In this episode, we speak with Kate Sheeran—Joan and Martin Messinger Dean of the Eastman School of Music—about her journey from professional musician to leading one of the greatest music conservatories in the world.

Kate reflects on the experiences that shaped her path—from performing at the highest levels as a French horn player to leading major institutions like Kaufman Music Center to returning to the school where she got her start.

We begin our conversation with the moment that set it all in motion—how a choice between a jean jacket and a French horn pointed her toward a life in music.

In this episode, we speak with Julie Castle—Chief Executive Officer of Best Friends Animal Society and a leading voice behind the national no-kill movement—about her remarkable journey from aspiring lawyer to one of the most influential leaders in animal welfare. Julie shares how a single visit to a sanctuary in Utah changed the course of her life, setting her on a path that would take her from cleaning kennels and answering phones to building one of the largest and most effective animal welfare networks in the country—and helping to drive a nationwide movement to end the killing of dogs and cats in shelters.

In this episode, we speak with Glen Galaich—CEO of the Stupski Foundation, host of the Break Fake Rules podcast, and author of the new book CONTROL: Why Big Giving Falls Short—about his journey through the evolving landscape of modern philanthropy and his mission to challenge the structures that shape it. Glen shares how his work—from Human Rights Watch to the Global Philanthropy Forum to leading the Stupski Foundation—has been driven by a deep commitment to equity, justice, and dignity, particularly for communities historically excluded from power and resources.