Leadership Realities Season 4

Starting a business from the ground up with Melanie Mora and Gaby Luco

Season 5 Episode 5
MELANIE MORA| FOUNDER OF GET SWEAT STUDIO,LLC Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, I’m a proud daughter of two hardworking 2nd generation immigrants who made sure I knew that education and a strong work ethic weren’t optional — they were the foundation.
I was a Business Analyst at a medical insurance company, climbing the corporate ladder, saving up that 401K, living the "comfortable" life. And then, plot twist: the company merges, and poof — my position disappears. Suddenly, the "start-your-own-business" idea wasn’t just a dream anymore. It became real.
I’m now a proud owner of a space where people come to work on both their physical and emotional health (and occasionally, their dance moves if you’ve seen our spin class choreography). It’s not just about the workouts — it's about transformation, community, and, let’s be honest, the sweat. Watching people change their lives in my studio? It’s way more fulfilling than any office desk could ever be.
As I continue this rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, I’m constantly evolving into the boss I’ve always wanted to be — but let’s be real, I don’t know if “boss” is the right word... I’m more like a glorified cheerleader who sometimes forgets to eat lunch. But hey, it’s all part of the fun. My dream? To grow GetSweat, open more locations, and keep raising the bar for cycling classes.
What I’ve learned? Starting a business from scratch is like a never-ending sprint — and if it looks easy from the outside, I must be doing something right. I won’t lie, being a mom, wife, daughter, and sister means sometimes I’m not always “there” for those roles the way I’d like, but when you’ve got a solid team cheering you on? The sky is the limit.
GABY LUCO is Co-Owner of Get Sweat Studio, LLC
Get Sweat Studio
https://www.instagram.com/getsweatstudio
www.getsweatstudio.com
226 N Maclay Ave San Fernando CA 91340
26934 The Old Rd Valencia, CA 91381
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

DELEGATING, Prioritizing & Leadership with Pamela Dixon

Season 5 Episode 4
Pamela Dixon, is a self made entrepreneur and advocate for individuals with special needs. She is the CEO and founder of B-ALL Unlimited LLC. She owns several residential facilities and provides services for individuals with special needs. She employs about 50 employees to serve her individuals. Her background in education and counseling has led to this path of helping this community. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English from UCLA and two Masters Degrees in educational administration and counseling from Cal State University Los Angeles. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/
https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Embracing Everything about YOU with Guest: Audra Bryant

Season 5 Episode 3
Audra is a TEDx speaker, empowerment coach, author, and multi-genre artist with a powerful mission: to help individuals acknowledge, embrace, and transform their physical and emotional scars into sources of strength and purpose. Born and raised in Detroit, Audra’s journey of resilience and self-empowerment began at just 18 months old when an accident left her with severe burns across her chest, neck, and shoulder.
For over two decades, Audra sought to erase her scars through surgeries, treatments, and other methods, but nothing succeeded in removing them. Struggling with self-acceptance, she spent years hiding her scars under layers of clothing and within the confines of unfulfilling relationships. At 25, Audra experienced a life-changing revelation: she realized that everyone bears scars, whether visible or hidden, and that these scars could be embraced as symbols of survival and strength.
Recognizing the need for a more personalized approach to empowerment, Audra founded Purpose Fulfilled Inc., a coaching and training company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Through her company, Purpose Fulfilled, Inc., Audra provides one-on-one and group coaching sessions, custom workshops, keynote presentations, and produces a podcast designed to inspire, motivate, and transform lives.
Guest: Audra Bryant
https://audrabryant.com/
TEDxInglewood TALK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOMh1txEkBY
www.PurposeFulfilledInc.com
Book: I've Got Scars, Baby!: How To Embrace Your Scars and Power Your Purpose https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DMRJG3X?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_28KEZ9872TQ71XHXJ2PK
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose
https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here:
https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/
https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Learning to delegate with Leonard Jackson

Season 5 Episode 2
Leonard Jackson, a dynamic entrepreneur and advocate for innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Norfleet Transportation, he leads a multimillion-dollar logistics company with over 100 employees and a successful freight broker training program. Leonard also has a rich background in entertainment, with acting credits in over 175 productions, and has authored the guide "How to Become a Successful Commercial Actor."
With nearly three decades of experience and an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University, he mentors HBCU students as a Judge of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Learn more about Leonard at:
Norfleet Transportation: www.norfleettransportation.com
Freight Broker Training: www.norfleettraining.com
Entertainment & Writing: www.leonardjackson.com
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/ Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns. Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Tige Charity talks COMMUNITY and LEADERSHIP with Dawn L. Brown

Season 5 Episode 1
Kicking off this Season 5 Episode1 with a twist! Our host, Tige Charity will be interviewed by Dawn L. Brown CEO of EmpowHer.
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits
Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @LeadershipRealitieswithTige
here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/leadershiprealities/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@leadershiprealities
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Your Purpose will find you with Kandee Rochelle Lewis

Season 4 Episode 10Kandee Rochelle Lewis is a Masterful trainer, Certified Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Prevention Advocate, Kandee specializes in Trauma Awareness, Teen Dating Violence, Healthy Relationships, Leadership and developing youth to be Peer Advocates and Safety Partners.Kandee has received numerous awards & honors including 2018 Hope Award in Education; 2017 Women of the Year, Education, from L.A. County Board of Supervisors & Commission for Women; and 2017, Vanguard Award Most Influential African American’s In Los Angeles, Mover and Shaker Category, 2016 Humanitarian Award, 2015 Woman of the Year; and the 2014 Woman of Distinction.The Positive Results Corporation has received grants and funding from the following organizations under Kandee’s Leadership (partial list): Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women; Kaiser Permanente; AIDS Health Care Foundation, Allstate Foundation; Annenberg Foundation; Black Peace Office Association; California Black Women’s Health Project; California State Universities (Dominguez Hills, Long Beach, Northridge); Delta Sigma Theta; J.P. Morgan Chase; Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, The City and County of Los Angeles; Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission; Department of Mental Health; Los Angeles County Probation Department; Housing Authority for the City of Los Angeles; SoCal Gas Company; SCE; Social Justice Learning Institute; Uplift Family Services; HOPICS, L.A. Care and New Economics for Women.Kandee’s long list of collaborations and partnerships include K-12 schools, colleges, government, business entities, community & faith-based organizations who are committed to safeguarding, mentoring, nurturing, and educating youth, young adults, and their families to be leaders and thinkers, creating healthy relationships.Kandee has trained with The National Association of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault, California Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Women of Color Network. She is a Founding Board Member for South Los Angeles Homeless (TAY) and Foster Care Collaborative, Compton’s Policing & Education Task Force, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Domestic Violence Round Table, and Los Angeles Mayor’s Human Trafficking Portal.GuestKandee Rochelle Lewiswww.prc123.orgwww.Facebook.com/PRC123Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/ Credits Host - Tige CharitySubscribe To @LeadershipRealitieswithTige here: http://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipRealitieswithTigeFollow us here: Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/leadershiprealities/https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@leadershiprealitiesFacebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656Executive Producer - Kimberly SparksProducer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CAMedia: Jaszmin KuhnerGraphic Designer: Sonya DeberryOpening Song Credit DONNIE MCCLURKIN I'M WALKING WE DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC

Feel the feelings as a Leader with Xavier Byers

Season 04 Episode 09
Xavier Byers was born & raised in Augusta, Georgia. Xavier attended Morehouse College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He began his career at Turner Broadcasting as a summer intern (Finance), eventually supporting CNN, Cartoon Network, and Adult Swim. In 2014, Xavier accepted a position with Warner Bros. and moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he currently resides. Since moving, Xavier became active with the Black Employee professional group that he chaired for three years, where he successfully curated Diversity and Inclusion events and supported Film and TV projects with Senior C-suite Leaders. Currently, Xavier is a Production Finance Executive at NETFLIX, where he has worked on indie, mid-budget, and blockbuster budget films. He also sits on the Studio Finance DEI Counel. Xavier continues to be driven by opportunities to collaborate and move the culture forward while remaining passionate and committed to elevating creative content.
Guest: Xavier Byers
Instagram: @professor_xb
https://www.linkedin.com/in/xavier-byers-2517665/
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @LeadershipRealitieswithTige here: http://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipRealitieswithTige
Follow us here:
Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/leadershiprealities/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@leadershiprealities
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry
Opening Song Credit DONNIE MCCLURKIN I'M WALKING WE DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC

Feel the feelings as a Leader with Xavier Byers

Season 04 Episode 09Xavier Byers was born & raised in Augusta, Georgia. Xavier attended Morehouse College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He began his career at Turner Broadcasting as a summer intern (Finance), eventually supporting CNN, Cartoon Network, and Adult Swim.
In 2014, Xavier accepted a position with Warner Bros. and moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he currently resides. Since moving, Xavier became active with the Black Employee professional group that he chaired for three years, where he successfully curated Diversity and Inclusion events and supported Film and TV projects with Senior C-suite Leaders. Currently, Xavier is a Production Finance Executive at NETFLIX, where he has worked on indie, mid-budget, and blockbuster budget films. He also sits on the Studio Finance DEI Counel.
Xavier continues to be driven by opportunities to collaborate and move the culture forward while remaining passionate and committed to elevating creative content.Guest: Xavier Byers Instagram: @professor_xbhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/xavier-byers-2517665/Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/Credits Host - Tige CharitySubscribe To @LeadershipRealitieswithTige here: http://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipRealitieswithTigeFollow us here: Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/leadershiprealities/https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@leadershiprealitiesFacebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656Executive Producer - Kimberly SparksProducer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CAProducer/Media: Jaszmin KuhnerGraphic Designer: Sonya DeberryOpening Song Credit DONNIE MCCLURKIN I'M WALKING WE DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC

Listening To Your Team with Theresa Lowe!

Season 04 Episode 08
Theresa Lowe is the Founder/Executive Director of the Lowe Family Foundation. Her dedication to this work connects her to a linage of community advocacy by way of her grandmother, who was an avid organizer and volunteer. Theresa’s core values focus on creating the highest level of academic excellence. Having a background in early childhood education, she uses her passion for encouraging young people to guide and uplift their respective communities. Visionary in her leadership, she often steps up to organize, plan and administer impactful community projects and activities; as demonstrated by her receipt of the Curren D. Price SHero award in 2015. Theresa has contributed to organizations that encourage high levels of student/parent participation. And has served as an advisor and led fundraising committees for numerous causes and educational institutions. The loss of access to learning and resources during the time of Covid has further amplified her drive to improving social and academic wellness.
Favorite Quote: "You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people if you don't serve the people." - Dr. Cornel West
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-lowe/
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @LeadershipRealitieswithTige
here: http://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipRealitieswithTige
Follow us here:
Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/leadershiprealities/
https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@leadershiprealities
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry
Opening Song Credit DONNIE MCCLURKIN I'M WALKING WE DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC

Listening To Your Team with Theresa Lowe!

Season 04 Episode 08Theresa Lowe is the Founder/Executive Director of the Lowe Family Foundation. Her dedication to this work connects her to a linage of community advocacy by way of her grandmother, who was an avid organizer and volunteer. Theresa’s core values focus on creating the highest level of academic excellence. Having a background in early childhood education, she uses her passion for encouraging young people to guide and uplift their respective communities. Visionary in her leadership, she often steps up to organize, plan and administer impactful community projects and activities; as demonstrated by her receipt of the Curren D. Price SHero award in 2015. Theresa has contributed to organizations that encourage high levels of student/parent participation. And has served as an advisor and led fundraising committees for numerous causes and educational institutions. The loss of access to learning and resources during the time of Covid has further amplified her drive to improving social and academic wellness.Favorite Quote:"You can't lead the people if you don't love the people.You can't save the people if you don't serve the people."- Dr. Cornel Westhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-lowe/Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/ Credits Host - Tige CharitySubscribe To @LeadershipRealitieswithTige here: http://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipRealitieswithTigeFollow us here: Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/leadershiprealities/https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@leadershiprealitiesFacebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656Executive Producer - Kimberly SparksProducer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CAMedia: Jaszmin KuhnerGraphic Designer: Sonya DeberryOpening Song Credit DONNIE MCCLURKIN I'M WALKING WE DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC