Leveled Up – Transformative Insights for Personal Growth and Empowerment: guest Francis Castillo
By Lana Reid | June 4, 2025
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, this episode features Francis “Chise” Castillo—author of Leveling Up and its follow-up Leveled Up. Castillo dives into self-reflection, entrepreneurship, relationships, and finance, delivering actionable tools to overcome obstacles and unleash your potential for growth.
How You Can Level Up Too
In this episode of “The Male Perspective,” Lana sits down with Francis “Chise” Castillo—Author of “Leveling Up” and “Leveled Up.” Chise shares insights on his latest work, “Leveled Up,” the sequel that builds on the transformative journey of its predecessor. In this installment he continues to explore self-reflection and personal growth, offering financial gems and relationship advice that can empower you to overcome any obstacle. Sharing stories of courage and entrepreneurship, the “Leveling Up” series aims to encourage all to believe in their potential and take actionable steps toward leveling up their life.
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“The Male Perspective” is hosted by Lana Reid, the founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)3 grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives:
- THE MALE PERSPECTIVE: The purpose of “The Male Perspective” is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and sharing personal experiences that serve as a platform to highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD:“Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood,” is an intergenerational group of Black women who come together for relaxed and non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, experiences and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in our day to day lives.
- TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS: The “Tapestry of Black Voices Awards” honors our local communities and showcases the incredible creativity and voices of Black communities throughout the United States.