What does it mean to lead with unwavering congruence, courage, and presence in the face of systemic challenges?

This week, we’re honored to welcome Tray Deadwyler, a servant leader whose journey from the streets of Atlanta to the helm of Think For Good and Service Nerd is a masterclass in authentic leadership.

Raised by a retired police officer mother and firefighter father, Tray’s path was illuminated by a powerful truth: service isn’t just a job—it’s a way of being.

Tray opens up about the challenges of navigating service spaces as a Black man, the mentors who became his north stars, and the courageous decision to build his own ventures rooted in personal values.

This conversation is a deep dive into the heart of what makes a leader: the willingness to show up fully, the courage to act on conviction, and the quiet power of simply being present.

Highlights 💡

• 🔥 The Blueprint of Service – How growing up in a family of first responders created an unshakable foundation for a life dedicated to others.

• 🌀 Finding the Call in the Chaos – Tray’s transformative AmeriCorps journey and the pivotal moment Hurricane Katrina cemented his path.

• 🧭 The Compass of Congruence – Why aligning your actions with your core values is the first rule of authentic leadership.

• ✊🏾 Navigating Identity with Integrity – Candid reflections on representation, belonging, and leading while Black in nonprofit spaces.

• 🧘 The Leadership of Presence – How mindfulness and being fully in the moment unlock deeper connection and impact.

• 😂 Stories from the Field – Hilarious and humbling anecdotes from the front lines of service that taught lasting lessons.

• 🙏 Honoring the Guides – A heartfelt tribute to the mentors who saw his potential and helped shape his journey.

• 📖 Building a Legacy of Good – Inside Tray’s current projects, including his book The Contemplative Morning and his mission to cultivate mindful leaders.

🗨️ We would love to hear your thoughts on this powerful conversation.

🤔 Who in your life has modeled the kind of authentic, present leadership Tray describes?

➡️ Share your "service mentors" with us on social media by tagging [@ServiceTitans] and using the hashtag #ServiceAndLeadership.

📧 Inspired by Tray's journey? We're always looking to amplify stories of impactful leadership. Reach out if you have a story to share.

🎙️ Guest: Tray Dewey
Website: https://thinkforgood.org/about-us/

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

Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Contemplative-Morning-Days-Reflection-Resilience/dp/B0CWPWCWPX

🎙️ Host: Anton Taylor
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/antontaylor

Free Leadership Reflection Guide
A short, contemplative exercise designed to help you identify your core values and assess your leadership congruence. 👉🏾Free Guide Link -https://tinyurl.com/4pw8ksms------------------------------------------------------------

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Early Life
02:52 First Steps into Service and Leadership
03:59 College Years and Early Career
04:56 Founding Men of Distinction
05:44 Red Cross and Youth Development
08:54 AmeriCorps Experience
10:29 Hurricane Katrina and Red Cross Leadership
12:37 Transition to Think For Good and Service Nerd
17:12 Reflections on Youth Development
17:47 Navigating Identity and Representation
18:30 Leadership and Authenticity
21:27 Encouraging Courage and Overcoming Fear
22:58 The Importance of Presence
25:34 Personal Journeys and Self-Discovery
27:14 Funny Stories from the Field
28:57 Honoring Mentors and Influences
32:49 Final Thoughts and Projects

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Hashtags
#ServiceAndLeadership #ServantLeadership #MindfulLeadership #AmeriCorps #Nonprofit #ThinkForGood #YouthDevelopment #Mentorship #AuthenticLeadership #BlackLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast