In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, host Linda Anderson reconnects with her longtime friend and classmate, General Gustave F. Perna—a retired four-star general who served 38 years in the United States Army with honor, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to mission and people.

From their shared roots on an 8th-grade student council to leading at the highest levels of the military and national response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gus reflects on the values that guided his life: character, accountability, mentorship, and purpose.

Now, as the Founder and CEO of Perna Consulting and a board member across multiple industries—technology, health, defense, and beyond—he continues to apply his leadership philosophy to help organizations move from evolutionary to revolutionary.

Together, Linda and Gus explore the meaning of service, the importance of defining your “why,” and the hope that comes from building strong, principled communities—whether on the battlefield, in business, or in everyday life.

Takeaways

• Leadership begins early—the seeds of character are planted long before titles or promotions.
  

• Mentorship matters—being guided by others and paying it forward is how leadership sustains itself.
  

• Hope fuels resilience—even in crisis, staying anchored in purpose allows us to keep moving forward.
  

• Culture and accountability—great organizations are built on trust, shared values, and integrity.
  

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about authority—it’s about authenticity, service, and compassion. From student council to the Pentagon, General Perna’s story illustrates how culture, identity, healing, and hope all intersect in the journey toward purposeful leadership.

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

In this episode, I talk with Kim Wallace who has more than 30 years of experience in education. Kim began her career as a high school English and history teacher, later becoming a site principal, district administrator, and superintendent of one of California’s largest school districts. Today, she serves as Associate Director of the 21st Century California School Leadership Academy at UC Berkeley’s School of Education and leads her consulting company, Process Makes Perfect, helping leaders across industries navigate systems change and create meaningful impact.

Kim is the author of two books — Leading the Launch and Leading Through an Equity Lens — and her upcoming book, Game-Changing Leadership in Action, explores how we can lead with purpose and courage in any field or setting.

In our conversation, we’ll explore what it really means to create cultures of belonging, lead through uncertainty, and move forward with hope — whether you’re leading a team, a classroom, a company, or simply yourself through life’s transitions.

Contact Information for Kim:

• Professional Education Consulting- Process Make Perfect

• Book - Leading the Launch; Leading Through an Equity Lens; Game Changing Leadership in Action

• Berkeley School of Education

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, we welcome Dr. Limone Collins—Allergy and Immunology physician, retired military and federal leader, and trusted consultant in vaccine safety and public health.

A graduate of Morehouse College and Meharry Medical College, Dr. Collins has devoted his career to advancing science, protecting communities, and guiding national conversations on vaccine safety. From his leadership as Chief of Vaccine Safety and Evaluation at the Defense Health Agency to co-authoring more than 18 peer-reviewed articles, his impact spans medicine, military service, and community health.

In this rich conversation, Dr. Collins reflects on:

• How his experiences at Morehouse and Meharry shaped his identity as a physician and researcher.

• Lessons from military service about leadership, resilience, and service to others.

• Balancing scientific rigor with hope, healing, and clear communication.

• How cultural identity influences medicine, public health, and community understanding.

• What younger generations of healthcare leaders can learn from his journey.

• A personal message of hope about resilience for the future.

Even in retirement, Dr. Collins continues to consult, lending his voice and expertise to ensure that communities are informed, protected, and inspired to move forward. His story is a reminder that a life of service leaves a legacy of healing and hope.

Listen now to be inspired by Dr. Collins’ wisdom, experience, and vision.

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez