Unapologetic Leadership
In a noisy, distracted world, authentic leadership matters more than ever. Hosted by Cory Dunham—entrepreneur, business leader, and follower of Jesus—this podcast is real talk for real leaders who want to live and lead with clarity, courage, and conviction.
From overcoming fear mindsets to leading with love, Cory shares personal stories, faith-driven values, and practical tools that help you grow as a leader in your workplace, family, and community. Each episode offers actionable takeaways, mindset shifts, and sometimes guest insights—so you can lead without burnout, build trust, create alignment, and anchor yourself in what truly matters.
Whether you’re a boss, teacher, parent, entrepreneur, career professional, or single mom, this show will help you lead yourself and others in a way that’s bold, authentic, and sustainable. Because leadership isn’t a title—it’s a way of living.
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Unapologetic Leadership
Leadership With Humility, Mentorship Is Missing, God Doesn't Give Fear with Renée Heywood, Ph.D
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In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham talks with Renée Heywood, Ph.D., about what modern leadership is missing and why humility, mentorship, and faith matter now more than ever. Renée shares insights from decades in education and leadership on moving beyond fear, imposter syndrome, and performance-driven mindsets to lead with purpose.
They discuss the loss of mentorship, faith-driven decision-making, and what it truly means to lead people—not positions.
About Renée Heywood, Ph.D.
Dr. Heywood has over 25 years of experience in education and leadership. She is the CEO of South Shore Stars, founder of Real Talk Leadership, and author of Finding Me Finding Us for Educators, available on Amazon and at RealTalkLeadership.com.
Connect with Renée:
rheywood@southshorestars.org
508-505-0200
Published Blogs, Articles & Resources
1. LinkedIn Post, July 17, 2025 – Front Seats Cost Extra – So “LEAD.”
2. Path-to-Progress – Showing the Impact of Equity Work (Contributing author)
3. Heywood, R. (2021). Racial Trauma, Language Use and Biases: A Reflection on
Harmful Practices in Education. Kieli, koulutus ja yhteiskunta, 12(5). Saatavilla:
4. Krezmien, M. P., Clift, W., & Heywood, R. (2020). Using technology to unlock the
potential of diverse learners in juvenile justice settings. ResearchGate.
5. Continuum of Bias Framework (Finding Me Finding Us for Educators - Heywood,
Published Books
1. Heywood, R. (2025). Powerful God Empowering Us.
2. William, W., & Garret-Walker, W. (2025) The Majestic Place: The Freedom Possible in
Black Women’s Leadership. Rowman and Littlefield Publishing. (Contributing
3. Heywood, R. (2024). Finding Me Finding Us for Educators – A Reflection Journal for
4. Heywood, R., & Heywood, R. (2020). I said, “I Do” to All That - Unpacking Life’s