Just a quick FYI… Check out these two episodes Episode 10 | “College Isn’t for Everybody” with Dr. Halima Leak Francis The Way Forward (my weekly radio show) | “Reframing Higher Education” with Duane Cruse, Jr. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

As someone who often speaks her mind, Carrie KC West’s story of career transformation began when a single, unfortunate moment with her boss in Corporate America led to her current career. As she has worked with people as a “hidden story doula,” Carrie has also worked to be the pattern so that her clients could “disrupt the familiar” to tell their hidden stories. About Carrie KC West | carriekcwest.com Carrie KC West is the founder of The Life Rewrite System™ and the award-winning author of Life Rewritten and Money Rewritten. She helps people recognize the hidden narratives shaping their lives and consciously choose new ones. Her approach blends story analysis, emotional awareness, and practical tools. Clients leave strengthened in their own insight, not dependent on hers. Because the point is not to follow her story. It is to reclaim yours. Join Carrie at the Hidden Story Intensive in July! The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

Michelle Steiner suffered a setback in her career when she lost her job during the COVID lockdown, but she had already passed a major life test. Michelle had been told that she wouldn't be successful in college because of her learning disability. Instead of retreating within, Michelle leaned on her community and used that setback to earn her bachelor's degree. Now a disability advocate and an educator, Michelle visited For Our Edification to tell her career transformation story. About Michelle Steiner | michellesmission.com Michelle Steiner lives with an invisible disability. From the start, many people have told her she could not go to college, get her bachelor’s degree, get published, or have the job she wanted. But she has been able to do all of that and more. Michelle graduated from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in community programming. Even more, she has articles published on The Mighty, Non-Verbal Learning Project, Dyscalculia Blog, The Reluctant Spoonie, Kalopina Collective, Imagine the World as One Magazine, and Word Gathering. Michelle’s photographs were featured in Word Gathering Independent and Work Ready. She works as a paraeducator in a school with students with disabilities. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two cats. You can find her at Michelle’s blog www.michellesmission.com. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

A common question that has come up since my most recent full-time adventure: How did I pivot so quickly? I got to work on reinventing myself quickly, but the truth is that this career pivot—my fifth one—took a bit longer. In this episode, I talk about the steps I took and why patience matters in the pivot. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

"Setbacks start with what feel like peaks." That's how ‪Phillip Holmes kicked off his conversation with me about his journey from surviving a toxic workplace to helping others navigate toxic workplaces. A coach and leadership consultant, Phillip visited For Our Edification to talk about the process of rebounding from getting lost in ambition to gaining clarity through self-evaluation. Check out Phillip’s thoughts about how people can navigate toxic situations where they work on my weekly radio show, The Way Forward. About Dave Delaney | highestgood.consulting Phillip Holmes is the founder of Highest Good, a coaching and consulting firm that helps high performers navigate toxic workplaces and build careers on their own terms. After earning three promotions in under five years and delivering record-breaking results, Phillip walked away from a politically toxic environment and turned that experience into a platform reaching over 200 million views and 350,000+ followers across social media. Today, he coaches professionals and consults with executive leaders across more than 10 countries to promote healthier workplaces and fulfilling work. His work spans one-on-one coaching, strategic career plans, leadership development, and team development. Phillip is married to Jasmine, and they have three sons. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

It was 15 years ago that I encountered my first and worst crisis as a public relations professional. It was then, when I was Southern University at New Orleans’ public relations director, that a Louisiana legislator proposed a bill that would merge SUNO with the University of New Orleans as part of their move into the University of Louisiana System. The writing was on the wall that a merger presumably meant SUNO’s closure. The moment that hit me without mercy—causing a combination of rage, frustration, and fear—was a local newspaper column that dragged my then-employer through the mud, igniting weeks of additional harsh media and social media commentaries. In the end, SUNO was removed from the bill and remains a member of the Southern University System. In this Higher Edification segment, I speak candidly about how I found a transformational moment with the help of the SUNO community. I also talk about how I developed my personal leadership while continuing to practice personal growth and development. Read more about how this moment helped my growth. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

As was the case for so many, 2020 wasn’t a great year for Dave Delaney. With the COVID-19 lockdown, his speaking business took a big hit, and natural disasters had become too much a part of his life. On top of that, Dave had been diagnosed with ADHD. With his love for communication and the stage, Dave found a renewed energy in improv, but he found new life in mindfulness. In this conversation, Dave shares how finding resilience in mindfulness and community has played a role in both his personal and professional lives. About Dave Delaney | davedelaney.me Dave Delaney is a communication and leadership strategist, ADHD-aware coach, keynote speaker, and published author with 25-plus years of experience helping organizations and professionals communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. He blends communication strategy, digital fluency, human-centered leadership, and creativity to help teams solve real problems: unclear messaging, siloed communication, low engagement, stalled growth, and the everyday friction that slows mission-driven work.Dave has served organizations as a senior communications leader, director of communications, consultant, and fractional support for marketing, culture, and leadership teams. He also coaches professionals, especially ADHD adults, to improve communication, navigate change, and build the clarity and follow-through they need to grow in their work and lives. Dave is the host of the Wise Squirrels Podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

Rory Verrett felt "rudderless" after being defeated early in his career—literally. The New Orleans native had returned from Harvard Law School and had a strong start to his career when he decided to run for public office. But he suffered a bitter defeat. It was a moment that Rory describes as feeling "devastated" and "embarrassed." That moment led to a series of career moves that have helped Rory discover a superpower that he didn't realize he had. This discussion is a lesson in coping with what happens when manifesting doesn't work, making room for what may be your real talent, and the power of introspection when you rely on your supporters. About Rory Verrett | mysovereignpath.com The founder of Sovereign Path™ and one of the most trusted executive coaches for purpose-driven leaders across industries and continents, Rory brings a rare combination of experience in executive search, leadership development, and succession strategy. He brings deep insight into what it takes to lead with clarity, conviction, and long-term impact. Rory has coached CEOs, general counsels, professional sports coaches, startup founders, nonprofit executives, finance leaders, and global entrepreneurs. His work draws on over two decades of advising senior leaders at critical inflection points in their careers and organizations. Rory developed Sovereign Path after leading succession planning for global corporations, managing the NFL’s leadership academy for emerging front office executives, and curating learning experiences for club executives at Stanford and Wharton business schools. He has presented talent strategy insights at the White House, testified before Congress, and lectured on leadership and equity in North America, Europe, and Africa. As founder of Protégé Search, Rory has recruited executive leaders for some of the world’s most mission-driven companies, nonprofits, and B Corporations. This unique vantage point—at the intersection of purpose, power, and placement—makes him a uniquely effective coach for those seeking to lead authentically and with legacy in mind. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Rory earned his undergraduate degree from Howard University and was selected as a Truman Scholar. Through Sovereign Path, he helps ambitious, values-driven leaders design the next chapter of their lives and careers—on purpose, with purpose. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

What happens when a self-described workaholic hits a wall with corporate politics? For Melinda Van Fleet it was a sign that something had to change. Melinda visited For Our Edification to share her journey from successful retail buyer at Saks Fifth Avenue to empowerment and business coach. After years of thriving in Corporate America, regularly working 12-hour days because she genuinely loved what she did, Melinda discovered that loving your work wasn’t enough when corporate politics got in the way. Her turning point came in 2009 when both Melinda and her husband Ryan got laid off simultaneously. They moved to the Florida Keys without knowing anyone. But from that rock-bottom moment, they built three successful businesses. Melinda shares how her new reality has been built on her revolutionary view on leadership, uncovering the power of meditation vs. mind loops, radical self-awareness, and more. About Melinda Van Fleet | melindavanfleet.com An intuitive and energetic empowerment business coach/mentor, Melinda is also a business owner with her husband and a bestselling author. She helps people understand how to expand their conscious awareness and use their intuitive gifts so they can achieve their goals and live their best life possible. Melinda and her husband, Capt. Ryan Van Fleet have an inspiring story of how they moved to The Florida Keys in 2009 and created Good Karma Sportfishing and Educational Programs. In 2021, she wrote and self-published two bestselling non-fiction books, Confidence Master for Couples: Roadmap to a More Intimate Relationship and Life & Love Lessons: How to Develop Confidence Through Your Spiritual Journey. Both are available on Amazon, Audible, in paperback, and eBook. Melinda is currently working on her first fiction book series in the Sci-Fi worldview genre. Connect also at: * Instagram: @melinda_vanfleet * Patreon: Conscious Convergence- Your Most Purposeful Life * Facebook: melinda.vanfleet.31 * LinkedIn: melinda-van-fleet * TikTok: @melindavanfleet7 The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

The Season 7 premiere kicks off a new direction for the podcast. For Our Edification is setting sail into deeper personal leadership waters with stories of career transformation. We’re kicking off the new season with a challenge to both managers and their direct reports in the workplace to make five promises to tighten their relationships. These aren’t just any promises. I reach into my strategic communications bag to encourage a better leader-follower relationship with an eye on organizational improvement. Keep up with more strategic communications insights by signing up for my monthly LinkedIn newsletter, Edifying the Brand. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

I focused more on personal leadership in Season 6 of For Our Edification, brought back the Write to Bear Alms segment, and launched the Higher Edification segment. Take a listen to some of the episodes that stood out to me: 56 | Eddie’s the Guest 68 | Creating Student Success From Access with Dr. James K. Winfield 71 | Colleges and Universities as Civic Anchors with Dr. Halima Leak Francis 70 | Philanthropic Investment in New Orleans with Halima 69 | The Fight for Critical Thinking with Dr. Esha Lovrić 58 | Thinking, Feeling, and Leading with Christopher Tidrick 59 | Strength in Authenticity with Rashad Young 62 | Winners Win with Carlos Henry And many thanks to those who joined me: Christine D. Ross, Dominique Luster, Lori Osborne, Andrea C. McLean, and Randy Phares. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

In the Higher Edification segment, Halima discusses how colleges and universities are civic anchors, something that was part of her doctoral research in higher education administration at New York University. She shares her thoughts about the importance of colleges and universities’ role as civic anchors, how different types of institutions of higher learning contribute to their respective communities, and how the presence of colleges and universities influences citizens’ personal leadership. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com

Approaching the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, The Data Center published “The New Orleans Index at Twenty” Collection, which included “Resourcing resilience and prosperity: Philanthropic investment in New Orleans’ nonprofit sector after Hurricane Katrina”. The research was produced by For Our Edification’s very own Dr. Halima Leak Francis, who is the Carnegie Corporation of NY Professor of Social Entrepreneurship in the Phyllis M. Taylor Center for Social Innovation & Design Thinking at Tulane University. For this Write to Bear Alms segment, I’m rerunning a conversation that I had with Halima about her research and how New Orleans can continue to attract philanthropic investment on my weekly radio show, “The Way Forward” on WBOK radio. The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit forouredification.substack.com