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.
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.
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.
Authentic Leadership: The Strategic Advantage of Coaching for Today's Organizations
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, we explore how coaching can unlock untapped leadership potential and drive real business results. Vicki Gordan, Senior Vice President and Chief Auditor at Unum® (Retired), and Sherri Parks, Holistic Life Coach, share practical insights on how developing authentic, multi-dimensional leaders can transform teams and performance in today’s complex environment.
The Chattanooga Future Fund: Investing in Hope
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, Keri Randolph, Executive Director of Chattanooga 2.0, dives into the game-changing Chattanooga Future Fund and its transformative impact on Hamilton County students. We explore the innovative financial solution designed to address educational and opportunity gaps, empowering the next generation of leaders.
Adaptive Leadership for Growth
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, hear an engaging and insightful session on how adaptability and continuous learning are key drivers of leadership growth. This episode with Wendy Gibson and Tom White, retired SVPs from Unum, is designed for both emerging and seasoned leaders who want to enhance their leadership skills and navigate change effectively.
Driving Talent Strategy Through Leadership Development
Engaging your leadership team in shaping and executing talent strategy is crucial to organizational success. In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, explore why leadership development is vital for inspiring and equipping talent at all levels.
Navigating Leadership and Ethics
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, join Dr. Mark E. Mendenhall, J. Burton Frierson Chair of Excellence in Business Leadership at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, for a practical dive into leadership ethics. Dr. Mendenhall explores a fundamental framework to apply as leaders when making decisions and giving direction.
Collaborative Strategy: Driving Success with Innovation
Success today requires more than just a solid strategy—it’s about collaboration that sparks innovation and insights. In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, hear from Susan Harris and Barry White from Chattanooga Tourism to learn how a unified approach can drive growth.
Leveraging L&D for Business Growth and Innovation
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, join Jonna Van Thiel, Ph.D. for an in-depth exploration of how Learning & Development drives business success. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, L&D plays a crucial role in fueling organizational growth. In this session, we’ll examine how L&D initiatives can align with overarching business goals, strengthen teams, and foster a culture that supports long-term success.
Winning Together: Why Investing in Team Development is Key to Success
In today’s competitive business landscape, strong, cohesive teams are the foundation of success. In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, Dr. Martha E. Rader explores why investing in team development is critical and how it can accelerate your organization’s growth.
AI & Simplification for Accelerated Growth
In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, Marc Hoppers explores how modern businesses can harness AI and simplicity to craft a focused, tech-enabled roadmap that drives measurable transformation. Join us for an insightful conversation about how embracing AI and simplification can transform your sales performance, enhance efficiency, and power your business forward.