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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.…
Summer Owens at the 9th Annual Love Yourself Event
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Love Yourself: When Purpose Becomes Personal

Over a decade ago, I created the Love Yourself Event because I saw a need. During Valentine’s season, while many celebrate romance, others quietly struggle. Some feel lonely. Others question their worth. Many carry…
motivational interview on overcoming obstacles - real life inspirational stories of success - Will Richardson Web
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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,…
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From South Memphis to Success: Meka Egwuekwe Story

Growing up in South Memphis without his father, Meka Egwuekwe could have let his circumstances hold him back. Instead, he leaned on education, community, and faith to write a different story. https://youtu.be/jn_3TydoVdw From teaching…
motivational interview on overcoming obstacles - real life inspirational stories of success - Mellissa McTizic
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From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Mellissa McTizic Story of Unshakable Resilience

When I think about resilience, Mellissa McTizic is one of the first names that comes to mind. Mellissa is a professional school counselor, fitness advocate, and line dance leader in our shared hometown of Bolivar, Tennessee. I’ve watched her…
motivational interview on overcoming obstacles - real life inspirational stories of success - Sam O’Bryant
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From Doubt to Destiny: Sam O’Bryant Resilient Path to Youth Empowerment

Sam O’Bryant story is a powerful reminder that success rarely follows a straight line—and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful. As the first Black CEO of not just one but two major organizations—Literacy Mid-South and now BRIDGES USA—Sam’s…
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Overcoming Exclusion: The Resilient Story of Nubian Simmons and The Pink Bakery

Growing up with severe food allergies, Nubian Simmons often felt excluded from life’s special moments. Instead of letting those experiences define her, she chose to Overcome Obstacles, Eliminate Excuses, and Calculate Choices to create something…
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From Adversity to Advocacy: LaDell Beamon Resilient Mission for South Memphis

I had an inspiring conversation that truly embodies the S.O. What! Success System, and I’m excited to share it with you! In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I reconnected with my friend LaDell Beamon, the founder of Heal the…
FedEx employee badge
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How My Career at FedEx Shaped My Life: A Tribute to Fred Smith

When I started my career at FedEx, I was stepping into a brand-new chapter of life. I had just gotten married. I had just left my role as Marketing Manager at ServiceMaster. And I was excited to land a job that I been pursuing since graduating…