Seat 6A, Traveling While Black: A Skill Set Vignette

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.The Skill Set is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with The Skill Set:Follow The Skill Set on InstagramFollow The Skill Set on LinkedInFor more information on this episode, visit our webpage!

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.The Skill Set is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with The Skill Set:Follow The Skill Set on InstagramFollow The Skill Set on LinkedInFor more information on this episode, visit our webpage!

In this special episode host Cheryl Durst and executive producer Adriana Morton listen to voicemails left by attendees for Cheryl during NeoCon 2023 in the OFS showroom. Cheryl answers questions on topics like staying inspired as a designer, the future of the workplace, and the difference between interior design and interior architecture. Tune in to hear Cheryl's in-depth responses these questions and many more!The Skill Set is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with The Skill Set:Follow The Skill Set on InstagramFollow The Skill Set on LinkedInFor more information on this episode, visit our webpage!

An Olympian, a writer, a public speaker — Winter Vinecki has done it all. From a very early age, she has been in constant motion, pushing herself to be the best she can be and pursuing life’s next challenge. In addition to competing all over the world, she somehow manages to find the time to advocate and share her father’s legacy.Listen to Cheryl as she discusses Winter's perfectly appropriate name for a Winter Olympian, as well as her story and advice on how we can all be more present while practicing grace and composure.The Skill Set is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with The Skill Set:Follow The Skill Set on InstagramFollow The Skill Set on LinkedInFor more information on this episode, visit our webpage!

Why are we as humans so fascinated by true crime and programs like “Criminal Minds” and “Mindhunter,”? Complex criminal behavior and understanding the “why” and the “who” behind violent crime, led me to an intriguing opportunity to talk with former FBI criminal profiler Mark Safarik. Now the president of his own behavioral science consulting firm, Mark has had a unique career with over 30 years of experience in criminal justice and law enforcement, analyzing the criminal mindset and helping to bring resolution to victims and their families. In this episode, Mark and I discuss the difficult nature of his work as well the skills required to explore and assess some of the darkest minds in history.The Skill Set is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with The Skill Set:Follow The Skill Set on InstagramFollow The Skill Set on LinkedInFor more information on this episode, visit our webpage!

People, paperwork and polar bears — Nicki Boyd’s career revolves around these three things and much more. As the curator of applied behavior at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, she is responsible for educating and advocating for the animals and programs under her care.In this conversation, we discuss the characteristics of “the modern zoo” as well as what it means to build trust and be a steward of life.The Skill Set is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with The Skill Set:Follow The Skill Set on InstagramFollow The Skill Set on LinkedInFor more information on this episode, visit our webpage!

What happens when your ability to live your life is questioned? When simply to authentically exist in places where other’s limited imaginations won’t allow the reality of “you”? Welcome aboard a Skill Set Vignette that details an ordinary business trip that required extraordinary grace, calm and sense of self. Join me for “Seat 6A, Traveling While Black”.The Skill Set is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with The Skill Set:Follow The Skill Set on InstagramFollow The Skill Set on LinkedInFor more information on this episode, visit our webpage!

In many ways, Pierre Jean Gonzalez surpasses expectations, and has done so his entire life. From beating the odds of his social circumstances to coming out as queer amidst prejudice to eventually appearing as the acclaimed Alexander Hamilton in the national touring company of the renowned musical, “Hamilton”, Pierre is truly non-stop.Tune in to hear our discussion on being a change-maker and the power of nourishing hearts and souls through art.The Skill Set is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with The Skill Set:Follow The Skill Set on InstagramFollow The Skill Set on LinkedInFor more information on this episode, visit our webpage!

I am so honored to have had the opportunity to talk with Rebecca Walker and learn from her directly about her experience as a writer, feminist, and activist as well as the influence her parents had on her love of art, craft, and memorializing a life well-lived.In this poetic conversation, Rebecca Walker invites us to lean into beauty and to help empower others to use their voice to instigate change. Drawing from the rich lessons of the past, Rebecca reminds us to believe in people, the power of legacy and to stay curious. Always.The Skill Set is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with The Skill Set:Follow The Skill Set on InstagramFollow The Skill Set on LinkedInFor more information on this episode, visit our webpage! 

I am joined once again by my producers, Adriana and Doug, to talk about “stuff” — the skills, experiences, memories and more accumulated over our lifetimes that give us purpose and mold us into who we are.The Skill Set is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with The Skill Set:Follow The Skill Set on InstagramFollow The Skill Set on LinkedIn