Steve P. Reese is a trailblazer on a mission to transform how we approach health and success—one night’s sleep at a time.

With nearly three decades in sports technology, personal battles with sleep challenges, experiencing domestic violence as a child, and groundbreaking work with the Phoenix Suns, Steve brings a unique blend of humor, data, and heartfelt storytelling to the table.

He highlights alarming statistics on sleep deprivation—from increased cancer risks to metabolic disturbances—while championing studies that reveal how quality sleep fuels better decisions, healthier lives, and even weight loss. As he leads a cultural revolution in organizational wellness, Steve invites us to reimagine our nights as the key to unlocking our full potential.

In his own words, "Imagine a world where every night’s sleep unlocks a new level of potential—a world where champions aren’t just defined by their performance on the court but by the simple choices they make in their personal lives. While at the Phoenix Suns, I lead a revolution in organizational culture, championing health, wellness, and mental fitness. During this podcast, I would like to explore how sleep science is transforming our health and the very culture of success."

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

In this enlightening episode of "Awake in the Network," hosts Billy Dexter and Melissa G. Wilson sit down with healthcare innovator and author Robert Slayton to explore the intersection of healthcare reform and human wellness. From his early days in rural Ohio, learning the value of community to becoming a leading voice in healthcare supply chain management, Slayton shares how he's helping companies reclaim trapped profits while creating healthier, happier workplaces for employees.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as he opens up about his journey into men's mental health advocacy, sparked by personal challenges that led to creating resources for men seeking emotional support. Slayton, author of "Next Generation Healthcare" and "33 Ways Not to Screw Up Health Insurance," offers practical insights on navigating healthcare costs, advocating for yourself at doctor's appointments, and the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world. This episode masterfully weaves healthcare innovation, personal growth, and the vital importance of building supportive communities, concluding with a heartfelt call to prioritize genuine human connection over digital interactions.

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

Cheryl Stokes

Cheryl is the CEO of CNEXT, a leadership development and executive networking company that helps connect, develop and advance high-impact leaders. Before taking on her CEO role, Cheryl was a Partner at Heidrick & Struggles, consulting in the firm’s Leadership Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Culture Shaping practices.

Before joining Heidrick & Struggles, Cheryl was the regional managing director for Duke Corporate Education’s European operations. Under her leadership, the region enjoyed its strongest growth and profitability in Duke CE history. Previously, Cheryl was the director of organization capability for The Coca-Cola Company, where she worked with the company and the bottling system across the US, Europe, Russia, Latin America, and the Philippines. Cheryl’s wide-ranging career experience also includes work as a Senior Metallurgical and Process Engineer at Alcoa and in Electrical and Product Engineering at General Motors.

Cheryl was named one of the 25 Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal in March 2020 and was named one of Paradigm for Parity’s Women on the Rise in August 2020. She is currently on the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association’s Triangle-area Go Red for Women Initiative and was named the 2022 Woman of Impact for the Triangle area.

Cheryl earned dual Master’s degrees in Management and Materials Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as part of the Leaders for Global Operations Program and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from GMI Engineering & Management Institute (formerly General Motors Institute, now Kettering).

 "Your career path is fascinating - from engineering at GM and Alcoa to leadership development. How did your technical background shape your approach to developing leaders, and what insights from engineering still influence your work today?"

 "CNEXT focuses on high-impact leaders. Based on your experience across multiple industries and continents, what leadership qualities have you found to be most crucial for driving meaningful organizational change in today's complex business environment?"

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/