Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine Connell welcomes Olivia, co-founder and CEO of Fresh Starts Registry, for an insightful conversation on transitions, leadership, and the impact of past experiences on personal growth.

Lorraine opens up about a stressful morning, juggling her child’s school application process while ensuring leadership in her own commitments. This sets the stage for a deeper discussion w...

Show Notes:

In this special episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, we switch things up, Courtney, Director of the Center for New Americans, steps into the interviewer role and sits down with Lorraine Connell for a powerful conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the experiences of immigrant youth.

Courtney brings her unique perspective as someone who was once a high school mentee, then a peer leader, and now a program...

Community builder and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston President and CEO Robert Lewis Jr. shares how growing up in East Boston public housing, surviving a firebombing during the busing crisis, and being lifted by mentors shaped his life’s mission to unite people and invest in youth as Boston’s future talent. We talk assets over deficits, redefining “poor,” belonging, narrative, and how adults can listen, love, and create real oppor...

In this episode, Lorraine sits down with trauma-informed mentor, speaker, and The Survivors Chair host Kim Russell to explore how growing up in foster care and being adopted shaped her leadership, resilience, and calling to create safe spaces for healing. Kim opens up about the realities of substance use as a teen, why behavior is communication, and how consistent, caring adults can change a young person’s life. Together, they disc...

• Behavior = communication from the body.
• Trauma lives in the body; safety comes first.
• “People-pleasing” often be...

In this episode, Lorraine sits down with career strategist and JobTalk founder Krystal Hicks to explore how early challenges, from growing up fast and navigating divorced parents to overcoming bullying shaped her empathy, leadership, and purpose-driven work. Krystal shares how she found her voice through journalism, learned to transform hardship into power, and now helps others reclaim agency, confidence, and belonging in their car...

In this episode, Lorraine Connell interviews Winnie da Silva, an executive coach and leadership strategist, about her journey and insights into leadership and resilience. Winnie shares personal stories from her teenage years, her career path from social work to executive coaching, and the importance of resilience and trying new things. The conversation also touches on parenting, the power of reframing challenges, and the role of co...

In this episode, Lorraine welcomes Bryant Mitchell, an Enterprise Account Executive at Ace Up and a seasoned coach, to discuss the intersection of personal experiences, athletics, and leadership development. Together, they explore how resilience, self-reflection, and meaningful connections can shape athletes, students, and coaches alike.

Bryant’s Journey in Football

• Overcoming the challenges of being a late...

In this episode of Leaders of Today, Lorraine Connell interviews Brady Barre, Development and Communications Coordinator for New Hampshire Outright. Brady shares their journey of self-discovery and leadership, emphasizing the importance of representation and inclusive leadership for LGBTQ+ youth. They discuss their personal experiences with identity exploration, the impact of supportive adults, and their work in advocating for LGBT...

Join host Lorraine Connell as she sits down with Francine Tirrell, a spiritual business and mindset coach, energy healer, and founder of Forever Changed Coaching. In this episode, Francine shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a beacon of empowerment for women seeking clarity and confidence. Discover how Francine's personal experiences have shaped her approach to helping others break free from overwhelm and em...

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Melissa, co-founder of Women’s Business League (WBL), to dive deep into the power of building genuine connections, overcoming challenges, and fostering confidence in leadership.

Melissa shares her personal journey, from facing rejection in high school cheerleading to finding her unique way to stand out and be part of a team. This story laid the founda...

Join Lorraine Connell as she sits down with Kevin Mecchella, a former educator and professional musician turned youth advocate. Kevin shares his transformative journey from being the class clown to becoming a nationally recognized speaker, using music and humor to empower students in building strong mental health foundations.

Key Takeaways:

Kevin's teenage years and the quest for validation The pivotal car accident that changed his...

Show Notes:

In this episode, Lorraine reconnects with her high school student, Luke, now the Brand Activation and Events Manager at Woodward Park City. They dive into Luke’s inspiring journey from an unconventional teen to a leader in the action sports industry. Here are the highlights:

🎯 Luke's Leadership Journey: Luke shares how his non-traditional path, personal challenges, and passion for snowboarding helped him become a mento...

Description: Join Lorraine Connell as she welcomes Iuri Melo, a licensed clinical social worker, author, and co-founder of School Pulse. In this episode, Iuri shares his journey from Portugal to the U.S., his innovative approach to therapy using adventure-based activities, and the creation of School Pulse, a proactive student support service. Discover insights on positive psychology, the importance of forgiveness, and how to empowe...

Show Notes: In this inspiring episode, Lorraine sits down with Reverend Dawn Adams, Senior Minister at 1st Congregational Church, Wolfborough, UCC. Dawn shares her profound journey into ministry and leadership, offering valuable insights into self-perception, personal growth, and the importance of finding one's true calling in life. Together, they explore:

🔹 Dawn's early experiences in ministry and the path that led her to become ...

In this episode, Lorraine Connell sits down with Rebecca Minor, a queer clinician, consultant, and educator, to discuss the complex interplay of trauma, gender, and sexuality. Rebecca shares her personal journey and professional insights, offering a compassionate perspective on supporting trans and gender nonconforming youth.

Key Topics:

Rebecca's early experiences with mental health and identity The founding of Prism Therapy Colle...

In this inspiring episode of Leaders of Today, Lorraine Connell sits down with Maya Srinivasan to explore her unconventional and deeply personal path to leadership—from a high school student finding her voice in an alternative school, to a business owner redefining culture in the construction industry.

Maya opens up about growing up in a tight-knit family, her early struggles in school, and the transformative experience of attendin...

In this episode, Lorraine Connell, founder of Peers Not Fears, sits down with mental health expert Abbey Sangmeister to explore the critical challenges teens face, including burnout, mental health, and societal pressure around career choices. The conversation highlights the importance of self-care, reflection, and open communication for teens navigating school, future aspirations, and personal growth.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Ado...