In this episode, we welcome the incredible Jess Vann, a Chicago-based actor, vocalist, speaker, entrepreneur, and host of Tom Foolery and Shenanigans with Jess Vann. With over 15 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, Jess is known for building community and fostering leadership on and off the stage. As the founder of Creative Spaces Consulting, she leads play-based leadership workshops that empower professionals across industries.

Jess’s work blends her passion for the arts with a deep commitment to social impact and youth development. She holds a B.S. in Theater and Interpretation and an M.A. in Training and Development, and she’s been featured in Afterschool Today Magazine and on the Black Educators Matter podcast. A proud member of the Chicago Inclusion Project, Jess inspires leaders to embrace creativity and authenticity in their personal and professional growth.

Join us for an engaging conversation about leadership, character development, and finding joy in every role we take on. Jess’s vibrant energy and insights will leave you motivated to lead with purpose and style!

As we kick off the new year, we're taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of our first podcast season. In this episode, we revisit the key lessons and takeaways from our inspiring conversations with leaders, educators, and changemakers. From embracing mindful leadership to fostering cultures of belonging and resilience, we’ll highlight the stories and insights that shaped our understanding of what it means to lead with authenticity and courage.

We’ll explore how character development emerged as a central theme—whether it was through navigating tough conversations, building community, or turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Join us as we celebrate the milestones, revisit powerful moments, and share how these lessons continue to inspire us in our own leadership journeys. If you’re looking for practical wisdom to guide your personal and professional growth, this episode is the perfect way to start the year. Let’s set the tone for 2025 together!

In this episode, we’re joined by Kemi Weston, a life coach, educational consultant, and co-host of Your Advisors Will See You Now. With over seven years of experience in postsecondary advising, Kemi is passionate about empowering young adults to navigate life transitions with confidence.

We discuss her holistic approach to coaching, how she helps students explore affordable paths to fulfilling careers, and the importance of breaking stigmas around alternative educational options like community college, certifications, and gap years. Kemi shares a powerful success story of helping a student realign with her true career goals, emphasizing the value of resilience, intentional decision-making, and personalized guidance.

Tune in to hear Kemi’s insights on reimagining education, financial literacy, and the transformative impact of truly listening to students.