Stories
Read insightful client stories, access podcast recordings & recaps, and explore useful resources to grow your organization.
Yes, And Thinking: Cultivating Growth & Community in Leadership
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, we explore how “Yes, And” thinking becomes more than a conference motif—it becomes a leadership posture, a tool for resilient communities, and a driver for inclusive growth. Bridgett Massengill shares stories and lessons from Thrive’s work in the Chattanooga / Tri-State region, and insights about how other leaders and communities can apply this mindset in their own contexts.
AI in Healthcare Marketing: From Personalization to Patient Journeys
Healthcare marketing is undergoing a seismic shift, powered by AI and emerging digital technologies. From real-time personalization to predictive patient engagement, these tools are reshaping how providers connect with communities and build trust.
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, hear from Danny Fell, Health Systems Practice Lead at Unlock Health, for a conversation on the practical ways AI is being used in healthcare marketing today—and what leaders need to know to stay ahead.
Designing Inclusive Ventures: Business Value, Culture & Impact
In a world where design increasingly underpins competitive differentiation, innovation, and market relevance, how can leaders embed inclusive design in ventures so that business value, culture, and community impact move forward together?
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, hear a compelling conversation with Dr. Tiffany Bussey, a visionary in advancing minority entrepreneurship and inclusive economic ecosystems in Atlanta and beyond.
From Seat at the Table to Owning the Table: A Leadership Journey
How do you grow from an individual contributor to a confident owner and culture-builder? In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, Caroline Lewis shares her path from Director of Operations to CEO/Owner at Lawson House, and the lessons she learned leading a creative services firm through growth, team development, and client impact.
Design as a Strategic Advantage: Integrating Value and Culture
In today’s complex business environment, design is no longer just about aesthetics—it is a critical driver of value, innovation, and culture. In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, join Strat Parrott, a thought leader in integrating design with business strategy to create distinctive solutions for clients.
The Hidden Catalyst: Group Intelligence & Innovation
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, we’re joined by Charlie Ursell, Managing Director at Tidal Strategies. This session focuses on one of the most timely and critical topics facing leaders today: how to harness group intelligence as a driver of innovation and transformative change.
Test Drive: Future Ready Leader
The most effective leaders inspire trust, navigate change with confidence, and equip their teams with the tools to succeed. The Future Ready Leadership Collection by Bridge Innovate offers four integrated tracks of leadership development—Leadership & Change, Innovation & Customer Experience, Teaming, and Strategy—this leadership accelerator approach combines Activate Skills sessions with a Future Lab where participants apply learning directly to their organization’s real challenges.
Igniting a Transformation Culture
True transformation goes beyond launching new initiatives—it requires a culture that supports and sustains change. In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, we’re joined by Kevin O’Meara, Vice President of Supply Chain at Shaw Industries and a seasoned executive with deep experience leading complex, enterprise-wide change.
Leading with Perspective: Developing the Breadth to Lead in a Complex World
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, hear from two retired senior executives from Unum—Tom White and Wendy Gibson—for a dynamic 30-minute conversation on how leadership development must evolve to meet today’s challenges.
Innovation at the Edges – How Community Challenge Sparks Ingenuity
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, join Tabitha Kapic, Director of Innovation at the Chalmers Center, for a bold conversation on how creativity and design thinking are driving grassroots innovation around the world—especially in places often overlooked.
Foundations of AI and Design Thinking
Generative AI is revolutionizing the way professionals solve problems, drive innovation, and enhance creativity. By automating repetitive tasks, generating new ideas, and providing deep insights, AI is becoming an essential tool across industries. This one-hour session is designed to equip leaders and professionals with a strong foundation in AI fundamentals while integrating human-centered design principles. Participants will learn how to leverage AI to accelerate brainstorming, streamline prototyping, and enhance decision-making, all through the lens of responsible and ethical AI use.
Community Mobilization: How the Red Cross Ignites a Response After Disaster
When disaster strikes, the Red Cross moves fast—but never alone. In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, join us as Julia Wright, Executive Director at American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee, takes us on a quick dive into how they mobilize volunteers, partners, and donors to meet urgent community needs.
Stop Solving Symptoms
Too many "problems" are really just three symptoms in a trenchcoat. In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, join expert facilitator and problem-solver Seth Owings for a fast-paced conversation on how to uncover root issues hiding in plain sight. We’ll explore how to apply tools from user-centered design and cognitive psychology to build sharper, smarter problem-solving frameworks.
Launching for Impact: United Way of Greater Chattanooga Builds a Collaborative Future
United Way partnered with Bridge Innovate to launch a bold, equity-focused initiative—aligning partners, strengthening collaboration, and creating a shared roadmap to drive systemic change for families and children across the region.
Designing Under Constraint: Unlocking Innovation Through a High-Energy Design Sprint
Faced with new market pressures, this manufacturing company partnered with Bridge Innovate for a one-day design sprint—using AI, journey mapping, and rapid prototyping to generate bold product ideas and strengthen innovation strategy across teams.
Charting a Bold Future: The Launch Pad's Strategic Planning Journey
The Launch Pad partnered with Bridge Innovate to build a five-year strategic plan rooted in community insight. The result: a bold vision, aligned board, and a roadmap to expand services and deepen their mission of recovery and healing.
Multinational Corporation Uses Playing to Win Framework to Target Current & Future Market Opportunities
Bridge Innovate partnered with a global manufacturing leader to refresh its 2030 strategy using the Playing to Win framework—aligning teams under a unified vision, defining five key market opportunities, and equipping leaders to drive growth with clarity and purpose.
Multibillion Dollar Corporation Drives Customer-Centricity Through Design Thinking & Innovation
As part of a business accelerator program with UGA Executive Education, this multibillion dollar manufacturer partnered with Bridge Innovate to equip rising leaders with design thinking tools, innovation strategy, and a customer-first mindset—earning top ratings from participants.
BVI Succession Planning for Future Leadership
BVI partnered with Bridge Innovate to create a board-approved Succession Toolkit, define future leadership needs, and ensure a clear, confident path forward for selecting and onboarding the organization’s next president.
Amani Ya Juu Charts Course for Future by Diving Deep Into Governance, Strategy, and Succession Planning
As Amani Ya Juu prepared for a leadership transition, Bridge Innovate guided the organization through a three-phase process to strengthen governance, craft a bold strategic vision, and equip the board with tools for long-term sustainability and impact.