Ever felt like you didn’t set out to lead, but leadership found you anyway? In this episode, I sit down with Starlene Aydlett, whose journey from first-generation college graduate with a criminal justice degree to school counselor, and eventually to unexpected school leader, offers a powerful look at how growth often emerges from the moments we least expect. Together, we unpack the surprises, struggles, and small victories that come with inheriting leadership, from navigating challenging transitions to finding confidence with the help of supportive mentors.

Starlene shares how her experiences in criminal justice and mental health counseling shaped her perspective, ultimately leading to a role where she discovered the importance of seeing and hearing others. We discuss the challenges of moving from colleague to authority, building trust and influence, and the lessons learned when you’re called to lead before you feel ready. You’ll hear about the courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone, why authenticity matters, and how the best leaders focus on giving people what they truly need to thrive.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

1. Check out her website
2. Follow her on Instagram @drkimleadership
3. Follow her on TikTok @drkimleadership
4. Follow her in X @drkimleadership
5. Like her page on Facebook
6. Connect with her on LinkedIn

What happens when leadership finds you before you feel ready? In this episode, Ellarese Harvey opens up about her unexpected journey into leadership and how saying “yes” to a challenge she didn’t seek became the turning point for her personal and spiritual growth.

Ellarese shares how being asked to serve as a worship leader forced her to confront self-doubt and imposter syndrome, ultimately revealing strengths she didn’t know she had. Through faith, mentorship, and perseverance, she learned that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about influence, service, and the courage to grow through discomfort.

We explore how Ellarese balances her many roles as a university professional, fitness instructor, and worship leader, and how each has shaped her understanding of purpose and community. This episode is a reminder that leadership often begins where comfort ends—and that the most powerful leaders are those who rise with authenticity, humility, and faith.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

1. Check out her website
2. Follow her on Instagram @drkimleadership
3. Follow her on TikTok @drkimleadership
4. Follow her in X @drkimleadership
5. Like her page on Facebook
6. Connect with her on LinkedIn

What if the courage to lead started with leaving your comfort zone and discovering your calling in the process? In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Barker, an experienced educator and teacher coach, to explore how the most impactful leadership moments often begin with unexpected opportunities and leaps of faith. Together, we dive into why leadership is about influence, not titles, and how personal identity and core values are at the heart of authentic leadership.

Jennifer shares insight from her 23-year journey in education, opening up about how becoming a mother inspired her to pursue teaching, and how mentors and supportive colleagues helped her navigate challenging transitions. We talk about what it’s like to build trust in unfamiliar spaces, the importance of kindness and collaboration, and how bringing others along on your growth journey makes all the difference. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to decide on your next move, this episode gives you practical insights and encouragement to help you embrace growth and lift others as you lead.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

1. Grab your FREE Meeting Strategies Guide
2. Check out her website
3. Follow her on Instagram @drkimleadership
4. Follow her on TikTok @drkimleadership
5. Follow her in X @drkimleadership
6. Like her page on Facebook
7. Connect with her on LinkedIn