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.

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.

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.

Four regional community teams were selected to be part of the second cohort of Thriving Communities, a program designed to support cities and towns to “grow from within.”

After unsuccessful attempts to reform an overly complex and dated general education approach, UTC turned to design thinking as a creative pathway to mobilize change.