Catalysts for Change

Adam Lister
  • 5.0 (34)
  • MANAGEMENT

Catalysts for Change is a podcast about leaders who drive meaningful impact by balancing strategy, purpose, and action. Hosted by Adam Lister, each episode dives into the pivotal moments, values, and lessons that shape how change really happens in business, government, education, and beyond.

  1. 2D AGO

    From the Inside Out: Stephanie Coleman on Growth, Grit, and Getting It Right

    What does it look like to lead an organization you've spent nearly two decades growing inside of? In this episode of Catalysts for Change, host Adam Lister sits down with Stephanie Coleman, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, for a candid conversation about stepping into the top seat and everything that comes with it. Stephanie joined the Chamber in 2008 and served in six different roles before being named CEO in 2025. She opens up about the real shift in mindset that comes with moving from deputy to chief, from executing plans to casting vision,  and why leading at a sustainable pace matters just as much as leading with urgency. Stephanie discusses the Chamber's Partnership 2030 economic development strategy and its three pillars: community vitality, mobility, and character, as well as bold goals, such as growing Chamber membership by 50% in five years.  The conversation also gets personal. Stephanie reflects on the hardest leadership lesson she's learned, how she stays grounded outside the office, and what she wishes she had known in her first year as CEO.  Thoughtful, honest, and full of practical wisdom, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating a leadership transition or driving meaningful change in their community. Catalysts for Change is brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit catalystsforchangepod.com. Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One 12 Strategies, brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

    58 min

  2. APR 28

    Arresting the Problem, Not the Person with Sheriff Daron Hall

    Season 3 of Catalysts for Change launches with a powerful conversation between Adam Lister and Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, a leader who has spent more than two decades rethinking what public safety can look like. Sheriff Hall shares the defining question that has guided his career: not who commits crimes - but why. That perspective has led him to challenge long-held assumptions about incarceration, mental health, and the role of the criminal justice system. From his early fascination with criminology to his eye-opening experience representing the United States abroad, Hall reflects on the moment he realized the system wasn’t just imperfect, it was fundamentally misaligned. In many cases, he argues, jails have become the default solution for mental health crises, creating cycles that don’t address root causes. The conversation explores how Hall helped lead a bold shift in Nashville: building a behavioral care center alongside the jail to divert individuals in crisis away from incarceration and toward treatment. Along the way, he shares hard-earned lessons about leadership, navigating politics, building unlikely partnerships, and why meaningful change often requires both strategy and courage. This episode sets the tone for the season, highlighting leaders who are willing to question the system, rethink the problem, and take action to create lasting impact. Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One 12 Strategies, brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

    53 min

  3. 10/14/2025

    Lessons in Leadership from Tennessee’s First Female Speaker, Beth Harwell

    In this episode of Catalysts for Change, Adam Lister sits down with Beth Harwell, Tennessee’s first female Speaker of the House and one of the state’s most influential political leaders. Over three decades in public service, Harwell helped shape landmark policy on education, welfare reform, taxation, and public health—often bridging deep divides through civility and pragmatic compromise. Harwell shares her journey from a young political science professor inspired by the Watergate hearings to becoming Speaker during one of Tennessee’s most transformative eras. She reflects on lessons learned from both sides of the aisle—why compromise isn’t weakness, how to lead in complex times, and why making people feel seen is the cornerstone of effective leadership. From repealing the state’s inheritance tax and advancing Tennessee Promise to navigating fierce debates over charter schools and even wine in grocery stores, Harwell reveals what it really takes to move meaningful change through divided government. This conversation is a study in humility, perseverance, and principled leadership—offering wisdom not just for public servants, but for anyone leading in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. Register to vote at https://vote.gov/. Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One 12 Strategies, brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

    51 min

  4. 10/07/2025 ·  BONUS

    BONUS EPISODE: The Listener Mailbag

    In this special bonus episode of Catalysts for Change, host Adam Lister addresses questions directly from listeners and community conversations—covering a range of topics, including politics, leadership, burnout, advocacy, and AI. Adam opens up about the myths around “buying politicians,” what frustrates him most about today’s political climate, and how he defines his work in strategy and advocacy. He also shares lessons on consistency, resilience, and the importance of staying mission-focused in a noisy, fast-changing world. You’ll hear stories about the origins of One12 Strategies, the philosophy behind small actions that lead to big impact, and candid reflections on leadership, burnout, and authenticity. If you enjoy this format, let us know! Comment on LinkedIn, send in your questions, and we’ll keep building future bonus episodes around the topics you care about most. Resources & Links to include: Catalysts for Change WebsiteFollow Adam on LinkedInLearn more about One12 Strategies Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One 12 Strategies, brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

    25 min

  5. 09/30/2025

    No Act Too Small: Alex Nelson’s Journey of Healing and Advocacy

    In this powerful episode of Catalysts for Change, Adam Lister talks with Alex Nelson, a corporate leader and dedicated community advocate whose journey from trauma to healing has shaped her life and leadership. By day, Alex drives global supply chain strategy in Nashville’s tech industry. Beyond her corporate role, she serves on the board of the Nashville Sexual Assault Center, where she has become a tireless advocate for survivors. Alex opens up about her own path through therapy, the courage it took to share her story publicly, and the lessons she’s learned about empathy, authenticity, and servant leadership. From organizing an art room at the Center to co-chairing its largest fundraising gala, Alex shows how small acts of service can lead to transformative change. She also reflects on policy advocacy, community building, and why sharing our stories—no matter how painful—can break shame and open the door to healing. This conversation is a reminder that vulnerability is strength, that leadership begins with empathy, and that no act of service is ever too small to make a difference. Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One 12 Strategies, brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

    49 min

  6. 09/23/2025

    Breaking Barriers in Higher Education with Krissy DeAlejandro

    In this episode of Catalysts for Change, Adam Lister speaks with Krissy DeAlejandro, Executive Director of Tennessee Achieves, the nonprofit powering the Tennessee Promise scholarship program. From growing up in rural McMinnville as a first-generation college student to leading one of the most ambitious college access programs in the country, Krissy’s journey is defined by resilience, humility, and a relentless belief in the potential of every student. She shares candid stories about feeling unprepared at college, the moments that gave her the confidence to persevere, and how those experiences now fuel her mission to remove barriers for students across Tennessee. Krissy also reflects on the pillars of Tennessee Achieves—last-dollar scholarships, mentoring, and community service—and the challenges and lessons learned in scaling from a local pilot to a statewide initiative. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership often comes not from having all the answers, but from listening, persisting, and using our struggles to pave the way for others. Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One 12 Strategies, brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

    55 min

  7. 09/16/2025

    Leading with Community: Lessons from Sam Davidson

    In this episode of Catalysts for Change, Adam Lister sits down with Sam Davidson, CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, to explore what it means to choose purpose over comfort. Twice in his career, Sam walked away from stability; first from a promising corporate career and later from a thriving company he co-founded to follow a deeper calling. Sam shares his journey from launching Cool People Care and shaping youth activism, to scaling Batch, a beloved Nashville gift company, and eventually selling it during the pandemic. Along the way, he reveals lessons on knowing when to pivot, listening to customers, and embedding service and community into business strategy. Today, he leads the Nashville Entrepreneur Center with the belief that entrepreneurship is never a solo act—it’s powered by community, connection, and purpose. Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One 12 Strategies, brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

    1h 2m

  8. 09/09/2025

    Leading with Heart and Data: Tara Scarlett on Education, Equity, and Opportunity

    In this episode of Catalysts for Change, Adam Lister sits down with Tara Scarlett, President & CEO of the Scarlett Family Foundation. Tara shares how becoming a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters transformed her perspective, leading her to reimagine what’s possible for students and families across Tennessee. Drawing from her career in both corporate marketing and philanthropy, Tara explains how data, relationships, and consistent care shape her leadership. She opens up about the Foundation’s journey—from awarding scholarships for business students to driving systemic change in early literacy, college readiness, and educator quality—and why listening is often the most strategic move a leader can make. Tara’s story is both personal and professional, blending her roles as a mentor, mother, and changemaker. It’s a conversation about showing up with heart, courage, and conviction to ensure that every student has the chance to thrive. Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One 12 Strategies, brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

    43 min
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5
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

Catalysts for Change is a podcast about leaders who drive meaningful impact by balancing strategy, purpose, and action. Hosted by Adam Lister, each episode dives into the pivotal moments, values, and lessons that shape how change really happens in business, government, education, and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Lister
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Catalysts for Change
  • Show Website
    Catalysts for Change