IgniteCast - Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF

SEE THE SHOW NOTES, TRANSCRIPT AND MORE AT:  https://cdf.ms/s9e2-shelley

What does it take to turn a setback into momentum?

In the 50th episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Shelly Miller, Tupelo High School teacher and girls soccer coach, to explore John C. Maxwell’s Law of Momentum and what it looks like on the field, in the classroom and in everyday leadership.

Shelly shares the story behind Tupelo’s state championship run, including how a previous championship loss helped fuel...

What does it really mean to put people first?

In the Season 9 premiere of Ignitecast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Jay Carney, senior pastor of Life at Tupelo Church, for a conversation about servant leadership, the Law of Addition in John Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.

Jay shares lessons from his journey from the construction industry to ministry, his experience with John Maxwell and Maxwell Leadership, and why he believes great leaders equip and empower the people around them. He also discusses the importance of bringing different strengths, generations and perspectives to...

The wait is over—the speakers for the 10th annual Ignite Leadership Conference have officially been revealed!

In this special bonus episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor celebrate a decade of Ignite and look back at the impact the conference has made over the years. Since its beginning in 2018, Ignite has welcomed more than 40 speakers including bestselling authors, CEOs, Olympic athletes, and more.

Now, for year 10, Ignite is going bigger!

The 2027 lineup features legendary leadership expert John C. Maxwell, Mark Cole,  and Valorie Burton.🔥

Hear w...

What can adults learn from kids?

Quite a lot, actually.

In this special bonus episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor welcome campers from Wear It Well Kids Day Camp back to the studio for the second year in a row to share their thoughts on leadership, teamwork, kindness, and purpose.

The campers tackle big questions with remarkable wisdom: What makes a great leader? What advice would they give adults? How do you become a better teammate? And if they were principal for a day, what would they change?

Their...

What does it take to lead a team of creative thinkers while building a business that serves clients across the South—all from Tupelo, Mississippi?

In this episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Josh Mabus, founder and CEO of The Mabus Agency, to explore the leadership principles that have helped grow one of the region's leading marketing agencies.

From launching his business in the Renasant Center for IDEAS to mentoring entrepreneurs through the CDF Pitch Competition and helping shape the Find Your Tupelo brand, Josh shares why curiosity, intentionality, and ca...

What happens when a Gen Z student, a Millennial entrepreneur, a Baby Boomer nonprofit leader, and a Gen X host all sit down at the same table?

A lot of laughs—and a few leadership lessons.

In this special episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor welcome Autumn Simmons, a Tupelo High School graduate and ICC sophomore; Zell Long, retired CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi; and Luis Sosa, manager of Loco Taco, for a fun, game-show-style conversation exploring how different generations think, communicate, and lead.

From decoding phrases li...

In this episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Molly Nolan, Executive Director of the GumTree Museum of Art, to discuss leadership, confidence, community impact, and the power of stepping into opportunities before you feel fully ready.

Molly shares her journey from graphic designer and startup employee to leading one of Tupelo’s most treasured cultural institutions. She reflects on the importance of understanding the people you lead, finding purpose in your work, and learning to embrace uncomfortable opportunities that foster growth.

The conversation explores how Molly is helping reshape the pe...

Season 8, Episode 2: Leading with Kindness with Lori Dillon

What if one of the most powerful leadership strategies is also one of the simplest?

In this episode of Ignite Cast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Lori Dillon, Director of Marketing at Absolute Restoration, community advocate, wife, mother, and self-described "goldendoodle in a room full of people."

Lori shares how kindness, authenticity, and intentional connection have shaped her leadership journey—from growing up at the Tupelo Children's Mansion to becoming a respected leader involved in organizations ac...

Season 8 of Ignite Cast kicks off with one of the most recognizable voices in Mississippi weather — Matt Laubhan. In this episode, Matt sits down with hosts Taylor and Judd to share the story behind launching Mississippi Live Weather after stepping away from his longtime role as chief meteorologist. 

Matt opens up about leadership, faith, overcoming uncertainty, and what it takes to build something from the ground up. From creating a culture people want to be part of to navigating fear, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, this conversation dives into the mindset that helped him turn a difficult season into a n...

In this episode of Ignite Cast, Judd Wilson sits down with Bernard Bean of the Eat With Us Group (https://eatwithusrestaurants.com) for a conversation about leadership, culture, and what it really takes to build a strong team. Bernard shares how his organization transformed retention by focusing on three simple but powerful principles: hire right, train right, and treat right. He talks about the importance of never stopping the search for great people, listening to employee feedback, acting on it, and creating a work environment where people feel valued and heard.

Bernard also reflects on the growth...

What does leadership look like for Gen Z? In this episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson sits down with Jenna Hope Harris to talk about mentorship, mindset, and what it really means to “be the leader you would love to follow.” As a Gen Z leader deeply engaged in her community and passionate about growth, Jenna shares how cross-generational leadership can strengthen organizations instead of divide them. From investing in other people’s dreams to understanding the science behind how our thoughts shape our actions, this conversation explores how mindset becomes a leader’s greatest asset. Jenna also shares her personal...

What do a bold 1970s visionary, a tornado displaced football team, and a regional ice storm have in common? They reveal what real leadership looks like. Serving.

In this episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson talks with Mike Clayborne, President of the Create Foundation, about leadership that brings people together and makes life better for others. They reflect on the legacy of George McLean and Jim Ingram, the partnership between Create and the Community Development Foundation, and why regional collaboration matters more than ever.

At its core, this conversation reminds us that leadership is not about...

Artificial Intelligence is here, and it is not slowing down. In this episode of IgniteCast, Ashley and Chris Elkins, founders of Vitality South and leaders across multiple technology ventures, join the conversation to unpack what it truly means to lead in the age of AI. From startup growth to scaling companies, they share how vision, culture, and leadership discipline shape innovation rather than fear it. 

Using the powerful “baby tiger” analogy introduced at Ignite by Noelle Russell, the discussion dives into how AI can be both incredibly useful and potentially risky. Leaders must embrace the opportunity while build...

In this episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson sits down with Kim Rushing, Community Development & Outreach Coordinator for the City of Tupelo, and Captains Michael and Schelika Chisolm of The Salvation Army in Tupelo, to talk about what it means to lead through partnerships. Each guest shares practical leadership insight centered on presence, readiness, humility, and stepping up when you see a need. The conversation makes it clear that strong leadership often begins with simply showing up and working together.

Kim Rushing explains how the City of Tupelo brings nonprofits, churches, and community organizations together to share resources...

Judd Wilson is joined by Ignite co-host and CDF team member Carol Ann Padgett for a candid conversation about leadership, clarity, and what it really takes to bring Ignite to life each year.

From Andy Stanley’s powerful reminder that “people follow clarity” to the intentional process of selecting speakers who motivate, teach, and challenge leaders, this episode pulls back the curtain on the vision calls, post-event debriefs, and audience surveys that shape Ignite’s impact.

You’ll hear reflections on standout moments from Ignite 2026, including Justin Forsett’s message that “greatness grows best in the shadows,”...

In this episode of IgniteCast, hosts Taylor Tutor and Judd Wilson sit down with David Rumbarger for a practical conversation on leadership fundamentals that never go out of style.

David shares why moving from Good to Great starts with doing things right the first time, putting in the work on the front end, and embracing the timeless truth of the 5 P’s: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. He reflects on the idea that leaders can’t lead people further than they’ve been themselves—and why personal growth must come before organizational growth.

This episode is packe...

In this special New Year’s Day episode of Ignite Cast, hosts Taylor Tutor and Judd Wilson sit down with John Darnell, CEO of Global Outreach International, to talk about goal setting with purpose.

As the leader of a mission-sending organization headquartered in Tupelo and working around the world, John shares how he approaches setting goals that are both vision-driven and flexible, especially when leading people across cultures and continents. The conversation explores aligning personal goals with organizational mission, leading teams through uncertainty, and staying focused on long-term impact rather than short-term wins.

John also of...

In Episode 4 of Season 6, IgniteCast hosts Taylor and Judd sit down with Kristen Long, Chief Nurse Executive at North Mississippi Medical Center, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about leadership, burnout, and building resilient teams.

Kristen shares how relationship-building shapes every aspect of patient care, why listening is a leader’s most important tool, and what it really took to guide frontline nurses through one of the toughest seasons in modern healthcare. From navigating the height of COVID-19 to creating a culture where humor, trust, and purpose still thrive, Kristen offers honest insight every leader can learn fr...

IgniteCast S6 E3: “Rolling With the Dough & the Punches” Featuring Tiffany Grice of Kreechers Creations

In this inspiring episode of IgniteCast, hosts Taylor Tutor and Judd Wilson sit down with local entrepreneur Tiffany Grice, owner of the beloved French-inspired bakery Kreechers Creations. From buttery croissants to bold business moves, Tiffany shares the real story behind her rapid rise—from baking out of a shared studio space to opening (and reopening!) her own thriving brick-and-mortar shop.

Tiffany opens up about navigating unexpected setbacks, finding her niche, embracing creativity, and learning to balance busine...

In Episode 2 of Season 6, Taylor and Judd sit down with Amy Tate, State Director for Government & Community Relations at TVA and a longtime champion of leadership, mentorship, and community impact. From her new favorite leadership mantra — “clarity is kindness” — to her firsthand experience navigating male-dominated spaces, Amy brings honesty, humor, and wisdom to every minute of this episode.

Amy shares how TVA’s mission of service shapes her work across 36 Mississippi counties, and how her passion for developing young leaders inspired her to launch a middle-school girls’ leadership program at Milam. She opens up about fin...

In the Season 6 premiere of Ignite Cast, hosts Taylor Tutor and Judd Wilson welcome Dr. Jay Allen, President of Itawamba Community College, and Chief of Staff Tyler Camp for a powerful conversation on leadership, growth, and community impact.

From servant leadership and student empowerment to building a culture where failure fuels innovation, this episode dives deep into how ICC is shaping the next generation of leaders—both inside and outside the classroom. Hear how the college is expanding its footprint, investing in people, and staying future-focused while keeping heart at the center of everything.

Whether yo...

In this special bonus episode of IgniteCast, hosts Taylor Tutor and Judd Wilson sit down with renowned management expert and seminar leader Glenn Shepard. With over 30 years of experience helping professionals become better managers and leaders, Glenn shares powerful insights on servant leadership, employee engagement, and the real-world challenges of supervising teams.

From humorous anecdotes about his early career to thought-provoking advice on how to retain talent and foster a mission-driven workplace, Glenn offers practical wisdom for leaders at every level. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a first-time manager, this episode will inspire you to lead...

🎙️ Episode 6: Driving Leadership — Inside the Culture of Toyota Mississippi

In this episode of IgniteCast, we sit down with Derric Morrison and Tiffannie Hedin from Toyota Mississippi — two local leaders shaping one of the region’s most respected workplaces. Both graduates of the Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute, Derric and Tiffannie share how Toyota’s people-first culture fuels innovation, loyalty, and long-term success.

From servant leadership and continuous improvement (kaizen) to mentorship, employee wellbeing, and community partnerships, this conversation dives into what makes Toyota’s culture truly special — a place where everyone is valued, challenged, and e...

In this special episode of IgniteCast, we gather around the table with members of the Ingram family to reflect on the life and legacy of Jim Ingram — a beloved leader, mentor, and the namesake of the Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute. Nearly two decades after his passing, his words, values, and leadership style continue to shape meetings, decisions, and leaders across Tupelo and Lee County.

You’ll hear personal stories from his children and grandchildren about a man who showed up for his family and his community, who believed in giving people opportunities, and...

In this powerful episode of IgniteCast, we sit down with Chief John Quaka, Tupelo’s Chief of Police and former FBI agent, to discuss what it means to lead in moments of crisis. From witnessing 9/11 unfold as an FBI agent to handling high-pressure situations here in Tupelo, Chief Quaka shares how preparation, training, and most importantly, relationships built before the crisis make all the difference.

You’ll hear his journey from Los Angeles to Mississippi, the lessons he’s carried from federal law enforcement, and why he believes “building friendships is work.” Chief Quaka also reflects on the import...

Building Dreams, Backed by Community

In this inspiring episode of IgniteCast, we sit down with Matt and Sarah Anderson, owners of Mae's To-Go Cup, a family-run coffee shop that has quickly become a community favorite. From launching out of a 14-foot trailer to opening their second brick-and-mortar location, their journey is one of grit, faith, and relentless community support.

Matt and Sarah open up about the risks of leaving behind steady jobs, the lessons learned through trial and error, and the long hours that go into making a dream a reality. They share...

Season Kickoff: A Look Back & A Look Ahead

We’re kicking off a brand-new season of IgniteCast with a conversation that blends the best of the past with the excitement of what’s ahead for the Ignite Leadership Conference 2026.

Join hosts Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor as they reflect on past Ignite highlights, share behind-the-scenes insights on how speakers are chosen, and revisit powerful moments from keynote voices like Kwame Christian on navigating difficult conversations, Dr. Henry Cloud on the power of connection, and Aaron Davis on knowing your “why.”

Plus, get a sn...

In this special bonus episode of IgniteCast, presented by iHeartMedia, we turn the mic over to the next generation of leaders—the children from Wear It Well’s Summer Camp.

You’ll hear heartfelt, honest, and often inspiring reflections as they share what being a leader means to them, how they recognize the importance of setting an example, and why they know that someone is always watching.

These young voices remind us that leadership starts early—and sometimes the greatest wisdom comes from the smallest voices.

🎧 Tune in for a dose of joy, perspective...

In this episode of IgniteCast presented by iHeartMedia, Judd sits down with Justin Patton—national keynote speaker, bestselling author, and executive coach—for a high-impact conversation on what truly sets great leaders apart.

Justin shares powerful insights on the importance of trust, how to build confidence in others, and why a leader’s energy is one of their greatest tools for influence. With his signature mix of passion, clarity, and real-world experience, Justin challenges us to lead with intention and authenticity—starting from the inside out.

🎧 Whether you're leading a team or simply leading yourself, this episod...

In Episode 4 of IgniteCast, we sit down with Katina Tucker, Executive Director of Wear It Well, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about leadership, resilience, and purpose.

Katina shares how her own journey through loss, trauma, and unexpected setbacks became the foundation for one of Tupelo’s most impactful nonprofit organizations. From her early days volunteering as a child to founding Wear It Well and launching programs like “Ready. Set. Goals.” she offers real insight into what it means to lead from experience—and with heart.

She reminds us that...

Join us for Episode 3 of IgniteCast featuring Jack Reed Jr. of Reed’s Department Store.

In this inspiring conversation, Jack dives into the power of listening first as a leader and how that simple habit can transform teams and communities. He also shares his philosophy on giving back, why employees should be treated as your number one customer, and how to recognize and seize opportunities wherever you go.

Don’t miss this chance to hear timeless leadership lessons from one of Tupelo’s most respected business and community leaders.

Big thanks to iHe...

Join us for Episode #2 of IgniteCast featuring Philip Shackelford, Executive Director of the Lee County Library.

In this episode, Philip shares the importance of being actively involved in your community and how leadership at the local level can create lasting impact. A dynamic leader and strategist, Philip is passionate about building strong, supportive teams and driving positive change that helps communities thrive.

Outside of his leadership role, Philip is also a military historian and the author of Rise of the Mavericks, which explores the Cold War history...

Meet your hosts, Judd and Taylor!

The Community Development Foundation is excited to relaunch Season 4 of IgniteCast, presented by iHeartMedia. In this season, we’re sparking fresh conversations with dynamic leaders across Tupelo and Lee County—all centered on one big question: How can YOU lead in your community?

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader, right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

To lea...

Alex Lange is an executive coach and leadership development facilitator living and working in Mumbai, India, where he moved with his family right before the pandemic took off. In this episode we talk about what "coaching skills" are, why he chose to become a certified coach, and how any leader can use coaching skills to improve her leadership, communication, and organizational culture. We also talk about understanding and honoring others' values that might be different than ours, and get a firsthand look at what it's like to live in India through their very difficult and ongoing experience of the...

Matt Laubhan is the Emmy award-winning Chief Meteorologist for the WTVA Weather Authority. Thousands of people instinctively look and listen for his guidance when rough weather is on the way--which makes him a leader. Judd and Rory wanted to find out what motivates Matt. Along the way they got to geek out about tornado science, have a candid conversation about global warming, and hear Matt tell a very personal story about a recent near-death experience he had and how that's affected him.

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to...

The pandemic presented one of the most pressing leadership challenges in recent memory. In this interview, Pastor Jeffrey Daniel reflects on lessons he's learned leading a congregation through an especially challenging season. He gives an inside perspective to how he thinks about empowering others toward greater vision, leading teams of volunteers (where you can't just tell people what to do but must inspire them), and shepherding people through difficult conversations.

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Wan...

Lisa Hawkins has worn many hats in her career: nurse, educator, employee, employer, mentor, business owner, and more. Her life is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and meaningful relationships. In this episode, Rory and Judd talk with Lisa about her career, what decisions helped her along the way, how she leads her business (Room to Room Furniture), what makes employees want to stay working there, and what has anchored her through difficult circumstances.

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a lea...

State and federal public health officials usually find themselves working in the background. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they've been thrust into the spotlight. It's fair to say that Dr. Thomas Dobbs became a Mississippi household name as he quickly became a leading voice in livestreams and press conferences alongside Governor Tate Reeves.

In this episode, Dr. Dobbs talks about his experiences working through a pandemic, other health challenges and opportunities facing Mississippi, the intersection of science and politics, how he thinks about mask wearing, and what he does to recharge in the midst of so many leadership...

Blue Delta Jeans are some of the most coveted bespoke jeans available anywhere--and the company was founded and thrives In Tupelo, Mississippi. Josh West and Nick Weaver, Blue Delta's co-founders, join Judd and Rory to talk entrepreneurship, growth, pivoting to PPE in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, why they're happy to do business in Mississippi, and what you need to do to create a thriving culture. This is a long and multi-faceted conversation!

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where...

Rory Tyer (executive coach and co-founder of GoInnovation) gets put in the interview hot seat by Judd, and talks about the founding of the business, how he got into leadership development and coaching, and several pieces of advice for leaders on dealing with failure and empowering the people around them.

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com