ILLUMENATE5 Helmi 2025

Episode 1.04: Ethical Leadership and Embracing Joy with Eddie Francis

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris welcomes Eddie Francis—brand strategist, speaker, award-winning broadcaster, and host of the personal leadership podcast “For Your Edification”, the employer branding podcast “I Want to Work There!” and the talk show The Way Forward on WBOK Radio in New Orleans.

Eddie shares his mission to promote ethical leadership and how his upbringing in New Orleans—a city that celebrates the human spirit—shaped his worldview. From attending an all-boys, African-American Catholic high school that instilled self-confidence and excellence to navigating toxic workplaces and eventually earning a master’s degree at 50, Eddie reflects on the pivotal moments that molded his purpose-driven approach to leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Eddie opens up about the importance of self-awareness, how therapy has helped him stay grounded, and the role of community and male friendships in his growth. He also highlights his experiences in theater, his love for dance, and the value of maintaining joy in life.

Key takeaways include:

Success is a team sport. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.
Feedback is fuel for growth. Embrace learning and reflection to refine your leadership style.
Mindfulness matters. Accept what you can’t control and focus on how you respond.
Celebrate joy. Make room for joy in your own life and allow others to experience it fully.

Tune in to discover how Eddie combines humor, resilience, and intellectual flexibility to create impact—and how you can too.

You can learn more about and connect with this episode’s guest at eddiefrancis.com

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Episode 2.11: Purpose, Healing, and Reinvention with Zach Millimet

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Zach Millimet, a newly retired CIA officer who spent 20 years in the Directorate of Operations with assignments in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, ...

21 Touko 57min

Episode 2.10: Walking Beyond Our Limits with Micah Sam

In this deeply reflective episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Micah Sam, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Research Technologies at East Carolina University. Micah’s professional work center...

19 Huhti 41min

Episode 2.09: Grief, Growth, and Brotherhood with Steve Reiter

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Steve Reiter—broadcast veteran, podcast co-founder, and nonprofit founder—for a conversation that spans professional reinvention, devastating loss, ...

25 Helmi 1h 10min

Episode 2.08: Authenticity, Honor, and Service with Jonathon Jacome

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Jonathon Jacome, a college undergraduate who operates at the intersection of business, engineering, and community impact. Despite his young age, Jon...

12 Helmi 58min

Episode 2.07: Raising Boys with Empathy, Courage, and Hope

Four mothers share honest reflections on guiding boys through identity, emotion, and manhood in a complex world.In this special episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick widens the lens on masculinity...

23 Tammi 1h 2min

Episode 2.06 Finding Joy, Gratitude, and Purpose with Howard Milton

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Howard Milton, Chief Development Officer for Fighting Illini Athletics, to explore a life shaped by gratitude, generosity, and deep reflection. With...

14 Tammi 43min

Episode 2.05: Faith, Family, and Serving Others with Rich Excell

Rich Excell spent three decades in investment banking and hedge funds, living and working in five countries across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. before “settling down” as a finance professor at the Gies ...

18 Joulu 202554min

Episode 2.04: Mental Health, Masculinity, and Vulnerability with James Burke

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris welcomes Melbourne-based digital creative and storyteller James Burke, who shares a deeply honest exploration of mental health, masculinity, and the pursuit of an ...

11 Joulu 202552min