IgniteCast - Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF

Community Development Foundation

Ignite your leadership passion with Ignitecast, the official podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference in Tupelo, MS. IgniteCast features content from past Ignite speakers along with insights from local leaders. Each episode will be a short, engaging 20-to-30-minute conversation designed to highlight the impact of leadership and economic development in Tupelo and Lee County. Our purpose is to tell the Community Development Foundation’s story by showcasing how we create more and better jobs, attract top talent, and foster leadership growth within the community. Through these conversations, we aim to strengthen talent retention, support business expansion, and ensure that Tupelo, Lee County, and CDF remain relevant and forward-thinking.

  1. Leading with Confidence in the Age of AI

    MAR 12

    Leading with Confidence in the Age of AI

    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 building guardrails, maintaining discernment, and understanding that AI is a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking. From role-playing with AI for strategic insight to understanding the dangers of blind trust, this episode explores practical ways leaders can responsibly integrate AI into their organizations.  Most importantly, this conversation is not just about technology. It is about vision, collaboration, and stepping away from the daily grind long enough to think bigger. If you are leading a company, building a team, or simply trying to navigate the rapid changes AI is bringing to business, this episode will challenge you to lead with courage, clarity, and intentionality in a rapidly evolving world. Big thanks to iHeartMedia—our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥  🎧 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

    21 min
  2. Goals Need Community with John Darnell

    JAN 1

    Goals Need Community with John Darnell

    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 offers insight into how leaders can begin a new year with clarity, intentionality, and humility—setting goals that not only move organizations forward, but also serve people well. Whether you’re starting fresh on January 1 or simply re-centering your leadership priorities, this episode will challenge you to think differently about success, service, and the goals that truly matter. 🎧 Start the year inspired—because strong leadership begins with clear purpose. Big thanks to iHeartMedia—our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥  🎧 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

    24 min
  3. Rolling with the Dough & the Punches

    12/04/2025

    Rolling with the Dough & the Punches

    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 business with life. She also reflects on her Pitch Competition experience, the power of community partnerships, and the mentors who helped her build confidence along the way. Whether you're a small business owner, a dreamer with a side hustle, or someone in need of a reminder that “there’s always something” in entrepreneurship—but also always a way through—this conversation will leave you encouraged, motivated, and hungry for a croissant. Big thanks to iHeartMedia—our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥  🎧 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

    20 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

Ignite your leadership passion with Ignitecast, the official podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference in Tupelo, MS. IgniteCast features content from past Ignite speakers along with insights from local leaders. Each episode will be a short, engaging 20-to-30-minute conversation designed to highlight the impact of leadership and economic development in Tupelo and Lee County. Our purpose is to tell the Community Development Foundation’s story by showcasing how we create more and better jobs, attract top talent, and foster leadership growth within the community. Through these conversations, we aim to strengthen talent retention, support business expansion, and ensure that Tupelo, Lee County, and CDF remain relevant and forward-thinking.

You Might Also Like