What does it really take to build an organization where people thrive - especially in a world transformed by technology, generational change, and new expectations? In this energizing episode, host Alissa Hsu Lynch sits down with James D. White, renowned board leader and former Jamba CEO, and his daughter Krista White, rising workplace culture strategist and writer. Together, they share how their experience as a father-daughter team powered their new best-selling book, Culture Design, and reveal why transformation starts with rethinking culture from the inside out. Tune in for actionable stories on creating workplaces that are resilient, purpose-driven, and ready for the future, from practical rituals to the "big misses" in AI readiness, and the surprising power of middle managers.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Every company has a culture, whether by design or default. When leaders are intentional, they build organizations that perform and endure.

Millennials and Gen Z are shifting workplace priorities. For them, flexibility, meaningful work, and being valued as whole individuals matter more than just compensation, redefining what creates loyalty and engagement.

Rapid advances in technology and AI are changing how work gets done, but empathy remains a uniquely human advantage.

Connect with James and Krista:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristawhite3/ AND https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-d-white-086ab2153/

Instagram: @thekristawhite

Website: https://www.jdwhitedesignlabs.com/

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https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance

👉Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance

After 25 years with American Ballet Theatre, iconic ballerina Misty Copeland took her final bow in a historic gala performance – but her work is far from over. In this episode of The Leadership Dance, host Alissa Hsu Lynch sits down with Misty to explore what comes next: leading from the boardroom, expanding access to the arts through the Misty Copeland Foundation, and reimagining ballet's future for the next generation. Misty opens up about why she initially said 'no' to a farewell performance, the challenges of returning to the stage after five years and becoming a mother, and how she's finding purpose and joy in building something bigger than herself. It's a conversation about movement, meaning, and mission – and how true legacy is measured not by the final curtain, but by the doors you open for others.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Legacy means opening doors for others.

Leadership begins with empathy and inclusion.

Reinvention takes courage—and never losing your love of dance.

Connect with Misty:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mistyonpointe/

Website: https://mistycopeland.com/

X: https://x.com/mistyonpointe?lang=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misty-copeland-12b0a634b/

Other: https://www.mistycopelandfoundation.org/

✅ Sign up for the newsletter: https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance

👉Listen, share, and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance

Renowned ballerina Stella Abrera joins host Alissa Hsu Lynch on The Leadership Dance to reflect on her extraordinary career with American Ballet Theatre and her journey from the stage to shaping the next generation of dancers. Stella opens up about growing up in a home filled with music and discipline, the perseverance behind rising to principal dancer, and the back injury that nearly ended her career—but ultimately strengthened her resilience and leadership. Now as Artistic Director of the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, she shares how she's guiding young dancers with grace, grit, and vision for ballet's future.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Success in any field is never a solo act; it's built through trust, mentorship, and collaboration.

Adversity can become your greatest teacher — recovery and reinvention often reveal deeper strength and purpose.

Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

Connect with Stella:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellaabreradetsky/

ABT JKO School: https://www.instagram.com/abtschool/

✅ Sign up for the newsletter:

https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance

👉Listen, share and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance