Formative
Business og økonomiFaktaFor unge lyttereFormative, from New York Edge, is the podcast where the leaders of today are interviewed by leaders of tomorrow! Our intrepid co-hosts, all between the ages of eleven and fourteen, conduct long-form interviews with successful adults from the worlds of business, science, the arts, and beyond.
Siste episoder av Formative podcast
- Kat and Briana: Getting Out of Our Own Way (00:20:59)
Kat Yeh has reinvented herself from sports marketer to beloved children’s author and poet, creating stories that inspire and delight. In this episode, middle schooler Briana talks with Kat about chasing sparks of inspiration, how she learned to overcome her own doubts, and which of her book characters she wishes she could be. Tune in for an introspective conversation about doubt, courage and chasing curiosities.
- John and Jacob: Making Our Own Noise (00:20:26)
John Loeffler has spent nearly fifty years making music that moves the world, from crafting the unforgettable Pokémon sound to working with iconic bands like Cheap Trick and Earth, Wind & Fire. In this episode, Jacob chats with John about how a few chance encounters in New York set him on a unique path, the many surprising directions a career in music can take, and why following your passion means living beyond the ordinary. Join us for a story about creativity, persistence, and making your own kind of noise.
- Marc and Nya: We’re Giving It Our All (00:17:09)
Marc Rosen, Senior Director of Corporate Sales & Concierge Services at FreshDirect, joins middle schooler Nya for a lively chat about what it takes to thrive in sales. Marc opens up about the skills that have shaped his career, what keeps his ambition burning, and the one thing he wishes he could do over. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth, goals, and getting better every day.
- Laurence and Semaji: We’re Not Done Yet (00:21:33)
Dr. Laurence Aronstein, a lifelong educator and leadership coach, joins middle schooler Semaji to reflect on nearly five decades in public education. From his start as a teacher to his role as a superintendent and now a coach for school leaders, Dr. Aronstein shares what keeps him inspired to serve. They talk about the hardest moments in his career, what brought him out of retirement, and why the work of education is never really finished.
- Bruce, Wendy, and Zariyah: Two Paths, One Passion for Real Estate (00:17:47)
In this episode of Formative, Bruce Mosler of Cushman & Wakefield and Wendy Mosler of Global Holdings Management Group sit down with middle schooler Zariyah for a candid conversation about careers in real estate. They share the moments that shaped their paths, the hard choices that built their confidence, and what keeps them motivated every day. This episode is about how every choice, big or small, can move you closer to the career (and life) you want.
- Victoria and Shania: We’re Building Something New (00:17:49)
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez, mindset coach, business consultant, and host of the Banking on Cultura podcast, joins middle schooler Shania for a conversation about blazing your own trail. Victoria shares what it was like to be the first in her family to graduate college, the challenges of starting her own business, and how her identity has shaped her journey. This episode is all about bold beginnings, self-belief, and creating your own path forward.
- Jo Ann and Dezyer: The Path Isn’t Always Straight (00:16:18)
Jo Ann Secor, Director of Interpretive Services at Skolnick Architecture, joins middle schooler Dezyer for a conversation about crafting powerful museum experiences, and how her own career has been anything but linear. Jo Ann opens up about the challenges, mistakes, and surprises that shaped her journey, and how sometimes the most fulfilling careers are the ones you never saw coming.
- Asha and Jacob: Owning Your Skills and Your Story (00:17:52)
Author Asha Aravindakshan joins Jacob for a conversation about discovering what you’re good at, and knowing how to show it. We talk about the power of transferable skills, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and why being a student can be a superpower. Whether you're just starting out or already chasing your goals, this episode is packed with insight on how to step into your strengths.
- Aisha and Jaylynn: Finding Your Light On and Off Stage (00:20:58)
Season 10 kicks off with Aisha Jackson, a Broadway actress who’s lit up the stage in shows like Waitress and Frozen, joining middle schooler Jaylynn for a conversation about life in the spotlight. Aisha shares what it really takes to be a theater performer, beyond just singing and acting, and reflects on the importance of representation on Broadway. She also lets us in on the best career advice she’s ever received. This is a conversation about talent, perseverance, and using your voice.
- Keenan and Zayra: Hart in the Hustle (00:11:57)
In this season finale, we’ve got Keenan Hart with us! Keenan is the co-founder of Fransis, a company focused on integrating artificial intelligence technology within the healthcare sector. He’s joined by Zayra to talk about why AI should not scare us, the importance of owning our mistakes and why it’s the most fun being in business with family!
- Stephen and Tabitha: Building Our Reinvention Toolkit (00:17:35)
In this episode, Tabitha gets a crash course on what it looks like to successfully reinvent yourself! Stephen Fascianella went from being an accountant to fostering community and engagement as the New York site engagement lead at Pfizer. Tabitha and Stephen also talk about what we get when we give and why it’s important to remain open to change.
- Mikki and Emma: We’re More Than Enough (00:22:58)
On the show with us today is Mikki Hernandez. Mikki is an actress, voiceover artist and author of the book, Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients. Emma, middle schooler and co-host, joins Mikki to have a conversation about why you should pursue the career that you most feel called to and how to cultivate an abundance mindset in a creative field. Oh, and why hiphop dancing rules!
- Lee and Olivia: We’re Still Teachable (00:12:14)
Lee Skolnick visits us today on Formative. Lee is an architect who’s worked on remarkable buildings across the world, including our very own New York Edge Headquarters! Middle schooler, Olivia, joins him to ask questions about the challenges that come with being the boss, why it’s important to remain teachable and what life would look like if we’d chosen a different path.
- Carl and Sage: We’re Lucky and Prepared (00:17:51)
Today, we’re joined by Carl Nassib. Carl is a former NFL player and currently the founder and CEO of Rayze, a social media app that connects nonprofits with donors and volunteers. With his career transition, Carl has learned a thing or two about reinvention and the imposter syndrome that comes with it. He talks to middle schooler, Sage, about that, plus the misconceptions of being a professional athlete and why it’s never just luck that gets you far in your life and career.
- Roger and Jacob: Rocking Relationships and Owning Your Skills (00:15:17)
In this episode of Formative, Roger Arrieux, New York Managing Partner at Deloitte, joins Jacob to talk about the power of building strong relationships in work and life. Roger shares how imposter syndrome fades when you find confidence in your skills and why success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about the people you meet along the way!
- Deborah and Dezyer: We’re Receiving Help (00:16:51)
Dr. Deborah Heiser, developmental psychologist and founder of The Mentor Project, joins middle schooler Dezyer to talk about the power of mentorship. Dr. Heiser opens up about her most challenging moments as a CEO, how her mentors helped her along the way, and why it's crucial to have different mentors for different chapters of your life. Whether you’re the one giving advice or receiving it, this episode is about how we all need a little help to grow!
- Monique and Mia: We’re Always Learning (00:14:58)
Dr. Monique Chism, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education, joins middle schooler Mia for a conversation about the power of learning. Dr. Chism reflects on the teachers who had a lasting impact on her, her love for dance and performance, and why she values being in rooms full of people who know more than she does. They also discuss how making tough decisions is a part of life and growth.
- Marc and Kianni: Showing Up and Stepping Up (00:21:25)
Marc Thompson Jr., the proud owner-operator of a Chick-fil-A in Queens, joins us on this episode of Formative! Marc and middle schooler co-host Kianni dive into why giving your best at work matters, even if you’re just starting out. They chat about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, how to handle tough customers, and why learning how to learn is one of the best skills you can have.
- Janet and Adesewa: Embracing Quiet Confidence (00:19:46)
Season 9 kicks off with Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT, as she sits down with middle schooler and co-host, Adesewa! In this episode, Janet shows us that confidence doesn’t always have to be loud. She opens up about her biggest career mistakes, her ongoing quest for more patience, and how she leads with kindness and accountability. Get ready to learn how quiet confidence can make a big impact!
- Erin and Diogob: Weird Is Just Fine (00:28:43)
We’re closing out this season of Formative with Erin Frankel. Erin is a children’s book author, speaker and teacher. Joining Erin is middle schooler and co-host, Diogob, who learns that being weird only means being unique and special. Erin shares with Diogob how bullying played a prominent role in her childhood and how it taught her the importance of kindness and why we should all stand proud of who we are, no matter what others think.
- Bill and Blake: Going After Joy (00:24:29)
On this episode of Formative, Bill Carbone and middle schooler, Blake, talk about how we have to protect our greatest joys from becoming chores. Bill is the Executive Director at Teachrock and he’s loved music his entire life. He shares with us the importance of remaining flexible in your career and how walking through the open doors can lead to beautiful unexpected experiences.
- Susan and Sage: Our Future Is Sunny (00:23:47)
Susan Warner joins us on today’s episode. Susan is Vice President of Community Engagement for Mastercard's Center for Inclusive Growth. Susan also created a STEM program called Girls4Tech. Joining Susan is middle schooler and co-host, Sage, who learns that we should pursue our passions in full force because it’ll be the greatest gift we give ourselves. Susan shares with Sage what she would do differently if she could do it all over again and what the third act of her career may look like.
- Brian and Joy: On the Path With No Cut Corners (00:17:34)
From working in the kitchen and on the register to owning and operating seven McDonald’s franchises, Brian Hairston joins our co-host, Joy, to talk about growing up in an entrepreneurial family. Brian tells us about why his parents, despite owning McDonald’s franchises themselves, taught him the business from the bottom up, along with the importance of taking our time to grow and succeed.
- Sarah and Blake: Living in Wonder and Making Jokes (00:29:54)
On this episode of Formative, Sarah Rose Siskind and middle schooler, Blake, talk about how our world is full of wonder and silliness. Sarah is a science comedy writer and she’s fascinated by astrophysics and robots. She shares with us what happens to your body when you fall through a blackhole, why she’s optimistic about artificial intelligence and how being a huge fan of making mistakes has helped her learn and grow.
- Desmond and Christian: Bring Our Passions Along (00:18:57)
On this episode of Formative, Desmond Jackbir and middle schooler, Christian, talk about how we can merge our passions and make dream careers for ourselves. Desmond is a Director of Network Field Engineering at Verizon. He shares with us how he got to be working at Verizon for the past 25 years and why he believes technology is a reliable career that can be paired with any passion, from cooking to sports.