Envision.Accelerate.Excel Podcast

Karen Stanley
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Are you curious about how successful people do what they do? On the Envision.Accelerate.Excel podcast, our goal is to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Karen Stanley interviews entrepreneurs, social impact founders, and faith leaders who have taken their dreams from vision to reality. By sharing Key Success Factors from proven leaders, we provide insights on how to move from planning to implementation to personal and organizational excellence.

  1. S3 Ep 6 || How Faith, Vision, and Resilience Built Westminster Christian Academy with Rev. Charles Edgar, Founding Leader & Presbyterian Minister

    JAN 30

    S3 Ep 6 || How Faith, Vision, and Resilience Built Westminster Christian Academy with Rev. Charles Edgar, Founding Leader & Presbyterian Minister

    In this powerful Season 3 conversation of Envision, Accelerate, Excel, host Karen Stanley sits down with Reverend Charles Edgar to uncover the remarkable origin story behind Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville, Alabama. Rev. Edgar shares how a small faith community with no funding, no building, and no formal plan transformed a bold vision into a thriving multi-campus Christian school impacting generations of families. From door-to-door outreach and grassroots fundraising to moments of deep loss, resilience, and courageous leadership, this episode reveals what it truly takes to build something lasting. Listeners will gain rare insight into faith-driven leadership, overcoming systemic challenges, navigating racial integration during the Civil Rights era, and committing to excellence even when resources are scarce. This episode is a must-listen for educators, nonprofit leaders, founders, and anyone seeking inspiration rooted in purpose, perseverance, and principled vision. Topics Covered with Timestamps 01:04 – Origins of Presbyterian Day SchoolHow a small church planted the seed that became Westminster Christian Academy. 03:15 – The Call to Christian Education (1963)Why Rev. Edgar and his wife committed to faith-based education despite having no prior experience. 04:10 – Personal Sacrifice & TragedyThe loss of Virginia Edgar and the human cost behind visionary leadership. 05:18 – Supreme Court Ruling & Historical ContextThe removal of Christian teaching from public schools and Alabama’s social climate in the early 1960s. 06:10 – Avoiding the “Segregation Academy” LabelIntentional decisions to build an inclusive Christian institution during desegregation. 07:27 – Starting with Almost NothingLaunching a school with fewer than 75 church members and zero funding. 08:45 – Bi-Vocational Leadership & OrdinationBalancing ministry, business, and vision-building before formal ordination. 10:11 – Church & School Growing TogetherHow Westminster Presbyterian Church and the school evolved side-by-side. 11:52 – Guerrilla Marketing Before It Had a NameDoor-to-door outreach and snow-day leaflets to recruit the first students. 13:55 – From Kindergarten to High SchoolThe long-term strategy of adding one grade per year. 16:50 – Leadership Crisis & PerseveranceTwo teachers lost before opening day — and the decision to move forward anyway. 18:27 – Stepping Into the GapVirginia Edgar becomes the first teacher to keep the vision alive. 20:05 – Commitment to ExcellenceWhy leaders chose “Cadillac” buildings instead of settling for less. 21:29 – Grassroots Fundraising & Community Buy-InSpaghetti dinners, sweat equity, and shared sacrifice. 22:06 – The Little Red SchoolhouseCreative problem-solving to overcome space shortages. 23:09 – Governance & Parent-Led VisionEarly attempts at parent-controlled school leadership. 24:20 – Building the First Athletic FieldHow volunteers literally made grass grow for student athletics. 26:06 – Radical Inclusion & OutreachSummer Bible School outreach brings unexpected growth and diversity. 28:23 – Faith-Driven Decision-MakingChoosing what is right, even if it risks institutional survival. 32:41 – Defining Excellence Through AlignmentChurch, home, and school working together as one mission. 34:01 – Major Growth Inflection PointsFrom University Drive to Evangel to Old Monrovia Road campuses. 35:12 – Legacy, Gratitude & Closing ReflectionsThe lasting impact of faith-centered leadership across generations.

    36 min

  2. JAN 9

    S4 Ep 1 || The Quiet Builder: Janice Elaine McKinney on Faith-Based Development, Affordable Housing & Transforming Communities

    In this powerful episode of Envision, Accelerate, Excel, host Karen Stanley sits down with Janice Elaine McKinney, Founder of Developments by J.E.M. and Executive Director behind faith-based community development initiatives transforming Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York. Janice shares her remarkable journey—from aspiring broadcaster to becoming a quiet builder of affordable housing, senior living, workforce development, and environmental justice projects rooted in faith, trust, and collaboration. Listeners will learn how vision evolves, how to accelerate impact through partnerships, and how to excel by serving people holistically—spiritually, economically, and socially. This episode explores faith-based development corporations (CDCs), Brownfield redevelopment, homeownership education, community trust, leadership, and Janice’s work as Community Engagement Coordinator for the Buffalo Bills Stadium Project. A must-listen for leaders, nonprofit founders, developers, faith leaders, and anyone passionate about community transformation with purpose. Topics Covered with Timestamps ENVISION — Clarifying Purpose & Calling  1. (00:00:01 | The Mission of Envision, Accelerate, Excel & Telling the Backstory) Introduction to the podcast’s focus on vision, leadership, faith, and impact. 2. (00:00:44 | Early Career Vision: Broadcasting Dreams & Changing Direction) Janice reflects on her original career goals and how vision can evolve. 3. (00:02:19 | Discovering Transferable Skills Through Communications & Media) How public communications prepared Janice for leadership and community building. 4. (00:04:17 | A Faith-Based Calling: Leaving Healthcare for Ministry Work) Recognizing divine direction and stepping into the unknown. 5. (00:05:42 | Identifying the Gift of Administration as a Leadership Strength) Understanding personal gifts and how they support collective vision. ACCELERATE — Strategy, Trust & Momentum  6. (00:07:22 | Expanding the Church Beyond Four Walls into Community Impact) Why community transformation must happen outside Sunday services. 7. (00:08:45 | Workforce Development Through Faith-Based Entrepreneurship) Launching the first Subway restaurant inside a church to create jobs. 8. (00:10:32 | Unexpected Exposure: Undercover Boss & National Visibility) How openness to opportunity accelerated credibility and impact. 9. (00:12:06 | The Power of Trust, Shared Vision & Leadership Alignment) Why trust determines how fast organizations grow. 10. (00:13:57 | Environmental Justice as a Catalyst for Development) Addressing toxic waste sites as a health-driven community priority. EXCEL — Execution, Growth & Lasting Impact  11. (00:15:25 | From Brownfields to Affordable Townhomes) Turning environmental cleanup into 30 units of quality housing. 12. (00:17:24 | Leveraging Partnerships, Policy & Government Support) How collaboration made large-scale development possible. 13. (00:19:52 | Simultaneous Success: Townhomes & Senior Housing Development) Breaking ground and cutting ribbon on multiple projects at once. 14. (00:27:02 | Homeownership Education, Financial Literacy & Equity) Preparing families for sustainable ownership and generational wealth. 15. (00:34:17 | From Quiet Builder to Civic Leader: Buffalo Bills Stadium Project) Applying community development expertise to major civic infrastructure.

    44 min
  3. S3 Ep 5 || Legacy, Leadership & Black Entrepreneurship: Walter Frye on Inkwell Tides, Heritage, and Building a Story-Driven Brand

    12/12/2025

    S3 Ep 5 || Legacy, Leadership & Black Entrepreneurship: Walter Frye on Inkwell Tides, Heritage, and Building a Story-Driven Brand

    In this powerful episode of Envision, Accelerate, Excel, host Karen Stanley sits down with Walter Frye, West Point graduate, Harvard Business School alum, U.S. Army veteran, and founder of Inkwell Tides, to explore how legacy, storytelling, and entrepreneurship intersect across generations. Walter shares the extraordinary multi-generational journey of his family—from enslavement and survival in 1830s Virginia, to Black entrepreneurship on Martha’s Vineyard, to building a modern lifestyle brand rooted in cultural preservation. The conversation dives deep into Black migration, service-based businesses, leadership forged through military and corporate experience, and why stories—not products—must come first when building a legacy brand. This episode is a masterclass in vision, resilience, Black excellence, and values-driven entrepreneurship, offering inspiration for founders, leaders, creatives, and anyone seeking to honor the past while building a future with purpose. Topics Covered with Timestamps 00:02:29 | Walter Frye’s Background: West Point, Harvard Business School & Legacy Leadership 00:03:01 | Origins of the Frye Family: Enslavement, Survival & Freedom in 1830s Virginia 00:04:33 | From Culpeper, VA to Washington, DC: Reclaiming Identity & Opportunity 00:05:35 | Black Migration North & Establishing Roots on Martha’s Vineyard 00:06:39 | The Fry Cobbler Shop: First Black-Owned Storefront on Circuit Avenue 00:07:16 | Oak Bluffs, The Inkwell & Martha’s Vineyard as a Safe Haven for Black Americans 00:10:02 | Service-Based Entrepreneurship & Community Trust as Economic Power 00:12:23 | The Fry Cobbler Shop as a Community Hub & Cultural Beacon 00:14:03 | The Meaning of “The Inkwell”: Reclaiming Identity & Cultural Pride 00:16:16 | Founding Inkwell Tides: Reimagining Legacy in the 21st Century 00:17:49 | Why Stories Come Before Products in a Values-Driven Brand 00:24:45 | Military Service, Leadership & the Philosophy of “Keep It Moving” 00:29:03 | Career Pivots: Harvard, Corporate Leadership & Nonprofit Entrepreneurship 00:39:10 | Preserving Black History, Legacy & Resistance Through Storytelling

    44 min
  4. S3 Ep 4 || Persist with Purpose: Dr. Janice Ferguson on the Legacy of Dr. Anna Julia Cooper and the Power of Lifelong Learning

    11/07/2025

    S3 Ep 4 || Persist with Purpose: Dr. Janice Ferguson on the Legacy of Dr. Anna Julia Cooper and the Power of Lifelong Learning

    In this inspiring episode of Envision, Accelerate, Excel, host Karen Stanley sits down with lifelong educator Dr. Janice Ferguson to honor the visionary legacy of Dr. Anna Julia Cooper—a pioneering scholar, feminist, and advocate for education and equity. Dr. Ferguson, Dean Emerita of Bryant & Stratton College and former Assistant Superintendent for Buffalo Public Schools, shares how Cooper’s life story—rising from slavery to become one of the first Black women in America to earn a Ph.D.—embodies the very spirit of resilience, faith, and excellence. Together they explore Cooper’s vision for education as liberation, her strategy of “lifting as we climb,” and the timeless message of persistence that continues to inspire leaders, learners, and communities today. Topics Covered with Timestamps 00:00 | Introducing Dr. Janice Ferguson, her educational leadership journey from Buffalo Public Schools to Bryant & Stratton College and how her experience connects to today’s theme of lifelong learning. 02:20 | The early life of Dr. Anna Julia Cooper, her rise from enslavement to educator, studies at Oberlin College, and role as one of the first Black feminists and scholars. 07:20 | Cooper’s experience at Oberlin College and her vision for expanding access to education for women and African Americans, emphasizing opportunity over circumstance. 09:45 | How Anna Julia Cooper overcame economic and social barriers through determination, faith, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge and self-empowerment. 12:30 | The M Street School in Washington, D.C., and how Cooper’s leadership turned it into a model of community-based education through innovation, family outreach, and high expectations. 15:30 | Insights from A Voice from the South and Cooper’s early articulation of intersectionality, exploring race, gender, and class equality and their continued relevance today. 17:50 | Cooper’s view of freedom as a human birthright, her legacy quoted in U.S. passports, and the ongoing struggle for faith, justice, and humanity. 20:15 | The connection between education and economic empowerment, highlighting Cooper’s use of work-study programs and parallels to modern community and career colleges. 23:40 | The role of faith and service in education, Cooper’s spiritual foundation, and the historic ties between the Black church and HBCUs. 26:40 | Cooper’s lifelong commitment to excellence, her doctoral journey at the Sorbonne, and the importance of continuing education and self-development. 28:20 | Applying Cooper’s lessons to modern leadership: defining your own path, building resilience, and mentoring others toward excellence. 31:00 | The power of persistence, illustrated through modern parallels like Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s story of perseverance and faith under pressure. 34:05 | Closing reflections on vision, strategy, and excellence as the cornerstones of progress for individuals and communities alike.

    36 min
  5. S3 Ep 3 || Making a Way Out of No Way: Dr. Lillian Williams on Mary Burnett Talbert’s Vision, Activism & Legacy

    10/31/2025

    S3 Ep 3 || Making a Way Out of No Way: Dr. Lillian Williams on Mary Burnett Talbert’s Vision, Activism & Legacy

    In this inspiring episode of Envision, Accelerate, Excel, host Karen Stanley sits down with Dr. Lillian Williams, former Chair of African-American Studies at SUNY Buffalo, to explore the extraordinary life and vision of Mary Burnett Talbert—educator, activist, suffragist, and global advocate for racial and gender equity. Dr. Williams unpacks how Talbert transformed education, civil rights, and women’s leadership during the early 20th century through her work with the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, the NAACP, and international councils of women. From her roots in Oberlin, Ohio to her activism in Buffalo, Talbert’s story reveals powerful lessons in coalition-building, education, and “speaking truth to power.” Discover how her strategies of philanthropy, letter-writing, and organizing still hold lessons for today’s advocates. Topics Covered with Timestamps 00:00 | Introduction to Season 3: spotlighting historical luminaries and their visions. 01:09 | Guest introduction: Dr. Lillian Williams, historian and expert in African-American social history. 01:49 | Introduction to Mary Burnett Talbert — activist, orator, and leader in women’s club movements. 03:20 | The meaning of “Making a Way Out of No Way” — Black women’s resilience through philanthropy and community action. 04:16 | Talbert’s family background and early education at Oberlin College. 05:20 | Career beginnings: teaching, leadership in Arkansas, and move to Buffalo, NY. 07:02 | Context of post-Reconstruction America — racism, lost political rights, and her motivation for activism. 09:07 | Influences at Oberlin: peers like Mary Church Terrell and Anna Julia Cooper. 10:10 | Talbert’s activism around the 1901 Pan-American Exhibition — challenging racist portrayals of African-Americans. 12:24 | The strategy of Black women’s clubs and philanthropy as engines for social reform. 14:02 | Club women fighting misrepresentation, inequality in education, and advocating for health. 15:37 | Collaboration with leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, and Rev. Jesse Nash in Buffalo. 17:41 | Anti-lynching advocacy — partnership with Ida B. Wells and the long struggle for federal protection. 20:07 | Amplifying the message: nationwide organizing, letter campaigns, and establishing NAACP chapters across states. 22:15 | Founding the International Council of Women of the Darker Races — an early global anti-colonial coalition. 24:27 | Evolution from NACW to NCNW: expanding inclusion across class and labor lines. 26:04 | The role of education and community training as sustainable tools for social change. 28:26 | Mary Talbert’s fight for women’s suffrage and political participation. 29:55 | Focus areas: health, education, working conditions, and the establishment of the Talbert Hospital. 31:44 | Lessons from the club women: clarity of mission, coalition-building, mentoring, and “speaking truth to power.” 33:42 | Parallels to modern activism — prioritizing needs, avoiding burnout, and mobilizing communities. 36:10 | The power of collective action: the “fist” analogy by Mary McLeod Bethune and Dorothy Height. 37:40 | Empowering youth, communication strategies, and servant leadership. 38:34 | Closing reflections: envisioning a just world through education, equity, and advocacy.

    41 min
  6. S3 Ep 2 || Visionaries of Huntsville: Tommie Batts Reflects on Entrepreneurship and Community in the 60's and 70s

    09/04/2025

    S3 Ep 2 || Visionaries of Huntsville: Tommie Batts Reflects on Entrepreneurship and Community in the 60's and 70s

    In this episode of Envision.Accelerate.Excel, host Karen Stanley sits down with Tommie Batts, a Huntsville native and lifelong member of First Baptist Church, to uncover the powerful legacy of Huntsville’s Black business community. Tommie reflects on his family’s history, including first cousin Hundley Batts Sr., and the visionary partnership of Thornton Stanley, Hundley Batts Sr., and Columbus Sanders, who came together in 1974 to build the Downtown Office Plaza—a milestone in Huntsville’s Black entrepreneurial history. Listeners will also hear vivid stories of Church Street in the 1950s–70s, the role of Alabama A&M University, Huntsville’s civil rights journey, and the lessons of resilience, vision, and determination that laid the foundation for today’s thriving community. ⏱️ SEO Topics Covered with Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Karen Stanley introduces Season 3’s historical focus. 00:39 – Meet Tommie Batts: Family roots and community ties in Huntsville. 02:05 – Migration to Huntsville: Early years and family history. 04:23 – Breaking Barriers: Uncle Porter Batts opens the first Black-owned Texaco franchise in Huntsville. 08:26 – Entrepreneurial Beginnings: Hundley Batts Sr.’s journey from selling papers to launching an insurance agency. 09:48 – Visionaries of the Downtown Office Plaza: Partnership of Thornton Stanley, Hundley Batts Sr., and Columbus Sanders (1974). 14:27 – Financing Black Businesses: How partnerships and associations fueled growth. 17:24 – Alabama A&M’s Impact: Education and economic development in Huntsville. 18:45 – Civil Rights in Huntsville: Nonviolent protests, sit-ins, and unique city dynamics. 20:09 – Life on Church Street: Black-owned businesses, churches, and community hubs. 25:27 – Segregated Education at Council High: Challenges and the role of dedicated teachers. 35:42 – Legacy of Black Entrepreneurs: How vision, persistence, and partnerships changed Huntsville. 43:40 – Lessons for Young Entrepreneurs: Pairing vision with strategy and technical expertise. 44:30 – Closing Reflections: Honoring the trio—Stanley, Batts Sr., and Sanders—and their lasting vision.

    45 min
  7. Trailer || Tommie Batts, Native of Huntsville, Alabama , and lifelong member of First Baptist Church

    SEASON 3, EPISODE 2 TRAILER

    Trailer || Tommie Batts, Native of Huntsville, Alabama , and lifelong member of First Baptist Church

    Tommie Batts, is an Entrepreneur, and Local of Huntsville, Alabama (Born in Toney, Alabama) , and lifelong member of First Baptist Church.

    1 min
  8. S3 Ep 1 || Preserving Huntsville’s Legacy: Mrs. Marjorie McCauley Battle on Church Street, Alabama A&M & Generational Excellence

    09/01/2025

    S3 Ep 1 || Preserving Huntsville’s Legacy: Mrs. Marjorie McCauley Battle on Church Street, Alabama A&M & Generational Excellence

    In this inspiring kickoff to Season 3 of the Envision.Accelerate.Excel podcast, host Karen Stanley sits down with Mrs. Marjorie McCauley Battle, retired Assistant Professor of Family & Consumer Sciences at Alabama A&M University. Together, they take a deep dive into the rich history of Huntsville’s Church Street in the 1950s, the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) like Alabama A&M, and the role of parenting, education, and community in shaping generational excellence.  Mrs. Battle shares powerful personal stories of segregation, community resilience, and the visionaries who built Huntsville’s Black business district, churches, and schools. She reflects on her own journey from Council High School graduate to Alabama A&M professor, emphasizing the importance of faith, vision, parenting, and education in achieving success across generations.  Whether you’re passionate about Black history, Huntsville’s legacy, higher education, or personal growth, this episode offers invaluable insights on how vision and perseverance can create lasting community impact.    SEO Topics Covered  History of Church Street, Huntsville (1950s Black business district)  Segregation and community resilience in Alabama  Legacy of William Hooper Council – founder of Alabama A&M & Council High School  Evolution of Alabama A&M University (150 years of impact)  Importance of HBCUs in shaping economic and educational opportunities  Role of parenting in fostering excellence  Community displacement, land ownership & Huntsville’s growth  Generational vision: from ancestors’ dreams to modern opportunities    Timestamps & Key Topics  00:00 | Host Karen Stanley introduces Season 3’s theme: honoring ancestors’ visions and the legacy of Huntsville’s elders.  02:13 | Mrs. Battle recalls the thriving Church Street of the 1950s—businesses, theaters, churches, and community hubs.  04:20 | Segregation realities in Alabama and the Black-only theater experience on Church Street.  07:11 | Churches on Church Street, baptisms at Big Spring, and community life in segregated Huntsville.  10:00 | Entertainment, the Chicken Shack, skating rinks, and big-name performers like James Brown visiting Huntsville.  12:43 | Founding of Alabama A&M and Council High School by William Hooper Council.  15:30 | Education opportunities, integration, and the eventual closure of Council High.  19:00 | Personal journey: Mrs. Battle’s education at A&M, commuting challenges, and being the first in her family to earn a college degree.  23:00 | Huntsville’s growth, HBCU contributions, and a thriving Black professional class (doctors, dentists, educators).  26:10 | Vision, goal-setting, and faith—how Mrs. Battle stayed true to her purpose despite obstacles.  30:00 | Land displacement, Black property rights, and Huntsville’s expansion into historically Black neighborhoods.  34:20 | Parenting as the foundation of excellence—accountability, involvement, and legacy building.  38:00 | Closing reflections on Huntsville’s progress, the sesquicentennial of Alabama A&M, and Mrs. Battle’s ongoing passion for education and family.

    40 min
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Are you curious about how successful people do what they do? On the Envision.Accelerate.Excel podcast, our goal is to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Karen Stanley interviews entrepreneurs, social impact founders, and faith leaders who have taken their dreams from vision to reality. By sharing Key Success Factors from proven leaders, we provide insights on how to move from planning to implementation to personal and organizational excellence.

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