
Finding an Excuse to Win: Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner Journey of Resilience and Leadership
Life will always test us. Some challenges break us, while others push us to rise higher than we ever imagined. Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner story is proof that no matter how heavy the obstacles, we can still choose resilience, faith, and purpose.
Growing…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

From Grief to Growth: James Layman Resilience Story
James Layman story is a perfect example of the S.O. What! Success System in action.
His journey demonstrates how to Overcome Obstacles, Eliminate Excuses, and Calculate Choices to create a life filled with purpose, joy, and impact.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAQEAhIOaXM
In…

A Night of Resilience, Reflection, and Scholarship Awards for Resilient Students: My Heartfelt Reflections
I’m still feeling the impact of the 3rd Annual S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree, and I can honestly say it was one of the most powerful nights of my life. Standing on that stage, looking out at a room filled with…

From Uncertainty to Impact: Dorian Spears’ Blueprint for Resilience
I had one of those conversations that perfectly embodies the S.O. What! Success System: Overcome Obstacles, Eliminate Excuses, and Calculate Choices, and I knew I had to share it with you.
In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I…