Dr. James Smith Jr.
, , , , , , ,

Unlocking the Power of Authenticity: Inspiring Interview with Dr. James Smith Jr.

Did you see my post where I spoke about how saying, “YES” can often lead you to amazing experiences? Well, saying yes can also lead you to awesome people, great opportunities, new friendships, incredible lessons, and new business! A…
Summer Owens Day 3 10th anniversary countdown. Day 3: Take Action and Persevere.
, , , , , , ,

10-DAY 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY COUNTDOWN- DAY 3: Take Action and Persevere

Here comes the scariest part…taking action! Then sticking with it when it gets hard. It’s Day 3 in my 10-day countdown to my 10th anniversary of my last day before becoming a full-time speaker and entrepreneur.  Yes, I’m celebrating…
Summer Owens Day 4 10th anniversary countdown. Silence the Inner Critic and Overcome Self-Doubt.
, , , , ,

10-DAY 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY COUNTDOWN- DAY 4: Silence the Inner Critic and Overcome Self-Doubt

Although it was over 20 years ago, I vividly remember something the graduate advisor for my sorority said to me at a leadership conference in Orlando, Florida. “Summer, you think too much.” In the moment, I was offended. However, she was…
Summer Owens with mother and 101 year-old grandmother at the S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree
, , , , , ,

The Success of the Inaugural S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree

One night about six years ago, I had a dream about an awards and scholarship program. I've been a part of several awards programs either as a recipient or helping to plan the event, and I knew I wanted this one to be special. On April…
, , , ,

Do you allow yourself to be vulnerable and transparent?

Do you allow yourself to be vulnerable and transparent?     I do. I've now spoken to hundreds of audiences. Several thousand individuals. But last week I had my biggest audience to date. About 2000 students, and if you ever…
Mayor Julian McTizic
, , , , , , , , ,

Mayor Julian McTizic: S.O. What! Success Story

How often do you meet people who impress you? Not just with their accomplishments but equally with their humility and kindness. A few years ago I met the Mayor (Julian McTizic) of my original hometown, Bolivar, TN, at a restaurant. Soon…
Black History Month speaker Summer Owens
, , ,

This Black History Month, Make Your Own Mark

Imagine the impact on the world if more people worked to leave a legacy. When I started my career and became the first marketing manager for the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, I had no idea I was making history. However, when I initiated the effort…
Melissa Graham
, , , , , , , , , , ,

Melissa Graham: S.O. What! Success Story

One thing I always tell my students is to talk to people. And something that almost always happens is you’ll find a lot that you have in common. Melissa Graham and I started talking because both of us have a passion for student success.…
Ms. Univesity of Memphis
, , , ,

Ms. University of Memphis and Me

Do you attend your college or high school homecoming events and games? As a student at the University of Memphis, I enjoyed the basketball games but have never been a big football fan. So the first Homecoming I attended was when I was a finalist…