Ayana Coston is a results-driven Executive and Leadership Coach who transforms both careers and organizations. With 20 years of corporate experience, she helps professionals build meaningful careers aligned with their core values.

Ayana's holistic approach centers on aligning personal purpose with organizational goals while ensuring fair compensation. Her expertise in conflict resolution, change management, and creating inclusive workplaces makes her invaluable to clients facing complex challenges.

As a certified coach from the Coaches Training Institute, she partners with clients using tools like MBTI and DiSC, empowering them to lead their own development. This Philadelphia native now enjoys Maryland life—hosting gatherings, visiting wineries, and spending time with family when she's not transforming professional lives.

Learn More About Ayana Here.

Dr. Mariska Adams Cadogon is an educator, speaker, and founder of Cadogon Education Consultants. With a background in biology, chiropractic care, and curriculum leadership, she’s taught students from middle school to college. A Bennett College graduate with advanced degrees from NYCHS and Liberty University, she blends science, service, and storytelling to inspire change. Known for her transparency on faith, family, and purpose, Dr. Cadogon empowers others to lead and live authentically.

Find out more here.

George Borum is a veteran educator, school leader, and founder of Schenectady Scholars Charter School, a proposed Montessori-inspired charter school committed to equity and academic excellence. George discovered his purpose early, blending his love for history with a calling to teach and lead. Over 16 years—15 of those at Henry Johnson Charter School—George has worn nearly every hat in education, from teaching assistant and lead teacher to assistant principal and culture lead. He’s survived 11 leaders in 15 years and turned that churn into wisdom about resilience, race, and how strong staff culture keeps schools alive. Whether mentoring new teachers, designing culturally responsive classrooms, or handwriting 40 goodbye notes to staff, George leads with heart. Now a LiberatedEd National Fellow and Emerging Leader Fellow with the American Montessori Society, he’s building a new kind of school—one that heals, includes, and prepares kids for real life. 

Julia Cooper, a Senior Recruiting Partner in the Property Management/Real Estate industry, brings over eight years of experience in Talent Acquisition. Passionate about connecting top talent with people-centric, culture-driven companies, she specializes in identifying diverse candidates who offer fresh perspectives.

Her work revolves around understanding what drives individuals, what they seek in a role, and how they can thrive within a team. On the show, she shares insights from her talent acquisition journey, offering practical tips on evaluating hiring managers. Listeners will learn to recognize key leadership qualities—effective communication, decision-making, and the ability to foster an inclusive, positive team culture.

Learn More about Julia: LinkedIn 

Laura Butler is a force of empathy and strategy whose career spans classrooms, boardrooms, and beyond. Starting as a passionate music teacher, Laura discovered her calling extended far past the podium—into the lives of veterans, military spouses, and professionals seeking new purpose. She has designed and led award-winning programs at nonprofits, national agencies, and global consulting firms, empowering thousands of transitioning service members and their families to translate unique skills into thriving civilian careers. Laura’s leadership style blends heart and clarity, building bridges across military and corporate cultures to drive meaningful change. Whether coaching children or executives, she challenges everyone she meets to believe in second chances—and themselves. 

 Rev. Kevin T. Taylor is a preacher, educator, and executive leader currently serving as the Chief Finance and Talent Officer for a Connecticut-based nonprofit. A former charter school CEO and finance professional, Kevin’s journey spans education, ministry, and clean energy advocacy. He pastors Israel AMEC in Albany, NY

Meet Sarah Vaughn Benjamin: Sarah is an HR professional who has experience across learning and development, talent management, and as an HR Business Partner. She has 5 years of experience in the corporate world, having previously spent a few years working in academia. Her favorite part about working in HR is collaborating with individuals and leaders at all levels within the organization to coach others and promote a positive company culture. Passionate about personal and professional growth, Sarah is dedicated to collaborating with her team to improve processes as well as challenging others to consider ideas from multiple perspectives. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, going to musicals and restaurants with her friends, and traveling. 

Learn more about Sarah here.