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.

In this episode, we welcome Nathan Young, founder of Story Culture Consulting Nathan brings over 12 years of expertise helping leaders, teams, and organizations harness the transformative power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and shape their impact. His work explores how personal and organizational narratives define identity and influence, guiding leaders to craft meaningful stories that foster trust and inspire action.

We dive into the art of storytelling as a leadership tool—how sharing authentic stories builds character, strengthens relationships, and aligns teams toward shared goals. Nathan shares insights from working with influential organizations like TEDx, Save the Children, and the Alzheimer’s Association, offering practical tools for communicating with impact and leading with confidence. Tune in for engaging strategies on building trust, creating connection, and inspiring change, all through the stories that matter most. This episode is packed with wisdom on the intersection of leadership, narrative, and personal development—don’t miss it!

In this exciting new episode of The Growth Blueprint, we sit down with Jennifer Edson, a long-term student of ecosystem wellbeing, to explore trauma informed approaches to leadership and what nature can teach us about human and organizational adaptability and resilience. Jennifer shares a bit about her own wellbeing journey, the importance of whole-body intelligence, and how the health of organizations is inseparable from the health and nervous system regulation of its employees. We also dive into her work at John Paul Mitchell Systems® and how that led to a leadership development system that actively cultivated relational safety, trust, and cohesion, which in turn helped to support the organization’s collaborative outputs. Her consulting business called CORE NATURE, is focused on tending the inner earth of wellbeing and the capacity for relational resonance, re-story-ation, and regeneration within people, the spaces we share, and the planet we inhabit.

If you're curious about the power of community care, trauma-informed leadership, or simply want to learn how earth wisdom can enhance modern life, this episode is packed with insights for you. Join us as we discuss how to cultivate balance, unlock hidden potential, and bring new ways of being into leadership. Whether you're a leader, healer, or curious soul, this conversation will leave you inspired to explore and integrate new dimensions of wellness in your own life.

In this episode of the Growth Blueprint Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Jen Moff, a dynamic retreat leader, mindset mentor, and creative consultant who empowers single successful women entrepreneurs worldwide. Join us as Jen dives into the art of leadership and personal growth with genuine passion and practical wisdom.

Jen shares her journey from theater and improv to building a thriving business with Magical Mindfulness LLC, revealing how her unique background influences her approach to leadership and communication. Discover how patience, flexibility, and authentic relationships can transform workplaces and inspire individuals. Jen's stories and insights on fostering character development, navigating resistance, and embracing curiosity will leave you inspired and motivated.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, or anyone passionate about growth, this episode offers valuable takeaways on leading with purpose and creating impactful connections. Don’t miss out on Jen’s engaging perspective and actionable advice!

In this episode, we dive into a conversation with Evan Walsh, an experienced career advisor who specializes in working with graduate students and alumni. Evan takes a holistic approach to career counseling, focusing on the importance of identity and lived experiences in the workplace. With a diverse background spanning various industries, including city government and higher education, Evan brings a unique perspective to his work. He emphasizes the value of vulnerability, personal development, and the importance of not compromising one's values in the pursuit of career advancement. Join us as we explore Evan's insights on leadership, growth mindset, and the iterative process of personal and professional development.

In this powerful episode, Chris and Tabitha sit down with Lieutenant Colonel Nate Meleo, a distinguished military leader and Chief Employee Engagement Officer at Tabor Academy. With an impressive 20-year career in the United States Air Force, Nate has held key roles in both active duty and reserve, including overseeing B-52 bomber aircraft maintenance and leading efforts during Operation Enduring Freedom. At Tabor Academy, he brings the same level of dedication to strategic leadership, talent development, and employee well-being. Nate shares his insights on servant leadership, fostering collaboration, and ensuring every member of an organization feels valued. Join us as we explore Nate's unique perspective on leadership, his military experience, and how he helps teams "win" by connecting, serving, and leading with purpose. This is an episode packed with wisdom on building strong, mission-driven communities!