Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of Raising Them Right, host Monica Yatooma sits down with Ian Noble, devoted husband, father of three boys, and longtime mentor, to explore what it takes to raise boys into men of conviction in today’s complex world.

Ian shares how his journey as both a parent and mentor has shaped his philosophy on fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of presence, faith, and intentional leadership in the home. He unpacks the difference between enforcing rules and instilling values, offering wisdom on how parents can raise children who make wise decisions long after they leave home.

Drawing from decades of coaching and mentoring, Ian explains why boys crave guidance, how fathers can model resilience and humility, and why authenticity matters more than perfection. His message is both inspiring and practical: leadership in the home is built through small, consistent actions of love and intentional presence.

For parents, mentors, and anyone who believes in the power of strong fatherhood, this episode offers timeless lessons on building character, fostering resilience, and leaving a legacy of faith and integrity that impacts generations to come.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why presence matters more than perfection in parenting
• The difference between teaching rules and instilling values
• How rhythms of connection create trust and stability in families
• Why authenticity and humility are essential for fathers
• The role of faith in guiding children toward purpose and conviction
• How challenges and failures help children develop resilience
• The power of mentorship in shaping boys into strong men

Memorable Quotes:

“Children are always watching—our presence speaks louder than any lecture.” — Ian Noble

“Great parenting isn’t about perfection, it’s about staying teachable.” — Ian Noble

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Ian Noble:

Follow linkedin.com/in/iannoble1on LinkedIn or visit runsteadyinvestments.com

If you care about the future of our children and the integrity of our schools, subscribe to Raising Them Right on Spotify or Amazon Music

Want to help? Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or advocate.

Get involve at greatEA.org for updates, resources, and ways to be part.

Episode Summary:

In this deeply inspiring episode of Raising Them Right, host Monica Yatooma sits down with Wen Zhang, founder of the INNW Institute, to explore her remarkable transformation from a voiceless girl in rural China to a globally recognized leadership coach.

Growing up in a remote village without internet or resources, Wen was told girls should stay silent, obedient, and invisible. But her spirit said otherwise. With a cassette tape and sheer determination, she taught herself English, earned a full scholarship to Duke University, and began a journey of self-discovery that would lead to empowering hundreds of underestimated women to find their voice, own their presence, and rise in leadership.

Through the “If Not Now, When” (INNW) Institute, Wen is helping women around the world dismantle fear, perfectionism, and cultural conditioning that keep them playing small.

This isn’t just a personal story; it’s a battle cry for women who are ready to lead from authenticity, courage, and conviction.

• Why do so many women wait to feel “ready,” and why does that moment never come
• How fear, doubt, and cultural silence shape leadership potential
• The cost of perfectionism and people pleasing, especially for high-achieving women
• How to build trust with your inner voice and speak with unapologetic presence
• The three things that separate invisible leaders from impactful ones
• Wen’s formula for creating internal safety in high-stakes spaces
• Why your story, even the painful parts, is your greatest leadership asset

“If I could unlearn silence, I believe any woman can.” — Wen Zhang

“We tell our daughters to dream big, but model fear. That ends with us.” — Monica Yatooma

• Connect with Wen at www.innwinstitute.com or follow her on LinkedIn
• Websites: ifnotnowwen.com & ifnotnowwen.com/services-8
• INNW Institute – If Not Now, When
• Wen’s TED-style trainings and workshops
• Mindset and presence coaching for female leaders
• Tools for overcoming perfectionism and cultural blocks

If you care about the future of our children and the integrity of our schools, subscribe to Raising Them Right on Spotify or Amazon Music

Want to help? Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or advocate.

Get involve at greatEA.org for updates, resources, and ways to be part.

In this courageous conversation on Raising Them Right, host Monica Yatooma is joined by Paul Kolin, a public servant, KPMG US executive, and longtime Bloomfield Hills School Board member, to challenge the myths, missteps, and missed opportunities in today’s education system.

From his early days growing up in Coney Island to teaching in some of New York’s most underserved classrooms, Paul has seen firsthand what it takes to lead with integrity — and what happens when we don't. Drawing on his experience in both public service and the private sector, Paul shares why real educational reform demands more than money. It demands accountability, courage, and community commitment.

He doesn’t shy away from hard truths including why many affluent districts succeed while others fall behind, and how performative leadership on school boards harms the very kids those boards are meant to serve.

This isn’t just a critique of the system. It’s a call to action for anyone who believes our children deserve better.

• Why high per‑pupil spending doesn’t always lead to high performance
• The difference between serving the community and serving a title
• How strong school boards can transform outcomes — and how weak ones erode trust
• What affluent districts get right that others can adopt
• Why true equity starts with expectations, not excuses
• How Paul’s Teach for America experience shaped his lifelong education mission
• The urgent need for tough policy decisions like consolidation in Michigan school districts

“It’s not just about spending more — it’s about expecting more.” — Paul Kolin

“We say we want accountability in schools. But we punish people who try to deliver it.” — Monica Yatooma

• Bloomfield Hills School Board
• Teach for America
• Michigan Department of Education data
• KPMG public sector consulting insights

If you care about the future of our children and the integrity of our schools, subscribe to Raising Them Right on Spotify or Amazon Music

Want to help? Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or advocate.

Get involve at greatEA.org for updates, resources, and ways to be part.