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.