R.O.G. Return on Generosity

R.O.G. Return on Generosity

A half hour interview show featuring innovative leaders who cultivate a culture of giving, belonging and thriving together. In each episode, we’ll explore how generosity at work impacts the bottom line and address cultural dynamics, team behavior and peer relationships.

Episodes

July 1, 2025 42 mins

“Look past people’s faults and find their needs.”

“I knew I couldn’t teach a kid until that kid knew I cared about them or until I made a connection with them.”

“The grind is worth it.”

 

Episode summary |

In this episode of the Return on Generosity podcast, host Jabari Whitehead engages in a heartfelt conversation with guests Tay Person and Mike Wernert about the themes of fatherhood, personal growth, and the importance of generos...

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“Happiness is often around an external event or external situation where joy is internal.”

“You can’t pour from an empty soul.”

“You can choose how to show up.”

 

Episode summary |

In this episode of ROG, Shannon Cassidy speaks with Linda Shively, a neuroscience and mindset coach, about the importance of joy, resilience, and generosity. Linda shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity, including escaping an abusive marriag...

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“[Rare Diseases Research] deserves to be celebrated the same way that we celebrate athletes and sports in this country.”

“Giving is the greatest form of getting.”

“You always have a chance to positively impact other people, it's just a matter of what you do with the moments you have.”

 

Episode summary |

In this episode of ROG, Shannon Cassidy interviews Brett Brackett, the executive director of Uplifting Athletes, who shares his j...

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"Everybody has value to give."

“It’s not a game breaker, it’s a game changer.”

“How are you doing that differently? How are you going to stand out from the crowd?”

 

Episode summary |

In this episode of the ROG Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy interviews Yvette Thornton, a registered patent agent and advocate for innovation and women in leadership. Yvette shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Virginia to...

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“Relationship is a noun, but 'relationshipping' is a verb and it takes a lot of agency and some skill.”

"You have to know what you want."

"Pause is power."

Episode summary |

In this episode of the ROG Return on Generosity podcast, executive coach and psychotherapist Dr. Lani Nelson-Zlupko describes the difference between relationships and “relationshipping”, sharing insights on effective communication, emotional intelligence, and t...

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"I'm so grateful to be alive." "You have a life, let's freaking go!"

 

Episode summary |

In this episode of the ROG Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with fitness entrepreneur Sydney Cummings Houdyshell about her journey from collegiate athlete to a leading figure in the fitness industry. Sydney shares her experiences overcoming personal tragedies, the importance of mental health, and her mission to provide ...

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“It's important to think bigger than what you know is possible”

 

Episode summary |

In this episode of the ROG Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy interviews Sydney Cummings Houdyshell, a certified personal trainer and founder of Royal Change. Sydney shares her journey from a small-town athlete to a global fitness influencer, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, resilience, and community. She discusses her tra...

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“Making progress is soul-crusher free."

"We can control how we react to it."

"Assume positive intent."

 

Episode summary |

In this conversation, Tim Leake, founder of Let's Lightbulb, discusses how to make work enjoyable and productive. He shares insights on creativity, collaboration, and the importance of humor in high-stakes environments. Tim emphasizes the need for leaders to be generous and supportive, creating a culture where ...

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"Feelings fully felt is bliss."

"Breath is always free."

"Self-augmentation is the key."

 

Episode summary |

In this episode of the Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Jason Henkel, founder of Focus to Evolve, about achieving balance and productivity without burnout. Jason shares his journey from a hectic corporate life to discovering the importance of self-management and centeredness. He emphasizes the n...

"Share your likes before your concerns."

"Life is not a dress rehearsal."

 

Episode summary |

In this engaging conversation, Nomi Bergman shares her journey from a challenging childhood in athletics to becoming a successful leader in the technology sector. She emphasizes the importance of kindness, generosity, and positive intent in leadership, drawing from her experiences at Bright House Networks. Nomi discusses the significance o...

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"Find joy every day."

 

Episode summary |

Susan Jin Davis and May Lee explore the themes of generosity, identity, and resilience shaped by their immigrant experiences. They discuss the challenges of growing up as children of immigrants, the impact of cultural concepts like Han, and the transformative power of loss. May shares her journey as a journalist of color, emphasizing the importance of diversity in media and the need for edu...

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"I want to make it less hard for veterans."

"We are stronger together."

"Just show up, ask questions."

 

Episode summary |

Shannon Cassidy speaks with Michelle Lang, the Executive Director of Operation Honor Rural Salute. Michelle shares her personal journey as an Army wife and the challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, mental health awareness, a...

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“A lot of the things I work on are not HARD problems, they’re HEART problems.”

“If you name it, you can tame it.”

“It is in our Unity that we can elevate our Humanity.”

___________________________________________________

This episode contains discussions of rape and sexual assault, which may be disturbing or triggering for some listeners. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being.

If you or someone you know needs support, plea...

“The biggest thing that holds women back is low self-esteem”

“We’re imperfect and it’s totally okay.”

"Women can do so many amazing things."

 

Episode summary |

Sheena Yap Chan, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and renowned podcaster, shares her journey of overcoming cultural barriers and personal trauma to empower women, particularly Asian women, in their pursuit of self-confidence and leadership. She discusses the importa...

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"Storytelling heals the brain."

"No struggle, no story."

"Life happens in moments."

 

Episode summary |

In this episode of Return on Generosity, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Scott Mann, a former Green Beret and founder of Rooftop Leadership. They discuss the importance of generosity in leadership, the power of storytelling, and how to build trust in low-trust environments. Scott shares his journey from military service to becom...

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"Choose to be okay with who you are."

"Self-acceptance is not the opposite of self-improvement; it is the opposite of self-judgment."

"It's about being more at peace with the imperfection that exists in all of us."

"You are never responding to the world around you, ever - you are only ever responding to the meaning that you're putting on what is happening."

 

Episode summary |

Dr. Laura Gallaher, an organizational psychologist and ...

"I want to be what I needed."

"Culture drives everything."

"Generosity and empathy go a long way."

"Never abandon who you are."

“Everybody comes to the table dealing with something.”

 

Episode summary |

Dr. Kristopher Brown shares his journey in education, highlighting his commitment to creating a positive school environment. He discusses the importance of using student feedback to inform decisions, fostering a culture of inclusion...

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"Clarity is key."

"Be the leader you would want to follow."

 

Episode summary |

In this engaging conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Lyn Wineman, founder of KidGlov, an advertising agency dedicated to helping changemakers amplify their impact. Lyn shares her journey from a small town in Nebraska to becoming a leader in purpose-driven marketing. The discussion covers the founding of KidGlov, the significance of B Corp certifica...

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"We need to challenge our perspective.”

"We need to agree to respect."

“Turn confrontation into a conversation.”

“There's humanity on different sides of conversations.”

Chapters:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Justin Jones-Fosu
  • 01:18 Justin's Upbringing and Early Influences
  • 03:25 Lessons from a Challenging Childhood
  • 05:32 Confronting Absence: A Journey to Understanding
  • 09:12 The Power of Listening and Empathy
  • 11:49 The Power of T...
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February 18, 2025 53 mins

"Feedback is a gift.”

"You do what is best for your career, not what's comfortable for other people."

“We trust the people who tell us the truth.”

“I really subscribe to the idea that you should do something once a year that scares the crap out of you.”

Chapters:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Tessa White and Her Journey
  • 02:51 Navigating Career Challenges and Generosity in Leadership
  • 05:45 The Birth of The Job Doctor and Accidental ...
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