Today’s guest sits at the intersection of strategy and service. Rachel Crowder is the CEO of Raette Consulting, where she leads strategic initiatives that help organizations grow stronger, move smarter, and create sustainable impact.

Rae is also the Founder of Black Health Lit — a platform dedicated to empowering communities with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate and advocate within the healthcare system.

So whether she’s working in boardrooms or in communities, Rachel is focused on one thing — making systems clearer, stronger, and more accessible for the people they’re meant to serve.

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What’s up, Ballers! Welcome back to The NxtUp Ballers Podcast — where we highlight individuals who are building something bigger than themselves.

Today’s guest is someone who’s using fitness as a vehicle — not just for physical transformation, but for discipline, mindset, and purpose

Austin Parker, or Coach AP, is a Corporate Wellness Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and CEO of APFit — where he’s spent over a decade helping individuals strengthen not just their bodies, but their confidence and mental resilience.

Today, we’re talking about what it really means to go beyond the workout — and start training for life and legacy.

Our guest is Dr. Diandra Renée Gordon — a 2x TEDx Speaker, licensed attorney, nonprofit founder, interim superintendent, and the creator of the H.E.A.R.T. Framework — a leadership model that centers empathy, excellence, and sustainable change.

With over 15 years in nonprofit leadership, a PhD in Human Development and Family Science, a JD from Capital University Law School, and a career dedicated to transforming education and equity — Dr. Gordon doesn’t just lead systems… she redesigns them.

This conversation is about intentional leadership. Cultural equity. And what it looks like to build something that touches both policy and people.