Standing in the Gap, EP1: Dr. Kanika Tomalin

In this premiere episode of Standing In The Gap, your host Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College, sits down with Dr. Kanika Tomalin, President and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.
Together, they talk about what it takes to be a fearless leader, nurturing our next generation of leaders, addressing health disparities in underserved areas, and the many trials, tribulations, and lessons learned throughout her journey as a leader.
Through this discussion, you will learn how to use fear as a guiding force that signals impending greatness, and why choosing courage over comfort will help propel you further than your current strengths and unlock your fullest potential. Dr. Kanika Tomalin also reveals valuable wisdom on how to navigate uncertainty and silence the noise in order to find clarity and stay true to your vision as a leader.
Embark on a transformative journey with Dr. Kanika Tomalin as she shares invaluable lessons on fearless leadership, seizing and providing opportunities for others, and navigating uncharted territory with unwavering determination. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and gain deeper insights into Dr. Tomalin's impactful work, and how she stands in the gap for the future leaders of today.
KEY POINTS:
[1:39] - Dr. Kanika Tomalin on growing up in St. Petersburg
[3:03] - Normalizing the brilliance of Black women in every space and place
[5:54] - Dr. Kanika Tomalin’s journey from journalism to hospital leadership
[8:35] - Courage over comfort: Why you shouldn’t let your strengths hold you back from better things to come
[14:44] - Make fear your friend: How fear is a signal that you are creating something great
[17:31] - How to quiet the noise and focus on the vision as a leader when charting your own course
[21:15] - Navigating sacrifices and emotions in public service
[23:02] - Dr. Tomalin's proudest moments and accomplishments as deputy mayor
[27:17] - Skills and values that will set the next generation of leaders up for success
[33:06] - Failing forward: How to embrace imperfection and learn from mistakes as a leader
[34:37] - Building young women leaders by honoring the past and nurturing the future
[42:04] - Dr. Tomalin's transition from academia to leading the charge for equity in health
[45:16] - Addressing health disparities and transforming communities through health equity initiatives
[47:56] - What can we do better to build more bridges to better jobs?
QUOTABLES:
“My aspiration and my happiness requires no permission, except my own.” - Dr. Kanika Tomalin
“Don't let your strengths hold you back from even better things to come.” - Dr. Tonjua Williams
“No leader is safe. If they stay in the safe lane.” - Dr. Tonjua Williams
“When we feel fear in its deepest manifestation, it's a signal that we're on the cusp of something new; something great and worthy of our investment.” - Dr. Kanika Tomalin
“That is the obligation of the gift; of knowing that it is to teach someone else how to expand it.” - Dr. Kanika Tomalin
“If you want to be a leader, you can’t talk all the time.” - Dr. Tonjua Williams
RESOURCES:
Dr. Kanika Tomalin
LinkedIn | @dr-kanika-tomalin-8478b732
Facebook | @StPeteTomalin
X | @StPeteTomalin
Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
Website | Healthy St. Pete Foundation
St. Petersburg College
Website | St. Petersburg College
Facebook | @stpetecollege
IG | @stpetersburgcollege
UA-cam | @SPC
LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college
X | @spcnews
Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at www.epyc.co/
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St. Petersburg College was founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida's first two-year college. Our alumni rank first in the state for earning the highest entry wages among state community college graduates. Access, excellence, and student support are the hallmarks of SPC. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC was the first state college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees. We offer 200+ degree, certificate and transfer programs, as well as many high-demand, high-skill, industry-recognized workforce certifications. Our career-focused curriculum is created in conjunction with industry experts to ensure that SPC students are able to meet the needs of today’s employers.
To learn more about SPC, visit spcollege.edu.

[@Techops901]

Setting apart the past and the present. Standing in the Gap has a graceful sense of purpose, I am grateful for where I am now than where I know I could not have been without SPC.

[@julz_m]

Thought I was going to make it through this podcast without tearing up, but here we go at 36:28! It's really a pleasure to serve the SPC community, I love working each day to support Dr. Willams, vision and impact. We're doing good work here. 🙌

[@zanettarobinson9834]

This was an outstanding conversation. Thank you.