
Rooted in Memphis, Built on Resilience: The Cortney Richardson Story
In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I had the honor of speaking with Cortney Richardson, CEO of Peer Power Foundation and a proud University of Memphis alum. Cortney’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, leadership, and…

Teen Mom to University Dean: Linda Hall Journey of Resilience and Leadership
8/22/25 Update: Due to the Dismantling DEI Departments Act, the University of Memphis closed the Multicultural Affairs Office, impacting and upsetting thousands of students and alumni who benefit from that office, Dean Hall, and staff.
___________________________________________________________________________________
In…

Navigating Obstacles: Geo Derice Blueprint for Resilience and Success
I am so excited to share my latest S.O. What! Success Stories episode with the incredible Geo Derice, a marketing genius, author, and founder of 2020 Living and First Book Done. This episode was special because Geo has helped me in my business…

Marty Kelman: A Journey of Resilience as the Son of Holocaust Survivors
An unexpected new friend.
When Marty Kelman joined the board of the University of Memphis National Alumni Association, I had no idea who he was. Nor did I expect to be having lunch with him, laughing with him, or talking life with him.
In…

Building Indivisible Resilience | Denise Hamilton
I’m thrilled to share a very special episode of S.O. What! Success Stories with you! I recently sat down with my friend and Mastermind partner of five years, Denise Hamilton. Denise is a true powerhouse who has spent over 25 years leading…

Celebrating Grandparents Day: How I Turned Grief Into Something Grief On My Grandparents Day First Without My Grandmas
This Grandparents Day is bittersweet for me. It's the first one without my grandmothers, Agnes Idella “Dorothy” Jones Owens and Ocie Lee Woods Williams, who both transitioned this year. They were two of the strongest, wisest women…

Actions and Accountability, Choices and Consequences: The Capital Murder of My Cousin, Avis Terrell Jones
August 22, 2021, that was the last time I saw my cousin Avis Terrell Jones. He was showing me around a house he was fixing up for his mother. It was about two months before his life was tragically taken. I had gone to visit his father, my great…

The Power of Authentic, Resilient Leadership | Dr. Justin Lawhead
In this inspiring episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I was moved by Dr. Justin Lawhead openness and vulnerability that I’m sure will move you too. As someone I consider a friend, I call him Justin.
There are people in every organization…

Running with Resilience: Overcoming Obstacles and Winning Life’s Races | with Te’Retta Hall
In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I had the pleasure of speaking with my friend, Te'Retta Hall, an inspiring figure who embodies resilience and dedication. As a certified trainer, entrepreneuHER, and ordained Elder, Te'Retta has…