In this episode of Purpose Tracks powered by Executive Presence, I sit down with Lea Taylor — former collegiate volleyball player and coach, now a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 C-suite leaders — to unpack what grit really looks like when the pressure is real and the cameras are on. Together, we examine how sports forge the kind of leadership that boardrooms demand but rarely teach: emotional intelligence under fire, cultural fluency, and the self-awareness to lead without losing yourself.

We name what too many conversations leave out — the distinct weight carried by women, when visibility meets vulnerability.

The episode is both a challenge and an invitation: to stop editing your story and start leading from it.

We dive into the Coco Gauff moment at the 2026 Australian Open, and what happens when emotions meet public scrutiny. We also explore:

✔️ How grit is built in setbacks, not just wins

✔️ Why 90%+ of women executives played sports—and what that tells us

✔️ Cultural intelligence and self-awareness as leadership essentials

✔️ The double standards women (especially Black women) face when showing emotion

✔️ How to lead with purpose when the cameras won't turn off

This one's for anyone navigating high-stakes environments—on the court, in the boardroom, or building something from scratch.

Want to go deeper? Here are the books and articles we referenced throughout this episode.

✔️ Why a female athlete should be your next leader | EY - New Zealand

✔️ Own the Arena: Getting Ahead, Making a Difference, and Succeeding as the Only One: Adams, Katrina M.: 9780062936820: Amazon.com: Books

This episode explores the cultural significance of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show, emphasizing representation, authenticity, and leadership. Dr. Sofia B. Pertuz shares insights on how cultural storytelling, identity, and purpose intersect on the world's biggest stage, inspiring leaders and communities alike.

Key Topics

• Cultural significance of the Super Bowl halftime show
• Representation and authenticity in leadership
• The role of cultural storytelling and symbolism
• Leadership qualities exemplified by Bad Bunny and performers

Guest Name: Dr. Sofia B. Pertuz

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https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/ricky-martin-bad-bunny-open-letter-grammys-puerto-rico-1236171992/

In the inaugural episode of Purpose Tracks, and in honor of National Mentoring Month, we explore the significance of mentorship, particularly focusing on women mentoring women, with our guest Michelle Ferguson. We discuss the importance of vulnerability in leadership, acknowledging privilege in mentoring relationships, and the necessity of listening. Michelle shares insights from her book, Women Mentoring Women: Strategies and Stories to Lift as We Rise, emphasizing that mentorship is a two-way street where both mentors and mentees learn from each other. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in mentorship and collective leadership, highlighting that everyone has the potential to make a difference regardless of their title or position.

Book: Amazon.com: Women Mentoring Women: Strategies and Stories to Lift As We Rise: 9798885041263: Ferguson, Michelle Renaldo: Books

Key Takeaways

• Vulnerability is a strength in leadership.
• Acknowledging privilege is essential for effective mentoring.
• Listening is a key component of mentorship.
• Mentorship should focus on professional growth.
• Selfish mentoring is about mutual learning and growth.
• Diversity in mentorship enriches the conversation.
• Everyone can be a mentor, regardless of their position.
• Collective leadership is about rising by lifting others.