SC152a: BONUS -Leading Through the Loss of a Loved One
STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
Release Date: 04/03/2025
SC163 Dr. Samaad Wes Keys: HBCU Love- From Tradition to Transformation
STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
In this enlightening episode of STEMulating Conversations, Dr. Q sits down with Samaad Wes Keys, PhD, a passionate advocate for education and a Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation. Samaad shares his inspiring journey—from his early days as a classroom teacher in New Jersey to now shaping national strategies that uplift Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). With humor and insight, he discusses how his lived experiences inform his work and his dedication to ensuring equity and excellence in higher education. Samaad unpacks the unique strengths and enduring impact of...
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SC162: KathyTimesWow! Resetting to Understand Your Strengths
STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
In this episode of STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q, we welcome Emmy-winning storyteller and communications strategist Kathy Times. Known for her dynamic presence and powerful storytelling as a journalist, Kathy opens up about the value of hitting reset—how taking a step back can help clarify your strengths and reignite your purpose. Listeners get an authentic look at the leader behind the accolades, as she shares how prioritizing wellness and living with intention fuels her success. Kathy also introduces us to WOW, her professional development program designed to help...
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SC161: Mia McNeil: The Hope Dealer’s Guide to Aging, Advocacy & AARP
STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
In this STEMulating Conversations episode, hope dealer Mia McNeil, ESq., Tennessee State Director for AARP, joins us to unpack the truth behind the organization’s mission, the power of advocacy, and why aging is everyone’s issue. AARP isn’t just about senior discounts—it's shaping the future of healthcare, equity, and livable communities. Mia brings energy, insight, and truth as she dispels the common myths about AARP — it’s not just for "old folks," and it's not just about discounts. She shares how the organization champions critical issues like healthcare access, digital...
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SC160: Dr. Shanna Jackson-The Community College Catalyst
STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
Whether you are an educator, student, or aspiring leader, this STEMulating Conversation with Dr. Shanna Jackson, President of Nashville State Community College will leave you inspired by the power of selfless leadership and the transformative potential of community colleges. We explore how community colleges serve as powerful bridges to opportunity for students of all ages and generations. Dr. Jackson shares insights on the benefits of having a presence on multiple campuses across a seven county service area. She leads with purpose and is intentional about creating...
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SC159: Deanna Meador-Tech Tailoring the Future of Fashion
STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
In this episode, Deanna Meador shares her inspiring journey in launching Couture Technologies, a groundbreaking company redefining how we shop for clothes online. With a mission to solve one of e-commerce’s biggest challenges—fit and sizing—Deanna and her team have developed virtual try-on and 3D body modeling tools that personalize the online shopping experience. The result: happier customers, fewer returns, and a more sustainable retail ecosystem. Deanna is passionate about sharing her story to help others learn, grow, and take bold steps into the world of entrepreneurship. She...
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SC158: Missy Acosta's Smile Impact- Purpose Driven Leadership
STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
In this episode of the STEMulating Conversations, we welcome Missy Acosta, Senior Vice President of Brand Experience at Delta Dental of Tennessee. Missy is a a purpose-driven leader with a career rooted in storytelling, strategy, and service across several industries/ She shares how her belief in the power of a healthy smile goes far beyond oral health—it’s a tool for building confidence, From leading brand initiatives at Delta Dental to garnering Legislative support to address oral health in the State, to serving on nonprofit board , Missy discusses how she blends creativity...
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SC157: Dr. Katherine Y. Brown- The CPR Lady Leading With a Lens of Resuscitation
STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
In this episode of STEMulating Conversations, we sit down with Dr. Katherine Y. Brown, affectionately known as The CPR Lady—a title earned not just from her passion for teaching lifesaving skills, but from a life committed to reviving potential in every form. From going door to door in her community to teach CPR, to leading efforts that breathe life into careers, organizations, and people, Dr. Brown has made “resuscitation” more than a medical term—it’s her mission. Whether she's saving lives, uplifting others, or reigniting purpose, she reminds us that revival is always possible....
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SC156: Speak with Bliss-Clear, Confident and Connected Communication
STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
In this episode, MiMi Bliss, owner of emphasizes the importance of public speaking as a core competency—for all professionals at any level and in all fields. As a seasoned public speaking coach and former TV reporter, she teaches that the ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and authentically is a critical skill, not a “nice-to-have” soft skill. MiMi shares practical tips on structuring presentations, managing anxiety, and connecting with diverse audiences. She also discusses how effective communication can elevate careers, boost credibility, and foster collaboration...
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SC155: Renowned STEM Storyteller Dr. Sibrina Collns- Educating to Inspire
STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
In this episode of STEMulating Conversations, we chat with the incredible Dr. Sibrina Collins — a chemist by training, a science educator by passion, and a natural-born storyteller. With a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, Dr. Collins started out in the lab but soon realized her heart was in inspiring the next generation of scientists through education and outreach. A renowned STEM storyteller, Dr. Collins has carved out a unique path in academia — stepping away from traditional research roles to embrace administrative leadership. Her mission? To ignite a love for science in students from all...
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SC154: Dr. Terry Esper is Achievement in Motion--Scholar, Professor and Global Supply Chain Expert
STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Terry Esper, professor of logistics at The Ohio State University and a regular contributor to NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and Sirius XM. With a captivating mix of personal storytelling and professional insight, Dr. Esper walks us through his journey from the heart of Detroit to Philander Smith College (now University) a small HBCU in Arkansas to becoming a globally recognized expert in supply chain management. He shares how his early experiences shaped his curiosity about how goods move, how systems connect, and how supply chains impact everything from...
info_outlineThis bonus conversation with Keith Conerly,is a testament to strength, vulnerability and an unwavering faith in God. He shares the heartbreaking yet heartfelt story of the sudden passing of his beloved wife of 32 years. He opens up about the loss, the grief, and the journey of navigating life without his lifelong partner.
Keith reflects on the difficult questions that follow such a profound loss: How do you lead when your world has changed forever? When do you go back to work? How do you establish a new normal? Through his experience, he offers wisdom on resilience, the power of support systems, therapy, and the delicate balance of personal healing while carrying the weight of leadership.