On Pivotal Moment, we go behind the scenes to talk to people in news, sports and entertainment about the moment that CHANGED IT ALL -- the moment that took them from where they were to where they wanted to be. Why? Because where you are and where you want to be IS within reach! #thetimeisNOW
Chief equity and engagement officer for the Chicago Transit Authority is focused on the mission
"We are in the business of moving people," Denise Barreto told Pivotal Moment. Barreto is the first-ever chief equity and engagement officer for the Chicago Transit Authority, the nation's third-largest transit system - and TEDx speaker of Normal is Optional. The author, executive producer, and co-founder of Serqet Productions talks about entrepreneurship, fighting systems of injustice, and the joy of saying, No. Tune in for Barretos advice for entrepreneurs and creatives...and her message to Tom Hanks. :-)
Key takeaways in this episode:
You dont have to leave your job to start your business.
When your life shatters, you can decide which pieces you want to keep.
Recognize systems of injustice and the pathways to correct them.
Our current situation is a quiet prelude to liberation
Find and follow works by Denise Barreto:
TEDx Normal is Optional
https://www.ted.com/talks/denise_barreto_normal_is_optional (https://www.ted.com/talks/denise_barreto_normal_is_optional)
From Here to There: 5 Steps to Doing Your Lifes Work Every Day
https://www.amazon.com/Here-There-Steps-Doing-Lifes/dp/1475083564 (https://www.amazon.com/Here-There-Steps-Doing-Lifes/dp/1475083564)
Serqet Productions
https://serqetproductions.com/ (https://serqetproductions.com/)
Executive Producer, Fly Brother, PBS
https://www.pbs.org/show/fly-brother/ (https://www.pbs.org/show/fly-brother/)
29 Dec 2024
TEDx speaker on how to reach today's students: 'It's connection over content'
My goal is to bring out the best in teachers so they can bring out the best in their students, Dr. Donald Parker told Pivotal Moment. The former principal, author, professional development leader, and keynote speaker has a message for educators. Listening is the first step to letting students know that you care.
In this episode, the author of Be the Driving Force shares helpful tips from his TEDx talk and proven strategies for success in the classroom in 2025 and beyond:
Take a stand against authoritarian leadership and embrace radical empathy leadership.
Teachers must touch the heart before they touch the brain.
A job is something you do, a calling is what you love. Its an inspired action.
Stressed-out teachers make stressed-out students. Healthy teachers make healthy students.
Practice the SNAP method. Speak up for yourself. Never compromise your respect. Affirm your worth. Protect your rights.
TEDx Arlington Heights talk
How to start a radical leadership rebellion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUyOct2CbHw)
Books by Dr. Don
Be the Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity (https://www.amazon.com/Be-Driving-Force-Leading-Principals/dp/1954631499)
Building Bridges: Engaging Students at Risk Through the Power of Relationships (https://www.amazon.com/Building-Bridges-Engaging-Relationships-Student-Teacher/dp/194760435X)
Booking, contact, and details
https://drdonparker.com/about/ (https://drdonparker.com/about/)
Suggested readings
The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything by Stephen Covey (https://www.amazon.com/SPEED-TRUST-Thing-Changes-Everything/dp/1416549005)
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=21+irrefutable+laws+of+leadership&hvadid=580629524061&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9192842&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=839619192227093737&hvtargid=kwd-58031066&hydadcr=8294_13500832&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_6hzjs8asru_e)
28 Dec 2024
Northwestern professor on the future of journalism and the road to equity
Dr. Ava Thompson Greenwell is a documentary filmmaker, author, and journalism professor at Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism. In this episode, she talks about the mounting challenges facing todays reporters, the importance of journalism during times of political transition, and Medills continuing leadership in training tomorrows storytellers.
Tune in to learn the ONE question every journalist should ask.
Find and follow Dr. Greenwell:
Certified life coach, booking & scheduling
theinquirycollective.com - website (http://theinquirycollective.com)
Documentaries
Hearing Silences: 50 Years of Black Women Faculty at Northwestern (https://planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/624479#:~:text=The%20documentary%20%22Hearing%20Silences%3A%2050,women%20have%20made%20over%20decades.)
Mandela in Chicago (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkPL8up7r5w)
Books
Ladies Leading: The Black Women Who Control Television News (https://www.amazon.com/Ladies-Leading-Black-Control-Television/dp/1951941632)
Podcasts
Ladies Leading (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ladies-leading/id1561663088)
Suggested works:
Out of the House of Bondage by Thavolia Glymph (https://www.amazon.com/Out-House-Bondage-Transformation-Plantation/dp/0521703980)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
243
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
31
Social presence
0
YouTube
72
Engagement
0
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