Episodes
116
Latest episode
Jun 2026
Language
EN
Formative, from New York Edge, is the podcast where the leaders of today are interviewed by leaders of tomorrow! Our intrepid co-hosts, all between the ages of eleven and fourteen, conduct long-form interviews with successful adults from the worlds of business, science, the arts, and beyond.
Alessandra Agarita, Director of Volunteerism at United Way of New York City, joins middle schooler Alondra to share how she built a career focused on helping others and making a difference in our communities.Alondra learns from Alessandra how confidence grows by stepping outside your comfort zone, why saying yes to opportunities matters, and how volunteering can create real impact.
Diana Arias, Director of Communications at the New York Jobs CEO Council, joins middle schooler Sarah to share how curiosity and creativity helped shape her career. From writing and storytelling to producing videos and social media content, Diana explains how a career in communications can open doors and help people connect.Sarah learns how trying new things, even in small steps, can lead to unexpected passions, why mistakes are part of the process, and how skills like talking, listening, and thinking outside the box can land you an exciting career.
Steven Milner, founder of US Mortgage Corporation, joins middle schooler Jahlil to share how his career took unexpected turns, from engineering to teaching to entrepreneurship, and why taking risks played a key role in his journey.Steven also tells us about a tough experience that tested him and what he looks for in a strong team. Jahlil learns from Steven how planning ahead, staying motivated, and doing the right thing can shape your future.
Divinity Roxx, bassist and music producer, joins middle schooler Izzy to talk about her journey in finding her unique voice as an artist.. She shares with us how she unexpectedly fell in love with the bass, the major setback that shifted her career path, and what it really takes to grow as an artist beyond what you see on social media.Izzy learns from Divinity how staying open, putting in the work, and embracing change can lead to new opportunities.
Lester Marks, VP of Strategy and Impact at the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, joins middle schooler Ariana to share how his career took unexpected turns, from a love of sports and sports broadcasting to a path in government and nonprofit work.Ariana learns from Lester why being prepared can open doors, how confidence grows over time, and why it’s important to speak up and take chances even when things feel uncertain. He also shares lessons about teamwork, owning mistakes, and finding balance while building a meaningful career.
Brian Boutte, Director of Government Relations at Chick-fil-A, joins middle schooler Olivia to talk about the power of relationships, the importance of staying connected to family even during busy times, and how early life experiences shaped his voice and confidence.Olivia learns from Brian why being patient, listening more, and putting others first can make a lasting impact, and how leading with kindness can enrich both your career and personal life.
Steve Stoute joins middle schooler Matthias to share how he got his start in the music industry, from working at the lowest level behind the scenes to managing major artists like Mary J. Blige and Nas. He reflects on the responsibility that comes with leadership, what he looks for in young creatives, and why long-term commitment matters more than instant success.
For our last episode of this season, Mary Choy, board-certified pharmacist and author, joins middle schooler Ashley to talk about the lessons she’s learned along her career journey. She shares how her mother planted the idea of becoming a pharmacist, how she pursued it with determination, and how her mistakes taught her valuable lessons. Mary also talks about blending science with creativity, her love of performance, and giving back to her Asian American community.
Dan DiClerico, Home Improvement & Outdoor Director at Good Housekeeping, joins middle schooler Angelica to talk about writing, leadership, and the power of learning how to fix things yourself. He shares why writing about what you know can make your work stronger, how to develop leadership skills, and how to take feedback in stride. Angelica learns from Dan how collaboration and staying open to guidance can help you grow both in work and in life.
Sahara Jones, Vice President of Affordable Compliance and Management at the Albanese Organization, joins middle schooler Noah to talk about the tough decisions she’s had to make over the years, why mistakes can be lessons in disguise, and how a moment from her teenage years helped shape her career path. She also shares her love of books and what she might be doing if she weren’t working in housing.
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