Say It Skillfully®

In episode 230 of Say It Skillfully®, Molly welcomes back Sandy Ogg, CEO of Curve Sports and founder of CEO.works, for an inspiring conversation about baseball, leadership, and creating opportunity for others. Sandy shares how sports shaped his life from childhood through college, teaching lessons in teamwork, perspective, resilience, and character. He also reflects on how that lifelong connection to baseball evolved into a larger mission: helping underserved young athletes access pathways to education, growth, and opportunity. From stories of youth teams and scholar athletes to reflections on leadership, privilege, AI, and the uniquely human skills that cannot be replaced, Sandy offers a powerful reminder that success is not just about winning games — it’s about helping others discover what is possible. A heartfelt conversation on purpose, impact, and using the gifts we’ve been given to give back. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Sandy Ogg’s Leadership and Baseball Journey 02:41 Where Sandy’s Love of Baseball Began 04:22 Baseball, Family, and the Coast Guard Academy 06:42 Lessons from Youth Sports and His Father 08:08 Learning Context Beyond Winning 11:16 Coaches, Leadership, and Team Development 13:43 Recognizing an Uneven Playing Field 16:18 Building a Team with Access and Opportunity 17:49 Scholar Athletes, Grades, and College Jerseys 20:33 Life Lessons Beyond the Field 22:05 The Parent-Coach-Athlete Triangle 24:40 Defining What Winning Really Means 26:06 Gratitude, College Jerseys, and a Doorstep Moment 27:59 Realizing the Gift Was Also for Him 30:16 Giving Back to the Sport That Gave So Much 30:50 Curve Sports Foundation and Scaling Impact 33:29 How Others Can Help Young Scholar Athletes 34:35 Scholar Athletes as a National Treasure 36:24 AI, Human Skills, and What Cannot Be Replaced 38:14 Personal Side: Trumpet, Introversion, and Creative Tinkering 42:16 Favorite Food and Childhood Memories 42:59 Top Takeaway: Learn What AI Can’t Replace 45:04 Reflecting on the Conversation 46:24 Molly’s Closing Reflection

In Episode 228 of the Say It Skillfully® podcast, Molly welcomes back storyteller, entrepreneur, and founder of Tell My Story, Jason Reid. After the tragic loss of his 14-year-old son Ryan to suicide in 2018, Jason transformed unimaginable grief into a mission to help families better understand youth mental health and create spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and supported. In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Jason shares the inspiration behind his new film Shift: Do What Moves You, which highlights how purpose, passion, and personal interests can help young people rise above depression and anxiety. The discussion explores the importance of creating safe conversations around mental health, the role of parents in supporting their children’s emotional wellbeing, and why having a hobby or passion outside of work or school can be life-changing. Jason also reflects on personal growth, the power of curiosity, and why learning about emerging technologies like AI is essential in a rapidly changing world. From parenting insights to leadership lessons, this episode is filled with practical wisdom for anyone seeking to live more intentionally and help others do the same. Jason’s message is both hopeful and practical: finding what moves you—and encouraging others to do the same—can create profound change in both individual lives and communities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction – Molly welcomes Jason Reid 01:04 Jason on intentional living and personal growth 03:55 Why lifelong learning matters in a rapidly changing world 04:50 Jason’s focus on understanding AI and future technologies 06:09 Navigating political division and understanding different perspectives 08:44 Why everyone should start learning about AI now 09:01 Podcast recommendations for understanding AI 10:39 The origin of Tell My Story after the loss of Jason’s son Ryan 12:40 How parents can start conversations about mental health with kids 15:47 The importance of asking direct questions about suicide 18:52 Why medication alone doesn’t solve mental health struggles 20:20 The inspiration behind the film Shift: Do What Moves You 21:48 Why everyone needs a passion or purpose beyond work 24:32 Jason on hobbies, creativity, and trying new things 26:50 Expanding your life through curiosity and interests 30:05 Finding your aptitudes and creative outlets 32:35 Helping kids discover hobbies and passions 35:14 Self-care and support for adults struggling with mental health 37:06 Therapy, support networks, and unexpected help from AI 39:00 Jason’s advice for aspiring filmmakers and creators 40:57 The impact of Jason’s work and films 41:55 What Jason is most proud of as a leader 43:31 Jason’s final advice: Find what excites you in life 44:16 Closing thoughts and takeaway on AI and the future

In this episode of the Say It Skillfully Podcast, Molly sits down with Darcy Verhun — a rare kind of leader who builds companies by putting people first, not as a strategy, but as a way of being. From growing up between city life and the farm in Alberta, to becoming a management consultant for 25 years, to scaling a business to a $2B market cap, Darcy shares the values, habits, and leadership mindset that shaped his journey. Darcy also opens up about leading through culture change inside Canada Diagnostic Centres, why “smiling” became a serious leadership priority, and how small daily behaviors can transform an organization from the inside out. They close with a powerful “say it skillfully” moment: the one question Darcy asks at the end of meetings that can completely change outcomes — and create space for people to finally use their voice. If you’re a leader, coach, or someone trying to build a culture where people feel safe, seen, and motivated to grow — this one’s worth your time. Chapters 00:00 Intro: A leader who builds by putting people first 01:18 How Darcy and Molly met (Marshall Goldsmith connection) 02:39 Darcy’s upbringing: farm life, work ethic, and humility 06:12 The reading rule that became Darcy’s “superpower” 07:03 Sports, skiing, and coaching elite athletes 08:38 Why Darcy’s coaching style is built on stories 10:00 What Darcy learned early: honesty, caring for others, open home 12:13 Mentors and the professor who still challenges him today 14:17 MBA + the unexpected path into consulting 15:21 25 years in consulting: leadership, culture, and hard problems 16:13 The shift from advising to owning the mission 17:13 Purpose as a decision-making compass (“enhancing life”) 20:39 A defining leadership moment: doing the right thing, not the textbook thing 25:43 Entering healthcare: culture challenges + rebuilding trust 29:13 The “CDC” framework: Culture, Deliver Care, Operational Excellence 31:59 “Culture change doesn’t take years—it starts with me” 32:57 Why Darcy focused on smiling first (and why it matters) 35:03 The “High Five” habit: leaders connecting with their teams 37:14 Measuring what matters: Clinic Excellence Index 40:17 Daily Questions: Darcy’s personal growth habit 42:29 Investing in health to lead better (getting back on the bike) 43:37 The best meeting question: “Is there something you’re thinking or feeling you haven’t said?” 45:11 Reading, mountain biking, and being an introvert leader 46:09 The “candy cheat” for connecting with people 46:51 A surprising fun fact: loving winter driving 47:20 Regret: investing more in learning earlier 48:23 Proud moments: family + the people he’s worked with 49:06 Rapid fire: artist life, “Tarzan,” fries + ice cream 50:04 Final takeaway: be yourself and don’t be afraid 51:19 Closing quote + wrap

In this episode of Say It Skillfully, host Molly engages in a profound conversation with Mini’imah Shaheed, an inspiring leader in education. They explore Mini’imah’s journey from her roots in East Oakland to her impactful work in founding a school based on love and community. The discussion delves into the challenges faced in the education system, the importance of resilience, and the vision for empowering women leaders. Mini’imah shares her personal experiences, including her battle with cancer, and emphasizes the need for grace and self-compassion in leadership. This episode is a celebration of growth, community, and the transformative power of education.

In this inspiring episode of Say It Skillfully, host Molly Tschang sits down with Vicky Serany, founder and president of Southern Studio, to explore her unexpected path from architect to business owner. Vicky shares how her passion for design became a mission to create joyful spaces and build a company where people love to work. Through real-life lessons in entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth, Vicky opens up about the power of letting go of control, leading with empathy, and navigating tough conversations with grace. She and Molly talk candidly about the challenges of running a business, finding your voice, and living a life aligned with your values—both in the office and at home. Whether you're a creative professional, business owner, or just someone striving to lead with heart, this episode offers rich insights and practical wisdom you won’t want to miss. Topics Covered: • Designing a business that puts people first • Building a values-based culture • Leading with authenticity and vulnerability • The intersection of work, family, and fulfillment • Tips for skillful conversations as a leader 00:00 – Intro: Designing for Joy & LeadershipMolly introduces Vicky Serany, founder of Southern Studio, and frames the conversation around leadership, values, and personal growth.02:45 – Vicky’s Journey: From Architect to EntrepreneurVicky shares how she unexpectedly became a business owner and the evolution of her design career.08:10 – Creating a Joyful Work CultureDiscussion around building a company where people genuinely love to work, and why joy is at the center of her leadership philosophy.13:20 – Letting Go of ControlVicky reflects on how releasing the need to control every detail has been key to growth, both personally and professionally.17:45 – Leading with Empathy & VulnerabilityThey explore how empathy, especially in tough conversations, builds trust and emotional safety in teams.23:15 – Designing with Heart: Purpose-Driven WorkVicky explains how her firm uses design to create environments that uplift and support clients’ lives and values.29:40 – Finding Fulfillment Beyond WorkA candid look at how Vicky navigates the balance between running a business and nurturing her personal life.34:55 – Advice for Future LeadersVicky offers insights for aspiring leaders on building something meaningful without sacrificing their values.38:40 – Rapid-Fire ReflectionsFun, fast-paced questions about leadership, learning, and what Vicky’s most proud of.41:15 – Closing Thoughts from MollyMolly wraps up the episode with a reflection on skillful leadership and living fully.

Molly is joined by Dan Berger, an Israeli-American entrepreneur whose life experiences shaped his understanding of identity, belonging, and resilience. Dan shares his journey from being an orphan to creating spaces for connection through his ventures, including Social Tables and Assemble Hospitality.

Molly is joined by Ayse Birsel, a renowned industrial designer, as they explore her unique journey from Izmir, Turkey, to becoming a leading figure in design. The conversation delves into her educational journey, the challenges of adapting to life in New York, and the significance of imagination and creativity in both design and personal growth.

Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank, joins Molly Tschang on the Say It Skillfully podcast.

Molly is joined on the Say It Skillfully Podcast by the design director for the elite sportswear company designing for the best athletes in the world, including the women's Olympic gymnastic team, Jeanne Diaz.

Unexpected social media sensation David Lorimer joins Molly on the Say It Skillfully podcast to talk about his journey from beginning to end.

Former WD-40 CEO, Garry Ridge, joins Molly Tschang for a conversation on the Say It Skillfully Podcast, including talk about Garry's early years and the amazing growth and culture he helped create at WD-40.

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner.

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner.