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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

Dr. Esha Lovrić deeply believes that there is a need to widely promote critical thinking. She is so convinced of it that she has taken to Threads for a public commentary, even focusing on making the distinction between critical thinking and conspiratorial thinking. I was so excited about her posts that I invited Esha to join me for an episode of my weekly radio show “The Way Forward” on WBOK radio. This episode of “For Our Edification” is a replay of that conversation. Ending the episode with my Leadership for Good thoughts, I admit that this was supposed to be another episode entirely. But the ancestors said, “Ah-ah! Don’t do it.” About Dr. Esha Lovrić Raised in a region ripped apart by social and political upheaval, Esha is a social scientist dedicated to asking questions to give people more clarity about their relationship with society and society’s relationship with them. Her research and study quest begins with fundamental questions like: How do we perceive the world? Why do we perceive the world as we do? What can we control? How can we increase the chance of personal success? Over the past 15 years, Esha’s journey in the field of sociological discourse has primarily revolved around the Western context. She has taught, lectured, supervised, and mentored at universities in Australia and now in the European Union. She continues to research and write scientific publications, as well as uphold the requirements of her appointment as a visiting academic fellow. Esha teaches at the intersection of sociology and social structures, along with philosophy and other scientific evidence. She wholly rejects scientific dichotomies. Her research interests are studying what motivates human beings to work hard for their future selves and what pulls people backwards. Esha also researches rituals and social pollutants, and social constructions. 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 first Higher Edification guest stepped in to share some great perspectives about the profound impact that higher education has on him. Dr. James K. Winfield is a student access and success leader who champions first-generation college students. Having been a first-gen student himself, James shares his higher education empowerment story. A current university administrator, he also talks about the importance of students having support in higher education, the growth that he seen from students on his journey, and how higher education can connect better with communities. About Dr. James K. Winfield James serves as the Associate dean for first year experience, general education, and retention strategies at Southern New Hampshire University’s Global Campus. His portfolio includes the implementation of holistic strategies and programs to improve the communication, orientation, and retention efforts for first-year students, along with developing policies and processes that support the general education experience of global campus students. James, a proud first-gen student, advocate, and researcher, has a multitude of administrative and teaching experiences at various institutions, including colleges that are flagship, land-grant, private, HBCUs, and online education. James has been actively involved with NASPA and First-gen Forward, serving on the Forward Thinkers Group and is a founding member and past co-chair for the Black First-gen Collective. He has extensive experience in TRIO Programs, first-year programs, specifically orientation and first-year seminars - teaching, designing curriculum, and leading faculty development. He has launched and managed early alert systems, peer mentoring, and tutoring programs. James’s dissertation focused on the career self-efficacy and academic major decisions of low-income first-generation college students in a TRIO SSS program. He earned his Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of South Carolina, an M.Ed. in higher education administration, and his B.A. in mass communication from Auburn University. James is also a pop culture enthusiast and consistently writes about college and first-gen narratives in TV and film. 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

Randy Phares got it out the mud…literally. Once upon a time, he was digging a ditch for a living while dealing with diagnoses of Tourette’s Syndrome and ADHD. That didn’t stop Randy from showing his bosses how creative and determined he was to be a problem-solver. Now Randy does a presentation and masterclass called “How to Outinterview Everyone and Get the Job of Your Dreams”. A successful entrepreneur, Randy joined me on “For Our Edification” to talk about how he helps people defeat self-limiting beliefs so that they can also succeed. About Randy Phares The CEO of a successful consulting company, Randy Phares has been engaged by the US and Afghan governments to help launch four new industries in Afghanistan. He is the winner of the Best Achievement of Organizational Business Improvement in Manufacturing Award from the Global Six-Sigma and Business Improvement Awards. Randy has also led a world-leading turnaround of a multi-national business unit for a Fortune 1000 Corporation on the Forbes Most Admired Companies List. He is an expert witness in legal cases, a speaker, author, consultant, and executive coach featured in many publications. He is also the author of The Ultimate Interview Guide - Master the Most Challenging Questions to Land Your Dream Career! 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

On April 10, 2023, I decided to bet on myself. It was scary, but I did it, dang it! But seriously…going into my third year as a business owner and realizing that there are probably thousands of small businesses being opened around the U.S. due to major job losses, there are five big things that I’ve learned that I want to share with others who are betting on themselves. 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

Andrea C. McLean had a promising path in Corporate America until something unexpected happened. It was then that she realized that she needed to shift her mindset. But Andrea also recognized that there were others like her—especially women—who needed to shift their mindsets. That’s when she set out to coach people to become their future selves. Andrea visited For Our Edification during Podapalooza to discuss how she practices personal leadership in the midst of working with purpose-driven women who are navigating transition, seeking clarity, or who are positioned to take the next bold step in their personal or professional lives. About Andrea C. McLean Andrea C. McLean is a board-certified coach, speaker, and award-winning author of Decide to Be Your Future Self. Creator of The S.O.A.R. Method®, she helps purpose-driven women shift their mindset, overcome challenges, and design bold futures. With over 30 years of global leadership experience, Andrea empowers women to lead their lives forward with clarity and confidence. 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

Lori Osborne loves what she does. A brand strategist, web developer, and speaker, Lori finds joy in helping thought leaders turn their voices into internet things of beauty. We had a conversation about what’s behind Lori’s sparkly personality. She shared her story of resilience—from surviving cancer and an abusive marriage to coping with the effects of a procedure to remove a brain tumor. Yet, Lori serves her clients with enthusiasm and color. And she came bearing gifts. Take advantage of her complimentary Authority Visibility Audit and free downloadable checklist, 5 Steps to Evaluate Your Brand & Online Authority: https://www.bizbolster.com/vip-visibility-audit About Lori Osborne Affectionately known as The Authority Amplifier, Lori is the founder of BizBolster Web Solutions and the creator of The Authority Blueprint™. With nearly a decade of experience in brand strategy and website design, Lori helps Thought Leaders identify and clarify their brand and translates it into authority-driven websites that attract aligned clients and amplify their impact online. When she's not building powerhouse brands, Lori enjoys coastal life near Amelia Island, Florida, alongside her amazing husband and two adorable fur babies. 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

Introducing a new segment--Higher Edification! In future episodes, we'll hear about how higher education touches our lives. This commentary sets the table for the importance and personal impact that higher ed has on our personal leadership. Note:  A passage from the book "Footprints of Black Louisiana" was shared on this episode. It reads that Xavier University of Louisiana opened in 1915, however, Xavier opened in 1925. 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

Carlos Henry is serious about two things--leadership and winning. Having grown up in a challenging environment (to put it mildly), Carlos made up his mind that he would be the best he could possibly be. And he hasn't looked back. Not even 30 years old, Carlos visited "For Our Edification" to talk about what makes him so hungry for greatness, what he has learned about himself in his leadership setbacks, and how he practices personal leadership. About Carlos Henry Website:  https://carlosjhenrywinz.com/ Carlos J. Henry is the world’s greatest leadership speaker. He started his career in 2023 with a focus on leadership. As a result of years in leadership roles, he discovered that others are struggling to recognize themselves as leaders and become contributing members to their community. Combined with his experience and desire to help, he took to the stage to reach as many people as possible in the realm of leadership. Today, Carlos's talks will inspire you and create a detailed plan to build up your community. He is a highly sought-after speaker, author, and coach. His book, Winnerz Win, is an industry favorite and has inspired his coaching business. Carlos has inspired leaders to create contributing members to the community.  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

For Dominique Luster, archives are more than artifacts. They're stories that both give life to history and provide direction for the future. A passionate professional archivist and proud product of Kentucky, Dominique visited "For Our Edification" to talk about how her work informs her personal growth and development as well as her leadership path. About Dominique Luster Dominique's Website:  https://www.thelustercompany.com/ Dominique is a professional archivist, researcher, storyteller, and founder of The Luster Company, an agency that offers professional archival and storytelling services to uplift Black stories. She has previously worked as a liaison librarian at the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her MLIS in library and information science. Dominique is also a proud University of Kentucky Wildcat, where she earned her B.A. in theatre design and technology. As a student, she apprenticed at Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, and the Dorset Theatre Festival. Dominique also took her studies abroad as a Fulbright scholar at the Freie Universität Berlin in Germany.  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

Can we talk? I am nowhere close to satisfied with For Our Edification. So, help me out and let me know how this podcast can play a productive role in your life.  Plus, I’m introducing Higher Edification, more personal leadership conversations, and Write to Bear Alms. 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