Twenty five years. It’s hard to believe it has been that long since September 11, 2001. And I remember exactly where I was. I was working for the Memphis Grizzlies, and we were in a sales meeting. When we came out, everyone was gathered around a television trying to understand what was happening. There were […]
It is always sad to hear about someone special passing, and it is always sad to hear about someone losing a battle with cancer. But when you have had cancer yourself, news like that hits differently because you know your story could have been different. Mine could have been different. Hearing about the passing of […]
At tonight’s S.O. What! Ambassador Program meeting, I listened as our young people talked honestly about what was happening in their lives. One student was adjusting to high school. Another was thinking seriously about college and the future. Others were navigating jobs, housing, finances, friendships, leadership responsibilities, and time management. These were not polished success […]
Every teen mom has a story. Too often, that story is defined by statistics, stereotypes, or the mistakes people assume will shape the rest of her life. But what if the story became the very thing that inspired her to read more, think deeper, and dream bigger? That is the power of combining the S.O. […]
What Happens When Failure Does Not Get the Final Word? Some conversations make me think about the moments we keep carrying long after they happen. That was one of the things that stayed with me during my conversation with Kim Karr. As we talked, I kept thinking about how many people are still moving through […]
What Happens When Pressure Changes You? Some people experience pressure in ways that force them to grow earlier than expected. That was one of the things that stayed with me during my conversation with Prima Jope. As we talked, I kept thinking about how many people are carrying responsibilities they never planned for while still […]
What Does It Take to Break Barriers? Rose Flenorl’s story is a powerful example of transformative leadership in action. Growing up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, as the oldest of four, Rose was determined to make her mark. Her ambitious goal? To become the first African American woman inducted into the Ole Miss Student Hall of Fame. […]
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 […]
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 […]
