On today's episode, I chat with Dana Renee McKenney, the President of Visit Tulsa.

We discuss Renee's career journey through various roles at Southwest Airlines, Disney, and her leadership in Tulsa. Renee shares insights on building an authentic brand, the significance of mentorship, and the challenges and rewards of taking bold career steps. She reflects on her learnings from high school initiatives, like starting a drill team, to her current project of transforming Tulsa through community and cultural initiatives.

Key takeaways include the importance of fun in leadership, building a supportive community, and the drive to leave a lasting legacy.

Episode Minutes:

Minute 2: Facing Challenges and Embracing Vulnerability

Minute 10: Building a Vision for Tulsa

Minute 18: Creating a Positive Team Culture

Minute 25: Legacy and Future Aspirations

To find out more about my work, please visit Dana Williams Consulting.

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The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

Is your team resistant to change?

"I know this change is necessary, but my team just won't get on board."

Does that sound familiar?

Here's what I have noticed: the challenge usually isn't the change itself. It's the disconnection that happens during transition. When your team members resist, they're rarely being stubborn. Instead, they're expressing unmet needs for safety, clarity, or purpose. They just might not have the words to say it directly.

One of the most powerful tools I use with my clients is understanding each person's unique pattern of natural talents. When we know how people are naturally wired to think, feel, and behave, we gain incredible insight into how they process change.

To find out more about my work, please visit Dana Williams Consulting.

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The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

Today I welcome Danny Brassell to share his transformative life story. Danny recounts his diverse career path, starting from journalism and teaching to becoming a sought-after speaker and coach.

He discusses his key moments of resilience, the impact of losing everything in a real estate scam, and how he rebuilt his life by embracing authenticity and positivity. Danny offers practical advice on crafting compelling stories, the importance of vulnerability, and focusing on failure to connect with audiences.

He also shares insights on constructing effective presentations and establishing a personal mission statement.

Episode Minutes:

Minute 1: Finding Positivity and Purpose

Minute 4: Biblical Inspiration and Encouragement

Minute 16: The Power of a Single Call to Action

Minute 22: The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

To find out more about my work, please visit Dana Williams Consulting.

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

The Hidden Cost of Resisting Change

Have you noticed how resistance to change isn't just a mindset issue, it's an energy drain? Many leaders I work with discover they're spending up to 40% of their mental and emotional resources fighting changes they ultimately can't control.

This resistance creates anxiety, decreases productivity, and prevents innovation precisely when you need it most.

Instead of resisting, what if you used your natural strengths as anchors during change?

To find out more about my work, please visit Dana Williams Consulting.

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

My guest today is Dr. Olga Romero who shares her inspiring journey from a corporate communications leader at Southwest Airlines to becoming a transformative figure in education.

She discusses her pivotal moment of self-realization and her bold transition to teaching, leading to her role as a director at the Fort Worth School District. Olga reveals the challenges she faced and the importance of mindset shifts, mentorship, and building strong relationships.

She also highlights her successes in transforming an underperforming school to an A-rated institution and her innovative work in launching the first hybrid school in Texas. Listen to Olga's story of determination, passion for education, and relentless pursuit of making a difference in the lives of students and educators.

Episode Minutes:

Minute 2: Finding Purpose and Making a Difference

Minute 9: Innovative Educational Initiatives

Minute 18: Building Relationships and Empathy Interviews

Minute 24: A Poignant Story

To find out more about my work, please visit Dana Williams Consulting.

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

How can you make an impact in your community?

We're wrapping up our April wellbeing series by talking about community — feeling connected to and involved with the places and people around you. In 2025, with the division and challenges we're facing, many leaders feel pulled between work demands and wanting to make a difference.

Gallup defines community wellbeing as feeling engaged with the area where you live. Their research shows that people who feel connected to their communities are more resilient; community involvement actually helps buffer against stress and loneliness.

To find out more about my work, please visit Dana Williams Consulting.

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

On today's episode, I engage in a rich conversation with Mariana Fagnilli , a pioneer in the field of inclusion-driven performance. Mariana talks her journey from being an attorney in Argentina to becoming a leader in diversity and inclusion in corporate America.

We discuss the evolution and current challenges of DEI initiatives, the importance of measuring inclusion's impact on organizational performance, and how employee resource groups (ERGs) can be leveraged as innovation accelerators.

Mariana also sheds light on her new framework and upcoming book on inclusion, offering valuable insights for leaders looking to navigate the complexities of modern-day organizational dynamics.

Episode Minutes:

Minute 2: Challenges and Evolution of DEI

Minute 4: Inclusion Driven Performance Framework

Minute 6: Mariana's Personal Journey

Minute 25: Future of ERGs and Inclusion

To find out more about my work, please visit Dana Williams Consulting.

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

Do you feel like you’re running on empty?

Today, let's talk about physical energy: the fuel that powers everything we do as leaders. You’re not alone. Despite apps and devices that promise to make us more productive, many of us end up running on empty.

Gallup defines physical wellbeing simply as having good health and enough energy to get things done each day. Their research shows that physical wellbeing directly affects our emotions. When we feel physically good, we're less likely to feel down or anxious, and we bounce back faster from challenges.

To find out more about my work, please visit Dana Williams Consulting.

LinkedIn

Instagram

Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here