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Dr. Mariska Adams-Cadogon embodies what it means to live with purpose, seamlessly blending her roles as chiropractor, educator, and spiritual leader while making each one look effortless. Her journey from biology researcher to alternative school teacher to administrator reveals how our spiritual gifts manifest regardless of our professional title.

The conversation explores Mariska's fascinating career path, which took unexpected turns when she discovered that laboratory research didn't provide the human connection she craved. A chance car accident introduced her to chiropractic care, launching her into a healing profession where she excelled - sometimes too much for her supervisors' comfort. With remarkable candor, she shares stories of workplace jealousy and the courage it took to walk away from toxic situations, maintaining that "loyalty will always be to God, my family, and myself, and work does not make the list when any of that is in danger."

Perhaps most compelling are Mariska's experiences teaching in alternative schools, where she worked with students others had written off. Her innovative approaches and deep empathy transformed classrooms, resulting in extraordinary academic achievements from students labeled "troublemakers." Through creative teaching methods tailored to what she calls "the haves and have-nots" - bright but bored students and those hiding learning difficulties behind bad behavior - she demonstrated how powerful the right educational approach can be.

Mariska's wisdom about organizational systems resonates far beyond education. Her observation that "systems aren't designed to support individuals; they're designed to accomplish the system's goals" explains why talented people often find themselves pigeonholed. Her advice? "Don't let your credentials go stale waiting for recognition" - sometimes the only path forward requires leaving comfortable positions.

What's your loyalty priority list? Where does work fall on that spectrum? Join us for this powerful, two-part conversation about purpose, resilience, and the courage to create your own path.

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Benjamin Joseph's powerful testimony about teaching in Brooklyn schools reveals the deep flaws in our education system that often place administrative convenience above student welfare. As a Black male STEM teacher, Benjamin entered the profession with noble intentions - to provide representation in a field where few look like him and to equip the next generation with vital skills. What he discovered instead was a system where literacy rates are plummeting, special education services go undelivered, and educators who speak up face institutional backlash.

The most troubling revelation comes when Benjamin discovers students with IEPs aren't receiving legally mandated services, and worse, school officials are instructing children to hide this fact from their parents. When Benjamin refuses to remain silent, documenting these failures and alerting all relevant stakeholders, he finds himself targeted by administration. Yet he persists, driven by an unwavering commitment to his students: "These are my kids, and if I have a kid that I'm trying to teach and I realize that they're not getting their services, that is a problem for me."

Beyond exposing institutional failings, Benjamin offers profound insights into the impossible demands placed on modern teachers. Expected to serve as educators, counselors, behavioral managers, security guards, and surrogate parents, teachers are burning out while attempting to compensate for systemic failures. For parents, his message is clear: question everything, understand what services your child should receive, and remain actively involved in their education.

Despite facing pushback, Benjamin's approach built lasting relationships with students and parents who continue to seek his guidance years later. His story serves as both inspiration and warning - our education system requires fundamental reform that prioritizes transparency and student welfare over administrative convenience.

How can we rebuild an educational system that truly serves all students? Listen now to join this crucial conversation.

Don't let your boss suck the life out of you.
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Learn more or Book Natalie.

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What happens when you find yourself teaching in a foreign country under a boss who doesn't speak your language and won't give direct feedback? For Daphne Brown, this challenging scenario became a profound lesson in resilience, cultural navigation, and leadership.

Daphne's journey from Albany, Georgia to teaching English in South Korea reveals the complex interplay between Eastern and Western communication styles. In Korean workplaces, influenced by Confucian philosophy, feedback is rarely direct. Instead of clearly stating what needs improvement, bosses might simply say "it could be better," leaving employees to intuit what changes to make. Add a language barrier, and the challenge becomes even more daunting.

When Daphne's finance-background boss repeatedly rejected his teaching materials without specific guidance, then delayed notifying him about his contract non-renewal, it could have spelled disaster. Instead, it became a turning point. Through relationships he'd carefully built—particularly with a coordinator who became his advocate—Daphne secured a better position within the Korean education system. This experience taught him valuable lessons about leadership from within rather than above, empowering team members rather than dictating to them.

Beyond professional insights, Daphne's story highlights how saying "yes" to unfamiliar experiences shapes our growth. Now an entrepreneur launching Kwanzaa, a coffee company sourcing products from East Africa, he carries these lessons into new ventures. His advice for anyone considering international work? Be an ambassador for your community, embrace discomfort, and recognize that sometimes our greatest setbacks lead to unexpected opportunities.

Ready to reshape how you view leadership challenges? Listen now to discover how cultural barriers, when navigated with openness and resilience, can transform not just your career but your approach to life.

Don't let your boss suck the life out of you.
Share your bad boss story on our website.
Learn more or Book Natalie.