Entries by Summer Owens

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A Life of Service, Faith, and Purpose: Cary E. Vaughn’s Inspiring Journey

A Story of Faith-Centered Leadership and Community Service Growing up in North Memphis, Cary Vaughn faced adversity early in life. Raised in the shadow of his father’s alcoholism and the pain of losing him at a young age, Cary could have allowed these challenges to define his life. But instead, they became the driving force […]

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Leading With Faith and Responsibility: A Leadership Journey That Redefines Success

A Conversation That Makes You Think Some conversations leave you thinking, and that is exactly what happened during my recent S.O. What! Success Stories conversation with Mickell Lowery. Yes, he has the titles. Yes, he has built a strong and credible career across corporate America and public service. But what stood out to me most […]

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Choosing Purpose and Resilience with Laurie Powell

Some conversations stay with me because they press on something I know many of us are working through, even if we don’t always say it out loud. My recent S.O. What! Success Stories conversation with Laurie Powell was one of those moments. It made me think about what leadership really looks like when things feel […]

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From Teen Mom to Purpose-Driven Leader: A Success Journey That Redefines the Narrative

People love to label you by your lowest moment. Teen mom. Statistic. Setback. But when I sat down with Chanielle Talbird, I did not see a label. I saw leadership. And what stood out most in her teen mom success journey was not her brand, her books, or her growing influence in Memphis. It was […]

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Leading When the Spotlight Is Unforgiving: What Steve Mulroy Shared About Resilience

Some leadership lessons are learned quietly. Others are learned with the entire world watching. My conversation with Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy reminded me how often leadership is misunderstood. Many people see the title before they ever see the person. What stood out to me was not the position Steve holds, but the consistency […]

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Choosing Resilience After Tragedy: What Tiran Jackson Taught Me About Moving Forward

Some stories stay with you long after the conversation ends. Not because of dramatic moments or timelines, but because of the depth of truth behind the words. That is what I experienced in my conversation with Tiran Jackson. Tiran is a leader, speaker, and resiliency expert, but more than that, he is someone who understands […]

Merry Christmas- Memories, Meaning, and Me

Merry Christmas. This one feels different. This is the first Christmas I am truly aware of how much of a gift it is just to be here. Surviving cancer has a way of slowing everything down and turning your heart up real loud. Today, gratitude feels heavier and sweeter at the same time. I keep […]

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Where There’s a Will: Will Richardson Journey of Resilience and Purpose

Life often throws labels and limitations our way, but what we choose to do with them defines who we become. Will Richardson’s story is a reminder that resilience, faith, and determination can turn doubt into destiny. Growing up in Memphis, Will was called the “black sheep” of his family and almost didn’t graduate high school. […]