About Greg Hedgepeth:

Greg Hedgepeth is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the NC State University Graduate School and President & CEO of Substantial Media, an award-winning platform amplifying the voices and stories of Black and Brown communities. With over 16 years of experience in higher education marketing and communications, Greg is also a certified digital marketing professional, professor at Shaw University, and passionate social entrepreneur. A proud first-generation college graduate from Halifax County, NC, he holds degrees from East Carolina University and Webster University, and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Learning and Organizational Change. Greg is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, recognized nationally for his service in education and community empowerment.

In this episode, Kevin and Greg Hedgepeth discuss:

• Why communication and true connection are a leader’s greatest superpowers
• Using storytelling to shape culture, preserve history, and build community
• Finding your “why” and not wasting time or opportunities
• The difference between managing by title and leading through influence
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and refusing to let your job title define your identity

Key Takeaways:

• Communication is a leader’s superpower. It is not just talking, but truly connecting, meeting people where they are, and building real relationships through words.
• Your full story is your strength. When you embrace both the polished and unpolished parts of your journey, you create authenticity, credibility, and a deeper connection with others.
• Prepared people maximize opportunities. Saying yes to new roles, projects, and collaborations, while doing the quiet work of research and groundwork, opens doors you may not expect.
• Real leadership goes beyond titles. Shifting from managing by position to leading with influence, humility, and self-awareness helps you combat imposter syndrome and expand your impact.

"There's no passion to be found playing small for settling for a life that is less than the one that you are capable of living." – Greg Hedgepeth

Connect with Greg Hedgepeth:

Substantial Magazine: https://www.substantialmagazine.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-hedgepeth/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsubstantial2u

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregory.hedgepeth.1

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Dr. Andy Scarpelli:

Dr. Andrew Scarpelli is a Chicago science and art professor whose training is in microbiology and synthetic biology. He is a 2020 Global Community Biosummit fellow and SciArt Resident in “The Bridge” program. He is cofounder and president of the community biolab ChiTownBio. He is greatly interested in expanding the utility of biotechnology into fields such as art and social justice.

In this episode, Kevin and Dr. Andy Scarpelli discuss:

• Blending science, art, and imagination in leadership
• Why context matters more than memorization in learning
• Translating complex ideas so people can actually connect with them
• Creativity as a leadership skill, not a personality trait
• The role of curiosity in innovation and problem-solving

Key Takeaways:

• True understanding comes from context, not repetition. Memorizing terms or concepts without meaning creates distance, while learning rooted in a real-world context helps people connect ideas to purpose and application in leadership and education.
• Creativity is not limited to artists or innovators by title. It shows up whenever leaders are willing to listen, translate ideas across disciplines, and make space for curiosity rather than control.
• Great leaders act as bridges. They sit between worlds, learn the language of each side, and help people understand one another without diminishing complexity or oversimplifying meaning.
• Innovation grows when people feel safe to explore ideas they do not fully understand yet. Curiosity, humility, and the willingness to ask better questions open doors that expertise alone often keeps closed.

"If you find everything that you need, you're going to want to share it with the people that you care about, because I don't, I would think the vast majority of people don't want to be alone in things." – Dr. Andy Scarpelli

Connect with Dr. Andy Scarpelli:

Website: https://chitownbio.org/

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Polina Kratova:

Polina Kratova is the Founder of Rising Stars, an organization focused on reimagining K–12 education through innovation, AI, and experiential learning. She leads a multidisciplinary team building future-ready programs and products designed to prepare students for the evolving world of work, creativity, and human potential.

Through Rising Stars, Polina helps empower the next generation of thinkers, makers, and leaders by integrating AI literacy, leadership development, wellness, and hands-on learning into education. The organization designs and implements AI and future-ready learning programs, student hackathons and innovation challenges, creative arts and wellness experiences, and entrepreneurship and career-readiness pathways.

With a background in technology, AI, and education innovation, Polina brings together educators, engineers, and community partners to build equitable learning ecosystems in collaboration with school districts, tech companies, and philanthropic organizations. Her work is driven by a vision to inspire students not just to learn, but to create the future, to reach more than 100,000 students by 2030.

In this episode, Kevin and Polina Kratova discuss:

• Redefining K–12 education through personalized and project-based learning
• Helping students discover their strengths, passions, and leadership abilities
• Teaching AI literacy, entrepreneurship, and financial skills responsibly
• Creating safe, supportive learning environments for underserved students
• Why ownership and agency are essential to long-term student success

Key Takeaways:

• Education is most powerful when students are given ownership of their learning. When young people are trusted to explore their interests, choose how they learn, and build projects that matter to them, confidence and leadership develop naturally rather than being forced.
• Preparing students for the future requires looking several steps ahead. Skills like creativity, adaptability, collaboration, and technological literacy matter just as much as traditional academics, especially in a world shaped by rapid change and emerging tools like AI.
• Support systems can change the trajectory of a student’s life. Access to mentors, encouragement, and safe spaces allows students to see possibilities they may never have imagined for themselves, particularly those from underserved communities.
• Growth comes from focusing on quality before scale. Slowing down, building strong systems, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process leads to healthier organizations and more meaningful, sustainable impact over time.

“There’s so much magic that happens when you bring together mentors and the students and just give them the space.” – Polina Kratova

Connect with Polina Kratova:

Website: https://risingstarsprograms.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/polina-kratova-26411351/

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Andy Posner:

Andy Posner is the founder and CEO of Capital Good Fund. He’s a leader redefining what financial stewardship looks like—proving that effective leadership is not just about vision, but about using that vision to lift people out of poverty. Andy’s work blends purpose, courage, and action, making him a model for leaders who want to create real, measurable impact.

In this episode, Kevin and Andy Posner discuss:

• Turning financial services into tools for empowerment rather than exclusion
• Why is relentless curiosity and determination fuel innovation
• The intersection of environmental sustainability, justice, and poverty
• Building new systems when traditional ones fail marginalized communities
• How personal calling, values, and resilience shape long-term leadership

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation begins where others stop trying. Leadership is defined by a refusal to accept that something “can’t be done.” When systems shut people out, leaders must imagine new pathways—whether it’s alternative underwriting models or creative financial structures that uplift vulnerable communities.
• Purpose often emerges through unexpected turns. Sometimes, calling is discovered through curiosity, conviction, and a willingness to respond to the needs you witness in the world.
• Financial tools can liberate or oppress — leadership determines which. By reframing lending as a means of justice rather than profit extraction, leaders can design systems that restore dignity, build stability, and unlock opportunity for people traditionally excluded from financial services.
• Long-term impact is built one relationship at a time. Sustainable change is relational before it is financial.

"Financial services could really be a tool of oppression, and on the other hand, it could be a tool of uplift and opportunity." – Andy Posner

Connect with Andy Posner:

Website: www.capitalgoodfund.org

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Jonathan Shively:

Jonathan has over 35 years of experience as a pastor, educator, fundraiser, and church and nonprofit executive. He is currently the Executive Director of Fox Valley Hands of Hope, a nonprofit providing no-cost grief care following a death loss. Additionally, he is a leadership and organizational companion through ArtistryLeads. Jonathan’s personal mission is to increase individuals' and organizations' capacity to fulfill their callings, fostering healthy leaders and communities.

His north star is Jesus and the New Testament. He has been married for 35 years, a proud father of three young adults and one son-in-law, including a son with Williams Syndrome. He is a musician, choir director, and singer-songwriter, and enjoys camping, reading, working with his hands, serving on Boards, and volunteering. Jonathan is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Fuller Seminary.

In this episode, Kevin and Jonathan Shively discuss:

• Why servant leadership requires humility, empathy, and relational connection
• How grief impacts workplaces and why leaders must understand the grieving process
• The importance of authenticity and trust in building healthy teams
• Leading organizations through seasons of transition, struggle, and renewal
• How personal calling and lived experience shape a leader’s ability to serve others

Key Takeaways:

• Servant leadership starts with intention, not titles. Great leadership is not just about what you accomplish — but how you walk with people through the journey.
• Grief is universal, and leaders who ignore it harm their teams. Most workplaces are unprepared to support grieving employees, yet grief profoundly affects focus, performance, and emotional health.
• Healthy organizations are built on relationships, not transactions. Whether in churches, nonprofits, or corporations, relational leadership creates safety, understanding, and resilience. When people feel known and valued, they trust their leaders — even during uncertainty or change.
• A fulfilling career comes from alignment, not ambition. The most meaningful work happens when a leader’s gifts, passions, and purpose meet the real needs of an organization. Misalignment leads to frustration on all sides, but when values match mission, both leaders and organizations thrive.

"There's no substitute for just human compassion and kindness." – Jonathan Shively

Connect with Jonathan Shively:

Website: http://fvhh.net | http://www.artistryleads.com

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

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Lisa Goldenthal:

Lisa Goldenthal is a Top 15 Executive Coach, bestselling author, and host of WholeCEO with Lisa G. Known for her signature BOSS Method, she helps high-performing CEOs and leaders master energy, emotional intelligence, and execution to lead powerfully in disruptive times. With decades of experience coaching elite executives and teams, Lisa blends mindset, accountability, and strategy to drive rapid, lasting success. Her work has been featured in CEO Weekly and across top leadership platforms worldwide.

In this episode, Kevin and Lisa Goldenthal discuss:

• How emotional intelligence and self-awareness drive leadership excellence
• Why leaders must manage their energy with intention, not accident
• Escaping burnout through discipline, boundaries, and habit-stacking
• The shift from hustle culture to presence, empathy, and communication
• Building confidence, clarity, and courage through self-leadership

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership begins with managing your own energy. Everything a leader touches is influenced by the state they bring into the room: their clarity, presence, discipline, and emotional grounding. When leaders intentionally shape their inner world, they naturally elevate their outer impact.
• Emotional intelligence isn’t optional anymore — it’s the skill that separates leaders people follow from leaders people tolerate.
• Burnout is often a byproduct of mismanaged priorities. High-performers excel at discipline in their careers but often fail to apply that same discipline to their own well-being. When leaders delegate, set boundaries, and build small but powerful habits, they create sustainability instead of exhaustion.
• Communication is more than what you say; it’s how deeply you connect. Leaders build engagement by listening more than they speak, showing genuine interest, looping for understanding, and creating relational safety within their teams. Influence grows when people feel seen.

"Communication is so much more than speaking. It's really listening more than you speak." – Lisa Goldenthal

Connect with Lisa Goldenthal:

Website: https://highperformanceexecutivecoaching.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-goldenthal-innovation-management-technology-future-careers-personaldevelopment/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdfuhGW9FoG_0qrp5jyU6hw

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Boss-Up-Execute-Achievers-Performance/dp/B0F1Y8YZG1

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

About Ari Rastegar:

Ari Rastegar is the Founder and CEO of Rastegar Capital, a vertically integrated real estate investment firm with a diversified portfolio spanning multifamily, industrial, and mixed-use properties across the United States and abroad.

Dubbed “The Oracle of Austin” by Forbes, Ari has built a billion-dollar platform grounded in innovation, data-driven strategy, and disciplined execution. A recognized thought leader on real estate, leadership, and human performance, he has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, Forbes, and GQ.

Ari is also the author of The Gift of Failure, where he shares lessons on resilience, mindset, and building lasting success through adversity.

In this episode, Kevin and Ari Rastegar discuss:

• Why failure is an essential and unavoidable part of progress
• How faith, imagination, and hard work shaped Ari’s leadership journey
• Learning to redefine success and fulfillment through personal growth
• The discipline of raising your standards to transform every area of life
• Building resilience through humility, experimentation, and self-leadership

Key Takeaways:

• Failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s the curriculum. Every setback provides new variables, new wisdom, and new data points that shape stronger leaders. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress.
• Fulfillment and success must coexist. You can achieve everything the world defines as success and still feel empty. Leaders thrive when they pursue achievement and joy, purpose, faith, and emotional wholeness.
• Raising your standards changes your life. Whether it’s health, relationships, leadership, or discipline, transformation begins the moment you decide the old standard is no longer acceptable.
• Self-leadership is the starting point for all other leadership. If you can’t discipline yourself, manage your mindset, and control your habits, you can't guide a team, a business, or a community with integrity.

"It's not what we don't know that gets us in trouble. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so.” – Ari Rastegar

Connect with Ari Rastegar:

Website: http://www.rastegarcapital.com

X: https://twitter.com/arirastegar

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriRastegar/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ari_Rastegar

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-The-Gift-of-Failure/dp/B0B75TBXNC/

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63