Charles Lee

On the upcoming episode of Land and Lead Carlos Ayala discusses building psychological safety by role modeling a learning mindset. "People expect the best from you when you make it to the top" shares Carlos during our enlightening conversation. Thanks so much for sharing your insights and wisdom, Carlos! Full conversation out 01/29/2026 - subscribe through comments.

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Have you ever wanted the breakthrough… but not the process?    In this deeply honest episode, I sit down with Nathan Herzog, an educational leader who now serves as Dean at Biola University after previously serving at William Jessup University. And we talk about something almost no one says out loud: growth is uncomfortable.   Nathan shares what he hears in quiet, “secret conversations” with high achievers: “I want to do this… but this is uncomfortable.”   Everyone wants a breakthrough.   No one hands you a map for the path.   The truth? The process of becoming better requires discomfort. It requires loss. It requires intentionally choosing something challenging.   And one of the most powerful moments in our conversation is this question: Why are you choosing that? What are you choosing this discomfort for?   Training for an Ironman. Earning a PhD. Climbing toward something like Mount Whitney. None of those happens by accident. They require over a year—sometimes years—of intentional stretch.   Growth in leadership is no different. You get to choose your goal. You get to build relationships with your employees. You get to decide which hill is worth climbing.   And when you choose it with clarity, confidence, and courage, the discomfort becomes meaningful instead of miserable.   We also unpack the false beliefs—the lies—that quietly sabotage leaders: ➡️ If I’m not good at something, I shouldn’t do it anymore. ➡️ If I can’t figure this out on my own, I don’t deserve to lead. ➡️ Strong leaders don’t need help. True growth happens when you reach outside of yourself.   Humility is not weakness. Vulnerability is not failure. They are leadership strengths.   It is one of the practices of Grace Space, Connection vs. Protection, that reminds us of our need for others. It is through others that we become ourselves. Protection keeps us small. Connection grows us.   Growth touches every part of us—mind, body, heart, and spirit. It asks us to be learners before researchers. To choose discomfort rather than avoid it. To hear the truth even when it stings.   And yes—it’s vulnerable.   Yes—it’s uncomfortable.   But getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is what allows you to achieve great things. And over time, it makes other challenges feel less intimidating.   This episode is for you if… ➡️ You’re leading and feel stretched. ➡️ You’re leveling up and doubting yourself. ➡️ You’re tempted to isolate instead of reach out. ➡️ You secretly wonder if needing help means you’ve failed. It doesn’t.   People who are growing reach out.   People who are leveling up invite coaching.   People who become stronger choose their discomfort.   If you’re in a season of stretch, this conversation will steady you, challenge you, and remind you that discomfort is not a sign you’re failing.   It may be proof you’re becoming who you’re meant to be.   You don’t want to miss this one. #thelifeyouremadeforpodcast #growth #gracespace #3Clivingandleading

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🎙️ When leadership reflects the community it serves, transformation happens at every level. In this clip, Greg Lewis, AVP of Operations of YMCA of Greater Seattle shares his unique perspective on building culturally responsive programs and inclusive leadership, giving you a taste of what's to come. Expect an insightful discussion on: 🏥 Creating health equity programs that adapt to cultural needs and remove healthcare barriers 🏊‍♂️ Addressing the drowning crisis through the "Safety Around Water" initiative—tackling racial disparities head-on 👥 Growing diverse leadership from 2 to 8 leaders of color across 13 branches to truly reflect the communities served ….and more! 🎧 Tune in on 8/12 at 9AM CST for the full episode! You won't want to miss it. #PodcastPreview #HartandHustle #ComingSoon

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What kind of founders join the Praxis Accelerator? We’re looking for founders who are building redemptive ventures—and want to do it in community. Praxis Fellows are typically: + Serious Christians + Humble and ambitious + Working full-time on their venture + Seeking accountable, values-aligned community These founders are leading ventures that are: + Early-stage, but gaining traction + Innovative in model or mission + Built for scale + Aimed at addressing major issues of our time Know a founder building in this way?  Nominate a Fellow for our 2026 US Business or Nonprofit Accelerator—or consider applying when applications open on July 14th. Let’s build together. Nominate a Fellow: https://lnkd.in/e3DcnRZW Learn more about our Accelerators: https://lnkd.in/eyqpX8yq

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Here’s what gets lost in the noise about entrepreneurship: Going it alone is a myth: especially for Black and Brown founders facing unparalleled challenges in 2025. Wealth gaps, systemic biases, funding obstacles: they’re real. But so is the power of community-led entrepreneurship to punch above its weight. Community isn’t just a support network. It’s a business accelerator. At CMET, we’ve seen that Black- and Brown-owned businesses thrive when rooted in peer connection, trusted networks, and shared resources. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s driven by: - Real-time collaboration: solving not just business problems, but life challenges with people who understand your WHY. - Knowledge transfer: learning the shortcuts, negotiating power, and tested playbooks others have already proven inside our cohorts. - Access to relationships: mentors, investors, strategic partners who are invested not only in your numbers, but in your long-term impact. We’ve witnessed it: Entrepreneurs in our workshops didn’t just gain skills; they raised capital, hired locally, launched joint ventures, and built legacies. Not despite their community, but because of it. 2025 isn’t about the lone founder( It)

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#Throwback #RP - #AnnualReport: City to City, State To State The Social Media Research Institute is actively contributing to workforce development in the San Gabriel Valley region by engaging with local communities and fostering educational initiatives. For instance, the Institute collaborated with Azusa High School Unified School District to discuss the New Program “ Social Media First Aid now bolsters 467 Ambassadors , conducting interviews that bridge the gap between social media research and youth education. This interaction highlights the Institute's commitment to preparing the next generation to navigate and leverage social media in their professional lives. Additionally, the Institute works closely with other regional organizations to address workforce challenges, particularly in sectors like healthcare and industry and engaging with policy makers like Senator Rubio . Through these collaborations, the Social Media Research Institute plays a vital role in supporting regional economic growth and developing a resilient and inclusive workforce ecosystem. #IndustryBuilding #Impact #ChangeYouCanSee #SocialMediaHarmReduction

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Women are launching more startups than ever. Yet they still receive a fraction of venture capital funding.   That’s why conversations like this matter.   UC Davis Venture Catalyst Associate Director, Janine Elliott, draws on her 15 years of experience to contribute her perspective to this thoughtful Comstock’s Magazine feature on the persistent challenges female entrepreneurs face, and the people working to offer solutions. Perspectives like Janine’s—and the critical work of the other contributors to this piece—are important in helping grow a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem in the greater Sacramento region. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gDv2e2A7 UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Innovation Institute for Food & Health, UC Davis UC Davis Student Startup Center Connect Labs by Wexford

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