Chosen to Thrive: A Pioneer's Journey in Leadership

On today’s episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice sits down with Dr. Gary H. Gibbons, Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Gibbons joined the Morehouse School of Medicine in 1999 and founded the Morehouse Cardiovascular Institute. Prior to founding the Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Gibbons served on the faculties of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School.

In this episode, you’ll hear about Dr. Gibbons’ experience growing up in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia and the confidence and self-belief he developed in his early years. He shares his passion for entering the field of cardiology, the story around his decision to leave Harvard to  join the Morehouse School of Medicine, and the lessons he learned about engaging communities in a way that meets people where they are.

Tune in to this episode of Danforth Dialogues for an enriching exploration of Dr. Gibbons’ journey from Germantown to the forefront of cardiology.

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE

• Visit https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
• Visit https://msmcvri.org/ 

CREDITS

• Theme Music 🎵OLD FIRE MUSIC from Pond5.com
• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice sits down with Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks. Cynt became the first African American woman to serve as CEO of a team in the National Basketball Association when she was named to the position in 2018. During this conversation, Cynt shared insights she has learned throughout her career. You'll hear about the early influence of her mother who emphasized serving others with her time, talent, and treasure and Cynt’s experience at AT&T, where she discovered the power of authenticity in leadership.

The episode delves into Cynt’s journey to help transform the Dallas Mavericks into a model of diversity and inclusion in the NBA and beyond. You’ll hear her recipe for crisis management, emphasizing the critical role of vision and values in navigating challenges. She shares why a winning culture accepts and includes people, the values that have been crafted at her organization, and a powerful story of how one executive’s experience of not being included helped transform a company culture.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leader who faced challenges head-on, embraced authenticity, and is shaping a new paradigm in the world of professional sports.

CREDITS

• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com
• Theme Music 🎵OLD FIRE MUSIC from Pond5.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice sits down with Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer. Join us as we unpack the story behind the decision to invest billions in developing the MRNA vaccine for COVID-19. Dr. Bourla sheds light on the challenges faced, from overcoming skepticism about untested technology to rallying a diverse team in the face of a global crisis.

In this thought-provoking conversation, we delve into the intricacies of leadership during a pandemic, the critical role of partnerships with organizations like the NIH, and the profound impact on human lives. Dr. Bourla shares firsthand experiences, revealing the behind-the-scenes efforts that led to the successful development of the vaccine. We also explore the broader implications for the future of healthcare, the importance of combating vaccine misinformation, and the commitment to inclusivity in clinical trials and global vaccine distribution.

Stay tuned for a deep dive into the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the visionary outlook on the intersection of science, leadership, and the collective pursuit of a healthier world.

CREDITS

• Theme Music 🎵OLD FIRE MUSIC from Pond5.com
• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this impactful season finale of Danforth Dialogues, host Dr. Creshema Murray, an inclusion storyteller, leadership activist, and media maverick with over eighteen years of experience in advocating for equity and leadership development, revisits the thought-provoking discussions of Season One. She warmly acknowledges the remarkable contributions of Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice and shares her aspirations for the lasting imprint this series aims to leave in line with the mission of Morehouse School of Medicine, where she serves as Chief of Staff.

As we journey through the pivotal moments of the season, we re-engage with the insightful dialogues from our esteemed guests: Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group; Mayor Andre Dickens, the 61st Mayor of the City of Atlanta; Dr. Rochelle Walensky, former Director of the CDC; Lloyd Dean, former CEO of CommonSpirit Health; Dr. Helene D. Gayle, the 11th President of Spelman College; Chris Womack, President & CEO of Southern Company; and Laphonza Butler, the trailblazing former President of EMILY's List, recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to succeed Senator Dianne Feinstein, marking a historic milestone as the first Black lesbian to openly serve in the U.S. Senate, with a notable career of advocating for women, working families, and inclusive representation in political and organizational leadership.

This episode encapsulates not only the enriching dialogues that unfolded but also teases the thematic avenues of Season Two. Dr. Murray, with her profound understanding of organizational change and leadership, shares her exhilaration for the upcoming season’s themes, goals, and potential guestsStay tuned as Dr. Murray hints at the engaging and transformative discussions slated for the next season, continuing to bridge conversations around gender, leadership, diversity, and much more, reflecting the core values of Morehouse School of Medicine and the essence of Danforth Dialogues. This finale is a springboard into more depth, more dialogue, and more understanding.

As we bid adieu to Season One, your journey with Danforth Dialogues is just beginning – subscribe, share, and stay connected for Season Two!

CREDITS

• Visit CreshemaMurray.com to delve deeper into Dr. Murray’s extensive work in driving meaningful conversations within and beyond organizational frameworks.
• Theme Music 🎵OLD FIRE MUSIC from Pond5.com
• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us in this exciting episode of Danforth Dialogues as Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice welcomes Mayor Andre Dickens, the 61st Mayor of the City of Atlanta. In this episode Mayor Dickens takes us on a captivating journey, sharing the experiences that prepared him to lead one of the most vibrant cities in the United States. From the inspiring "Midnight Basketball" program, which offers a safe haven for young people while providing essential resources such as food and employment opportunities, to Atlanta's role as a host city for the 2026 World Cup, we explore the mayor's dedication to empowering the community and fostering inclusivity.

During this engaging conversation, we delve into Mayor Andre Dickens' strategies for addressing healthcare service needs in Atlanta and his perspective on the development of what has been called, “Cop City.” Discover how Mayor Dickens stays focused and grounded in his demanding role and how his early aspirations paved the way for his current position. As he shares valuable insights and advice for young leaders, you'll be inspired by his passion for making a positive impact. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode filled with powerful lessons on leadership, equity, and empowerment in the heart of Atlanta.

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE

• Visit https://www.atlantaga.gov/
• Follow Mayor Andre Dickens on social media at:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreforatlanta
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreforatlanta/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreforatlanta/
• Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/andreforatlanta

CREDITS

• Theme Music 🎵OLD FIRE MUSIC from Pond5.com
• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this enlightening episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice welcomes an iconic leader in the energy industry, Chris Womack. Womack made history as the first African American to be named President and CEO of Southern Company, one of the largest utilities in the United States. Starting his career with Southern Company in 1988, he climbed the ladder of success, eventually leading its subsidiary, Georgia Power, as Chairman, President, and CEO. 

What does it take to break barriers and navigate to the helm of a major corporation? How did his roots in government and lessons from his family shape his approach to leadership? What's his perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the corporate world? Join us as Chris Womack shares his incredible journey and powerful insights on leadership and equity in this captivating conversation. 

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE

• Follow Chris Womack on social media at
• Twitter https://twitter.com/chriscwomack
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscwomack/ 

CREDITS

• Theme Music 🎵OLD FIRE MUSIC from Pond5.com
• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice as she sits down with Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS). In this inspiring episode of the Danforth Dialogues, they delve into topics including the role of the public sector in helping to expand health equity in underserved communities in the post-covid era.

This is Part 2 of this two-part episode. Listen to Part 1 here.

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE

• Learn more about CMS and Chiquita Brooks LaSure at https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/leadership

CREDITS

• Theme Music 🎵OLD FIRE MUSIC from Pond5.com
• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice as she sits down with Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS). In this inspiring episode of the Danforth Dialogues, they delve into topics including the role of the public sector in helping to expand health equity in underserved communities in the post-covid era.

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE

• Learn more about CMS and Chiquita Brooks LaSure at https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/leadership

CREDITS

• Theme Music 🎵OLD FIRE MUSIC from Pond5.com
• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice as she sits down with the esteemed Dr. Helene D. Gayle, a trailblazing leader in public health and the 11th president of Spelman College. In this captivating episode of the Danforth Dialogues, they delve into invaluable lessons on leadership and explore collaborative approaches to promote health equity and societal advancement across communities.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Helene D. Gayle for sharing her wisdom, experience, and dedication to advancing health equity and leadership.

Tune in for this inspiring conversation that will leave you with a renewed perspective on leadership and the pursuit of health equity and generational impact  in our communities.

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE

• Visit https://www.spelman.edu/about-us/office-of-the-president
• Follow https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenegayle/

CREDITS

• Theme Music 🎵OLD FIRE MUSIC from Pond5.com
• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After over 20 years as an investigator at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Barney Graham, MD, Ph.D. retired in September 2021 as deputy director of the Vaccine Research Center and chief of the Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory. He was recently elected into the National Academy of Sciences.

Earlier this year, Dr. Graham received the NAS 2022 John J. Carty Award for the Advancement of Science, which acknowledged his "groundbreaking work on a vaccine and monoclonal antibody development for COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, HIV, and other emerging viruses."

Dr. Graham has joined the MSM faculty as a Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology (MBI) as of May 1, 2022. In addition, Dr. Graham will serve as Senior Advisor for Global Health Equity in the Office of the President and CEO.

CREDITS

• Theme Music 🎵OLD FIRE MUSIC from Pond5.com
• Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.