Clarity Archives

354: Tilting Futures: Empowering Young Adults to Lead

What if young people learned to lead by tackling real-world problems instead of waiting for “someday”? In this inspiring conversation, you’ll meet Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures, an organization that empowers youth around the globe to step into leadership through immersive, purpose-driven experiences. Erin shares how her own background—as a coach, educator, and social entrepreneur—shaped her belief that true learning happens through action, reflection, and collaboration.

You’ll hear how Tilting Futures’ Take Action Lab program helps students engage with human rights or environmental issues through apprenticeships, academic learning, and community impact. Meredith and Erin explore how these hands-on opportunities give participants clarity about their purpose, confidence in their abilities, and the courage to take on global challenges. Erin also reveals how her team fosters healthy disagreement, emotional awareness, and curiosity—skills essential for every leader who wants to create positive change.

Erin has been with an exceptional organization called Tilting Futures for 11 years, and she has served as CEO for the past 3 years. Before joining Tilting Futures, Erin was Vice President of School Partnerships for Revolution Foods and served as Bay Area Director for Playworks. For 20 years, she coached the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team at Emery High, and she’s an avid supporter of girls in sports.

You’ll discover:

How global immersion helps young people build resilience, empathy, and leadership skills
Why “tilt moments” transform self-doubt into personal growth and confidence
How to make education more relevant through experiential learning
The power of emotional intelligence and healthy disagreement in team dynamics
How curiosity fuels innovation and learning from mistakes

Watch the episode:

Connect with Erin

Erin’s Website

Tilting Futures

Related Podcast Episodes

306: How Parents Can Raise Future Leaders Today

Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Amazon

Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Pandora

Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on YouTube

Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on iheartradio

Leader-team communication and character skills

Grow Strong Character

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.

Order from Amazon

Connect with Your Team

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.,
and Meredith M. Bell

Order from Amazon

Peer Coaching Made Simple

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.,
and Meredith M. Bell

Order from Amazon

348: Transforming from Manager to True Leader

What’s the real difference between managing and leading? Mark Hinderliter, former C-suite executive, business owner, and consultant, explains how shifting from managing processes to inspiring people can transform both your leadership and your organization. Drawing from his book From Manager to Leader: 6 Practices that Accelerate Transformation and his own journey, he shares practical lessons on growing through mistakes and focusing on what matters most.

You’ll also hear why trust is the foundation of strong teams and how leaders can show character, competence, connection, and consistency. Mark shares practical insights on balancing accountability with support, giving clear feedback, and creating clarity through active listening. His stories and strategies will help you reflect on your own leadership and take steps to strengthen both relationships and results.

Mark is the creator of Diamond Quality Leadership©, a workshop designed to help managers lead today’s workforce. As a senior leader in the corporate arena, Mark has taught and coached hundreds of leaders at all levels in eight countries. In his own business, Mark has coached leaders from the Director level up to the CEO.