We are excited to share with you our latest episode—a powerful conversation with Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of San José State University.

In this episode, we explore President Matson's journeyfrom being a first-generation college student to becoming a transformational university president. Along the way, she shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership, the role of mentors and sponsors in her rise, and herunwavering commitment to equity, community, and purposeful change.

What makes her story so compelling is how deeply personaland authentic her leadership is. President Matson returned to lead in the very community her parents once left in search of opportunity—bringing everything full circle with a vision rooted in place, purpose, and what she so beautifully calls “the inheritance of courageous curiosity.”

We talk about:✅ Building a new public university from the ground up✅ Creating systems of support for first-generation and underserved students✅ Knowing when—and how—to say “yes” to the next leadership chapter✅ Staying resilient, grounded, and open in the face of change

This episode is for anyone seeking inspiration, clarity, orthat gentle push to keep leading boldly—even when the path isn’t fully clear.

Sound Bites

"Honesty is always the best policy"

"Hope is not a strategy"

"Happiness is an inside job"