Episode Notes Whether or not you're a sports fan, there is something we can all learn from the way a team functions. Luckily for Memphis, there are some dedicated city champions who are working collaboratively to help the community evolve. Not only are they working to attract global sporting talent for locally-hosted events, they also work hard every day to shine a light on the city where the champions want to play: Memphis. Today's guests are: Joe Tomek | Executive Director, FedEx St. Jude Championship JJ Greer | Director, Memphis Tourism's Sports Council Related Episodes: S4E15: The Heartbeat of the City

"We do see real estate breathe new life into communities and neighborhoods where they go." How do residential and commercial real estate work together to create an attainable city? Hear what makes our city attractive to investors, renters, home-owners, and varied industries alike as Landon Williams and Worth Jones share trends, barriers, and exciting projects on the horizon. Resources mentioned in this episode include: New Memphis Summer Experience New Memphis Leadership Summit New Memphis Fellows Landon Williams of Cushman Wakefield Commercial Advisors Worth Jones of Ware Jones Realtors Learn more about adaptive reuse in our conversation here. MBJ's Top 40 under 40 F3 Memphis Advance Memphis Memphis Teacher Residency Wolf River Conservancy Memphis Inner City Rugby (BONUS: Learn more about MICR in our conversation here) Memphis ranks above D.C., Chicago, Philadelphia and more in list of Top Metros in the U.S. Shelby Farms Park and Memphis River Parks (BONUS: Learn more about our city's 3 signature parks in our conversation here) Memphis Botanic Gardens Dixon Gallery and Gardens Crosstown Concourse The Standard in Germantown NorthSide Square Orange Mound Library in the space of former Melrose High building Blue Oval City Memphis as a hub for Black Tech Talent Liberty Park This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Does behavior and mindset impact medical outcomes? We discuss how holistic care is a critical piece of the healthcare sector with Leighanne Soden of the West Cancer Foundation and Dr. Marian Levy of The University of Memphis' School of Public Health. Together they share the confidence-building the resources available to Mid-South patients and caregivers that provide grow confidence and take back their own story from their diagnosis. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Celebrate What's Right: Big Visions for Big Change New Memphis Leadership Summit University of Memphis School of Public Health West Cancer Foundation Dr. Marian Levy She to Sea Ride to Rosemary West Fight On This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"As a kid I spent so much time trying to not be different, but I finally realized being different is my superpower." Today's conversation takes a closer look at inclusive, healthy communities -- how they're created, why visible leadership is critical, and their impact to city livability. For communities to thrive, all members must be valued, safe, and respected. Renee Parker Sekander and Fire Chief Gina Sweat share their experiences in their respective career paths, the economic impact of diverse communities, and what it means to be visible advocates of inclusion. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Renee Sekander named City of Memphis LGBTQ+ Liaison Gina Sweat named City of Memphis first female Fire Chief in 2016 OUTMemphis Friends for All TN Equality Project The Queer Joy Project Previous "Meanwhile in Memphis" podcast conversations about equality and inclusion can be found here, here, and here. This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"There is an age where [young people] stop believing they can do anything and start to develop language about comparison. We need mentors, who are not the parent or caregiver, there to help young people grow in self respect, develop resiliency, and get back to believing in themselves." Do extracurricular activities impact student success in the classroom? Giving young people tools to manage stress, reach goals, and create community early in life is helping the next generation of Memphis leaders focus on total wellness. LeaRaya Cole and Joanna Lipman share how their respective organizations are keeping young people's social, emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing in check to ensure a lifetime of success both inside the classroom and in the game of life. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Celebrate What's Right: Big Visions for Big Change on June 11 Bevo Boys Fitness Academy Coach Kenny Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame Girls on the Run Memphis New Memphis activation work volunteer opportunities with Bevo Boys Fitness Academy volunteer for Girls on the Run Memphis Donate to Bevo Boys here Donate to Girls on the Run Memphis here This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"The stakes are so high, and it's very easy for educators to get overwhelmed and burnt out with things often outside the locus of their controls. You really need to build some sustainability in order to persist in the classroom, and that's where our organizations come in." If educators support students, who is supporting the educators?_ _Hear about the resources available to local educators to ensure their cups are overflowing before they pour into scholars at their schools. Taylor Cao of Teach901 and Erin Wendell of New Memphis, both former classroom educators, are focused on how to retain and refresh quality Mid-South educators to ensure the next generation of leaders is equipped, connected, and informed. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Celebrate What's Right: Big Ideas for Big Change Teach901 New Memphis Stride program for early-career educators Teachers' Lounge Educators of Excellence Awards City Leadership Memphis Teacher Residency Teach901 events SOS Kinfolk Comeback Coffee National Civil Rights Museum MSCS increases educator pay local educator discounts Memphis Literacy Institute Chalkbeat Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Funds) MSCS volunteer form This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

What if we could see roadblocks in advance and navigate to a smoother path? Slingshot's MemWorks initiative is utilizing data to discover roadblocks hindering the local workforce, and collaborating with organizations like Soulsville Charter School to create solutions to move the community forward. Josh Gettys of Slingshot Memphis and Maya Robinson of Soulsville Charter School share what the data shows, how that impacts the community today, and the plans for the future. Resources mentioned in this episode include: 2024 Summer Experience Celebrate What's Right: Big Visions for Big Change on June 11 Slingshot Memphis Slingshot's MemWorks initiative Soulsville Charter School Roadblock #1: Aptitude Alignment Soulsville's Summer Growth Experience (SGE) for high school students Baptist Memorial Healthcare "Crash Course Camp" MDRC MMDC This episode is powered by Independent Bank.

What does it mean to learn, lead, and leave a legacy? New Memphis understands that the leaders of tomorrow are created in the classroom today through the transformative power of education. Empowering and educating youth is one way that our city continues forward momentum. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, Memphis! In this conversation with newly appointed Memphis Shelby County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins, we take a look at her plan, witness her passion, and hear examples of her "whole soul" leadership style. Resources mentioned in this episode include: New Memphis Instagram New Memphis Stride program Nominate for Stride here New Memphis Educator of Excellence Award Dr. Feagins appointed as MSCS Superintendent Greater Memphis Chamber Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman's Circle Habitat for Humanity MSCS Infrastructure Celebrate What's Right: A Conversation with the Superintendent was powered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. Please note that this conversation originally took place to a sold-out audience on April 23, 2024. This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

How do you continue to grow what you know? With 96 acres, 30 specialty gardens, and a brand new tropical plant house, Memphis Botanic Garden offers the people of all ages and interests opportunities for education, relaxation, and connection. Olivia Wall and Gina Harris drop by to share how the Youth Education and Tropical Plant House is a unique regional asset and what role the gardens play in experiential learning for all. Recourses mentioned in this episode include: Teacher Appreciation Week Teachers' Lounge on May 7 Memphis Botanic Garden Specialty gardens Youth Education and Tropical Plant House Live at the Garden This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

What does it really mean to champion your city? Tune in to today's conversation to hear how leaders are able to thrive in Memphis inside arenas, on fields, and most importantly, in their connections with others. Today's guests are Chandell Ryan from the Downtown Memphis Commission and Jason Mims from Memphis 901FC. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Memphis 901FC Downtown Memphis Commission Our previous conversation with Chandell Ryan Cancer Kickers The Memphis Redbirds 100 North Main Sterick Building Brooks Museum of Art Renasant Convention Center Downtown Memphis Commission Instagram Memphis 901FC Instagram Tom Lee Park Birdies Memphis in May AAPI Heritage Month This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.