Paul Johnson is a dedicated advocate for social justice, a champion for equity and inclusion, an experienced leadership development coach, a DEI-centric content creator, and an aspiring ally. I came across Paul's LinkedIn posts. They're engaging, truthful, and though-provoking. Paul works hard to bring the tough conversations to the forefront and continuously learns how to navigate them...as a cis-hetero-white-male. Paul has committed his personal and professional life to creating spaces for meaningful change to identify and eliminate systemic inequities and barriers to success for marginalized communities. More information on Paul and to connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulroderickjohnson/ Podcast, The Modern White Man: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHiYVNqxYKmHkxvTwquc2KA/about Book Recommendations: My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem We Will Not Cancel Us by adrienne marie brown Woke Racism by John McWhorter Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum Additional Resource Recommendations: Podcast: "Seeing White"--Scene on Radio "From White Racist to White Antiracist" article by Tema Okun.

Dr. Sidney Stone Brown is the author of Transformation Beyond Greed: Native Self-Actualization. She is a revolutionary voice in rethinking Maslow’s hierarchy and has been foundational in my PhD work focusing on the impacts of toxic leadership on women in leadership as well as my work in bring Radical Care to the workplace.

Dr. Stone Brown’s interviews with Blackfoot elders and her psychology expertise aligned to her work with indigenous peoples, introduces readers to Native Self-Actualization and Transformational Actualization as foundational aspects of learning how we view ourselves, others, and community. Her work helps us shift the focus from individual achievement (Maslow's top of the pyramid - Self-Actualization) back to collective actualization and brings Maslow's research back home - returning the knowledge to where it belongs - with the Blackfoot people that originally taught him.

Drawing from the profound wisdom of Blackfoot elders, the book challenges how we view leadership, healing, and purpose—not as individual pursuits but as interconnected journeys rooted in community, transformation, and care.

Together, Dr. Stone Brown and I explore how these ideas can transform modern leadership, community, education, and society as a whole. It was an honor to speak to someone who has been so profoundly impactful in my own leadership journey but also to bring her story to you has been a lifetime moment for me.

*Episode Correction:* the name of the college Dr. Stone Brown references is Red Cloud College - soon to be a university. Dr. Stone Brown and others through the college are working to create an Indigenous Psychology program.

Dr. Sidney Stone Brown's Book:

Transformation Beyond Greed: Native Self-Actualization

https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=ommN9eAC5Pczj5gwqlKGyiPgCuGHoExo2PFp1S45xFY

Nicole Madonna (pronouns: She/Her) is on a mission to elevate others through feminist theory, relational cultural theory and existential and narrative therapy. She is a licensed Social Worker and Clinical Therapist with an extensive background in program development, training and therapy with adults for the past 20 years. Nicole is the Founder and Executive Director of Blue Lotus Clinical & Consultation Services based out of Charlotte NC. Social Work is not a profession for the faint of heart, it takes passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to supporting our communities. Over the course of Nicole’s career, she has had opportunities to serve in the field while also supporting other young professionals to be successful in their journey to licensure and gaining valuable professional skills and knowledge. This episode walks us back in time to when Nicole and I first met - both of us in our tumultuous 20’s where we bonded over books and what real friendship looks like. It was an honor to share Nicole’s story and her passion for helping others. More About Nicole & Blue Lotus: https://bluelotusccspllc.com/