Formative

Lee Skolnick visits us today on Formative. Lee is an architect who's worked on remarkable buildings across the world, including our very own New York Edge Headquarters! Middle schooler, Olivia, joins him to ask questions about the challenges that come with being the boss, why it's important to remain teachable and what life would look like if we'd chosen a different path.

Today, we're joined by Carl Nassib. Carl is a former NFL player and currently the founder and CEO of Rayze, a social media app that connects nonprofits with donors and volunteers. With his career transition, Carl has learned a thing or two about reinvention and the imposter syndrome that comes with it. He talks to middle schooler, Sage, about that, plus the misconceptions of being a professional athlete and why it's never just luck that gets you far in your life and career.

In this episode of Formative, Roger Arrieux, New York Managing Partner at Deloitte, joins Jacob to talk about the power of building strong relationships in work and life. Roger shares how imposter syndrome fades when you find confidence in your skills and why success isn't just about what you do—it's about the people you meet along the way!

Dr. Deborah Heiser, developmental psychologist and founder of The Mentor Project, joins middle schooler Desire to talk about the power of mentorship. Dr. Heiser opens up about her most challenging moments as a CEO, how her mentors helped her along the way, and why it's crucial to have different mentors for different chapters of your life. Whether you're the one giving advice or receiving it, this episode is about how we all need a little help to grow!

Dr. Monique Chism, the Smithsonian's Under Secretary for Education, joins middle schooler Mia for a conversation about the power of learning. Dr. Chism reflects on the teachers who had a lasting impact on her, her love for dance and performance, and why she values being in rooms full of people who know more than she does. They also discuss how making tough decisions is a part of life and growth.

Marc Thompson Jr., the proud owner-operator of a Chick-fil-A in Queens, joins us on this episode of Formative! Marc and middle schooler co-host Kianni dive into why giving your best at work matters, even if you're just starting out. They chat about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, how to handle tough customers, and why learning how to learn is one of the best skills you can have.

Season 9 kicks off with Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT, as she sits down with middle schooler and co-host, Adesewa! In this episode, Janet shows us that confidence doesn't always have to be loud. She opens up about her biggest career mistakes, her ongoing quest for more patience, and how she leads with kindness and accountability. Get ready to learn how quiet confidence can make a big impact!

We're closing out this season of Formative with Erin Frankel. Erin is a children's book author, speaker and teacher. Joining Erin is middle schooler and co-host, Diogob, who learns that being weird only means being unique and special. Erin shares with Diogob how bullying played a prominent role in her childhood and how it taught her the importance of kindness and why we should all stand proud of who we are, no matter what others think.

On this episode of Formative, Bill Carbone and middle schooler, Blake, talk about how we have to protect our greatest joys from becoming chores. Bill is the Executive Director at Teachrock and he's loved music his entire life. He shares with us the importance of remaining flexible in your career and how walking through the open doors can lead to beautiful unexpected experiences.

Susan Warner joins us on today's episode. Susan is Vice President of Community Engagement for Mastercard's Center for Inclusive Growth. Susan also created a STEM program called Girls4Tech. Joining Susan is middle schooler and co-host, Sage, who learns that we should pursue our passions in full force because it'll be the greatest gift we give ourselves. Susan shares with Sage what she would do differently if she could do it all over again and what the third act of her career may look like.

From working in the kitchen and on the register to owning and operating seven McDonald's franchises, Brian Hairston joins our co-host, Joy, to talk about growing up in an entrepreneurial family. Brian tells us about why his parents, despite owning McDonald's franchises themselves, taught him the business from the bottom up, along with the importance of taking our time to grow and succeed.

On this episode of Formative, Sarah Rose Siskind and middle schooler, Blake, talk about how our world is full of wonder and silliness. Sarah is a science comedy writer and she's fascinated by astrophysics and robots. She shares with us what happens to your body when you fall through a blackhole, why she's optimistic about artificial intelligence and how being a huge fan of making mistakes has helped her learn and grow.

On this episode of Formative, Desmond Jackbir and middle schooler, Christian, talk about how we can merge our passions and make dream careers for ourselves. Desmond is a Director of Network Field Engineering at Verizon. He shares with us how he got to be working at Verizon for the past 25 years and why he believes technology is a reliable career that can be paired with any passion, from cooking to sports.

On this episode of Formative, Eileen Lehpamer and middle schooler, Sage, discuss the importance of stories—the ones on the news and the ones we tell ourselves about who we are and what we're capable of. Eileen has been a television and radio reporter for decades in NYC, and she loves to travel the world. We hear about Eileen's favorite stories she's reported and her favorite quotes that she likes to remind herself of when she needs extra belief in herself.

On today's episode of Formative, Larry Gallegos and middle schooler, Lyric, are joined in conversation. Larry is the Public Policy Manager at Lyft, and they bond over their love of law and debate. Larry and Lyric also talk about how one person can build a better future for generations to come, and how all it takes is someone who isn't afraid of hard work.

Kathy Coughlin joins us today on Formative. Kathy is the Chief People Officer at Doherty Enterprises, a company focused on growing popular franchise restaurants like Panera Bread and Applebees. Joining Kathy is middle schooler and co-host, Gigi, who learns the importance of doing work with integrity. Kathy and Gigi talk about why we should enjoy the journey and not just wait for the reward and how the fruits of our labor will always come one way or another if we do good work.

Gregg Bishop joins us today to kick off the eighth season of Formative! Gregg is the Executive Director of the Social Justice Fund, an organization with the ten year commitment to center its work around racial justice and economic mobility in Brooklyn. Joining Gregg is middle schooler and co-host, Viduni, who learns that doors close because other doors were meant to open. Gregg shares with Viduni his long curvy road to his current career and the importance of arming ourselves with necessary skills so that we're prepared when opportunity comes.

To wrap up this season of Formative, we are joined by Ashley Parke, a content creator in the fashion space. Ashley tells us about how learning to find balance has always been a constant theme in her career from the very beginning, when she had a demanding full time job and a growing side gig. Ashley is joined in conversation by 8th grader and co-host, Nevaeh, who learns about getting your confidence from within and finding a healthy balance between living on and offline.

Dina Clark has always seen diversity and inclusion as a personal responsibility. 6th grader and co-host, Atef, joins Dina in conversation today to discuss Dina's childhood pull toward inclusion and the different moments in adulthood that solidified her career path as the Senior Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion at Skanska, global construction and development company.. Atef learns that huge potential can be unlocked in a person if they feel they are given opportunities to be seen and heard.

Rio Vander Stahl's childhood dream was to become a cellist in the ranks of the great Yo-Yo Ma. But his career didn't turn out that way, which makes his story much more fun. On this episode of Formative, 8th grader and co-host, Lauren, learns that your career path doesn't have to be linear and that your experience ends up being more magical when you're not following a strict blueprint.

Kristy Marmorato joins us on Formative today to discuss her journey from being a radiologic technologist to now serving as the Councilwoman for the 13th District of the New York City Council. In conversation with Councilwoman Marmorato, 8th grader and co-host, Lamiya, learns about the importance of taking matters into our own hands and how far we can go as long as we foster a strong community around us.

Courtney Helm has always been able to make her own way using the skills she's developed as a toy designer. Today, she's joined by 8th grader and co-host, Keyani, to talk about her business, Drip Accessory, an innovative brand making fitness terry cloth towels. Keyani learns how working on your craft can lead to unexpected great success and how you can always work really hard and make space for yourself being creative.

From playing basketball professionally to becoming CEO of the Charles Hayden Foundation, Sonni Holland joins our co-host, Andrew, to talk about the choices he's made in his career that have led to an enriching life. Andrew learns about the difficult work of making critical decisions and the grace we must give ourselves when we make mistakes.

Grace Meng is the U.S. representative for New York's 6th congressional district. Today, Congresswoman Meng is joined by Jasmine, an eighth grader whose favorite subject in school is U.S. History and Government. Congresswoman Meng tells Jasmine about her upbringing in Queens and how growing up as the daughter of immigrants showed her the importance of accessibility and representation. Together, they discuss their vision for solutions to some of the biggest issues teens face today, such as climate change, gun violence and public school funding.

Niesha Foster is Vice President of Product Access, Global Health & Social Impact at Pfizer. Her work is focused on addressing patient affordability challenges and driving community engagement. Today, Niesha is joined by 8th grader, Carrera, to talk about what it means to be successful. In this episode, Carrera learns how the challenges she meets at every stage of life will require her to develop skills and come up with solutions that will propel her toward her own unique vision of success.

Eric Winterling is a costume maker whose life's work is creating clothes that tell a story. You've seen his work on television shows like Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Gilded Age, as well as Broadway shows like Frozen, Beauty and the Beast and Wicked. On today's episode of Formative, Eric joins 8th grader, Kaymani, to talk about his early love of sewing and the joys of being able to make, with your own hands, something out of nothing. Kaymani learns about the power of mentorship and how sometimes you have to learn to make your own luck.

Alex Segura joins us today to kick off the seventh season of Formative! Alex has written numerous comics and novels, including Secret Identity, which won the 2023 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Mystery. Joining Alex is middle schooler and co-host, Amber, who learns the importance of seeing yourself represented in the stories you consume. In this episode of Formative, Alex shares how he was able to make a career shift into writing full time and why he believes that being engaged in a community of like-minded people has been one of his most career-defining achievements.

Cartoonist, Justin Thompson, is the final guest for this season's Formative. He is joined in conversation by 7th grader and co-host, Isabella. Justin and Isabella talk about the importance of doing art, even if not for professional reasons, but just to express our feelings and ideas. Justin also tells Isabella about how, through his art, he was able to become all the characters he had on his list of things to be growing up; a knight, a superhero and a cartoonist.

Bassoonist, Adrian Morejon, joins us on today's show! 8th grader and co-host, Laylanie, asks Adrian about the appeal of the bassoon to him as a young child and how he's been able to maintain his dedication to the instrument. Adrian tells Laylanie about his strategic career planning in the beginning of his career. He explains why it's important to seek financially rewarding work with the added benefit of allowing you to add skills related to your passion while you are in pursuit of gaining traction in your desired field.

Ray Hennessy joins us on today's show! Ray is a wildlife photographer who specializes in bird photography. 8th grader and co-host, Nathaniel, asks Ray about the grit and nimbleness it takes to succeed in a creative field. Ray's biggest lesson? Don't be afraid to showcase what sets you apart. Your instinct may be telling you to blend in and do everything your peers are doing, but all that makes you different will also make you memorable, and that's how you make the path enjoyable for yourself too!

We've got Lenni Benson on today's show! Lenni has been teaching and writing in the field of immigration law since 1994. She is the Distinguished Chair of Immigration and Human Rights Law at New York Law School. 8th grader and co-host, Kaeri, joins Lenni in a conversation about how to be of service— in the legal context and in our everyday lives— and what you gain back in return when you're thinking of how to improve the condition of the communities you inhabit.

On this episode of Formative, Isaac-Davy Aronson is interviewed by 8th grader, Kayanna. Isaac is a radio and television journalist. For the last eight years, he's been a producer on The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. One of his most important pieces of advice for young people? Everyone can teach you something. Take your blinders off and become teachable because you never know who can give you your most valuable skill or piece of knowledge.

Megan Davidson joins us on today's show! Megan is a certified labor doula and childbirth educator. 8th-grader and co-host, Kaelynn, learns that sometimes the perfect career looks unconventional from what you imagined. Following our curiosity can lead us to exactly what we're meant to do. In this episode of Formative, Megan shares the story of how she went from studying anthropology to becoming a doula and how despite her career's unpredictable hours and circumstances, she always feels like she is doing exactly what she is meant to be doing.

Craig Balsam joins us on today's show! Craig Balsam is an American entertainment industry entrepreneur and Tony Award-winning producer. He is the co-founder of the children's music brand, Kidz Bop. Student co-host, Tymir, learns that businesses run on grit and reinvention. In this episode of Formative, Craig shares the origin story of his company, Kidz Bop, and how it was able to maintain its success across decades and through changing technological advancements.

Elizabeth Fassberg joins us on today's show! Elizabeth is the Executive Director of Life Science Cares New York, an organization that is activating the financial and human capital of the life science industry and partnering with nonprofits to disrupt the cycle of poverty in our communities. 8th-grader and co-host, Evan, learns that career paths aren't always linear and that shouldn't be seen as failure. In this episode of Formative, Elizabeth shares the many different roles she performed along her career, always leading with compassion, before she got to where she is now—and how in hindsight it all makes sense to her.

Susan Choi joins us on today's show! Susan is a 5-time published author. Her latest novel, Trust Exercise, won the National Book Award in 2019. Joining Susan is 8th-grader and co-host, Tafari, who learns the importance of pursuing what feels the most fun for us, even when that doesn't look like it can directly lead to a clear career path because true success comes from enjoying what we do for work. In this episode of Formative, Susan shares her joy for reading and what her creative process looks like when writing her novels.

Rod Dauphin joins us today to kick off this season's Formative! Rod is an educator and entrepreneur. He is the Education Services Director at Goldman Sachs 10,000 Businesses Initiative at Laguardia Community College. 8th-grader and co-host, Thibault, learns that in order to grow and challenge ourselves, we should be willing to make mistakes and fail. In this episode of Formative, Rod shares his practice of encouraging entrepreneurs to think like kids who are playful and willing to think outside the box and make a mess to find valuable ideas otherwise overlooked.

We're landing Season 5 of Formative with New York Edge board chair Francis Greenburger! He's a real estate developer, author, literary agent and philanthropist who's spent a lifetime taking his multiple passions and turning them into not only a paycheck — but purpose. This episode's co-host, 7th grader Brandelys, wants to start a business, herself, someday. She asks Francis how he got going, what he's loved about his projects, and we learn what's coming up for him next.

How does a skinny kid with a respiratory illness go from being bullied to training up celebrities to their peak form? Boxer, model, and fitness guru Ngo Okafor is on this episode of Formative to tell his story! Co-host, 8th-grader Marianne, gets a workout on her interviewing skills and learns what it's like for one overcomer to help others overcome their challenges. Ngo shares how owning your own business, and teaming up with a supportive work family, can be the joy of a lifetime.

Scott Hallenbeck, President of USA Football, joins us on this episode of Formative. A lifelong fan of sports — as well as an athlete himself — Scott's developed a holistic approach to the game. Damari, our 8th-grader co-host, learns why we're taking the Technical Tactical approach and adding a strong focus on education, nutrition, mental health, and long-term athlete development.

Chief of Student Pathways for the New York City Department of Education, Jade Grieve, is our guest on this episode of Formative. From childhood activism, to becoming a restaurateur, through banking and government to education, Jade has followed her heart. She now says she's landed on her passion and the thing that makes it easier to wake up in the morning — helping students get ready for their academic futures. 6th-grader, co-host Shamaya, shares her love of math and asks about what keeps us going even when we want to give up.

Lifelong computer junkie-turned-co-chair of Blacks at Microsoft, Alfred Ojukwu, is our guest on this episode of Formative. Co-host, 8th-grader Leah, hears that gaining any new skill is kind of like learning a new language and that emotional regulation is part of being a tech professional. And Alfred's advice to his 13-year-old self? “You've got this. Keep going. You know, you may not see it now, but there's a whole planet out there waiting for you.”

On this episode of Formative, Catherine Treff and Nevaeh find beauty in all the colors of the rainbow. Catherine is the Director of Design for Macy's, loves wearing heels, and taking it as easy as possible in the morning. We hear exactly how many hands went into making that favorite shirt of yours and we learn inspiration can come from anywhere — though there's only one dress Catherine will never forget.

Lee Stringer joins us on today's show! Lee is a 3-time published author. His memoirs are raw and inspiring and so is this interview. 7th-grader and co-host, Jamie, learns for every bad thing that's happened in our lives there just might be something in it for us — we grow or we get strength. In this episode of Formative, Lee shares his history of addiction and homelessness and why he's never given up in the stormiest of seasons.

On this episode of Formative 8th grader, Cesar, interviews Bob Knakal! Bob is Senior Managing Director and Head of New York Private Capital Group for JLL. He's had a hand in the sale of thousands of buildings in New York. One of his best pieces of advice? Pick a job because you really love it — not because you think you're gonna make a lot of money doing it. If you love what you do, you're likely to work hard at it, and the money tends to come.

It's Season 5 of Formative and we're so happy you've tuned in! This season of the show, our students interview some of our best guests ever — from tech, education, sports, real estate, and publishing. And for this season's launch, Clover Hope joins 13-year-old Sharod! Clover is a writer, journalist, producer and so much more. She's going to share her love of hip hop — especially women creatives. We're thrilled to have her.

He didn't always know who he wanted to be — but for the past 3 decades becoming Mayor was his goal. NYC Mayor Eric Adams joins us on this episode of Formative. Co-host Akadir asks him about everything from his dyslexia, to his time in juvenile detention to how he credits plant-based eating with changing his life.

It's episode 9 ¾ on this season of Formative! We're heading back to school with Barbara Marcus, President and Publisher of Random House Children's Books. She's the woman we can thank for bringing Harry Potter to the states! Today, she talks publishing with 11-year-old Cece. We learn what makes a book worth writing, what makes an author great to work with, and we learn we're never too old or too young to write the story we've got in us.

So, how does a self-described “high pitched energetic guy that you can't shut up” end up with millions of fans? We say you take a dash of bravery, an ounce of love, 2 cups of creativity, and more confidence than you can fit in a bread box. Today's guest, Cory B., is a social media content creator with more than 10 million followers on TikTok. A lot of his latest clips are 1-minute reaction and re-creation videos based on cooking tutorials he's found online. We recommend enjoying this fast-paced episode of Formative with a cup of decaf!

Finding the cure for cancer: that's what set Dr. Damon Love out to make a dream bigger than himself. Now the co-founder of S.E.E.D. STEM program, Dr. Love's legacy is all about finding and raising next generation's scientists. He and his wife are redefining the way STEM education is taught — and they're making science fun and accessible to all students.

What's it mean to advocate for women across the country? One strategy is to “be the buffalo”. 6th-grader Nylah learns a bit of what that means from Teresa Younger, CEO of the Ms. Foundation For Women. On this episode of Formative, we hear the joys of family support, some of the big challenges facing women this year, and the intersection of women's rights and Black history. We just might even tackle Mount Kilimanjaro and our fears of bugs!