It Matters Podcast

093 - Finding Hope in the Unseen - A Story of Advocacy, Community, and Healing with Tara Kearns

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, host Walter Perez welcomes Tara Kerns. Tara shares her journey from aspiring engineer to rare disease advocate after her sons were diagnosed with Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC). She discusses the challenges of navigating a rare diagnosis, building a supportive community, and balancing leadership with self-care. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, vulnerability, and connection in advocacy, offering inspiration and practical advice for families facing rare diseases and personal hardships.
Tara Kearns is a licensed social worker, educator, advocate, and most importantly, a mother. Working with children and families in the mental health field for most of her professional career, she entered the world of medical advocacy after her oldest son received a diagnosis of MRD3 deficiency, also known as PFIC 3.
In 2016, she began working with two other mothers of children with multiple variations of PFIC to maintain the original website pfic.org, a grassroots online webpage created to share (very little at the time) information online. By 2018, The PFIC Advocacy and Resource Network, Inc. (The PFIC Network), a 501(c)3 non-for-profit organization was born.
Since then, Tara has remained connected with the organization, not only as a Co-Founder, but has also served terms as Board Secretary, and as Vice-President of the Board of Directors. Currently, Tara serves as a Program Consultant with the PFIC Network, working to further organizational priorities and support its mission.
 
Connect with Tara
tara@pfic.org
IG: @mommyofthreetots
Connect with Walter
www.theleaderco.ca
IG: @theleaderco.inc
Facebook: The Leader Co.

092 - Will It Matter?

In this solo episode of the It Matters Podcast, host Walter Perez explores leadership, mindset, and personal growth as the year nears its end. He encourages listeners to reflect on their progress, let go of what doesn’t truly matter, and focus on positive habits and purposeful action. Walter stresses the importance of proactive reflection and making intentional choices to finish the year strong and start the next one with momentum. He motivates listeners to lead with clarity and resilience, and hints at a special guest joining the next episode.

091 - C.H.A.N.G.E.

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, host Walter Perez explores the importance of embracing change for personal growth and effective leadership. He introduces the acronym "CHANGE"—Choose it, Have a vision, Ask for help, Need to do the work, Grow as you go, and Evaluate along the way—to guide listeners through the process. Walter emphasizes that while change can be uncomfortable, it is essential for progress. He encourages leaders to be intentional, adaptable, and reflective, offering practical steps and motivation for anyone facing change in their life or leadership journey.

090 - The Enemy of Progress

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, Walter Perez explores how a constant sense of urgency can undermine effective leadership. Speaking directly to leaders, the episode highlights the negative impacts of urgency—such as poor decision-making, burnout, and reduced team morale—and encourages a shift toward proactive, well-prepared leadership. By prioritizing clear communication, thoughtful planning, and team collaboration, leaders can create a healthier work environment, foster sustainable progress, and achieve better outcomes for their organizations. The episode offers practical advice for breaking the cycle of urgency and building lasting success.

089 - Counterfeit Leadership

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, Walter explores the concept of "Counterfeit Leadership," highlighting six common misconceptions people often mistake for true leadership. He explains that being first, holding a title, managing systems, owning a business, being entrepreneurial, or simply possessing knowledge do not automatically make someone a leader. True leadership, Walter emphasizes, is about influence, growth, and positively impacting others. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own leadership practices, avoid these counterfeits, and commit to developing genuine leadership skills that make a real difference.

088 - Effectiveness

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, Walter Perez explores leadership effectiveness during seasonal transitions. Emphasizing self-reflection, the host shares five key questions for leaders: clarifying vision, assessing current reality, acknowledging weaknesses, recognizing strengths, and leveraging team dynamics. Listeners are encouraged to seek honest feedback, write down their vision, and use tools like StrengthsFinder to enhance their leadership. The episode offers practical steps for growth, urging leaders to continuously develop and positively impact their teams and missions, especially during times of change.

087 - Under Pressure

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, Walter Perez reflects on the theme of pressure, sharing a personal story about navigating the stress of having a sick child with a rare disease. The episode explores how pressure reveals—rather than creates—character, mindset, values, and habits. Listeners are encouraged to proactively build strong foundations so they can respond positively when challenges arise. Walter emphasizes self-reflection, personal growth, and the importance of consistent habits, urging listeners to become the kind of person they’re proud of under pressure.

086 - Above and Beyond

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, Walter Perez reflects on the importance of going above and beyond at work. The episode explores how a “not my job” mentality harms workplace culture, encourages listeners to pursue excellence, help others, and align personal values with their workplace. Walter also discusses the leader’s role in fostering supportive environments and emphasizes that every role and contribution matters in creating a positive, impactful workplace.

085 - Team Ownership

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, host Walter Perez explores effective team leadership, drawing from his own experiences. He emphasizes that true leadership is about empowering the entire team, not just the person in charge. Walter discusses the importance of co-creating vision and processes, fostering ownership, open communication, and trust. He encourages leaders to be selfless, value team input, and celebrate collective achievements. Listeners are challenged to reflect on their leadership style and embrace inclusive, sustainable practices that drive lasting impact and stronger teamwork.

084 - What You Do Matters

In this episode of the It Matters Podcast, host Walter Perez explores the transformative power of daily habits, emphasizing how small, consistent actions shape our lives over time. Drawing from personal experiences in health and fitness, Walter highlights the importance of self-awareness, patience, and aligning habits with core values. Listeners are encouraged to evaluate their routines, embrace discomfort for growth, and recognize that true leadership begins with self-discipline. The episode inspires intentional change, reminding us that meaningful transformation comes from the compounding effect of positive, everyday choices.