In this episode of "Doggone Leadership," host Jimmy McCoy engages in a thought-provoking conversation with California Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo. Pilar shares personal stories that shaped her leadership journey, from her near-death experience in a childhood accident to her passion for advocacy and public service. She opens up about her family's military background, her experience in the labor movement, and her deep commitment to justice, courage, and integrity as core leadership principles. Wit...
Oct 01, 2024•42 min•Ep. 40
Welcome to another episode of "Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders." Host Cesar Torres sits down with Jessica Escorza and Fallon Nelms, two co-chairs of Santa Clarita's 40 Under Forty. Jessica, a program director at Agape Village, and Fallon, an event planner, share their experiences organizing this year's event, honoring 40 outstanding individuals aged 18 to 40 for their contributions in the workplace and community. The episode delves into the selection process, the event's significance, and provides...
Nov 14, 2023•22 min•Ep. 39
In this compelling episode of "Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders," host Cesar Torres brings together two remarkable segments that showcase the dedication of leaders making a difference in their community. The first segment features Stephanie Cassiano and Alex Martin, the co-chairs of JCI Santa Clarita's "Get Real" event, an innovative program designed to empower teenagers with financial literacy skills. They delve into the significance of equipping young minds with practical knowledge about financia...
Sep 12, 2023•37 min•Ep. 38
In this exclusive interview, join Cesar Torres as he sits down with Justin Wallace, the visionary Director of Business Partnerships and Workforce Engagement at the College of the Canyons. Discover how Santa Clarita is transforming into the premier HUB for cutting-edge workforce technology education. Justin reveals the exciting initiatives and programs at the College of the Canyons that are turning this dream into a reality.
Sep 01, 2023•43 min•Ep. 37
In this episode of the podcast 'Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders,' host Cesar Torres welcomes guest David Cantrell, VP Business Development at Solarverse.com Energy Solutions and Chairman of VIA. Together, they explore the importance of effective communication and discuss the networking opportunities available through VIA events in Santa Clarita. They also emphasize the value of engaging in charitable events as a means of personal empowerment. By maximizing your voice, they reveal how it can positi...
Jul 02, 2023•37 min•Ep. 36
In this episode of the podcast "Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders," host Cesar Torres engages in a dynamic conversation with Roger Doumanian, an author, business coach, and business lawyer based in Santa Clarita. Cesar introduces Roger as the author of the highly acclaimed book "The Six Pillars of Business Success: Doing Business Right," while highlighting his expertise in business structure. Roger discusses his role as a business attorney, consultant, and coach, emphasizing the importance of establ...
Jun 01, 2023•30 min•Ep. 35
In this episode, VP of Marketing Cesar Torres chats with VP of Membership Brandon Roque. They talk about Brandon's career as a field representative for Senator Scott Wilk and some of his exciting hobbies. Brandon will be facilitating an upcoming self defense training for JCI Santa Clarita. Check out JCI's website or social media for details. Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders is available on YouTube, Facebook, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
Apr 11, 2023•24 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, Koren chats with 2022 chapter president Alex Hafizi and incoming VP of marketing and communications Katie Collins. They talk about the chapter's achievements throughout the year including the trainings, flagship events, new programs, and socials. Katie shares her marketing plan for 2023 and introduces her marketing team. Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders is available on YouTube, Facebook, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
Dec 26, 2022•42 min•Ep. 33
In this episode, Koren chats with Aimee Fishwick, Nicole Fauth, and Katie Collins, the 2022 co-chairs of Santa's Helpers SCV. They talk about their their long history as best friends, some of their favorite memories, and why they wanted to chair one of JCI's flagship events this year. This incredible program provides gifts to hundreds of local children in underserved communities. Volunteers from all over the Santa Clarita Valley are encouraged to be a part of the process of making the holidays b...
Oct 28, 2022•33 min•Ep. 32
In this episode,. Koren chats with Arnold Bryant and Taj Jackson, the 2022 co-chairs of SCV 40 Under Forty. They talk about their personal goals for the near future and why they wanted to chair JCI's flagship event this year. What does the award actually mean? Who selects the honorees? What is the process for applying and how can nominees increase their chances of being selected? Tune in to this episode for the inside scoop! For more details, check out scv40underforty.com or visit us on social m...
Sep 29, 2022•45 min•Ep. 31
In this episode,. Koren talk to JR Hills and Kari McCoy, the co-chairs of Get Real: Adulting 101, JCI Santa Clarita's newest program. They talk about their upcoming simulation for high school seniors and what students can expect to gain from the experience. They share how they came up with the concept and what you can do to get involved. For more information, check out jcisantaclarita.com or visit us on social media. Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders is available on YouTube, Facebook, Apple Podcasts...
Aug 29, 2022•58 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, Koren talks to industrial engineer, Jammal Yarbrough. He graduated from College of the Canyons with degrees in both electrical and computer engineering. He's doing incredible things in aeronautical research and recently designed and built parts that were sent to space on RockSatX. They also discuss physical fitness and what motivates Jammal to always improve himself.
Aug 10, 2022•32 min•Ep. 29
In this episode,. Koren and Grant talk to Michelle Lambarena about well-being and mental health. They talk about which mental health issues are overlooked and how to deal with them. They also discuss their favorite Disney movies and other fun topics. Michelle is facilitating a training for JCI Santa Clarita on August 24, 2022 about well-being and mental health. For more information, check out jcisantaclarita.com or visit us on social media. Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders is available on YouTube, ...
Jul 30, 2022•49 min•Ep. 28
In this episode, Koren talks to Jason Gibbs who is the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Santa Clarita, a rocket engineer for GP Strategies Corporation, a husband, and a father of two. Jason Gibbs was born and raised in Santa Barbara. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in mechanical engineering from Cal Poly San Louis Obispo where he met his wife Chandra, an electrical engineer. They've selected Santa Clarita as the home where they want to raise their two young children. Jason has served on the board for se...
Mar 17, 2022•41 min•Ep. 27
In this episode of Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders, we introduce a new segment called Community Conversations where we discuss issues that affect those living here in Santa Clarita. VP of Membership, Brittany Barlog, speaks with investigative journalist and filmmaker, Jorge Ventura. They talk about the illegal grow operations sprouting up around the country including right here in northern Los Angeles County. Hear about how the cartels are trafficking workers from south America and how the water t...
Jan 27, 2022•31 min•Ep. 26
In this episode, we talk about Health & Fitness. Koren and Daniela speak to personal trainer, Bryan Welch, owner of Built by Bryan. They discuss Bryan's journey to becoming a personal coach, the best smart phone apps for tracking calories, and easy ways to stay active. Bryan joins fellow trainer and JCI member Amy Suppes every month for a free group training before Coffee in the park.
Dec 06, 2021•29 min•Ep. 25
In this episode, we talk about Santa's Helpers SCV. Koren speaks to event co-chairs, J.R. Hills and Justin Charles. They discuss the history of the event, changes we'll see this year, and what the community can do to help. Check the website at https://santashelpersscv.com for information about Santa's Helpers SCV.
Nov 23, 2021•26 min•Ep. 24
In this episode, we talk about SCV 40 Under Forty. Koren speaks to event co-chairs, Brittany Barlog and Alexander Hafizi. They discuss the history of the event, changes we'll see this year, and what candidates can do to increase their chances of selection. Check the website at https://scv40underforty.com for information about SCV 40 Under Forty.
Oct 18, 2021•42 min•Ep. 23
In this episode, we talk about Pack to School SCV. Koren speaks to chapter president, Daniela Echaiz, and Pack to School co-chairs, Grant Guthrie and Cindy Curtis. They talk about the expected impact of this new program and fun events lined up for the summer. Check the website at https://packtoschoolscv.com for information about Pack to School SCV, Stuff a Bus, and It's a Great Bloomesday.
Jun 28, 2021•26 min•Ep. 22
In this episode, we talk about the Save SCV Fund. Koren speaks with Christian Dadulak, JCI Santa Clarita's Vice President of Community, and the Cofounders of What's Up SCV, Victor Pena and Joe Turk. They talk about their experiences starting a new business in Santa Clarita and why they've all decided to partner on the Save SCV Fund to rescue small businesses in our community. The first event to raise funds for this project is Wine Not? Help Small Businesses at Wine 661 on Valencia Boulevard on J...
Jun 15, 2021•35 min•Ep. 21
In this episode, we talk about the world of professional fundraising. Koren speaks with Michelle Rey, Executive Director of the College of the Canyons Foundation, and Mallory Staley, Senior Consultant at American Philanthropist. They each have years of experience helping businesses, and non-profit organizations raise the money they need to support their causes. Michelle and Mallory are hosting a Fundraising Workshop with JCI Santa Clarita on May 18, 2021 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Visit our Facebook p...
May 10, 2021•31 min•Ep. 20
In this episode, Koren reconnects with Tom Iland to discuss some tips for public speaking. Tom has spoken to audiences around the world, presented twice at the United Nations, is an SCV 40 Under Forty award recipient and Top 100 honoree from JCI Santa Clarita, one of College of the Canyons Outstanding Alumni from the college of humanities, and a Ten Outstanding Young American award winner. He shares with us part of his journey as someone on the autism spectrum to becoming one of the very few Toa...
Apr 12, 2021•17 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, Koren revisits with his first two guests, Daniela and Chelsea, to see how they're using the skills they've learned in JCI in their careers.
Mar 08, 2021•45 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, Koren talks to Cameron Smyth who is the Mayor of the City of Santa Clarita, the former Assemblyman for California's District 38, and a former member of the Santa Clarita Jaycees. Cameron Smyth is a Santa Clarita native. He was born and raised in the City and attended all local schools (Peachland Elementary, Placerita Jr. High and Hart High School). He attended college at U.C. Davis where he received a degree in Rhetoric and Communications. After graduating, Smyth returned to San...
Dec 08, 2020•39 min•Ep. 17
In this episode, Koren talks to Holly Weberg, the B2B Strategic Partner with Caesars Entertainment Corporation about the importance of trust in leadership. Holly has experience leading cross-functional corporate teams across 45 business units to negotiate, implement and manage a corporate-wide, multi-million-dollar revenue-gathering B2B and B2C partnership program that has earned top industry awards and involved delivering win-win-win solutions to a leading client portfolio of Fortune 500 compan...
Nov 17, 2020•40 min•Ep. 16
In this episode, Koren and Daniela speak with Heather Stewart, a Learning & Development Professional with over 15 years of experience in different business sectors. Heather has worked in various positions at notable companies such as Applebee’s, Pinkberry, and Princess Cruises. Currently, Heather serves as the Manager of Training and Development for the Operations and Entertainment Department at Universal Studios - Hollywood where her responsibilities include managing the training process an...
Oct 22, 2020•25 min•Ep. 15
In this episode, Koren and Daniela speak with Staci Daniels-Sommers, a licensed clinical social worker, educator, and consultant. She began facilitating intergroup dialogue over fifteen years ago as a college student and has continued educating others on diversity, inclusion, and ways to connect across difference in school, community, and nonprofit settings. Staci holds a BA in Psychology and Political Science and a master's degree in Social Work, both from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. ...
Sep 30, 2020•24 min•Ep. 14
Today’s guest is Dan Williams, a career coach with Potential 2 Purpose. Personal leadership has been a pool he's swam in for over 20 years. A journey to figure out how to have a lasting impact that positively effects the lives of others. In 2000, he started devoting a portion of his time to working specifically with young leaders, because their world is an especially challenging one. To walk with them and add value is what he am designed to do. Potential 2 Purpose (P2P) was launched as a formal ...
Aug 24, 2020•29 min•Ep. 13
Today’s guest is Corey Curties, a proven leader. He’s spent over two decades in management with huge businesses training hundreds of people from shift leaders to executives. He’s also started his own businesses and loves coaching others on how they can do the same. He just released a book called The 10-step Workaprenuerer: How to start your own business while working a 9-5 and balancing life. It’s available on Amazon and select retailers.
Aug 09, 2020•54 min•Ep. 12
Our guest today is Paul Butler, one of the co-owners Newleaf Training and Development — a staff training and leadership company headquartered in Valencia, California. Prior to starting Newleaf in 2006, he previously served in senior leadership positions with Hilton and Marriott hotels — in Europe as well as North America. Paul is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA). He has been married since 1994. Paul and hi...
Jul 15, 2020•13 min•Ep. 11
