A Leader's Journey

Rooted in Hawai‘i and guided by hula, Dr. Diane Paloma leads with aloha — blending heart and discipline in all she does. Her story is one of resilience, and the strength that comes from knowing who you are, and where you came from.

Every failure holds a lesson — if you keep moving. In this episode of A Leader’s Journey, Elemental Impact CEO Dawn Lippert reflects on resilience, risk, and the power of momentum.

Raised on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Jack Kittinger turned his ocean passion into a career in conservation. Now leading Conservation International Hawai‘i, he helped pass the Green Fee, generating $100M yearly to protect nature through grit and community.

For Janice Ikeda, home is more than a place — it’s her purpose. From humble beginnings to community leadership, the Vibrant Hawai‘i founder is nurturing resilience across Hawai‘i Island, proving that small acts of service can spark lasting change.

From lava fields to leadership, John Leong built Pono Pacific and Kupu to restore both land and lives — and to show what’s possible when purpose leads the way.

Her family left Hawai‘i for opportunity. She found her way back. Today, Marisa Castuera Hayase leads one of the state’s largest philanthropic portfolios, and is shaping a vision of leadership rooted in care and connection, with community voices at the forefront.

What does it mean to grow up in Hawai‘i, leave for opportunity, and then come home to lead one of the world’s most powerful observatories? In this week’s A Leader’s Journey, meet Rich Matsuda, the first Hawai‘i-born director of Keck. From tinkering with cars in Nuʻuanu Valley to capturing light from galaxies older than Earth itself, his story is about balance — between science and culture, leadership and humility.

Amy Miller believes kindness can change lives — and she’s proving it every day at the Hawai‘i Foodbank. On A Leader’s Journey, she shares how compassion and accountability guide her work to ensure no one in our islands goes hungry.

From a small atoll in Micronesia to leading a statewide organization in Hawai‘i — Josie Howard’s journey is one of resilience and humility. In this episode of A Leader’s Journey, she shares how We Are Oceania empowers youth, strengthens community, and helps newcomers find their place.

From the ballfield to the boardroom, Billy Pieper’s journey is rooted in hustle, humility, and a deep love for Hawai‘i. In this episode of A Leader’s Journey, he reflects on the lessons that shaped him as a leader — and why he’s focused on keeping families here, building affordable housing, and strengthening community.