Host: Jeremy C. Park
Guest: Leigh Mansberg, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South

Episode Overview:
In this enlightening conversation, host Jeremy C. Park sits down with Leigh Mansberg, a notable leader in nonprofit education. As the helm of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South, Leigh shares her inspiring journey from a classroom teacher to a leading advocate for educational transformation. This episode dives into how her upbringing in an entrepreneurial family in Pine Bluff, Arkansas shaped her understanding of the crucial role of failure and resilience in success.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Leigh’s Educational and Professional Background: From teaching to leading a major educational nonprofit.
• Importance of Entrepreneurship and Business Acumen: How Leigh's strategic career shifts have amplified her impact on education.
• Innovative Programs at Junior Achievement: A look at how these initiatives are preparing students for real-world challenges.
• Community Involvement and Support: Ways the audience can contribute to the success of educational programs.
• Empowerment through Education: Junior Achievement’s mission to prepare kids to be proactive, capable members of society.

About Leigh Mansberg: Leigh Mansberg, with over 25 years in educational leadership, spearheads Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South. Under her leadership, the organization educates K-12 students across three states in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy. Leigh's recognition as a Super Woman in Business underscores her commitment to creating inclusive, equitable, and engaging learning environments.

Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South: Dedicated to empowering children to be "world ready," Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South offers hands-on programs that prepare students for economic success. For more details on how to get involved or support, visit www.jamemphis.org or call 901.366.7800.

Memorable Quote: "Seeing promise everywhere and being intentional are the keys to lifelong learning and success." - Leigh Mansberg

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Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jeremy C. Park sits down with Alma Lee Alexander McLemore, Executive Director of the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County. A native of Franklin, Tennessee, Alma shares her journey from growing up in a community at the cusp of integration to becoming a cornerstone in preserving African American history in Williamson County. Throughout the conversation, Alma reflects on her upbringing, her extensive career in community service, and her dedication to educational and heritage preservation efforts.

Key Points & Highlights:

Introduction to Alma Lee Alexander McLemore: Discover Alma's roots in Williamson County and her experiences growing up during a pivotal time in its history.

Family and Faith: Alma talks about the strong foundation her parents built, centered on faith and caring for others, shaping her lifelong commitment to community service.

Career and Community Service: Learn about Alma's 38-year tenure at Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation and her seamless transition into various roles within community organizations.

Board Memberships and Leadership: Explore Alma's significant impact through her work with numerous boards, including Habitat for Humanity, Community Housing Partnership, and the African American Heritage Society.

Awards and Recognition: Celebrate Alma's numerous accolades recognizing her leadership, volunteerism, and contributions to the community.

Importance of Family: Alma shares the joy she finds in spending time with her family, including her two sons, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Mission and Inspiration: Gain insight into Alma's daily mission to be a source of light and her drive to preserve African American history for future generations.

Supporting the African American Heritage Society: Alma concludes with ways the community can get involved in supporting the preservation of African American history and culture.

How to Get Involved: For listeners inspired by Alma's dedication and wishing to support the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County's mission, visit www.aahswc.org to learn more about their programs and how you can contribute to their important work.

Episode Takeaway: Alma Lee Alexander McLemore's story is a powerful testament to the impact of faith, family, and unwavering commitment to community service. Her work not only honors the past but also paves the way for future generations to learn from and be inspired by African American history.

Join us on the ChangeMakers Podcast as we dive into the life and legacy of Alma Lee Alexander McLemore, a true changemaker whose work continues to enlighten, educate, and empower the community of Williamson County and beyond.

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ChangeMakers podcast host Jeremy C. Park talks with Tammy Alvarez, CEO and founder of Career Winners Circle, professional keynote speaker, and author of "Escaping the Career Trap: Transform Your Apathy into Ambition and Never Hate Mondays Again," who shares some of her personal story and how she formed her spirited "Break All the Rules" approach. 

During her twenty-year corporate career, Tammy became renowned as a business transformation and turnaround expert on Wall Street. Her roles included Managing Director at AIG, First Senior Vice President at Bank Leumi USA, Chief Operating Officer at Genesis10, and Senior Vice President at Bank of America. Her "Break All the Rules" approach blends the decades of C-Suite experience with a pragmatic, results-based coaching style that helps business professionals create a big impact and love every Monday again. 

Her recent book, "Escaping The Career Trap: Transform Your Apathy into Ambition and Never Hate Mondays Again," is a self-leadership blueprint for high achievers who want to experience career fulfillment. 

During the interview, Tammy talks about the importance of not being afraid to fail because failure is part of success, why it is important to slow down before moving faster, especially with larger organizations, and how you can start to take control and become the CEO of your career. She talks about writing her book and lessons from it, lessons from working on Wall Street and how she and her partner Steve have adopted an ex-pat lifestyle, currently residing in Mexico City, and traveling all around the globe to hike and scuba dive. 

Learn more about Career Winners Circle by visiting www.careerwinnerscircle.com and learn more about her book by visiting www.escapingthecareertrap.com.

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During this episode of our ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jeremy C. Park talks with Zach Montroy, who is a People, Team, and Organizational Strategist and the Founder and CEO of The Intention Collective, which is based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. During the interview, Zach shares some of his personal story and why, after more than 20 years of experience in executive roles, he started focusing his efforts on helping entrepreneurs scale and grow their companies through healthy teams by building brave workplaces.

Zach looks back on his first management experience in high school at KB Toys and how he then built his career seeking out mentorship and opportunities to lead by building positive cultures and high-functioning teams. He defines and talks about the importance of building brave workplaces and how they dramatically differ from a toxic culture that could be sabotaging strategy. Zach highlights their work at The Intention Collective and also talks about some of the current workplace trends related to leadership, and how those trends can be positive or negative depending on the culture and leadership. Zach also touches on the importance of purpose and how he and his family give back in the community, as well as help entrepreneurs and organizations create social impact. He wraps up with some of the things learned from his wife and three children, and how his family works to find harmony and happiness among busy schedules, then the lightning round.

Visit www.IntentionCollective.co to learn more.

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In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, hosted by Jeremy C. Park and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services, the spotlight is on Mike Berry, President of Hillwood, the developer of AllianceTexas. With over four decades of experience, Berry discusses his passion for Fort Worth, Texas, how he got his start in the industry, and the journey from the groundbreaking of Alliance Airport in 1988 to the creation of the 27,000-acre, master-planned community and global logistics hub, AllianceTexas. 

Berry delves into his leadership style, emphasizing his customer-driven, entrepreneurial approach that has transformed AllianceTexas into a vertically-integrated economic powerhouse. Under his guidance, the region has burgeoned into one of the fastest-growing in the country, generating an economic impact of over $111 billion and nurturing a robust local economy and population. Listeners will get an insider's view of Berry's personal life and professional career, his strategic planning, new business development, and his knack for cultivating innovative companies and industries. 

His ability to listen to customer needs has not only led to new opportunities but also to the creation of systems that foster mutual growth for both customers and AllianceTexas. The episode also highlights Berry's role in the Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ), where he leverages the unique ecosystem of AllianceTexas to advance surface and air mobility innovations to commercialization. His work extends to Hillwood Urban, specializing in corporate office and mixed-use development, and his involvement in the development of Frisco Station, a high-density community in Frisco, Texas. 

Berry's illustrious career has earned him numerous honors, including induction into the North Texas Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame and the Fort Worth Business Hall of Fame. His impact extends beyond real estate, as he is actively involved in various professional and non-profit organizations, including board positions at Texas Christian University and other civic groups. 

Educationally, Berry is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, Texas Christian University, and has completed an advanced program at Harvard University Graduate School of Design. His personal life, community involvement, and professional achievements paint the picture of a dedicated leader and innovator, deeply committed to the growth and success of North Texas. 

Visit www.hillwood.com or www.alliancetexas.com to learn more.

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In a reversal of roles, normal ChangeMakers podcast host and producer, Jeremy C. Park, is the guest on this special episode, which is hosted by Dr. Sarah Petschonek, Founder and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey. 

Jeremy C. Park is the CEO of cityCURRENT, a shareholder in Higginbotham, author of two books, contributor to Forbes and The Business Journals, producer and host of television and radio shows and the ChangeMakers podcast, and a sought after speaker inspiring audiences around the nation to power the GOOD. 

During the interview, Jeremy shares how his parent's open door policy and community engagement shaped his and his brother's perspective on volunteerism and the importance of service and caring for others. He talks about how he has built his career around volunteerism and giving back, and shares some of the history and blueprint for cityCURRENT, which is an organization that connects business with community to power the GOOD through events, positive-media, and philanthropy. 

cityCURRENT is powered by and a partner with Higginbotham, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas and one of the nation's largest independent insurance brokers with locations coast-to-coast. Jeremy shares some of that story with his father's long relationship with the agency and how a full-circle moment happened when Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance partnered with Higginbotham in 2020. 

Throughout the interview, Jeremy talks about his family, his wife, Meredith, and two boys, Cooper and Cayson. He highlights his team and perspective on life and business, valuable lessons learned, and how tennis and music played an important role in his past and tennis continues to today. 

As an author of two books and the "Giving Back" columnist for a decade, he also shares advice for those who want to write a book. Overall, the interview is focused on how becoming a SPARK to power the GOOD can transform your life and community. 

Visit www.cityCURRENT.com or www.jeremycpark.com to learn more, and follow Jeremy C. Park on social media at @cityCURRENT or @jeremycpark.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

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Host Jeremy C. Park catches up with Dr. Sarah Petschonek, Founder and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey, who was one of the original ChangeMakers podcast interviews (episode 5) back in 2016. 

During the interview, Sarah shares how Volunteer Odyssey has grown over the last seven years to work with more than 28,000 volunteers who have given over 460,000 hours of service just to the Memphis community. Volunteer Odyssey is a nonprofit organization that serves as a volunteer center based in and built for Memphis and a one-stop shop for meaningful volunteer opportunities. 

Sarah discusses some of the current challenges nonprofits face with a critical shortage of volunteers and how Volunteer Odyssey is working with cityCURRENT to engage companies in meaningful ongoing volunteer opportunities through their new Corporate Compass model and program. She talks about why taking a new approach is necessary but how it can create a win-win-win for companies, employees and the community. 

Sarah also talks about how Volunteer Odyssey is positioning itself for a sustainable future through a strategic partnership with cityCURRENT and Higginbotham, which will allow the nonprofit to create operational, promotional and relational efficiencies. 

Sarah talks in-depth about her recent experiences volunteering in Poland to assist those impacted by the war in Ukraine, and how it is is reshaping her perspectives personally, professionally and spiritually. 

She talks about some of the conflicts noticed around efficiency and dignity, and the delicate art of doing good without doing unintentional harm to those being served. She shares a number of tips and recommendations for creating meaningful experiences and also for ways individuals and businesses can be more intentional with their volunteer efforts and impact. 

Learn more about Volunteer Odyssey by visiting www.volunteerodyssey.com or emailing Sarah at [email protected].

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During the interview, Traci talks about growing up in Florida and some of the lessons she learned from her family and watching her father, who was en electrician. She discusses being the first in her family to go to college and how mentorship paved the way for many future opportunities, how the door was opened for her to join the team at what would become HGTV, some of the lessons learned and favorite experiences, and why she decided to quit her executive job to go on a soul-searching journey, which led her to create the Strategic Life Map process. Traci highlights her book and how she and her husband are now coaching C-suite executives and business leaders to help them break free from living on autopilot and live significantly successful. 

Visit https://www.tracischubertbarrett.com to learn more about Traci Schubert Barrett and visit https://www.navigatethejourney.com to learn more about Navigate the Journey. 

About Traci Schubert Barrett: 

Traci Schubert Barrett is a sought-after international speaker, best-selling author of What If There’s More? Finding Significance Beyond Success, and the founder of Navigate the Journey, a leading business consulting and leadership development firm. As one of the founders of the wildly popular national cable television network HGTV, she enjoyed the amazing ride of taking a fledgling idea and turning it into a billion-dollar media empire. But after over twenty years in the media industry, Traci began to wonder, what if there’s more to our vocational lives than success? In a leap of faith, she quit her executive job and went on a soul-searching journey, leading her to create the Strategic Life Map process. With a Master's in Professional Psychology and over 30 years of business experience, Traci specializes in coaching C-suite executives and business leaders, helping them break free from living on autopilot and discover purpose and clarity for the future chapters of their lives.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

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Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Marcus Walker, Executive Director of Daily Bread Ministries, who shares his personal story of growing up in Texas and being called into ministry, serving overseas and meeting his wife from Switzerland, starting their family and moving back home to San Antonio to serve with the nonprofit organization that works with over 100 ministry partners who help distribute over $10 million dollars' worth of food annually. 

During the interview, Marcus talks about having a Swiss wedding and how serving overseas helped reframe his appreciation for the acts of service that happen behind the scenes to create success in life, work, and marriage. He talks about his faith and family and how that creates a strong foundation for his work as Executive Director of Daily Bread Ministries, and then highlights the nonprofit organization's mission, model and efforts to equip their ministry partners to truly help the people they serve through food distribution and training. Daily Bread Ministries focuses on repairing broken relationships to address the Root Cause of Poverty. Marcus details some of their educational programs and some of their plans for the very near future, talks about their facilities and volunteer opportunities and how the community can support their efforts. He also shares a number of important lessons learned, including "the good things that are in us need to be drawn out." It's an interview that will inspire you and help guide you to power the GOOD in your community! 

About Marcus Walker: Marcus Walker is the Executive Director of Daily Bread Ministries in San Antonio, Texas. Marcus’ journey into ministry began 25 years ago as a youth pastor in a local church, from there he felt called to become a missionary serving oversees in Europe and Africa. In 2011 God called Marcus and his family back home to San Antonio where he has faithfully served in a variety of roles at Daily Bread before taking over as the Executive Director in 2021. Marcus is happily married to his wife Doris and is the proud father of his 15-year-old son Noah.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

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In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, Jeremy C. Park sits down with Matt Kripke, CEO of Kripke Enterprises, Inc., Mid South Aluminum. 

From humble beginnings in Toledo, Ohio, to becoming a majority shareholder and recognized expert in aluminum and hedging, Matt shares his journey of hard work, passion, and resilience. Having held significant positions in influential organizations such as the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and currently the Toledo Jewish Community Foundation, Matt provides valuable insights into leadership and community involvement. Listen as Matt discusses the importance of people development in business, his approach to managing risk in volatile markets, and how he balances a successful career with a fulfilling personal life. 

"Making the world a better place" is Matt's motto, a principle he ardently practices through substantial philanthropy and community service with his employees. Alongside his business achievements, he is deeply committed to serving the community, as evidenced by his support for organizations such as The Red Cross, United Way, Ronald McDonald House, Habitat For Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, Mom’s House, Josina Lott Community Services, Humane Society, Cherry Street Mission, Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, and Toledo Botanical Gardens.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of giving back, making a difference, and achieving purpose in life.

Learn more about Matt here: https://www.kripke.com/about-us/

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The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Justin Levy, Executive Director of Conscious Alliance, who shares some of his powerful and inspirational story of managing through hardships, including Cerebral Palsy, enduring 14 surgeries, being in and out of wheelchairs, having to learn how to walk four times before graduating high school, and severe dyslexia, to seek out his purpose and become the Executive Director of a national nonprofit bringing healthy food into underserved communities and fusing music with opportunities to make a positive impact. 

During the interview, Justin discusses some of his formative experiences in grade school and how a counselor and then a school trip changed the trajectory of his life, he talks about why and how he got involved in Conscious Alliance, how the nonprofit has grown to become a movement and the importance of their efforts and impact. He shares a number of ways individuals can awaken compassion to find their purpose and make a difference, as well, and highlights an easy way to join in the fight against hunger. 

ENTER TO WIN: Join Conscious Alliance in the fight against hunger! Complete 3 actions to be entered for a chance to win 2 Tickets to any 2023 Live Nation show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (contest ends 3/31/23): https://consciousalliance.org/pages/take-action 

Learn more about Justin Levy and Conscious Alliance by visiting https://consciousalliance.org. 

About Justin Levy: Justin Levy has served as Executive Director of Conscious Alliance since 2012. His focus on expanding the organization's distribution capabilities resulted in the acquisition of a national distribution center and headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado in 2020, as well as the launch of new and innovative programs to accelerate delivery and impact. Levy has made food quality a priority, improving the health and nutrition standards of donated foods. Levy’s focus lies heavily on serving the Native American and youth communities through seeking donations, as well as implementing gardening programs that align with community culture. On a personal note, Levy’s story of overcoming a life of unique challenges is content-worthy all on its own. With Cerebral Palsy and severe dyslexia, Levy works with his limitations to bring a fierce spirit to support others. Levy has had 14 surgeries, has been in and out of wheelchairs, and has endured thousands of hours of painful physical therapy – and he had to learn how to walk four different times before finishing high school. Due to the hardships he has endured throughout his life, Levy is unable to read or drive. As a highly functioning Executive Director, where he lacks in creating spreadsheets and emails, he makes up for tenfold through inspiration, facilitating a powerful organizational culture, and cultivating meaningful partnerships through strong relationships. Levy holds a degree in Service-Learning Program Development from Warren Wilson College. 

NOTEWORTHY AWARDS: 

2021 Industry Leader & Community Champ Award by Naturally Boulder 

Top 25 Influential Young Professionals in Colorado

Biz GenXYZ Awards 40 Under 40 by BizWest 

Arthur M. Bannerman Memorial Leadership Award by Warren Wilson College 

Frederick G. Ohler Service Award by Warren Wilson College

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

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