The Skill Set – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Cheryl shares a memorable story from her past that highlights unexpected twists and enduring reflections. Join Cheryl for a compelling conversation that touches on vulnerability, beauty, and the lasting impact of a single moment.

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Cheryl Durst’s latest conversation is with Solomon Renfro, a talented sneaker designer at New Balance, who shares his unique journey from studying interior architecture to becoming a footwear visionary. Solomon and Cheryl dig into the psychology behind fashion choices and the cultural significance of sneakers. With keen observations on trends, human behavior, and the art of design, Solomon offers insights into the creative process of crafting sneakers that resonate with diverse audiences. From dissecting iconic styles to exploring the subtleties of materiality and color, this episode unveils the meticulous skill required to tell compelling stories through design. Join Cheryl and Solomon as they unravel the layers of meaning woven into every sneaker, celebrating the craft of transforming functional footwear into cultural emblems.

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I’m honored and proud to call Llisa Demetrios — grandaughter of influential designers Ray and Charles Eames — a friend and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to learn more about her upbringing and how having access to such iconic industry changemakers impacted her experience and shaped her unique skill set.

In this conversation, we discuss the skill of legacy-keeping as well the importance of “the finial” and keeping up the quality in our work.

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In this short episode, which I like to call a "slice of life," I share a very personal story from my childhood that shaped who I am today and informed both my dignity and my defiance.

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The Skill Set Studio: Bucket List

My producers Doug and Adriana join me for a special episode in which I share my learnings from a recent keynote speaker and dive deep into bucket lists and their connection to our skill sets. 

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Storytelling: The Skill of Creativity, Self-Assuredness and Peacemaking

J.D. Netto is what I would describe as a multiplicity of beautiful things — he is a best-selling author, artist, entrepreneur and so much more. J.D. firmly believes that art releases us to our destinies and he has used this admirable ideal to connect with those who may feel like misfits or outsiders as well as to discover and become more comfortable with himself.

Through this conversation, J.D. and I discuss his life as a gay man and how it connects to his work as well as the importance of recognizing a person before recognizing their skillset.

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Tattoo Artistry: The Skill of Purpose, Precision, and Expression

Steph Tamez is more than just a tattoo artist — they are an anthropologist, historian and expressionist using the art of tattooing to bring culture to skin and help people tell their story. Through this unique art form, Steph has earned a vulnerable sense of trust with their clients through a technique that is both marvelous and methodical.

In this episode, Steph and I discuss the meaning of tattoos in society and the skill of focusing on the journey rather than the destination.

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Connection: The Skill of Preparedness and Reading the Room

As Director of Strategic Sales for IIDA, Tracey Thomas’ career is built on connections—whether with customers or peers or even just her personal relationships, she uses her intentionality and acute emotional intelligence to make people comfortable without compromising herself. She has mastered the art of observing subtlety while also teaching others to take up space and stay curious.

Through my conversation with Tracey, we uncover the importance of nuance and the joy of living in the nonverbals of life.

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Dr. Manny Hernandez and Dr. Colleen Mullen each seek to diagnose need and provide excellent healthcare, to their patients.  As physicians and care providers—Colleen as veterinarian and Manny as a healthcare design consultant and ER physician—they both exercise an abiding sense of awareness of and relentless passion for meeting  the physical and emotional needs of their patients. Through a warm and insightful conversation, we hear their perspectives on how curiosity, grit and seeking the “why” translates into their work with others.

In this month's episode, I explore the unique ability to see beyond who people (and animals) are to discover what they need.

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In celebration of National Back To School Month, I host third grade teacher and summer-camp innovator, Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr.  With an almost-evangelical commitment to building lifelong learners, he shows us how authenticity and the practice of honoring others where they are could be the most important skills to develop as leaders and mentors.

In this episode, we discover the gift of enthusiasm and commitment to lifelong learning and investigate the skills needed to teach, mentor and nurture young learners.

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