Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

Courtney Perron: Mentorship, Leadership & Immigrant Youth

Show Notes:

In this special episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, we switch things up, Courtney, Director of the Center for New Americans, steps into the interviewer role and sits down with Lorraine Connell for a powerful conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the experiences of immigrant youth.

Courtney brings her unique perspective as someone who was once a high school mentee, then a peer leader, and now a program director supporting newcomer students. As she interviews Lorraine, their dialogue explores the transformational impact of mentorship and what it takes to create supportive spaces where young leaders can thrive.

Together, they dive into:

🌟 Key Themes & Takeaways
🔹 How mentorship shapes leadership potential in teens
🔹 What immigrant youth uniquely need to feel confident, seen, and supported
🔹 Courtney’s full-circle journey from mentee → mentor → youth program director
🔹 The ripple effects of peer leadership programs
🔹 Leading youth through compassion, accountability, and modeling forgiveness

They also share exciting updates about expanding middle school mentorship programs and a possible collaboration with the Choose Love curriculum.

This conversational, interviewer-style episode highlights how connection, belonging, and guided leadership can transform a young person’s entire trajectory.

#LeadersOfToday #YouthEmpowerment #MentorshipMatters #TeenLeadership #ImmigrantVoices #ChooseLove #FutureLeaders #Confidence #GrowthMindset

Turning Pain Into Purpose with Robert Lewis Jr.

Community builder and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston President and CEO Robert Lewis Jr. shares how growing up in East Boston public housing, surviving a firebombing during the busing crisis, and being lifted by mentors shaped his life’s mission to unite people and invest in youth as Boston’s future talent. We talk assets over deficits, redefining “poor,” belonging, narrative, and how adults can listen, love, and create real opportunity.

 

Key takeaways

• Belonging beats scarcity. Community, friendships, and safety redefine what “poor” feels like.

• Lead with assets. Stop deficit language. See young people as talent and invest accordingly.

• Turn pain into purpose. Robert’s 16-year-old promise fuels a lifetime of bridge-building.

• Adults must shift. Listen more, partner more, and stop “fixing” kids.

• Define your narrative. Do not let others write your story.

 

Connect with Robert

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston: https://www.bgcb.org/

• BGCB waives membership fees for 2025–2026: https://www.bgcb.org/blog/boys-girls-clubs-of-boston-waives-membership-fees-for-2025-2026-school-year/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-lewis-jr-0bb0931a2/

From Survival to Safe Spaces What Kim Russell's Teachers Should Have Known Part 2

In this episode, Lorraine sits down with trauma-informed mentor, speaker, and The Survivors Chair host Kim Russell to explore how growing up in foster care and being adopted shaped her leadership, resilience, and calling to create safe spaces for healing. Kim opens up about the realities of substance use as a teen, why behavior is communication, and how consistent, caring adults can change a young person’s life. Together, they discuss how to build trust with youth, what educators and mentors can do in real classrooms, and how self-healing helps us lead with empathy and self-trust. 

Key Takeaways

• Behavior communicates unmet needs.

• Consistency and care build trust.

• Offer help without judgment.

• Let youth share at their own pace.

• Regulate yourself to lead with empathy.

Connect with Kim:

• Website
• IG
• TikTok
• FB
• LinkedIn

From Abandonment to Navigating her Adoption with Kim Russell

Stylist, salon owner, and trauma-informed mentor Kim Russell shares how foster care, adoption, and early survival patterns shaped her empathy, leadership, and mission to create safe spaces. We talk behavior as communication, complex vs. single-event trauma, and how adults can better support teens.

Key takeaways

• Behavior = communication from the body.

• Trauma lives in the body; safety comes first.

• “People-pleasing” often begins as protection.

• Belonging changes trajectories (her vo-tech turning point).

• Trauma-informed = lived experience + learning + healing.

Connect with Kim:

• Website
• IG
• TikTok
• FB
• LinkedIn

Finding Your Voice: How Krystal Hicks Turns Struggle into Strength

In this episode, Lorraine sits down with career strategist and JobTalk founder Krystal Hicks to explore how early challenges, from growing up fast and navigating divorced parents to overcoming bullying shaped her empathy, leadership, and purpose-driven work. Krystal shares how she found her voice through journalism, learned to transform hardship into power, and now helps others reclaim agency, confidence, and belonging in their careers. Together, they unpack how childhood experiences shape our professional identities, why emotional awareness matters at work, and what it really means to lead with compassion and courage.

Key Takeaways:

• How early life struggles can evolve into strengths that define your leadership style

• The power of storytelling and self-advocacy in shaping your career

• Why setting boundaries at work is an act of self-respect, not rebellion

• How to handle workplace “bullies” with curiosity instead of fear

• Why taking time to explore before choosing a career path can change everything

Connect with Krystal:

• TikTok / Instagram: @jobtalk.llc

• Facebook: /jobtalkllc

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystalhicks

Transformative Leadership: Insights from Winnie Winnie da Silva

In this episode, Lorraine Connell interviews Winnie da Silva, an executive coach and leadership strategist, about her journey and insights into leadership and resilience. Winnie shares personal stories from her teenage years, her career path from social work to executive coaching, and the importance of resilience and trying new things. The conversation also touches on parenting, the power of reframing challenges, and the role of confidence in personal growth.

Keywords

Winnie da Silva, leadership, resilience, executive coaching, personal growth, parenting, confidence, reframing challenges

Takeaways

• Resilience is built through facing and overcoming challenges.
• Trying new things is essential for personal growth.
• Confidence is a skill that can be developed over time.
• Reframing challenges can lead to new opportunities.
• Parenting involves supporting children through failures.
• Leadership is about understanding and addressing blind spots.
• Personal growth often comes from unexpected experiences.
• Titles and roles can be self-defined and empowering.
• Listening and empathy are crucial in coaching and parenting.
• Success is not always immediate; it's a long-term journey.

Contact Winne here:

YouTube

LinkedIn

From Athlete to Coach: Building Character, Embracing Failure, and Leading with Purpose Bryant Mitchell's Story

In this episode, Lorraine welcomes Bryant Mitchell, an Enterprise Account Executive at Ace Up and a seasoned coach, to discuss the intersection of personal experiences, athletics, and leadership development. Together, they explore how resilience, self-reflection, and meaningful connections can shape athletes, students, and coaches alike.

Topics Covered:

Bryant’s Journey in Football

• Overcoming the challenges of being a late bloomer in football, from walking on at the University of New Hampshire to earning a scholarship.
• Learning valuable lessons through setbacks, including injuries and self-confidence struggles, and how they shaped his perspective on growth and leadership.

Transitioning from Athlete to Coach

• Bryant’s shift from playing to coaching, emphasizing resilience and a growth mindset.
• Insights on balancing competitiveness with character development and life skills in coaching.

Lessons from Coaching Kids

• Adapting to different learning styles and addressing fears with empathy and strategy.
• Using personal experiences to encourage a culture of openness, feedback, and teamwork.

The Role of Communication and Recognition in Leadership

• How consistent communication and individual recognition can motivate team members.
• Bryant’s plans to engage with players on a deeper level to acknowledge their efforts and foster personal growth.

Personal Connections and Development

• The power of personal connections in making athletes and students feel valued and seen.
• Bryant and Lorraine’s reflections on stepping out of comfort zones to create impactful change.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience and Growth: Embrace setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.
• Character Over Competitiveness: Balance the drive to win with fostering essential life skills and values.
• Effective Communication: Keep open, consistent dialogue with team members to inspire trust and motivation.
• Recognition Matters: Acknowledge efforts and strengths to build confidence and encourage progress.

Join Lorraine and Bryant as they share heartfelt stories, practical advice, and thought-provoking insights on leadership, coaching, and empowering others to succeed.

🎧 Listen now and discover how you can lead with purpose and positivity.

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Connect with Lorraine Connell:
Website: Peers Not Fears
Instagram: @peersnotfears

Connect with Bryant:
Learn more about his work at Ace Up.

Quiet Strength: Brady Barre on Inclusive Leadership and Identity

In this episode of Leaders of Today, Lorraine Connell interviews Brady Barre, Development and Communications Coordinator for New Hampshire Outright. Brady shares their journey of self-discovery and leadership, emphasizing the importance of representation and inclusive leadership for LGBTQ+ youth. They discuss their personal experiences with identity exploration, the impact of supportive adults, and their work in advocating for LGBTQ+ youth.

Keywords

LGBTQ+, leadership, identity, representation, youth advocacy

Takeaways

• Your differences define your leadership.
• Quiet strength is as powerful as loud voices.
• Representation is vital for identity and leadership.
• Inclusive leadership breaks stigma around identity.
• Supportive adults can change a young person's life.
• Identity exploration is a lifelong journey.
• Believing in youth's identity is crucial.
• Community support is essential for LGBTQ+ youth.
• Leadership comes in many forms and strengths.
• Finding your strengths is key to effective leadership.

 

Unraveling the Past: Francine Tirrell on Empowerment and Healing

Join host Lorraine Connell as she sits down with Francine Tirrell, a spiritual business and mindset coach, energy healer, and founder of Forever Changed Coaching. In this episode, Francine shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a beacon of empowerment for women seeking clarity and confidence. Discover how Francine's personal experiences have shaped her approach to helping others break free from overwhelm and embrace their true selves.

Key Topics:

The impact of childhood beliefs on adult life Francine's journey of self-discovery and weight loss The importance of quieting the mind and embracing discomfort How Francine uses tools like EFT and Oracle cards in her coaching The role of intuition and self-awareness in personal growth

Guest Information:

Francine Tirrell: Founder of Forever Changed Coaching, specializing in mindset coaching and energy healing.

Website: ForeverChangedCoaching.com

Social Media: Instagram @ForeverChangedCoach, Facebook, LinkedIn Podcast: F'n Friday with Francine

Hashtags: #Empowerment #Healing #MindsetCoach #FrancineTirrell

Call to Action: Tune in to hear Francine's inspiring story and learn how you can start your journey towards empowerment and healing. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations with today's leaders.

Building Confidence, Connection, and Leadership Through Community with Melissa Gilbo and Women's Business League

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Melissa, co-founder of Women’s Business League (WBL), to dive deep into the power of building genuine connections, overcoming challenges, and fostering confidence in leadership.

Melissa shares her personal journey, from facing rejection in high school cheerleading to finding her unique way to stand out and be part of a team. This story laid the foundation for her commitment to creating inclusive communities that inspire confidence and leadership in others.

Together, Lorraine and Melissa explore:

• The importance of creating a sense of belonging for teens and adults alike.
• Practical strategies to help young people—and ourselves—build stronger connections and communities.
• How vulnerability and authenticity are key to creating lasting relationships.
• The role of mentorship in helping individuals embrace their strengths and lead with confidence.
• Tips for navigating networking with intention and building leadership skills at every stage of life.

They also discuss Melissa's experiences building Women’s Business League and how the principles of collaboration and shared growth apply to both business and youth development.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, a parent looking to guide your teen, or someone seeking to build stronger connections, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

Key Takeaways:

• True leadership starts with community and connection.
• Networking and confidence are skills that can be learned and practiced.
• Empowering young people to embrace their individuality can lead to transformational growth.

Connect with Melissa:

• Follow on Social Media. LinkedIn
• Learn more about Women’s Business League and their mission to support women entrepreneurs.
• Stay connected with Lorraine and Peers Not Fears for resources on leadership development for teens.

Listen now and join the conversation on building a stronger, more connected future for leaders of today and tomorrow!