RightNOWLeaders - SEASON 1

RightNOWLeaders - SEASON 1

by Andre G. Early
CareersSelf-Improvement
Season 1

Facing Adversity: Unlock Your Next Level

Facing adversity can unlock your next level of growth, and in this enlightening and engaging conversation, Andre Early and his dynamic crew dive deep into life's challenges, transitions, and the power of perseverance. From personal struggles to professional pivots, this candid talk reveals valuable insights and expert perspectives on navigating obstacles, building resilience, and seizing opportunities for self-discovery and success. Featuring powerful stories from trailblazers Wynne 'JR' Brown, Solomon 'Solo' Thomas, and Joshua Robinson. This episode offers lessons on overcoming self-doubt, embracing change, and preparing for the journey ahead. Whether you're striving to conquer personal hurdles or seeking inspiration to level up in your career, this discussion is packed with wisdom, real-life examples, and actionable takeaways to guide you toward your goals. Learn how to face adversity head-on, build mental toughness, and create a life defined by purpose and growth. Watch the full video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/u4UBpnTdGJ0?si=4Gy3Su1j5a19JTYf Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eiegjourney/ P.S. Please leave a review to help support this show.
S1 · E2
Dec 4, 2025
49:28

Career Growth Secrets You Wish You Knew Earlier

Unlock career growth secrets with this enlightening and engaging conversation featuring trailblazers in finance and entrepreneurship! In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, host Andre G. Early (Dre) is joined by extraordinary guests Wynne 'Jr' Brown, a banking industry expert with an accounting background, and Solomon 'Solo' Thomas, a business analyst specializing in finance, technology, and AI innovation. Together, they share valuable insights on professional growth, technical skills, mentorship, and the power of exposure and networking. From candid conversations on overcoming challenges to expert perspectives on leveraging technology and building critical thinking, this episode is packed with inspirational stories and practical advice for early career professionals and students alike. Discover how to navigate your career journey, define success, and make meaningful connections that propel you forward. Watch the full video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/kgxNnBa6GOc?si=L9i7vruDDnH3xnCT Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eiegjourney/ P.S. Please leave a review to help support this show.
S1 · E1
Dec 3, 2025
48:03

What Every Parent Needs to Hear: Lessons from the MBK Symposium with Ernest McFadden

In this insightful episode of RightNOWLeaders, we go behind the scenes of the 2026 My Brother's Keeper (MBK) Symposium held at the Westchester County Center. Host sits down with Ernest McFadden, Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, to discuss the powerful impact of convening young men of color for a day of leadership development, character building, and community connection. This conversation explores the origins of the MBK initiative in the region, the logistics of coordinating such a massive event, and the importance of investing in our youth through formal and informal mentorship.
E20
Oct 1, 2026
18:36

Why Every Parent & Educator NEEDS to Hear These Youth Insights with Dr. Margie Daniels

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we sit down with Dr. Margie Daniels, Director of Inclusive Practices and Access for the Peekskill City School District, to discuss the transformative impact of the 2026 My Brother's Keeper (MBK) Symposium. This conversation dives deep into how dedicated mentors, superintendents, and elected officials are coming together to provide vital resources and guidance to young men of color. We explore the 'North Star' of the MBK initiative: academic success, social-emotional health, and the importance of representation. From coordinating complex logistics to creating relatable workshops on branding and gun violence, you will gain insights into how community partnerships can foster real-world success for students.
E19
Oct 1, 2026
20:07

One Mistake Can't Define You: Guiding Youth Beyond Gangs with Derrick Mack

In this inspiring episode of RightNOWLeaders, we dive deep into the impact of the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) symposium held at the Westchester County Center. We are joined by community volunteer Derrick Mack, who shares his firsthand experience working with students in the Newburgh Central School District and beyond. The conversation focuses on the critical need for robust support systems for young men, addressing challenges such as gun violence, academic struggles, and the importance of finding positive role models.
E18
Oct 1, 2026
17:52

Branding & Emotional Resilience: Key Takeaways from the MBK Event with Dr. Natasha Freeman-Mack

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we sit down with Dr. Natasha Freeman-Mack, Assistant Superintendent of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, to pull back the curtain on the transformative 2026 My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Symposium. Held at the Westchester County Center, this event brought together superintendents, elected officials, and young men from across the Hudson Valley to foster leadership and career navigation skills. Dr. Freeman-Mack shares the behind-the-scenes effort required to organize such a large-scale convening, emphasizing the importance of student voices and the 'model community' framework within MBK.
E17
Oct 1, 2026
20:41

MBK's Secret Weapon? How 'Second Chance' Programs Transform Youth with Judge Jared Rice

In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Judge Jared Rice to explore the historical context and profound community impact of the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) challenge. Since its inception in 2014, MBK has served as a critical framework for empowering youth and fostering systemic change. This video highlights the two-pronged approach, integrating city government and school districts, that established New Rochelle as a pioneering model in Westchester County. Judge Rice shares insights into the 'second chance' initiative for emerging adults, which is successfully reducing recidivism and providing holistic support for vulnerable populations.
E16
Oct 1, 2026
16:08

Navigating Social Media & Relationships: A Teen's Guide with Jaden Samuel

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we sit down with Jaden Samuel, a standout MBK (My Brother's Keeper) Fellow from the Greenburgh Central School District. Fresh from the 2026 MBK symposium, Jaden shares powerful insights on what it means to be a leader in today's digital age. We dive into the importance of personal branding, how to navigate teen relationships with healthy boundaries, and why it is critical to use social media as a tool for success rather than a setback for your future career.
E15
Oct 1, 2026
16:48

What Every Parent Needs to Hear: Lessons from MBK Leaders with Amir Jackson

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, host Andre Early sits down with Amir Jackson, an inspiring MBK fellow from the Greenburgh Central School District. Together, they reflect on the impact of the 2026 MBK Symposium held at the Westchester County Center. This conversation delves deep into the importance of brotherhood, the power of faith in leadership, and navigating the transitions from high school to college and the real world. Viewers will gain valuable insights into the My Brother’s Keeper program, the significance of mentorship, and how these young leaders are defining success on their own terms.
E14
Oct 1, 2026
18:13

Can My Brother's Keeper Become Obsolete? A Bold Vision for Education with Phillip Howard

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we sit down with a dedicated Newburgh Board of Education member, Phillip Howard, to discuss the critical role of local leadership and the transformative impact of the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative. The conversation dives deep into the systemic challenges facing students of color and how school board governance serves as the most influential tool for driving long-term community change. We explore the essential partnership between school districts and municipal leaders, the importance of advocacy, and why effective early intervention is the key to student success.
E13
Oct 1, 2026
9:06
2 of 5