In this episode of Conscious Insights, Renelle Everett Darr hosts a compelling conversation with two transformative leaders: William Browning, CEO of Clayton Early Learning, and Mark Michalek, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Denver Division. Together, they explore the critical intersection of leadership in early childhood education and law enforcement, examining how both sectors are navigating complexity, embracing change, and shaping the future.
This conversation delves into the whole person approach to leadership—where empathy, trauma-informed practices, and values-based strategies are essential. William and Mark discuss how these approaches are transforming their organizations, whether it’s helping children in need or guiding first responders through increasingly stressful environments.
They also explore the role of artificial intelligence in both sectors, examining how AI can enhance security and operational efficiency while also posing new challenges in cybersecurity and data management. This intersection of human-centered leadership and technology is reshaping the future of both industries, offering new pathways for positive societal change.
Join us for an inspiring discussion on leadership, technology, and the importance of leading with heart and humanity in a rapidly changing world.

About our Guests:

Mark Michalek is FBI Special Agent in Charge, Denver Division.

Mr. Michalek joined the FBI as a special agent in 2005 and was assigned to the Houston Field Office. He worked organized crime and violent crime matters and specialized in investigating serial bank robbery and armored carrier robbery crews. He also served as a part-time pilot.

In 2014, Mr. Michalek was promoted to supervisory special agent and transferred to the Violent Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters, where he oversaw the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Program. Mr. Michalek returned to Houston in 2016 to lead the public corruption squad, a multiagency team responsible for investigating allegations of corruption involving elected officials and fraud against the government.
In 2020, Mr. Michalek was appointed as an assistant special agent in charge of the San Diego Field Office, where he oversaw programs including business administration, security, crisis management, and SWAT operations. He was promoted in 2021 to section chief of the Employee Health and Performance Section in the Human Resources Division at Headquarters. The section is responsible for the health, well-being, resilience, and performance of FBI employees.

Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Michalek served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force. He earned a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master's in public administration from Penn State.

William Browning is the President and CEO for Clayton Early Learning and has connections to the local Denver and national philanthropy communities. Most recently, William served on the Global Business Advisory Services group at Slalom Consulting, leading global business implementations for social and private sector clients. Before that, he was the Chief Transformation and Strategy Officer for United Way Worldwide and also held a similar position for Mile High United Way in Denver. As the founder and CEO of the highly successful Denver-based consulting firm, Rebound Solutions, he designed and led significant systems improvement projects, including the transformation of Colorado’s benefits management system and the state’s first quality management system for early childhood education. 
William has an Executive Master’s degree in Coaching and Consulting for Change from HEC Paris and Oxford University. He was selected and attended the exclusive University of Oxford Strategic Leadership Program and he has completed the Corporate Social Responsibility Executive Program through the University of Colorado at Denver. He has a daughter named Madeleine who is in the 6th grade and a one-year-old dog named Hershey.