Formative

Hosted by New York Edge

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Episodes

123

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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About the show

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.

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November 3, 202619 min

Lisa and Sarah: Humility Is Our Quiet Superpower

Lisa Paul, Senior Vice President at SPYSCAPE, joins middle schooler Sarah to talk about a career that has taken her from writing to live events and spy entertainment. Lisa shares what it’s like to work with intelligence and law enforcement professionals, and how entering an unfamiliar field challenged her to stay curious and keep learning. Sarah learns why strong communication can help us own and fix our mistakes, why listening can be just as powerful as speaking, and how humility can become an unexpected source of strength. This is a conversation about remaining open to new possibilities and paying attention to what truly excites us.

October 27, 202620 min

Michael and Nathalia: Getting Straight to the Business

In this episode, high-schooler Nathalia interviews Michael Webber, Regional Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at CVENT. Michael has spent the last 14 years building with CVENT in a variety of positions. But prior to that, he spent many years questioning his own path. He discusses his journey from managing restaurants to being in the position that he’s in right now and how staying curious in life has brought him success. This is a conversation about pushing forward despite not knowing what the future holds.

October 20, 202621 min

Alan and Heidi: Letting Passion Lead the Way

We’re jumping right into Season 13 with Alan Lewis, Head of Global Corporate Communications at Take-Two Interactive Software. He joins middle schooler Heidi for a conversation about how his early love of writing and history led him into the world of public relations and beyond. Alan also shares advice for young people who might want to follow in his footsteps. This is a conversation about discovering what you love and letting those passions guide where you go next.

July 7, 202621 min

Ashan and Kali: We Can Do Hard Things

Ashan Singh, correspondent for ABC News Nightline, joins middle schooler Kali to share how curiosity, asking questions, and being open to unexpected paths led him into journalism after initially pursuing law. Kali learns from Ashan why good storytelling starts with a question, how taking on hard things builds confidence, and why making mistakes (and owning them) can help you grow and keep moving forward.

June 30, 202615 min

Elise and Brielle: We Stay Curious and Ask Questions

Elise Kirban, Global Chief Counsel of Competition at Aon, joins middle schooler Brielle to share how a path that began in theater led her into a career in antitrust law as her interests evolved along the way.. Brielle learns from Elise why asking questions early, staying curious, and breaking big problems into smaller steps can help you succeed in school and beyond.

June 23, 202618 min

Jackie and Maurice: We’re Comfortable Outside the Comfort Zone

Jackie Bravo, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary at BankUnited, joins middle schooler Maurice to share how her love of math, structure, and problem-solving led her to a leadership role in banking. Maurice learns from Jackie why leaning into challenges builds confidence, how being honest and accountable helps you grow, and why doing what you’re good at—and speaking up for yourself—can open doors you didn’t expect.

June 16, 202615 min

Alessandra and Alondra: We Just Go For It

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.

June 9, 202615 min

Diana and Sarah: We Can Change Our Minds

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.

June 2, 202613 min

Steven and Jahlil: We’re Planning for the Future

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.

May 26, 202617 min

Divinity and Izzy: We’re Creating Our Own Path

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.