In this episode of the Renaissance Leaders Podcast, Dr. Alfonso Montero sits down with Joshua Ross — a true modern-day renaissance man whose life bridges the worlds of martial arts, engineering, calligraphy, and aviation.

Joshua reflects on his 19-year career as a structural design engineer at Boeing, his deep immersion in classical Japanese samurai martial arts, and his award-winning work as a calligrapher. With a pilot’s perspective and a warrior’s discipline, Joshua shares how sharpening the blade — both literally and metaphorically — has shaped his leadership, decision-making, and approach to personal growth.

Together, they explore the power of ancient traditions in modern contexts, the art of balancing creativity and structure, and how to live with greater intentionality in an increasingly complex world. For those seeking to integrate diverse passions and lead with clarity, humility, and curiosity, this episode offers inspiration and insight from a truly unique path.

In this transformative episode of the Renaissance Leaders Podcast, Dr. Alfonso Montero is joined by Sam Izad—author, truth-seeker, and a voice for authentic, heart-centered living. With nine published works, Sam brings a wealth of insight into the human condition, drawing from his personal journey through trauma, PTSD, and profound healing.

Together, they explore the themes of Sam’s powerful book, Victor, Not Victim, which challenges us to reframe our struggles not as burdens, but as pathways to awakening. Sam shares how writing helped him reclaim his agency, and how we, too, can move from a place of fear into freedom—by embracing presence, honoring our pain without clinging to it, and choosing purpose over victimhood.

This episode invites listeners into a conversation about self-leadership, breaking free from limiting narratives, and cultivating the inner strength needed to live with integrity and love. Whether you're navigating personal wounds or guiding others through theirs, this dialogue is a call to lead from wholeness.

In this powerful episode of the Renaissance Leaders Podcast, Dr. Alfonso Montero is joined by Brother Dr. Moses Omolayo, a De La Salle Brother whose remarkable leadership journey has spanned continents, cultures, and communities. Currently serving as the Auxiliary Provincial of the Lwanga District of Africa, Brother Moses brings decades of experience in educational leadership, child protection, and pastoral care.

Together, they explore the spiritual foundations of leadership, the moral dimensions of decision-making, and the wisdom found in African indigenous knowledge systems. Brother Moses shares how his formation as a Lasallian student in Nigeria, his academic path through institutions in Kenya and the United States, and his global service work have shaped his approach to leadership rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and faith.

From the challenges of cultural miscommunication to the lessons learned in crisis-affected communities like South Sudan, this episode offers profound insight into what it means to lead with spirit, service, and integrity. It's a timely reminder of how indigenous wisdom and spiritual values can help shape a more just, resilient, and inclusive future for leadership around the world.

In this episode of the Renaissance Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Kathleen Taylor, co-author of Facilitating Learning with the Adult Brain in Mind, to explore how neuroscience can transform the way we teach, lead, and learn. Drawing from her extensive research, Kathleen offers insights into the complexities of adult learning, the challenges of mindset change, and the power of creating environments that foster curiosity and growth.

Throughout our conversation, Kathleen reveals why adult learners often resist change — from established habits and routines to the anxiety of uncertainty. We unpack key ideas from her book, including the impact of “negative bias,” the fear of being wrong, and how past experiences shape meaning-making. Kathleen explains how leaders and educators can address these challenges by guiding adult learners through discomfort and encouraging them to embrace new perspectives.

We also discuss the role of mindset in professional development, emphasizing that true learning requires not just skill acquisition but also a shift in how we perceive ourselves and the world. Drawing on Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences, Kathleen highlights how valuing diverse ways of knowing can help leaders build more adaptable, resilient teams.

In discussing lifelong learning, Kathleen shares her thoughts on how leaders can cultivate growth mindsets within their teams, creating cultures that embrace curiosity, adaptability, and resilience. Inspired by Kofi Annan’s assertion that “no one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy,” we explore the vital role of education in preparing individuals to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Closing the episode, Kathleen offers key takeaways for educators, leaders, and lifelong learners alike. Whether you’re navigating change in your organization, leading a team, or simply seeking to expand your understanding of adult learning, this episode offers practical wisdom grounded in research and experience.

Tune in to discover how you can empower yourself and others to learn with the adult brain in mind — and lead with courage, curiosity, and compassion.

In this inaugural episode of the Renaissance Leaders Podcast, Dr. Alfonso Montero introduces the concept of Renaissance Leadership and its relevance in today’s interconnected, rapidly changing world. As the world becomes more complex and globalized, leadership demands a new approach—one that integrates adaptability, systems thinking, and deep human connection.

In this episode, Dr. Montero unpacks what it means to be a Renaissance leader, drawing inspiration from the multi-disciplinary vision of the Renaissance era, where individuals flourished across various domains of knowledge and skill. Today’s Renaissance leader must navigate complexities, embrace continuous learning, and lead with wisdom and courage in a world marked by both challenges and opportunities.

Listen in as Dr. Montero explores how Renaissance Leadership can inspire leaders to create positive, transformative change, balancing innovation with sustainability and fostering a holistic view of leadership. This episode sets the stage for upcoming conversations about adaptive leadership, the intersection of human-centered design and technology, and how Renaissance thinkers are shaping leadership for the future.

Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, this podcast will challenge you to rethink your approach to leadership and guide you toward becoming a Renaissance leader in your own context.