Stories

Read insightful client stories, access podcast recordings & recaps, and explore useful resources to grow your organization.

Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson

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.

Read More
Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson

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.

Read More
Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson

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.

Read More
Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson

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.

Read More
Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson

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.

Read More
Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson

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.

Read More
Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson

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.

Read More
Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson

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.

Read More
Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson Leaders in the Arena Mark Erickson

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.

Read More