About Jen Alessandra: Jen Alessandra joined Frontdoor, Inc. in March 2019 as senior vice president and chief people officer. Alessandra brings significant depth and breadth of experience as an HR leader in both public and private companies, has an impressive track record for helping businesses and employees navigate change, and in implementing strategies that positively affect business performance. Alessandra most recently served as senior vice president and chief people officer for SolarWinds, a global IT management software company based in Austin, Texas. In this role, she led HR teams in 16 countries, was a key member of the mergers and acquisitions team and created strong internal capabilities in areas such as organizational development, performance management, talent acquisition and total rewards. Before this, Alessandra held multiple HR leadership roles at Raytheon as part of its Space and Airborne Systems business, and KB Home, a $9.4 billion home building company that operates in 15 states. Alessandra, who brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Listen to more positive media: www.cityCURRENT.newsLearn more about Frontdoor, Inc.: https://www.frontdoorhome.com/

ChangeMakers

Jen Alessandra, SVP & Chief People Officer with Frontdoor, Inc. - Focusing on and Fostering Culture in Your Company

Ed also talks about forming the Gillentine Group in 2008 to focus on legacy planning and philanthropic strategies to help families have a more significant impact on the world. He shares the story of writing his book,  "Journey to Impact: A Practical Guide to Purpose-Driven Investing," and talks about some of the lessons and steps that have helped him align his values, expertise, and finances in a way that have maximized his unique impact on what really matters. He talks about hosting the podcast Journey to Impact, how listeners can embark on their own unique journeys to impact, and much more. Visit https://www.edgillentine.com to learn more.

Ed Gillentine - Author of Journey to Impact

Chris and Elaine moved from St Louis, MO to Franklin, TN in 2004 to start a church. Little did they know that in the process of pastoring a church that One Generation Away would be birthed. In 2013 One Generation Away was established and in the first year distributed 400,000 pounds of food from the back of the Whitney’s car. It has now grown to serve over 4.4 million meals to those in need all over Middle Tennessee and in 4 states with disaster relief. Chris and Elaine have a passion to see churches and organizations come together to serve our neighbors in need.In November of 2018, Chris stepped down as the pastor of a local church to focus his time with OneGenAway full time. The ministry of OneGen Away has opened many opportunities for Chris and Elaine to serve in the community and beyond.Chris and Elaine have been married for 34 years and have 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren who all live in Middle Tennessee.Learn more: https://www.onegenaway.com/about/Purchase his book: https://amzn.to/3bzPQ4N

Chris Whitney — One Gen Away and Teaching People To Love One Another Through Service

Michael shares his story of traveling the world, how he was able to finance his adventure, some of his favorite moments, many lessons along the way, and what advice he would pass along to others who want to pursue a dream. He also talks about his next chapter with Mindful Media and how he is taking the experiences learned working with media companies to now help organizations gain valuable exposure for their efforts to make a difference. Visit www.mindfulmediapr.com to learn more about Michael Graziano and Mindful Media.Listen / Watch more positive media at www.cityCURRENT.com

Michael Graziano - Life Lessons From The Youngest Canadian-American To Visit Every Country In The World

During the interview, Rusty talks about growing up in Texas, graduating from the University of North Texas and getting into the insurance business. He discusses being named President and CEO of Higginbotham in 1989 at the age of 27, and implementing the firm’s defining “single source” service model whereby customers can obtain all their insurance and financial services under one roof, as well as Higginbotham’s employee ownership structure, which aligns employees’ interests in the success of the firm.  Rusty shares some lessons learned and helpful advice he's received during his career, the importance of community engagement and volunteerism, as well as some family highlights, and much more. Visit www.higginbotham.net to learn more.

Rusty Reid - Chairman, President and CEO of Higginbotham

From challenging stereotypes of girls in her Catholic school more than 40 years ago, to her first job after college convincing nonprofits to engage with youth volunteers, or her role as board chair of a global nonprofit transforming the way we do international development, Nancy has experienced the challenges of leading big change within established organizations. During the interview, Nancy talks about these experiences, lessons learned, how to become a credible leader of change, the three types of resistance to change and how to overcome them, how to be a goal getter not just a goal setter, and much more. Nancy has worked in philanthropy for Steve and Jean Case's family foundation, as a federal government program officer with the Corporation for National & Community Service, and as a global consultant for APCO Worldwide, where she designed and implemented sustainability, community engagement and philanthropic strategies for companies such as UPS and Johnson Controls, and nonprofit organizations including W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Annie E. Casey Foundation. Nancy mentors and advises executives from local governments, federal agencies, global nonprofits, foundations and Fortune 100 companies. To learn more about GROWTHcurrent visit: https://www.growthcurrent.comTo learn more about cityCURRENT and to listen to past episodes of the ChangeMakers Podcast, visit https://www.cityCURRENT.newsVisit www.csrcommunications.com to learn more about Nancy and her work.and visit https://www.csrcommunications.com/shift-30-day-survival-kit/ to learn more about the SHIFT: Change Leadership 30-Day Survival Kit.

Nancy Murphy - Intrapreneurs Influence Lab: How to Influence and Persuade Others to Realize Their Vision for Change Faster, With Less Frustration and Resistance

Recently, Joel co-founded Kosan, a travel clothing company. The company launched one of the most successful Kickstarter apparel products of all time - reaching over $1M in sales in 30 days. He appeared on CBC's hit show Dragon's Den, was one of the inaugural BCBusiness 30 Under 30 entrepreneurs and is also an author and award-winning documentary filmmaker. As a former world-class runner, Joel represented Canada at the World Youth Championships. He competed at the NCAA 1 level and has coached runners individually and operated intensive boot camps. Due to an Achilles injury, Joel is no longer a serious long-distance runner; however, he maintains a vigorous daily exercise regimen, which he shares on Instagram and his blog. In his book, "Getting Naked," Joel shares the valuable lessons learned in his first startup - Naked. He discusses the good and the bad of entrepreneurship, as well as invaluable steps to start your first business. During this interview, Joel talks about his childhood, starting Naked, some of the major lessons learned, his latest ventures, advice, the importance of family, and so much more. Visit www.JoelPrimus.com to learn more and visit www.cityCURRENT.news to listen to previous episodes of the ChangeMakers podcast.

Joel Primus - Getting Naked: The Bare Necessities of Entrepreneurship and Start-ups

Joseph A. Michelli, Ph.D., C.S.P., is an internationally sought-after speaker, author, and organizational consultant who transfers his knowledge of exceptional business practices in ways that develop joyful and productive workplaces with a focus on customer experience. His insights encourage leaders and frontline workers to grow and invest passionately in all aspects of their lives.Dr. Michelli is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Nielson BookScan, and New York Times #1 bestselling author. His latest book is Stronger Through Adversity: World-Class Leaders Share Pandemic-Tested Lessons on Thriving During the Toughest Challenges. Joseph’s other titles include The Airbnb Way: 5 Leadership Lessons for Igniting Growth through Loyalty, Community, and Belonging, Driven to Delight: Delivering World-Class Customer Experience the Mercedes-Benz Way,Leading The Starbucks Way: 5 Principles for Connecting with Your Customer, Your Products, and Your People, The Zappos Experience: 5 Principles to Inspire Engage and WOW, Prescription for Excellence: Leadership Lessons for Creating a World-Class Customer Experience from UCLA Health System, The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary, The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and When Fish Fly: Lessons for Creating a Vital and Energized Workplace which was co-authored with the owner of the "World-Famous" Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle.Joseph holds the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association (NSA). He is a member of the Authors Guild, an editorial board member for the Beryl Institute's Patient Experience Journal (PXJ), and is on the founders' council of CustomerExperienceOne. Other achievements include winning the Asian Brand Excellence Award and being named as one of the Top 10 thought leaders in Customer Service by Global Gurus. He received his master's and doctorate from the University of Southern California.Having journeyed with a close family member through a six-year battle with breast cancer, Dr. Michelli is committed to social causes associated with curing cancer and abating world hunger. Follow cityCURRENT: www.cityCURRENT.newsFollow Dr. Joseph Michelli online: https://www.josephmichelli.com/Order Dr. Michelli's latest book, Stronger Through Adversity: World-Class Leaders Share Pandemic-Tested Lessons on Thriving During the Toughest Challenges: https://amzn.to/2IxQHaZ

Dr. Joseph Michelli - Leadership Lessons to Thrive Beyond the Greatest Business Crisis in Modern History

Matine now serves as Executive Director of EEqual, a youth-led nonprofit, raising $100,000+ for students in need. Matine has been featured in People Magazine, ABC News, and has won the President’s Volunteer Service Award three times. EEqual’s mission is to level the playing field for students in poverty. The organization provides scholarships and micro-grants to homeless students to go to college.EEqual has a team of over 50 passionate leaders, who have engaged thousands into its programs.Visit www.EEqual.org to learn more and follow Matine on social media at @MatineKhalighi.The ChangeMakers Podcast is hosted by Jeremy C. Park and produced by cityCURRENT powered by Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance.

Matine Khalighi – Leveling the Playing Field for Students in Poverty

His teaching career spans nearly 40 years and includes instruction in English, speech and drama, theater arts, and speech communications. Since his retirement in 2016, Dr. Sennett stays busy writing, speaking, serving on the boards of several non-profits, and offering encouragement and expertise to those in need.  HERB'S BACKGROUND AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEProfessional StandingAuthor and public speaker living in South Florida, USARetired college professor of theatrical and communication arts.​Former screenwriting teacher and filmmakerRetired army reserves chaplain (rank of Lieutenant Colonel).Active member of Toastmasters International, The Military Officers Association of America, and The American Legion.Educational BackgroundDoctor of Philosophy, Louisiana State University (Major: Theater; Minor: Speech)Doctor of Ministry, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Major: Christian Ministry)Master of Fine Arts, Florida Atlantic University, (Major: Acting and Directing)Master of Divinity, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Major: Christian Ministry)Master of Arts, University of Memphis (Major: Speech and Oral Interpretation)Bachelor of Science in Education, Arkansas State University (Major: Speech Education)Previous ExperienceAdjunct Professor, Palm Beach State College, Lake Worth, FL (2003-2016)Adjunct Professor, Broward College, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (2004-2016)Screenwriting teacher, Miami and Palm Beach Film Schools (2004-2011)Chaplain, U.S. Army Reserves (1983-2004) retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.Associate Professor, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL (2001-2003)Associate Prof. and Dept. Coordinator, Louisiana College, Pineville, LA (1996-2001)Assistant Prof. and Dept. Chair, Palm Beach Atlantic University, WPB, FL (1985-1996)Senior Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, Searcy, Arkansas (1983-1985)Founding Pastor, Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, Ohio (1979-1983)Instructor of Theater, Jefferson Community College, Louisville, Kentucky (1978-1979)English and Speech Teacher, Augusta High School, Augusta, Arkansas (1973-1977)Infantry Officer, U.S. Army Reserves (1968-1976) - Two years active duty (1968-1970) and decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War.

Dr. Herb Sennett - The Encouragement Doctor on Finding JOY in Purpose

During the interview, Owens talks about her efforts, lessons learned and so much more. Learn more about Summer Owens by visiting www.SummerOwens.com.

Summer Owens – Overcoming Obstacles and Eliminating Excuses

During the interview, Yancy and Jason both talk about how they got into their respective careers, lessons learned, how they approach their creative process, and more.To learn more about Yancy Villa-Calvo visit www.YancyArt.com. To learn more about Jason Jackson and brg3s visit www.brg3s.com. 

Yancy Villa-Calvo and Jason Jackson - The Power of Art to Inspire and Create Change

Andre JacksonFounder & CEOFor more than a decade Andre has performed extensively in award-winning theatrical productions nationwide. He is a noted alumnus of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA). As an actor, Andre has been awarded the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award, NAACP Theatre Award, Los Angeles Ovation Award, and was nominated for the BroadwayWorld Best Lead Actor Award for his role as “Simba” in the Tony Award-winning Disney’s The Lion King, performing to date with the show’s Broadway Company.Andre is the writer, producer and star of the short film STOP in addition to television and film appearances in the Amazon series BLACK, NBC's Law & Order: SVU, and Netflix's Luke Cage.A former Marine who has traveled all over the world, Andre now splits his time between Los Angeles, New York, and Memphis, where he primarily resides with his wife (a writer), son, and their feisty little Cairn Terrier Leon. C. J.   KirklandCo-Founder & CFOC.J. has been a freelance writer since 2009, with a focus on conveying stories that exemplify the human spirit. She has written for numerous companies and nonprofit organizations including Executive Speakers Bureau, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis, and cityCURRENT. She has penned the blog River City Rising (cityCURRENT) for more than four years.Upon receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Spelman College- where she attended on a full academic scholarship- C.J. completed the requirements for her Master of Arts in International Relations at UCLA after transferring from Morgan State University. Following a short internship at CNN (Los Angeles) and four years of working as a commercial and voice-over actress, she returned to her first love (surprising absolutely none of her teachers, professors, close friends and family!): writing.While residing in Los Angeles C.J. began a creative writing group at a residential home for at-risk youth and, after moving to Memphis, volunteered at a nonprofit organization helping students build their writing and English skills in preparation for the GED exam. In 2011, C.J. was the graduation keynote speaker at BRIDGES in Memphis, Tennessee.C.J. recently completed her first Contemporary Fiction novel, FOR TRUE. She's an avid Crossfitter and enjoys traveling the world.

Andre Jackson + CJ Kirkland - Using Your Gifts For Good

Our friend Kellie Turnage, @kturnage121, is bravely sharing her story of #addiction, which almost cost her everything, including her life, so she can help others and walk them from the darkness she personally experienced then to the light she enjoys now with her beautiful family and career.It’s critically important that we better understand addiction and that we have these conversations, especially with so many of our loved ones, friends, co-workers and neighbors suffering and turning to drugs, alcohol and other harmful things to cope with what is happening in our world today.Sharing your story and struggles is hard, but the more you open up and the more we can encourage you to open up, the more we can heal and move forward together with a deeper level of understanding, empathy and love.If you or someone you know are experiencing alcohol or drug addiction, learn more about resources to help you here: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Kellie Edmundson Turnage - Helping Those Who Struggle With Addiction

Now in it's 11th year, Aidan Cares is an independent 501c3 created by a board of supporters that believe in this crucial mission. All donations are used for impacting youth and adults along their paths to give and serve partnering to do so with charities doing awesome stuff.Learn more: https://www.aidancares.org/

Aidan + Toren Anderson - Aidan Cares and The Path to Your Purpose

The ChangeMakers Podcast presented by cityCURRENT shares personal stories and insights from those who are giving back and making a difference so we can learn and do the same. We cover life lessons, business advice, passion, and purpose. Share the ways you're making a difference using #changemakers.

hubhopper

ChangeMakers

hubhopper