IgniteCast - Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF

Community Development Foundation
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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. Leadership That Serves

    MAR 26

    Leadership That Serves

    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 title or spotlight. It is about service, vision, and the courage to put others first. 🎧 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. 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
  3. Leading Through Partnerships

    FEB 26

    Leading Through Partnerships

    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 and solve problems collaboratively. Captains Michael and Schelika Chisolm discuss how partnerships help remove barriers such as housing instability, transportation challenges, and lack of documentation, giving people the opportunity to move forward. This episode highlights how real impact happens when leaders align their strengths, support one another, and commit to serving the community as one team. 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
  4. Ignite 2026 Recap

    FEB 12

    Ignite 2026 Recap

    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,” and how growth often comes through challenge, change, and uncertainty. If you’ve ever wondered how Ignite comes together — or how strong leadership is built behind the scenes — this episode is for you. 🎙️ Go forth. Lead well. And embrace the climb. 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

    23 min
  5. Leadership That Lasts with CDF President and CEO, David Rumbarger

    JAN 15

    Leadership That Lasts with CDF President and CEO, David Rumbarger

    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 packed with real-world wisdom for leaders at every stage, reminding us that strong leadership isn’t flashy—it’s intentional, prepared, and rooted in consistency. And, as always, David leaves us with a charge worth remembering:  Go forth and do good things. 🎧 Tune in for a grounded, motivating conversation on leadership done the right way. 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

    26 min
  6. 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
  7. Voices Heard, Changes Made

    12/18/2025

    Voices Heard, Changes Made

    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 from. She also discusses her own leadership journey, the mentors who helped shape her, and how she now identifies and develops future leaders within the hospital system. Whether you're in healthcare or simply leading people through hard seasons, this episode is full of practical wisdom, encouragement, and heart. Tune in and be inspired to lead with compassion, clarity, and courage. 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
  8. 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
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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.

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