Summer Owens with mother and 101 year-old grandmother at the S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree
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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…
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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…
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From Fired to Fired Up: Meet Jaime Ross, Award-Winning Real Estate Broker Associate

Do you remember the last time you started a new job? After I earned my MBA, I accepted a job as a marketing manager with ServiceMaster. I was so nervous and unsure of myself and, honestly, questioning if I made the right decision to leave…
101
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My Grandma is 101 and So Much Fun

Have you ever needed to pinch yourself because thought you might be dreaming? Be sure you read to the bottom to see the biggest reason I just did.We're halfway through International Women's History Month, and I have to say, "Man, I feel like…
Mayor Julian McTizic
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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
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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
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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.…
Summer Owens and family after Thanksgiving parade
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How to Act with Appreciation and Excel in Leadership and Life

Yesterday as I drove back to my house, I asked my granddaughter what was she was thankful for. She said the expected, "my family, my friends, my home...". I encouraged to be more specific and gave her the example, "I'm thankful for my car that…
Ms. Univesity of Memphis
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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…