Episodios

  • Episode 13 | Valin Brown, CEO, Alliant Educational Foundation | Doors Opened, Lives Changed

    Episode 13 | Valin Brown, CEO, Alliant Educational Foundation | Doors Opened, Lives Changed
    Apr 15 2026
    In this episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy, sits down with nonprofit leader Valin Brown, CEO of the Alliant Educational Foundation. Valin takes us on a journey from his early years in Coatesville, Pennsylvania and a pivotal move to St. Charles, Illinois, through an intense academic run at Northwestern University in philosophy and cultural anthropology, to a life devoted to impact in the nonprofit sector. Valin shares how financial aid opened the door to a world-class education, how early roles with United Way led to becoming a CEO at just 26, and how a bold move to San Diego reshaped his life and career. He talks about building educational and mental health initiatives for children and families, the mentors who believed in him before he believed in himself, and what it means to unify your life’s work with your deepest values. Beyond his professional story, Valin opens up about surviving Hodgkin’s lymphoma and how that experience deepened his gratitude and sense of purpose. He also invites listeners into his personal passions: traveling the world, exploring great wine regions, and creating an Italian-inspired urban vineyard in the heart of San Diego. The episode closes with powerful advice for young people: work hard, pursue what you love, and align effort with passion to build a meaningful life.Valin Brown's Early Life and UpbringingValin Brown shares that he was raised outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a town called Coatesville, and had a great family upbringing.At age 13, his family moved to St. Charles, Illinois, due to his father's job, which turned out to be a blessing as the new school district was much more challenging.Valin describes the transition as a massive disruption but a significant opportunity for growth and thriving, both academically and personally.Academic Journey and Early CareerValen attended Northwestern University, where he studied philosophy and cultural anthropology, earning both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in four years.He discusses the financial aid package that allowed him to attend Northwestern, highlighting the importance of financial support in his educational journey.Valin's early career included working with United Way in Knoxville, Tennessee, and later in Denver, Colorado, where he managed early childhood development programs.He shares his experience of being offered the CEO position of Colorado Bright Beginnings at the age of 26, which was a significant door-opening opportunity.Transition to San Diego and Current RoleValin moved to San Diego in 2008 to run the Carlsbad Educational Foundation, where he worked for seven years.In 2014, he joined United Way of San Diego County as the Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, unifying his life and work in the same metro area.Currently, Valin works at Alliant International University, leading the Alliant Educational Foundation, which focuses on mental health programs for underserved children and youth.He describes the rewarding experience of building new bridges with youth-serving nonprofits and the impact of their programs on children's mental health.Personal Interests and PassionsValen discusses his passion for wine, including his Italian-inspired vineyard in San Diego, which he started in 2021.He shares his interest in mixology and hosting events at home, where he and his wife create a welcoming environment for friends and family.Valen reflects on the importance of balancing professional work with personal passions, which adds depth and fulfillment to his life.He mentions his travels and the influence of different cultures on his interests, particularly in wine and mixology.Mentorship and InfluencesValin credits Ben Landers, former CEO of United Way of Greater Knoxville, as a significant mentor who opened doors for him in his career.He also highlights Mike Durkin, former CEO of United Way of Denver, who provided support and encouragement during his early career.Both mentors played crucial roles in Valin's professional development, offering guidance, humor, and practical advice.Valin emphasizes the importance of mentorship in shaping his career and personal growth.Overcoming ChallengesValin shares his experience with Hodgkin's lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with in 2011, and the impact it had on his life.He describes the treatment process, including six months of chemotherapy and a month of radiation, and the support he received from his family and friends.Valin reflects on the deeper appreciation for life and the motivation it has given him to pursue his passions and make a positive impact.He emphasizes the importance of resilience and gratitude in overcoming adversity and continuing to thrive.Advice for Young PeopleValin advises young people to work hard and take their education seriously to open doors for meaningful opportunities.He stresses the importance of pursuing passions and finding ways to connect hard work with what inspires and motivates ...
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    1 h
  • Episode 12 | Jeff McCain: From Dyslexia to Design: Building, Failing, & Winning on Your Own Terms

    Episode 12 | Jeff McCain: From Dyslexia to Design: Building, Failing, & Winning on Your Own Terms
    Feb 18 2026
    Jeff McCain shared his inspiring journey from struggling with reading and writing in childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Despite his learning disabilities, he leveraged his skills in welding and electrical work, eventually founding McCain Traffic Signals. He faced significant challenges, including a $1 million inventory error, but overcame them by innovating and expanding into Mexico. McCain sold his company in 2017, focusing now on helping others, particularly youth, through his book and public speaking. He emphasized the importance of self-belief, passion, and focusing on strengths to achieve success.If you would like to learn more about Mr. Mccain's journey, you can visit www.jeffreylmccain.com or follow him on Instagram @Jeffreylmccain. His book, Success Is a Special Need, is also avalible on Amazon.Introduction to Access Granted PodcastRenato Pavia introduces the Access Granted podcast, emphasizing its focus on stories of hope, perseverance, inspiration, and impact.The podcast aims to explore the who, what, when, and why of guests' lives, highlighting opportunities, pivotal moments, and their impact on their communities.Renato Pavia mentions Nelson Mandela's words on the power of sports as a catalyst for social change and the universal language it speaks.The podcast is about more than just sports; it delves into the doors that open in life, the moments that shape journeys, and the people who help others step through to the next level.Jeff McCain's Early Life and StrugglesRenato Pavia welcomes Jeff McCain to the podcast and asks him to share the beginning of his life.Jeff McCain describes growing up in Southern California, struggling with reading and writing from an early age, and receiving help from his parents and teachers.He shares how he overcame his challenges by focusing on his strengths, such as making things, and learning to weld from a neighbor.Jeff's early experiences with welding and making things gave him confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which helped him navigate his school years.Jeff's Journey into Electrical Work and EntrepreneurshipJeff explains how his father's electrical contracting business influenced his interest in making things and working with his hands.He describes his early involvement in the family business, learning electrical work, and eventually becoming proficient and taking on more responsibilities.Jeff shares how he and his brothers transformed their family business into a larger company, with his parents and brothers becoming partners.He talks about his rise within the company, becoming the president, and his involvement in various organizations in San Diego.Expanding the Business and Overcoming ChallengesJeff discusses his decision to start installing traffic signal lights, driven by his curiosity and the potential for new opportunities.He describes the challenges of bidding and executing traffic signal projects, including the need for innovative solutions like using backhoes for digging holes.Jeff shares his experiences with large projects, such as upgrading the lights at Jack Murphy Stadium and installing fiber optics under the Coronado Bridge.He talks about the growth of his company, McCain Traffic Signals, and the expansion into manufacturing traffic signal equipment.The Financial Struggle and TurnaroundJeff recounts a significant financial issue his company faced due to an accounting error, which led to a strained relationship with the bank.He describes the steps he took to resolve the issue, including finding a maquiladora in Mexico to produce parts at a lower cost.Jeff explains how he managed to turn the situation around within 60 days, impressing the bank and securing new financing.He shares the eventual sale of his company in 2017, emphasizing the importance of finding the right buyer and ensuring the company's continued success.Post-Retirement and Philanthropic EffortsJeff talks about his decision to sell his company and his initial feelings of numbness and relief.He describes his new focus on helping younger people and sharing his story of resilience and success.Jeff shares how he wrote a book about his experiences, which led to him speaking publicly and inspiring others.He emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths and helping others find their success, drawing from his own journey and the lessons he learned.Advice for Young People and Final ThoughtsJeff offers advice to young people, encouraging them to believe in themselves and focus on their strengths.He stresses the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving success.Jeff reflects on his own experiences and how they have shaped his approach to helping others.Renato Pavia thanks Jeff for his contributions and inspiring stories, highlighting his impact on the Access Youth Academy and the broader community.About Access Youth AcademyAccess Granted is the official podcast of Access Youth Academy, a social impact organization whose mission is to ...
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    44 m
  • Episode 11 | Nick Hundley: Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak: Competing, Failing, and Leading the Right Way

    Episode 11 | Nick Hundley: Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak: Competing, Failing, and Leading the Right Way
    Dec 10 2025
    Welcome to ACCESS GRANTEDIn this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy, interviews former Major League Baseball player Nick Hundley. Nick discusses his journey, including his upbringing, early sports involvement, and professional baseball career spanning 12 seasons. He highlights the importance of competition, mental preparation, and the value of empathy in leadership. Nick shares his transition to working with the Texas Rangers, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation. He also reflects on the significance of sports in personal development, community building, and overcoming challenges, drawing parallels to his own experiences and the lessons he imparts to his children. The conversation revolves around the lessons learned from overcoming challenges in sports and life. Nick discusses the impact of having a tough coach and how it can shape future decisions and life choices. Renato shares a story about sending his daughter Marina to a tough tournament in Brazil, emphasizing the value of hardship and resilience. Nick Hundley reflects on his minor league experience, highlighting the hardships but also the reward of achieving his professional goals. The discussion concludes with Nick encouraging young athletes to persevere through adversity, as the effort is ultimately worth it.Introduction of Nick HundleyRenato introduces Nick Hundley, a former major league baseball player, highlighting his 12-season career, his work with the Texas Rangers, and his role as a father of two girls.Nick Hundley expresses gratitude for being on the podcast and reminisces about his days playing squash with the host, Renato Paiva.Nick shares his background, mentioning his parents' long marriage, his father's career as a college football coach, and the values of competition and winning instilled in him from an early age.Nick describes his family's frequent moves across different states and his early involvement in various sports, including baseball, track, tennis, basketball, and wrestling.Nick's Early Baseball CareerNick recounts his early days playing baseball, influenced by his older brother Jake, who was a wrestler and aerospace engineer.He shares how his mother supported his sports activities, taking him to the field and allowing him to condition with the team from a young age.Nick's father, a college football coach, taught him the importance of competition and winning, which helped him develop a strong work ethic and mindset.Renato Paiva recalls Nick's father's involvement in his baseball training and the intense focus Nick had as a catcher from a young age.Nick's College Experience and Professional Baseball JourneyNick discusses his decision to attend the University of Arizona instead of joining the major leagues, influenced by his parents' emphasis on education.He shares his experience of being drafted in the fifth round by the Marlins and his father's negotiation tactics to secure a better deal.Nick explains the rule that prohibits players from being drafted out of high school and the benefits of attending college for three years before being eligible for the draft.He describes his time at the University of Arizona, meeting his wife Amy, and the supportive environment of the baseball team, which included several players who later played in the major leagues.Nick's Professional Baseball Career with the PadresNick talks about being drafted by the Padres in the second round in 2005 and his initial excitement about playing for a major league team.He recounts the challenges of playing for a team that had to cut payroll after being sold and the support he received from manager Bud Black.Nick shares his experience of playing in the minor leagues and the quick progression to the major leagues, where he faced tough competition and learned to adapt.He reflects on the importance of mental preparation and the challenges of playing against top-tier pitchers like Randy Johnson.The Role of a Catcher in BaseballNick explains the unique role of a catcher in baseball, comparing it to the setter in volleyball and the point guard in basketball.He highlights the importance of anticipation, game planning, and leadership in the catcher's role.Nick describes the daily routine of a catcher, including pre-game preparation, mental and physical readiness, and the collaboration with pitchers and coaches.He emphasizes the mental exhaustion that comes from the constant engagement and decision-making required in the catcher's role.Nick's Approach to Mental and Physical PreparationNick discusses the balance between mental and physical preparation for a catcher, emphasizing the importance of being mentally exhausted after a game.He shares his daily routine, including pre-game preparation, in-game adjustments, and post-game recovery.Nick reflects on the lessons learned from veteran players and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation.He highlights the significance of empathy and ...
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    1 h y 9 m
  • Episode 10 | Peter Ahn: Navigating Pressure and Finding Purpose Through Family, Failure, and Human Connection

    Episode 10 | Peter Ahn: Navigating Pressure and Finding Purpose Through Family, Failure, and Human Connection
    Nov 12 2025
    Welcome to ACCESS GRANTEDIn this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy, interviews Peter Ahn, Chief Customer Officer at Tiger Beetle, and discusses his journey from Korea to the U.S., his education at Stanford, and his career in tech sales. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in sales, advocating for building human connections over automation. Ahn shares his experiences at Google, Dropbox, and Slack, highlighting his decision to prioritize values over financial gains. He also discusses the impact of AI on sales and the necessity of hard work and genuine interactions. Ahn offers advice to young people, stressing the value of overcoming obstacles and the importance of dedication in achieving success.Introduction of Peter AhnRenato Paiva introduces Peter Ahn, the current Chief Customer Officer at Tiger Beetle, a tech sales coach, startup advisor, and Stanford graduate.Peter Ahn is noted for his unique perspective on leadership and sales, especially through the lens of his Korean background.Renato mentions meeting Peter at a basketball court and expresses admiration for his athletic skills.Peter Ahn thanks Renato and expresses his honor to be on the podcast, appreciating the community work Renato is doing.Peter Ahn's Background and Early LifePeter Ahn shares his background, starting from his birth in Korea and moving to Rochester, New York, where his father was getting his PhD at the University of Rochester.Peter describes moving multiple times before settling in Palo Alto, California, and grappling with his identity as a Korean American in predominantly white areas.He attended Stanford University after moving to Palo Alto and worked at Google, Dropbox, and Slack, finding a passion for coaching early-stage startup founders on sales.Peter discusses his current role at Tiger Beetle, a company that powers real-time financial transactions, and his excitement about growing the company and brand.Choosing Stanford and Early Career ChallengesPeter explains his decision to attend Stanford, influenced by its proximity and the high pressure and competition in Palo Alto.He describes the challenges of adjusting to Stanford, including the high-pressure environment and the competitive nature of getting into prestigious schools.Peter shares his experience of being rejected from consulting and investment banking jobs after graduating from Stanford and how he almost didn't get into Google due to a technical error.He credits his best friend, who was an intern at Google, for helping him get an interview and eventually land his first job at Google.Sports and Extracurricular ActivitiesPeter talks about his involvement in sports, including playing tennis in high school and basketball in college.He shares his experience of coaching the JV girls tennis team and his initial interest in rowing crew at Stanford.Peter recounts how he ended up joining the cheerleading team at Stanford, initially as a challenge and later as a passion, traveling with various sports teams and enjoying the experience.He reflects on the importance of sports and extracurricular activities in his life and how they shaped his identity and interests.Transition to Sales and Authentic SalesPeter discusses his transition from Google to a career in sales, initially handling chat and phone support for advertisers.He explains his love for pivoting conversations based on the needs and emotions of different people and how this led him to explore enterprise sales.Peter shares a story about creating a television commercial for a client, which helped him understand the creative aspects of sales and the importance of expanding customers' mindsets.He emphasizes the concept of authentic sales, which involves building human connections and understanding the motivations and backgrounds of clients.Impact of AI on Sales and Trust BuildingPeter expresses concerns about the impact of AI on sales, noting that AI tools often focus on automation and scale rather than building trust and genuine connections.He believes that AI can be beneficial for automating mundane tasks but argues that the human element is crucial for long-term trust and success in sales.Peter shares his approach at Tiger Beetle, which emphasizes intentionality and avoiding excessive automation to maintain human interaction.He discusses the importance of thinking long-term and building relationships rather than focusing solely on short-term transactions.Personal and Professional FailuresPeter reflects on his personal and professional failures, including leaving Slack after nine months due to dissatisfaction with the leadership and company culture.He shares the decision to prioritize his happiness and mental health over financial success, even if it meant missing out on potential financial gains.Peter discusses other instances where he chose to leave companies for similar reasons, emphasizing the importance of values and long-term satisfaction over short-term ...
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Episode 9 | Hugh Davies: From Apartheid to Art—A Life of Impact

    Episode 9 | Hugh Davies: From Apartheid to Art—A Life of Impact
    Sep 17 2025
    Welcome to ACCESS GRANTEDIn this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy interviews Hugh Davies who shared his journey from South Africa to the U.S., highlighting his family's move due from apartheid and his education at Princeton and Groton. He discussed his career in art, including his dissertation on Francis Bacon and his 33-year tenure at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art. Davies emphasized the importance of perseverance and family, recounting how he balanced work with personal life. He also discussed his involvement with Access Youth Academy, where he supports young people through education and sports. Davies' story underscores the power of sports and education in fostering resilience and community impact.AchievementsHugh Davies worked as the director of the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art (now Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego) for 33 years.Davies has been involved with Access Youth Academy for about 10 years.Renato Paiva has been working with Access Youth Academy for 19 years.Introduction to the Access Granted PodcastRenato introduces the Access Granted podcast, emphasizing its focus on stories of hope, perseverance, inspiration, and impact.The podcast aims to explore the lives of guests, their pivotal moments, and how they became difference makers in their communities.Renato highlights Mandela's words on the power of sports as a catalyst for social change and a universal language.The podcast promises to feature guests from various walks of life, sharing their unique stories of opportunity, resilience, and impact.Hugh Davies' Early Life and Family BackgroundRenato welcomes Hugh Davies to the podcast and asks him to share his life story, starting from his childhood.Hugh Davies was born in South Africa in a town named Grant's Town, which later changed its name to Maconda.His father, a British soldier, moved to Rhodes University to start a department of divinity and theology, but had to leave due to the introduction of apartheid in South Africa.The family moved to Oxford, England, where Hugh's father taught at Mansfield College, and later to Princeton, New Jersey, where Hugh attended school and experienced a significant cultural shift.Hugh's Education and Early Sports InvolvementHugh attended Groton Prep School in New England on a scholarship, where he played various sports like cricket, rugby, and field hockey.He later moved to Princeton University, where he played squash and was part of the undefeated freshman squash team.Hugh's father had a sabbatical in Cambridge, England, where Hugh attended an English school and enjoyed playing sports, which he couldn't do in the fully integrated school in the US.Hugh's experience at Groton and Princeton shaped his love for sports and his academic journey.Hugh's Academic and Professional JourneyHugh graduated from Princeton in 1970 and decided to pursue graduate studies to avoid being drafted during the Vietnam War.He spent a year in London researching British painter Francis Bacon, securing first-person interviews with the artist.Hugh returned to the US, completed his dissertation, and started working at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst as the founding director of the University Museum of Contemporary Art.He later taught modern and contemporary art at Amherst College and co-taught a course with his first wife.Transition to California and Career at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary ArtHugh took a sabbatical and traveled to Rwanda and Israel before receiving a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts to study museums and galleries in Southern California.He visited the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art and was impressed by its exhibitions, which inspired him to apply for a director position.Hugh was hired as the director of the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art in 1983 and worked there for 33 years until 2018.He played a significant role in the museum's growth and development, making it a well-known institution in San Diego.Hugh's Involvement with Access Youth AcademyHugh became involved with Access Youth Academy after attending one of their fundraisers and being impressed by the students' social awareness and engagement.He and his wife started supporting Access Youth Academy and later joined the board, despite a potential conflict of interest due to his other nonprofit work.Hugh's retirement has allowed him to focus more on volunteering with Access Youth Academy and other organizations.He values the time he spends with his grandchildren and emphasizes the importance of family and friends in his life.Lessons and Advice for the Youth at Access Youth AcademyHugh emphasizes the importance of perseverance and sticking with challenges, even when things are tough.He shares a personal story about his son, who felt neglected due to his father's busy schedule, and how he made a conscious effort to be more present at home.Hugh advises the youth at Access Youth Academy to stay committed to ...
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    52 m
  • Episode 8 | Walter Green: Say It Now—Life, Service, and Meaningful Connections

    Episode 8 | Walter Green: Say It Now—Life, Service, and Meaningful Connections
    Sep 3 2025
    Welcome to ACCESS GRANTEDIn this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy interviews Walter Green who shares his life journey on the Access Granted podcast, highlighting his 29-year segments: a struggling childhood, a business career, and a phase of service. He discusses his father's impact, his own career in the hospitality industry, and his transition to philanthropy. Green emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude while people are alive, leading to the creation of the Say It Now movement, which has inspired over 10 million expressions of appreciation globally. He also praises Access Youth Academy for its mission, leadership, and success in helping underserved kids achieve higher education.Walter Green's Early Life and Career JourneyReanto welcomes Walter Green to the Axis Youth Academy and expresses excitement about discussing his life story.Walter Green reflects on his life, describing his early years as a struggle marked by frequent moves due to his father's business ventures and health issues.He recounts his father's dream of owning a dude ranch in the Adirondacks, which led to financial difficulties and frequent relocations.Walter shares the impact of his father's heart attack and subsequent death, which influenced his early adulthood and career choices.Career Transitions and Business SuccessWalter discusses his various jobs in his 20s, including working in the CPA field, food service, and hotel business.He describes his transition to a startup company in the executive conference center field, which became a successful business.Walter explains his decision to sell the company at 59 and move to the West Coast to focus on serving others through nonprofit work.He highlights his involvement in projects like the Institute of Science and his work in Kenya, emphasizing his commitment to serving others.The Concept of Serving OthersReanto inquires about Walter's motivation for serving others, particularly in his later years.Walter explains that his entire life has been about serving in different forms, whether in business or nonprofit work.He emphasizes the importance of working with people he loves and the evolution of his service work to have no commercial application.Walter shares his belief that everyone has been given something by someone, and it's important to acknowledge and express gratitude.The Say It Now MovementReanto introduces Walter's Say It Now movement, which encourages people to express gratitude to those who have made a significant impact on their lives.Walter explains the inspiration behind the movement, which stemmed from his own experience of publicly acknowledging his friends' impact on his life.He describes the process of visiting 44 people to tell them how they had influenced him, leading to the creation of his book.Walter highlights the impact of the movement, which has inspired millions of expressions of gratitude globally.Impact of the Say It Now MovementWalter shares the success of the Say It Now movement, including its reach in 83 countries and over 80,000 schools.He explains the importance of expressing gratitude while the person is alive, as it provides a meaningful experience for both the giver and receiver.Walter discusses the role of technology, such as Zoom, in facilitating the movement during the pandemic.He emphasizes the power of the movement to change lives and the positive feedback he has received from people who have participated.Walter's Personal Reflections and Future PlansWalter reflects on his personal journey and the importance of having a supportive partner, like his wife Lola, throughout his life.He shares the challenges of balancing work and personal life, particularly in his early career, and how his wife's support has been crucial.Walter discusses his upcoming projects, including a new book and a documentary about the Say It Now movement.He expresses his commitment to continuing his work and making a difference in the lives of others, despite his age.Advice for Youth and Final ThoughtsWalter offers advice to the youth, emphasizing the importance of cherishing their community and expressing gratitude to those who have made a difference in their lives.He highlights the significance of acknowledging the impact of others and how it can inspire them to do more.Reanto shares his own experience of implementing the Say It Now concept and the positive impact it has had on his life.The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation and admiration for each other's work and commitment to making a difference.About Access Youth AcademyAccess Granted is the official podcast of Access Youth Academy, a social impact organization whose mission is to transform the lives of underserved youth through academic enrichment, health and wellness, social responsibility and leadership using sports as a catalyst. We believe every child should have equal access to achieve their full potential. To Learn more about Access Youth ...
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    50 m
  • Episode 7 | Susan Taylor: Lessons in Perseverance and Purpose

    Episode 7 | Susan Taylor: Lessons in Perseverance and Purpose
    Aug 20 2025
    Welcome to ACCESS GRANTEDIn this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy interviews Susan Taylor who shared her journey from growing up in New England to becoming a TV news anchor, highlighting her experiences in Edmonton, Hartford, Dallas, and San Diego. She recounted a significant hostage crisis incident where she negotiated with a hostage taker for five hours. Taylor transitioned to Scripps Health, where she produces YouTube videos and interviews doctors. She emphasized the importance of compassion and credibility in journalism. Taylor also discussed her involvement with Access Youth Academy, which supports low-income students in San Diego, and her excitement for squash becoming an Olympic sport in 2028.Susan's Career JourneySusan recounts her visit to her cousin, a producer for NBC in New York, which sparked her interest in TV news.She describes her transition from the University of Colorado to Boston University, where she pursued a degree in public communication.Susan details her internships at an ABC station in Boston, which solidified her career path in TV news.She shares her first job in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where she co-produced the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games.Susan's Experience in TV NewsSusan discusses her early career in Hartford and Dallas, and her move to San Diego, where she worked as a reporter and anchor.She highlights her experiences in Miami and Los Angeles before returning to San Diego.Susan emphasizes the importance of being a reporter and producer before becoming an anchor, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the news process.She shares her experiences of being in dangerous situations, such as being shot at and driving through wildfires, and how these experiences shaped her career.The Hostage Crisis IncidentSusan recounts a significant incident where she was involved in a five-hour negotiation with a hostage taker.She describes how the hostage taker called the newsroom, and she was tasked with negotiating with him.Susan shares how the hostage escaped through a second-story window, and the hostage taker later took his own life.She reflects on the experience, noting how it changed her perspective on interviewing and the importance of compassion in journalism.Susan's Transition to Scripps HealthSusan explains her transition from TV news to Scripps Health, driven by her desire to spend more time with her family.She shares her father's complicated heart surgery and the exceptional care he received at Scripps.Susan praises the culture of Scripps, describing it as a giving culture focused on patient care.She discusses her current role at Scripps, where she produces YouTube videos and interviews doctors, highlighting advancements in healthcare.Susan's Involvement with Access Youth AcademySusan talks about her involvement with Access Youth Academy, an organization that provides academic and athletic opportunities to low-income students in San Diego.She emphasizes the organization's commitment to supporting students through college and into the workforce.Susan shares her excitement about the inclusion of squash in the 2028 Olympics and the potential for Access Youth Academy students to participate.She reflects on the impact of Access Youth Academy on its students, noting their academic and athletic achievements.Susan's Message to Young PeopleSusan encourages young people to go for their dreams, despite the obstacles they may face.She advises using setbacks as educational moments and not letting them paralyze them.Susan emphasizes the importance of keeping a vision for the future and not letting small setbacks derail their goals.She concludes by expressing her gratitude for being part of Access Youth Academy and Scripps Health, and the positive impact both organizations have on their communitiesAbout Access Youth AcademyAccess Granted is the official podcast of Access Youth Academy, a social impact organization whose mission is to transform the lives of underserved youth through academic enrichment, health and wellness, social responsibility and leadership using sports as a catalyst. We believe every child should have equal access to achieve their full potential. To Learn more about Access Youth Academy and explore how you can become a game changer, please visit our website. https://accessyouthacademy.org/About Cloudcast MediaAs the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces "Access Granted" throught its CauseCast platform to help amplify, augment, and accelerate the mission and reach of community social impact organizations. For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media. This episode was produced by high school student Associate Producers Natalie Beltran and Naol Hailemeskel. The episode was engineered / mixed / mastered by Christelle Auzas.
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    45 m
  • Episode 6 | Robin Toft: From Medical Tech to Mission-Driven Leadership

    Episode 6 | Robin Toft: From Medical Tech to Mission-Driven Leadership
    Aug 6 2025
    Welcome to ACCESS GRANTEDIn this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy, and his co-host Michael Castro interview Robin Toft, who shares her journey from Detroit to becoming a successful executive in the biotech industry. She emphasizes the importance of following one's intuition and building a strong personal brand. Robin discusses her career transitions, from medical technology to sales, and her pivotal moment when she was diagnosed with cancer at 45, leading her to focus on diversity in cancer care. She highlights the significance of AI in drug discovery and diagnostics. Robin also advocates for impact investing in female-led companies and supports cancer research through organizations like CureBound. She advises young people to foster connections and find their purpose.Introduction of Robin ToftRenato Paiva introduces Robin Toft, a long-time friend and co-host of the podcast, and invites her to share her story.Robin Toft begins by recounting her early life in Detroit, Michigan, describing her working-class upbringing and the influence of her parents.Robin shares her early realization that she did not want to follow the traditional path of marriage and children, opting instead for a big life and career.She discusses the role models in her life, including her uncle who became a CEO and her aunt who encouraged her to pursue education and a career.Robin's Early Career and EducationRobin describes her early interest in sports, particularly water skiing, and how it built her confidence.She recounts her high school experience, including her decision to become a cheerleader and captain of the team, despite having no prior experience in gymnastics.Robin shares her academic journey, including her decision to attend the University of Michigan despite her father's belief that girls did not need to go to college.She discusses the challenges and rewards of transferring from the University of Michigan to Michigan State University, where she found a better fit and earned a credential in medical technology.Robin's Career Transition and Personal GrowthRobin reflects on her early career in sales, driven by her love for talking about science and her desire to make more money.She shares her experience of being mentored by a sales head who taught her the three reasons rule for solution-based selling, which led to her success in sales.Robin discusses her realization that her career had been largely self-centered and her decision to focus on making a difference in the world.She recounts her battle with cancer at the age of 45, which led her to change her life's direction and focus on elevating diversity in the life science workforce.Robin's Impact on Diversity and Cancer CareRobin explains her decision to build an executive search firm focused on cancer and diversity, and how it grew rapidly.She discusses the importance of diversity in enhancing business performance and the impact of her work on cancer care and precision medicine.Robin shares her involvement in various nonprofit boards and her commitment to impact investing in female-led companies and cancer research.She emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and purpose in life, and how her work has been fulfilling and meaningful.Robin's Philosophy on Life and WorkRobin reflects on the importance of intuition and following one's inner voice in making life decisions.She discusses the role of meditation and mindfulness in quieting the mind and achieving a sense of peace.Robin shares her daily routine, including early morning walks, yoga, and meditation, which help her maintain energy and focus.She emphasizes the importance of relationships, exercise, and putting the phone away to live a long and healthy life.Robin's Advice for Young PeopleRobin advises young people to focus on building their personal brand and fostering connections through LinkedIn and other networks.She emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and standing for something meaningful in life.Robin shares her experience of overcoming challenges, including cancer and a fire, and how these experiences have shaped her perspective on life.She encourages young people to be open to learning and growing from difficult experiences and to focus on making a positive impact in the world.Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRenato thanks Robin for sharing her story and for her contributions to the Access Youth Academy and the community.Robin expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to share her experiences and insights.The podcast concludes with a reminder to listeners to check out the Access Youth Academy and the Access Granted podcast for more inspiring stories.The episode ends with a message of hope and encouragement for young people to pursue their dreams and make a positive difference in the world.About Access Youth AcademyAccess Granted is the official podcast of Access Youth Academy, a social impact organization whose mission is to transform the lives of...
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    59 m