In this deeply personal and moving episode of The Leadership Dance, Principal Dancer Cassandra Trenary of American Ballet Theatre opens up about the journey behind the curtain—from early dreams in Georgia to becoming one of ABT’s most versatile and emotionally resonant artists. Cassandra shares the whirlwind story of her rise through ABT, the emotional toll of injury, and how creative outlets like photography and filmmaking helped her rediscover herself—and her artistry. We dive into her acclaimed gallery exhibition Embodied, a striking tribute to the vulnerability and resilience of dancers in their most human moments. And as she prepares to embark on a bold new chapter with Vienna State Ballet under the leadership of Alessandra Ferri, Cassandra reflects on the courage it takes to leave home—and the joy of stepping into the unknown.

Whether you're navigating a creative pivot, facing transition, or looking for inspiration to pursue your passions more fully, this episode is a must-listen.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Major setbacks can become catalysts for unexpected growth and new passions.

Nothing is forever, but the career has a timeline. So why not go for everything?

Balancing discipline with freedom and play can unlock deeper creativity and fulfillment.

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Connect with Cassandra:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandratrenary/ and https://www.instagram.com/pearltakespics/

📷 Photo Credits:

• Rosalie O’Connor

• Evgeny Popov

• Luis Alberto Rodriguez

• Marty Sohl

• Cassandra Trenary

• Quinn Wharton

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https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance

👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance

In this energizing conversation, powerhouse leader Sarah Robb O’Hagan—former executive at Nike, Gatorade, and Equinox, and author of Extreme You—shares insights from her bold career journey. Sarah opens up about the tough lessons she learned from early career failures, the power of resilience, and how embracing her authentic, “extreme” self led her to unlock new levels of leadership. Together, Alissa and Sarah explore what it means to lead with courage, create inclusive high-performance cultures, and why doing “hard things” is essential for growth. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the top, this episode will leave you inspired to bring your boldest self to every room you enter. Tune in for the full episode to learn Sarah’s practical tips on how to perform under constant pressure.

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💡Key Takeaways:

As a leader, you have to invest in recovery just as much as preparation and performance.

The risk associated with bold moves is actually no more than the risk associated with playing it safe.

Be your “Extreme You” and embrace what makes you different and turn it into your superpower.

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Connect with Sarah:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-robb-o-hagan-249130/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extremesro/

Website: https://www.sarahrobbohagan.com/

Course: https://maven.com/sarah-robb-o-hagan/the-breakout-leader

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✅ Sign up for the newsletter:

https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance

👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance

Tune in for this dynamic discussion about leading boldly, trusting in yourself, and living with intention featuring Sheila Lirio Marcelo, the trailblazing founder of Care.com and now the visionary leader behind Ohai.ai, a virtual assistant for families. Sheila shares her remarkable journey from her entrepreneurial upbringing in the Philippines to building one of the most trusted caregiving platforms in the world. Throughout the conversation, Sheila opens up about the challenges of balancing young motherhood while attending college, underestimating herself, and operating in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

Sheila also discusses her latest venture, Ohai.ai, an AI-powered operating system for families created to ease the daily mental load families face. Drawing from decades of experience, she offers powerful lessons on embracing both the nurturing and assertive sides of leadership, prioritizing mental well-being, and learning to listen to the wisdom of your body and heart. This interview is a must-listen for anyone looking to redefine success on their own terms and lead with both boldness and compassion. Listen until the end to find out what her new nickname is as a grandmother.

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💡Key Takeaways:

Trusting your body and heart is essential to navigating leadership and life.

When you feel underestimated, you start to underestimate yourself.

Success is not just about ambition; it’s about surrendering, flowing with life, and leading with love.

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Connect with Sheila:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilamarcelo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheilaliriomarcelo/?hl=en#

Website: https://www.ohai.ai/

X: https://twitter.com/smarcelo

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✅ Sign up for the newsletter:

https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance

👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance