Driven By with Sam Coates
Sam Coates
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Sharing experiences, insights, and the drivers behind why my guests have built what they have built and how this applies to what drives you.
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6 days ago
“They Didn’t Put Us In A Box” with Candace Steele Flippin, DM
My guest today is Candace Steele Flippin, DM. Candace is currently the chief communications officer for Acuity Brands- a 4 Billion dollar revenue organization, and previously served as Chief Communications Officer of First Horizon Bank, a 3.49 Billion dollar revenue bank. Acuity has 11,500 employees, and First Horizon has 7,000 plus employees.
She also has her Doctor of Management from Case Western Reserve University out of Cleveland, Ohio.
Candace is on this podcast because I want to understand what works and what doesn't work when you're communicating with 10k people and do that in a way that's actually effective. This podcast turned out to be so much more.
You'll hear everything from:
* Why her parents never held back the dreams and ambitions of her and her siblings growing up after they were raised in the Jim Crow south
* How generations change and how this affects work and what people want- what works and what doesn't, bringing people together to make sure people do great work and take care of the customer
* Helping women grow and get the jobs they need, not staying stuck, and addressing pay parity
Please enjoy this week's episode with Candace Steele Flippen!
If you like the show, please tell a friend!
Click here to see more about Candace and her work.
Links:
Candace- https://www.linkedin.com/in/candacesteeleflippin/
https://www.acuitybrands.com/
https://www.firsthorizon.com/
https://case.edu/
https://americanexperience.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/The-Jim-Crow-South.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_generations
https://www.adp.com/resources/articles-and-insights/articles/p/pay-equity.aspx
https://www.candacesteeleflippin.com/
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Feb 16, 2023
"We're Standing In The Gap" with Fire Chief Gina Sweat
My guest this week is _Memphis Fire, Chief Gina Sweat_. Chief Sweat was selected to be the _first female director of fire services in Memphis, TN_, and there were only a handful of female fire chiefs nationally when she was selected.
The world of fire departments is changing. Chief Sweat says in this episode 80% of their calls are medical, _so gone are the days when you are only going to fight fires_.
This is a great episode that covers the following:
* What it's like living with the responsibility of 1600+ firefighters that put themselves in harm's way every day
* Getting scrappy and looking for new ways to tackle old problems and getting creative with funding and grants to get your people what they need
* Remembering the tragedies and _those that gave their lives just doing their job_
* What the future of fire departments look like and why they must innovate to add value to the communities they are apart of
* Plus a lot more
Please enjoy this week's episode with Memphis Fire Chief Gina Sweat!
* https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-sweat-4625b382/
* https://archive.commercialappeal.com/news/government/city/strickland-names-gina-sweat-citys-first-female-fire-director-26dfbef7-76dd-280f-e053-0100007f1d74-361905801.html/
* https://apnews.com/article/15e06ad3778f4ee88b67a1bdbbc97c29
* https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2022/08/23/funeral-held-memphis-fire-department-driver-killed-crash-david-pleasant/7877457001/
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Jan 26, 2023
“I'm Not Here To Live In A Utopia” with John Carroll
My guest this week is John Carroll. Lately, I’ve wondered how do you confidently promote a city with significant issues. John is behind the highly successful grassroots nonprofit Choose 901 and City Leadership out of Memphis, TN. What started as a bootstrapped nonprofit over a decade ago has now evolved into one of the top promotional brands in Memphis, TN.
National Center on Charitable Statistics, 30% of nonprofits fail to exist after ten years. Given that this nonprofit was bootstrapped and now operates on a 2 million dollar annual budget, this would be a meaningful conversation.
This is a great episode that covers the following:
* The power of social media and attracting talent to a city you love and need to fill jobs in
* Redefining progress- do we understand the problems clearly, and Are we making progress on those problems?
* Building a grassroots organization and becoming an expert to others around the United States
* The fragility of a first-generation college student
* Plus a lot more
Please enjoy this week’s episode with John Carroll!
Links:
John Carroll- https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncarroll77/
The fragility of a first generation college student- https://eab.com/insights/daily-briefing/student-affairs/33-of-first-gen-students-drop-out-within-3-years/
Choose901- https://choose901.com/
City Leadership: https://www.cityleadership.org/
Top promotional brands: https://www.instagram.com/choose901/
According to this source: https://nanoe.org/nonprofits-fail/#:~:text=The%20real%20data%20from%20National,of%20a%20strategic%20plan%2C%20among
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Dec 20, 2022
"Who’s Going To Fill The Void?" with Will Chase
My guest today is _Will Chase_. This is the second time Will is on this podcast. I’ve heard great feedback about his episode #62, so check it out.
This episode will be different and much shorter, and I am looking forward to it.
Full disclosure, I was hired to produce work for this venture and this interview. But I was not hired to release it here on my podcast. That was my choice because Will knows a thing or two about entrepreneurship and the changing landscape of banking across the United States of America.
Will is underway raising funds to recapitalize a successful local community bank and take it to new heights.
I’m releasing this episode because it speaks to the changing landscape of banking. In 1990, there were just under _14,000 community banks_ in the USA, and as of June 2020, _just over 4,200
_
This is a great episode that covers the following:
* Why does the movement of capital change when community banks are gobbled up
* How do you build a bank of service first while leveraging modern and innovative technology
* What’s the pride as an investor of a community bank when you’re connected to that community, and why this matters
* Plus, much more!
Please enjoy this week’s episode with Will Chase!
Links:
Will- https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-j-chase-jr-671a318/
Just under 14k- https://www.ft.com/content/4face0c6-c1fb-47af-972b-8749e92b4baf
Today- https://www.kansascityfed.org/ten/2021-fall-ten-magazine/in-evolving-landscape-community-banks-remain-vital-to-customers-and-the-economy/
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Nov 17, 2022
“Assets Happen” with Bob Fockler
My guest today is Bob Fockler, former investment banker turned Community builder and asset allocator.
Americans gave away just over 484 billion dollars last year, so I wanted to know what this looks like when it's done right.
Bob is currently the President of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, which, as he says, is a billion-dollar financial institution.
This is a great episode that covers:
* Running a non-profit like a business and why that matters to steward capital well.
* Paving your own path and leaving investment banking to take on this city's community foundation and why he never looked back
* Generational giving- who does well and what happens when it blows up
* Plus, much more!
Please enjoy this week's episode with Bob Fockler, President of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis!
Links:
https://www.nptrust.org/philanthropic-resources/charitable-giving-statistics/#:~:text=Americans%20gave%20%24484.85%20billion%20in,a%204%25%20increase%20from%202020.&text=Corporate%20giving%20in%202021%20increased,a%2023.8%25%20increase%20from%202020.&text=Foundation%20giving%20in%202021%20increased,a%203.4%25%20increase%20from%202020.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-fockler-a5b418a/
https://www.cfgm.org/
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Oct 26, 2022
We Were Built For This with Pat Lawler
My guest, today for the 2nd time, is Youth Villages CEO Pat Lawler.
When someone has led an organization from less than 100 kids a year, a handful of staff, and evolved into an impact of more than 32,000 kids a year and over 3,600 staff and counting, they are going to have something to say that’s important to listen and learn from.
It’s energizing how a dream can start small, with focus, resiliency, passion, and leadership, it can evolve to be a national thought leader decades later and just getting started.
Children’s behavioral health and crime are crucial to our communities and the cities we live.
It’s a privilege to release this interview on my podcast, where you will learn:
* What it takes to make a culture permeate all the way down to the front line
* Why being a front-line leader matters and the value it gives you to your organization
* How their recent national intercept recognition opens up even more tremendous opportunities across the United States
* Plus, much more!
Please enjoy this week’s episode with Pat Lawler!
This podcast was recorded for my work for Youth Villages on their own podcast Stronger Than You Think. So please check that out if you like this interview. This episode was such a great interview. I wanted to release it here on my podcast.
Links:
https://youthvillages.org/
Intercept recognition- https://youthvillages.org/youth-villages-intercept-program-model-receives-well-supported-designation-from-family-first-clearinghouse/
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Sep 29, 2022
Life As An Underdog and Enjoying the Fight with Frank Cianciola
My guest today is Frank Cianciola. I’m fortunate to interview many people across the country for the corporate interviews I produce. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last few years, it’s that if something works in one market, those principles will work in every market.
It’s an absolute pleasure to release today’s episode with Banking entrepreneur and industry veteran Frank Cianciola. Frank is the Founder of Bank3, headquartered out of Memphis, TN, and this isn’t Frank’s first rodeo. This is the third bank he has run after two other successful exits. You’ll hear on his latest bank how he took a struggling bank with less than 20 million in assets and today is at 425 million and shooting for 1 billion.
In this episode, you will hear:
* Living a life as an underdog and loving the fight
* Putting it all on the line in your 40s when you’re given an opportunity to run your first bank
* How to pick talent and empower them to provide a level of service that a big bank can’t
* Plus much more!
Please enjoy this week’s episode with Frank Cianciola!
_Links:_
Frank Cianciola- https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-j-cianciola-04113118/
Bank3- https://www.bank3.com/
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Aug 18, 2022
She Didn't Take The Easy Way Out with Duncan Williams
My guest today is Duncan Williams. I wanted to have Duncan on this podcast because What started as a small regional municipal bond firm in 1969 grew to be one of the largest female-owned bond broker-dealers in the United States. In addition to this work, this family has a strong presence as a holding company in farmland, apartments, and senior living facilities in the southeastern part of the United States.
This is great story that shows what one generation's risk and sacrifice can do for communities, people, and opportunities decades down the line.
In this episode, you will hear:
* Choosing not to sell the family business when unexpected events hit your family
* Building a holding company- how to pick the right people, give them what they need, and get out of their way
* How to build a brand- watching some of the best companies in the world and how they build theirs and learning from them along the way
* A passion for jobs- the new world order, and making sure people get what they need to flourish in the communities you are apart of
* Plus much more!
Please enjoy this week’s episode with Duncan Williams!
Links:
Duncan Williams INC- https://duncanwilliams.com/
Duncan Williams- https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-f-williams-33972aa6/
bond broker- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bond-broker.asp
new world order- link- https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2017/05/03/the-future-of-jobs-and-jobs-training/
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Jul 28, 2022
Beating the Odds and Building a 4th Generation Business with Scott Felsenthal
My guest today is Scott Felsenthal. I wanted to have Scott on this podcast because he and his family are obviously doing something right. Only 3% of companies make it to the 4th generation, and their company Whitmor is one of them. Scott is the CEO of Whitmor, and it's a privilege to have him on this podcast.
Whitmor started in Brooklyn, New York, in 1946; over 75 years later, it is running strong.
This is a great story that goes deep into this family's history of:
* Evolving from a manufacturer to an importer when Walmart changed the game, they, like many others, had to stay alive.
* Choosing not to take private equity to preserve their control for future generations of their family
* Building a company that connects the story of what they do to its own people to navigate the great resignation among the workforce
* Strategic acquisitions that continue to position the company in a strong position
* Plus much more!
Please enjoy this episode with Scott Felsenthal!
Scott Felsenthal- https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottfelsenthal/
Make it to 4th generation- https://www.johnson.cornell.edu/smith-family-business-initiative-at-cornell/resources/family-business-facts/#:~:text=About%2040%25%20of%20U.S.%20family%2Downed%20businesses%20turn%20into%20second,Businessweek.com%2C%202010).
Whitmor: https://whitmor.com/
Great resignation: https://fortune.com/2022/07/21/great-resignation-40-percent-want-to-quit-where-are-they-going/
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Jun 9, 2022
Building It From The Ground Up with Eric Barnes
My guest today is Eric Barnes. Eric is the CEO of the Daily Memphian, the largest single market digital-only local news site in the United States.
Starting his career as a staff reporter and worked his way up as an editorial assistant, editor, publisher, and now CEO, Eric has seen the downward spiral of traditional print firsthand and the digital growth of how news is consumed.
What's fascinating about Eric's past is that he started working as managing editor of the internet division in the late 1990s
Fast Forward 20 years later, and the Daily Memphian is the largest single market digital-only local news site in the United States.
I hope you enjoy this episode with Eric, where you will hear:
* Why growing up in a blue-collar town never leaves you. How this has shaped his career and his ability to lead as an operator
* How he saw the shift to desktop in the late 90s and how traditional print has declined from its heyday. What New York Times got right and most everyone else didn't
* What can happen when you go for something big with ample capital- how the Daily Memphian was launched and what it did from the start to build traction
* Why a local newspaper matters and how it's success affects the future of a city
* Plus much more!
Please enjoy this episode with Daily Memphian CEO Eric Barnes!
Links:
Daily Memphian launched- https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2018/jul/16/the-daily-memphian-to-launch-in-fall-as-citys-definitive-news-source/
Traditional print declined- https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/04/12/gannett-newspaper-print-days/
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May 26, 2022
Big Ideas, Big Challenges, and Making Them Happen with Tim Belk
My guest today is Tim Belk. Tim, his wife Sarah, and his children operate Wild Hope Farm out of Chester, South Carolina. This is a fantastic episode about leveraging your skill sets to make a true family affair. As Tim says, while being CEO of Belk, he and his wife Sarah were like two ships passing in the night. This organic farm allowed them to do something together and leverage her idea of becoming an organic farmer and his experience as a retail operator and CEO.After the Belk Family sold their department store with close to 300 locations and 25,000 employees that had been in their family since 1888, Wild Hope Farm was started.The organic food market is robust, and as you’ve heard in previous episodes of this podcast, farming isn’t easy.This is an excellent episode with Tim where you will hear:
* How to assess a market, start a farm like this from scratch- from idea to planning to execution and all the lessons learned along the way
* The power of community- why the Bel…
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May 12, 2022
The Ultimate Entrepreneur's Game with Mason George [RE AIR]
My guest today is Mason George. Mason is an entrepreneur and business executive with IMC Companies. IMC Companies was started by his Father, Mark George, 40 years ago with just one driver. Today, it is one of the top Intermodal Carriers in the United States. At close to a billion dollars in revenue, it’s quite the story to take a company from one driver to where it is today.
Our supply chain is more critical today than ever before. The United States is the largest importer globally, and it’s no secret that there have been many challenges with how goods come to the USA and how they move throughout the rest of our country. This interview is much more than just about this company and what success looks like.
I had a great time with Mason, and this is a great interview where you will hear:
* The skillsets it takes to take a company from one driver to over a billion in revenue.
* Being all in with your capital and time while inspiring people to build something they are proud of…
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Apr 28, 2022
Building A Well Tuned Machine with Rick Spell
My guest today is Rick Spell. Rick is the owner of Spell Restaurant group. Before acquiring and operating restaurants around the Southeastern United States, Rick spent decades building a highly successful career as an investment banker for Morgan Keegan (now Raymond James).
Rick employs over 500 people through their ownership group. As you may know, currently, more than 11 million jobs are open, and over 6 million people are unemployed around the United States.
This is an excellent episode with Rick where you will hear:
* While his career trajectory changed when he went back and graduated after dropping out of college
* What he learned from Allen Morgan, the CEO of Morgan Keegan- what happens when you determine if someone has talent, put them in a position to use it, and give them a platform.
* Buying a restaurant chain out of bankruptcy- why corporate spending can tank a restaurant group
* Developing people and building a bench. How he develops and moves talent across the…
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Apr 14, 2022
"The Country That Raised Me" with Sandra Xing
My guest this week has a story that’s nuts!
So far in my life, I have yet to meet someone who has overcome more obstacles in their life to become an entrepreneur in the United States and benefit from capitalism.
My guest this week is Sandra Xing. Sandra’s parents were taken away by Mao Zedong’s red party when she was 8. She raised her brother and herself. She witnessed her Mother be shamed and punished because her family came from the Black party. Eventually came to the United States when her sister declined the opportunity.
Sandra came to Atlanta and worked every job you could imagine from babysitting, to cleaning dishes, to working in a warehouse; she eventually founded her first company and now she owns three companies.
This is a tell all episode where you will hear:
* What Mao Zedong’s leadership was like in the People’s Republic of China in the 1960’s
* How she went from making 1 dollar a month in China to working in the United States
* How she started h…
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Mar 31, 2022
Doing What You Love Again with Doug Barron
My guest today is PGA Tour Champions Golfer Doug Barron.
Doug turned pro on the PGA Tour in 1992, played for nine years, and then was out of the game professionally for seven years. In 2019, when everyone thought he was crazy, Doug flew to Europe, qualified, and finished 5th at the Senior British Open. Since then, he has won the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open in 2019 and The Shaw Charity Classic in 2021, also known as the Champions Tour Workhorse…
Whether you’re a golfer or not, this is a great episode where you’ll hear Doug cover:
* “They have to beat me too” how Doug thinks about the legends he plays with and how he stays locked in on his game
* Raising money from friends and going all-in at 50
* Forgiving yourself and playing your game. How hard lessons learned don’t have to end that way.
* Why he’d give anything to play one more round with his Dad
* And much more!
Please enjoy this week’s episode with Doug Barron!
Links:
_5th Place Finish at Se…
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Mar 17, 2022
You're either all in or you're all out — with Will Chase
My guest today is Will Chase. Will is the former CEO of Triumph Bank.
Triumph Bank was started right before the Financial crisis of 2008 with just a few million dollars and sold for over 130 million dollars. The number of new banks opening around the United States has drastically changed since the 2008 financial crisis, and I wanted to find out why. This episode will give you much more than that and the future of banking.
This is a great episode that also covers:
* What it actually looks like to quit your job at 50 and go all in a start-up bank even when you don’t know if you’ll make it
* How to win in the service industry when big banks keep acquiring market share
* Being 5 million dollars in the hole and working your way out of it after the 2008 financial crisis
* Why it makes no sense to start a bank anymore
* Plus much more!
Please enjoy this week’s episode with Will Chase!
Links:
_
_
_ https://money.cnn.com/2015/07/29/investing/dodd-frank-new-banks/#:~:t…
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Feb 24, 2022
Are Stick Built Homes A Thing Of The Past? with Steve Glenn
My guest today is Steve Glenn. Steve is an entrepreneur and CEO of Plant Prefab. After closing its series B round at $30 Million, Plant Prefab is locked in on changing the game of how homes are built... Plant Prefab is backed by high-profile investors, including Amazon, Asahi Kasei, Gerdau Paris Ventures, and Obvious Ventures. They recognize the massive market opportunity that Plant Prefab is capitalizing on.
We all know the pain points. There’s an undersupply of homes, rising material costs, increasing construction timelines, lack of subcontractors, harmful environmental impact, I could go on.
This interview is a great episode where you will hear:
The challenge of wedding profit and purpose when what you need to do is scale
The good, the bad, and the ugly of an achievement personality. How this has shaped who he is today and Steve’s own entrepreneurial journey
A deep dive into why their solution solves critical issues and the impact for the future
Who is James Rouse? His inf…
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Jan 27, 2022
Crowdfunding Done Right with Adam Kaufman
Who says crowdfunding has to be sketchy? There's a new way to access investment opportunities since the jobs act of 2012, and this real estate family is bringing direct access to the marketplace.
My guest today is Adam Kaufman. Adam is the co-founder of ArborCrowd. Based out of New York City, ArborCrowd is the only commercial real estate crowdfunding platform backed by a publicly-traded mortgage REIT. Arbor Realty Trust.
This is a great conversation with Adam where you will hear:
* What's the history of crowdfunding? Did you know that the Statue Of Liberty was the first crowdfunding project on record?
* Why things have changed and where it is headed, how they are giving people a chance to have equity where previously only institutional capital could access
* The lessons learned in the 2008 financial crisis and why their experience and hard lessons learned set them apart
* Building a platform from scratch
* And more!
Please enjoy this week's episode with Adam Kaufman!…
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Jan 13, 2022
The Ultimate Entrepreneur's Game with Mason George
I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off 2022 than with an interview like this!
My guest today is Mason George. Mason is an entrepreneur and business executive with IMC Companies. IMC Companies was started by his Father, Mark George, 40 years ago with just one driver. Today, it is one of the top Intermodal Carriers in the United States. At close to a billion dollars in revenue, it’s quite the story to take a company from one driver to where it is today.
Our supply chain is more critical today than ever before. The United States is the largest importer globally, and it’s no secret that there have been many challenges with how goods come to the USA and how they move throughout the rest of our country. This interview is much more than just about this company and what success looks like.
I had a great time with Mason, and this is a great interview where you will hear:
* The skillsets it takes to take a company from one driver to over a billion in revenue.
* Being all i…
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Dec 30, 2021
Transforming Agriculture: One Deal At A Time with Garrott McClintock [RE AIR]
My Guest today is Garrott McClintock. Garrott is the COO of AcreTrader. AcreTrader is a hot new start-up out of Fayetteville, Arkansas, that recently finished a series its 12 Million Dollar funding round. AcreTrader matches investors with farmland while giving Farmers the land they need to grow their operation.
Did you know that In 1935, there were 7 million farms, and now there are only 2 million in operation?
What’s changed? Why is farming so hard? What is often hard for farmers to grow their operations? What’s the fulfillment a farmer feels by growing the crops that drive our world today?
I had a great time talking with my long-time friend Garrott McClintock. Garrott is a 5th generation farmer, and I wanted to have him on this show where you’ll hear the following:
What’s in the DNA of a Farmer? The fulfillment they feel with the work they do The non-linear path his own career has taken The barriers he and his team break down The future of farming- growing demand, decreas…
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Dec 16, 2021
Managing Through Chaos and Investing In The Future with Gary Wunderlich
My Guest today is Gary Wunderlich. Gary is an entrepreneur and investor. At the age of 26, Gary founded Wunderlich Securities and he and his team turned Wunderlich into a national full service and investment banking firm. 400+ employees and two decades later, Wunderlich Securities sold to B. Riley for 67 Million Dollars.
In 2020, Gary Co-Founded Live Oak Merchant Partners. Since the founding Live Oak has launched four SPACS (also known as blank check companies) where they are investing in biotechnology, innovative semiconductors, mobility and motion technology, and environmental sustainability. Just wait, as you listen to this interview you’ll hear how Gary plans to roll out 1 to 1 and a half SPACS a year moving forward.
I had a great time with Gary where you’ll hear:
* The impact of having strong advisors when you’re 26 and naïve
* Managing through chaos and why he’s more comfortable that way
* Investing in the future- his process, deal flow, and the value of each…
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Dec 2, 2021
Positioned To Win. Explosive Growth In American Manufacturing with Andrew Green
Before we get started, I want to share a few things about the value with this week's episode.
Over the last 20+ months, the world has been in a unique place. There's been a record number of people quitting their jobs, and our country's supply chain has been challenged in extreme ways. Even with these challenges, there are men and women across the United States committed to buckling down and producing the things we utilize daily. Even with all of these obstacles, there has been tremendous demand and increased opportunity.
My guest today is Andrew Green.
Andrew Green is CEO of Parkway Products. Parkway is a national injection molding company across the United States and Mexico. After spending the first 16 years of his career with the multi-billion dollar publicly listed company Sonoco Andrew decided to take a different path where he wanted to take some risks and become a CEO one day.
This is a jam-packed high-value episode where you'll learn:
* What it's like having a signific…
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Nov 18, 2021
Building What I Wish I Had with Sam Sawyer
My guest today is Sam Sawyer. Not many would leave their career at the top of their field to launch a startup disrupting the space they once built their career in. After leaving Dallas, Texas, and working for Silicon Valley Based ZeroDown Sam launched Archetape, where he is Founder and CEO. After an early-stage investment round by Mucker Capital, Sam is building out Archetape and growing it throughout the Southeast U.S.A. Sam believes the future of residential real estate will continue to change dramatically and disrupt the old way agencies do business.
I had a great time with Sam where you’ll learn:
* Contrary to standard behavior- why you’re better positioned to take risks and build companies in your 30’s and 40’s versus playing it safe
* What makes a great early-stage investment relationship. Why Mucker Capital is a great partner and what they do to invest in and deliver value to their founders
* Why raising too much funding can crush you.
* The impact of Zillo…
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Nov 4, 2021
The Mecca of Soul Food with Patrice and Jerry Thompson
My guests today are Patrice and Jerry Thompson. Patrice and her family own and operate the legendary Four Way Restaurant out of Memphis, TN. The Four Way attracts visitors from all over the world. In addition to being known for its famous soul food, the Four Way is also a place with rich history and significance. In this interview, you’ll hear how Martin Luther King spent a lot of time at the Four Way during the civil rights movement. Additionally, this restaurant has seen guests such as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Ike and Tina Turner, The Reverend Jesse Jackson, and many more.
This interview is a great episode where you’ll learn:
* The Four Way is much more than only a restaurant. 75 years later, you can see the pride, the vision, and the sacrifice generations prior have made to get the Four Way to where it is today.
* Why the Four Way was a place of love and community during segregation and how it remains that way today
* The challenges of running a restaurant during…
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Oct 21, 2021
You've Got To Be Willing To Let Go with Harry Smith
My Guest today is Harry Smith. Harry is an author, former public accountant, entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. Can you imagine moving to a new city at the age of 37 and taking over one of the largest private companies in that city while it’s facing chapter 7 bankruptcy?
After growing up in Florence, Alabama, Harry was recruited to Memphis, TN, to take over Schilling enterprises. As of 1980, Schilling Enterprises ( real estate, HVAC, trucking, automobile sales, and the auto parts industry) had over 100 Million Dollars in revenue with over 1,000 employees. After large contracts with Ford Motor company created significant consequences for Schilling Enterprises, Harry led the turnaround effort, saved Schilling Enterprises, and turned it into a successful ownership group that acquired and sold automobile dealerships.
In Addition to his work with Schilling enterprises, Harry also owned Schilling Farms (448 acres outside of Memphis, TN and partnered with and later sold to Boyl…
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Oct 7, 2021
Even The Best Are Allowed A Few Strikeouts with Andy Cates
My guest today is Andy Cates. Andy is an entrepreneur, investor, and community activist.
Here’s a little about Andy...
- Founder and CEO of RVC Outdoor Destinations
- Managing Member of the Value Acquisition Fund
- Founding Chairman and President of the Memphis Fourth Estate (Daily Memphian)
- Founding Chairman of the Soulsville Revitalization Project (one of the largest inner-city revitalization projects in the United States)
With several others responsible for bringing the Vancouver Grizzlies Franchise to Memphis, TN
And more!
I had a great time with Andy where you’ll learn:
* What it’s like living with the fear of failure, but why even the best hitters are still able to have a few losses
* How he assesses opportunity early and his process in picking talent and building things from scratch
* What he’s learned about crossing racial lines and building trust and getting stuff done
* Where he’s failed by not growing opportunities fast enough
* And mo…
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Sep 23, 2021
You Can't Put Me In A Box with Karen Carrier
My guest today is Karen Carrier. Karen is an artist, chef, and entrepreneur. Karen began her career in New York City after dropping out of college and enrolling in culinary school. She got her start working with Chef Susan Trilling, and the rest is history. Karen is nationally recognized by publications such as New York Times, Food and Wine, National Geographic, Garden and Gun, and more. Karen has been invited twice to cook at the acclaimed James Beard House in New York City. Karen has served as a personal chef for Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise, Francis Ford Coppola, Jim Jarmush, and more.
I had a wonderful time talking with Karen where you’ll learn:
* Once an artist, always an artist. Why she didn’t conform and has always pushed the envelope
* The relationships that shape you early on and how this impacts your craft
* Even after four decades in how she has hustled to survive the Covid-19 pandemic
* From concept to execution, how she launches her restaurants
*…
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Sep 9, 2021
Why Stop When You're Having Fun? with Hilliard Crews
My Guest today is Hilliard Crews. Hilliard is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. Hilliard left his family's business and started MCR safety in 1974. As of 2019, MCR had sales of 255 Million dollars worth of Personal Protective Equipment. You may not know that Hilliard's first year in business, he made just $3,000 and got a job working at night at a truck line to supplement his families income. Hilliard and MCR Safety averaged more 80% growth compounded annually for his first ten years in business.
In addition to founding and selling MCR Safety to Bunzl Corporation, Hilliard also is the largest shareholder of Triumph Bank, a real-estate developer, venture capital investor, and philanthropist.
I had a great time interviewing Hilliard, where we discuss:
* The fun you have when you find what you're good at and the market rewards you
* Why leaving a family business can be a good thing and what it took to get MCR off the ground
* How he won with service and why he's…
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Sep 2, 2021
Serve By Principle, Not By Politics with Scott Sauls
My Guest today is Scott Sauls from Nashville, TN. Scott is the Senior Pastor of _Christ Presbyterian Church_ in Nashville. Prior to moving to Nashville, Scott served on staff under Tim Keller in New York City at _Redeemer Church_.
You may ask, what prompted me to ask a pastor for the first time on this podcast? I wanted to have Scott on this podcast because I heard that when he moved from New York City to Nashville, Christ Pres had many people leave. As Scott described it, this was a rebuilding effort. Several years in, Christ Pres has grown and planted multiple campuses around the city of Nashville, TN. In addition to this, I found Scott's leadership style unique since Christ Presbyterian gives away over 40% of their income each year.
This was a fun conversation where we cover:
* What a rebuilding effort looks like and what to expect
* His own struggle with approval. What he has learned to lead by principles and not by politics
* Why leading a large Church teaches you your…
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Aug 19, 2021
Stubbornness, Persistence, and The Dignity Of All Mankind with Steve Nash
My guest today is Steve Nash. Steve is the founder of Advance Memphis. Advance Memphis was founded over 20 years ago when Steve had it on his heart to help men and women find financial stability through work. There was no elaborate plan, and Steve’s work started when he left his job and drove his grandmother’s Toyota Camry picking up people and driving them around the City of Memphis to find work. Currently, 34 Million people are living beneath the USA poverty line.
I am blown away by Steve’s persistence, honesty, hope, how he talks about his neighbors, and more.
This episode was a one of a kind where we cover:
* What dyslexia has taught him about having perseverance and resiliency
* Since bootstrapping Advance in 1999, what are the deeper needs someone must have to get and keep a permanent job
* What He has learned from Youth Villages and their $3 Million dollar effort to reduce crime in a large urban area
* Why hard questions must be asked
* And more!
Over the la…
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Aug 12, 2021
The Ultimate Partnership - The Pet Lover and The Retail Specialist with Jean McGhee [RE AIR]
Hey Everybody, I’m doing a re-release this week. I am going to air one of the episodes I have heard the most feedback from since this one was released on the last day of 2020.
My Guest today is Jean McGhee. Jean and her Husband Shawn acquired Hollywood Feed in 2005, and it is the fastest-growing pet retail store in the Country with 106 stores. As you know, the Covid pandemic caused many changes, but one of those is a significant increase in the amount of Pet Owners around the USA. Currently, 67% of households have a pet in the USA, and that number is only expected to increase.
This is a great episode where we cover:
* Who says you can’t go from a stay at home to a fast-growing start-up
* Why the pet industry follows the human heart
* Building a company of talent and helping people find their role to succeed
* Why pet adoption matters
* And more!
Please enjoy this week’s conversation with Jean McGhee!
https://www.hollywoodfeed.com/
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Aug 5, 2021
What's Your Core? With James Maclin
My guest today is James Maclin. James is out of Memphis, TN, where he is the founder of M&M Enterprise, a multi-family real estate company. Before founding M&M Enterprise, James spent 20+ years working for the extremely successful Mid America Apartment Communities. Mid America was founded by Memphian George Cates and is an incredible success story.
On this episode with James, you’ll hear:
* Going out on your own isn’t easy- what he would do differently and what has been better than he expected
* Building up not out what can happen when a City continues to revitalize within
* The power of transparency- what happens when a Government, Press, Business, or any system operates transparently and not in the dark
* The power of relationships- the impact that George Cates has had on his life and career
* And More!
Please enjoy this week’s episode with James Maclin!
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Jul 29, 2021
Transforming Agriculture: One Deal At A Time with Garrott McClintock
My Guest today is Garrott McClintock. Garrott is the COO of AcreTrader. AcreTrader is a hot new start-up out of Fayetteville, Arkansas, that recently finished a series its 12 Million Dollar funding round. AcreTrader matches investors with farmland while giving Farmers the land they need to grow their operation.
Did you know that In 1935, there were 7 million farms, and now there are only 2 million in operation?
What’s changed? Why is farming so hard? What is often hard for farmers to grow their operations? What’s the fulfillment a farmer feels by growing the crops that drive our world today?
I had a great time talking with my long-time friend Garrott McClintock. Garrott is a 5th generation farmer, and I wanted to have him on this show where you’ll hear the following:
* What’s in the DNA of a Farmer? The fulfillment they feel with the work they do
* The non-linear path his own career has taken
* The barriers he and his team break down
* The future of farming- growing…
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Jul 15, 2021
The Gift Of A Breaking Point
My guest today is Brent Beshore. If you haven’t heard of Brent before, I bet you’ll be impressed with his story. After starting and acquiring companies in his 20’s, he now is CEO of Permanent Equity, where he and his team currently own 11 plus companies and oversee the deployment of 300 million dollars in capital. Brent and his team believe in owning companies for the long run hence the name Permanent Equity. This conversation is about much more than just business.
I had a great time with Brent where we cover:
* His own transformation after a breaking point in his late 20’s
* Why for him, life is a gift, not a game
* How the once in a lifetime opportunities he has experienced drive him to create those for others
* Why they are building educational systems inside their companies to give people the ability to advance their own value to the world
* And more!
https://www.permanentequity.com/
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Jul 8, 2021
The Life Of A Researcher - Thick Skin and Persistence
My guest today is Dr. Dennis Black. Dr. Black is one of a kind. I heard of Dr. Black from a listener to this podcast, and once I heard how established he is as an accomplished researcher and award-winning physician while also being an avid fan of Bonnaroo- I couldn’t resist asking him to be on the show.
I had a great time with Dr. Black where we cover:
* The time when he wanted to be a mad scientist as a kid, and he lit a desk on fire
* The patience and persistence of a researcher
* Why he loves pouring into students finding their way
* How research is changing and why data is being used to proactively solve problems
* And more!
Please enjoy this week’s episode with Dr. Dennis Black!
Dr. Black is currently the scientific director of the Children’s Foundation Research Institute (CFRI), The Buckman Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Finally, he is the co-owner of the Memphis-based music label Black and Wyatt Records.
Link…
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Jun 24, 2021
"When It's Worthwhile, What's There To Lose?" with Ken Masterson
My guest today is Ken Masterson. You may know Ken from FedEx, where he built the legal department and was the General Counsel for FedEx from 1979 - 2005. Ken tells a one-of-a-kind story when Fred Smith wanted him to build a value-added legal department. But Ken didn’t stop there; when Ken retired in 2005, he founded Masterson Farms, where he and his team are dedicated to breeding, raising, and developing the finest western show horses available where he is working today with his wife, Marilyn.
This episode is a great conversation where we cover:
* Why his parent’s work for civil rights In Missouri taught him to take risks for causes, he believes in
* Why the thought of failure doesn’t bother him when the cause is worthwhile
* How his work today still operates off of the principles he learned at FedEx
* How Covid taught him to slow down and enjoy the farm and cut down the excess busyness of life
* And more!
Last but not least, you can find Ken at mastersonfarms.com
S…
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Jun 17, 2021
New Episodes Starting Next Week!
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Apr 22, 2021
UPDATE: Launching Exclusive Podcasts For Companies
Over the last several weeks, my team and I have had the pleasure of taking my podcast and using it to come alongside and help organizations tell their story to their own people through their own private podcast channel. By creating an exclusive podcast channel for the organization and all of its associates, we help them build further engagement.
This work has been a ton where I prepare by understanding the following:
* What makes the company unique?
* What's their position in the market they are in?
* What's made them successful?
* What are the challenges they face?
* What are the ups and downs the organization has overcome along the way?
* Where are they headed?
* What changes are they making?
* I interview their own associates and uncover what makes them successful and why they are committed to the organization, and these are produced into weekly episodes.
This work informs and brings together the entire organization to make it more informed and connected to contin…
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Apr 15, 2021
[RE-AIR] "What Would It Be Like To Get A Do Over" with Kat Gordon
My guest this week is Kat Gordon. In her mid 20’s, Kat opened Muddy’s Bake Shop thinking it likely wouldn’t make it. Thirteen years later, Muddy’s is one of the top bakeries in the United States.
This pandemic has been incredibly difficult for businesses across the country, and Muddy’s is no exception. Muddy’s completely shut its doors for several weeks before reopening one of its locations, but things are not as bad as they may sound for Kat. This episode may take a different turn than you expect!
Download this episode if you want to learn more about:
* Taking advantage of a do-over
* What’s something I care so much about that I’m willing to be bad to be good at it
* Thinking about selling
* What it’s like when you start to break down
* How to make significant changes
* Feeling alive again
* How the pandemic can jumpstart change
* Taking advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity
* And more!
I had a great time recording this episode with K…
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Apr 8, 2021
“A Relentless Drive To Make Things Better For Others” with Pat Lawler
My guest this week is Pat Lawler. Pat is the CEO of Youth Villages. Founded in 1986 with the merger of two Memphis-based residential campuses, Youth Villages is now a nationally recognized leader in the field of children’s mental and behavioral health. From the early days of serving just 80 children a year, we’ve since grown to help tens of thousands of children, families and young people annually, with a complete continuum of programs and services across 24 states and 100 locations.
RECAP
3:00 My Father, where did this come from?
4:56 What drew me in?
6:39 You don’t want to sell tools do you?-- intro?
7:35 Gone back to school
8:13 Drawn to the kids with the biggest problems
8:50 Driven to get to the root
9:15 How to help people with the biggest problems
9:49 What caused these conditions?
13:37 Generational change. Always sticking up
15:27 Learning to be a good parent. Ups and Downs
19:07 Commitment to overcome what comes your way
19:56 Persistent until we get your s…
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Apr 1, 2021
“Living Out The Dreams Of Others Before You” with Dr. Tracy D. Hall
My guest this week is Dr. Tracy D. Hall. Tracy is the President of Southwest Tennessee Community College out of Memphis, TN. Regardless of whether you live in Memphis or not, this is an important conversation that applies all across the country.
We talk about education, changing the narrative, the importance of stem education, why community colleges matter, and more. When DR. Hall took over Southwest TN Community College, Southwest had a graduation rate of 5%. Under her leadership, Southwest TN was awarded the prestigious national bellwether award in the category with Redesign, Reinvent, and Reset.
I wanted to have a conversation with Tracy because when I heard her speech when she was named the new President, she was very straightforward. She was honest about the reality but also hopeful about what her new community college could be. Additionally, we discuss:
- Why she hates the term at-risk students
- How she is living out the dreams of those before her
- How to do more than t…
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Mar 18, 2021
"I Have To Start Here?" with Geoff Calkins
My guest this week is Geoff Calkins.
This episode is a fun and valuable conversation where we cover:
* Discovering his love for stories while battling leukemia as a kid
* What it took for a major career change: Leaving the law firm then ending up in Anniston, Alabama
* What sports can do for a city
* How he learned to write
* Finding your voice
* And more!
After starting his career as a lawyer in Washington DC, Geoff made a major career change, attending Columbia's School of Journalism. Geoff's first job led him to Anniston, Alabama, then to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and finally, Geoff came to Memphis, TN, in 1996 as the sports Columnist for the Commercial Appeal. Geoff now is the lead columnist for the Daily Memphian and also hosts the Geoff Calkins Show. Geoff's been named the best sports columnist in the country five times by Associated Press sports editors, and he's also received many more awards.
Please enjoy this week’s episode with Geoff Calkins!
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1:40 I…
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Mar 11, 2021
“Let It Be Known and Go All In” with Ryan Silverfield
My guest this week is University of Memphis Head Football Coach Ryan Silverfield.
For those who live in Memphis or follow U of M Football, do you remember when Ryan was named interim head coach and how he made it known he wanted the job? He didn’t hold back. He went all-in, letting everyone know. I have been looking forward to this conversation, and I am glad to release it to you this week.
During this conversation, we cover:
* From sleeping on cots at Hampden-Sydney to being the head coach at Memphis. It hasn’t been easy
* How to have confidence in communicating what can be when you can’t guarantee the outcomes
* How to frame setbacks
* Why character matters
* And more!
Ryan began his coaching career at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Fla, after an injury. He then coached at his alma mater Hampden-Sydney, then was the Head Coach of one High School, followed by 4 Universities and two NFL teams, where he then landed at the University of Memphis before being named…
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Mar 4, 2021
“Education Was My Way Off The Farm” with Otis Sanford
My guest this week is Otis Sanford.
This episode is loaded with experiences, insights, a deeper understanding of how journalism works and where it's headed.
We talk about when he fell in love with journalism, political machines, why he doesn't mind criticism, the funniest story he has covered, the politician who didn't take things personally, and all of the journalism changes and more.
In 1975 Otis became the first male African American reporter for the Jackson, Mississippi Clarion ledger. Otis then would be the Assistant City Editor for the Pittsburgh Press, deputy City Editor of the Detroit Free Press, and the Commercial Appeal's Managing Editor with a few other titles along the way :). He has also served as the chairman of the Mid America Press Institute. He was president of the Associated Press Managing Editors Association. In 2011 he joined the University of Memphis Department of Journalism Faculty, where he is the Hardin Chair of Excellence in Economic and Managerial Journalis…
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Feb 18, 2021
“Too Many People Keep Getting Ready To Get Ready” with Kent Ritchey
My guest this week is Kent Ritchey.
For over 50 years, Kent has been in the automobile business. Kent’s company, Lander’s Auto Group, has 15 Automobile Franchises with over 450 Associates in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
I wanted to have this conversation with Kent to understand all the changes taking place with the automobile industry and how he adapts to them. Additionally, we discuss:
* Checking your ego and going from an owner to a salesperson when you need a job
* What he’s learned about people and what they want after 50 years of selling automobiles
* What’s ahead with electric and autonomous cars
* How the USA compares with China and India with automobile sales
* How he navigated the 2008 Financial crisis right after he bought his first dealership
* And more!
Please enjoy my conversation with Kent Ritchey!
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Show Notes:
1:01 The love of basketball, competing, and Hendrix College
2:30 The challenge of being Married while being a College Ath…
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Feb 11, 2021
“Why Your Pain Can Be Used For Good” with David Jordan
My guest this week is David Jordan. For close to 26 years, David has been leading Agape Child Services out of Memphis, TN. Agape serves approximately 3000 children and families each year by loving families and fighting poverty.
I wanted to have a conversation with David to understand the challenges of poverty and what it takes to succeed in getting out of poverty. Additionally, we discuss:
· That point when you want to throw in the towel
· The impact of Covid-19 and poverty
· Pivoting the organization to be proactive versus reactive
· The power of trust when building relationships
· And more!
Please enjoy my conversation with Davin Jordan!
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Show Notes:
1:29 Aggressive with the mission
1:41 Pivoting Covid with 130 staff
2:09 Being with each other and connecting
4:17 What it takes to keep the relationship
4:36 Where are our families at? What do they need?
4:36 What are your needs?
4:36 How have they changed?
4:36 How do we advocate on your behalf?
5:25 Tw…
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Feb 4, 2021
Pushing It To See Its Potential with Davin and Kellan Bartosch
My guests this week are Wiseacre Brewery Founders Davin and Kellan Bartosch.
Davin and Kellan launched Wiseacre in 2013 and it has been a huge success. They quit their jobs, found a partner, took out personal loans and have built one of the most well known craft breweries in the Southeast. After one year of opening, their Tiny Bomb beer won the Bronze Medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2014.
I wanted to have a conversation with Davin and Kellan to learn how they have generated such momentum in a crowded craft beer market. This conversation doesn’t disappoint. We cover:
* Going all in at the beginning
* Building Wiseacre their way
* Living with challenges and ambiguity
* Their plans for growth
* And more!
Please enjoy my conversation with Davin and Kellan Bartosch!
RECAP
45 secs Beer critics
2:00 You can’t please everyone
3:15 Taking things personally
4:09 Where it started
6:34 The PitBull Named Carlito
10:15 When Tiny Bomb Hit It Big
12:35 Why Memphi…
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Jan 28, 2021
Who Said Living Out Your Childhood Dreams Would Be Easy? with MPD Director Michael Rallings
My guest this week is Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings.
You may know Director Rallings from leading the Memphis Police Department. After announcing his retirement for the year 2021, I wanted to speak with Director Rallings to understand what it felt like when he accessed and walked with protesters off the Mississippi River Bridge in 2016. This is a replay of an episode that was recorded in the summer of 2020.
In this conversation, we discuss:
* The principles that he has lived by throughout his life
* What a global perspective teaches him about the City he leads
* How to have context for the big picture when you're thinking about specific challenges
* And more
Please enjoy my conversation with Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings.
1:40 Family, Dignity, Respect, and Loving People
1:57 Being Responsible for one’s own actions
3:08 Why discipline matters
3:39 Only two things I wanted to be: a soldier and an officer
4:36 Parents didn’t want me to join
7:20…
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Jan 21, 2021
34. Did You Think Covid-19 Would Triple the Need For Food Relief? with Cathy Pope [Re-air]
Hey Everybody- As I mentioned last week, while I get ready for the new year- I am resharing some of my favorite episodes from 2020 for January while I get ready for this year. Who would have thought almost one year later we would still be where we are with the Covid 19 pandemic. I reached out to Cathy to get an update on where things are now almost one year later with their work. She said that in 2019 the mid-south food bank provided 15 Million meals. IN 2020, they provided close to 42 Million meals. They have close to tripled their distribution since the beginning of Covid 19.
Mid-South Food Bank based out of Memphis, TN. Mid-South Food Bank is a part of Feeding America, a nation wide network of more than 200 food banks that feed more than 46 million people through food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other community based organizations. Forbes ranks this as the second largest charity by revenue.
In this conversation, we talk:
* what food insecurity looks like
* what it…
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Jan 14, 2021
33. Embracing Your Gifts And Putting In The Work With Isaac Bruce [Re-air]
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be replaying some of my favorite episodes from 2020. I hope you enjoy these episodes and Happy New Year!
My guest this week is Isaac Bruce. Isaac was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2020. Isaac played college football for the University of Memphis and was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2nd round and had a 14-year career with the Rams. Isaac was known for his work ethic.
This episode is for you if you want to learn more about:
* How those closest to you notice your gifts
* The Ups and Downs of the ride
* Copying other’s moves and making them work for you
* Embracing your gifts and putting in the work
* Transitioning to a new chapter of life
* And more!
I had a great time recording this episode with Isaac. Happy New Year to you and yours!
RECAP
1:40 The excitement of being in the hall of fame
2:18 When the hall of fame became a thought
3:30 Football it’s what we did growing up
4:26 When you know your gifts are notice…
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Jan 7, 2021
32. What Would It Be Like To Get A Do Over? With Kat Gordon
My guest this week is Kat Gordon. In her mid 20’s Kat opened Muddy’s Bake Shop thinking it likely wouldn’t make it. Thirteen years later, Muddy’s is one of the top bakeries in the United States. This pandemic has been a massive issue for businesses across the country, and Muddy’s is no different. Muddy’s completely shut its doors for several weeks and has opened one of its locations back, but it is not as bad as it sounds for Kat. This episode may take a different turn than you expect. Download this episode if you want to learn more about:
* Taking advantage of a do-over
* What’s something I care so much about that I’m willing to be bad to be good at it
* Thinking about selling
* What it’s like when you start to break down
* How to make significant changes
* Feeling alive again
* How the pandemic can jumpstart change
* Taking advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity
* And more!
I had a great time recording this episode with Kat. Happy New Y…
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Dec 31, 2020
31. The Ultimate Partnership: The Pet Lover and The Retail Specialist with Jean McGhee
My guest this week is Jean McGhee. Jean is one of the owners of Hollywood Feed – the fastest-growing pet retail store in the country with 110 stores across the U.S. Jean and her husband Shawn purchased Hollywood Feed in 2006. Before purchasing Hollywood Feed, Jean was a stay-at-home mom. Through this conversation, you'll see that Jean doesn't get caught up with numbers and scale. You'll see how she sticks to what she loves and how this serves the public.
This episode will expose you to everything you need to know about:
* Confidence
* Importance of single-sex education
* Aligning strengths within a partnership
* Living through when a key person leaves
* Building an ecosystem of talent
* The humbling early days
* The deeper "why" behind her work
* And more!
I had a great time recording this episode with Jean, and I hope it impacts you as much as it did me. Happy New Year to you and yours!
RECAP
2:08 Being a stay at home Mom
3:43 Her husband always thinking big
5…
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Dec 17, 2020
30. Life Is Shorter Than You Think with Jim and Amy Yurchenco
My guests this week are Jim and Amy Yurchenco. Jim and Amy have both live and work in Palo Alto, California. Jim was the first employee for worldwide engineering firm Ideo and Amy, most recently as a software engineer for Intuit. In addition to their professional careers, they have canoed the Mississippi River and hiked tens of thousands of miles in 10 different countries (Wales, Turkey, Spain, Scotland, Slovakia, Japan, Italy, France, Australia, USA). In case you didn’t know it is 24,000 miles to travel around the world! Their mileage is incredible.
It’s no secret that this year has taught us how much we value the outdoors, silence, nature, and adventure. This is a fascinating conversation where we discuss:
* how to prioritize what matters most to you and live it out
* the lessons you learn by spending extensive time in the back country
* what it is like paddling the Mississippi River from start to finish
* Living differently than your peers
* Life is shorter than you…
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Dec 10, 2020
29. Stay Out of The Trap with Shawn Askinosie
My Guest this week is Shawn Askinosie. Askinosie Chocolate is a small batch, award-winning chocolate factory located in Springfield, Missouri. They source 100% of their beans directly from farmers. Shawn travels to Ecuador, the Philippines, and Tanzania to source cocoa beans for his chocolate. This allows the chocolate to be traced to the source and labeled authentic single origin.
Their mission is to serve their farmers, their neighborhood, their customers, and each other. The company is currently sustainably feeding over 1,600 students per day in Tanzania and the Philippines without any donations. Askinosie Chocolate has also been featured in Forbes, NYTimes, WSJ, MSNBC, Oprah Magazine, and numerous others.
Shawn has been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Missouri- Columbia and Missouri State University. Askinosie Chocolate has received 3 Good Food Awards, considered the Oscars of food, 6 silver awards from the Specialty Food Association; and 7 International Chocol…
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Dec 3, 2020
28. Taking Action While Finding What Moves You with JP Dinnell
My guest this week is JP Dinnell. JP is from Northern California, enlisted in the Navy out of High School, served as a U.S. Navy Seal for 10 Years, and is now with Echelon Front, teaching leadership development and organizational management worldwide.
We talked life's highs and lows, life transitions, and everything in between. This episode is a great perspective on making the most out of your current situation by taking it one day at a time, giving up good for something great, knowing what truly moves you, taking action, and fighting complacency.
Additionally, we cover:
* Checking your ego in all of life
* What limits people and teams
* Putting back together a marriage
* Getting back on the path
* Faith
* And more!
RECAP
8:12 The guys I trained him in MMA with, I was really close with them, they really helped me with my transition out of military, just having that friendship and that camaraderie and that brotherhood again, when you're sweating and training hard with s…
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Nov 25, 2020
27. Going Against the Grain. What Do You Learn When You Remove Yourself From Society?
My guest this week is Warren Doyle. Warren holds the informal record for hiking the Appalachian Trail the most times. That number is 18 times. Yes, he has hiked 18 total times from George to Maine, which is 2,190 miles and typically takes 5-7 months to complete. In 1973, Warren set the unofficial endurance record of hiking the trail in a record time of 66 days.
Since then, Warren has gone on to start the Appalachian Trail Institute, which teaches and equips hikers with the training they need to have a better chance at completing the trail. The trail has a 75% failure rate.
This conversation is much more than just about hiking the Appalachian Trail. It also covers, What drew him in early on, going against the grain, how the trail changes you, the power of nature, how society can conform you, dancing, joy, and more. I hope you enjoy this week’s episode, and I hope this episode gives you more clarity on the power of nature, being tested, and much more.
RECAP
17 Seconds: Don't know…
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Nov 12, 2020
26. How Your Past and Your Passion Can Build You a Valuable Business
My guest this week is Clark Butcher. Clark is back on for a part two episode. Last week we left off at what happens when you go all-in on your business, and it burns down one month after starting. This week, we will dive into what it is like to build a high-touch retail store. This episode is an in-depth conversation on what it looks like to make a brand and build a successful small business that reaches far more than just a local market. Additionally, it is fascinating to hear how Covid 19 is affecting the cycling industry. I hope you enjoy this week’s episode.
RECAP
1:12:26 Yeah, there was nerves to it for sure, I didn't have any overhead, I just sold my home and fancy car and all that stuff, I don't need any of that furniture and stuff.
1:15:27 It was so intense to pull up and see that happen, and while, yes, that was only my business for 28 days operating for the last 60 days in my life, I had moved gravel, I had cleaned, I'd help life floors, I had painted, I had stressed on…
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Nov 5, 2020
25. Endurance Sports: What’s Your Ability to Handle Failure?
My guest this week is Clark Butcher. Clark is a cyclist and owner of Victory Bicycle Studio. I wanted to have Clark on the show for a few reasons. First, I read earlier this year when he was asked how he thinks about Covid-19 and how it affects his business, he answered they would continue to serve and deliver a customized service to his clients and focus on that. In other words, it struck me that he was playing offense when it was common to think defensively.
Secondly: Why cycling?
What has he learned about the sport?
What are some of the drivers that make you love the sport?
What can anyone learn about endurance sports?
Why are these things pertinent to what he does today?
And more.
This week's episode is the first of two episodes where next week, we take a deeper dive into building a business and all the ups and downs along the way.
RECAP
0:45 Difference between riding and training, both are great, I found out too late on that both are equally important, you gotta ride and…
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Oct 29, 2020
24. Engineering Mindset and The Power of Automation with Matt Cook
This week's guest is Matt Cook, Matt is currently the VP of Engineering at Tilled; before that, he launched his own startup, and before that, he was head of platform for Shipt. As you may know, Shipt was started in 2014 and was acquired by Target in 2017 for $550 Million Dollars. As you know, we live in a growing gig economy where people get to work in flexible ways that were not possible before. This is powered by technology, consumer needs, and how platforms bring together service fulfillment quickly, trackable, and cost-effectively. Even if you are not interested in how businesses like this scale and what it takes for them to operate well, you can still learn many things that can be automated with your own day-to-day experiences and where the world is continuing to move from a technological perspective. I hope you enjoy this week’s episode with Matt Cook.
RECAP
00:12: The first real interest I had was the game StarCraft as a predecessor to world to Warcraft, the really popular m…
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Oct 22, 2020
23. Dead Or Alive, You’re Coming Home. Why We All Want Closure with Justin LeHew from History Flight
Did you know that there are currently over 81,900 missing American Service Members around the world? Why does this matter? Why is this important? What does it take to identify and bring home Service Members? Why is closure essential, and how do these experiences affect us today? We cover all of this and much more.
These service members served our country, sacrificed their lives, and they haven’t yet come home. Today’s episode is about a group of men and women from all over the world that dedicate their work to finding these service members and bringing them back home to their families and much more.
My guest today is Justin LeHew, who is Chief Operations Officer of History Flight. If you missed last week’s episode, go back to last week’s episode, and hear my first conversation with Justin LeHew, Retired Sergeant Major with the United States Marine Corps. I hope this episode impacts you as much as it did to me. If you want to learn more about History Flight and to support the…
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Oct 15, 2020
22. There’s no blueprint for life: What happens when you take it one day at a time
My guest this week is Retired United States Marine Sergeant Major Justin LeHew. This episode is the first of two conversations with Sergeant Major (Ret) LeHew. The second one will be next week and also including the organization that he leads today.
Sergeant Major (Ret) LeHew has been awarded the Navy Cross, The Bronze Star. He is also known as the Hero of Nasiriyah for his work taking part in the 507 Maintenance company's rescue operation, including Jessica Lynch in 2003. I quote: “Under constant enemy fire, he led the rescue team to the soldiers. With total disregard for his own welfare, he assisted the evacuation effort of four soldiers, two of whom were critically wounded,” LeHew’s Navy Cross citation reads.
In 2010, Sergeant Major (Ret) LeHew was honored by the Marine Corps with an obstacle named in his honor at Parris Island, South Carolina, called LeHew’s Challenge. Every recruit, both male and female, hears from their drill instructors about the heroism displayed by t…
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Oct 8, 2020
20. What Does it Take to Bridge the Gap in Educational Inequality?
Educational inequality is a significant problem today. Last week’s episode covered what it takes to make a positive impact on this problem. When you think about childhood education, you also understand the importance of the child’s development as a person. Teachers are crucial in how this happens, and this work is more than just teaching curriculum.
This week I am releasing the 2nd part to the series with Larissa Gregory. Larissa is over social-emotional learning for Memphis Teacher Residency and is trained in Educational Psychology and much more. I enjoyed this conversation learning more about educational inequality, getting to the root of what a child needs to grow, why teacher burnout is so high, addressing this to create better long-term engagement and more.
I hope you enjoy this week’s episode also consider how things we discuss here affect our society today.
RECAP
8:41 The quality of education you receive can depend on the zip code you’re in
9:31 How tax dollars affe…
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Oct 1, 2020
19. Twists and Turns of Life & Changing Lives by Attacking Educational Inequality with David Montague
As of 2019, the gap is increasing between rich and poor children with the quality of education that they receive in America. This week’s episode features what it takes to make a positive impact on this problem.
A couple of the top leading factors of crime are education levels and family structure. It’s been discussed on this podcast on previous episodes. Go back to episode three with City of Memphis police director Michael Rallings.
This episode is with David Montague, who led the effort in 2009 starting the Memphis Teacher Residency Program out of Memphis, TN, where he is still executive director today. In this episode, we’re going to talk about the initial need for this work, how it came together, challenges faced along the way, what types of teachers succeed in this work, successes experienced, the job still to be done, and more. I hope you enjoy this week’s episode.
RECAP:
04:07 And at that time, I didn't have a job. I didn't know what I was coming back to Memphis for.…
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Sep 24, 2020
18. What Has 2020 Taught Us About Our Need for Human Connection?
This week's episode is going to have a different twist to it than the previous weeks.
A few days ago, an article came out where JP Morgan(one of the world's largest banks) told a portion of their staff that they must come back to the office. This report said that through internal data collection, they saw decreased productivity on Mondays and Fridays and worries that remote work is not a substitute for organic interaction and creates missed learning opportunities for younger people.
This article got me thinking about previous episodes that we have had on this podcast where Covid-19, relationships, work from home, development, engagement, and community have come up during each conversation.
I thought it would be helpful to publish one episode with combined clips where this topic is addressed, and overall themes are exposed.
It's fascinating to think about all the technological advances that we have today and what's ahead for our world, but how some things don't change. These are…
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Sep 17, 2020
17. Ken Utech | You Never Arrive. You’re a Constant Work in Progress.
My guest this week is Ken Utech. What happens when you spend close to 40 years traveling the country and working with close to 1,000 businesses, organizations, individuals, non-profits, and more. You learn about how we as people operate and how to address things as they are, get to the root cause, and work through them. I have yet to hear where a conversation like this will not apply to any person’s situation or life.
Ken and the Utech Group have served and impacted organizations as large as the United States Army and other Billion-Dollar Organizations to large private companies, family businesses, non-profits, religious organizations, and much more. I am glad to release this week’s episode with Ken Utech.
Episode Recap:
05:46: When you think back on your career and you look at what you're doing today and what you're focused on for the future, what are the top three or four things that hold either a leader back, an employee back, or someone back within their family? What are th…
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Sep 10, 2020
REBOOT: Mike Bruns | The Momentum That Builds a $200 Million Dollar Company
If you celebrate Labor Day, I hope you had a great long weekend. My editor Kyle Cummings (who does an awesome job) and I were both traveling this week, so I am relaunching one of the most downloaded episodes to date. The Momentum That Builds a $200 Million Dollar Company with Mike Bruns.
I have received lots of feedback about this episode and how much you enjoyed it. I spoke with Mike last week and he mentioned that the things we talk about in this episode are the most common topics talked about when he speaks or when he meets with people when they are trying to learn from him and his experience. One of the many things that stuck out to me personally is how he talked about some of these lessons he learned took him 4-5 years to grasp and act on them. If something sticks out to you, I hope you are encouraged by this podcast.
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Listen to this week's episode with Entrepreneur Mike Bruns. Mike founded trucking company Comtrak with one driver after working for three bankrupt companies p…
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Sep 3, 2020
16. Peter Abell | The X-Factors That Transform a Non-Profit Organization
My guest this week is Peter Abell, the CEO of Memphis Symphony Orchestra. I’ve heard about how much transformation MSO had undergone over the last few years. Today we’re talking about deeper reasons that push you into your interests, how to transform a struggling non-profit, the X-factors that create a significant impact, how a symphony drives the classical music within a city, how to step back and look at challenges differently, how to adjust when COVID-19 affects your organization, how to address your need for control, the feeling when you know it’s going to be hard, and more. I hope you enjoy this week’s episode.
EPISODE RECAP
* My guest this week is Peter Abell (1:07)
* You went to the University of Tennessee, right? (2:56)
* This is the third non-profit you’ve been affiliated with? (3:58)
* What is it about non-profit organizations that you’re attracted to? (5:36)
* When you talk about the “double bottom line” and the “chief people gatherer”, you ta…
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Aug 27, 2020
15. Tom Kadien | If You Want To Take On More, You Have To Evolve
* My guest this week is Tom Kadien (1:07)
* Tom, what made you want to take over UMRF Ventures after retiring from IP? (3:07)
* Can you talk a little bit about your perspective of work - from a financial standpoint, there’s no need for you to have to work. But it sounds like there’s a core belief about work that you have. (4:12)
* Can you talk a little about the value that a Memphis alum may not understand about the benefit of UMRF Ventures? (6:53)
* How would you recommend a student take full advantage of their time at the University of Memphis? (9:35)
* From your perspective starting from the ground up and taking on responsibility after responsibility, how did you take on your own tempo of urgency and how did you approach that with your team? (13:13)
* Do you feel like because you are competitive you could have had the drive toward anything or was there anything particular about IP that kept you engaged? (16:10)
* How old were you when you ran into bad bosses, how l…
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Aug 20, 2020
14. Refuge Empowerment Program | What It Looks Like to Go 'All In'
* Good morning Sara and Cam. Cam - what was it like volunteering and leaving your job to join R.E.P? (2:12)
* When you said, “I know that was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life”, what did that mean? (4:45)
* Sara, how long have you been involved in R.E.P and what made you want to go all in on this organization? (6:15)
* Cam, when you first started were there any moments where you were like, “Why am I doing this?” (8:17)
* From a generosity standpoint, it’s hard enough to start a business from scratch. I’d imagine it’s even harder to start an after school refugee program from scratch since it’s not for profit. What was it like raising money for that? (10:16)
* I hear you and your commitment - working for free and working out of belief. Sounds like Memphis Leadership Foundation has been a meaningful relationship, is that true? (13:47)
* Sara, what drew you to this work early on? (14:25)
* Cam can you talk about what it’s like to take a risk t…
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Aug 13, 2020
13. Mike Bruns | The Momentum That Builds a $200 Million Dollar Company
Listen to this week's episode with Entrepreneur Mike Bruns. Mike founded trucking company Comtrak with one driver after working for three bankrupt companies prior. Twenty-three years later, Mike sold Comtrak with $200,000,000 in revenue and 1,500 employees.
My conversation with Mike is unconventional and engaging. It's not your typical business conversation. Mike talks about getting scrappy, how we as people develop, the driving force behind opening up 21 locations, how much money is enough money, the importance of philanthropy, how he wants to make an impact, the aspects of life that won't change, what makes a bad acquisition and much more.
* 1:03 I'm going to be the smartest 90-year-old you know
* 1:49 Transitioning from trying to make Friday's payroll
* 3:30 Industry experience is less important than raw talent
* 3:57 Daily habit- make my morning rounds
* 5:50 Mistake of hierarchy that organizational chart determines one's value
* 9:13 Empathy whether necktie or unifo…
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Aug 6, 2020
12. Carolyn Hardy | What Racism Feels Like in the Workplace and Why Corporate Diversity Programs Can Lack Follow Through
My guest this week is entrepreneur Carolyn Hardy. The first episode I released for this podcast was with Carolyn, and that episode is one of the most downloaded podcast episodes to date.
If you listened to episode 1, you will hear how Carolyn said that her purpose has now shifted to help open more doors that should have been opened by now. I felt it was best to have a second conversation to understand better what she was saying in detail. Thankfully, Carolyn agreed to have this conversation.
This episode is a straightforward conversation in which Carolyn discusses the racial challenges that she encountered throughout her educational and professional career, the lack of follow-through or lip service that can occur with corporate diversity initiatives, what needs to change to make them effective, and more. This episode challenged me to think about my own mental frameworks and the difficulty that certain people have to endure to advance forward.
* 2:38 Target on your back
* 2:50 Do…
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Jul 30, 2020
11. Chris Canale | Lessons Learned: How to Move Fast, Make Changes, and Make the Best out of COVID-19
My guest this week is Chris Canale. Chris founded Old Dominick Distillery four years ago, and Old Dominick produced its first batch of whiskey in 2016. This episode is a fun and straightforward conversation that goes into this history of 150 years of family business history – what it's like running a start-up company during COVID-19, what it’s like finding enjoyable work, unique and fun personal and family experiences during the pandemic, what it’s like going up against the big players in the Spirits business, and more.
I hope you enjoy this week’s episode. And as always, if you like the episode, please leave a review and share it with your friends.
* How to gain perspective during Covid-19 (1:50)
* How Covid-19 is accelerating change (5:40)
* This too shall pass (7:12)
* Getting aggressive (7:25)
* Silver lining (8:40)
* Tough times (9:20)
* What running a distillery looks like (12:36)
* Self-awareness 15:24
* Family Business 17:57
* Finding enjoyable wo…
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Jul 23, 2020
REBOOT: Drew Holcomb | Start up Hustle, The End Game, Thick Skin, Identity, Imposter Syndrome, Contentment, and More
This episode is brought to you by Matt Haaga with State Farm Insurance. Call Matt today at 901-443-4655, or email Matt at matt@matthaaga.com to see how he can help with your auto, home, renter's, business, and life insurance needs. Matt is licensed in the states of TN and MS.
Episode Links:
* Drew Holcomb on Ramsey Network's EntreLeadership Podcast
* Drew Holcomb's Website
* Drew Holcomb - Facebook
* Drew Holcomb - Instagram
* Drew Holcomb - YouTube
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Jul 16, 2020
10. Kevin Kane | How Tourism Drives a City
Memphis Travel
This episode is brought to you by Matt Haaga with State Farm Insurance. Call Matt today at 901-443-4655, or email Matt at matt@matthaaga.com to see how he can help with your auto, home, renter's, business, and life insurance needs. Matt is licensed in the states of TN and MS.
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Jul 9, 2020
9. Dr. Scott Morris | Where Growth Happens, Dealing With the Word No, Today’s Challenges Create a Better Tomorrow, The Importance of Community, Focus, Finding Joy, and More
Church Health Center
This episode is brought to you by Matt Haaga with State Farm Insurance. Call Matt today at 901-443-4655, or email Matt at matt@matthaaga.com to see how he can help with your auto, home, renter's, business, and life insurance needs. Matt is licensed in the states of TN and MS.
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Jul 2, 2020
8. Michael Dunavant | Finding His Calling, Public Service, Doing the Hard Things to do the Better Things, George Floyd, Fighting Crime, and More
Michael Dunavant, US Attorney of West Tennessee, discusses how he found his calling, what keeps him moving forward, how he and his team represent the people of West Tennessee, his thoughts about the murder of George Floyd, and his plans for making West Tennessee more safe.
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Jun 25, 2020
7. Fred Jones | Taking Risks, Celebration, Learning From Mistakes, Importance of Having Support, Hard Knocks, Vision, Facing Skepticism, and Passion
Fred Jones, founder of the Southern Heritage Classic, discusses how to think about taking risks, the importance of community and celebration, having a vision and enduring through negativity and cynicism, systematic challenges, key people that helped him along the way, the importance of mindset and faith, and more.
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Jun 23, 2020
6. Isaac Bruce | Emotions, The End Goal, Faith, Family, Focus on the What Not How
Isaac Bruce, Super Bowl Champion and 2020 Hall of Fame Inductee, discusses when he knew he had a chance at something special, the rollercoaster of emotions, family, faith, his goal to be an NFL owner, and more.
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Jun 18, 2020
5. Drew Holcomb | Start up Hustle, The End Game, Thick Skin, Identity, Imposter Syndrome, Contentment, and More
Drew Holcomb on Ramsey Network's EntreLeadership Podcast
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Jun 11, 2020
4. Dr. David Rudd | "Knowing Your Why", Innovation, Data, Growth, Time Management, and Creating Change
Dr. David Rudd, President of the University of Memphis and US Army Veteran, discusses "knowing your why", innovation, data, growth, values, time management, transforming an organization, what he would tell a student who had the opportunity to attend the University of Memphis or a prestigious institution such as his own alma mater, his involvement with Penny Hardaway's hiring, and more.
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Jun 3, 2020
3. Michael W. Rallings | Service, Discipline, Emotions, Humility, and Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
Michael Rallings, Memphis Police Director and US Army Veteran, discusses his service in the US Army, 30-year career with the MPD, perspective on duty and service, how to think about data, what he was feeling during the 2016 bridge protest, thoughts on George Floyd, and what we need to do to improve our community.
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May 28, 2020
2. Cathy Pope | Fulfillment, Endurance, Relationships, and Adapting to Change
Cathy Pope, CEO of Mid-South Food Bank, discusses her diverse career, the importance of family, work ethic, relationships, leadership, adversity, and much more.
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May 20, 2020
1. Carolyn Hardy | Purpose, Family, and Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneur Carolyn Hardy discusses her all but easy career path before acquiring her first company with high-interest money, living out her purpose, family, career advice, and much more.
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