“After being fired three times, Dr. Ron Lewis realized it wasn’t the job—it was him. In this powerful conversation, he shares how self-awareness, rediscovery, and personal ownership transformed his failures into purpose. Watch as he and Dr. Frank Douglas explore how reframing challenges can unlock resilience and authentic leadership.”

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Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of Reframe for Resilience, host Dr. Frank L. Douglas sits down with Dr. Ron Lewis, Professor of Marketing and Sport Management, author of Gritty, and a leadership consultant.

Dr. Lewis opens up about a four-year period where he was fired from three different jobs — a humbling experience that sparked deep self-reflection and rediscovery.

Through books, introspection, and faith in growth, he transformed those setbacks into a foundation for purpose. Today, he’s a thriving educator and mentor, helping others embrace resilience by understanding their strengths and owning their stories.

This episode explores the powerful shift from seeing challenges as failures to viewing them as opportunities to rediscover who you really are.

Key Topics:

• Recognizing when the problem lies within, not the circumstance
• How repeated failure can become a catalyst for rediscovery
• The difference between skill gaps and perspective gaps
• Leadership as ownership and the importance of self-trust
• The role of community and self-reflection in personal growth
• Transitioning from struggle to significance through teaching and mentoring

Timeline Summary:

[00:04] – Introduction by Dr. Frank Douglas

[01:35] – Dr. Lewis shares his early career and being fired three times

[05:13] – The turning point: realizing the issue was within himself

[06:35] – Discovering strengths and redefining leadership principles

[09:27] – Building resilience through ownership, trust, and respect

[10:03] – Finding support from family and the “Community of One” concept

[11:02] – Transitioning into academia during COVID-19

[12:00] – Mentoring student-athletes and bridging sports with leadership

[13:06] – Final principles for resilience: Embrace, Empower, and Act

Links & Resources:

• Gritty by Dr. Ron Lewis and Dr. Don Lewis: Link here
• Connect with Dr. Frank L. Douglas at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC
• Listen to more episodes at Reframe for Resilience Podcast

Closing Remark:

Dr. Lewis reminds us that resilience is not about fixing what’s broken—it’s about rediscovering what’s been there all along. When life puts you “in the frame,” step out, reflect, and reframe your perspective. True strength begins with ownership, trust, and the courage to grow through what you go through.

“From spinning beats to shaping minds, Professor Amani Roberts shows how resilience and creativity fuel success. Discover his powerful C.O.P.P.E.R.S. Framework and learn how music teaches us to keep moving forward — no matter the challenge.

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Episode Summary:

In this lively and inspiring episode of Reframe for Resilience, Dr. Frank L. Douglas welcomes Professor Amani Roberts — a professor, author, DJ, and professional speaker — to explore how creativity and resilience intertwine.

From nearly two decades at Marriott to a bold leap into full-time DJing, Professor Roberts shares the challenges, lessons, and mindset shifts that helped him reframe his journey. Through his C.O.P.P.E.R.S. Framework, he demonstrates how creative risk, persistence, and reinvention can turn setbacks into success stories.

With a DJ set woven through his storytelling, Amani reminds us that resilience is rhythmic — it’s about staying curious, taking risks, and never stopping the music of progress.

Key Topics

• Professor Amani Roberts’ journey from corporate life to creativity
• How DJ school taught humility and the art of persistence
• The C.O.P.P.E.R.S. Framework for resilience:
• C – Creative Risk
• O – Collaborate with Others
• P – Be Persistent
• P – Practice Resilience
• E – Embrace Failure
• R – Reinvention
• S – Stay Curious
• Lessons from music legends like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Supremes, and The Whispers
• The power of storytelling, sound, and soul in building resilience
• The importance of grace and gratitude in personal growth

Timeline Summary

[00:04] – Dr. Douglas introduces Professor Amani Roberts and his multifaceted career.

[00:59] – Amani shares his journey from Marriott executive to DJ and professor.

[02:32] – Taking a creative risk: leaving corporate life to follow passion.

[03:39] – Failing DJ school finals and finding strength in humility.

[04:56] – Introducing the C.O.P.P.E.R.S. Framework for resilience and creativity.

[05:27] – The story of Earth, Wind & Fire and creative risk with David Copperfield.

[07:30] – The Supremes and the lesson of persistence through failure.

[08:52] – The Whispers’ 23-year journey to the Billboard Top 10 — resilience in action.

[10:08] – Blending storytelling, music, and motivation in professional speaking.

[10:57] – Amani’s go-to songs for motivation: Keep On Moving, Get Down On It, and Outstanding.

[12:29] – Final message: Be creative, move forward, and give yourself grace.

Links & Resources

• Professor Amani Roberts Official Website
• DJ’s Mean Business by Amani Roberts

How do you lead with courage when you’re the only one in the room? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Telle Whitney, author of Rebooting Technology Culture, joins Dr. Frank Douglas to share powerful lessons on inclusion, innovation, and resilience. From confronting bias to creating communities that empower women in tech, this conversation is a masterclass in courageous leadership.

“Never say no to yourself — there are enough people who will tell you no.”

For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to team@safehavendialogues-llc.com

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Or visit our website at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations!

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Reframe for Resilience, Dr. Frank L. Douglas speaks with Dr. Telle Whitney, a trailblazing computer scientist, author, and advocate for women in technology. Dr. Whitney shares her personal and professional journey — from being one of the few women in Silicon Valley during the 1980s to co-founding one of the largest gatherings for women in computing.

Together, they discuss what it means to create a culture where everyone thrives, the courage it takes to stand up for yourself and others, and how reframing challenges can lead to meaningful innovation. Dr. Whitney also shares insights from her book Rebooting Technology Culture, where she introduces her Six C’s — Creativity, Courage, Confidence, Curiosity, Communication, and Community — as the foundation for inclusive and innovative workplaces.

Listeners will walk away inspired to build environments that value authenticity, inclusion, and courageous leadership.

Key Topics

• Overcoming bias and fostering inclusion in tech
• The story behind Rebooting Technology Culture
• Lessons from early Silicon Valley experiences
• The cost of silence in leadership moments
• The power of speaking up and modeling courage
• Building community and supporting women in tech
• The Six C’s framework for thriving innovation

Timeline Summary

[00:00 – 01:30] — Introduction to Dr. Telle Whitney and her pioneering journey in computer science

[02:00 – 03:30] — Why she wrote Rebooting Technology Culture and the importance of inclusive innovation

[03:30 – 05:30] — Early challenges in Silicon Valley and building community outside of work

[05:30 – 07:00] — Learning from Anita Borg and understanding social science in DEI

[07:00 – 09:50] — The cost of staying silent and lessons in leadership and trust

[09:50 – 12:30] — Dr. Frank and Dr. Whitney share moments of courage in confronting bias

[12:30 – 13:45] — The story of Al Zolar and allyship in the workplace

[13:45 – 14:40] — The Six C’s: the foundation of creativity and courage in innovation

[14:40 – 15:00] — Closing reflections: “Never say no to yourself”

Links & Resources

• Connect with Dr. Telle Whitney - Website
• Dr. Telle Whitney's book Rebooting Technology Culture
• Connect with Dr. Frank L. Douglas at